bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of disulphide-Schiff base derivatives and investigations of in vitro antimicrobial activities against some human pathogens
Authors: Durmuş Sefa , Dalmaz Aslıhan , Dülger Görkem , Kadıoğlu Duygu Bircan
Published: July 2017

Thio-Schiff bases are becoming increasingly widespread in various branches such as the preparation of certain medicines, cosmetic products, and polymer production. In particular, the presence of antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antitumor and antimalarial properties of Schiff bases containing sulfur in the structure has made these compounds attractive in different disciplines. In this study, different derivatives of dimeric disulfide-Schiff bases have been synthesized. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the synthesized these compounds were investigated in vitro against some human pathogens (Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, C. guilliermondii and C. glabrata). Test microorganisms were isolated from the patients appyling to Medical Faculty Hospital of Duzce University were used. Diffusion method was used to determine the antimicrobial activities of the compounds.standard antibacterial (Cefotaxime, Amoxicillin/clavulanicacid) and antifungal (Posaconazole) antibiotics were used as the control group and the results were compared. The result indicated that antimicrobial activity of Disulphide-Schiff Base Derivatives exhibited less activity against bacteria as compared to AMC30 (Amoxicillin/clavulanicacid), but highly effective against bacteria as compared to CTX30 (Cefotaxime). In addition, the compounds exhibited less activity against yeast.
Synthesis and analgesic activities of some new 5-chloro-2(3H)-benzoxazolone derivatives
Authors: Mulazim Yusuf , Berber Cevdet , Erdogan Hakkı , Ozkan Melike Hacer , Kesanli Banu
Published: July 2017

Affordable and practical synthesis methods in drug development have always been very attractive. Herein, microwave assisted synthesis was utilized to prepare piperazine substituted 5-chloro-2(3H)-benzoxazolone derivatives in 5 minutes. Structural characterization of these 5-chloro-2(3H)-benzoxazolone derivatives was achieved by IR, NMR, ESI-MS and elemental analysis. Since these types of compounds have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities there biological activities were also examined. Indomethacin (INDO) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) were used as reference. Carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in mice test was used to study anti-inflammatory activity. Compound 1 (100 mg / kg dose) showed the longest anti-inflammatory activity among the title compounds synthesized. For the analgesic activities, both hot-plate and tail-flick tests were employed. Compound 3 was found to have the highest activity in the hot-plate test whereas in the tail-flick test, compounds 1 and 2 showed higher anti-nociceptive activity.
Comparative analysis of drought responses in Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean) and P. coccineus (runner bean) cultivars
Authors: Morosan Mihaela , Hassan Mohamad Al , Naranjo Miguel A. , López-Gresa María P. , Boscaiu Monica , Vicente Oscar
Published: July 2017

Genetic improvement of crop drought tolerance has become an urgent need for increasing agricultural yields and food production, to feed a growing human population in the context of global climate change. To get insights into the most relevant mechanisms underlying drought resistance in beans, we have analysed the responses to water deficit of three Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean) and one P. coccineus (runner bean) cultivars, focusing on the accumulation of specific osmolytes, a conserved response to abiotic stress in plants. Changes in osmolyte levels were correlated with the relative tolerance to water stress of the studied cultivars. Drought tolerance in Phaseolus largely depends on the accumulation of myo-inositol; glycine betaine may also contribute to tolerance in P. coccineus (but not in P. vulgaris). Proline, another common osmolyte, is a reliable marker of the level of stress affecting bean plants, but is not directly involved in tolerance mechanisms, as its drought-dependent accumulation is lowest in the most tolerant cultivar. We suggest that, by measuring the levels of proline and myo-inositol in water-stressed plants, a large number of cultivars could be easily and rapidly screened to select promising candidates to be used in breeding programmes for improving drought tolerance in beans.
AVALIAÇÃO DA RESISTÊNCIA á FRATURA DE PINOS DE FIBRA DE VIDRO CIMENTADOS COM CIMENTO RESINOSO DE ALTO CONTEÚDO DE CARGA
Authors: CAMIM Francielly da Silva , MAENOSONO Rafael Massunari
Published: July 2017

Um novo cimento resinoso com alto conteúdo de carga (AllCem Core, FGM) foi introduzido na odontologia tanto para a cimentação de pinos de fibra de vidro, quanto para a confecção de núcleos de preenchimento, no entanto, a resistência à fratura do conjunto ainda não esté bem estabelecida na literatura. O objetivo deste trabalho laboratorial foi determinar quantitativamente a resistência à fratura de pinos de fibra cimentados com este cimento resinoso de alto teor de carga com duas técnicas: Diretamente cimentada (FV) ou Núcleo Anatômico Resinoso (AR). Vinte dentes bovinos tratados endodonticamente foram preparados para cimentação (n=10) por meio de ambas as técnicas. Na sequência, a resistência à fratura foi avaliada em uma máquina universal de ensaios. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste ANOVA a um critério, seguido pelo teste de Tukey (p<0,05). Valores médios à desvio padrão de FV e AR foram, respectivamente, 869,30 Â± 236.17N e 816,91 Â± 240,10N. Não foram observadas diferenças entre os grupos avaliados. Pode-se concluir então que a técnica de cimentação não interferiu na resistência à fratura de pinos de fibra cimentados com cimento resinoso de alto teor de carga.
The Presence of Modernist Architecture in Government’s educational Buildings at Lefkosa
Authors: Iranfar Maryam
Published: July 2017

