bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Moringa oleifera leaf on the efficiency to increase protein supply to ruminants
Authors: Karim RA , Amin MR , Moniruzzaman M , Sarker MB , Kabir AKMA
Published: May 2015

Moringa oleifera leaf was investigated for nutritional quality, presence of tannins and its activity using polyethyelene glycol (PEG) and in vitro study of protein degradation in the rumen. The antibiotic growth promoter (AGP), Monensin was used as an external control to compare with the degradation of Moringa leaves. The different forms of tannin content in Moringa leaves were very negligible. Total phenol, total tannin, condensed tannin and hydrolysable tannin contents of Moringa leaves were 3.92±0.42, 1.19±0.14, 0.57±0.06 and 0.07±0.02 mg/g, respectively. The in vitro gas production, organic matter digestibility (OMD%) and metabolizable energy (ME) content of Moringa leaves were 54.39 ml, 77.44% and 11.14 MJ/kgDM, respectively. There were no significant differences in gas production, in vitro OMD% and ME content in the presence of tannin binding agent PEG. These results indicated that the different forms of tannin present in Moringa leaves are not active tannins, therefore, feeding Moringa leaves are safe for the ruminant animals. The kinetic study of in vitro gas production with Moringa leaves and Monensin showed almost similar results and there was no significant difference among them but higher values were found in the control indicated that Moringa leaves have the ability to inhibit the breakdown of protein in the rumen as of Monensin. On the contrary, soluble protein concentration was increased 182% with the addition of Moringa leaves compared to control and the values were almost close (213%) with Monensin during the 12h incubation period. The pellet protein concentration was also increased (119%) with Moringa leaves and Monensin (115%) compared to control although there was no significant difference between them. Therefore, it can be concluded from the present findings that feeding Moringa leaves appeared to be an alternative source of protein and are safe for ruminant animals. Moringa leaves have been shown to alter favorably ruminal protein fermentation characteristics thus spare protein by a decreased breakdown/deamination of protein/amino acids that functions as of Monensin.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v44i1.23142              Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2014. 44 (1): 46-51
Effect of dietary formic acid as replacement of streptomycin on growth and nutrient digestibility in broiler
Authors: Ndelekwute EK , Afolabi KD , Uzegbu HO , Essien EB
Published: May 2015

An eight week feeding trial was carried out to compare the effect of antibiotic growth promoter (streptomycin) (AGP) and formic acid (FA) on growth and nutrient digestibility in broiler. A number of 150 day old (Hubbard strain) birds were allocated in 05 dietary groups viz. control, control with 0.02% AGP, control with 0.25% FA, control with 0.50% FA, control with 0.75% FA. Each group was replicated thrice having 10 birds and the birds were fed diet and water ad libitum for 8 weeks. Apparent digestibility of nutrients was determined at the end of the experiment. A significantly (p<0.05) reduced feed intake, improved feed: gain ratio and protein utilization were obtained for starter broilers fed 0.02% AGP, 0.5% FA and 0.75% FA. During finisher phase, AGP and 0.5% FA performed better in live weight, feed conversion ratio and protein utilization. Streptomycin and all the levels of FA resulted to better protein and ether extract digestibility. It may be suggested to use 0.50% FA in the diet of broilers in place of antibiotics.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v44i1.23146              Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2014. 44 (1): 69-74
Preliminary phytochemical screening and evaluation of hypoglycemic properties of the root extract of Uveria chamae
Authors: Emeka Emordi Jonathan , Oluwatoyin Agbaje Esther , Adekunle Oreagba Ibrahim , Ignis Iribhogbe Osede
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the hypoglycaemic properties and preliminary phytochemical screening of Uveria chamae. The hypoglycaemic properties of Uveria chamae was assessed on normoglycaemic rat that received single dose of the extract at 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight and blood glucose levels estimated at 2, 4, and 6 hours (single dose study). The hypoglycaemic property of the extract was also evaluated in normoglycemic rats by oral glucose tolerance test. Phytochemical screening of the extract for the presence of secondary metabolites was performed with standard methods. The extract showed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in blood glucose levels at 2h and 6h compared to control.  The oral glucose tolerance test  result also showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in blood glucose levels . The study showed that the extract, Uveria chamae has hypoglycaemic properties which may be accounted for by the presence of the phytochemicals.

 
Studies of in vitro anti-prostate cancer potential of newer 1,2,4-triazolo-1,3,4-thiadiazines with different heteroaromatics
Authors: Fan Mao-Chuan , Han Guang-Ye , Zhang Xin-Jun , Xi Hui-Fang
Published: May 2015

This study was aimed to evaluate anticancer potential of newer synthesize 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazines and its derivatives. All newly furnished scaffolds were subjected to screening for their in vitro anticancer potential against DU-145 and PC-3 prostate cancer cell lines using SRB and MMT bioassays. The structures of final compounds were confirmed with the aid of FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR spectroscopy and CHN analysis. Bioassay studies suggested that all thiadiazines were promising cytotoxic agents with % cytotoxicity ranging from 44.39-71.24%, whereas potent GI50 level in the range 11.96-32.51 µg/mL and results were comparable to the potencies of control drugs adriamycin and doxorubicin. Variation of heterocyclic pharmacophores along with the C-5 position of 1,2,4-triazole in terms of quinoline, quinazoline, coumarin and pyridine lead to the different SAR predictions in which quinoline and benzimidazole moieties found most promising.

