bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective study of opportunistic infections among HIV infected patients in VSS Institute of Medical Science and Research, Burla, Sambalpur, Odisha, India
Authors: Bariha P. K. , Mohapatra M. K. , Kullu B. K. , Karua P. C. , Biswal S. B. , Thakur A.
Published: May 2018

Background: HIV destroys the CD4+T cells progressively thus making the HIV infected persons susceptible to a number of opportunistic infections (OIs).Methods: The study was conducted in the Medicine Department and ART Centre, VIMSAR. It is a prospective study from July 2016 to September 2017.Results: 86 patients register, detail history, clinical examination and investigation were done and then the data is complying in detail. Most of the patients were male (72%) male female ratio is 2.6:1. The majority of patients presented with fever, weight loss and anorexia seen in more than 73% of the study population.Conclusions: (42%) cases belonged to the CD4+T cell count range of 101-200/µl with aCD4+T cell count of 183/µl, so there is increased chance of hospitalization in patients having CD4+T cell count below 200/µl. The most common OI was tuberculosis (51%) with pleural effusion as its commonest manifestation. The second most common OI was candidiasis (43%) with most cases suffering from oral candidiasis was seen to occur at higher CD4+T cell counts than tuberculosis.
DESCENTRALIZAÇÃO DO ACESSO AO SISTEMA DE INFORMAÇÕES DE TRATAMENTOS ESPECIAIS EM TUBERCULOSE
Authors: Wilhelm Daniela , Rodrigues Mauricio Vieira , Nakata Priscila Tadei , Godoy Sabrina Da Cunha , Blatt Carine Raquel
Published: May 2018

Objetivos: Discutir o processo de descentralização do acesso ao Sistema de Informações de Tratamentos Especiais em Tuberculose (SITETB) e caracterizar os pacientes notificados e tratados. Método: Estudo quantitativo realizado a partir das bases de dados do SITETB, no período de 2013 a 2016, no município de Porto Alegre, Brasil, realizado em quatro etapas: elaboração de fluxos, escolha das instituições contempladas com o acesso ao sistema, capacitação das equipes e monitoramento das notificações e acompanhamento dos casos. Resultados: O Sistema de Informações de Tratamentos Especiais em Tuberculose foi descentralizado para cinco centros de referência em tuberculose, nove hospitais gerais, e para o Presídio Central. A maioria dos pacientes notificados está na faixa etária economicamente ativa, são homens e maior predominância da forma pulmonar. Conclusão: A descentralização de sistemas de informação pode trazer desafios que exigem modificações nas relações de gestão e assistência envolvidas neste processo.

Descritores: Tuberculose, Assistência Integral à Saúde, Descentralização; Sistemas de Informação em Saúde.
The relationship between technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) self-efficacy belief levels and the usage of Web 2.0 applications of pre-service science teachers
Authors: Wright Belgin , Akgunduz Devrim
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to determine the technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) self-efficacy levels ofpre-service science teachers with respect to variables in their use of Web 2.0 applications. A survey model has beenconducted on a study group consisting of 344 final year pre-service science teachers at six different state universities inTurkey during the academic year of 2017–2018. The ‘personal information form’, the ‘Web 2.0 applications usage situationsurvey’ and the ‘TPACK self-efficacy belief scale’ were employed. Data obtained from the study group have been analysedwith the ‘SPSS Statistics 23’ software, a t-test and the ANOVA test have been carried out, a Pearson correlation analysis and aTamhane test has been conducted. The results show a significant relationship between TPACK self-efficacy belief levels andthe variables involved in pre-service science teachers use of Web 2.0 applications.Keywords: Science education, pre-service science teacher, technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK), selfefficacybeliefs, Web 2.0 applications.
Explaining Depression in Clinical Settings: Shortcomings and Dangers of Simplified Etiologies
Authors: Schultz William
Published: May 2018

This article describes and reviews the evidence for two etiologies of depression commonly communicated to clients in a clinical setting. The available evidence suggests that these etiologies are inaccurate and potentially harmful. An alternative etiological approach, which may avoid some of the potential negative consequences, is suggested.
Psychiatry’s Illogical Model of Mind
Authors: Ross Colin A.
Published: May 2018

The philosophical foundations of reductionist biological psychiatry are internally self-contradictory. Mind is simultaneously disallowed and “explained” by the reductionist approach; this internal self-contradiction invalidates reductionist biological psychiatry at the level of its philosophical foundation. Three theories that dominate science today are based on a reductionist approach: the Big Bang theory, the origins of life 3.7 billion years ago, and the emergent property model of the relationship between mind and brain. The problem with these theories is not with the science, rather it is the way the three theories are used to validate a logically untenable philosophical position, which in biological psychiatry insists on a model of mind as an emergent property of brain function. The universe, evolution, and the human mind, within this reductionist philosophy, are all based on the workings of automatic machinery. The purpose of the present article is to analyze the fundamental logical errors underlying biological psychiatry, which is based on a mechanistic model of the universe.
A Review to Weigh the Pros and Cons of Online, Remote, and Distance Science Laboratory Experiences
Authors: Faulconer Emily Kaye , Gruss Amy B
Published: May 2018

