bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aberrant Activation of p38 MAP Kinase-Dependent Innate Immune Responses Is Toxic to Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Cheesman Hilary K , Feinbaum Rhonda L , Thekkiniath Jose , Dowen Robert H , Conery Annie L , Pukkila-Worley Read
Published: March 2016

Inappropriate activation of innate immune responses in intestinal epithelial cells underlies the pathophysiology of inflammatory disorders of the intestine. Here we examine the physiological effects of immune hyperactivation in the intestine of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We previously identified an immunostimulatory xenobiotic that protects C. elegans from bacterial infection by inducing immune effector expression via the conserved p38 MAP kinase pathway, but was toxic to nematodes developing in the absence of pathogen. To investigate a possible connection between the toxicity and immunostimulatory properties of this xenobiotic, we conducted a forward genetic screen for C. elegans mutants that are resistant to the deleterious effects of the compound, and identified five toxicity suppressors. These strains contained hypomorphic mutations in each of the known components of the p38 MAP kinase cassette (tir-1, nsy-1, sek-1, and pmk-1), demonstrating that hyperstimulation of the p38 MAPK pathway is toxic to animals. To explore mechanisms of immune pathway regulation in C. elegans, we conducted another genetic screen for dominant activators of the p38 MAPK pathway, and identified a single allele that had a gain-of-function (gf) mutation in nsy-1, the MAP kinase kinase kinase that acts upstream of p38 MAPK pmk-1. The nsy-1(gf) allele caused hyperinduction of p38 MAPK PMK-1-dependent immune effectors, had greater levels of phosphorylated p38 MAPK, and was more resistant to killing by the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa compared to wild-type controls. In addition, the nsy-1(gf) mutation was toxic to developing animals. Together, these data suggest that the activity of the MAPKKK NSY-1 is tightly regulated as part of a physiological mechanism to control p38 MAPK-mediated innate immune hyperactivation, and ensure cellular homeostasis in C. elegans.
Genome-Based Selection and Characterization ofFusarium circinatum-Specific Sequences
Authors: Maphosa Mkhululi N , Steenkamp Emma T , Wingfield Brenda D
Published: March 2016

Fusarium circinatum is an important pathogen of pine trees and its management in the commercial forestry environment relies largely on early detection, particularly in seedling nurseries. The fact that the entire genome of this pathogen is available opens new avenues for the development of diagnostic tools for this fungus. In this study we identified open reading frames (ORFs) unique to F. circinatum and determined that they were specific to the pathogen. The ORF identification process involved bioinformatics-based screening of all the putative F. circinatum ORFs against public databases. This was followed by functional characterization of ORFs found to be unique to F. circinatum. We used PCR- and hybridization-based approaches to confirm the presence of selected unique genes in different strains of F. circinatum and their absence from other Fusarium species for which genome sequence data are not yet available. These included species that are closely related to F. circinatum as well as those that are commonly encountered in the forestry environment. Thirty-six ORFs were identified as potentially unique to F. circinatum. Nineteen of these encode proteins with known domains while the other 17 encode proteins of unknown function. The results of our PCR analyses and hybridization assays showed that three of the selected genes were present in all of the strains of F. circinatum tested and absent from the other Fusarium species screened. These data thus indicate that the selected genes are common and unique to F. circinatum. These genes thus could be good candidates for use in rapid, in-the-field diagnostic assays specific to F. circinatum. Our study further demonstrates how genome sequence information can be mined for the identification of new diagnostic markers for the detection of plant pathogens.
Comparative Transcriptomics Indicates a Role for SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE (SVP) Genes in Mimulus guttatus Vernalization Response
Authors: Preston Jill C , Zhong Jinshun , McKeown Meghan , den Bakker Meghan , Friedman Jannice
Published: March 2016

The timing of reproduction in response to variable environmental conditions is critical to plant fitness, and is a major driver of taxon differentiation. In the yellow monkey flower, Mimulus guttatus, geographically distinct North American populations vary in their photoperiod and chilling (vernalization) requirements for flowering, suggesting strong local adaptation to their surroundings. Previous analyses revealed quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying short-day mediated vernalization responsiveness using two annual M. guttatus populations that differed in their vernalization response. To narrow down candidate genes responsible for this variation, and to reveal potential downstream genes, we conducted comparative transcriptomics and quantitative PCR (qPCR) in shoot apices of parental vernalization responsive IM62, and unresponsive LMC24 inbred lines grown under different photoperiods and temperatures. Our study identified several metabolic, hormone signaling, photosynthetic, stress response, and flowering time genes that are differentially expressed between treatments, suggesting a role for their protein products in short-day-mediated vernalization responsiveness. Only a small subset of these genes intersected with candidate genes from the previous QTL study, and, of the main candidates tested with qPCR under nonpermissive conditions, only SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE (SVP) gene expression met predictions for a population-specific short-day-repressor of flowering that is repressed by cold.
Novel Interactome ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaeMyosin Type II Identified by a Modified Integrated Membrane Yeast Two-Hybrid (iMYTH) Screen
Authors: Santiago Ednalise , Akamine Pearl , Snider Jamie , Wong Victoria , Jessulat Matthew , Deineko Viktor , Gagarinova Alla , Aoki Hiroyuki , Minic Zoran , Phanse Sadhna , San Antonio Andrea , Cubano Luis A , Rymond Brian C , Babu Mohan , Stagljar Igor , Rodriguez-Medina Jose R
Published: March 2016

