bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost-Effectiveness of Watchful Waiting in Acute Otitis Media
Authors: Sun Di , McCarthy T.J. , Liberman Danica B.
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND:

American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for acute otitis media (AOM) allow for children meeting certain criteria to undergo watchful waiting (WW). The cost-effectiveness of this policy has not been evaluated in the United States.

METHODS:

A retrospective review of a random selection of 250 patients ≤18 years old with AOM in the emergency department of a tertiary care children’s hospital was used to characterize current practice of AOM management. These data were incorporated into a decision-analytic cost-utility model comparing the cost-effectiveness of implementing WW to current practice. The primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) expressed in 2015 USD per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted from a societal perspective. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted.

RESULTS:

From this cohort, chart review confirmed 247 actually had AOM on physical examination. Of these, 231 (93.5%) were prescribed antibiotics, 7 (2.8%) underwent WW, and 9 (3.6%) were sent home without an antibiotic prescription. When American Academy of Pediatrics criteria for WW were applied to this population, 104 patients (42.1%) met conditions for immediate antibiotic prescription, and 143 patients (57.9%) qualified for WW. In our modeled scenario, for every 1000 patients with AOM, implementing WW yielded 514 fewer immediate antibiotic prescriptions and 205 fewer antibiotic prescriptions used, averting 14.3 DALYs, and saving $5573. The preferability of WW over current practice proved highly robust to sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSIONS:

WW for AOM management is cost-effective. Implementing WW may improve outcomes and reduce health care expenditures.
A cidade e a vida nervosa: o imaginário sobre as doenças mentais na Folha de S. Paulo
Authors: Ayres Gomes Denise Cristina , Ramos Roberto José
Published: March 2017

O artigo enfoca o imaginário urbano sobre as doenças mentais em nove matérias do jornal Folha de S. Paulo (FSP). Utilizamos a Sociologia Compreensiva de Michel Maffesoli (2010) e identificamos que o imaginário pós-moderno revela a saturação da identidade, o trágico (Maffesoli, 2003) e o corpo paroxístico. O jornalismo, como “tecnologia do imaginário” (Silva, 2012), tende a agregar as pessoas dispersas nas grandes cidades, onde o ritmo acelerado desencadeia a “saturação dos nervos” e requer novas formas de interação.
A influência política ao longo dos anos na televisão educativa piauiense
Authors: Alves Diego Lopes da Silva , Leal Ana Regina Barros Rêgo
Published: March 2017

Esta pesquisa organiza a narrativa da primeira televisão educativa do Piauí. Sua trajetória é marcada por interferências políticas, onde a cada mudança de gestão governamental, a emissora sofreu variações na estrutura organizacional e na produção de conteúdo. Partindo de tal consideração, a pesquisa, através de relatos de atores sociais, documentos oficiais e jornais da época, apresenta essa história e memória em cinco momentos: 1) TV Educativa do Piauí (1985-1987); 2) TV Antares (1987-1991); 3) TV Educativa do Piauí (1991-1995); 4) TV Piauí (1995-2003); 5) TV Antares (2003-atualidade). Dentre os resultados apontados, percebeu-se a falta de atributos que pudessem fundamentar uma identidade da emissora e o uso desta como meio de promoção política. Paralelamente, a TV produziu conteúdo com as finalidades culturais e educativas previstas em sua concessão.
HUBUNGAN ANTARA BAHAN ORGANIK, TEKSTUR TANAH, DAN KERAGAMAN MAKROBENTOS DI KAWASAN TAMBAK DAN MANGROVE
Authors: Pirzan Andi Marsambuana , Gunarto Gunarto , Daud Rohama , Burhanuddin Burhanuddin
Published: March 2017

Penelitian dilakukan di kawasan tambak dan mangrove Kelurahan Bebanga (Ahuni, Kampung Baru) Kecamatan Kalukku, Kabupaten Mamuju, Sulawesi Barat. Tujuan plnelitian ini adalah menelaah perbedaan jumlah individu, indeks keragaman jenis, indeks dominansi, dan indeks keseragaman makrobentos serta hubungannya dengan kandungan bahan organik dan tekstur(kandungan debu) tanah.
KARAKTERISTIK PARAMETER POPULASI IKAN SIRO (Amblygaster sirm, GLUPEIDAE) DAN MODEL TERAPAN BEVERTON DAN HOLT DI LAUT NATUNA DAN SEKITARNYA
Authors: Atmaja Suherman Banon , Nugroho Duto
Published: March 2017