The effectiveness of traditional face to face labs versus non-traditional online, remote, or distance labs is difficult to assess due to the lack of continuity in the literature between terminology, standard evaluation metrics, and the use of a wide variety non-traditional laboratory experience for online courses. This narrative review presents a representative view of the existing literature in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of non-traditional laboratories and to highlight the areas of opportunity for research.Non-traditional labs are increasingly utilized in higher education. The research indicates that these non-traditional approaches to a science laboratory experience are as effective at achieving the learning outcomes as traditional labs. While this is an important parameter, this review outlines further important considerations such as operating and maintenance cost, growth potential, and safety. This comparison identifies several weaknesses in the existing literature. While it is clear that traditional labs aid in the development of practical and procedural skills, there is a lack of research exploring if non-traditional laboratory experiments hinder student success in subsequent traditional labs. Additionally, remote lab kits blur the lines between modality by bringing experiences that are more tactile to students outside of the traditional laboratory environment. Though novel work on non-traditional labs continues to be published, investigations are still needed regarding cost differences, acquisition of procedural skills, preparation for advanced work, and instructor contact time between traditional and non-traditional laboratories.
A Collaborative Approach to OER Policy and Guidelines Development in the Commonwealth: The Case of Botswana, Cameroon, and Sri Lanka
Authors: Abeywardena Ishan Sudeera , Karunanayaka Shironica P. , Nkwenti Michael N. , Tladi Lekopanye
Published: May 2018

Access to relevant learning resources is an important aspect in ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all as outlined in the sustainable development goal 4 (SDG4). The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) has identified the development of open educational resources (OER) as a potential answer to these challenges. A total of 29 provincial/regional OER policies and guidelines were developed in Sri Lanka, Botswana, and Cameroon closely involving 608 provincial/regional policymakers from the general education system. The innovation of this project lies in the collaborative approach adopted for OER policy/guideline development where a maximum number of policymakers at the provincial/regional level have been included in the policy development process. Key applications of the approach are mass-sensitization of policymakers, identification of champions in each province or region to drive the OER agenda forward, and the development of policies/guidelines tailored to the specific needs of a particular jurisdiction. The paper will also highlight the success factors, challenges, and the follow-up activities of the project.
OER Awareness and Use: The Affinity Between Higher Education and K-12
Authors: Blomgren Constance
Published: May 2018

Educators within Higher Education (HE) and K-12 share in the need for high quality educational resources to assist in the pursuit of teaching and learning. Although there are numerous differences between the two levels of education, there are commonalties in the perceptions of the purpose, practical uses, and challenges that abide in the use of Open Educational Resources (OER). Observations made while producing podcasts and videos for OER awareness, use, and championing, form an exposition of the merits of OER for HE and K-12. Benefits include cost-savings in acquiring resources for teaching and learning as well as user-generated content, instructor creativity, and contextualized and responsively timely learning opportunities. Additionally, the teaching culture of K-12 has historically supported the sharing of learning activities and learning resources. At all levels of education, OER awareness requires a deeper understanding of the changes to teaching and learning borne by open educational practices.
Quality Assurance for Online Higher Education Programmes: Design and Validation of an Integrative Assessment Model Applicable to Spanish Universities
Authors: Marciniak Renata
Published: May 2018

The quality assurance of online Higher Education online programmes is one of the great challenges faced by Spanish universities. Regular assessment of these programmes is essential in order to take actions to improve their quality. The said assessment should be complex and include all of the components of the programme, as well as its planning and implementation stages and its effects. The purpose of this paper is to present a model designed to assess the quality of online Higher Education online programmes that includes the assessment of the quality of the programme itself, as well as its continuous assessment. In order to design the model, the author conducted a bibliographical analysis of different standards, models, and guides developed in Spain and other countries to assess online education. The model was validated by 23 international online education experts. The results of the validation were triangulated with specialized literature, thus allowing the author to make decisions regarding whether to change the model by keeping, reformulating, or removing a dimension or indicator. As a result, two variables, fourteen dimensions, and 81 indicators were obtained. In order to verify the utility of the model it was applied in the assessment of four online programmes. The model guides the persons in charge of the implementation of online programmes and allows to conduct a more comprehensive assessment of the programme in order to discover its strengths and weaknesses, and opportunities for its improvement. The model can be also applied by online programme designers as a guideline for creating other, high quality programmes.
Reflection on MOOC Design in Palestine
Authors: Affouneh Saida , Wimpenny Katherine , Ghodieh Ahmed Ra'fat , Alsaud Loay Abu , Obaid Arij Abu
Published: May 2018

