bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary study on antiulcer effect of agomelatine and its potentiation with pyridoxine
Authors: Shukla Pooja , Porwal Anisha , Roy Suman , Chaturvedi Shivam , Tripathi Smriti , Arya Nalini
Published: October 2017

Background: Agomelatine is a synthetic analogue of melatonin and a potent agonist of melatonin receptors. Agomelatine has Hepatoprotective as well as antioxidant activity. The aim of study was to evaluate the antiulcer activity of Agomelatine and its potentiation through the pyridoxine on ethanol induced gastric ulcer in rats.Methods: Thirty number of rats were divided in to five groups contro, standard, Agomelatine low dose, Agomelatine high dose and Agomelatine with Pyridoxine groups. Ethanol was used to induced gastric ulcer in rats. ulcer index and also the other biochemical parameters like free Acidity, total Acidity, gastric pH, volume of gastric juice was determined. Statistically analysis was done by ANOVA P value less than 0.05 was considered Statistically significant.Results: In the present study, an attempt has been made to investigate the gastric antisecretory, antiulcer and cytoprotective properties of agomelatine. The results are statistically significant by ANOVA test. Ranitidine showed a statistically significant decrease in the volume of gastric juice by free acidity and total acidity. when compared to control. Agomelatine shows a showed similar response to the volume of gastric juice. A significant difference in pH was observed between the agomelatine-treated, agomelatine with pyridoxine treated group and the control groups.Conclusions: Pretreated rats with Agomelatine (40mg/kg) showed protective effect against ethanol induce gastric ulcer. Agomelatine (40mg/kg) showed the ameliorative effect with Pyridoxine (0.3mg/kg), on gastric ulcer.
Complementary and alternative medicine use among type 2 diabetes patients in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Sadiq Shamiya , Khajuria Kanika , Khajuria Vijay
Published: October 2017

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is prevalent among chronic diseases like Diabetes mellitus (DM). Therefore, the aim was to study the pattern of CAM use among Type2DM in our set up.Methods: The study was done in diabetic patients attending OPD of Government medical college hospital over a period of 2 months. Patients who gave consent were subjected to a pre-structured questionnaire which consisted of two parts pertaining to socio-demographic profile and CAM usage details.Results: Out of 280 patients enrolled in the study, 110 admitted being CAM users along with conventional Anti-Diabetic treatment. The CAM users were mostly females (56.36%) and were from rural background (70.90%). CAM was prevalent in educated patients (90.90%) more than illiterates (9.09%). Ayurveda (44.54%) was the most common type of CAM used and relatives (58.18%) provided main source of CAM information. 32.72% patients thought that CAM is safe, effective (20.90%) and less costly (19.09%). Only 16.36% patients disclosed regarding their CAM usage to the attending physician while majority (83.63%) were non-revealers. The results suggest that patients should be encouraged to reveal to their physician regarding CAM as it can avoid possibility of interactions.Conclusions: CAM is prevalent in T2DM and more so in females from rural areas. Ayurveda was the most widely type of CAM used and majority of patients did not disclose to the treating physician regarding CAM usage.
Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in females in the reproductive age group in Kadur, Karnataka, India
Authors: Seth Akshita R. , S. Chaitra , S. Vaishnavi , G. R. Sharath Chandra
Published: October 2017

Background: Bacterial vaginosis, well known as the nonspecific vaginitis is caused by the normal resident flora of the vagina, predominantly by the peroxides producing lactobacillus species, when there is a disparity in their proportion and replaced by Gardinerella vaginalis, Mycoplasm hominis, Mobilunceus species, Bacteroids species, Prevotela species, Fusobacterium species and Porphyromonus species, Peptostreptococcus species.Methods: A cross section study was performed to study the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in the reproductive age group women and the associated risk factors. The diagnosis of the vaginosis was made from the smear and Amsle’s clinical criteria.Results: Out of 250 patients 112 (44.8%) were diagnosed to have BV, 20-29-year age group had the largest percentage of infection 69 (61.6%). IUCD users 36 (32.14%) are found to be suffering from BV. Vaginal candidiasis, trichomonas vaginalis and atypical cell of unknown significant was seen in 32 (28.5%), 9 (8.03%) and 17 (15.17%) women respectively.Conclusions: A routine high vaginal swab for smear and culture must be performed for every woman presenting with chronic white discharge and itching, to prevent misuse usage of antibiotic. Further studies are needed to study the associated risk factors for BV.
Study of serum lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and its association with diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Kolhar Ullasini , P. Priyanka
Published: October 2017