Modernist architecture movement of the buildings in any city reflects the modernity of that city. Lefkosa as a modern city faced many conflicts in the last century. The governmental buildings illustrate how modernism in architecture was defined and reflected in the buildings of the city. The aim of this paper is to explore the modernism movement in architecture influence on educational governmental buildings in Lefkosa for the first half in the 20th century. The paper focuses on the ideas and experiences of modernist architects in the first half of the 20th century to apply modernism elements and relationship between architecture form and functionalism in governmental buildings. Methodology framework elucidated to conduct the subject. Two School buildings have been selected from the first half of the twentieth century in Lefkosa as case studies for modernist architecture. ‘Lefkosa türk lisesi’ designed by ‘Ahmet Vural Bahaedden’, which was one of the famous modernist architects in Cyprus and ‘sehit Ertugrul Ilkokulu’. The buildings architectural elements analyzed in both schools to demonstrate the relationship between site, interior space, functionality and environmental response, based on using their modern material and character. The paper concluded that the educational buildings hold strong elements of the modernist architecture in Lefkosa and demonstrate how the elements of modernism were involved functionally in the design. The findings contribute useful evidence about the existence of modernism philosophy in architecture in Lefkosa in the first half of the twentieth century.
El Conflicto con el Perú 1932-1933 y el inicio de la Política de Industrialización en Colombia
Authors: Pérez Toro José Alberto
Published: July 2017

El conflicto con Perú conocido como, la guerra colombo-peruana, ocurrido entre los años de 1932 y 1933, se llevó a cabo en la cuenca del río Putumayo y la ciudad de Leticia, ubicada en la entonces Comisaría colombiana del Amazonas. El punto de la discordia podemos decir, que fueron las cláusulas del Tratado Lozano-Salomón. En ellas, se adicionaba a Perú el área del banco Sur del río Putumayo, encerrando geográficamente a Ecuador, mientras que Colombia cedía territorio y sólo quedaba con la franja del trapecio amazónico. El país supo aprovechar la circunstancia del conflicto con Perú para revivir el sentimiento del nacionalismo y capitalizar en favor del Estado. Esta situación de crisis en las relaciones internacionales justificó la introducción de mecanismos internos de financiación, que apoyaron decididamente el proceso naciente de la industrialización del país. El documento explora en profundidad las acciones tomadas por los empresarios, para ocupar un espacio importante del mercado nacional con base en esta política de capitalización.
Neoliberalismo: Preludio del Marxismo Humanista
Authors: Cortés Castillo Darío Enrique , Rueda Aldana Alexandra
Published: July 2017

El mundo es un sistema cambiante, que le otorga a las potencias del momento la capacidad de plantear un nuevo orden por determinado tiempo. Para el presente siglo los Estados Unidos de Norte América, estableció los parámetros de la cotidianidad mundial a partir de un sistema económico, caracterizado por un capitalismo neoliberal globalizante que se expande a los ámbitos políticos y socio-culturales. La emergencia como potencia hegemónica con pretensiones de establecer modelos, normas y valores únicos, ha propiciado la crítica de diversas tendencias de pensamiento; algunas de manera moderada buscan la corrección del modelo, ante otras que con posturas más radicales propenden por descalificarlo, tildándolo de teoría inhumana y depredadora en aras de revivir y justificar la vigencia del marxismo y en especial de la vertiente humanista o neo marxista como un modelo global alternativo.
Geopolítica de Colombia desde sus regiones naturales: El Caribe colombiano frente al gran Caribe
Authors: Castañeda Fisco Jorge Alberto
Published: July 2017

La conquista y colonización española a los territorios que hoy conforman nuestro país se hicieron a través del mar Caribe, y fue desde allí que se hizo posible el descubrimiento del Océano Pacífico. En el Caribe, España centró sus esfuerzos para dominar los territorios conquistados y establecer las rutas comerciales con Europa, a la vez este mar se convirtió en el nuevo Mediterráneo, donde las potencias europeas se interesaron por ejercer su influencia, y el proceso de colonización en el Caribe trajo sinnúmero de culturas y lenguas que hoy lo hacen un escenario multirracial. Para Colombia el Caribe tuvo una gran importancia en el pasado, el crecimiento del Estado se dio desde esta región, tanto que la visión geopolítica por varios siglos siguió la ruta longitudinal que nos traza el río Magdalena, en desmedro de la costa Pacífica; así los mercados hacia Estados Unidos y Europa marcaron los destinos económicos del país. Las posibilidades que ofrece la geografía a Colombia al tener una importante región costera sobre el Caribe, más allá de considerarla como un pivote geopolítico, podría proyectarla a nivel de un jugador geoestratégico en una región en que los fenómenos y amenazas transnacionales se hacen cada día más importantes.
Association of Serum Adiponectin Levels with Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors in Malay Adults
Authors: Isa Nur Firdaus , Zainuddin Laila Ruwaida Mohd , Wan Muda Wan Manan , Mohamed Hamid Jan B. Jan
Published: July 2017