This paper will share Discover Palestine, an interdisciplinary Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) and the first MOOC to be created in Palestine, by the E-Learning Centre, Faculty from the Department of Geography, and Department of Tourism and Archaeology from An-Najah National University in Palestine. The paper traces the process of development of the Discover Palestine MOOC from its early inception as a cross institutional online course, to its current delivery and engagement with a global and diverse group of learners. Using a descriptive case study design and thematic analysis, the reflective experiences of four course team members involved as facilitators/designers in the design and delivery of the MOOC are shared. Three key themes, namely, “Informing pedagogies including delivery methods,” “A commitment to a national cause,” and “Teacher presence,” are presented and contextualized with data evidence. The findings share not only the hurdles the Discover Palestine team had to navigate during the MOOC development, but more importantly, how academic collaborations promoting open education practices offer powerful tools for the reciprocal exchange of knowledge, not least in shifting mindsets, and offering opportunities for shared fields of understanding to be realized in revealing creative, cultural practices, as well as lost histories.
Empirical Analysis on Factors Impacting on Intention to Use M-learning in Basic Education in Egypt
Authors: Adel Ali Reham , Rafie Mohd Arshad Muhammad
Published: May 2018

It is apparent that m-learning will continuously have a massive role in terms of development in teaching and learning methods for education. Student's intention to use this technology is the main factor that eventually leads to a success in implementing m-learning. The objectives of this particular research are to come up with the development and examination towards a research model to uncover the factors that have important effects on the intention to use mobile learning for basic education in Egypt. A research model was developed through extending the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) by incorporating two additional factors namely; learners' autonomy (LA) and content quality design (CQD). A quantitative approach based on cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from 386 respondents.. The methodology used in this study was a Partial Least Squares (PLS) that was expected to test the model empirically. The results showcased that learners' autonomy (LA), performance expectancy (PE), facilitating conditions (FC), and social influence (SI) are significant in relation to behavioural intention (BI) to use m-learning while effort expectancy (EE) did not show the impact on intention to use mobile learning. The research also found that content quality design (CQD) affects significantly on performance expectancy (PE) and effort expectancy (EE). The possible development in future research and the limitations of the findings are also discussed later in this paper.
Travelling Surface Plasmons with Interference Envelope and A Vision for Time Crystals
Authors: Djalalian-Assl Amir
Published: May 2018

The influence of the film thickness and the substrate’s refractive index on the surface mode at the superstrate is an important study step that may help clearing some of the misunderstandings surrounding their propagation mechanism. A single sub-wavelength slit perforating a thin metallic film is among the simplest nanostructure capable of launching Surface Plasmon Polaritons on its surrounding surface when excited by an incident field. Here, the impact of the substrate and the film thickness on surface waves is investigated. When the thickness of the film is comparable to its skin depth, SPP waves from the substrate penetrate the film and emerge from the superstrate, creating a superposition of two SPP waves, that leads to a beat interference envelope with well-defined loci which are the function of both the drive frequency and the dielectric constant of the substrate/superstrate. As the film thickness is reduced to the SPP’s penetration depth, surface waves from optically denser dielectric/metal interface would dominate, leading to volume plasmons that propagate inside the film at optical frequencies. Interference of periodic volume charge density with the incident field over the film creates charge bundles that are periodic in space and time.
C60 Bioconjugation with Proteins: Towards a Palette of Carriers for All pH Ranges
Authors: Di Giosia Matteo , Valle Francesco , Cantelli Andrea , Bottoni Andrea , Zerbetto Francesco , Calvaresi Matteo
Published: May 2018

The high hydrophobicity of fullerenes and the resulting formation of aggregates in aqueous solutions hamper the possibility of their exploitation in many technological applications. Noncovalent bioconjugation of fullerenes with proteins is an emerging approach for their dispersion in aqueous media. Contrary to covalent functionalization, bioconjugation preserves the physicochemical properties of the carbon nanostructure. The unique photophysical and photochemical properties of fullerenes are then fully accessible for applications in nanomedicine, sensoristic, biocatalysis and materials science fields. However, proteins are not universal carriers. Their stability depends on the biological conditions for which they have evolved. Here we present two model systems based on pepsin and trypsin. These proteins have opposite net charge at physiological pH. They recognize and disperse C60 in water. UV-Vis spectroscopy, zeta-potential and atomic force microscopy analysis demonstrates that the hybrids are well dispersed and stable in a wide range of pH’s and ionic strengths. A previously validated modelling approach identifies the protein-binding pocket involved in the interaction with C60. Computational predictions, combined with experimental investigations, provide powerful tools to design tailor-made C60@proteins bioconjugates for specific applications.
Optimal Overcurrent Relay Coordination for Sustainable Standalone Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy (SHRE) Distribution Network at Batang Rajang River, Kapit Sarawak by Genetic Algorithm Technique
Authors: Ahmad Saiful Zuhaimi , Othman Mohammad Lutfi , Hizam Hashim
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a study on optimization of Overcurrent relay (OCR) coordination protection scheme for Sustainable Standalone Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy (SHRE) distribution network at Batang Rajang river, located at Kapit Sarawak, Malaysia by turning river stream into power generation source. The purpose of the project is to develop rural electrification system for native long houses along the river. The research study is tested on a DigSILENT develop model of the SHRE distribution network and in accordance with all respectively unique parameters and relevant standards. Since this is a new standalone distribution system, an efficient and properly coordinated overcurrent protection system must be provided. Improper and miscoordination among OCRs result in maloperation of the protection system that can lead to false tripping and an unnecessary outage and power system instability. Thus, the objective of this work is to employ Genetic Algorithm (GA) technique in Matlab/Simulink for optimal overcurrent coordination and settings among all OCRs in the proposed distribution network in order to improve the speed of OCR tripping operation. The GA is used because the project is fast track and requiring the simplest method available. In this strategy, time dial setting (TDS) is optimized by using plug setting multiplier (PSM) as the constraint. The obtained results show a significant improvement of the relay operating time of 36.01% faster than that of conventional numerical technique during fault occurrence. Thus, an efficient and reliable overcurrent protection scheme has been achieved for the SHRE distribution network.
Atlas of Age- and Tissue-specific DNA Methylation during Early Development of Barley (Hordeum vulgare)
Authors: Konate Moumouni , Wilkinson Michael J. , Mayne Banjamin , Scott Eileen , Berger Bettina , Rodriguez Lopez Carlos M.
Published: May 2018