Pengumpulan data dari kegiatan penelitian sumber daya perikanan pelagis kecil di Laut Natuna dan sekitarnya telah dilaksanakan selama periode 1997-1999. Data bobot dan frekuensi panjang ikandikumpulkan dari hasil tangkapan kapal pukat cincin yang melakukan penangkapan komersial atas berbagai jenis ikan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan rata-rata ukuran ikan yang tertangkap lebih menggambarkan struktur populasi yang berada di daerah penangkapan daripada selektivitas jaring pukat cincin.
Soil susceptibility to compaction under use conditions in southern Brazil
Authors: Mazurana Michael , Levien Renato , Inda Junior Alberto Vasconcellos , Conte Osmar , Bressani Luiz Antônio , Müller Jonatan
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT The degree of soil compaction is intensified by its inadequate management, compaction being variable depending on soil type since even under identical management conditions, different types have different abilities to withstand load. The objective of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility to compaction of different classes of soils under no-tillage (NT) croping system compared to the original condition. Thus, i) soils with the same source material have distinct resistance to compression with increased NT adoption time; ii) the most sensitive indicators of this change are the ratios mass:volume and volume:volume and; iii) there is a relationship between resistance and compaction susceptibility with the amount and type of oxide. Soil samples were collected in areas under NT and under natural condition in order to assess the impact imposed by the NT on the attributes density and porosity, precompression stress and compressibility index and relate them to the oxide type of, and content in, the soils under study. The results show that the density and macroporosity were those most affected by the NT agricultural use, regardless of soil type, that is, its dynamic is related more to soil use and less to mineralogical characteristics. The soil resistance and compaction susceptibility were higher in soil developed in basalt, followed by those developed in sandstone and granite. Both the organic matter content and type and concentration of iron oxides were related to the soil resistance and susceptibility to compaction.
Can Lorentz transformations be determined by the null Michelson-Morley result?
Authors: Lima J. A. S. , Sasse Fernando D.
Published: March 2017

The so-called principle of relativity is able to fix a general coordinate transformation which differs from the standard Lorentzian form only by an unknown speed which cannot in principle be identified with the light speed. Based on a reanalysis of the Michelson-Morley experiment using this extended transformation we show that such unknown speed is analytically determined regardless of the Maxwell equations and conceptual issues related to synchronization procedures, time and causality definitions. Such a result demonstrates in a pedagogical manner that the constancy of the speed of light does not need to be assumed as a basic postulate of the special relativity theory since it can be directly deduced from an optical experiment in combination with the principle of relativity. The approach presented here provides a simple and insightful derivation of the Lorentz transformations appropriated for an introductory special relativity theory course.
Parameters sensitivities for sustainable urban infrastructure
Authors: Weaver Eric R. R. , Nachabe Mahmood H.
Published: March 2017

Low-impact development (LID) is an important infrastructure method for improving urban drainage through stormwater best management practices. The parameterisation sensitivities for LID techniques are provided for the current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Stormwater Management Model (SWMM). This was completed with the measured LID quantity data from over a 10-year data sample that included pervious pavements and infiltration swales in a commercial area. Critical parameter sensitivities were analysed using the recently released EPA SWMM version 5.1.011. Computational results provide SWMM users a range of acceptable parameter values to simulate these best management practices, to design future LIDs, and other urban green areas to reduce stormwater run-off impacts. This analysis demonstrated sensitivity relationships of key parameters allowing engineers, designers and planners to simulate sustainable urban infrastructure at other locations.
Effectiveness of externally bonded FRP systems in strengthening of RC structures in seismic areas
Authors: Kaptan Kubilay
Published: March 2017

This study concerns the use of externally bonded fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) materials in the restoration of existing buildings. The first part of the paper reports on the results of an experimental programme developed by the author and aimed at evaluating the cyclic response of previously damaged reinforced-concrete (RC) specimens repaired using carbon-FRP reinforcements. The test results showed that the adopted reinforcing systems were capable of giving repaired specimens a significant increase in strength and deformation capacity as compared with undamaged specimens tested without external reinforcement (control specimens). A remarkable degradation of stiffness was observed in the repaired specimens. In order to evaluate the influence of the presence of damaged columns, inelastic dynamic analysis of spatial structures was performed. The numerical results obtained indicate better seismic performance of structures containing repaired elements when compared with corresponding structures comprising undamaged members.
Briefing: Disruptive socio-technical solutions to drive re-visualisation of water service provision
Authors: Caffoor Issy , Speight Vanessa , Boxall Joby
Published: March 2017

The UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council has launched a £4 million, 5-year grand challenge multi-disciplinary research consortium (Twenty65) to achieve sustainable clean water for all through the development and demonstration of disruptive socio-technical solutions. The aim of this transformative research is to drive re-visualisation of water service provision and revolutionise the way innovation is delivered in the water sector. This briefing introduces concepts of disruptive innovation that could lead to a new paradigm for water service provision.
Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Intrarenal Renin-Angiotensin System: An Update
Authors: Yang Tianxin , Xu Chuanming
Published: March 2017

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has a pivotal role in the maintenance of extracellular volume homeostasis and blood pressure through complex mechanisms. Apart from the well known systemic RAS, occurrence of a local RAS has been documented in multiple tissues, including the kidney. A large body of recent evidence from pharmacologic and genetic studies, particularly those using various transgenic approaches to manipulate intrarenal levels of RAS components, has established the important role of intrarenal RAS in hypertension. Recent studies have also begun to unravel the molecular mechanisms that govern intrarenal RAS activity. This local system is under the control of complex regulatory networks consisting of positive regulators of (pro)renin receptor, Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and PGE2/PGE2 receptor EP4 subtype, and negative regulators of Klotho, vitamin D receptor, and liver X receptors. This review highlights recent advances in defining the regulation and function of intrarenal RAS as a unique entity separate from systemic angiotensin II generation.
A Study of Structural Relationships among Importance Attributes, Satisfaction and Behavior Intention for Bicycle Tourism
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Yoon Yoo-Shik , Kim Ki-Hyun
Published: March 2017

