bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROMOTING RURAL TOURISM IN PERAK TENGAH DISTRICT THROUGH THE EXPANDING OF HERITAGE INTERPRETATION AND PRESENTATION
Authors: Harun Siti Norlizaiha
Published: November 2018

The State of Perak is known for its richness and uniqueness in history and cultural heritage. However, the State’s tourism promotion has been focusing more on the popular destinations, leaving out those with heritage significance especially those located in the rural area. This is due to limited knowledge on method to interpret the cultural resources in the rural area, as well as unorganized interpretation programmes. This research has two aims, which are 1) to identify potential cultural heritage significance in Perak Tengah; and 2) to outline an interpretation plan of the potential cultural heritage as new tourist attraction of Perak. Thisresearch involves three stages; observation and inventory of resources, focus group interview and interpretation proposal. Results from the focus group discussion indicate the need to customize the interpretation and presentation of rural heritage especially on physical experience in community cultural activities. In the end, this study outlines interpretation guidance for heritage site operators on how visitors can experience the cultural heritage in the rural area.
THE DEMAND OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN NEIGHBOURHOOD PARKS: VISITORS’ PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Anuar Ahmad Nazrin Aris , Muhamadan Nur Hafidzah
Published: November 2018

The role of neighbourhood parks is becoming more significant to visitors as a recreational place. However, some recreational facilities are far from being preferred, thus become idle and unutilised. This study determines the demands for recreational facilities from the standpoint of the visitors. Hence, the objective of this study is to evaluate the demand for recreational facilities in a neighbourhood park. This study applied quantitative approach by using questionnaire survey to obtain data from visitors at five neighbourhood parks in the Petaling District. The findings showed that most respondents preferred “slightly agree” to “agree” and “slightly satisfied” to “satisfied” in regard to the demands of active and passive recreational facilities in neighbourhood parks. It is hoped that the findings of this study offer viable information for policymakers and planners in providing recreational facilities that are conducive in neighbourhood parks.
EXPLORING POSSIBLE USAGE FOR ELEVATED HIGHWAY INTERSTITIAL SPACES: A CASE STUDY OF DUKE AND AKLEH, KUALA LUMPUR
Authors: Mohamed Anuar Mohamed Ikhwan Nasir , Ahmad Raziah
Published: November 2018

Kuala Lumpur has seen rapid development of mass amount of highway infrastructure. Although elevated urban highways in Greater Kuala Lumpur may have relieved the intercity and interstate traffic, the presence of this urban infrastructural landscape promotes the creation of lost spaces. The construction of the highways, primarily the elevated ones, often create spaces underneath the structure that are often neglected in mainstream planning and design. This paper aims at investigating typologies of interstitial spaces and its characteristics beneath elevated highway based on available literature as well as to explore the possibilities of usage for spaces below the elevated highway. This research employs qualitative method that involves primary and secondary data collection. The primary data were gathered through site observational study at two major elevated highways in the Greater Kuala Lumpur area -DUKE 1 Highway and AKLEH Highway. A review and content analysis of documents related to urbanization and planning transportation provide secondary data. Findings from this study suggest that [1] although the highways enhance connectivity and ease traffic movement, it also leads to abundance of wasted land and spaces [2] animproved understanding of the typologies and characteristics of these interstitial spaces shall aid in the improvement of their future usage.
GIS-BASED REGRESSION ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF SELECTED COUNTRIES
Authors: Majid M. Rafee , Zaman Musarrat
Published: November 2018

Ecological footprint is an innovative concept to present the consumption of natural resources and generation of waste in terms of the Earth biological carrying capacity in a standardized format. The Earth overall sustainability can also be measured with the idea of ecological footprint and bio-capacity. The aim of this paper is to analyse the interactive spatial relationship between economic development and ecological footprints of selected nations. The GIS-based spatial regression tool Ordinary Least Square (OLS) and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) are used for fulfilling the purpose. Individual components ofecological footprints - cropland, grazing land, fishing ground, forest land, builtup land and carbon footprints - are also analysed against the per capita GDP of the nations in order to understand the interrelationship between them. The analysis has found a significant relationship between ecological footprint and economic development and the OLS model can explain approximately 64% of the variation in the dependent variable with the explanatory variables. The study has also found that nation’s economic development contributes much inincreasing the carbon footprint. The resulted outcome is significant enough to warrant a study on the spatial dimension of environment and economy in order to analyse the individual nation’s economic growth and its relationship with environmental degradation, which can ultimately influence the global environmental sustainability
EVALUATING TRAVEL TIME AND PASSENGER RIDERSHIP OF UNIVERSITY SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE
Authors: Zulkefly Nur Syahira , Kadar Hamsa Abdul Azeez
Published: November 2018

Poor service adherence to the scheduled timetable and less service frequency during peak hours have contributed to unreliable shuttle bus services in International Islamic University Malaysia. As a result, students use either private vehicles or walk on-campus rather than riding the shuttle buses. This paper analyse travel time and passenger ridership of shuttle bus services from field surveys on journey time, running time, dwell time and passenger volume along Mahallah Ruqayyah and Mahallah Salahuddin shuttle bus routes. One of the key results on travel time indicates poor service adherence by bus service providers. In terms of passenger ridership, there was a huge gap between Mahallah Ruqayyah and Mahallah Salahuddin route where Mahallah Salahuddin has recorded a low passenger ridership even during peak hours. The findings also show that the service frequency of shuttle bus during peak hours cannot accommodate all students and therefore students either walk or use private vehicles to commute within campus area. Recommendations on the improvement of shuttle bus services are also discussed in this paper.
DEVELOPING MALAYSIAN ROADSIDE TREE SPECIES SELECTION MODEL IN URBAN AREAS
Authors: Hasan Ramly , Othman Noriah , Ismail Faridah
Published: November 2018