The barley (Hordeum vulgare) genome comprises over 32,000 genes, with differentiated cells expressing only a subset of genes; the remainder being silent. Mechanisms by which tissue-specific genes are regulated are not entirely understood, although DNA methylation is likely to be involved. DNA methylation patterns are not static during plant development, but it is still unclear whether different organs possess distinct methylation profiles. Methylation-sensitive GBS was used to generate DNA methylation profiles for roots, leaf-blades and leaf-sheaths from five barley varieties, using seedlings at the three-leaf stage. Differentially Methylated Markers (DMMs) were characterised by pairwise comparisons of roots, leaf-blades and leaf-sheaths of three different ages. While very many DMMs were found between roots and leaf parts, only a few existed between leaf-blades and leaf-sheaths, with differences decreasing with leaf rank. Organ-specific DMMs appeared to target mainly repeat regions, implying that organ differentiation partially relies on the spreading of DNA methylation from repeats to promoters of adjacent genes. Furthermore, the biological functions of differentially methylated genes in the different organs correlated with functional specialisation. Our results indicate that different organs do possess diagnostic methylation profiles and suggest that DNA methylation is important for both tissue development and differentiation and organ function.
Effect of Montmorillonite on Nonylphenol Enrichment in Zebrafish
Authors: Qian Kun , Jiang Xiaofeng , Sun Laiyu , Zhou Guoqing , Ge Haixia , Fang Xinqiang , Xiao Li , Wu Qiong
Published: May 2018

To investigate the effect of montmorillonite on nonylphenol enrichment in a zebrafish model. The AB strain zebrafish were used as the animal subjects and three concentration gradients were set for both nonylphenol and montmorillonite, according to their actual concentrations in aquaculture water in Huzhou city. A group treated with nonylphenol alone was also set, adding up to 12 experimental groups. Concentrations of nonylphenol enriched in the liver, muscle, and gill of zebrafish were detected by solid phase microextraction–high performance liquid chromatography at Day 7, 15, and 30, respectively. Besides, the relative enzymatic activity of Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the Glutathione S-transferase (GST) were also been detected, and the data were statistically analyzed. The results showed that the concentrations of nonylphenol in zebrafish peaked at Day 7 and gradually decreased afterwards for all the experimental groups. And the montmorillonite reduces short-term accumulation of nonylphenol in gills, and the high concentration of nonylphenol facilitates its enrichment in liver and muscle while the low concentration of nonylphenol doesn’t. Meanwhile, the low concentration of nonylphenol in liver exerts an influence on the inductive effect of SOD and GST while the high concentration of nonylphenol shows the inhibiting effect of SOD and GST.
Efficacy of a Gluten-Free Diet in the Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rodrigo Luis , Álvarez Nuria , Fernández-Bustillo Enrique , Salas-Puig Javier , Huerta Marcos , Hernández-Lahoz Carlos
Published: May 2018

The Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) and Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) may be associated. We analyse the efficacy of a gluten-free diet (GFD) in 29 patients with GTS (23 children; 6 adults) in a prospective pilot study. All of them followed a GFD for one year. The YGTSS, Y-BOCS/CY-BOCS and GTS-QOL questionnaires were compared before and after the GFD. 74% of children and 50% of adults were males, not significant (NS). At the beginning of the study, 69% of children and 100% of adults had associated OCD (NS). At baseline, the YGTSS scores were 55.0 ± 17.5 (children) and 55.8 ± 19.8 (adults) (NS), the Y-BOCS/CY-BOCS scores were 15.3 (SD = 12.3) (children) and 26.8 (9.2) (adults) (p = 0.043), and the GTS-QOL scores were 42.8 ± 18.5 (children) and 64 ± 7.9 (adults) (p = 0.000). NCGS was frequent in both groups, with headaches reported by 47.0% of children and 83.6% of adults (p = 0.001). After one year on a GFD there was a marked reduction in measures of tics (YGTSS) (p = 0.001), and the intensity and frequency of OCD (Y-BOCS/CY-BOCS) (p = 0.001), along with improved QOL (p = 0.001) in children and adults. In conclusion, a GFD maintained for one year in GTS patients led to a marked reduction in tics and OCD both in children and adults.
Sensitivity of Different Parameterizations on Simulation of Tropical Cyclone Durian over the South China Sea Using Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model
Authors: Wannawong Worachat , Wang Donghai , Zhang Yu , Ekkawatpanit Chaiwat
Published: May 2018