Nonmuscle myosin type II (Myo1p) is required for cytokinesis in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Loss of Myo1p activity has been associated with growth abnormalities and enhanced sensitivity to osmotic stress, making it an appealing antifungal therapeutic target. The Myo1p tail-only domain was previously reported to have functional activity equivalent to the full-length Myo1p whereas the head-only domain did not. Since Myo1p tail-only constructs are biologically active, the tail domain must have additional functions beyond its previously described role in myosin dimerization or trimerization. The identification of new Myo1p-interacting proteins may shed light on the other functions of the Myo1p tail domain. To identify novel Myo1p-interacting proteins, and determine if Myo1p can serve as a scaffold to recruit proteins to the bud neck during cytokinesis, we used the integrated split-ubiquitin membrane yeast two-hybrid (iMYTH) system. Myo1p was iMYTH-tagged at its C-terminus, and screened against both cDNA and genomic prey libraries to identify interacting proteins. Control experiments showed that the Myo1p-bait construct was appropriately expressed, and that the protein colocalized to the yeast bud neck. Thirty novel Myo1p-interacting proteins were identified by iMYTH. Eight proteins were confirmed by coprecipitation (Ape2, Bzz1, Fba1, Pdi1, Rpl5, Tah11, and Trx2) or mass spectrometry (AP-MS) (Abp1). The novel Myo1p-interacting proteins identified come from a range of different processes, including cellular organization and protein synthesis. Actin assembly/disassembly factors such as the SH3 domain protein Bzz1 and the actin-binding protein Abp1 represent likely Myo1p interactions during cytokinesis.
Barcode Sequencing Screen IdentifiesSUB1as a Regulator of Yeast Pheromone Inducible Genes
Authors: Sliva Anna , Kuang Zheng , Meluh Pamela B , Boeke Jef D
Published: March 2016

The yeast pheromone response pathway serves as a valuable model of eukaryotic mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, and transcription of their downstream targets. Here, we describe application of a screening method combining two technologies: fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and barcode analysis by sequencing (Bar-Seq). Using this screening method, and pFUS1-GFP as a reporter for MAPK pathway activation, we readily identified mutants in known mating pathway components. In this study, we also include a comprehensive analysis of the FUS1 induction properties of known mating pathway mutants by flow cytometry, featuring single cell analysis of each mutant population. We also characterized a new source of false positives resulting from the design of this screen. Additionally, we identified a deletion mutant, sub1Δ, with increased basal expression of pFUS1-GFP. Here, in the first ChIP-Seq of Sub1, our data shows that Sub1 binds to the promoters of about half the genes in the genome (tripling the 991 loci previously reported), including the promoters of several pheromone-inducible genes, some of which show an increase upon pheromone induction. Here, we also present the first RNA-Seq of a sub1Δ mutant; the majority of genes have no change in RNA, but, of the small subset that do, most show decreased expression, consistent with biochemical studies implicating Sub1 as a positive transcriptional regulator. The RNA-Seq data also show that certain pheromone-inducible genes are induced less in the sub1Δ mutant relative to the wild type, supporting a role for Sub1 in regulation of mating pathway genes. The sub1Δ mutant has increased basal levels of a small subset of other genes besides FUS1, including IMD2 and FIG1, a gene encoding an integral membrane protein necessary for efficient mating.
High Throughput Analyses of Budding Yeast ARSs Reveal New DNA Elements Capable of Conferring Centromere-Independent Plasmid Propagation
Authors: Hoggard Timothy , Liachko Ivan , Burt Cassaundra , Meikle Troy , Jiang Katherine , Craciun Gheorghe , Dunham Maitreya J , Fox Catherine A
Published: March 2016

The ability of plasmids to propagate in Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been instrumental in defining eukaryotic chromosomal control elements. Stable propagation demands both plasmid replication, which requires a chromosomal replication origin (i.e., an ARS), and plasmid distribution to dividing cells, which requires either a chromosomal centromere for segregation or a plasmid-partitioning element. While our knowledge of yeast ARSs and centromeres is relatively advanced, we know less about chromosomal regions that can function as plasmid partitioning elements. The Rap1 protein-binding site (RAP1) present in transcriptional silencers and telomeres of budding yeast is a known plasmid-partitioning element that functions to anchor a plasmid to the inner nuclear membrane (INM), which in turn facilitates plasmid distribution to daughter cells. This Rap1-dependent INM-anchoring also has an important chromosomal role in higher-order chromosomal structures that enhance transcriptional silencing and telomere stability. Thus, plasmid partitioning can reflect fundamental features of chromosome structure and biology, yet a systematic screen for plasmid partitioning elements has not been reported. Here, we couple deep sequencing with competitive growth experiments of a plasmid library containing thousands of short ARS fragments to identify new plasmid partitioning elements. Competitive growth experiments were performed with libraries that differed only in terms of the presence or absence of a centromere. Comparisons of the behavior of ARS fragments in the two experiments allowed us to identify sequences that were likely to drive plasmid partitioning. In addition to the silencer RAP1 site, we identified 74 new putative plasmid-partitioning motifs predicted to act as binding sites for DNA binding proteins enriched for roles in negative regulation of gene expression and G2/M-phase associated biology. These data expand our knowledge of chromosomal elements that may function in plasmid partitioning and suggest underlying biological roles shared by such elements.
GENUS SALVIA – ECOSYSTEM FOR ISOLATION OF LACTIC ACID BACTERIA
Authors: Teneva-Angelova Tsvetanka , Beshkova Dora
Published: March 2016