Urban trees are living organisms and vital elements of a city’s infrastructure; thus, they should be considered at every stage of planning design and development. In Malaysia, rapid changes in the environment have indirectly influenced the roadside tree condition such as fallen trees. This is reflected with the statistic increment of public complaints by 39% from 2014 until 2016 regarding the roadside tree problems, which are very worrying for the local authorities. This study aims to develop a Malaysian Roadside Tree Species Selection for guidance in selecting the right tree species for a sustainable city. The objectives of this study are (i) to determine additional attributes in roadside tree species selection, (ii) to examine the relationship between existing and additional attributes and (iii) to develop a Malaysian Roadside Tree Species Selection Model based on these attributes. This research applied the quantitative and qualitative approaches. The results produced a Malaysian Roadside Tree Species Selection Model.
ASSESSING A WALKABLE ENVIRONMENT IN JALAN TUANKU ABDUL RAHMAN, KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
Authors: Nasrudin Na'asah , Sarimin Muna , Ibrahim Norhayati
Published: November 2018

There is currently a wide discussion on promoting a walkable environment and improving walkability especially in city centre. Walking in the city is meant to solve numerous problems ranging from the city vibrancy, traffic congestion, environmental injustice, social isolation to the human health issues related to obesity crisis. This paper aims to examine the walkable environment of Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman as one of the busiest pedestrian urban places in the city centre of Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. It investigates the pedestrians’ perception on their walking experience based on the walkable environment elements i.e. comfort, safety and levels of enjoyment. A participant observation and questionnaire survey technique were employed whereby the former involved with the researchers general physical evaluation of the site and the latter engaged a random sample of 120 pedestrians of Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman for a paper-based on street questionnaire survey. The findings suggested that the majority of the respondents were satisfied with the existing conditions of comfort and safety and hence, regarded Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman as a walkable area. However, their level of enjoyment was generally minimal suggesting that there are rooms for further improvement in the pedestrian area tocreate a better and more conducive walkable environment.
THE DEFENSIBLE SPACE CONCEPT IN NEIGHBOURHOOD PARK CASE STUDY: TAMAN TASIK PUCHONG PERDANA, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA
Authors: Marzukhi Marlyana Azyyati , Afiq Mohd Aizzat , Ling Hoon Leh Oliver , Abdullah Yusfida Ayu
Published: November 2018

Open space can contribute to the overall wellbeing of life by providing social and recreational focal points. However, open space may also be associated with undesirable qualities of a place such as crime activities that affect negatively its quality and the surrounding. Thus, to create a safe and comfort open space area, the defensible space concept is seen as an important approach to deter crime from occurring and to sustain the safety environment. Therefore, this research objective is to investigate whether the elements of the defensible space concept; territoriality, surveillance, and image, may be used in the planning of neighbourhood park. A study was carried out at Taman Tasik Puchong Perdana, Selangor by using a questionnaire survey to collect information from the visitors. The findings show that the defensible space concept with all the three elements was not implemented, which further may lead to the crime activities in the neighborhood park.
NCIA-AMB MASUK KAMPUNG PROJECT: A PARADIGM OF OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR SUSTAINABLE RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Malik Sana , Khilat Faiqa , Tariq Fariha , Ariffin Kamal
Published: November 2018

Malaysian government is focused to accomplish world-class living standard of whole nation by year 2025 through sustainable development irrespective of regional, religious and ethnic boundaries. The Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) is an organization set up for the implementation of Koridor Utara (Northern Corridor Economic Region, NCER) in Malaysia for achieving this vision. Such economic corridors are aimed to elevate the income levels through agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, education and tourism. The execution of development projects always impact the involved community in multiple dimensions. Masuk Kampung Project at Pantai Murni, Yan Kedah was one of the NCIA initiatives in collaboration with AMB (Akademi Binaan Malaysia). This paper draws out a conceptual framework of community perceptions associated with this project based on qualitative research. Viewpointsstudied through interviews and participant observation helped in fabricating the opportunities and challenges connected with rural development. Findings revealed that community perception is of key importance and their prime reflections can be beneficial to policy makers, stakeholders, academicians and civil society in shaping the policy agenda for future projects of same nature in Malaysia. Hence, the study is a contribution to understanding development projects aiming at rural areas on national and global channels.
MULTI-DIMENSIONAL HUMAN INTERACTION IN OPEN SPACES
Authors: Ibrahim Filzani Illia , Omar Dasimah , Nik Mohamad Nik Hanita
Published: November 2018

Due to rapid urban development, open spaces have changed drastically over the decades and generations have been struggling with its consequences. There have been various studies on how open spaces provide positive reaction to human. Apparently, in relation to open spaces, Malaysia has received very little attention from researchers. This paper investigates the human interaction experienced in the open spaces and how it relates to city sustainability. The aim of this paper is to provide valuable insight of the various dimensions of human interaction experienced in open spaces. This study employed a quantitative research method whereby questionnaire survey was administered to 861 respondents who visited five selected open spaces of Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. The findings in thispaper address human-human interaction and human-nature interaction in the parks.
MEETING HOUSING NEEDS OF THE POOR AND NEEDY MUSLIMS THROUGH ZAKAT AND WAKAF
Authors: Abdul Rashid Khairuddin , Mohd Fauzi Puteri Nur Farah Naadia , Hasan Sharina Farihah
Published: November 2018