This study examined the interrelationships among the importance attributes of bicycle tourism in terms of satisfaction and behavior intention. Previously, there had been no focus on Bicycle Tourism that affected local tourism development. This research has shown that bicycle tourism provided different tourism experiences and activities. Furthermore, local communities expected to have more bicycle tourists who would be willing to visit local travel places. Empirical data were collected along bike paths in the regions of Yang Pyeong and Gyeonggi-do using an on-line survey. A total of 301 questionnaires were analyzed using a Structural Equation Model (SEM). The result of the study is as follows: Products, contents, accommodation, community, and infra factors influenced bicycle travel satisfaction and loyalty both directly and indirectly. More detailed theoretical and practical implications were discussed in the conclusion.
Effects of Online Reviews by Travel Destinations on Travel Information Acceptance:From the Construal Level Theory Perspective
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Cho Yeon-Hee , Lee Ye-Jin , Yoon Ji-Hwan
Published: March 2017

Since travel products are hard to judge beforehand, online reviews have become one of the most representative sources of getting travel information. This study investigates effects between the social distance of online review providers and the spatial distance of the travel destination. This is achieved by adapting construal level theory to the consumers’ travel decision-making process. For the experiment, we setup an information source with close social distance (Facebook friends) and an information source with far social distance (Blogger). In the findings, consumers show higher trust and visit intention rates when they gain travel information from close friends than when they gain the information from strangers. Also, they reveal higher trust and visit intention toward the eWOM of Facebook friend rather than the Blogger’s when spatial distance compared with travel destination is close. However, no difference is found between a Blogger and Facebook friend when the spatial distance between travel destinations is far. This study will be an aid to diverse stakeholders of travel companies and it sets a new criterion for consumers. The study also suggests effective marketing strategies with its information sources.
Meta-analysis of Advertising Effectiveness for Travel Agencies in South Korea: Estimating the Size of the Summary Effect
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Choi In-Mook
Published: March 2017

This study initially attempted to estimate the size of advertising effectiveness of travel agencies through systemic reviews, specifically by using a meta-analysis. The related articles, associated with the keywords “travel agency” and “advertisement”, discussed 17 studies based on the screening process. This was followed by an application of PRISMA group guidelines, and the materials were listed or listed in candidate journals of the Korea Citation Index (KCI) from 1996 to 2015. Data obtained from the results of the studies were transferred into Cohen's d values for the current analysis. Consequently, the summary effect of advertising effectiveness for travel agencies in South Korea was estimated to be 23% (0.23). In addition, ranges with a 95% confidence interval (CI) from the lower to the upper bounds varied from the least value of 15% (0.15) to the greatest of 30% (0.30). In order to estimate the different effects, a random-effect model was conducted due to heterogeneous attributes of the outcomes from the materials. A rank correlation test was carried out for publication bias and to satisfy the symmetrical distribution (k=17). The study suggested that the estimated 23% refers to a possibly enhanced level of involvement through advertising methods for changing customer attitudes toward intentions to buy more decisively.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES IN THE TEXTILE WORKS TO ACQUIRE KNOWLEDGE IN HOUSEKEEPING AND TECHNOLOGY LESSONS
Authors: Zarembo Liene
Published: March 2017

Topic in today's education task - to teach the public to think and act sustainable. Schools are organized with the objective that the pupils develop their personality as an independent, functionally autonomous and creative person on their own responsibility. Sustainable-minded personality is a personality that is aesthetically, morally and intellectually developed. The personal itself is able to create new values to change the society and the surrounding environment.The aim of the paper: to analyse the principles of sustainable development and to realise practical research using the ecological principles of sustainable development in the textile technologies. The object of research - learning process in Housekeeping and technology lessons. The research provides information about sustainable development and its principles. In the second part of research has been studied the possible use on the different textile technologies. The article presents the model of using ecological principles in the textile technologies in the Housekeeping and technology lessons. Practical research has been conducted at Rezekne Academy of Technologies, in the professional bachelor study program „Teacher”, study module: Housekeeping / household and basics of business economics teacher”. The material was approbated in the course „Textile techniques synthesis” during the period from March 2016 to June 2016.
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE LEARNING IN THE MODERN CONTEXT
Authors: Ročāne Maija , Samuseviča Alīda
Published: March 2017

Since the individual effectiveness of one’s action has been proposed as one of the main demands of modern society, competence has become a crucial element for evaluating an individual. In the period of change created by the reforms of the educational system, it is important from a pedagogical viewpoint to provide students with relevant information and to promote their knowledge. And yet, it is even more important to teach students how to think, analyze and act as well as how to take responsibility and reach their goals. However, if the information within the content of education is not relevant to the realities that we face as well as the challenges of our time, if it does not promote the necessary competences and the school does not teach civic responsibility, then the actions of adolescents may not be civically responsible in the future. The publication characterizes the possibilities for modern adolescents to discover and to develop their social competence through the pedagogical process. Their social competence is the basis for their actions in the future and their actions will shape the future local, national and global events. The data that was acquired in this research confirms the necessity for a civically responsible education as well as the possible ways to achieve a civically responsible education through the focused implementation of the method- debating in the classes of the English language. The basis of value and the self-regulating expressions of responsibility, acquired through the learning of competences, are motivating the student to act with social responsibility that is directed towards him/herself, towards others and towards the entire society.
Analysis of roller bearing cages
Authors: Kohar Robert , Krzysiak Zbigniew , Lukac Michal , Brumercik Frantisek
Published: March 2017