Background: Dyslipidaemia is highly prevalent in type 2 Diabetes mellitus patients. The role of dyslipidaemia in macrovascular complications of Diabetes have been extensively studied but its role in microvascular complications namely nephropathy is still unclear. The present study was undertaken to study the prevalence and pattern of dyslipidaemia and its association with Diabetic nephropathy (DN) in patients with type 2 DM.Methods: 100 patients with type 2 DM attending OPD or admitted, over a period of 1 year were studied. Detailed history was taken and clinical examination was done. Serum lipid profile was studied in all patients and its association with DN was assessed.Results: The prevalence of dyslipidaemia in DM patients in our study was 90% and there was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence among males and females. Poorly controlled diabetics had high prevalence of dyslipidaemia as compared to well controlled diabetics. The prevalence of Diabetic nephropathy in our study was 41%. There was significant association of DN with high Total Cholesterol, high Low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) and high Triglycerides. There was no significant association of DN with High density lipoprotein (HDL-C).Conclusions: Present study highlights the magnitude of dyslipidaemia in type2 DM patients and that there is a significant association of DN with lipid parameters. Hence patients should be managed with life style modifications with or without lipid lowering agents to achieve target lipid values along with adequate glycemic control to prevent or delay the appearance and progression of DN.
Market and Company Dimension in the Internet Age
Authors: Passaro Pierluigi
Published: October 2017

The analysis and the study of market and company dimension takes on a particular interest for those who analyze and study the set of problems typical of company economy. The starting point, nowadays, is the verification, from most experts openly shown, of the strict correlation of the two phenomena and, actually of their mutual influence. The analysis of these ones assumes a particular attention in light of what is happening in front of our eyes. Those which appeared irrefutable certainties are now completely put into play again, very often, for determined aspects, completely overturned in regard to the previous certainties. Our effort will consist in a detailed study of the two phenomena included in the great world of internet. The company is a very complex organism. It consists of the organization in its inner of a set of functions, which have to be dimensioned one to the others to obtain a mutual functionality and a harmonic development. The organization of the company functions is a binding necessity for adherence of them to the needs and expectations of market to which the company turns its attention and interest. This combination of functions with the chosen external environment represents the focal point of our interest. It is well clear that the changes which intervene either in one or in other environment, that must combine, necessarily produce some variations that assure the lingering of harmony already reached in the two sections.
Monument Des Martyrs Dans La Ville d’Abidjan : Entre Logique Urbaine Et Légitimation Politique (2002 À 2010)
Authors: Houédin Barnabé Cossi , Djédjé N’Guessan Daniel , Fofana Tata Mariam
Published: October 2017

This text handles with the fate of the built monuments to the memory of victims built as martyrs in a context of crisis in Côte d’Ivoire. He is mainly interested in the way the political systems legitimize them since their construction. As regards him "Monument of the martyrs", the results show a kind of legitimization of the power in sync with the mobilization of urban logics. Which passes by the gratitude and the valuation to the deaths set up as martyrs and by the strategies of identification, resistance and identity domination. The article tends to highlight a variability of the fields of use of the monument as social resource and the representations which are associated with it, the links built between such representations and the arrangement of the city during period going from 2002 till 2010. As a matter of fact, the text shows that the legitimization of the monument in the urban dynamics favors rationalities the coherence of which strengthens the public action regarding governance, regarding production of a shape of citizenship, a type of collective identity and spatial marking
The Use of Technologies in Second Language Learning: The Case of a Mexican University
Authors: Cueto Maria del Carmen Hernandez , Ramos Marcela Garcia , Garcia Maria Georgina Ochoa , Cheol. Yun Sang
Published: October 2017

Introduction: This research is about the use of technology in learning English as a Foreign Language at higher education in a public University in Mexico. This study is focused on how students use the technology for academic and non-academic issues to learn English. The object of the study a sample of twenty five percent of English language students (375 students) were considered. Students’ average age was 18-25. Methodology: For this research two instruments were used to gather data the first one a questionnaire designed for this purpose, the second one an interview to know what kind of gadgets students use to learn English in higher education and how this technology could be introduced in second language learning classrooms. The results: allowed concluding that most technological gadgets used by students were Cells and Laptops to surf the net and chat through social networks for non-academic issues and laptops and desktop computers to work on school duties with specific software.
Optimisation De La Stérilisation Des Conserves De Poisson Par La Mise Ne Place De La Démarche Six Sigma DMAIC
Authors: Idrissi Ismail , Benazzouz Bouchra
Published: October 2017

The highly competitive economic environment has prompted companies to improve their industrial performance. In this context, an agrifood company seeks to improve the performance of its production resources as well as the quality system through the implementation of continuous improvement projects. The object of this work is the presentation of the results of the process of the improvement of industrial performance by the implementation of the Six Sigma approach on a process of sterilization of canned fish. To this end, the deployment of this project has made it possible to reduce the sterilizing value by 30% in order to improve the organoleptic qualities of the product. Also, the total duration of the heat treatments has been reduced by 20%, thus allowing a possible increase in productivity.
Diversité, Distribution Et Statut De Conservation Des Primates Dans Les Reliques De Forêts Dans La Région Du Tonkpi, À L’ouest De La Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Kramoko Bamba , Koffi Béné Jean-Claude , Kouakou Célestin Yao , N’Guessan Kouamé Antoine , Claude Victorien Kouakou
Published: October 2017