 
In vitro antioxidant, antifungal and cytotoxic activity of methanolic extract of Calligonum polygonoides
Authors: Khan Arif , Khan Rahmat Ali , Ahmed Mushtaq , Mushtaq Nadia
Published: May 2015

Present study is aimed at the pharmacological characterization of methanol extract of Calligonum polygonoides from District Bannu. Dried plant was grounded and extracted with methanol to prepare methanol crud extract. In vitro biological assays were conducted using this methanolic extract according to standard protocol. Cytotoxic activity of plant methanolic extract against brine shrimps while antifungal activity was also measured.  Eighty percent death rate of brine shrimp was observed at 1,000 μg/mL of plant extract. 70 ± 0.0% growth inhibition of Aspergillus niger was measured during the present study. Significant scavenging results were observed during scavenging of free radicles viz; 78.1% against DPPH, 83.1% to ABTS and 36% against superoxide at 500 μg/mL were obtained. The results obtained in this study indicate that C. polygonoides possess significant antioxidant, antifungal and cytotoxic bioactive compounds.
Decolourization of Novacron Blue and Novacron Super Black Azo Dyes by Bacillus spp Isolated from Textile Effluents in Bangladesh
Authors: Mahbub K. R. , Morium B. , Ahmed M. M. , Akond M. A. , Andrews S.
Published: May 2015

Effluents containing azo dyes from textile and dyeing industries cause serious pollution to aquatic environments. In this study, azo dye decolourization potential of five bacterial isolates was examined in different physicochemical conditions such as pH, temperature and glucose concentrations. Based on biochemical characteristics the isolates were identified as Bacillus badius (isolate A3 and A4) and Bacillus sphaericus (isolate A5, B8, C5). These bacteria showed decolourization of two experimental azo dyes, Novacron Blue and Novacron Super Black at different temperatures, pH and glucose concentrations up to 92% after 72 h of incubation. Decolourization increased with time and temperature. Neutral to alkaline pH with increased concentration of glucose facilitated dye removal. The maximum decolourization (92%) of experimental dyes was observed at 35°C, pH 7-8 with 2% glucose. Bacillus badius demonstrated better decolourization.
Efficacy of prednisolone for children with acute bronchiolitis having family history of atopy: A randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Mollah Md Abid Hossain , Hasan Khondokar Jahirul , Rahman M Ekhlasur , Rahman Shegufta
Published: May 2015

Objective : To determine the efficacy of oral prednisolone among children with acute bronchiolitis who have associated family history of atopy.Materials and Methods : This randomized double blind placebo controlled trial was carried out in Dhaka Medical College Hospital during July08 to June10. A total of sixty patients (1-24 months) of acute bronchiolitis who had family history of atopy (e.g. allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, asthma, eczema) were enrolled. After enrollment, allocation of either prednisolone or placebo to the study subjects were done randomly by lottery method and the researcher remained blind about the allocation. Finally 30 cases received prednisoloneorally at a dose of 2mg/kg/day 8 hourly for 3 consecutive days and 30 cases received placebo (made of flour). In addition, both the groups got same supportive measures. During intervention, study subjects were monitored by Modified Respiratory Distress Assessment Instrument (MRDAI) score twice daily for consecutive 3 days. Duration of oxygen therapy as well as length of hospital stay was also determined. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests and a p value of <0.05 was considered significant.Results : The respiratory rate, accessory muscle use and auscultatory finding scores were significantly declined in Prednisolone group than the placebo group (p<.05). However, cyanosis score though declined in both groups, the difference was not significant (p>.05). Mean duration of oxygen therapy needed in Prednisolone group was significantly lesser than the placebo group (13.7 vs 24.1 hours; P<.01). Similarly, the length of hospital stay was shorter in prednisolone group than in placebo group (3.3 vs 4.6days; p<.01).Conclusions : Three days of oral prednisolone therapy along with supportive measures was found to be significantly useful among children with acute bronchiolitis having family history of atopy in terms of clinical recovery, oxygen requirement and duration of hospital stayNorthern International Medical College Journal Vol.6(1) 2014: 9-11
Pattern of congenital heart diseases among clinically diagnosed Downs syndrome children
Authors: Munsi Abu Sayed , Hussain Manzoor , Rima Rezoana , Biswas Robi , Mahmud Salahuddin , Sayeed Abu
Published: May 2015