The aim of this paper is to detail the creation of a roller bearing model with flexible body cages in the Adams program suite for subsequent dynamic analysis and to obtain information about kinematic and dynamic relationships of steel and plastic cages under various operating conditions. The bearing model was made to closely resemble its real-life counterpart, which allows us to estimate load conditions, dynamic conditions of individual bearing parts and interactions between them.
Hypercalcemia in advanced cases of carcinoma breast: hospital based study
Authors: Almas Arifa
Published: March 2017

Background: Hypercalcemia due to cancer is an indicator of poor prognosis, and has been often found to be associated with the disseminated form of disease. Present study describes the serum and urinary calcium levels among the advanced cases of carcinoma breast with respect to stage of disease, presence of osseous metastases and also before and after treatment. It is a hospital based study done at Government Medical College, Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh state of India.Methods: The present hospital-based and descriptive study was done at the Surgery Department of Government Medical College at Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, India. 50 patients with confirmed breast cancer diagnosis were enrolled in the study. Serum calcium was estimated by Clark and Collip’s method. Urinary calcium was estimated by Sulkowitch method. Serum and urinary calcium levels were compared with respect to stage of disease, presence of osseous metastases and also before and after treatment.Results: Out of 50 cases, raised level of serum calcium and positive urinary calcium was observed in all except 2 cases of stage II disease. Serum calcium levels were found to be higher in stage III and stage IV disease and the differences were found to be statistically significant. Serum calcium level was slightly more raised in cases with osseous metastasis (mean 14.4 mg%) in comparison with cases with non-osseous metastasis (mean 13.3 mg%) however, the difference was statistically not significant. Follow up data after treatment was available for 34 cases. After treatment, reduction in serum and urinary calcium levels was noted in all stages of disease and the decrease in serum calcium levels in stage III and stage IV disease was found to be statistically significant.Conclusions: Hypercalcemia was noticed in almost all cases of advanced carcinoma breast and the serum calcium levels were significantly higher in stage III and stage IV of the disease. There was a significant decrease in serum calcium levels after treatment of the disease which was predominantly surgical treatment alone or in combination with radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
Testicular appendage torsion managed non-operatively
Authors: Nyandowe Masimba , Egedovo Alfred
Published: March 2017

Background: Acute testicular pain is one of the commonest reasons of testicular exploration. Testicular appendage torsion is one of conditions presenting with testicular pain. If the diagnosis is certain this can be managed conservatively. Operative management is reserved for those patients in whom non-operative management fails. The objective of this study was to ascertain the success of conservative management.Methods: The medical records of thirty-four consecutive patients who were diagnosed with testicular appendage torsion, were managed non-operatively and satisfied the inclusion criteria were retrospectively analysed.  Results: The average age of patients was 16.3 years. 94% of the patients were successfully managed non-operatively. Pain not controlled by analgesia was the main reason for representing to the emergency department. All patients were discharged from any further follow up by day 9.Conclusions: Where the diagnosis of testicular appendage torsion is confidently made, non-operative management is a viable option. Larger studies are required to confirm these findings.
A study on antibiotic prescription among the hospitalized pediatric patients at a referral center in Puducherry, India
Authors: Gopal M. Bala , Thiyagarajan P. , Venugopal Vinayagamoorthy , Kumar Venkata Naveen
Published: March 2017

Background: Antimicrobial resistance has reached to a significant proportion globally. This antimicrobial resistance increases the cost of health care in addition to the existing burden of the prevalence of infectious disease in developing countries. We need to have institutional protocols based on the standard guidelines. It is important for the clinician to use antibiotics only when it is necessary. The aim of the study was to analyze the rationality of the antibiotics used among the hospitalized children in the referral centre located in the rural area, to evaluate the pattern of antibiotics prescribed among the hospitalized children and to find out the factors associated with the usage of antibiotics among them.  Methods: Analytical, cross sectional study was performed on all patients admitted to the inpatient pediatric medical service at a referral centre situated in the rural part of the Puducherry, India during the period from July 2015 to June 2016. Results: 959 children were included in our study.607 children belong to less than 5 years of age group. Overall 60% of the children have received either oral or parenteral antibiotics. Based on the categorization of children as per the final clinical diagnosis children requiring antibiotic, can be used and not required are 13% (125), 38.6% (370) and 48.4% (464) respectively. Respiratory, gastrointestinal and systemic infectious diseases were the major group of cases admitted in our centre. Antibiotic use in respiratory and systemic infectious disease were maximum with 248 (70.1%) and 179 (71.6%) respectively. Among the antibiotics cephalosporin, penicillin group and azithromycin constitute more than 90% of the antibiotics prescribed cases.Conclusions: Overuse of antibiotic is universal and seen in both developed and developing countries. This increases the cost of treatment and increases the chances of microbial resistance. As per the W.H.O. recommendations surveillance system is required in all the hospitals to assess the antibiotic use and to monitor the prevalence of microbial resistance.
Acute acalculous cholecystitis in dengue fever patients
Authors: Chandey Manish , Kaur Harjot , Kaur Sukhjeet
Published: March 2017