In recent years there has been a trend of increased interest in lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from non-dairy sources due to their diverse metabolic profile and unique flavor-forming activities. This study presents the possibility of using microbial diversity of individual plant parts (flower, leaf and steam) of each species of the genus Salvia for isolation of LAB with new metabolic activities, suitable for their potential inclusion in starter cultures. After screening 800 microbial isolates derived from five species of the genus Salvia and subsequent multiple transfer and growth in selective media, 460 single bacterial colonies were isolated. The data from the required and confirmatory tests established that 56 single colonies showed phenotypic identity (Gram-positive, catalase-negative, oxidase-negative and indole-negative) with the group of LAB. All were classified as homofermentative cocci. 82.2% of the plant-derived lactobacteria synthesized L(+)-lactic acid, but a minor part (11.8%) synthesized both isomeric forms of lactic acid. Almost all isolates have a wide pH and temperature range as well as high halotolerance. Using genotype-based methods such as 16S rDNA sequencing, the plant-derived bacterial isolates were identified as: Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus casseliflavus, Enterococcus mundtii, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus.
PRELIMINARY STUDIES OF BENZOTHIAZOLE AND BENZOTRIAZOLE MICROBIOLOGICAL DEGRADATION BY ACTIVATED SLUDGE ISOLATES
Authors: Ziembińska-Buczyńska Aleksandra , Miczka Klaudia , Kowalska Katarzyna , Felis Ewa
Published: March 2016

Benzothiazoles (BTs) and benzotriazoles (BTAs) are aromatic heterocyclic compounds which have been detected in aquatic environment, soil and wastewater treatment plants. These compounds demonstrate toxicity towards activated sludge microorganisms, as well as towards higher organisms, thus they are regarded as a threat to biological wastewater treatment. Studies performed on activated sludge as a mixed culture show that the transformation of BTs and BTAs is possible, in some cases also biologically. In this experiment it was revealed that BTA is degraded more easily and more efficiently than BT by activated sludge isolates. The decrease in the concentration of these compounds was not drastic but none of the isolated cultures were enriched or prepared to such a process performance. As a confirmation of these studies the next step in the analysis should be the culture pre-treatment (such as enrichment) or cometabolic degradation together with a more easily degradable carbon source.
DIFFERENCES OF ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY SPECTRA AND PROPERTIES OF BACTERIOCINS, PRODUCED BY GEOBACILLUS SP. BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: Pranckutė Raminta , Kaunietis Arnoldas , Kananavičiūtė RÅ«ta , Lebedeva Jolanta , Kuisienė Nomeda , Šaleikienė Jordana , Čitavičius Donaldas
Published: March 2016

Ability of bacteriocins to inhibit pathogenic bacteria may depend on the environment inhabited by the producing strain. However, there are just few reports on bacteriocin-producing thermophilic bacteria from unconventional environments. Therefore, in this work we investigated differences in antibacterial activity spectra of microorganisms isolated from two different environments: the oil wells (first collection) and surface soil above the oil pools (second collection).
All strains were Gram-positive, rod-shaped, thermophilic and endospore forming bacteria. Using spot-on-lawn method we have demonstrated that strains from the second collection possess higher and broader antibacterial activity spectra than first collection strains. Furthermore, all strains were active against at least 1 of 19 tested pathogenic bacteria. Analysis of antibacterial compounds has shown that all of them were stable in broad temperature and pH ranges, sensitive to proteolytic enzymes, proving their proteonaceus nature. They were all secreted during the exponential growth phase and active against closely related thermophilic bacteria, which suggest that these substances are most likely bacteriocins. Most of the bacteriocins had molecular masses under 20 kDa. Plasmid isolation and elimination experiments suggest that bacteriocins are most likely chromosome-encoded.
Our results confirm the differences between antibacterial spectra of bacteriocins produced by bacterial strains isolated from different environmental niches.
ASPECTS OF EGGS QUALITY PROVIDED FROM FREE RANGE AND CONVENTIONAL SYSTEMS
Authors: Iuliana Nistor Cotfas Lucia , Albu Aida , Cătălina Nistor Andreea , Giorgi Usturoi Marius
Published: March 2016