Background : Downs syndrome (DS) is the commonest genetic cause of malformation with congenital heart defects.Objectives : This study was conducted to evaluate the frequency of various congenital heart defects in children with clinically diagnosed Downs syndrome in Dhaka Shishu Hospital.Material & Methods : This prospective study was conducted at Pediatric cardiology department of Dhaka Shishu Hospital from 1st February 2013 to 31st January 2014. Admitted Seventy four phenotypically Downs syndrome patients were included in this study. After taking detailed history and physical examination, all these patients were subjected to Color Doppler echocardiography in addition to routine laboratory investigations.Results : Total 74 downs Syndrome patients were admitted at cardiology department during the study period. Among them 35 (47.29%) were males and 39 (52.71%)were females with male to female ratio of 1:1.12. Atrioventricular septal defect was the commonest defect 15(20.27%), followed by Ventricular septal defect 12(16.21%), Patent ductus arteriosus 11(14.86%), Atrial septal defect 7(9.46%), Tetralogy of Fallots 3(4.05%), Pentology of Fallots 2(2.70%), Dextrocardia with D _ TGA 1(1.35%), Total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage 1(1.35%) but Multiple congenital heart disease were 22(29.72%) cases. Along with congenital heart disease 3(4.05%) patients had GIT abnormality, 4(5.4%) patient had congenital hypothyroidism and 3(4.05%) patients had Eye problem.Conclusion : Congenital heart defects are common in children with Downs syndrome. The commonest one is Atrioventricular septal defect in our set-up.Northern International Medical College Journal Vol.6(1) 2014: 18-20
The perceived impression of public on genetic engineering
Authors: Islam Saba , Islam Saad
Published: May 2015

Genetic engineering (GE) - also known as genetic modification (GM), is the direct manipulation of an organism's genome using biotechnology. The field of genetic engineering deals with different kinds of alterations done on plants, animals and microorganisms and it has many applications in different sectors such as medicine, research, industry and agriculture. As GM plays an important role on food and agriculture, treatment of hereditary diseases, waste decomposition - all of which affects our lives, it concerns the geneticists and the general people alike.Objectives: The perceived impression of the mass population on Genetic engineering and analyzing how much it is accepted in todays society.Methodology: This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted from July to December 2013. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the concerned public around the world by using the site http://kwiksurveys.com/. [Link to this survey Results: Globally 67 people took the survey through web site and all of the participants were above 18 years of age and consisted of people who had little (53.73%) or no knowledge on GE (2.99%) and also people who were aware (31.34%) or had a deep knowledge (11.94%) of it. In this study 32.35% of people found the modification of genes Unethical but necessary and 30.88% of people found it Ethical and very useful. This showed that the majority of the people had accepted GE. When used for a good cause GE is morally acceptable to people (73.13%)Conclusion: This research has provided us a brief idea about the mental mental attitude or psychology of the respondents regarding the acceptance of GE in the society. This study showed that majority of the people belief GE will be beneficial some are still against it.Northern International Medical College Journal Vol.6(1) 2014: 32-35
Collisional-Radiative Modeling of Tungsten at Temperatures of 1200–2400 eV
Authors: Colgan James , Fontes Christopher , Zhang Honglin , Abdallah Joseph
Published: May 2015

We discuss new collisional-radiative modeling calculations of tungsten at moderate temperatures of 1200 to 2400 eV. Such plasma conditions are relevant to ongoing experimental work at ASDEX Upgrade and are expected to be relevant for ITER. Our calculations are made using the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) collisional-radiative modeling ATOMIC code. These calculations formed part of a submission to the recent NLTE-8 workshop that was held in November 2013. This series of workshops provides a forum for detailed comparison of plasma and spectral quantities from NLTE collisional-radiative modeling codes. We focus on the LANL ATOMIC calculations for tungsten that were submitted to the NLTE-8 workshop and discuss different models that were constructed to predict the tungsten emission. In particular, we discuss comparisons between semi-relativistic configuration-average and fully relativistic configuration-average calculations. We also present semi-relativistic calculations that include fine-structure detail, and discuss the difficult problem of ensuring completeness with respect to the number of configurations included in a CR calculation.
The Optimization of the Oiling Bath Cosmetic Composition Containing Rapeseed Phospholipids and Grapeseed Oil by the Full Factorial Design
Authors: Górecki Michał , Kurek-Górecka Anna , Sosada Marian , Pasker Beata , Pająk Monika , Fraś Paweł
Published: May 2015

The proper condition of hydrolipid mantle and the stratum corneum intercellular matrix determines effective protection against transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Some chemicals, improper use of cosmetics, poor hygiene, old age and some diseases causes disorder in the mentioned structures and leads to TEWL increase. The aim of this study was to obtain the optimal formulation composition of an oiling bath cosmetic based on rapeseed phospholipids and vegetable oil with high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. In this work, the composition of oiling bath form was calculated and the degree of oil dispersion after mixing the bath preparation with water was selected as the objective function in the optimizing procedure. The full factorial design 23 in the study was used. The concentrations of rapeseed lecithin ethanol soluble fraction (LESF), alcohol (E) and non-ionic emulsifier (P) were optimized. Based on the calculations from our results, the optimal composition of oiling bath cosmetic was: L (LESF) 5.0 g, E (anhydrous ethanol) 20.0 g and P (Polysorbate 85) 1.5 g. The optimization procedure used in the study allowed to obtain the oiling bath cosmetic which gives above 60% higher emulsion dispersion degree 5.001 × 10−5 cm−1 compared to the initial formulation composition with the 3.096 × 10−5 cm−1.
A Novel Risk Metric for Staff Turnover in a Software Project Based on Information Entropy
Authors: Jiang Rong
Published: May 2015