Meeting housing needs of the poor and needy is a continuous challenge. The challenge is exacerbated, among others, by the continuous and upward increases in the cost of living, population growth and the availability of resources. The Government intervenes through policy implementation and assistance in the forms of subsidies and the provision of social housing. In Islam, there is an opportunity to help the poor and needy meeting their housing needs through zakat and wakaf. Consequently, a study applying a combination of library research and in-depth face-to-face interviews with experts was carried out. The key objectivesof the study are to assess the potential of zakat and wakaf in the provision of affordable housing for the poor and needy, and if so, to identify appropriate strategies to empower the zakat and wakaf authorities in carrying out the task. The main findings from the study suggest that zakat and wakaf have great potential to help the poor and needy in meeting their housing needs and that the best way forward is for the zakat and wakaf authorities to do so through collaboration, either among themselves or with private property developers. The significance of the study and its findings are viewed in terms of the innovative idea in promoting zakat and wakaf authorities to collaborate instead of working on their own, with conditions that issues related to the Shariah are resolved.
IDENTIFICATION OF STRATEGIES FOR URBAN AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT: A SWOT ANALYSIS
Authors: Ramaloo Pushpawani , Siwar Chamhuri , Yeun Liong Choon , Isahak Anizan
Published: November 2018

Population growth is the major reason for increased food demands and countries face difficult challenges in ensuring food security. This study was conducted to investigate the prospects of urban agriculture (UA) development in Penang state, Malaysia, from the experts’ perspective, particularly on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT). Fifty-seven Penang state stakeholders were interviewed. This study applied qualitative analysis method using SWOT analysis to identify and prioritize strategies for urban agricultural development in order to assist planners to manage urban agriculture for achieving food security in urban areas. Based on the results of the SWOT analysis, strategic plans for urban agriculture development system were prioritized into legal framework, financial, infrastructure, land, water, environment and health, social, marketing, and research and development aspects. Finally, a number of strategies for sustainable development of urban agriculture were outlined in order to reduce the weaknesses, avoid the threats, improve the strengths, and grasp the opportunities for the development of urban agriculture production in the Penang state.
HISTORIC BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING (HBIM) FOR MALAYSIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Authors: Ali Maisarah , Mohd Ismail Kamsiah , Has-Yun Hashim Khairusy Syakirin , Suhaimi Saifulnizam , Mustafa Muhammad Hadi
Published: November 2018

The Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) is widely accepted and practiced all over the world. However, the adoption of HBIM within Malaysian construction industry is relatively low and slow because it demands new skill sets such as 3D modelling expertise, understanding of the approach, a lot of collaboration and it forces industry players to relate to each other differently. It is psychologically a very healthy environment, but not necessarily an easy transition. Since our cultural heritage buildings are limited, it is crucial for us to take care of it. Loss of information, insufficient documentation, poor maintenance, lack of technology adaptation, and reports reliability are among common problems the industry are facing. This paper review the attributes of HBIM based on literature, and its benefits, processes, tools, and challenges are highlighted. From this study, HBIM shows significant attributes that can contribute in providing a better understanding in handling historical buildings, besides allowing enhanced communication and documentation.
ECOLOGICAL FRIENDLY APPLIED TECHNOLOGY TO NEGOTIATE THE DILEMMA BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Permana Ariva Sugandi , Muhamad Ludin Ahmad Nazri
Published: November 2018

Urban development consumes resources and therefore abolishes the ecological function of the natural environment. It generates the dilemma between urban development and environmental protection. Urban development cannot be halted for many reasons due to its importance to accommodate population growth, urbanization and economic development. Determinations to negotiate the dilemma between environmental protection and urban development have been undergoing for many years. One of the efforts is mesoscale ecological friendly technology concept where the function of natural environment could be maintained while letting progressive urban development to flourish. The study was conducted in secondary city in Peninsular Malaysia of Johor Bahru. The study was conducted by analysing secondary information obtained from relevant resources, by undertaking internet research on the applications of ecological friendly technology towards sustainability in developed and developing countries, and by observing the connection between urban development and environmental state. The findings show that by employing applied ecological friendly technology, the urban physical development can still be undergoing without substantial environmental impacts.
IMPEDIMENTS TO HOME OWNERSHIP: PERCEPTION OF LOWAND MIDDLE-INCOME TENANTS IN SELANGOR
Authors: Kun Hing Yong , Singaravelloo Kuppusamy
Published: November 2018

Home ownership affordability has been a serious issue among the low and middle income households in Malaysia. Main contributors to this issue are low income, high cost of living and growth in income that does not commensurate the rise in property price. This research intends to identify the level of home ownership affordability among those who are unable to have a house and are tenants. In addition, it intends to examine the factors that affect their home ownership affordability. The study focuses on people residing at rented units in Kajang, an urban city in Selangor, where primary data was collected using questionnaire method. The target group was low and middle income households, whose head of household aged between 21 to 50 years and total household income capped below RM7,500. The success rate was 74 percent based on 250 households met. The research findings indicate that the level of home ownership affordability varies by ethnicity, household income and educational level. Meanwhile, four main factors that influence home ownership affordability are price of house, affordable mortgage loan, proximity to workplace and government policy on affordable housing. Majority of the respondents are still pessimistic of their ability to own a residential unit.
BOLTS PULLING TEST. REVERSER FOR BOLTS TESTING
Authors: Son Mark P.
Published: November 2018