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum adiponectin and metabolic syndrome in adults living in rural Malaysia.Methods: A total of 299 Malay adults (men=124; women = 175) with a mean age 48.8 (11.7) years were recruited. Measurements for waist circumference and blood pressure were taken before drawing an overnight fasting blood samples. Biochemical tests for triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, glucose and serum adiponectin concentration were measured.Results: Our results show that the adiponectin level in the subjects with metabolic syndrome was significantly lower than those without metabolic syndrome (p < 0.05). Among the metabolic syndrome risk factors, adiponectin level was significantly associated with hypertriglyceridemia and reduced HDL cholesterol (p < 0.001).Conclusion: The outcome from this study which highlights the association of hypoadiponectinemia with risk factors of metabolic syndrome in Malay adults, suggests that the reduced level of adiponectin may play a pivotal role in the development of metabolic syndrome in this ethnic group.
THE LOYALTY OF GARUDA INDONESIA CUSTOMERS TO THE ROUTE OF JAKARTA-SURABAYA
Authors: Rahmawati Aisyah
Published: July 2017

Survey methods are used to determine the effect of pricing policy implementation (X1), quality of service (X2), and customer loyalty (Y) on PT. Garuda Indonesia, for Jakarta-Surabaya route in 2014. With a population of 773 154 passengers and a sample of 400 respondents, the data is obtained through questionnaires using Likert scale. With a simple and multiple linear regression analyses, simple and partial correlation, with significance level at α = 0.05, it was found that, first, there is a positive relationship between pricing policy and customer loyalty. The variation that occurs in customer loyalty is determined by pricing policy. Secondly, there is a positive relationship between service quality and customer loyalty. The variation that occurs in customer loyalty is determined by service quality. Third, there is a positive influence of pricing policy and service quality on customer loyalty with the coefficient of determination ry1.22 = 0.354, so 35.4% variation happening to customer loyalty is determined simultaneously by pricing policy and service quality. The implication proves that customer loyalty can be enhanced by improving the pricing policy and service quality.
PENINGKATAN JARINGAN TRANSPORTASI DI PROVINSI KALIMANTAN TIMUR DALAM MENDUKUNG AKSESIBILITAS WILAYAH
Authors: Sitorus Budi , Sitorus Tulus Irpan Harsono , Subandi Subandi
Published: July 2017

As one of the gates of development in eastern Indonesia, East Kalimantan Province consists of 14 regencies/ cities with commodity timber, palm oil and coal is a high per capita income of the province and the sixth largest contributor to GDP (6.08%) in Indonesia. The road network has not been able to reach the economic activity in the north and west, not all meet the requirements of the technical feasibility of such strength that resulted in damage to roads and major loss is a problem.The research objective is to formulate recommendations for the development of road transport anticipate growth in East Kalimantan province.Data collection through literature review, the results of research and related scientific publications. Descriptive analyzes were conducted to propose solutions evaluative transportasai development of effective road.Result of the research is to improve road transport services in the North East Kalimantan, East Kalimantan Central Kalimantan South East, the construction and upgrading of roads to reach districts in accordance with the carrying capacity of the traffic load, increase the accessibility index, the construction of freight and passenger terminal and bridge weigh in the order of priority locations, increasing support for MP3EI, KEK and KPI.
The Linkage of the Board of Directors and the Status of Aviation Industry Licensing Law
Authors: NINGRUM LESTARI
Published: July 2017

Aviation business is a capital intensive and high risk in terms of safety. Legislation in force in Indonesia requires enterprises should cost in the form of a limited liability company that is obliged to deposit the basic capital of 500 billion rupiah. The capital cannot be made in working capital which is useful for the collateral to a third party. The regulations for a limited liability company are to be established by at least 2 people. The purpose of this research is to analyze the linkage of the board directors and the status of aviation industry licensing law. The position of the legal status of business entities where shareholder is only one person is to be studied in this descriptive study. The result shows that the airlines company should provide the capital risk and high insurance of the third party. UUPT also has given the authority of the shareholders (who owns 20 % of the share) to be decision makers in the company. However, without independent surveillance, it is possible that the shareholders do some mistakes in making decisions. Some mistakes are related to the policy, the using of authorized capital, and others. Aviation business is a capital intensive and high risk in terms of safety. Legislation in force in Indonesia requires enterprises should cost in the form of a limited liability company that is obliged to deposit the basic capital of 500 billion rupiah. The capital cannot be made in working capital which is useful for the collateral to a third party. The regulations for a limited liability company are to be established by at least 2 people. The position of the legal status of business entities where shareholder is only one person is to be studied in this descriptive study.
THE CUSTOMER LOYALTY OF PATAS PURWAKARTA TRAIN SERVICE USERS
Authors: Riyaldi Muhamad Sapta , Amrizal Amrizal , Silalahi Tiur Merry Bunga
Published: July 2017