Egg, is a complete food that plays a critical role in daily nutrition, irrespective of the trade vessels has been obtained. The aim of the current paper is to compare the chemical indicators and the microbial load of eggs from two operating systems for laying hens (EU approved battery and free range). Were taken in study 120 eggs from those two systems of rearing which 90 eggs we are making chemical analysis of albumen, yolk, and whole egg, and 30 eggs were stored in refrigerating conditions for microbiological indicators. Egg obtained from free range system have a slightly higher content of protein from albumen (10.36±0.12 % vs. 9.98±0.03 %) compared with conventional system, and a higher content of lipids of yolk with 2.24%. We determined the eggshell TNGMA by rapid method Tempo TVC and by content of egg with decimal dilutions and inoculation with Plate Count Agar. Following these determinations TNGMA on the eggshell recorded the highest level of contamination in eggs obtained from free range system 5.01 log cfu/eggshell, and the situation was available for TNGMA of egg contents 2.76 ± 0,58 cfu/g. Rearing in freedom of laying hens (free range) caused a qualitative improvement of dry components of both the egg components (yolk and albumen) but also the quantitative one, and eggs obtained has a high nutritional value, but hygiene and biosecurity are very important concepts, not only on the health of laying hens, but also in terms of consumer health, and eggs from alternative systems are high microbiological load than eggs from conventional systems.
EFFICACY OF SYMBIOSIS FORMATION BY PEA PLANTS WITH LOCAL WESTERN UKRAINIAN STRAINS OF RHIZOBIUM
Authors: Ya. Stambulskaa Ulyana , I. Lushchak Volodymyr
Published: March 2016

The chemotaxic activity and the effect of nodule bacteria strains, isolated from pea plants (Рisum sativum L.) in Western Ukraine, on legume-rhizobium symbiosis efficacy were studied. Two nodule strains were selected, RRL8 and RRL9, and their effects on the plants were compared to plants treated with the standard collection Rhizobium leguminosarum 245а strain. Sucrose, aspartic acid, serine, glycine, and valine were the most effective attractants for the selected bacteria strains among the various carbohydrates, organic acids and amino acids tested. Seeds inoculated with RRL8 and RRL9 isolates showed higher plant wet mass and number of nodules in comparison to controls and to plants inoculated with the 245a strain. The concentration of chlorophyll a at the budding stage in plants inoculated with the RRL9 strain was higher than that of control and 245a inoculated strain plants. Treatment of pea seeds by local and 245a strains did not affect the anthocyanin concentration in leaves over the whole ontogenesis period of the pea plants. At the stage of 4-5 leaves in pea plants inoculated with RRL8 and 245а strains starch content was lower than that in control. Maximum pea grain crop was observed in plants inoculated with the RRL8 bacterial strain. It can be concluded, that pea nodule bacteria form an effective legume-rhizobium symbiosis and use of the local strains gives an increase in harvest under local climatic and soil conditions, which are the natural ecological niche for those bacterial strains.
PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF HIGH POTENTIAL TYROSINASE FROM MACROFUNGI AND ITS APPLIANCE IN FOOD ENGINEERING
Authors: U. Zaidi Kamal , S. Ali Ayesha , A. Ali Sharique
Published: March 2016

Tyrosinase (EC1.14.18.1) was extracted from oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus, using 100 mM potassium phosphate buffer (pH 5.8) containing 1 mM of ethylenediaminetetra acetic acid. The enzyme was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, followed by Sephadex G-100 and diethylaminoethyl chromatography. The purified enzyme showed a specific activity of 46.4 U/mg with 20.3 % yield. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed single peptide chain with a molecular weight of 75 kDa. The enzyme has optimum activity on pH 6.0 at 35˚ C. The kinetics parameter with L-DOPA (3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine), with a KM of 0.119 mM and Vmax of 2.97 mM. Thus, purified tyrosinase from P.ostreatus showed similarities with other tyrosinase sources. The results indicate that P.ostreatus can be a novel and better source of tyrosinase extraction due to its higher specific activity. The information offered here should help food industry in developing and using potential tyrosinase desirable efficacy and safety, and for improving food quality.
ISOLATION AND PRELIMINARY SCREENING OF ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI OF RICINUS COMMUNIS FOR THEIR ANTIMICROBIAL POTENTIAL
Authors: Jain Pranay , Sharma Priyanka
Published: March 2016

The rapid increase in the antibiotic resistance among the microorganisms led to an everlasting need for new and improved antibiotics and nature serves as a vast source of antimicrobial agents. Present paper deals with the investigation of antimicrobial activity of endophytic fungal isolates obtained from the leaves, stem and beans of Ricinus communis plant against five Gram positive bacteria, two Gram negative bacteria and five fungal pathogens. Agar well diffusion method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of these endophytic fungi. A total of thirty three fungal isolates were obtained from different samples and majority of the isolates (31 out of 33) showed the antimicrobial activity against at least one of the pathogenic microorganisms. Nineteen isolates were found to exhibit broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. The results revealed that 15% endophytic fungal isolates showed antimicrobial activity against Alternaria solani and Bacillus megaterim, 21% against Bacillus subtilis and Candida glabrata, 33% against Candida tropicalis and C. albicans,72% against Escherichia coli, 3% against Fusarium graminearum, 27% against Pseudomonas fluorescens, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes and 15% showed bioactivity against Streptococcus mutans. Thus, the results clearly indicate the potential of endophytic fungi isolated from Ricinus communis in the production of pharmaceutical drugs.
THE IMPACT OF PROBIOTIC BACTERIUM Lactobacillus acidophilus IN GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF THE JUVENILE FRESH WATER RIVER PRAWN (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) INFECTED WITH PATHOGENIC Vibrio spp.
Authors: Khan Salahuddin , Mahmud Salma
Published: March 2016