Staff turnover in a software project is a significant risk that can result in project failure. Despite the urgency of this issue, however, relevant studies are limited and are mostly qualitative; quantitative studies are extremely rare. This paper proposes a novel risk metric for staff turnover in a software project based on the information entropy theory. To address the gaps of existing studies, five aspects are considered, namely, staff turnover probability, turnover type, staff level, software project complexity, and staff order degree. This paper develops a method of calculating staff turnover risk probability in a software project based on the field, equity, and goal congruence theories. The proposed method prevents the probability of subjective estimation. It is more objective and comprehensive and superior than existing research. This paper not only presents a detailed operable model, but also theoretically demonstrates the scientificity and rationality of the research. The case study performed in this study indicates that the approach is reasonable, effective, and feasible.
Nitrogen Removal Characteristics of a Newly Isolated Indigenous Aerobic Denitrifier from Oligotrophic Drinking Water Reservoir, Zoogloea sp. N299
Authors: Huang Ting-Lin , Zhou Shi-Lei , Zhang Hai-Han , Bai Shi-Yuan , He Xiu-Xiu , Yang Xiao
Published: May 2015

Nitrogen is considered to be one of the most widespread pollutants leading to eutrophication of freshwater ecosystems, especially in drinking water reservoirs. In this study, an oligotrophic aerobic denitrifier was isolated from drinking water reservoir sediment. Nitrogen removal performance was explored. The strain was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis as Zoogloea sp. N299. This species exhibits a periplasmic nitrate reductase gene (napA). Its specific growth rate was 0.22 h−1. Obvious denitrification and perfect nitrogen removal performances occurred when cultured in nitrate and nitrite mediums, at rates of 75.53% ± 1.69% and 58.65% ± 0.61%, respectively. The ammonia removal rate reached 44.12% ± 1.61% in ammonia medium. Zoogloea sp. N299 was inoculated into sterilized and unsterilized reservoir source waters with a dissolved oxygen level of 5–9 mg/L, pH 8–9, and C/N 1.14:1. The total nitrogen removal rate reached 46.41% ± 3.17% (sterilized) and 44.88% ± 4.31% (unsterilized). The cell optical density suggested the strain could survive in oligotrophic drinking water reservoir water conditions and perform nitrogen removal. Sodium acetate was the most favorable carbon source for nitrogen removal by strain N299 (p < 0.05). High C/N was beneficial for nitrate reduction (p < 0.05). The nitrate removal efficiencies showed no significant differences among the tested inoculums dosage (p > 0.05). Furthermore, strain N299 could efficiently remove nitrate at neutral and slightly alkaline and low temperature conditions. These results, therefore, demonstrate that Zoogloea sp. N299 has high removal characteristics, and can be used as a nitrogen removal microbial inoculum with simultaneous aerobic nitrification and denitrification in a micro-polluted reservoir water ecosystem.
Histomorphometric Evaluation of the Small Coronary Arteries in Rats Exposed to Industrial Noise
Authors: Lousinha Ana , Antunes Eduardo , Borrecho Gonçalo , Oliveira Maria , Brito José , Santos José
Published: May 2015

Morphological changes induced by industrial noise (IN) have been experimentally observed in several organs. Histological observations of the coronary arteries showed prominent perivascular tissue and fibrosis among IN-exposed rats. The effects on the small arteries are unknown. Objective: To evaluate the histomorphometric changes induced by IN on rat heart small arteries. Methods: Twenty Wistar rats exposed to IN during a maximum period of seven months and 20 age-matched controls were studied. Hearts were transversely sectioned from ventricular apex to atria and a mid-ventricular fragment was selected for analysis. The histological images were obtained with an optical microscope using 400× magnifications. A total of 634 arterial vessels (298 IN-exposed and 336 controls) were selected. The mean lumen-to-vessel wall (L/W) and mean vessel wall-to-perivascular tissue (W/P) ratios were calculated using image J software. Results: There were no differences between exposed and control animals in their L/W ratios (p = 0.687) and time variations in this ratio were non-significant (p = 0.110). In contrast, exposed animals showed lower W/P ratios than control animals (p < 0.001), with significant time variations (p = 0.004). Conclusions: Industrial noise induced an increase in the perivascular tissue of rat small coronary arteries, with significant development of periarterial fibrosis.
Analysis of Scholarly Communication Activities in Buddhism and Buddhist Studies
Authors: Magnone Edoardo
Published: May 2015

There is little knowledge regarding the exchange of academic information on religious contexts. The objective of this informational study was to perform an overall analysis of all Buddhism-related communications collected in the Web of Science (WoS) from 1993 to 2011. The studied informational parameters include the growth in number of the scholarly communications, as well as the language-, document-, subject category-, source-, country-, and organization-wise distribution of the communications. A total of 5407 scholarly communications in this field of study were published in the selected time range. The most preferred WoS subject category was Asian Studies with 1773 communications (22.81%), followed by Religion with 1425 communications (18.33%) and Philosophy with 680 communications (8.75%). The journal with the highest mean number of citations is Numen: International Review for the History of Religions—with 2.09 citations in average per communication. The United States was the top productive country with 2159 communications (50%), where Harvard University topped the list of organization with 85 communications (12%).
Bore-Sight Calibration of Multiple Laser Range Finders for Kinematic 3D Laser Scanning Systems
Authors: Jung Jaehoon , Kim Jeonghyun , Yoon Sanghyun , Kim Sangmin , Cho Hyoungsig , Kim Changjae , Heo Joon
Published: May 2015

The Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technique has been used for autonomous navigation of mobile systems; now, its applications have been extended to 3D data acquisition of indoor environments. In order to reconstruct 3D scenes of indoor space, the kinematic 3D laser scanning system, developed herein, carries three laser range finders (LRFs): one is mounted horizontally for system-position correction and the other two are mounted vertically to collect 3D point-cloud data of the surrounding environment along the system’s trajectory. However, the kinematic laser scanning results can be impaired by errors resulting from sensor misalignment. In the present study, the bore-sight calibration of multiple LRF sensors was performed using a specially designed double-deck calibration facility, which is composed of two half-circle-shaped aluminum frames. Moreover, in order to automatically achieve point-to-point correspondences between a scan point and the target center, a V-shaped target was designed as well. The bore-sight calibration parameters were estimated by a constrained least squares method, which iteratively minimizes the weighted sum of squares of residuals while constraining some highly-correlated parameters. The calibration performance was analyzed by means of a correlation matrix. After calibration, the visual inspection of mapped data and residual calculation confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed calibration approach.
WSN- and IOT-Based Smart Homes and Their Extension to Smart Buildings
Authors: Ghayvat Hemant , Mukhopadhyay Subhas , Gui Xiang , Suryadevara Nagender
Published: May 2015

Our research approach is to design and develop reliable, efficient, flexible, economical, real-time and realistic wellness sensor networks for smart home systems. The heterogeneous sensor and actuator nodes based on wireless networking technologies are deployed into the home environment. These nodes generate real-time data related to the object usage and movement inside the home, to forecast the wellness of an individual. Here, wellness stands for how efficiently someone stays fit in the home environment and performs his or her daily routine in order to live a long and healthy life. We initiate the research with the development of the smart home approach and implement it in different home conditions (different houses) to monitor the activity of an inhabitant for wellness detection. Additionally, our research extends the smart home system to smart buildings and models the design issues related to the smart building environment; these design issues are linked with system performance and reliability. This research paper also discusses and illustrates the possible mitigation to handle the ISM band interference and attenuation losses without compromising optimum system performance.
Fabrication and Robotization of Ultrasensitive Plasmonic Nanosensors for Molecule Detection with Raman Scattering
Authors: Xu Xiaobin , Kim Kwanoh , Liu Chao , Fan Donglei
Published: May 2015

In this work, we introduce the history and mechanisms of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), discuss various techniques for fabrication of state-of-the-art SERS substrates, and review recent work on robotizing plasmonic nanoparticles, especially, the efforts we made on fabrication, characterization, and robotization of Raman nanosensors by design. Our nanosensors, consisting of tri-layer nanocapsule structures, are ultrasensitive, well reproducible, and can be robotized by either electric or magnetic tweezers. Three applications using such SERS nanosensors were demonstrated, including location predictable detection, single-cell bioanalysis, and tunable molecule release and monitoring. The integration of SERS and nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS) devices is innovative in both device concept and fabrication, and could potentially inspire a new device scheme for various bio-relevant applications.
Weakly nucleophilic potassium aryltrifluoroborates in palladium-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura reactions: relative reactivity of K[4-RC6F4BF3] and the role of silver-assistance in acceleration of transmetallation
Authors: Bardin Vadim V , Shabalin Anton Yu , Adonin Nicolay Yu
Published: May 2015

Small differences in the reactivity of weakly nucleophilic potassium aryltrifluoroborates are revealed in the silver-assisted Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling of K[4-RC6F4BF3] (R = H, Bu, MeO, EtO, PrO, iPrO, BuO, t-BuO, CH2=CHCH2O, PhCH2O, PhCH2CH2O, PhO, F, pyrazol-1-yl, pyrrol-1-yl, and indol-1-yl) with ArX (4-BrC6H4CH3, 4-IC6H4F and 3-IC6H4F). An assumed role of silver(I) compounds AgmY (Y = O, NO3, SO4, BF4, F) consists in polarization of the Pd–X bond in neutral complex ArPdLnX with the generation of the related transition state or formation of [ArPdLn][XAgmY] with a highly electrophilic cation and subsequent transmetallation with the weakly nucleophilic borate. Efficiency of AgmY as a polarizing agent decreases in order Ag2O > AgNO3 ≈ Ag2SO4 > Ag[BF4] > AgF. No clear correlation between the reactivity of K[4-RC6F4BF3] and substituent electron parameters, σI and σR°, of the aryl group 4-RC6F4 was found.
The FDA-Approved Drug Irbesartan Inhibits HBV-Infection in HepG2 Cells Stably Expressing Sodium Taurocholate Co-Transporting Polypeptide
Authors: Ko Chunkyu , Park Woo-Jin , Park Sanghyun , Kim Seungtaek , Windisch Marc P , Ryu Wang-Shick
Published: May 2015

Background

Little is known about the early steps of the HBV life cycle due to the lack of susceptible cells permissive for viral infection. Hence, viral entry has not been exploited for antiviral targets, but the recent seminal discovery of sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP) as the cellular receptor for HBV entry opened up many avenues of investigation, making HBV entry amenable to therapeutic intervention.