Tropical forests constitute the main part of the non-human primate’s habitat but they are more and more fragmented because of anthropic activities. In Ivory Coast, the present forest cover includes only some fragments more or less important. The knowledge of the primate’s diversity and their distribution in these relics of forest constitute some hopeful elements for their conservation. This study has been carried out in two classified forests and a community forest of the Tonkpi area in the West of Ivory Coast. It aims first, to assess the species of primates, then to highlight their spatial distributions and at last, determine their conservation status and the threats there are facing. The methodology used consisted firstly, on interview among hunters and older living around the forests to have an overall view of the monkey species in the area and the forests that housing them. Next, foot surveys have been organized in the identified forests during the interview. At the end of this study, seven species of primates belonging to West African forests have been confirmed in these forest relics base on observation of nests, vocalizations and visual signs. The majority of these species are observed at the periphery of forests mainly in mountain and flooded areas apart from Galagoïdes thomasi which is more abundant even in fallow land. Among those species, one (Piliocolobus badius) is listed Endangered (EN) and Colobus polykomos is considered vulnerable (VU) by IUCN; and five others are least Concern (LC). The sustainable conservation of those primates is threatened by agriculture, traditional and industrial mining, hunting and logging. The existence in those forest relics of primate species with conservation concerned justify their value for the sustainable conservation of those primates and the need to reinforce measure of protection.
Linguistic Meaning Versus Pragmatic Meaning
Authors: Awwad Mohammad
Published: October 2017

A critical gap between linguistic specifications and context-relevantinterpretation has existed ever since linguists sought to investigate meaning.As a matter of fact, English language has gained an unprecedentedmomentum over the last decades, and the ultimate aim of English languageteaching has revolved around fostering the students’ ability to communicateproficiently in English. In this realm, much emphasis was given on thedevelopment of learners’ oral skills; however, those efforts were watereddown on the progression of linguistic competence on the expense ofcommunicative competence. In an attempt to bridge this gap, this studyadopted Grice’s Cooperative Principle (1975) and embodied examples onhow participants breach and neglect maxims upon which the Cooperativeprinciple rests. For this aim, the study was carried on 100 English majorstudents enrolled in the TEFL class at the Lebanese University (fifth branch);the investigation was carried over a period of four months in spring 2015-2016. The results revealed that despite the subjects’ adequate linguisticproficiency in English, EFL learners still fall behind attaining pragmaticcompetence. The study endorses recommendations for EFL learners,teachers, and curriculum designers.
Fortalezas Familiares Y Consumo De Alcohol En Hombres Y Mujeres Adolescentes
Authors: Ocampo Diana Betancourt , González-González Alejandro , Agüero María Cristina Pérez
Published: October 2017

The present study aimed to analyze the differences in family assets in adolescents, men and women, by level of alcohol consumption. For this, a non-probabilistic sample of 454 high school students was selected, with a mean age of 15.9 years old (SD = 1.07); of which 49.1% were men and 50.9% were women. Three dimensions of the Parental Practice Scale (Andrade & Betancourt, 2008) were used to assess family assets, which assesses the support and supervision of both parents; in addition, the scale house rules of Sánchez-Xicotencatl (2015) was used. To measure alcohol consumption, four indicators were used to evaluate the behavior’s presence, the age of onset, as well as frequency and quantity (Andrade & Betancourt, 2008). The results showed that 57% of men and 53.8% of women reported that they had consumed alcohol. Regarding the differences in family assets by the categories of the alcohol consumption indicator, the findings showed significant differences house rules (in both men and women), and in the men’s case differences were found in maternal supervision and in women, differences were found in the support-supervision of the father. The results allow us to have elements of the role of the assets evaluated in the alcohol consumption in adolescent population, as well as the differential effect by the sex of the adolescents.
Usages Socioeconomiques Des Espèces Ligneuses Au Sahel: Cas De Guidan Roumdji Au Niger
Authors: Ousmane Laminou M. , Morou Boubé , Karim Saley , Garba Oumarou Bachir , Mahamane Ali
Published: October 2017

Woody species are of multiple use in the department of Guidan- Roumdji, in Niger. The present study carried out in Garin-yahaya and Tsayin-daka aims to identify the woody species, their different uses and to determine their present state. Data collection methodology consisted of a floristic inventory at the level of 80 plots and ethnobotanical surveys on a sample of 250 respondents. 46 species, divided into 38 genera and 22 families, were recorded. There were 24 species used in food, 19 fodder species and 38 others species used in the treatment of several ailments in the area. Also, in handicrafts and construction, a dozen species are used respectively against 19 others species in the production of wood energy. These diverse and wide-ranging uses, associated with the effects of climate change, affect the woody species populations. Thus, in the area, 25 species are declared extinct, 18 and 14 others are respectively considered threatened and rare. The study also reported on woody species management practices in the area, including the conservation of 7 local species and the introduction of 11 exotic species because of various products and services they provide. Also, 96% of the local population practices the trees’ farming natural regeneration management (FNRM) in their farms for various reasons. This would be a start in the sustainable and rational management of forest resources in the area with the maintenance of several woody species in the area.
T-Score Discordance of Bone Mineral Density in Patients with Atypical Femoral Fracture
Authors: Lee Kyung-Jae , Min Byung-Woo , Song Kwang-Soon , Bae Ki-Cheor , Cho Chul-Hyun , Lee Si-Wook
Published: October 2017