Background: Dengue fever is an acute febrile illness characterized by frontal headache, retro ocular pain, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting and rash. Frequent sonographic findings in a case of dengue include thickened gall bladder with pericholecystitic fluid, ascites, spleenomegaly and pleural effusion which is commonly right sided.Methods: 540 patients of confirmed dengue fever were subjected to ultrasonography abdomen to find the incidence of acalculous cholecystitis for diagnostic and prognostic significance.Results: Acalculous cholecystitis was detected in 210 patients (38.88%) of confirmed dengue fever. Patients developing acalculous cholecystitis recovered with conservative treatment only though the hospital stay was prolonged in these patients.Conclusions: In dengue fever patients, acute acalculous cholecystitis is not uncommon and is usually self-limiting and resolves with conservative management only. Role of ultrasonography has a supporting role in dengue fever for prognostic and diagnostic significance.
Socio-economic characteristics and its relationship with information seeking pattern of dairy farmers in Tamilnadu, India
Authors: Gopi R. , Narmatha* N. , Sakthivel K.M. , Uma V. , Jothilakshmi M.
Published: March 2017

Livestock plays a significant role in the rural economy of Tamil Nadu. Every rural household is associated with livestock. The present study was endeavored to know about the profile of dairy farmers and its association with information dynamics. The study was conducted in Villupuram and Salem districts representing two diverse agro climatic zones of Tamil Nadu. The results of the study revealed that 76.67 per cent of the respondents belonged to old and middle aged categories, 45.00 per cent belonged to illiterate, 78.33 per cent and 21.67 per cent of the respondents had agriculture and dairying as their primary occupation respectively. Most of the respondents (70.83 per cent) belonged to nuclear family. More than half (64.16 per cent) of the respondents had high dairy farming experience. Nearly three-fourth (73.30 per cent) had medium livestock possession and 74.16 per cent adopted innovations after seeing the results of adoption by other farmers. Less than half (40.00 per cent) of the respondents had membership in one organisation and belonged to cosmopoliteness category.
Salmeterol, a Long‐Acting β2‐Adrenergic Receptor Agonist, Inhibits Macrophage Activation by Lipopolysaccharide From Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Sharma Monika , Patterson Lindsay , Chapman Elisha , Flood Patrick M.
Published: March 2017

Background: Salmeterol is a long‐acting β2‐adrenergic receptor agonist used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The authors of the current study previously showed that preincubation of primary microglial‐enriched cells with salmeterol could inhibit the inflammatory response induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a Toll‐like receptor (TLR)‐4 agonist. In this study, the authors sought to determine if salmeterol had a similar inhibitory effect on the inflammatory response of the murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 and human monocyte THP‐1 to LPS from Porphyromonas gingivalis (PgLPS), an oral microbe implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.

Methods: RAW264.7 and THP‐1 cells were pretreated with salmeterol, followed by PgLPS, and monitored for production of inflammatory mediators by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The nitric oxide concentration and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) activity were measured by Griess method and secretory alkaline phosphatase reporter activity assay, respectively. Reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot analysis were used to measure messenger RNA and protein levels. Nuclear translocation of NF‐κB was detected by immunofluorescence.

Results: Pretreatment with salmeterol significantly inhibited production of proinflammatory mediators by RAW264.7 and THP‐1 cells. Salmeterol downregulated PgLPS‐mediated phosphorylation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase but not p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Salmeterol also attenuated activation of NF‐κB via inhibition of nuclear translocation of p65‐NFκB, the transcriptional activity of NF‐κB and IκBα phosphorylation.

Conclusion: Salmeterol can significantly inhibit activation of macrophage‐mediated inflammation by PgLPS, suggesting that use of salmeterol may be an effective treatment in inhibiting or lessening the inflammatory response mediated through TLR pathway activation.
Towards a Rural Sustainable Development? Contributions of the EAFRD 2007-2013 in Low Demographic Density Territories. The case of Extremadura (SW Spain)
Authors: Cárdenas Alonso Gema , Nieto Masot Ana
Published: March 2017

The European Commission has been striving to achieve sustainable development in its rural areas for more than 25 years through funds aimed at modernizing the agricultural and forestry sectors, protecting the environment and improving the quality of life. But is sustainable rural development really being accomplished? This study sets out to answer this question in the case of Extremadura, a Spanish territory with Low Demographic Density and a Gross Domestic Product still below 75 % of the European average. Both qualitative and quantitative methodology have been employed, using a Principal Component Analysis the result of which has provided us with a model which shows how various behaviors coexist in the region in view of the distribution of current funding from the EAFRD. The most dynamic areas have received the largest amounts of funding and these are linked to the agricultural sector and to the protection of the environment, leaving aside the more depressed areas and the implementation of the LEADER Approach as well. Therefore, we have come to the conclusion that the current rural development in Extremadura is not sustainable enough.
Comparison of coagulation, ozone and ferrate treatment processes for color, COD and toxicity removal from complex textile wastewater
Authors: Malik Sameena N. , Ghosh Prakash C. , Vaidya Atul N. , Waindeskar Vishal , Das Sera , Mudliar Sandeep N.
Published: March 2017