Methods

In order to exploit HBV entry, we established a HepG2-NTCP cell line that supports HBV infection. Over 70% of cells were infected at a dose of 104 genome equivalents (GEq) per cell. Several FDA-approved drugs with NTCP-inhibiting activity were tested for their ability to inhibit HBV infection of the cell line.

Results

Consistent with their NTCP inhibitory activities, our results showed that several of them inhibit HBV infection. In particular, irbesartan, a drug used for the treatment of hypertension, inhibits HBV infection at the 50% effective concentration value of 35 μM.

Conclusions

The observation that the pharmacological inhibitors of the NTCP transporter could block HBV entry suggests that NTCP represents an attractive molecular target for therapeutic intervention in HBV infection.
Ocurrencia de Pseudoboa nigra (Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854) en la República Argentina (Serpentes: Dipsadidae)
Authors: Etchepare Eduardo , Acosta José Luis , Giraudo Alejandro , Palomas Soledad , Abreliano Fernanda
Published: May 2015

El género Pseudoboa comprende seis especies de serpientes que se distribuyen en gran parte de América del Sur, oeste de Panamá y en las islas Tobago y Granada. Se confirma la presencia en la República Argentina de Pseudoboa nigra, la cual había sido excluida de las listas de especies de serpientes de este país por no contar con material de referencia. Con este registro se alcanzan las 128 especies citadas para la ofidiofauna argentina.
Guidelines for assessing the valorization of a waste into cementitious material: dredged sediment for production of self compacting concrete
Authors: Rozas F. , Castillo A. , Martínez I. , Castellote M.
Published: May 2015

This article presents some guidelines in order to analyse the feasibility of including a waste material in the production of a structural cementitious material. First of all, the compatibility of the waste with a cementitious material has to be assured; then, if necessary, a decontamination step will be carried out; after, decision on the type of material has to be taken based on different aspects, with special emphasis on the granulometry. As a last step, mechanical, environmental and durability properties have to be evaluated. Then the procedure is illustrated with a full example, obtaining a self compacting concrete (SCC) including dredged sediment taken from a Spanish harbour.
Les nouvelles thérapies par Internet
Authors: Bergström Jan
Published: May 2015

Cet article propose une synthèse du développement scientifique du traitement psychologique par Internet, en explicitant et discutant ses traits caractéristiques. L’auteur y compare ce type de soin avec la psychothérapie traditionnelle et dessine les enjeux que revêtent les traitements sur Internet dans le champ de la psychothérapie ; avant tout au niveau théorique mais aussi au niveau pratique. Plus précisément, il met en évidence les nombreux facteurs indiquant que les thérapies utilisant Internet constituent, cent ans après la naissance de la discipline, un défi profond et durable pour la psychothérapie.
Espace urbain et stratification sociale
Authors: Beauchamps Margot
Published: May 2015

Dans quelle mesure la diffusion d’Internet modifie-t-elle les contraintes spatiales et temporelles qui s’exercent sur les activités humaines ? Réduit-elle l’inégale répartition des ressources sur les territoires et surtout l’inégale accessibilité à ces ressources ? Dans une démarche d’observation participante couplée à des entretiens, deux quartiers d’une même agglomération placés en zone urbaine sensible, l’un central et l’autre périphérique, ont été étudiés : l’article décrit comment leurs habitants se sont appropriés ou non Internet dans la réalisation de certains actes quotidiens, comme la recherche d’emploi par exemple, pour discuter des possibles effets du média sur l’inscription spatiale des inégalités sociales. L’article commence par revenir sur l’approche géographique des inégalités, rappelant la nécessaire dénaturalisation de la répartition spatiale des catégories sociales et explicitant en particulier la notion d’accessibilité. La manière dont les nouvelles technologies et Internet en particulier viennent bousculer ces problématiques, puisqu’elles modifient les conditions d’accès à certaines ressources, sera ensuite précisée, de même que le protocole d’enquête utilisé ici pour mesurer la réalité de ces transformations. Si l’analyse des résultats révèle alors des comportements en évolution – assez semblables d’ailleurs entre les deux quartiers – et même l’existence de stratégies, chez les non-usagers d’Internet, pour s’affranchir de la dépendance numérique, les inégalités spatiales tendent plutôt à se consolider, nouvelle preuve de la cumulativité des différentes formes d’inégalités.
Risques littoraux : entre stratégie et droit
Authors: Drobenko Bernard
Published: May 2015