The article describes developed device for performing pulling tests of bolts, including high-strength. Principle of reverser operation is change of sign of applied load – compression of press causes stretching of a bolt. Advantages of presented reverser are: reliability, mobility, small size, economical operation and simpleness. Reverser designs permit to perform bolt tests at any hydraulic press. Using the developed device, deformation diagrams were obtained for bolts of different strength class 8.8 steel 40Kh and 20G2R and 10.9 steel 40Kh. These diagrams may serve as basis for numerical modeling of bolts in software packages, and also manual calculation of yielding. Tests revealed a number of advantages of bolts made of steel 20G2R over 40Kh, due to which application of bolts made of steel 20G2R is recommended in assemblies of any level of responsibility.
MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF DIFFUSION PROCESSES OF MASS TRANSFER OF «FREE CALCIUM HYDROXIDE» DURING CORROSION OF CEMENT CONCRETES
Authors: Fedosov Sergey V. , Roumyantseva Varvara Eu. , Konovalova Viktoriya S. , Loginova Svetlana A.
Published: November 2018

The paper presents a mathematical model of mass transfer in the processes of corrosion of the first type of cement concrete at the level of phenomenological equations for a closed reservoir-liquid system. A step-by-step transition to the recording of the boundary value mass conduction problem in dimensionless coordinates is shown. The solutions of the boundary value mass conduction problem for the region of large and small values of Fourier numbers are obtained.
Traços da imigração no telejornalismo brasileiro
Authors: Silveira Fabrício
Published: November 2018

Partindo da coleta e da sistematização de uma série de matérias telejornalísticas veiculadas entre maio e junho de 2002 em cinco dos principais telejornais brasileiros, o texto reflete sobre os modos peculiares em função dos quais o tema da imigração e a figura do imigrante são midiatizados no país.
Odios y amores viejos: Seduciones, desilusiones y contradicciones de la cultura de La massmediaciónen Puerto Rico
Authors: Sepúlveda Héctor
Published: November 2018

Cerca de cuatro décadas después que Umberto Eco diera a la luz su seminal obra Apocalípticos e integrados ante la cultura de masas (1965, 1968) parece que en Puerto Rico se hace realidad dicha dualidad- que a veces se torna en bipolaridad-  sólo que habría que agregarle su contraparte de la sociedad civil. En otras palabras, jamás en Puerto Rico, que recordemos, había tanta discusión concerniente al poder y culpas de la cultura de la massmediación que se le adjudican por personeros tanto del poder o representantes de nuestra democracia pluralista, como de los sectores más retrógrados y predicadores del apocalipsis social.
Cada um com seu Ipod: a escuta de In Rainbows, do Radiohead
Authors: Cardoso Filho Jorge
Published: November 2018

O artigo questiona o grau de determinação que as tecnologias de distribuição e reprodução exercem na experiência musical contemporânea a partir do estudo da relação estabelecida entre os ouvintes com o álbum In Rainbows (2007), da banda inglesa Radiohead. Aponta alguns elementos antecessores da experiência de escuta com o álbum e conclui que as reconfigurações técnicas precisam estar vinculadas a reconfigurações na sensibilidade para serem significativas.
Outcomes of the Ponseti method for the treatment of children diagnosed with congenital clubfoot in population under five years at Fundación Ruth Paz in San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Authors: Guerrero Sorto Sandy Lizeth , Vásquez García Gustavo A. , Díaz Cruz Nolvia Sarahí , Figueroa Avilez Paola Estela , Contreras Gabriela Alejandra
Published: November 2018

Background: Congenital clubfoot is a common deformity characterized by an abnormal development of the foot. The etiology is multifactorial and genetic causes have been related. The Ponseti method is a conservative treatment for the clubfoot, mostly used in idiopathic cases. This method involves serial plaster cast changes, tenotomy of the Achilles tendon and use of braces to prevent relapses. This study was designed to identify the characteristics of the patients diagnosed with congenital clubfoot who were treated with the Ponseti method and the main outcomes of this treatment in children under five years.Method: A retrospective study was conducted in Fundación Ruth Paz in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, since June 1st 2015 to May 31th 2017. This study included patients under five years who were diagnosed with congenital clubfoot and treated with Ponseti method. The data were collected from the clinical files of the identified cases.Results: Congenital clubfoot was more common among males (66.3%) and the localization of the deformity was more commonly bilateral (51.8%). The cases of idiopathic clubfoot represent 91.6% of all the cases. The tenotomy of the Achilles tendon was performed in 51.8% of the patients.  Complete treatment was identified in 90.4% of the cases and relapses were reported in 12% of the children who completed treatment.Conclusions: Ponseti method was effective for treat children under five years diagnosed with clubfoot (idiopathic and non-idiopathic) and a significant decrease of the Pirani scoring after treatment was identified in all the cases. A correct use of braces is necessary to avoid relapses.
A study of antimicrobial activity of polyphenols derived from wood
Authors: Shevelev A. B. , Isakova E. P. , Trubnikova E. V. , La Porta N. , Martens S. , Medvedeva O. A. , Trubnikov D. V. , Akbaev R. M. , Biryukova Yu. K. , Zylkova M. V. , Lebedeva A. A. , Smirnova M. S. , Deryabina Y. I.
Published: November 2018