Background:

Although atypical femoral fracture (AFF) occurs more frequently in patients taking bisphosphonates and longer treatment is associated with higher risk, the causal relationship between AFF and bisphosphonates has not been established. Most patients with AFF have osteoporosis that is being treated with bisphosphonates, but we are not aware of any reports regarding the areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and discordance between the T-scores of the femur and spine in such patients. We investigated the prevalence of aBMD discordance and the characteristics of patients with AFF.

Methods:

Medical records for 63 consecutive patients treated for AFF were retrospectively evaluated, and 48 patients, all female, were eligible for the study. The average age at the time of fracture was 73.0 years, the average duration of bisphosphonate use was 68.5 months, and the average presumed age at bisphosphonate initiation was 67.2 years. We evaluated the prevalence of discordance, defined as a difference between the T-score categories of the femur and spine in the same individual as well as demographic differences between the discordance and concordance groups. We also compared the prevalence of discordance in patients with AFF with that in 114 female patients with intertrochanteric femoral fracture (ITFF).

Results:

T-score concordance, minor discordance, and major discordance were seen in 14 (29%), 32 (67%), and 2 (4%) of the patients with AFF, respectively. The prevalence of discordance was significantly higher in those with AFF (71%) than in those with ITFF (23%) (p < 0.001). The average age at bisphosphonate initiation in the AFF group was lower in the discordance group (65.7 years) than in the concordance group (70.7 years) (p = 0.04).

Conclusions:

The prevalence of T-score discordance between the hip and lumbar spine was relatively high in patients with AFF, and the presumed age at the initiation of bisphosphonate therapy was younger in patients with discordant T-scores in this study.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Knee Arthroscopy Simulation
Authors: Bhattacharyya Rahul , Davidson Donald J. , Sugand Kapil , Bartlett Matthew J. , Bhattacharya Rajarshi , Gupte Chinmay M.
Published: October 2017

Background:

Virtual-reality and cadaveric simulations are expensive and not readily accessible. Innovative and accessible training adjuncts are required to help to meet training needs. Cognitive task analysis has been used extensively to train pilots and in other surgical specialties. However, the use of cognitive task analyses within orthopaedics is in its infancy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel cognitive task analysis tool to train novice surgeons in diagnostic knee arthroscopy in high-fidelity, phantom-limb simulation.

Methods:

Three expert knee surgeons were interviewed independently to generate a list of technical steps, decision points, and errors for diagnostic knee arthroscopy. A modified Delphi technique was used to generate the final cognitive task analysis. A video and a voiceover were recorded for each phase of this procedure. These were combined to produce the Imperial Knee Arthroscopy Cognitive Task Analysis (IKACTA) tool that utilizes written and audiovisual stimuli to describe each phase of a diagnostic knee arthroscopy. In this double-blinded, randomized controlled trial, a power calculation was performed prior to recruitment. Sixteen novice orthopaedic trainees who performed ≤10 diagnostic knee arthroscopies were randomized into 2 equal groups. The intervention group (IKACTA group) was given the IKACTA tool and the control group had no additional learning material. They were assessed objectively (validated Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool [ASSET] global rating scale) on a high-fidelity, phantom-knee simulator. All participants, using the Likert rating scale, subjectively rated the tool.

Results:

The mean ASSET score (and standard deviation) was 19.5 ± 3.7 points in the IKACTA group and 10.6 ± 2.3 points in the control group, resulting in an improvement of 8.9 points (95% confidence interval, 7.6 to 10.1 points; p = 0.002); the score was determined as 51.3% (19.5 of 38) for the IKACTA group, 27.9% (10.6 of 38) for the control group, and 23.4% (8.9 of 38) for the improvement. All participants agreed that the cognitive task analysis learning tool was a useful training adjunct to learning in the operating room.

Conclusions:

To our knowledge, this is the first cognitive task analysis in diagnostic knee arthroscopy that is user-friendly and inexpensive and has demonstrated significant benefits in training.