The aim of this research is to find out the influence of service quality, ticket price, and customer satisfaction to the customer loyalty. It is a quantitative research using the data analysis method of Path Analysis. The results indicate that both variables of Service Quality (X1) and Ticket Price (X2) have a significant direct influence to the variable of Customer Satisfaction (Y1), whereas the variable of customer satisfaction has a significant indirect influence to the variable of Customer Loyalty (Y2) [through intervening the variable of customer satisfaction]. It is found in a sequence that the variables most influential to the increase of Customer Loyalty are: Service Quality,  Customer Satisfaction, and the Ticket Price in the last rank.The results of path analysis indicate that service quality can directly influence the customer loyalty. It can be optimistically improved as maximal as possible through 5 factors having positive influences in enhancing customer loyalty. Meanwhile, Ticket Price still indirectly influences the customer loyalty and it can pesimistically still be enhanced through the policy on tariff and it is difficult to implement, only can be driven if the ticket price provided by the transport service provider is more competitive and more various as well as affordable for the consumer purchase power of that transport sevice.
THE EFFECT OF RECRUITMENT AND EMPLOYEE SELECTION ON EMPLOYEE PLACEMENT AND ITS IMPACTS TOWARDS EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE AT PT SRIWIJAYA AIR
Authors: Sarinah Sarinah , Gultom Rahmat Simon , Thabah Asep Ali
Published: July 2017

Sriwijaya Air realizes the importance of candidates selection of process, because this process will result in employees in accordance with the prescribed qualifying so as to achieve a performance from these new employees. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the implementation of the recruitment and placement of employees selection and its impact on the performance of employees of  PT Sriwijaya Air Jakarta. The analytical method used is the method of path analysis. The results showed that recruitment and selection variables  influence significantly on the placement of employees. Likewise, employee placement variable influence significantly on the performance of employees of PT Sriwijaya Air Jakarta. However, only recruitment variable that Significantly influence on employee performance. Recruitment is one - the only variable that has direct influence on employee performance. While selection and placement of employees variable do not affect the performance of employees.
PENERAPAN GOOD LOGISTIC PRACTICES UNTUK PRODUK PERIKANAN
Authors: Rahayu Winiati Pudji , Wibisono Wibisono
Published: July 2017

The utilization of Indonesia’s fisheries potential should be supported by the development of fisheries industry, more specifically by the improvement on fisheries supply chain management. It is needed to preserve the quality and safety of fisheries product from sea to consumers’ table and the sustainable fisheries supply. The fisheries product is perishable therefore the appropriate handling and full controlled process are needed to maintain product quality and safety. In fisheries industry, quality and safety can be maintained by applying good logistic practices (GLoP). GLoP is best practices ofcold chain management supported by quality and safety control system such as good manufacturing practices (GMP), standard sanitation operating procedure (SSOP) and hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP). On the other hand, the sustainability of fisheries supply canbe achieved by applying full controlled resources management. The commitment and cooperation of all parties on fisheries industry, as well as the standard implementation of fishery management is needed to improve quality and quantity of Indonesia’s fisheries products.
KUALITAS PELAYANAN DOKUMEN DAN KECEPATAN BONGKAR MUAT GENERAL CARGO
Authors: Umagapi Brata Wuntara , Amonalisa Siska , Lesmini Lies
Published: July 2017

The study’s objective is to analyze the relationship of the documents service quality (X1) and the speed of loading and unloading of general cargo (X2) with service user satisfaction (Y) in Tubagus Jaya PT Maritim, either individually or jointly. Research using quantitative methods, with a population of consumers Tubagus Jaya PT Maritim many as 67 people and the determination of a sample of 30 people. Data were analyzed by using multiple regression and multiple linear regression, simple correlation and partial correlation. Results: 1. There is a correlation between the quality of service of documents by the service user satisfaction is r of 0.794 means there is a very strong relationship and the direction (positive), and the regression hypothesis there is no significant relationship to thitung greater than t table (10.529> 1.669) or hypothesis H1 be accepted. 2.Hasil correlation between the speed of loading and unloading of general cargo with service user satisfaction obtained r of 0.651 means a strong relationship and the direction (positive), and the hypothesis of regression showed a significant relationship that is greater than ttable thitung (6.914> 1.669) or hypothesis H2 be accepted. 3. Results of correlation between the quality of service of documents and speed of loading and unloading of general cargo together with service user satisfaction obtained r of 0.814 means the relationship is very strong and direct (positive), and F count larger than F table (62.871> 3.140) or the research hypothesis H3 is received.
Hacia una ontología de la materia tácita del verbo: Rafael Cadenas y los espacios del silencio en el lenguaje poético
Authors: Méndez González Iván
Published: July 2017

El propósito de este trabajo es profundizar en la importancia que las poéticas del silencio tienen para dilucidar la escritura del poeta venezolano Rafael Cadenas. Para ello, realizamos un rastreo histórico del fundamento de esta perspectiva creadora, tomando en cuenta su relación con la mística y cómo ha impregnado las consideraciones teóricas y estéticas por parte de pensadores y poetas de lengua alemana. Al contemplar esta presencia del silencio en el lenguaje, consideraremos su relación con el espacio, postulando la idea de una materialidad tácita en tanto campo mostrativo del poema.
Advance approaches in alopecia
Authors: Mohan Anand , Khan Mohd. Adil , Chandra Suresh
Published: July 2017