Due to the spreading and increasing drug resistance of pathogens, the search for novel antibiotics is becoming ever more important. Plant-derived polyphenols are a vast and promising class of compounds with a potential to fight infectious diseases. Still, they are not routinely used in clinical practice. No reports on the in vivo studies of these compounds have been presented. The aim of our work was to compare the antimicrobial activity of resveratrol (stilbene), dihydroquercetin and dihydromyricetin (flavonols) extracted from the bark and wood of conifers against the dermatophytes Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. Using the radial diffusion assay, we established that dihydroquercetin, resveratrol and dihydromyricetin exhibit high activity against S. aureus even at the smallest possible concentrations of 0.22, 0.15, and 0.15 mM, respectively. In contrast, the highest achievable concentrations of these compounds in the solutions (21.5, 15.5 and 15.0 mM for dihydroquercetin, resveratrol and dihydromyricetin, respectively) have no effect on the growth of P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. These findings suggest that polyphenols derived from conifers could have a potential to be used as a medicine for topical application to treat bacterial infections of the skin caused by S. aureus.
Identification of microorganisms by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Suntsova A. Yu. , Guliev R. R. , Popov D. A. , Vostrikova T. Yu. , Dubodelov D. V. , Shchegolikhin A. N. , Laypanov B. K. , Priputnevich T. V. , Shevelev A. B. , Kurochkin I. N.
Published: November 2018

The need for novel techniques of rapid identification of pathogenic microorganisms arises from the massive spread of drug-resistant nosocomial strains and the emergence of centers for biohazard control. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy is a promising alternative to mass spectrometry as it is cost-effective, fast and suitable for field use. The aim of this work was to propose an algorithm for the identification of microorganisms in pure cultures based on the analysis of their Fourier transform infrared spectra. The algorithm is based on the automated principal component analysis of infrared spectra. Unlike its analogues described in the literature, the algorithm is capable of identifying bacteria regardless of the culture medium or growth phase. The training sample included the most prevalent causative agents of infections and sepsis in humans: Staphylococcus aureus (n = 67), Enterococcus faecalis (n = 10), Enterococcus faecium (n = 10), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 10), Escherichia coli (n = 10), Serratia marcescens (n = 10), Enterobacter cloacae (n = 10), Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 10), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 10), and Candida albicans (n = 10). The model we built successfully passed a series of blind tests involving clinical isolates of 10 methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and 10 methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) Staphylococcus aureus strains as well as pair mixes of these cultures with clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Multiparametric detection of bacterial contamination based on the photonic crystal surface mode detection
Authors: Petrova I. O. , Konopsky V. N. , Sukhanova A. V. , Nabiev I. R.
Published: November 2018

Conventional techniques for food and water quality control and environmental monitoring in general have a number of drawbacks. Below we propose a label-free highly accurate analytical technique for multiplex detection of biomarkers based on the analysis of propagation of Bloch waves on the surface of a photonic crystal. The technique can be used to measure molecular and cell affinity interactions in real time by recording critical and excitation angles of the surface wave on the surface of a photonic crystal. Based on the analysis of photonic crystal surface modes, we elaborated a protocol for the detection of the exotoxin A of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the heat-labile toxin LT of Escherichia coli. The protocol exploits detection of affinity interactions between antigens pumped through a microfluidic cell and detector antibodies conjugated to the chemically activated silica chip. The proposed technique is highly sensitive, cheap and less time-consuming in comparison with surface plasmon resonance.
High-performance aerosol sampler with liquid phase recirculation and pre-concentration of particles
Authors: Akmalov A. E. , Kotkovskii G. E. , Stolyarov S. V. , Verdiev B. I. , Ovchinnikov R. S. , Pochtovyy A. A. , Tkachuk A. P. , Chistyakov A. A.
Published: November 2018

Testing the surrounding environment for the presence of biogenic aerosols is crucial in ensuring its safety for the population. It is often necessary to collect aerosol samples from large areas in short time, which demands excellent particle collection efficiency, a sufficient incoming air flow rate and a capacity to maintain the viability of the collected samples. Below we present the aerosol sampler with a high volumetric flow rate based on a two-stage particle concentration algorithm and consisting of a virtual impactor and a cyclone concentrator with a recirculating liquid phase. We provide all necessary calculations and an algorithm for modeling impactor parameters. The sampler was tested using dry and liquid formulations dispersed into the particles of 0.5 to 5 μm in diameter. We demonstrate that at volumetric flow rates over 4,000 l/min efficiency of particle collection into the liquid phase at a volume of 10 ml makes over 20% of the total aerosol mass and at volumetric flow rates over 300 l/min this value is over 60%. The proposed device maintains viability of the collected microorganisms. The sampler is portable, with flexible settings for sampling and cleaning, and can be controlled remotely over the network.
Comparison of fluorescence excitation modes for cdse semi-conductor quantum dots used in medical research
Authors: Kuzishchin Y. A. , Martynov I. L. , Osipov E. V. , Samokhvalov P. S. , Chistyakov A. A. , Nabiev I. R.
Published: November 2018