Clinical Relevance:

The IKACTA will provide trainees with a demonstrably strong foundation in diagnostic knee arthroscopy that will flatten learning curves in both technical skills and decision-making.
O valor dos novos medicamentos: preços baseados em valor
Authors: Stefani Stephen , Ferla Matheus , Scheffer Juliana
Published: October 2017

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A indústria de inovação em saúde e a mídia: preconceitos e desafios
Authors: Nunes Octávio
Published: October 2017

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Experimental Investigation on Permeability and Porosity Hysteresis of Tight Formations
Authors: Teklu Tadesse Weldu , Li Xiaopeng , Zhou Zhou , Abass Hazim
Published: October 2017

The decrease of permeability and porosity with increasing net stress in consolidated and unconsolidated porous media is a well-known phenomenon to petroleum and geomechanics engineers. Conversely, permeability and porosity are observed to increase when net stress decreases; however, they typically follow a different path; this discrepancy is known as hysteresis. The trend of permeability and porosity hysteresis is a signature of porous media that depends on several chemical, physical, and mechanical properties. Understanding permeability and porosity hysteresis plays a significant role in production strategies of hydrocarbon reservoirs. The hysteresis effect on production strategies can be even more important in very-low-permeability reservoirs such as tight sandstone, tight carbonate, and shale/mudstone formations. The reason is that the stress change associated with permeability and porosity hysteresis can affect adsorption/desorption and diffusion-transport mechanisms that are among the main driving mechanisms in low- or ultralow-permeability reservoirs.

In this study, matrix permeability and porosity hysteresis of nano-, micro-, and millidarcy core samples are measured for a wide range of net stresses (500 to 4,500 psia). The matrix includes nano- and micrometer-sized cracks (fractures) that are open or mineral-filled (sealed) cracks. The nano- and microdarcy core samples are from the Niobrara, Bakken, Three Forks, and Eagle Ford formations. The millidarcy core samples are from Middle East carbonate, Indiana Limestone, and Torrey Buff Sandstone formations. Bakken, Three Forks, and Middle East carbonate core samples are from oil-producing reservoirs, whereas others are from outcrop. The major experimental observations of this study are that (a) the stress dependency and hysteresis of permeability and porosity were observed to be larger for nanodarcy cores compared with those of microdarcy and millidarcy core samples; (b) stress dependency and hysteresis of porosity are smaller than those of permeability; (c) pore shape, pore size and their distributions, and mineralogy affect the stress dependency and hysteresis of both permeability and porosity; and (d) increase in permeability with increasing temperature and permeability hysteresis through temperature loading and unloading were observed in organic-rich core sample from Eagle Ford.
A Computational Navier-Stokes Fluid-Dynamics-Simulation Study of Wormhole Propagation in Carbonate-Matrix Acidizing and Analysis of Factors Influencing the Dissolution Process
Authors: Akanni Olatokunbo O. , Nasr-El-Din Hisham A. , Gusain Deepak
Published: October 2017

This study demonstrates the application of an alternative numerical-simulation approach to effectively describe the flow field in a two-scale carbonate-matrix-acidizing model. The modified model accurately captures the dissolution regimes that occur during carbonate-matrix acidizing. Sensitivity tests were performed on the model to compare the output with experimental observations and previous two-scale models in the literature. A nonlinear reaction-kinetics model for alternative acidizing fluids is also introduced.

In this work, the fluid-field flow is described by the Navier-Stokes momentum approach instead of Darcy's law or the Darcy-Brinkman approach used in previous two-scale models. The present model is implemented by means of a commercial computational-fluid-dynamics (CFD) package to solve the momentum, mass-conservation, and species-transport equations in Darcy scale. The software is combined with functions and routines written in the C programming language to solve the porosity-evolution equation, update the pore-scale parameters at every timestep in the simulation, and couple the Darcy and pore scales.

The output from the model simulations is consistent with experimental observations, and the results from the sensitivity tests performed are in agreement with previously developed two-scale models with the Darcy approach. The simulations at very-high injection rates with this model require less computational time than models developed with the Darcy approach. The results from this model show that the optimal injection rate obtained in laboratory coreflood experiments cannot be directly translated for field applications because of the effect of flow geometry and medium dimensions on the wormholing process. The influence of the reaction order on the optimal injection rate and pore volumes (PVs) of acid required to reach breakthrough is also demonstrated by simulations run to test the applicability of the model for acids with nonlinear kinetics in reaction with calcite.

The new model is computationally less expensive than previous models with the Darcy-Brinkman approach, and simulations at very-high injection rates with this model require less computational time than Darcy-based models. Furthermore, the possibility of extending the two-scale model for acid/calcite reactions with more-complex chemistry is shown by means of the introduction of nonlinear kinetics in the reaction equation.
The Influences of Sustainability Report and Corporate Governance toward Financial and Entity Market Performance with Political Visibility as Moderating Variable
Authors: Panjaitan Ingrid
Published: October 2017

The aim of this research was to identify the effect of corporate governance and sustainability report on the financial performance of entities, and corporate governance and sustainability report on the market entity with political visibility as moderating variable. Sustainability report was measured by a dummy variable by the Corporate Governance Scorecard with Indonesian Institute for Corporate Directorship (IICD). Then, financial performance as measured by profitability ratio (ROA) and Liquidity Ratio (CR), as well as the market performance were measured using Tobin’s Q. Meanwhile, the political visibility was measured by the log of total assets. The analysis of the data used Path Analysis method with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The analysis shows four results by using political visibility as moderating variable. First, the quality of corporate governance affects the financial performance. Second, the quality of corporate governance influences Tobin’s Q. Third, the sustainability report has an effect on the Return on Assets and current ratio. Last, sustainability report also affects Tobin’s Q.
Dollarization in East Africa: Causes, Consequences, and Future Forecasts
Authors: Musse Osman Sayid Hassan , Echchabi Abdelghani
Published: October 2017