Alopecia is characterized by hair loss mainly on scalp some time on other resign of the body that has negative psychological and social impact on patients. Androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata are common disorders. Androgenetic alopecia is the sensitivity of scalp follicles to dihydrotestosterone and alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder. Current studies have explained the efficacy of corticosteroid therapy or the combination of ultraviolet A therapy and systemic corticosteroids for severe AA. Finasteride opens up new possibilities for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Current drug treatment approaches use regrowth stimulators such as minoxidil and finasteride for androgenetic alopecia, as well as corticosteroids, PUVA therapy for alopecia areata. Targeted delivery to the Hair follicle units helps faster targeting to cells that accelerate drug action by faster availability of drug, novel combination treatments combinations like tretinoin with minoxidil shows better results, gene therapy are new approaches that are under developing stage and giving satisfactory results on animal as well as humans.
Lysine specific demethylase 1 as therapeutic target of cancer
Authors: Panda Nihar Ranjan , Bhoi Sudhir Ranjan , Rawal Rakesh M. , Raval Mukesh Kumar
Published: July 2017

Objective: Lysin specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) inhibits the tumor suppressor activity of p53 and facilitates the progress of tumor. In order to check the tumor growth, the activity of LSD1 enzyme is to be blunted.Methods: Phytochemicals from naturally occurring plant-based anti-cancer compound-activity-target (NPACT) database are screened with LSD1 as target applying genetic algorithm (GA) method to study best ligand poses and free energy of binding using Argus Lab. The prediction of drug-likeness and oral toxicity of the ligands are performed by the online tools Molsoft and ProTox respectively.Results: Calyxin H shows optimum binding affinity to both the substrate and FAD binding sites of LSD1. The LD50 value (median lethal dose) of calyxin H is more than 1000 mg/kg body weight and the toxicity class is 4.Conclusions: Calyxin H is the inhibitor of choice against target LSD1. The lead molecule may be the future potential herbal drug for cancer treatment.
Sexual well-being of sexual minority women in dating relationships who have experienced childhood sexual abuse and/or adolescent and adult sexual victimization
Authors: Crump Lyndsay , Byers E. Sandra
Published: July 2017

Few studies have examined the sexual sequelae of child sexual abuse (CSA) for sexual minority women (SMW), particularly SMW in dating relationships. We examined the impact of CSA on several aspects of sexual well-being. Participants were 299 SMW in a non-cohabiting dating relationship who completed an online survey that assessed CSA, adolescent and adult sexual victimization (AASV) and their behavioural, motivational, and cognitive-affective sexual responses. Four groups were formed based on sexual abuse experiences before the age of 14: No lifetime sexual abuse (NSA Group); AASV only (AASV Group); CSA limited to fondling (CSAfon Group); and, CSA involving attempted/completed vaginal, oral and/or anal penetration (CSApen Group). Women in the CSAfon and CSApen groups were significantly more likely to report having experienced AASV (77% and 56%, respectively) than were women in the AASV and NSA groups (32%). Women in the CSApen Group reported significantly lower sexual desire and sexual satisfaction, and more frequent negative automatic sexual thoughts than women in the other groups but no differences in their frequency of sexual behaviours, sexual duration, sexual esteem, or sexual anxiety. The AASV Group did not differ from the NSA Group on any of the sexual well-being variables. Overall, women in all four groups generally reported positive sexual well-being. These results suggest CSA involving attempted/completed penetration with or without subsequent AASV negatively affects only some aspects of SMW's sexual well-being. They also suggest SMW who have experienced sexual abuse can and do enjoy healthy sexual well-being within the context of a dating relationship.
Probabilistic Approach to Evaluate Acceptable Toll Rates in Road Concessions
Authors: Vajdic Nevena , Mladenovic Goran , Queiroz Cesar
Published: July 2017

Countries worldwide make substantial efforts to keep the condition of their road infrastructure at an acceptable level under budgetary constraints. One possible model that enables the delivery of road projects under limited budgets is a public–private partnership (PPP). Because of several technical, financial, legal, and economic issues that need to be addressed, PPP agreements are relatively complex. In addition, defining long-term rights and obligations between the public sector and the private concessionaire requires an in-depth risk analysis because of the considerable number of risks usually encountered in PPP projects, such as a toll road concession. The objective of this paper is to present a method for an ex ante assessment of the acceptable toll rate for different stakeholders based on a probabilistic analysis of construction costs, operations and maintenance costs, and traffic volumes. The financial constraints included in the analysis are the debt service coverage ratio and return on equity. The resulting toll rates are determined from the simulated probability distributions of the input parameters. Such rates are then compared with the socially acceptable toll rate. The application of the proposed method to a case study of a toll road concession in Greece for which publicly available data were obtained indicates that the method presented is able to capture some uncertainties and improve the project’s risk quantification process. It is recommended that the proposed method be tested on other projects for further validation and eventual upgrading of the model for use as a tool in risk management in toll road concessions.
IntroMap: A Pipeline and Set of Diagnostic DiploidArachisSNPs as a Tool for Mapping Alien Introgressions inArachis hypogaea
Authors: Clevenger J. , Bertioli D.J. , Leal-Bertioli S.C.M. , Chu Y. , Stalker H.T. , Ozias-Akins P.
Published: July 2017