In this study, the comparative performance of coagulation, ozone, coagulation + ozone + coagulation and potassium ferrate processes to remove chemical oxygen demand (COD), color, and toxicity from a highly polluted textile wastewater were evaluated. Experimental results showed that ferrate alone had no effect on COD, color and toxicity removal. Whereas, in combination with FeSO4, it has shown the highest removal efficiency of 96.5%, 83% and 75% for respective parameters at the optimal dose of 40 mgL−1 + 3 ml FeSO4 (1 M) in comparison with other processes. A seed germination test using seeds of Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) also indicated that ferrate was more effective in removing toxicity from contaminated textile wastewater. Potassium ferrate also produces less sludge with maximum contaminant removal, thereby making the process more economically feasible. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis also shows the cleavage of the chromophore group and degradation of textile wastewater during chemical and oxidation treatment processes.
Flotation separation of strontium via phosphate precipitation
Authors: Thanh Luong H. V. , Liu J. C.
Published: March 2017

Flotation separation of strontium (Sr) from wastewater via phosphate precipitation was investigated. While 37.33% of Sr precipitated at highly alkaline pH in the absence of PO43−, it completely precipitated as Sr3(PO4)2 at a molar ratio ([PO43−]:[Sr2+]) of 0.62 at a lower pH value. The presence of Ca2+ hindered Sr precipitation, yet it could be overcome by increasing the PO43− dose. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was a better collector for dispersed air flotation of Sr3(PO4)2 than cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, or mixed collector systems of SDS and saponin. The highest separation efficiency of 97.5% was achieved at an SDS dose of 40 mg/L. The main mechanism in the precipitate flotation is adsorption of anionic SDS on the positively charged surface of colloidal Sr3(PO4)2 via electrostatic interaction. SDS enhanced the aggregation of Sr3(PO4)2 precipitates as the size increased from 1.65 to 28.0 μm, which was beneficial to separation as well.
Fast Swelling Superabsorbent Hydrogels Starch Based Prepared by Gamma Radiation Techniques
Authors: Erizal Erizal , Perkasa Dian Pribadi , Abbas Basril , Sudirman Sudirman , G.S. Sulistioso
Published: March 2017

Fast swelling hydrogels were synthesized from the mixture of acrylamide (AAM)-acrylic acid (AA)-starch (15:5:1 w/v) solution by radiation crosslinking with varying irradiation doses (7.5-12.5 kGy) at room temperature. The copolymers were characterizated by Fourier transform infra red spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It was found that hydrogels showed superabsorbent properties with higher swelling capacities (~400 g/g) and reached at a very short time (3 min). There was no significance difference between the effect irradiation dose on swelling of hydrogels. The hydrogels were also found to sensitive to the ionic strength of medium. The FTIR spectra and thermogram DSC of hydrogels were confirmed the crosslinking occurs in the hydrogels.
Phosphonate Modified Silica for Adsorption of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II)
Authors: Widjonarko Dian Maruto , Jumina Jumina , Kartini Indriana , Nuryono Nuryono
Published: March 2017

A new phosphonate modified silica (PMS) has been investigated for adsorption of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) in aqueous solution. The adsorbent was modified of silica by immobilizing aminoethyl dihydrogen phosphate (AEPH2) on 1,4-dibromobutane grafted silica. The physicochemical of the adsorbent was investigated using Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), and N2 gas adsorption/desorption. The adsorption study was carried out in a batch system by mixing solution of metal ions at various pHs, contact times, and initial metal ion concentrations. The unadsorbed metals were determined by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (FAAS). Result of characterization showed that PMS has been successfully prepared. The product contained 45.99% (w/w) silica and 1.33% (w/w) phosphorous with surface area, pore volume, and pore size of 115.3 m2g-1; 0.7578 mLg-1; and 131.44 Å, respectively. Adsorption of metal ions on PMS occurred quite fast, less than 30 min. Modification of phosphonate on silica increased the adsorption capability, up to 8 times higher than that of unmodified silica, depending on metal ion type and pH solution. The capacity order of the metals adsorption was Cu(II)>Co(II)>Ni(II)>Zn(II). Based on the adsorption characteristic, the adsorbent is promising to be applied as a material for solid phase extraction of transition metal ions.
Synthesis of Pb(II) Imprinted Carboxymethyl Chitosan and the Application as Sorbent for Pb(II) Ion
Authors: Masykur Abu , Santosa Sri Juari , Siswanta Dwi , Jumina Jumina
Published: March 2017