L’évolution du droit des risques littoraux fait apparaître que ce dernier a émergé dans un contexte marqué essentiellement par l’absence de stratégie. Le droit répond au coup par coup à la réalisation des divers risques. Ce d’autant que la prise en considération spécifique des risques littoraux eux-mêmes n’apparaît que dans la période la plus récente. Nous sommes bien dans la production d’un droit sans stratégie. Celle-ci va constituer une nécessité face à l’occurrence du risque marqué cette fois par un aléa relatif et ses conséquences. Il en résulte que l’intégration de cet aléa relatif dans la prévention des risques va conduire à produire un droit des risques littoraux en appui d’une stratégie et d’un droit adapté en conséquence. Cependant si le contexte est réellement en mutation sous l’impact du droit européen, sa portée reste encore limitée. L’affirmation d’un cadre d’intervention renouvelé paraît dès lors une nécessité.
Fiscal Harmonization or Fiscal Union in Eurozone?
Authors: Yıldırım Durmuş Çağrı , Erdoğan Seyfettin , Gedikli Ayfer
Published: May 2015

The aftermath of the financial crisis and following debt crisis that the European Monetary Union faced in 2008 required re-examining the architecture of the Euro area and a cost/benefit assessment of the monetary union. When one examines the causes of the crises, one sees that EMU's financial architecture stands out. Although there is a common monetary policy application authority within EMU, local economies can carry on with their own autonomous fiscal policies without any effective control mechanisms. Problems with structures caused arguments about EMU's architecture. It is clear that there is a need for changes in EMU's architecture in short term for euro to survive. The objective of this chapter is to present some suggestions to the policy makers and to point out the problems with the architecture and mechanisms needed to be brought into being in order EMU to survive with the ongoing crisis.
After The Global Crisis, Is It Globalization or Globalonelization?
Authors: Gedikli Ayfer , Erdoğan Seyfettin , Yıldırım Durmuş Çağrı
Published: May 2015

Since the rise of globalization which has abolished the role of nation-state gradually, the world has been increasingly dealing with world-wide pandemics and multi-regional financial crises. The nature of the Global Financial Crisis has made it clear that financially integrated and globalized markets which are poorly regulated with lax supervision, can pose significant risks, with disastrous economic consequences. Did global unfairness and loose monetary policy or lack of common fiscal policy deepen the crisis? Is globalization responsible from the loss of power of local governments on their economies? Finally, can “deglobalization” be an alternative solution for the emerging economies? The answers of these questions are even more crucial after the “FED tapering”. In this context, this chapter discusses the future of financial globalization with respect to its effects on the emerging economies during the global crisis.
The Potential and Utilization of Social Media in Library and Information Centres
Authors: Oladokun Olugbade
Published: May 2015

The chapter discusses the significance of social media as an emerging tool in library and information management and/or service. As the trend in higher institutions of learning today gives academic libraries the mandate to develop, create, maintain, and promote institutional repositories and scholarship, the chapter perceives social media platforms as offering the opportunities to fulfill the mandate. The chapter attempts to highlight the potential of some of the social media platforms that can be utilized in the provision of library and information service and resources in today's information saturated world, examines the challenges inherent in the use of the platforms leading to ethical considerations in the use of social media, and some possible solutions. It throws up a challenge for the Libraries and Library Schools on whether or not the graduates and youth are being prepared to use information and navigate today's and tomorrow's increasingly complex information landscape. It concludes by offering some recommendations.
Social Networking and the Promotion of Library Services
Authors: Amuda Halimah Odunayo
Published: May 2015

This chapter discusses how libraries can use social networking for upgrading the quality of their services. Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, Wikis, Flickr, and Second Life are identified as the major sites that have the potential to enhance libraries' services. Through a review of recent literature, the use of these sites in libraries is discussed. The benefits of social networking services as well as the issues associated with its implementation in libraries are explored. This chapter also discusses what social networking and future movements really mean for libraries; a range of pathways are also provided for libraries wishing to implement the technology.
The Impact of Social Media to Library Services in Digital Environment
Authors: Tella Adeyinka , Akinboro Evelyn O.
Published: May 2015

The developments in Web technology are creating more friendly, social, and fun environments for retrieving and sharing information and one of such is social media networking websites. However, it has been observed that despite the promise of social networking sites, limited libraries are adopting them for rendering services to their patrons and this consequently results in limited patronage and response from the users. To address this challenge of limited usage of social media by libraries and to engage more users in libraries' Social Networking Sites (SNSs), this chapter attempts to create awareness on the usefulness of SNSs to libraries. The discussion in the chapter focuses on the meaning of social media and SNSs, their impact on library services particularly in the digital environment, the features and types of SNSs available, etc.
Ethical Issues Arising from Social Media Use in Libraries
Authors: Olura Seun Paul , Soluoku Taofeeqat , Akolade Yetunde Lola
Published: May 2015

This chapter examines ethical issues arising from social media use in libraries. The chapter discusses the background to ethical issues in the use of social media in libraries and provides various definitions on social media. The chapter looks into the various ethical issues in social media use in libraries, considers the factors affecting ethical debate, and provides recommendations.
Opening the Black Box of the Venture Capital-Entrepreneur Relationship
Authors: Meglio Olimpia , Rossi Matteo , Capasso Arturo
Published: May 2015