For crops with a narrow cultivated genetic base, incorporating beneficial alleles from related species through alien introgression widens the genetic base and provides key resistances to disease and abiotic stresses. Fine mapping of these introgressions can increase the efficiency of marker-assisted selection for breeding programs. To facilitate high resolution fine mapping of alien introgressions, we developed an automated pipeline, IntroMap. This pipeline was developed with accessibility and utility in mind, and does not present novel mapping algorithms. Using five diploid wild Arachis species, we identified diagnostic SNP sets for introgression mapping in Arachis hypogaea, cultivated peanut. IntroMap has applicability in all crops where alien introgression is used to bring in beneficial alleles from related species, so the pipeline includes an option to generate new diagnostic SNPs from any species/accession of interest for use in the pipeline. These user generated resources will be included for distribution with IntroMap to increase the SNP resources for all users. We demonstrate the efficacy of IntroMap by fine mapping three alien introgressions in an elite peanut breeding line with superior disease resistance. IntroMap works well even at low coverage, recovering at 2x coverage almost 50% of the diagnostic SNPs found at 10x coverage. The true benefit of IntroMap is the availability and generation of shared public resources, specifically for Arachis spp. IntroMap is freely distributed at https://sourceforge.net/projects/intromap/.
Monitoring Fungicide Sensitivity Levels and Mycelial Compatibility Groupings of Sclerotium rolfsii Isolates from Florida Peanut Fields
Authors: Khatri K. , Kunwar S. , Barocco R. L. , Dufault N. S.
Published: July 2017

Sclerotium rolfsii, the causal agent of peanut stem rot, is a diverse pathogen that has exhibited decreases in sensitivity to fungicides in areas where they are frequently applied. To better understand this pathogen's diversity and its response to various fungicides in Florida, a monitoring survey was done to examine isolates from several peanut producing areas using morphological characteristics, mycelial compatibility groupings and fungicide sensitivity profiles. A high level of morphological diversity was observed among a small number (N = 15) of isolates which was affirmed by both Shannon-Weiner (E = 0.812) and Simpson's (D = 0.280) indices. However, despite this high level of diversity, fungicide sensitivity of these isolates to flutolanil (EC50 = 0.031 ppm) and tebuconazole (EC50 = 0.008 ppm) appears to remain relatively unchanged when compared to a previous baseline study. Utilizing a small number of isolates, this monitoring survey indicated the EC50 values for the products azoxystrobin (EC50 = 0.050 ppm), prothioconazole (EC50 = 0.213 ppm), penthiopyrad (EC50 = 0.016 ppm) and solatenol (EC50 = 0.005 ppm). A trend for hormesis was also noted in this survey (e.g. flutolanil), but further research is necessary to better understand sub-lethal fungicide dose effects on increasing mycelial growth. It is apparent from these results that despite the high levels of phenotypic diversity in S. rolfsii populations, current fungicide management practices should remain effective for disease control.
Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Authors: Afroz T , Sultana N , Rahman MH , Begum A , Muna FZ , Rahman MM
Published: July 2017

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a highly prevalent complex disorder among adults worldwide which includes cardiovascular risk factors such as central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension. MetS or its components are prevalent in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), a common urogenital disorder of adult male with increasing age. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from July 2014 to June 2015 with a total of 100 subjects. Of these 50 patients of BPH attending the Department of Urology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka was taken as Group I and 50 age-matched apparently healthy adults was taken as Group II. According to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP-ATP III, 2005) criteria, components of MetS as fasting plasma glucose, serum triglyceride, serum HDL-C level, blood pressure, waist circumference were assessed and compared between groups by chi-square (x2) tests and unpaired student's 't' test as appropriate. A p value <0.05 at 95% CI was considered as significant. Metabolic Syndrome was significantly more common in BPH patients than that of healthy individuals (72% VS 38%, p=0.001). Mean±SD of fasting plasma glucose and serum triglycerides were significantly higher in Group I than that of Group II (5.7±0.6 mmol/l vs 5.13±0.97 mmol/l, p=0.001; and 191.3±33.9 mg/dl vs 159.2±45.5 mg/dl, p=0.001, respectively). Percentage of subjects having high blood pressure, high serum triglyceride and low serum HDL-C were significantly high in BPH patients (Group I) than that of healthy individuals of Group II (BP: 72% VS 44%, p=0.005, TG: 90% vs 54%, p=0.001, HDL-C: 72% VS 54%,p=0.001). Metabolic syndrome or its components are more common among patients with benign prostate hyperplasia. Routine investigations to detect MetS can be done to reduce the risk of cerebrovascular diseases, cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus in BPH patients.Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2015; 8(2): 42-48
Quality assurance in undergraduate dental institutions of Bangladesh: Views of stakeholders
Authors: Raihan Md Mahafuzur , Afroza Syeda , Talukder Md Humayun Kabir , Harun Md Abdullah Al , Hossin Md Immam , Ahmad Rasel
Published: July 2017