The aims of this research is to synthesize Pb(II) imprinted polymers with carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) as polymers and bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) as cross-linker (Pb-IIP). Chitosan (CTS), non imprinted polymer (NIP) and Pb-IIP were characterized using infrared (IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface area analyzer (SAA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The result showed that the adsorption was optimum at pH 5 and contact time of 250 min. Adsorption of Pb(II) ion with all of adsorbents followed pseudo-second order kinetic equation. Adsorption of Pb(II) ion on CTS followed Freundlich isotherm while that on NIP and Pb-IIP followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The adsorbent of Pb-IIP give higher capacity than the NIP and CTS. Adsorption capacity of Pb-IIP, NIP and CTS were 167.1, 128.9 and 76.1 mg/g, respectively. NIP gave higher adsorption selectivity for Pb(II)/Ni(II) and Pb(II)/Cu(II), whereas Pb-IIP showed higher adsorption selectivity for Pb(II)/Cd(II).The hydrogen bonding dominated interaction between Pb(II) ion on NIP and Pb-IIP.
Antibacterial Activity of Germacrane Type Sesquiterpenes from Curcuma heyneana Rhizomes
Authors: Diastuti Hartiwi , Syah Yana Maolana , Juliawaty Lia Dewi , Singgih Marlia
Published: March 2017

The isolation of terpenoids from C. heyneana rhizomes and their antibacterial activity have been conducted. The terpenoids were isolated by using vacuum liquid chromatography and radial chromatography. The structures of the compounds were determined based on spectroscopic data (1H-NMR, 13C-NMR (1D and 2D)). The antibacterial activity was carried out by using microdilution method and evaluated against eight bacteria. Three germacrane type sesquiterpenes have been isolated from C. heyneana rhizhomes and were identified as germacrone, dehydrocurdione, and 1(10),4(5)-diepoxygermacrone. Germacrone showed highest antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa with MIC values of 15.6 µg/mL and MBC values 31.2 µg/mL. Dehydrocurdione showed highest antibacterial activity against B. subtilis with MIC values of 31.2 µg/mL and MBC values of 31.2 µg/mL. However, 1(10),4(5)-diepoxygermacrone showed a weak antibacterial activity.
Inhibition Kinetics of Sida rhombifolia L. Extract Toward Xanthine Oxidase by Electrochemical Method
Authors: Iswantini Dyah , Yulian Muammar , Mulijani Sri , Trivadila Trivadila
Published: March 2017

Sida rhombifolia L. is a traditional medicinal plant that has been known with potential as antigout. The previous research suggested that flavonoids crude extract of S. rhombifolia had an inhibitory activity toward xanthine oxidase by 71% and a spectrophotometric measurement showed that the type of flavonoids crude extract inhibition was a competitive inhibition. The purpose of the research was to investigate the type of inhibition kinetic of S. Rhombifolia’s ethanol extract by electrochemical method and to compare the measurements of linearity and sensitivity between spectrophotometric and electrochemical methods. The results showed that the yield of S. Rhombifolia’s ethanol extract was 9.82% with the inhibitory activity ranging from 13.64% to 82.69% (5.00-200 mg L-1) and IC50 value was 91.15±5.74 mg L-1. Allopurinol as a control showed the inhibitory activity of 15.26-70.95% (0.10-4.00 mg L-1) and IC50 value was 2.45±2.21 mg L-1. Inhibition kinetics of the ethanol extract caused a KM increase and unchange of VMAX. Based on the data, the type of inhibition kinetics was a competitive inhibition, with an inhibitor affinity (α) value of 3.18. Linearity of xanthine oxidase activity assay by electrochemical and spectrophotometric methods showed the range of 0.01-1.00 mM (R2 = 0.978) and 0.05-0.70 mM (R2 = 0.977) respectively. The sensitivity of electrochemical method was reported higher (0.95 μA mM-1) than the spectrophotometric method (0.007 min-1).
POLYMERIC BIOMATERIALS FILM BASED ON POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) AND FISH SCALE COLLAGEN BY REPETITIVE FREEZE-THAW CYCLES FOLLOWED BY GAMMA IRRADIATION
Authors: Perkasa Dian Pribadi , Erizal Erizal , Abbas Basril
Published: March 2017

The polymeric biomaterial film based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and fish collagen of Lates calcarifer scale were synthesized by three times freeze-thaw cycles followed by gamma irradiation at varied doses of 0, 10, 20, and 30 kGy respectively. Characteristic of PVA/collagen film as effect of constituting polymers and cross linking methods were investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Universal Testing Machine (UTM), and Chroma Mater. Its gel fraction and swelling kinetic were determined by gravimetry. The result showed that IR spectra of controlled and irradiated film demonstrated characteristic vibration bands of both constituting materials. The DSC analysis revealed that gamma irradiation induced interaction between PVA and collagen at molecular level. Improvement of tensile properties by gamma irradiation was observed on tensile strength at 30 kGy with p < 0.05. Gamma irradiation also significantly (p < 0.05) increased yellowness of PVA/collagen film, reduced swelling kinetic, and increased gel fraction of films.
PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BIOSURFACTANT BY Pseudomonas fluorescens USING CASSAVA FLOUR WASTEWATER AS MEDIA
Authors: Suryanti Venty , Marliyana Soerya Dewi , Handayani Desi Suci , Ratnaningrum Desi
Published: March 2017