Typhoon Durian forming over the Western North Pacific Ocean and entering into the South China Sea (SCS), caused extreme and widespread damages in 2006. In this research, sensitivity analyses on different physical parameterization schemes of the Weather Research and Forecasting Atmospheric Model (WRF-ATM) have been utilized to study typhoon Durian. Model accuracy and performance testing were investigated with different initial conditions during the tropical cyclone simulation in the SCS. The initial and boundary conditions (IBCs) for all experiments were derived from the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), Re-Analysis Interim (ERAI), and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) with Final (FNL) analysis data compiled through the WRF-ATM model. The sensitivity analysis results indicated a major improvement for the cumulus scheme by using the Grell-Devenyi scheme along with the PBL scheme of Yonsei University, mixed-phase microphysics scheme of the WRF Single Moment 5-class and IBCs for ECMWF-ERAI of TC simulation under the context of Wind-Pressure Relationships. This predicted better track and intensity comparing with these of the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. The results revealed that the TC track and intensity were well simulated by the WSM5-GD combination for the WRF-ATM model with an intensity error of 1.69 hPa for minimum surface level pressure, maximum wind speed of 1.83 knots and average track error of 25 km in 72 hours. The simulations showed that the potential track and intensity error decreased with the delayed IBCs, suggesting that the model simulation is more dependable when the coast is approached by the TC.
Identification of Key Proteins Associated with Myocardial Infarction using Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
Authors: Ahammad Ishtiaque
Published: May 2018

Myocardial infarction, more commonly known as heart attack, is a huge health problem around the world. It is a result of inadequate blood supply to certain parts of the heart and death of heart muscle cells in that region. Although it has been around for a long time, newer and newer ways of probing myocardial infarction is being followed. Bioinformatics and Systems Biology are relatively recent fields to try to give new insights into myocardial infarction. Following the footsteps of others, this in silico study has tried to chime in on the investigation into myocardial infarction. The study began with the gene expression omnibus dataset uploaded to the NCBI from a whole-genome gene expression analysis carried out at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. From the dataset, differentially expressed genes following first-time myocardial infarction were identified and classified into up-regulated and down-regulated ones. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was carried out on the up-regulated genes which were statistically significant and corresponded with the NCBI generated annotations. Protein-Protein Interaction Network for these genes was constructed. GSEA revealed 5 transcription factors, 5 microRNAs and 3 pathways significantly associated with them. From the Protein-Protein Interaction Network, 6 key proteins (hub nodes) have been identified. These 6 proteins may open a new window of opportunity for the discovery/design of new drugs for mitigating the damage caused by myocardial infarction.
Functionalization Effect on Polymer Nanocomposites Coatings based on TiO2-SiO2 Nanoparticles with Superhydrophilic Properties
Authors: Vázquez-Velázquez Arturo Roman , Velasco-Soto Miguel Angel , Licea-Jiménez Liliana , Pérez-García Sergio Alfonso
Published: May 2018

In this study, a novel binary nanocomposite system based on TiO2-SiO2 was functionalized with trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) and characterized by XPS and XRD. Results revealed that TiO2-SiO2 nanoparticles were covalently functionalized. Functionalized nanoparticles at low concentrations (0.1 wt% and 0.5 wt%) were dispersed in acrylic acid acting as a polymer matrix. Nanocomposite coatings analysis demonstrate to achieve superhydrophilic properties as well as very good optical characteristics. Water contact angle characterization showed the functionalization effect by achieving a superhydrophilic behavior with a contact angle less than 5°. UV-Vis measurements demonstrated high optical transmittance above 95% for the coatings. Based on the obtained results a mechanism describing the chemical interactions of the constituents responsible for the synergy in the nanocomposite as well as the morphological play role in the behavior are presented.
Aptamer-based Biosensors for Antibiotic Detection: A Review
Authors: Mehlhorn Asol , Rahimi Parvaneh , Joseph Yvonne
Published: May 2018

Antibiotic resistance and accordingly their pollution because of uncontrolled usage has emerged as a serious problem in recent years. Hence, there is an increased demand to develope robust, easy, and sensitive methods for rapid evaluation of antibiotic and their residues. Among different analytical methods, the aptamer-based biosensors (aptasensors) have attracted considerable attention because of good selectivity, specificity, and sensitivity. This review gives an overview about recent developed aptasensors for antibiotic detection. The use of various aptamer assays to determine different groups of antibiotics like β-lactams, Aminoglycosides, Anthracyclines, Chloramphenicol, (Fluoro)Quinolones, Lincosamide, Tetracyclines and Sulfonamides are presented in this paper.
Exploring Basic Components Effect on the Catalytic Efficiency of Chevron-Phillips Catalyst in Ethylene Trimerization
Authors: Naji-Rad Ebtehal , Gimferrer Martí , Bahri-Laleh Naeimeh , Nekoomanesh-Haghighi Mehdi , Jamjah Roghieh , Poater Albert
Published: May 2018