This cross-sectional study was conducted to find out the views of some stakeholders in regarding the current quality assurance activities in different government and non-government dental institutions of Bangladesh. Students, intern doctors, teachers and head of the institutions were the respondents. Semi-structured self-administered questionnaire, interview schedules and a checklist were used for data collection. The sampling technique was convenience and purposive. The study was conducted in 2015 and 2016. The study revealed that teachers were satisfied with the overall educational environment, but students are not certain about this mater and the students' opinion were negative in regards to hostel and library facilities. Only few teachers were engaged in research activities in which authorities do not provide any assistance. Almost all dental institutions are deficient in their quality assurance activities. Other than academic council most of the quality assurance bodies are absent or non-functioning. The study recommends that quality assurance activities in undergraduate dental institutions in Bangladesh should be strengthened and it should be evaluated by the national quality assurance body.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Education Vol.8(2) 2017: 7-11
Enhanced cytotoxic potential of Orthosiphon stamineus extract in MCF-7 cells through suppression of nucleolin and bcl2
Authors: Saravanan Renuka , Pemaiah Brindha , Sridharan Sriram , Narayanan Mahesh , Ramalingam Sivakumar
Published: July 2017

The aim of the present study was to analyze the anti-cancer effect of Orthosiphon stamineus leaf extract on MCF-7 cells. Ethyl acetate extract of the plant was eluted and pooled into 6 fractions based on their Rf values and the fractions were tested for cytotoxicity. Fraction 3 was found effective (IC50 = 28.5 µL/mL) and was subjected to LC-MS analysis which indicated the presence of biochanin, eleutherol and cinnamic acid. Further, cytotoxic effect of the fraction was confirmed in terms of nucleolin, bcl2, bax and cytochrome c expression in MCF-7 cells through RT-PCR where a marked decrease in nucleolin, bcl2 and increase in bax and cytochrome c were observed. The presence of eleutherol, a well-known anti-oxidant and anti-cancer agent, has been reported for the first time in O. stamineus. The anti-cancer activity of O. stamineus may be due to the presence of elutherol and cinnamic acid.
Video Clip of Methodology:
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A Real Model of a Micro-Grid to Improve Network Stability
Authors: Marcon Petr , Szabo Zoltan , Vesely Ivo , Zezulka Frantisek , Sajdl Ondrej , Roubal Zdenek , Dohnal Premysl
Published: July 2017

This paper discusses the smart energy model of a smart grid using a significant share of renewable energy sources combined with intelligent control that processes information from a smart metering subsystem. An algorithm to manage the microgrid via the demand-response strategy is proposed, accentuating the requirement that the total volume of energy produced from renewable sources is consumed. Thus, the system utilizes the maximum of renewable sources to reduce CO2 emissions. Another major benefit provided by the algorithm lies in applying the current weather forecast to predict the amount of energy in the grid; electricity can then be transferred between the local and the main backup batteries within the grid, and this option enables the control elements to prepare for a condition yet to occur. Individual parts of the grid are described in this research report together with the results provided by the relevant algorithm.
The Static Frictional Behaviors of Rubber for Pipe-Laying Operation
Authors: Zhou Yong-Jie , Wang De-Guo , Guo Yan-Bao , Liu Shu-Hai
Published: July 2017

Experimental research is carried out to reveal the static frictional behaviors of rubber pipe contact systems. This research is motivated by deep water pipe-laying operations where rubber blocks are used to clamp the pipe to supply sufficient static friction. Within this context, a friction testing instrument has been designed to mimic a situation of the beginning of the pipe-laying installation. Using this instrument, the maximum static friction forces (F) of a rubber pipe contact system are tested. The results show that the ultimate values of the static frictions fluctuate due to the increasing rate of the tangential load (FT). The evolution of contact between rubber and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) pipe is observed to identify the formation and propagation of the folds within the apparent contact area. In addition, it is confirmed that the evolution of contact is influenced by the folds and creep of the rubber surface. The creep deformation takes primary effect in accelerating the separation of the interfaces of contact during relative high normal loads (20, 30, 40 N) and low increasing rate of FT; whereas for all of the testing normal loads (10–40 N), the propagation of the folds release the energy which is stored in the interface of rubber when the increasing rate of FT is high. Therefore, the fluctuation of the maximum static friction of the contact system can be regarded as a consequence of interaction of the creep and folds. Furthermore, the instability of the coefficient of static friction in this test has been examined, and it indicated that the creep and folds could affect the static friction distinctly within a certain range of a normal load. This research is beneficial for arranging appropriate normal loads and laying speeds to avoid pipes slipping during a pipe-laying operation.
Effect of Material Variability and Mechanical Eccentricity on the Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Buildings
Authors: Puppio Mario , Pellegrino Martina , Giresini Linda , Sassu Mauro
Published: July 2017

The present paper deals with the influence of material variability on the seismic vulnerability assessment of reinforced concrete buildings. Existing r.c. buildings are affected by a strong dispersion of material strengths of both the base materials. This influences the seismic response in linear and nonlinear static analysis. For this reason, it is useful to define a geometrical parameter called “material eccentricity”. As a reference model, an analysis of a two storey building is presented with a symmetrical plan but asymmetrical material distribution. Furthermore, an analysis of two real buildings with a similar issue is performed. Experimental data generate random material distributions to carry out a probabilistic analysis. By rotating the vector that defines the position of the center of strength it is possible to describe a strength domain that is characterized by equipotential lines in terms of the Risk Index. Material eccentricity is related to the Ultimate Shear of non-linear static analyses. This relevant uncertainty, referred to as the variation of the center of strength, is not considered in the current European and Italian Standards. The “material eccentricity” therefore reveals itself to be a relevant parameter to considering how material variability affects such a variation.
Involvement of the Integrin α1β1 in the Progression of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Boudjadi Salah , Bernatchez Gérald , Sénicourt Blanche , Beauséjour Marco , Vachon Pierre , Carrier Julie , Beaulieu Jean-François
Published: July 2017