Fluorescence spectroscopy is a powerful tool used in applied biological and medical research. Colloid semi-conductor quantum dots are promising fluorescent tags for simultaneous detection of different biopathogens. The techniques employing these tags can be improved by selecting the optimal modes for signal excitation and detection. The aim of the present work was to derive a mathematical expression to describe the signal-to-noise ratios in the pulsed and modulated excitation modes. Below, we compare these two modes of fluorescence excitation in ultralow quantities of quantum dots. We demonstrate that modulated excitation should be preferred for CdSe/ZnS quantum dots given that signal accumulation time is over 100 mc and the photosensor is exposed to background light of > 1 μW.
Parameters of vancomycin pharmacokinetics in postoperative patients with renal dysfunction: comparing the results of a pharmacokinetic study and mathematical modeling
Authors: Ramenskaya G. V. , Shokhin I. E. , Lukina M. V. , Andrushishina T. B. , Chukina M. A. , Tsarev I. L. , Vartanova O. A. , Morozova T. E.
Published: November 2018

Mathematical modeling of pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters essential for establishing correct dosing regimens is an alternative to pharmacokinetic studies (PKS) adopted in the clinical setting. The aim of this work was to compare the values of PK parameters for vancomycin obtained in an actual PKS and through MM in postoperative patients with kidney injury. Our prospective study included 61 patients (47 males and 14 females aged 60.59 ± 12.23 years). During PKS, drug concentrations at steady state Сtrough and Cpeak were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography followed by the calculation of the area under the plasma concentration-time curve AUC24. For mathematical modeling, a single-compartment model was employed; PK parameters were estimated using R 3.4.0. The values of Ctrough measured 48 h after the onset of antibiotic therapy during PKS were significantly lower than those predicted by MM (р = 0.004). In a group of patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), AUC24 measured at the end of treatment was significantly higher than its value predicted by MM (р = 0.011). The probability of achieving the target AUC24 to MIC ratio of over 400 μg•h /ml is higher in the group of patients with Ctrough = 10–15 μg /ml. Our findings confirm that the use of MM in postoperative patients with renal dysfunction is limited and therapeutic drug monitoring should be used instead.
The efficacy of CRISPR-Cas9-mediated induction of the CCR5delta32 mutation in the human embryo
Authors: Kodyleva T. A. , Kirillova A. O. , Tyschik E. A. , Makarov V. V. , Khromov A. V. , Guschin V. A. , Abubakirov A. N. , Rebrikov D. V. , Sukhikh G. T.
Published: November 2018

The editing of the CCR5 gene in the CD4+ T cell genome is an effective way of preventing HIV-1 proliferation. Very similar strategies can be used to protect the fetus of an HIV-infected female showing a weak response to antiretroviral therapy. Inducing the “natural” CCR5delta32 mutation in a zygote may guard the fetus against HIV infection both in utero and at birth. In this study, we optimize the CRISPR-Cas9 system to induce a homozygous 32-nt deletion similar to the naturally occurring CCR5delta32 allele in the human zygote at the S-phase. Edits were done in the abnormal tripronuclear zygotes unsuitable for IVF. Sixteen tripronuclear zygotes in the S-phase obtained from WT CCR5 donors were injected with an original CRISPR-Cas9 system designed by the authors. Upon injection, the zygotes were transferred into the Blastocyst (COOK) embryo culture medium and cultured for 5 days in a CO2 incubator until blastocysts were formed (approximately 250 cells). Eight zygotes that successfully developed into blastocysts were PCR-genotyped to analyze the efficacy of genome editing. Of 16 zygotes injected with CRISPR-Cas9, only 8 reached the blastocyst stage. PCR genotyping revealed the absence of the initial WT CCR5 variant in 5 of 8 blastocysts (100% CCR5delta32 homozygous). Two had about 3% and one about 20% of WT CCR5 mosaicism. This leads us to conclude that the efficacy of the proposed CRISPR-Cas9 system for the induction of the CCR5delta32 mutation in human embryos is very high producing more than 50% of completely modified embryos.
Performance of the original workstation for aerosol tests under controlled conditions
Authors: Kleymenov D. A. , Verdiev B. I. , Enenko A. A. , Guschin V. A. , Tkachuk A. P.
Published: November 2018

Air quality monitoring is essential when it comes to protecting the urban population, especially that of big metropolises, from biohazards including biopathogens (BPs). This process is aided by different samplers and analyzers of aerosol pollutants, filters and disinfection systems. Their performance is tested using experimental aerosol formulations with a predetermined composition. Unfortunately, the majority of such systems available in Russia are only able to process a few hundred liters of air per time unit, which is too little. Big aerosol chambers (10 to 20 m3) are very expensive and may not fit into a lab, necessitating an extensive overhaul. In this work we present a workstation for the detection of BP markers under controlled conditions based on the microbiological safety box MSB-III-Laminar-C-1.5 (380.150.01) that was originally designed to test the performance of samplers and analyzers of experimental aerosol formulations. Our workstation can handle the majority of BSL-1-2 BPs and, given the chamber volume that satisfies the requirements of aerosol experiments (> 4 m3), can be installed in a lab with an area of >10 m2.
The proper structure of a biosafety system as a way of reducing the vulnerability of a society, economy or state in the face of a biogenic threat
Authors: Guschin V. A. , Manuilov V. A. , Makarov V. V. , Tkachuk A. P.
Published: November 2018

To understand how vulnerable are a society, an economy and a state in the face of a biohazard, one should attempt to identify any potential holes in the national biosafety system, such as the lack of important components or technologies for biological monitoring and the inadequacy of existing analytical methods used to prevent or counteract biogenic threats. In Russia, biological monitoring is quite advanced. However, the agencies that ensure proper functioning of its components lack collaboration and do not form a well-coordinated network. Each of such agencies alone cannot provide comprehensive information on the subject. In the Russian Federation, there are at least 4 state-funded programs that collect epidemiological data and are quite efficient in performing the narrow task of monitoring infections. But because there is no central database where epidemiological data can be channeled and subsequently shared, these agencies do not complete each other. This leaves the Russian society, economy and state vulnerable to biogenic threats. We need an adequately organized, modern, fully functional and effective system for monitoring biohazards that will serve as a basis for the national biosafety system and also a tool for the identification and elimination of its weaknesses.
Bolvadin’de Mukim Karabağ Aşiretinin İskânı, İktisadî ve Sosyal Tarihi
Authors: Şirin İbrahim
Published: November 2018