The present study was performed to investigate the aptitude of Lactobacillus acidophilus 04 isolated from home made curd as a probiotic in treating the vibriosis of freshwater river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii). Both in vivo and in vitro analyses were performed to test their efficacy. The antagonistic effect of cell free extract obtained from L. acidophilus 04 biomass was tested against three pathogenic Vibrio spp. namely Vibrio harveyi, V. vulnificus and V. anguillarum using disk diffusion method. The result showed inhibitory effects of cell-free extract on all three Vibrio spp. A feeding experiment was conducted for a period of 30 days by incorporating L. acidophilus in shrimp feed in three experimental (T1,T2, T3) and one control groups. The result showed an increased gain in size and weight in experimental groups treated with L. acidophilus 04 compared to control group without any L. acidophilus 04 addition. The treatment groups were further challenged in vivo by inoculating shrimps with 104-106 cells of pathogenic Vibrio harveyi, V. vulnificus and V. anguillarum. The histopatholgical and microbiological analysis revealed significant variation (P
Pathogen-Specific Clustering of Nosocomial Blood Stream Infections in Very Preterm Infants
Authors: Reichert Felix , Piening Brar , Geffers Christine , Gastmeier Petra , Bührer Christoph , Schwab Frank
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Nosocomial infections in NICUs tend to cluster, sometimes as devastating outbreaks, but pathogen-specific transmission probabilities are unknown. We aimed to quantify the pathogen-specific risk of a blood stream infection (BSI) in preterm infants after an index case with that pathogen in the same department.

METHODS:

Data of 44 818 infants below 1500 g birth weight of the German NICU surveillance system (2000–2011) were used to calculate the probability of a BSI in the presence or absence of another infant in the same unit with a same-pathogen BSI.

RESULTS:

The relative risk was similar for the more common pathogens, Enterococcus spp (4.3; 95% confidence interval: 2.7–6.9; n = 243), Enterobacter spp (7.9, 5.4–11.4; n = 246), Escherichia coli (7.9; 5.1–12.1; n = 210), Candida albicans (8.7; 5.0–15.4; n = 138), Staphylococcus aureus (9.5; 7.6–12.1; n = 407) and Klebsiella spp (13.1; 9.0–19.1; n = 190) but markedly elevated for Serratia spp (77.5; 41.1–146.1; n = 58) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (64.5; 25.7–162.1; n = 38). Rates of BSI per 100 exposed infants ranged between 2.21 (Enterococcus) and 8.15 (Serratia). The same pattern emerged after adjustments were made for patients’ characteristics or when the analysis was restricted to positive blood cultures during the preceding 30 days.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although BSIs with P aeruginosa or Serratia spp in preterm infants are rare, they are associated with a markedly elevated risk of secondary same-pathogen BSI and should prompt intensified active surveillance and infection control measures.
CARACTERIZAÇÃO DA VIOLÊNCIA CONTRA MULHERES IDOSAS NO MUNICÍPIO DE VITÓRIA DA CONQUISTA/BA
Authors: Oliveira Mércia Mendonça , Reis Luciana Araújo dos , Oliveira Bruna Silva de
Published: March 2016

(Objetivo) caracterizar a violência contra mulheres idosas no município de Vitória da Conquista/BA. (Metodologia) trata-se de uma pesquisa de ordem quantitativa exploratória, realizada na Delegacia Especializada de Atendimento a Mulher/DEAM de Vitória da Conquista/BA no período de janeiro de 2012 a outubro de 2014, sendo incluído como amostra do estudo todas as mulheres idosas vítimas de violência no tempo definido para a coleta de dados do projeto. (Resultados) constatou-se no presente estudo que a média de idade das idosas avaliadas foi 69,45(±7,98) anos e que houve uma maior frequência de idosas com estado civil de casada (34,0%), com nível de escolaridade referente a não alfabetizada (44,3%) e com renda de 01 salário mínimo (65,1%). Em relação ao tipo de violência verificou-se que houve uma maior distribuição de violência psicológica (50,0%) e física (25,5%). (Conclusão) sendo mais comuns as agressões realizadas por filhos (35,8%) e noras (34,9%). Com base nos resultados verificou-se que os principais tipos de violência sofridos pelos idosos foram a psicológica e física, sendo os filhos e noras os principais agressores.
PREVENÇÃO DO CÂNCER DE COLO UTERINO: MOTIVOS QUE INFLUENCIAM A NÃO REALIZAÇÃO DO EXAME DE PAPANICOLAOU
Authors: Soares Santos Anna Cecilia , Dantas da Silva Varela Claudete
Published: March 2016