In the present work, effect of basic components on the energy pathway of ethylene oligomerization by landmark Chevron-Phillips catalyst has been explored in detail using density functional theory (DFT). Studied factors were chosen considering the main components of Chevron-Phillips catalyst, i.e. ligand, cocatalyst and halocarbon compounds, comprising i) the type of alkyl substituents in pyrrole ligand as methyl, iso-propyl, tert-butyl, and phenyl, as well as the simple hydrogen, and the electronwithdrawing fluoro and trifluoromethyl; ii) the number of Cl atoms in Al-compound (as AlMe2Cl, AlMeCl2 and AlCl3) which indicates halocarbon amount and iii) cocatalyst type as alkylboron, alkylaluminium, or alkylgallium. Besides main ingredients, solvent effect, from toluene or methylcyclohexane, on oligomerization pathway was explored as well. In this regard, the full catalytic cycles for the main product (1-hexene) formation as well as side reactions, i.e. 1-butene release and chromacyclononane formation, were calculated on the basis of the metallacycle based mechanism. Based on results, a modification on the Chevron-Phillips catalyst system, to reach higher 1-hexene selectivity and activity, is suggested.
ANN Laser Hardening Quality Modeling Using Geometrical and Punctual Characterizing Approaches
Authors: Maamri Ilyes , Barka Noureddine , El Ouafi Abderrazak
Published: May 2018

Maximum hardness and hardened depth are the responses of interest in relation to the laser hardening process. These values define heat treatment quality and have a direct impact on mechanical performance. This paper aims to develop models capable of predicting the shape of the hardness profile depending on laser process parameters for controlling laser hardening quality (LHQ), or rather the response values. An experimental study was conducted to highlight hardened profile sensitivity to process input parameters such as laser power (PL), beam scanning speed (VS) and initial hardness in the core (HC). LHQ modeling was conducted by modeling attributes extracted from the hardness profile curve using two effective techniques based on the punctual and geometrical approaches. The process parameters with the most influence on the responses were laser power, beam velocity and initial hardness in the core. The obtained results demonstrate that the geometrical approach is more accurate and credible than the punctual approach according to performance assessment criteria.
Application of Self-Similar Symmetry Model to Dark Energy
Authors: Sonoda Tomohide
Published: May 2018

Recent observations of the dark energy density demonstrates the fine-tuning problem and challenges in theoretical modelling. In this study, we apply the self-similar symmetry (SSS) model, describing the hierarchical structure of the universe based on the Dirac large numbers hypothesis, to Einstein's cosmological term. We introduce a new similarity dimension, DB, in the SSS model. Using the DB SSS model, the cosmological constant, vacuum energy density, and Hubble parameter can be simply expressed as a function of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature. We show that the initial value of the vacuum energy density at the creation of the universe is ρ0 = 1/8παf6, where αf is the fine structure constant. The results indicate that the CMB is the primary factor for the evolution of the universe, providing a unified understanding of the problems of naturalness.
A Crude 1-DNJ Extract from Home Made Bombyx Batryticatus mori.L. Inhibits Diabetic Cardiomyopathy-Associated Fibrosis in db/db Mice and Reduces Protein N-glycosylation Levels
Authors: Zhao Qing , Jia Tian zhu , Cao Qi chen , Tian Fang , Ying Wan tao
Published: May 2018

The traditional Chinese drug Bombyx Batryticatus mori.L (BBm) which is also named the white stiff silkworm has been widely used in Chinese clinics for thousands of years. It is famous for its antispasmodic and blood circulation promoting effects. Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, interstitial cell hyperplasia and myocardial fibrosis are closely related to the N-glycosylation of key proteins. To examine the alterations of N-glycosylation that occur in diabetic myocardium during the early stage of the disease and clarify the therapeutic effect of 1-DNJ extracted from BBm, we used the db/db mouse model and an approach based on hydrophilic chromatography solid-phase extraction integrated with an LC-MS/MS identification strategy to perform a site-specific N-glycosylation analysis of left ventricular cardiomyocyte proteins. AGEs, hydroxyproline, CTGF and other serum biochemical indicators were measured with ELISA. In addition, the α1,6-fucosylation of N-glycans was profiled with LCA lectin blots and FITC-labelled lectin affinity histochemistry. The results indicated that 1-DNJ administration obviously downregulated myocardium protein N-glycosylation in db/db mice. The expression levels of serum indicators and fibrosis-related cytokines were reduced significantly by 1-DNJ in a dose-dependent manner. The glycan α1,6-fucosylation level of the db/db mouse myocardium was elevated, and the intervention effect of 1-DNJ administration on N-glycan α1,6-fucosylation was significant. To verify this result, the well-known TGF-β/smad2/3 pathway was selected, and core α1,6-fucosylated TGFR-βⅡ was analysed semi-quantitatively with western blotting. The result supported the conclusions obtained from LCA lectin affinity histochemistry and lectin blot analysis. The expression level of FUT8 mRNA was also detected, and the results showed that 1-DNJ administration did not cause obvious inhibitory effects on FUT8 expression. Therefore, the mechanism of 1-DNJ to relieve the DCM-associated fibrosis can be concluded as the inhibition of N-GlcNAc formation and the reduction of substrate concentration.
Hydrokinetic Energy Assessment in Unregulated River for Hydrokinetic Performance Analysis Studies in East Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Saupi Almalik Faisel , Mailah Nashiren Farzilah , Mohd Radzi Mohd Amran , Ahmad Saiful Zuhaimi , Che Soh Azimi
Published: May 2018