The dollarization phenomenon has been widespread among the East African countries for many decades. This trend results in several consequences that might be either beneficial or harmful to these countries and their likes.The objective of this research was to empirically examine the causes, consequences and the future scenarios of dollarization in one of the leading regional countries such as Somalia. The research used a survey of over 100respondents and applied descriptive statistics and t-tests to achieve the above objectives. The findings show that the main causes of Dollarization in Somalia are the implementation of the Hawallah (money transfer) system,the remarkable absence of the central bank and other monitoring financial authorities, the increasing exports and imports of the Somalian economy, the loss of confidence in the local Somalian Shilling, and the relative ease atwhich the Somalian Shilling can be printed and manipulated by selected market players. These causes are found to be mainly triggered by the revenue from exports, the policies and regulations implemented by the Somali government, the Somali Diaspora, and the international aid organizations. This has resulted in the foreign traders buying Somali goods at a relatively lower price and taking advantage of the depreciated Somali Shilling against most international currencies.
Fraud in Rights and Contracts: A Review of Bankruptcy Case of Livent Inc. Based on Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Framework
Authors: Widhoyoko Samuel Anindyo
Published: October 2017

This research discussed the accounting scandal in the perspective of governance, risk, and compliance using Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) framework. The purpose of the research was to highlight earlybusiness fraud that usually initiated by the company in boosting up the revenue during the Initial public offering (IPO) processes. This research focused on a case showing how a business could make the wrong statement to the investors through real and lawful future contracts with unqualified audit opinion. Structurally, this research was done through the action research method in pointing out all the directors’ failures in their function to hold the fiduciary duty to exercise their responsibility. Based on the analysis, it is highlighted that directors in the aspect of (1) governance decisive, they fail to set proportional target, provide ethical value, and react positively to maintain the company sustainability; (2) compliance submissive, they do not submit the accounting standards throughundisclosed third-party agreement, misrepresentation of revenue recognition, and mistreatment of expense omission; (3) risk preventive, they fail to assess the risk occurs from legal aspect of conflict of interest, long-term contractual and engagement risks, and insufficient future cash flow.
Narrative Accounting Practices in Indonesia Companies
Authors: Meutia Inten , Putra Budiawan Cimarko
Published: October 2017

This research aimed to reveal creative accounting practices in the form of narrative accounting occuring in companies in Indonesia. Using content analysis, this research analyzed the management discussion and analysissection in the annual report on the group of companies whose performance had increased and declined in several companies listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange. This research finds that the narrative accounting practices are applied in these companies. The four methods of accounting narratives are found in both groups of companies. There are stressing the positive and downplaying the negative, baffling the readers, differential reporting, andattribution.
The Evaluation of Bank Efficiency in Post Merger Stage in Banking Industry
Authors: Siauwijaya Rahmat
Published: October 2017

This research evaluated the technical efficiency of the banks before and after the merger. This research observed 15 banks which involve in merger activities. This research used the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method with variables of returns to scale (VRS) and input orientation. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was also applied to test the difference between the technical efficiency in pre- and post-merger activities. This research finds that only six banks are efficient after the merger. Furthermore, four banks have a better technical efficiency than before, andfive banks have lower technical efficiency after the merger.
Assessing the Job Selection Criteria of Accounting Students: A Normative Approach
Authors: Zubairu Umaru , Ismail Suhaiza , Abdul Hamid Fatima
Published: October 2017

This research assessed to what extent final-year Muslim accounting students in Malaysia considered Islamic principles when choosing a job after graduation. 356 final-year Muslim accounting students in four Malaysian universities were surveyed using an open-ended job selection scenario. The result shows that reality does not live up to the ideal. Only 16% of the respondents apply Islamic principles in making a job selection decision. The remaining 84% are more concerned with other criteria such as personal interests, salary considerations, and company reputation.
Developing IT Strategic Planning Using Mobile Enterprise Architecture In The Academic Process of Atma Jaya Makassar University
Authors: Tungadi Astrid Lestari , Suharjito Suharjito
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this research was to examine the feasibility of the development of mobile enterprise strategic plan, analyze the academic process and the utilization of information technology (IT), and generate documentation IT strategic planning by implementing Mobile Enterprise Architecture in the academic process of Atma Jaya University in Makassar. Data were taken from distributing questionnaires to 297 respondents and conducting interviews to 18 respondents. Data were examined using SWOT analysis, the incorporation of academic scorecard analysis and IT balanced scorecard analysis, financial analysis, as well as analytic hierarchy process (AHP). SWOT analysis results indicate that case study is in a weak position, which possibly never take advantage of opportunities since the weakness of the stand or the power is not enough to work on it. In addition, the results of the performance analysis of the utilization of information technology using the Balanced Scorecard analysis show that the average performance is sufficient. The result of documentation of IT strategic planning was analyzed with financial analysis indicating the feasibility of implementation because it provides benefits for university of 141,32%. Furthermore, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine the priority of IT strategy proposals shows that the main priority is to develop portal for student and lecturer.
Local Contrast Enhancement Using Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets Optimized By Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm
Authors: Wonohadidjojo Daniel M.
Published: October 2017