Tendo em vista que o câncer de colo uterino é uma das causas mais importantes de morbidade feminina no Brasil, um dos grandes desafios dos países em desenvolvimento é a ampliação dos programas de prevenção e detecção precoce. O câncer de colo de útero é uma neoplasia que apresenta elevada taxa de incidência e de mortalidade, passível de detecção precoce e de cura quando realizado diagnóstico em seu início. Vários são os fatores de risco que levam ao acometimento desse tipo de neoplasia, tendo o HPV como principal causa. Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever a importância do exame preventivo e os motivos que levam algumas mulheres a não realizarem o mesmo. Para a elaboração deste trabalho de revisão de literatura foram realizadas buscas em artigos científicos, livros e manuais que descrevessem o câncer, o exame preventivo, e a importância de sua realização para uma redução na incidência de novos casos. Os resultados mostram que a falta de adesão ao preventivo pela população feminina deve-se a fatores como o desconhecimento do câncer uterino, do exame e da sua realização, medo e vergonha e outros de ordem pessoal.
SITUAÇÃO EPIDEMIOLÓGICA DA COQUELUCHE EM SALVADOR - BAHIA NOS ANOS DE 2012 A 2014
Authors: Santos Ana Maria Cruz , Medeiros Kelly Cerqueira
Published: March 2016

O presente estudo objetivou descrever a situação epidemiológica da coqueluche no município de Salvador no estado da Bahia nos anos de 2012 a 2014. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo com abordagem quantitativa através da utilização de dados secundários disponíveis no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação do Ministério da Saúde. Os resultados apontam uma evidência elevada de notificações na primeira infância, com maior incidência nos primeiros meses de vida. Frente a esse cenário, o Ministério da Saúde ampliou o público alvo das campanhas de vacinação, incluindo a vacina tríplice acelular para gestantes, visando garantir proteção aos recém-nascidos até que completem o esquema básico de vacinação. Conclui-se que, além do reforço da manutenção de cobertura vacinal, é de suma importância a inclusão da coqueluche nos diagnósticos diferenciais de tosse prolongada, provendo tratamento precoce aos doentes e permitindo a adoção de medidas de controle capazes de prevenir a expansão da doença a indivíduos suscetíveis.
Brokenness / Transformation: Reflections on Academic Critiques of L'Arche
Authors: Burghardt Madeline
Published: March 2016

L'Arche, an international federation of communities for adults with intellectual disabilities, has been critiqued by disability studies scholars throughout its fifty-year history due to its religiosity, its apparent lack of a rigorous stance on the need to address policy concerning people with disabilities, its philosophy concerning disability's meanings, and features of its language and discourse.  I address these concerns as someone who is both an academic and a long-term member of a L'Arche community. While there is historically limited and uneasy interaction between these two communities, I suggest there is potential for mutual and worthwhile exchange from theoretical and practical perspectives.
The right to education: What is happening for disabled students in New Zealand?
Authors: Kearney Alison
Published: March 2016

New Zealand is a country of 4.2 million people with a record of meeting and often exceeding human rights standards, and of contributing to the development of international human rights treaties and covenants (New Zealand Human Rights Commission 2010). Despite this, exclusion both from and within education is a reality for some children from minority groups, and in particular, disabled students (Kearney, 2011; MacArthur, 2009; New Zealand Human Rights Commission, 2010). This paper examines disabled students' right to education in New Zealand, highlighting barriers to the realization of this right. Results from a survey of parents of disabled students who had been excluded and/or marginalized from school are reported and discussed in light of national and international literature.
Współpraca pomiędzy biznesem a organizacjami pozarządowymi na przykładzie województwa lubuskiego
Authors: Nieporowski Piotr
Published: March 2016

Non-governmental organisations in recent years have gained new possibilities to
realise their initiatives, thanks to the strong need among corporations to maintain
their socially-desired image, which translates into their greater openness towards
possible cooperation with the third sector. Several representatives of NGOs, utilising
the latest technological solutions, are improving both the extent of their influence
and its effectiveness. As multiple examples from Lubusz Voivodeship illustrate,
the strategy of cooperation between business and non-governmental organisations
can take on many forms, not necessarily based on financial support. Currently,
a bargaining chip in the case of both sides is their knowledge capital. Corporations
striving to maintain a positive image in the surroundings they function within are
more eager to support social initiatives, recognising in it a possible path to gaining
a competitive edge. In my article, I intend to reflect the specificity of the business/NGO
relation and its determinants on the basis of selected examples from Lubusz
Voivodeship. By analysing case studies, I will try to indicate the most common
mutual expectations and construct a vision of a “perfect partner”. The context of
analysing the quality of relations between business and NGO’s is social capital,
which is an important value determining its shape. This arises from the belief that
an organisation’s social capital has a meaningful impact on its attractiveness in the
eyes of a potential partner. In my paper I will also present the most recent data,
depicting the level of trust among the local community.
Are Private Military Firms The Answer To The Expanding Global Crisis?
Authors: Neil Benjamin A. , Neil, II Benjamin A.
Published: March 2016

The manuscript entitled Are Private Military Firms The Answer To The Expanding Global Crisis? was retracted on December 5, 2014. Please contact our office at Journals@CluteInstitute.com for more information.
Ethnic Entrepreneurship In OECD Countries: A Systematic Review Of Performance Determinants Of Ethnic Ventures
Authors: Legros Maxime , Karuranga Egide G. , Lebouc Marie-France , Mohiuddin Muhammad
Published: March 2016