Afyon ili Bolvadin ilçesinde yaşamakta olan Karabağ aşiretinin ne zaman Anadolu’ya geldiği, nereden geldiği ve hangi ulusa tabii olduğu soruları aşiretin tarihinin aydınlatılması açısından son derece önemlidir. 1830 tarihli nüfus defterinde Göl Karabağı karyesinin Bozulus’a tabii ve Bolvadin kazasına bağlı olduğu bilgisi yer almaktadır. Yine 1845 tarihli Varidat Muhasebe defterinde Karahisar-ı Sahib Sancağı Emirdağ’da kain Bozulus’a tabi bir Türkmen aşireti olduğu belirtilmektedir. Bu çalışmada Bolvadin’e iskân edilen Bozulus’a tabi Danişmentli Türkmenlerinden Karabağ aşiretinin nasıl ve ne şekilde Bolvadin ve havalisine iskân edildiği, iktisadi, sosyal tarihi ele alınıp incelenecektir. Aynı zamanda Karabağ köylerinde yağmur duası, düşmez gibi bir takım ritüel ve uygulamaların tarihi ve antropolojik kökeni ortaya konacaktır.
Alevism-Bektashism From Seljuks to Ottomans and Safavids; A Historical Study
Authors: Dezfouli Fahimeh Mokhber
Published: November 2018

Alevi-Bektashi is one of the significant orders which was formed in Anatolia in 13th AD. Haj Bektash Veli, as the founder of the order, migrated to Anatolia from the focal point of Sufism, Khorasan. Probably Haj Bektash Veli was the caliph of Baba Elyas Khorasani, who was the leader of the Baba’i uprising that shook the foundations of the Seljuks in Anatolia in the first half of the 13th century. Eventually, the Seljuks could defeat them by the Frankish forces aid. Loss of his brother in the battle was enough for Haj Bektash to avoid a new military confrontation with the Seljuks, however, followed the intellectual path of the Baba’is in the rest of his life. Many factors such as the religious beliefs of Turks in the pre-Islamic era, the prevailing Sufi thoughts in Anatolia and Christianity affected the Bektashis during their long history. The backbone of the order was the cultural and religious tolerance that found several adherents in Anatolia. In Ottoman era Bektashiya became the official order that spiritually led the Jannissaries. Alevi-Bektashi also was influenced by other streams of thoughts such as Hurufis and the shi’i propaganda of the Safavid sheikhs. This article by historical approach examine the formation of Alevi-Bektashi order and clarifies how they were influenced and then had their impact on the history of Iran and Turkey.
Nusayriliğin Tarihi Kökeni ve Gelişmesi
Authors: Türk Hüseyin
Published: November 2018

Çeşitli dini ve etnik toplulukların yüzyıllardır birlikte ve hoşgörü içinde yaşadığı Anadolu’da bu ortamın sürekliliğini sağlamanın en iyi yolu, elbette ki, farklı kültürel kimlikleri iyi tanımaktan geçer. Bu anlamda farklı gelenek, görenek, inanç ve uygulamaları sergileyen insanları tanımak amacıyla yapılacak bilimsel nitelikli araştırmaların yapılması gereklidir. Halkı siyasal, ekonomik ve sosyal alanlarda geliştirmek, onun tutumlarının, davranışlarının, inanç ve uygulamalarının temelinde yatan nedenleri bilmekle mümkündür. Bu konuda en önemli görev ise kültürel antropolojiye ve sosyolojiye düşmektedir. Nusayriler (Arap Alevileri), diğer etnik gruplara göre, daha izole ve daha gizli bir örgütlenmeye sahiptirler. Geleneklerini ve inançlarını korumanın, yaşamlarını sürdürmenin bir yolu olarak gördükleri “gizliliği” ve kapalı cemaat yaşamını benimsemişlerdir. Nusayriliğin belirgin özellikleri arasında Hz. Ali’nin tanrılaştırılması, Hızır inancının güçlülüğü, türbe inancının güçlülüğü, tenasüh inancı, tevil ve takiyye ile amcalık geleneği bulunmaktadır. Fonksiyonel olarak birbirine bağlı olan bu özelliklerin tümü Nusayri inanç sistemini oluşturmaktadır. Bu makalede Nusayri sözcüğünün ortaya çıkması, İslam’ın bölünmesi sonrasında Nusayriliğin ortaya çıkması ve kurulması, Nusayrilere yapılan baskılar tartışılmıştır. Tüm bu bilgiler Nusayrilerin etnik kökenleri konusundaki tartışmalara da açıklık getirmiştir.