The article presented the enhancement method of cells images. The first method used in the local contrast enhancement was Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets (IFS). The proposed method is the IFS optimized by Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm. The ABC was used to optimize the membership function parameter of IFS. To measure the image quality, Image Enhancement Metric (IEM)was applied. The results of local contrast enhancement using both methods were compared with the results using histogram equalization method. The tests were conducted using two MDCK cell images. The results of local contrast enhancement using both methods were evaluated by observing the enhanced images and IEM values. The results show that the methods outperform the histogram equalization method. Furthermore, the method using IFSABC is better than the IFS method.
Complexitor: An Educational Tool for Learning Algorithm Time Complexity in Practical Manner
Authors: Elvina Elvina , Karnalim Oscar
Published: October 2017

Based on the informal survey, learning algorithm time complexity in a theoretical manner can be rather difficult to understand. Therefore, this research proposed Complexitor, an educational tool for learning algorithm time complexity in a practical manner. Students could learn how to determine algorithm time complexity through the actual execution of algorithm implementation. They were only required to provide algorithm implementation (i.e. source code written on a particularprogramming language) and test cases to learn time complexity. After input was given, Complexitor generated execution sequence based on test cases and determine its time complexity through Pearson correlation. An algorithm time complexity with the highest correlation value toward execution sequence was assigned as its result. Based on the evaluation, it can be concluded this mechanism is quite effective for determining time complexity as long as the distribution of given input set is balanced.
Selection of Raw Material Suppliers Using Analytical Hierarchy Process in Food and Beverage Company, South Jakarta
Authors: Haekal Jakfat , Setio Herawan
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this research was to see the selection of raw material suppliers as an assessment of supplier performance. Data were obtained from the results of assessment of the experts in food and beverage company in South Jakarta. The rate selection of suppliers was based on several criteria. There was the suitability in some products with the demand for tolerance of 10% about mismatch delivery, 10% of the accuracy of the product delivery, 5% of products quality, 5% of product prices, 5% of the easiness of information or data, and 10% of the problem-solving action. The results show that 40% of suppliers get a warning letter regarding their performance from January to June 2016, 20% of suppliers have already gotten a reprimand directly from the company, 20% of suppliers have been deactivated from the list of suppliers, because they cannot meet the target value which equals to 4,05, only 20% of the supplier can maintain its performance.
Chemical Characteristics of Pumpkin Seed Tempeh from Soybean and Pumpkin Seeds
Authors: Pujilestari Shanti , Sandrasari Diny A. , Marida Rimmaria
Published: October 2017

The aim of this research was to find the effect of the combination of soybean and pumpkin seeds on the chemical characteristics of pumpkin seed tempeh. The pumpkin seed tempeh samples were analyzed for its water, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrate and crude fiber. Meanwhile, support data were isoflavone and zinc. Sensory hedonic was conducted by 25 untrained panelists for selecting the best formulation of soybean and pumpkin seeds in tempeh. The result shows the formulation of soybean and pumpkin seeds in various combinations (100:0, 85:15, 70:30, 55:45, and 40:60). It gives a significant effect on the water, protein, fat, carbohydrate, and crude fiber. Moreover, all acceptance on pumpkin seed tempeh is on the level of α = 0,01 and α = 0,05. The best combination of soybean and pumpkin seeds is 40:60, with chemical analysis results which are water (33,7%), ash (5,31%), protein (65,65%), fat (54,57%), carbohydrate (5,94%), crude fiber (14,06%) (db), zinc (30,05 ppm), and isoflavones (42,10 mg/100g). Chemical characteristics of the selective pumpkin seed tempeh have fulfilled SNI 3144-2015 regarding water, protein and fat.
Analisis Saham Syariah Efisien dengan Pendekatan Shari’a Compliant Asset Pricing Model (SCAPM) pada Jakarta Islamic Index (JII)
Authors: Quthbi Zainul Hasan
Published: October 2017