This chapter aims to explore in-depth the relationship between the venture capitalist and the venture-backed company and account for how this relationship unfolds over time. To achieve this, the authors present evidence from three process case studies. The field study presented in this chapter is partly retrospective and partly in real time and is based on two rounds of focused interviews with the entrepreneurs and the venture capitalist. The findings show that several factors play a role, with confidence in the VC (Venture Capital) being essential to beginning the relationship and trust between the parties being essential to continuing it successfully. This relationship is a learning experience for both parties: while the entrepreneur becomes acquainted with the tools for daily, as well as strategic management, the venture capitalist learns how to effectively scout new attractive business ideas.
Obstacles to Portuguese Immigrant Entrepreneurship in Andorra
Authors: Coelho Judite do Rosário Ferreira , Gonçalves Maria Ortelinda Barros , Remoaldo Paula Cristina Almeida Cadima
Published: May 2015

Nowadays the world is in constant and successive changes and to follow these changes one necessarily has to be prepared to act throughout life with initiative, innovation and value creation. However, obstacles to entrepreneurship are numerous, and those who seek these challenges in foreign countries have to face even greater problems. In order to understand the difficulties found by Portuguese emigrant entrepreneurs in Andorra, the authors conducted a survey in 2012 with 51 Portuguese entrepreneurs residing in that country. The results are described in this chapter. It was found that the main obstacles to setting up a business are mostly bureaucratic in nature, due to legislation not adjusted to reality, suggesting, first and foremost, the urgency of an intense work yet to be done in this field, both by governmental bodies and by other institutions directly related with these entrepreneurs.
Determinants of Organizational Innovation
Authors: Preto Miguel Torres , Guerreiro Juelma
Published: May 2015

The aim of this chapter is to examine the determinants of organizational innovation. To study the relationship and influence that the determinants have on organizational innovation the authors use data from CIS 4 for Portugal. The results of the logit model indicate that firm size, geographic scope, patents, process innovation, product innovation, R&D, internal source, market source and institutional source positively affect the propensity to introduce organizational innovation. Furthermore, the services are more likely to introduce organizational innovation than manufacturing firms. The results also support the argument that organizational innovation expands the development of product innovation and process innovation, promotes the increase of productivity and economic growth, and is a driver of competitive advantage.
Administration
Authors: Kelly Rebecca
Published: May 2015

It is an interesting time to be a school librarian! The Common Core State Standards are changing the way school librarians look at their collections and support their teachers. The need for students to develop digital literacy skills requires school librarians to not only be adept at choosing materials but also agile in the world of technology, while the greater emphasis on teacher evaluations is pushing librarians to look critically at their own teaching practices. In addition to this, budgets are being slashed, and librarians are losing their jobs due to tough fiscal times. It is now crucial for the library to be the central hub of the building, and for the librarian to be an essential part of the building staff. By making a connection with the building administration, a librarian can become vital to the successful operation of a school. Collaborating with administration is a natural way to expand the work that librarians do and offers many benefits to the librarian, and as a result, to the students.
Medicare and Medicaid Services Online
Authors: Schmeida Mary , McNeal Ramona
Published: May 2015

Government initiatives in the United States have been passed in an effort to increase citizen usage of e-government programs. One such service is the availability of online health insurance information. However, not all demographic groups have been equally able to access these services, primarily the poor and rural American. As more legislation is passed, including the advancement of broadband services to remote areas, infrastructure barriers are being removed, opening access to Medicare and Medicaid websites for these vulnerable groups. The purpose of this chapter is to analyze factors predicting the impact of recent government actions on citizen access to health insurance information online. This topic is explored using multivariate regression analysis and individual level data from the Internet and American Life Project. The findings suggest that healthcare needs and quality of Internet access may be playing a more important role in health insurance information services than other factors.
Government Services in Outlying Regions
Authors: Mellouli Sehl , Chartier Anne , Roy Marie-Christine , Poulin Diane
Published: May 2015

E-government offers the potential to provide easy and flexible access to a vast array of government services, particularly in outlying regions where traditional service centers are scarce and costly. However, past research shows that online services use decreases in non-urban areas. The objective of this chapter is to identify factors that influence the use of e-government services in outlying regions. In the delivery of any government services, there are two parties: citizens and the government. Hence, in order to better identify these factors, we conducted our study from two points of view: the citizens' and the government's managers. These results show that attitude positively affects intention to use e-government services. From the citizens' perspective, attitude is in turn influenced by perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived risk, and trust. From the managers' perspective, several social, economic, demographic, and psychological factors should be considered for the development of online services.
Mobile Government in Jordan
Authors: Al-masaeed Sultan , Love Steve
Published: May 2015

Mobile government (M-government) is a new delivery channel for governments to provide timely information and services ubiquitously to residents, businesses and other government departments through mobile devices. Developing countries have a higher mobile penetration rate than the fixed line internet rates which opens doors of opportunities for these countries to bridge the digital gab and gain a better reach through M-government. This paper measures the Jordanian citizens' awareness of launching a mobile government (M-government) portal in Jordan and investigates their attitude towards it. Furthermore, this study captured the government perspective in regards to launching the mobile government portal and citizens' awareness of that. The results showed that Jordanians have a positive attitude towards mobile government; additionally the results also identified the main barriers of using mobile internet and electronic government (E-government) services in Jordan and proposed a success factors model for mobile government in Jordan.