Biosurfactant with efficient emulsification properties could be produced by Pseudomonas flourescens using cassava flour wastewater (manipueira) as media. The ability of P. flourescens to produce biosurfactant could suggest potential use in industrial and environmental applications. Media containing a mixture of natural manipueira and nutrient broth with 48 h fermentation was the optimum condition for the biosurfactant production. Based on UV-Vis and FT-IR spectra, the biosurfactant was indicated as rhamnolipids containing hydroxyl, ester, carboxylic and aliphatic carbon chain functional groups. Biosurfactant exhibited critical micelle concentration (CMC) value of 715 mg/L and reduced the surface tension of the water from 80 mN/m to 59 mN/m. The biosurfactant was able to decrease the interfacial tension about 51-70% when benzyl chloride, palm oil and kerosene were used as water-immiscible compounds. The biosurfactant was able to form stable emulsion until 30 days when paraffin, soybean oil, lubricant oil and kerosene were used as water-immiscible compounds.
EXTENDING THE LIFE TIME OF POLYMER INCLUSION MEMBRANE CONTAINING COPOLY(EUGENOL-DVB) AS CARRIER FOR PHENOL TRANSPORT
Authors: Kiswandono Agung Abadi , Siswanta Dwi , Aprilita Nurul Hidayat , Santosa Sri Juari , Hayashita Takashi
Published: March 2017

A study of phenol transport was conducted in correlation to the evaluation of copoly(eugenol-divinylbenzene, DVB) as carrier using polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) method. The performance of copoly(eugenol-DVB) was observed based on the parameters of Membrane Liquid (ML) loss. Some variations, including the effect of plasticizer concentration, stirring speed, and measurement of lifetime of the membrane, were studied. Related to the lifetime, the effect of the concentration of NaNO3 salt was also studied. The tensile strength of membrane before and after the transport was measured and their morphology was characterized using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope). Results of the study indicate that the value of the tensile strength of the membrane after the transport was lower than that before the transport. The lifetime of the membrane was not only depending on the capacity of the membrane in restraining ML loss, but also on the concentration of salt that was added to the solution of source phase. In addition, the lifetime of the membrane had correlation to the number of ML loss, i.e. the addition of salt lead to lower amount of ML loss and gave longer lifetime. With the addition of 0.1 M NaNO3, the lifetime of the membrane extended to 62 days, which is longer than the lifetime without the addition of NaO3 which was only 7 days.
CONVERSION OF THE LOW QUALITY INDONESIAN NATURALLY-OCCURRING MINERALS INTO SELECTIVE TYPE OF ZEOLITES BY SEED-ASSISTED SYNTHESIS METHOD
Authors: Mukti Rino R. , Wustoni Shofarul , Wahyudi Agus , Ismunandar Ismunandar
Published: March 2017

An X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that Indonesian naturally-occurring mineral from Nanggung, Bogor shows to be a low quality product as it does not seem to contain any zeolite materials. As located in the volcanic area, Indonesia essentially has abundant source of natural zeolites and the country has put much efforts on these treasured materials for export commodity. In order to bring the local natural mineral into high value and to discover whether the mineral has at least zeolitic fragments, we have implemented seed-assisted synthesis to see the possibility of growing zeolite and turn this mineral into high quality. In principle, once the mineral has zeolitic fragment or nuclei, recrystallization of the mineral may occur. By utilizing this mineral as seed in aluminosilicate mother solution, selective mordenite-type (MOR) zeolite can be obtained after hydrothermal treatment. Characterization by XRD showed that this MOR zeolite has high crystallinity and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) depicted the crystal morphology. The natural mineral is conclusively essential for the formation of MOR zeolite by seeding the aluminosilicate mother solution. In the absence of aluminosilicate mother solution, natural mineral can be recrystallized into selective analcime-type (ANA) zeolite. MOR zeolite is known to be useful for several applications such as catalysis whereas ANA zeolite has been considered to be less potential due to relatively small microporosity.
EFFECT OF CRUDE PALM OIL PROTECTION WITH FORMALDEHYDE ON HYDROGENATION OF RUMEN FLUID UNSATURATED FATTY ACID: ITS EFFECT ON BLOOD AND MEAT FATTY ACID
Authors: Tiven Nafly C. , Yusiati Lies Mira , Rusman Rusman , Santoso Umar
Published: March 2017

This research aimed to determine the effect of crude palm oil protected with formaldehyde on the hydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids in the rumen and its effect on blood and meat fatty acids. Fifteenth local male lambs aged 9-12 months weighing 14-17 kg, were divided into 3 groups ration treatment. The first group received only the basal ration (R0), the 2nd group received the basal ration and 3% CPO (R1), while the 3rd group received the basal ration and 3% CPO protected with 2% formaldehyde (R2). Basal feed consisted of 60% grass, 30% bran and 10% soybean meal, with the nutrient content of 62.98% TDN, 45.5% DM, 14.48% CP, 4.70% EE and 21.93% CF. Parameters observed were the fatty acid from rumen fluid, blood and meat of sheep. Data were analyzed by complete randomized design direction patterns. Differences between treatments were tested further using Duncan's New Multiple Range Test. The results showed that treatment of R2 can increase unsaturated fatty acids in the rumen, blood and meat (P