The objective of this article is to analyze the Islamic stocks are relatively efficient for investment decisions using SCAPM (Shari’a Compliant Asset Pricing Model). SCAPM is a modified form of the CAPM (Capital Asset Pricing Model) which aims to frame the analysis model within the framework of Shari’a. The data collection technique is documentation of data that is secondary. 13 samples used in the study of Islamic stocks with consistent criteria of Islamic stocks enter the JII (Jakarta Islamic Index) study period in December 2013 to November 2016 and has a positive individual stock returns. Results from the study showed there were 9 of Islamic stocks are relatively efficient and the 4 remaining inefficient. Shares of PT. Adaro Energy has the largest RVAR value means having the most excellent stock performance.Artikel ini bermaksud untuk menganalisis saham syariah yang tergolong efisien untuk keputusan investasi dengan menggunakan SCAPM (Shari’a Compliant Asset Pricing Model). SCAPM adalah bentuk modifikasi dari CAPM (Capital Asset Pricing Model) yang bertujuan agar kerangka model analisis masih dalam kerangka syariah. Teknik pengumpulan data adalah dokumentasi dari data yang bersifat sekunder. Digunakan 13 sampel saham syariah pada penelitian ini dengan kriteria saham syariah yang konsisten masuk pada JII (Jakarta Islamic Index) periode penelitian Desember 2013 hingga November 2016 dan memiliki pengembalian saham individual positif. Hasil dari penelitian menunjukkan terdapat 9 saham syariah yang tergolong efisien dan 4 sisanya tidak efisien. Saham PT. Adaro Energy memiliki nilai RVAR terbesar yang berarti memiliki kinerja saham paling baik.
Biofilm forming ability of Sphingomonas paucimobilis isolated from community drinking water systems on plumbing materials used in water distribution
Authors: Gulati Parul , Ghosh Moushumi
Published: October 2017

Sphingomonas paucimobilis, an oligotroph, is well recognized for its potential for biofilm formation. The present study explored the biofilm forming ability of a strain isolated from municipal drinking water on plumbing materials. The intensity of biofilm formation of this strain on different plumbing materials was examined by using 1 × 1 cm2 pieces of six different pipe materials, i.e. polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), aluminium (Al), copper (Cu) and rubber (R) and observing by staining with the chemical chromophore, Calcofluor. To understand whether biofilm formation occurs under flow through conditions, a laboratory-scale simulated distribution system, comprised of the above materials was fabricated. Biofilm samples were collected from the designed system at different biofilm ages (10, 40 and 90 hours old) and enumerated. The results indicated that the biofilm formation occurred on all plumbing materials with Cu and R as exceptions. The intensity of biofilm formation was found to be maximum on PVC followed by PP and PE. We also demonstrated the chemical chromophore (Calcofluor) successfully for rapid and easy visual detection of biofilms, validated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of the plumbing materials. Chlorination has little effect in preventing biofilm development.
Hyphenated Mass Spectrometry Techniques in the Diagnosis of Amyloidosis
Authors: Spodzieja Marta , Rodziewicz-Motowidło Sylwia , Szymanska Aneta
Published: October 2017

Amyloidoses are a group of diseases caused by the extracellular deposition of proteins forming amyloid fibrils. The amyloidosis is classified according to the main protein or peptide that constitutes the amyloid fibrils. The most effective methods for the diagnosis of amyloidosis are based on mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometry enables confirmation of the identity of the protein precursor of amyloid fibrils in biological samples with very high sensitivity and specificity, which is crucial for proper amyloid typing. Due to the fact that biological samples are very complex, mass spectrometry is usually connected with techniques such as liquid chromatography or capillary electrophoresis, which enable the separation of proteins before MS analysis. Therefore mass spectrometry constitutes an important part of the so called “hyphenated techniques” combining, preferentially in-line, different analytical methods to provide comprehensive information about the studied problem. Hyphenated methods are very useful in the discovery of biomarkers in different types of amyloidosis. In systemic forms of amyloidosis, the analysis of aggregated proteins is usually performed based on the tissues obtained during a biopsy of an affected organ or a subcutaneous adipose tissue. In some cases, when the diagnostic biopsy is not possible due to the fact that amyloid fibrils are formed in organs like the brain (Alzheimer’s disease), the study of biomarkers presented in body fluids can be carried out. Currently, large-scale studies are performed to find and validate more effective biomarkers, which can be used in diagnostic procedures. We would like to present the methods connected with mass spectrometry which are used in the diagnosis of amyloidosis based on the analysis of proteins occurring in tissues, blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
Rutin as Neuroprotective Agent: From Bench to Bedside
Authors: Budzynska Barbara , Faggio Caterina , Kruk-Slomka Marta , Samec Dunja , Nabavi Seyed Fazel , Sureda Antoni , Devi Kasi Pandima , Nabavi Seyed Mohammad
Published: October 2017

Flavonoids are major dietary constituents of plant-based food found ubiquitously
in plant kingdom where they are usually present in substantial amounts. Rutin is a
flavonol-type polyphenol which consists of the flavonol quercetin and the disaccharide
rutinose. Rutin has been reported to exert diverse biological effects such as antitumor and
antimicrobial mainly associated to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Mental,
neurological, and behavioural disorders are an important and growing cause of morbidity.
Most of these disorders combine a high prevalence, early onset, progressive clinical
course, and impairment of critical brain functions making them a major contributor to
the global disease burden. In the present work, the biological in vitro and in vivo effects
and the potential therapeutic applications of rutin in neurodegenerative processes are reviewed,
as well as their bioavailability and pharmacokinetics, which are essential for a
better understanding of its biological effectiveness. Moreover, the present review also
provides an overview of the molecular mechanisms through which rutin is proposed to
exert its neuroprotective effects.