Integrins are a family of heterodimeric glycoproteins involved in bidirectional cell signaling that participate in the regulation of cell shape, adhesion, migration, survival and proliferation. The integrin α1β1 is known to be involved in RAS/ERK proliferative pathway activation and plays an important role in fibroblast proliferation. In the small intestine, the integrin α1 subunit is present in the crypt proliferative compartment and absent in the villus. We have recently shown that the integrin α1 protein and transcript (ITGA1) are present in a large proportion of colorectal cancers (CRC) and that their expression is controlled by the MYC oncogenic factor. Considering that α1 subunit/ITGA1 expression is correlated with MYC in more than 70% of colon adenocarcinomas, we postulated that the integrin α1β1 has a pro-tumoral contribution to CRC. In HT29, T84 and SW480 CRC cells, α1 subunit/ITGA1 knockdown resulted in a reduction of cell proliferation associated with an impaired resistance to anoikis and an altered cell migration in HT29 and T84 cells. Moreover, tumor development in xenografts was reduced in HT29 and T84 sh-ITGA1 cells, associated with extensive necrosis, a low mitotic index and a reduced number of blood vessels. Our results show that α1β1 is involved in tumor cell proliferation, survival and migration. This finding suggests that α1β1 contributes to CRC progression.
Mesoporous ZSM-5 Zeolites in Acid Catalysis: Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up Approach
Authors: Losch Pit , Hoff Thomas , Kolb Joy , Bernardon Claire , Tessonnier Jean-Philippe , Louis Benoît
Published: July 2017

A top-down desilication of Al-rich ZSM-5 zeolites and a bottom-up mesopores creating method were evaluated in this study. Three liquid–solid and one gas–solid heterogeneously-catalysed reactions were chosen to establish relationships between zeolites textural properties and their catalytic behavior in acid-catalysed model reactions that are influenced by shape selectivity: Diels-Alder cyclization between isoprene and methylacrylate, Methanol-to-Olefins (MTO) reaction, chlorination of iodobenzene with trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA), and Friedel-Crafts acylation of anisole by carboxylic acids with differing sizes. It is found amongst others that no optimal mesoporosity for all the different reactions can be easily obtained, but depending on the chosen application, a specific treatment has to be set to achieve high activity/selectivity and stability.
Phase and Microstructural Correlation of Spark Plasma Sintered HfB2-ZrB2 Based Ultra-High Temperature Ceramic Composites
Authors: Nisar Ambreen , Balani Kantesh
Published: July 2017

The refractory diborides (HfB2 and ZrB2) are considered as promising ultra-high temperature ceramic (UHTCs) where low damage tolerance limits their application for the thermal protection system in re-entry vehicles. In this regard, SiC and CNT have been synergistically added as the sintering aids and toughening agents in the spark plasma sintered (SPS) HfB2-ZrB2 system. Herein, a novel equimolar composition of HfB2 and ZrB2 has shown to form a solid-solution which then allows compositional tailoring of mechanical properties (such as hardness, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness). The hardness of the processed composite is higher than the individual phase hardness up to 1.5 times, insinuating the synergy of SiC and CNT reinforcement in HfB2-ZrB2 composites. The enhanced fracture toughness of CNT reinforced composite (up to a 196% increment) surpassing that of the parent materials (ZrB2/HfB2-SiC) is attributed to the synergy of solid solution formation and enhanced densification (~99.5%). In addition, the reduction in the analytically quantified interfacial residual tensile stress with SiC and CNT reinforcements contribute to the enhancement in the fracture toughness of HfB2-ZrB2-SiC-CNT composites, mandatory for aerospace applications.
Power System Event Ranking Using a New Linear Parameter-Varying Modeling with a Wide Area Measurement System-Based Approach
Authors: Abolhasani Jabali Mohammad , Kazemi Mohammad
Published: July 2017

Detecting critical power system events for Dynamic Security Assessment (DSA) is required for reliability improvement. The approach proposed in this paper investigates the effects of events on dynamic behavior during nonlinear system response while common approaches use steady-state conditions after events. This paper presents some new and enhanced indices for event ranking based on time-domain simulation and polytopic linear parameter-varying (LPV) modeling of a power system. In the proposed approach, a polytopic LPV representation is generated via linearization about some points of the nonlinear dynamic behavior of power system using wide-area measurement system (WAMS) concepts and then event ranking is done based on the frequency response of the system models on the vertices. Therefore, the nonlinear behaviors of the system in the time of fault occurrence are considered for events ranking. The proposed algorithm is applied to a power system using nonlinear simulation. The comparison of the results especially in different fault conditions shows the advantages of the proposed approach and indices.