This paper seeks to examine the evolution of determinants under scrutiny by academics publishing on performance of ethnic companies in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Using the systematic literature review method, we first provide a descriptive analysis of articles gathered, and then make an in-depth examination of the determinants focused on. A database of 40 papers published between 2002 and 2011 was collected the topic was precise enough to yield only a few articles from a wide range of journals. We provide a systemized summary of the current status of this body of work, examine areas where research is lacking, and explain why further study of the role of cultural and ethical values as determinants of ethnic entrepreneurship is critical.
Generalized Hyperbolic Distributions And Value-At-Risk Estimation For The South African Mining Index
Authors: Huang Chun-Kai , Chinhamu Knowledge , Huang Chun-Sung , Hammujuddy Jahvaid
Published: March 2016

South Africa is a cornucopia of mineral riches and the performance of its mining industry has significant impacts on the economy. Hence, an accurate distributional assumption of the underlying mining index returns is imperative for the forecasting and understanding of the financial market. In this paper, we propose three subclasses of the generalized hyperbolic distributions as appropriate models for the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Mining Index returns. These models are shown to outperform the traditional assumption of normality and accommodate for a number of stylized features, such as excess kurtosis and volatility clustering, embedded within the financial data. The models are compared using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) and log-likelihoods. In addition, Value-at-Risk (VaR) estimation and backtesting were also performed to test the extreme tails. The various criteria utilized suggest the generalized hyperbolic (GH) skew Students t-distribution as the most robust model for the South African Mining Index returns.
Shifting Economic Power In World Oil Markets
Authors: Akacem Mohammed , Gilliam Lynde
Published: March 2016

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has encountered rough times before, but never has its power over the world oil market been in question as it is today. Along with the global recession, and following the tragedy of September 11th, there has been a noticeable shift in the priorities and objectives of both OPEC and non-OPEC members. As a result, OPECs once dominant position in world oil markets appears to be weakening.
An Examination Of Organizational Citizenship Behavior In An Academic Setting From The Perspective Of The Five Factor Model
Authors: Broucek Willard G.
Published: March 2016

This paper examines the dispositional causes of student organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) in an academic setting by utilizing facets scales of the NEO-PI-R (Costa & McCrae, 1992) in addition to the five broad dimensions of the five factor model of personality. Different facet scales were significantly related to organizational citizenship and to student satisfaction. The strongest predictor of OCB was found to be warmth, a facet of extraversion. This finding supported the contention of Lepine, et al. (2002) that OCB can best be conceptualized as a latent construct measuring cooperativeness.
Quantum Montessori: Learn Without Learning
Authors: Selman Victor , Selman Ruth Corey , Selman Elsie , Selman Jerry
Published: March 2016

I think I can safely say that nobody under-stands Quantum MechanicsDo not keep saying to yourself, if you can possibly avoid it, How can it be like that? because you will go down the drain into a blind alley from which nobody has yet escaped. Nobody knows how it can be like that.
Closing the Gap: Proficiency vs. Perception
Authors: Easton Annette C. , Easton George
Published: March 2016

The gaps that exist between a students self-perceived computer skills, their actual computer skills, and the computer skills deemed important in business pose an interesting challenge for business schools, today, and for the foreseeable future. One strategy for managing these literacy gaps is developing curriculum that better tailors content to the evolving literacy of students. In an effort to operationalize this strategy, we have undertaken a study to measure the magnitude of the literacy gaps and the effectiveness of an introductory computer course required in our undergraduate business program. This paper presents the initial results of that study.
E-Business Performance Analysis: A Case Of A Slovenian e-Shop
Authors: Tekavcic Metka , Marc Mojca
Published: March 2016

This paper is part of our on-going work in the field of business performance analysis in e-environment. We put forward a framework that tries to link different aspects of performance analysis and to relate them to broader business environment on the one hand, and to the value of a company on the other. We illustrate the use of the proposed framework with a case study examining the Slovenian home-store company Merkur, which operates one of the best Slovenian on-line shops. The framework can also serve as a tool for an empirical analysis.
Proactive Customer Relationship Management In E-Commerce
Authors: Bodendorf Freimut , Robra-Bissantz Susanne , Weiser Bernd
Published: March 2016

By addressing customers individually and taking over selected tasks, push concepts allow suppliers to play a more active role in e-commerce and to improve their customer relationship management (CRM). An overview on nature, concepts and technical implementations of push concepts is given. The main characteristics of CRM and opportunities offered by concepts of mass customization are described. Special attention is paid to push concepts on relationship level, as this is particularly relevant for CRM. Different approaches to predict future needs of the customer and to derive individual offers are introduced. In the proposed concept, actively addressing customers leads to differentiation strategies at moderate costs. The advantages of integrating push concepts into CRM are summarized and classified in a final conclusion.
Extrinsic And Intrinsic Motivators Of Customer Participation In Compliance Dependent Services
Authors: White Tiffany Barnett , Taylor Gail Ayala , Dellande Stephanie
Published: March 2016