Electrification coverage in Sarawak is the lowest at 78.74%, compared to Peninsular Malaysia at 99.62% and Sabah at 82.51%. Kapit, Sarawak with its 88.4% populations located in rural areas and mostly situated along the main riverbanks has great potential to generate electrical energy by hydrokinetic system. Yearly water velocity data is the most significant parameter to perform hydrokinetic analysis study. Nevertheless, the data retrieved from local river databases are inadequate for river energy analysis, thus hindering its progression. Instead, flow rates and rainfall data had been utilised to estimate the water velocity data. This signifies no estimation of water velocity in an unregulated river by using water level data had been made. Therefore, a novel technique of estimating the daily average water velocity data in unregulated rivers is proposed. The modelling of regression equation for water velocity estimation was performed and two regression model equations were generated to estimate both water level and water velocity on-site and proven to be valid as the coefficient of determination values had been R2 = 87.4% and R2=87.9%, respectively. The combination of both regression model equations can be used to estimate long-term time series water velocity data for type-C unregulated river in remote areas.
Selective Cytotoxic Activity and DNA Damage by an Epoxyalkyl Galactopyranoside
Authors: Burgos-Morón Estefanía , Pastor Nuria , Orta Manuel Luis , Jiménez-Alonso Julio José , Vega-Holm Margarita , Vega-Pérez José Manuel , Iglesias-Guerra Fernando , Mateos Santiago , Lopez-Lazaro Miguel , Calderón-Montaño José Manuel
Published: May 2018

Several clinically useful anticancer drugs selectively kill cancer cells by inducing DNA damage; the genomic instability and DNA repair defects of cancer cells make them more vulnerable than normal cells to the cytotoxicity of DNA-damaging agents. Because epoxide-containing compounds can induce DNA damage, we have used the MTT assay to evaluate the selective cytotoxicity of three epoxyalkyl galactopyranosides against A549 lung cancer cells and MRC-5 lung normal cells. Compound (2S,3S)-2,3-Epoxydecyl 4,6-O-(S)-benzylidene-β-D-galactopyranoside (EDBGP) showed the highest selective anticancer activity and was selected for mechanistic studies. After observing that EDBGP induced cellular DNA damage (comet assay), we found that cells deficient in nucleotide excision repair were hypersensitive to the cytotoxicity of this compound; this suggests that EDBGP may induce bulky DNA adducts. EDBGP did not inhibit glycolysis (glucose consumption and lactate production). Pre-treatment of lung cancer cells with several antioxidants did not reduce the cytotoxicity of EDBGP, thereby indicating that reactive oxygen species do not participate in the anticancer activity of this compound. Finally, EDBGP was screened against a panel of cancer cells and normal cells from several tissues, including three genetically modified skin fibroblasts with increasing degree of malignancy. Our results suggest that epoxyalkyl galactopyranosides are promising lead compounds for the development of new anticancer agents.
Kinetics and DFT Studies of the Hydrogenation Reactions of Alkenes and Alkynes Catalyzed by (Benzoimidazol-2-ylmethyl)amine palladium(II) Complexes
Authors: Tshabalala Thandeka , Ojwach Stephen
Published: May 2018

A series of (benzoimidazol-2-ylmethyl)amine palladium(II) complexes have been employed as catalysts in the homogenous hydrogenation of alkenes and alkynes under mild conditions. A correlation between the catalytic activity and the nature of the ligand was established. Kinetic studies of the hydrogenation reactions of styrene established pseudo-first-order dependence on styrene substrate. On the other hand, partial orders with respect to H2 and catalyst concentrations were obtained consistent with the formation of palladium(II) monohydride species as the active species. The nature of the solvent used influenced the hydrogenation reactions, where coordinating solvents resulted in lower catalytic activities. Density functional theory investigations provided valuable insights into the reactivity trends and influence of complex structure on the hydrogenation reactions.
Enantioselective Organocatalyzed a-Amination of 1,3-Dicarbonyl Compounds in Deep Eutectic Mixtures
Authors: Ros Ñíguez Diego , Khazaeli Pegah , Alonso Diego A. , Guillena Gabriela
Published: May 2018

The enantioselective alpha-amination of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds has been performed using a catalytic system based on deep eutectic solvents (DES) and chiral 2-amino benzimidazole-derived organocatalysts. This procedure avoids the use of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as a reaction medium, providing access to highly functionalized chiral molecules, which are important intermediates for the natural product synthesis, in a selective and efficient manner. Furthermore, the reaction can be performed on a large scale and recycling the catalytic system is possible for at least five times, leading to a clean, cheap, simple, and scalable procedure that meets most of the criteria required to be a green and sustainable process.
Classification of Economic Regions with Regards to Selected Factors Characterizing the Construction Industry
Authors: Hoła Bożena , Nowobilski Tomasz
Published: May 2018