Nusayriler hakkında bilgi edinmek için Hatay Nusayrileri arasında bulunarak katılımlı gözlemler ve görüşmeler yapılmıştır. Ayrıca, konuya objektif bir yaklaşım sergileyen bilimsel çalışmalardan yararlanılmıştır. Çalışmada alan araştırması “field work” tekniği temel alınmıştır. Bu çalışmada Nusayriliğin ortaya çıkması ve tarihi gelişmesi güvenilir kaynaklara ve alan çalışmasından elde edilen bulgulara dayanarak kısaca anlatılmış ve tartışılmıştır.
16 Nisan 2017 Referandum Sonuçlarına Göre Alevilerin Tercihi (Sivas İli Örneği)
Authors: Gölbaşı Haydar
Published: November 2018

Seçmenler oy kullanırken çeşitli faktörlerden etkilenmekte ve buna bağlı olarak tercihlerini belirleyip, oy verme davranışında bulunmaktadırlar. 1980’li yıllardan itibaren siyaset tüm dünyada gittikçe artan bir oranda kültürel kimlikler üzerinden belirlenmektedir. Ülkemizde de parti aidiyetlerinin yaygın bir biçimde kültürel kimlikler üzerinden tanımlanmaya başlanması nedeniyle, etnik ve dini kökenler ile siyaset arasındaki ilişki seçmen davranışını belirleyen önemli faktörlerden biri haline gelmiştir. Benzer tercihler referandum süreçlerinde de gerçekleşmektedir. Seçmenler genellikle destekledikleri partinin referandumda savunduğu görüş doğrultusunda oy kullanmaktadırlar.

Türk siyasi tarihi boyunca seçimlerde kritik rol oynayan Alevilerin tercihi genellikle Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi’nden (CHP) yana olmuştur. Bu durum Aleviler için öteden beri uzak durdukları milliyetçi ve mukaddesatçı sağ partileri bir alternatif olmaktan çıkartarak, onları bu partinin doğal tabanı durumuna getirmiştir. Bu çalışmada, 16 Nisan Referandum sürecinde ezici bir çoğunlukla “Hayır” yönünde oy veren Alevi seçmenlerin oy tercihlerinde ne tür etkenleri dikkate aldıklarının ortaya çıkarılması amaçlanmıştır. Bu çerçevede Sivas ili 16 Nisan 2017 referandum seçim sonuçları analiz edilmiştir.
II. Abdülhamit Döneminde Bektaşi Meselesi (1876-1908)
Authors: Yılmaz Eray
Published: November 2018

19. yüzyılda Osmanlı iktidarı, modern bir kimlik meydana getirmeye çalışmış, modern kimlik büyük oranda Sünni-Hanefi mezhep ile Türk kökene dayanmıştır. Osmanlı iktidarının meydana getirmek istediği modern kimlik içinde Bektaşilik yer almadığı gibi, Bektaşilik, Sünni-Hanefi mezhep içinde eritilmek istenmiştir. Bu politika, 1826’da Yeniçeri Kırımı ve Bektaşi tarikatının kapatılmasıyla açık bir biçimde başlamış, II. Abdülhamit dönemi de dahil tüm 19. yüzyıla yayılmıştır. Bektaşi tarikatı, 1826’dan itibaren Osmanlı iktidarından gördüğü baskı ve eritme politikasına karşı, kendi geleneklerini, inanç ve ritüellerini korumaya çaba göstermiştir. Bu makale, II. Abdülhamit döneminde görülen Bektaşi meselesini, iktidarın modern kimlik politikasını ve Bektaşi tarikatının var olma mücadelesini değerlendirmektedir.
Bir Çepni Zâkiri: Nadir Kesin ve Zâkirliği
Authors: Korkmaz İskender
Published: November 2018

Âşıklık geleneği, Türklerde ve Türklerin yaşadığı Orta Asya’dan Kafkaslara, Anadolu’dan Balkanlara kadar pek çok coğrafyada, kısacası Türk Dünyasının hemen her yerinde var olmuştur. Bu gelenek, yüzyıllar içinde pek çok değişim ve dönüşüm süreci geçirerek günümüze kadar ulaşmıştır. Âşıklık geleneğinin günümüze ulaşmasında ve varlığını sürdürmesinde, geleneğin içinde yetişen âşıkların önemli bir yeri vardır. Türk âşıklık geleneğinde önemli bir yer tutan zâkirlik geleneği yaratım, icra ve aktarım bağlamı bakımında kendine özgü bir şube oluşturarak geleneğin devamını sağlamıştır. Zâkirlik geleneği, tarihi süreçte Âşıklık geleneğinden beslenerek kendine ait bir üslup ve öz oluşturmuştur. Yaratım, icra ve aktarım özellikleri bakımından âşıklık geleneğiyle arasında bazı farkların olması zâkirlik geleneğinin ortaya çıkmasında etkili olmuştur. Bu bağlamda Zâkirler, Alevi inancını ve bu inanca bağlı oluşan ritüelleri, kültürel yapıyı, edebiyatı ve kuşaklar arasında aktarımını sağlamışlardır. Bu çalışmada Gaziantep’te bulunan Musa-i Kazım Ocağı’nda zâkirlik hizmeti yapan zâkirler hakkında bilgi verilmiş, “zâkirlik” kavramı hakkındaki çeşitli tanımlardan yola çıkılarak zâkirlik geleneği ve âşıklık geleneği arasındaki bazı farklılıklar tespit edilmeye çalışılmıştır.

Nadir Keskin’in çocukluk yıllarından başlayarak müziğe olan ilgisi ve yetişme şartları göz önünde bulundurularak icra ortamının sanatçının yaratımına etkisi incelenmiş ve âşıklık ve zâkirlik geleneği içindeki yeri tespit edilmeye çalışılarak cem ritüeli sırasında cemde zâkirlerin görevleri ele alınmıştır.