Research on customer participation has focused primarily on the customers participatory role in service creation during the face-to-face service exchange (Bateson 1989; Bowen 1986; Chase 1978; Kelley, Donnelly, and Skinner 1990; Lovelock and Young 1979; and Mills, Chase, and Margulies 1983) however customer involvement often extends beyond the face-to-face exchange. This is especially the case with compliance dependent services (CDS). CDS are services that require customer participation with his or her service delivery role while within the service organization and once away from the service facility to ensure goal attainment and customer satisfaction. Examples of CDS include dental care, weight loss programs, preventive auto maintenance, education, exercise programs, health care programs (diabetes, hypertension), prenatal care, long-term financial planning, debt management programs, and smoking cessation programs.In an early CDS study, Dellande (1999) found motivation to be the most important customer attribute in gaining customer compliance. In this research we further our understanding of the role of motivation by studying the impact of persuasive provider communication, an extrinsic customer motivator, on intrinsic customer compliance motivation. One important characteristic of persuasive messages that influences their effectiveness is how they are framed. Among other factors, effective persuasive messages require comprehension and retention, yielding and behavior in accordance with the message content (McGuire 1966). Specifically, existing research suggests that behavior is affected by the extent to which messages emphasize the potentially negative consequences of failing to engage in a given behavior relative to a message in which the possible beneficial (i.e., positive) consequences of engaging in that action are emphasized (Roberson and Rogers 1988, Tykocinski et. al, 1994). We explore this distinction in the dental compliance service context. We specifically examine how the manner in which written compliance-related communications are framed influences consumers intended compliance behaviors.
Observations On The Current Status Of Internationalizing The Accounting Curriculum: Catalog Evidence
Authors: Claypool Gregory A. , Wolf Fran M.
Published: March 2016

The last quarter century has witnessed the acceleration of the development of the global economy. This on-going development has caused profound changes in the way business is conducted and the skills needed by the executives leading this change. Recognizing the need to better prepare future corporate executives to function in this global environment, the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), as part of a revision of its accreditation standards, included a curriculum standard requiring business schools to address the international dimension of business. To aid business schools in addressing this standard, the AACSB joined with the Consortium for International Studies Education to produce resource guides in 1987 for the functional areas of accounting, finance, management, and marketing. The accounting guide described two approaches that could be used to address the internationalization of the accounting curriculum. The freestanding approach would use a stand-alone international accounting course. The infusion approach would integrate international topics within other accounting courses. This paper assesses the extent that the accounting curriculum has been internationalized by reference to evidence obtained from the catalogs of ninety-six universities with AACSB-accredited business programs. Thirty-seven of these programs showed no catalog disclosure of international content of their accounting courses. The remaining fifty-nine programs revealed international content in their accounting courses to varying degrees, as discussed in the body of the paper.
Enron And Continental Vending: A Comparison
Authors: Mano Ronald M. , Mouritsen Matthew L.
Published: March 2016

We have all heard it said that if we dont learn from history, we are condemned to repeat it. It appears that we, as the accounting profession, failed to learn from the Continental Vending case that occurred about four decades ago and thus repeated our mistakes in the Enron case. First, we will give a brief review of the basics of the Continental Vending case since few of us seem to remember it.
Competencies For Managing Unstructured Information In The Knowledge Evolution: A Rocky Mountain Regional Study Of CEO Perspectives
Authors: Schornack Gary R. , Beck Charles E.
Published: March 2016

For modern managers to remain competitive in the information age, they must capture and leverage knowledge. An Integrative Model of Knowledge Management can provide a way of visualizing the interrelated elements for an effective knowledge-management system. This original model builds on a Rhetorical Process Model of Communication, which considers both objective and subjective elements within human communication. In addition, it clarifies the purpose and method elements at the center for any effective knowledge system. Knowledge builds relationships among people who are willing to share what they know for the good of the organization. Organizations that fully develop the human potential of their people grow in economic value. Within the theoretical dimensions of the Model, this study incorporates the preliminary findings from interviews with 429 executives in the Rocky Mountain region.
Reevaluating Portfolio Diversification Benefits With New Multinational Indices
Authors: Meziani A. Seddik
Published: March 2016

This study reviews international diversification using new sets of global and regional indices of multinational companies. Contrary to previous studies, it can be demonstrated that U.S. investors can aspire to strategically balanced portfolios through positioning in these indices. On might think that, because U.S.- and European -based companies frequently dominate these indices this might lead to poor diversification benefits. After all, one could argue that policymakers from the U.S. and the other major economies are increasingly coordinating their macroeconomic decisions resulting in the same monetary and public policies that affect a portfolio of purely domestic firms. Our results, however, show that it is far from being the case.
Integrating Faculty Research Performance Evaluation And The Balanced Scorecard In AU Strategic Planning: A Collaborative Model
Authors: Ellington Fathi , Annand David
Published: March 2016

Quality of research is a core property that enables a university to gain and sustain credibility. The evaluation and measurement of this core property needs to include a wide range of critical factors. This paper suggests the use of the balanced scorecard (BSC) approach as a powerful tool to link faculty research activity to university strategic planning. Though widely embraced by the corporate sector, BSC has not been applied in the higher education sector of the economy, in part because of the lack of quantitative performance measures. This paper presents application of BSC to a Canadian university, including a quantified performance measurement system. The development of the system, its components, the intended outcomes, and the necessary characteristics that should enable BSC to be applied generally to any universitys overall strategic plan are described.