The article presents the methodology for classifying economic regions with regards to selected factors that characterize a region, such as: the economic structure of the region, and thus the share of individual sectors in the economy; employment; the dynamics of the development of individual sectors expressed as an increase or decrease in production value; the population density in the region and also the level of occupational safety. Cluster analysis, which is a method of multidimensional statistical analysis available in Statistica software, was used to solve the task. The proposed methodology was used to group Polish voivodships with regards to the speed of economic development and occupational safety in the construction industry. Data published by the Central Statistical Office was used for this purpose, such as the value of construction and assembly production, the number of people employed in the construction industry, the population of an individual region and the number of people injured in occupational accidents.
Biochemical Properties of a Decoy Oligodeoxynucleotide Inhibitor of STAT3 Transcription Factor
Authors: Lee David S. , O'Keefe Rachel A. , Ha Patrick K. , Grandis Jennifer R. , Johnson Daniel E.
Published: May 2018

Cyclic STAT3 decoy (CS3D) is a second-generation, double-stranded oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) that mimics a genomic response element for signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), an oncogenic transcription factor. CS3D competitively inhibits STAT3 binding to target gene promoters, resulting in decreased expression of proteins that promote cellular proliferation and survival. Previous studies have demonstrated antitumor activity of CS3D in preclinical models of solid tumors. However, prior to entering human clinical trials, the efficiency of generating the CS3D molecule and its stability in biological fluids should be determined. CS3D is synthesized as a single-stranded ODN and must have its free ends ligated to generate the final cyclic form. In this study, we report a ligation efficiency of nearly 95 percent. The ligated CS3D demonstrated a half-life of 7.9 hours in human serum, indicating adequate stability for intravenous delivery. These results provide requisite biochemical characterization of CS3D that will inform upcoming clinical trials.
Land Cover Change Detection Based on Adaptive Contextual Information Using Bi-Temporal Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Lv Zhiyong , Liu Tongfei , Zhang Penglin , Atli Benediktsson Jón , Chen Yixiang
Published: May 2018

Land cover change detection (LCCD) based on bi-temporal remote sensing images plays an important role in the inventory of land cover change. Due to the benefit of having spatial dependency properties within the image space while using remote sensing images for detecting land cover change, many contextual information based change detection methods have been proposed during past decades. However, there is still a space for improvement in accuracies and usability of LCCD. In this paper, a LCCD method based on adaptive contextual information is proposed. First, an adaptive region is constructed by gradually detecting the spectral similarity surrounding a central pixel. Second, the Euclidean distance between pairwise extended regions is calculated to measure the change magnitude between the pairwise central pixels of bi-temporal images. While the whole bi-temporal images are scanned pixel-by-pixel, the change magnitude image (CMI) can be generated. Then, the Otsu or a manual threshold is employed to acquire the binary change detection map (BCDM). The detection accuracies of the proposed approach are investigated by two land cover change cases with Landsat bi-temporal remote sensing images. In comparison to several widely used change detection methods, the proposed approach can achieve a land cover change inventory map with a competitive accuracy.
THE RIGHTS OF LAND IN MARRIAGE AGREEMENT OF MISCENEGATION BY SUBSQUENT THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT DECISION NUMBER 69 / PUU-XIII 2015 BASED ON THE CUSTOMARY LAW PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Miqat Nurul , Patittingi Farida
Published: May 2018

The definition of marriage is provided in Article 1 that: "Marriage is a mental bond between a man and a woman as husband and wife with the aim of forming a happy, eternal, (family) family based on the One Supreme God." The meaning of marriage under the law, Law Number 1 Of 1974 is a marriage has a very close relationship with religion, spirituality, so that marriage not only has the element of birth / body, but the element of spirit / rokhani also has a very important role. The legal consequence of a marriage is the position of a woman who becomes a wife and a man becomes a husband, hence the rights and obligations assumed by both after the legal act of marriage. For those who marry most do not think about the effects of marriage, on their wealth, some of them only think that the consequences of marriage are only the union of two families, and the continuity of their marriage in order to be eternal and happy. Marital Laws Article 35 to Article 37 regulate about the field of marriage property for husbands and wives, Affirmation of Article 35 states that marriage property becomes a common property. While the property of each luggage as a gift or inheritance, is under the control of each. Unless otherwise specified in order to serve as joint property, for this other determination the husband and wife are allowed to make "marriage agreement", this marriage agreement contains about marriage property. Likewise to the perpetrators of miscenegations. Indonesian citizens who marry foreign citizens, not knowing that there are legal consequences of such miscenegations, there is a right to be lost as a result of miscenegation. The rights in question relate to the marriage agreement, which if the perpetrator of a miscenegation does not enter into a marriage agreement will impact on land rights , and it is also known  under costumary law.