bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empirical Study of the Relationship between Board of Director Mechanisms and Perceived Performance of Listed Firms in Nigeria
Authors: Nuhu Mohammed , Hussani Suleiman Muhammad
Published: January 2018

Purpose: The growing debate on the board of director mechanisms to firm performance will for a long time remain area of research. The effectiveness of the board of director composition, responsibility, and accountability have become an area of research in the recent trend. This paper attempts to investigate the empirical study of the relationship between the board of director mechanisms and perceived performance of listed firms in Nigeria. The underpinning theory of the paper is rooted in agency theory and supported by resource dependence theory, and stewardship theory to increase the understanding of the influence of the board of director formation to perceived firm performance. The questionnaires were administered to the respondents, out of 182 questionnaires administered, 117 were returned. The number of valid questionnaires is 114. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Empirical findings showed that board of director composition and accountability were positively associated with perceived firm performance. While the board of director responsibility has no relationship. Based on the knowledge of this paper, this is the first study that adopts the use of primary data to investigate the empirical study of the relationship between the board of director mechanisms and perceived performance of listed firms in Nigeria. The findings provide policymakers, stakeholders, and government with the approaches to overcome and resolved the conflict of interest between the board of director (agent) and shareholder (principal). The paper also offers some suggestions for future study.
Relationship between Situational Inhibitors and Informal Learning amongst Accountants
Authors: Syahir Abdul Wahab , Selamat Mohamad Hisyam , Saad Ram Al-Jaffri , Mat Mohd. Amir
Published: January 2018

Purpose: Informal learning activities are important for chartered accountants in public accounting firms to develop and maintain knowledge and skills within the professional environment. However, recent evidence indicates that situational inhibitors to the learning exist in their working environment. Thus, the objective of this research is to examine the relationship between situational inhibitors and informal learning activities amongst the accountants.

Design/Methodology/Approach: A total of 260 chartered accountants in the firms across Malaysia participated in this study. The data of the study was collected through mail survey approach and analysed using correlation analysis.

Findings: The findings indicated that lack of time and lack of support from others inhibited the accountants' informal workplace learning activities. The evidence suggests that accountants who face these two constraints at the workplace, would be less likely to engage in informal learning activities.

Implications/Originality/Value: This study adds to previous literature by testing the relationship between situational inhibitors and the accountants' informal learning activities. Practically, the research findings are critical for accounting profession in developing appropriate strategies to overcome the identified problems.
An Alternative Explanation for Stock Price Increases among the S&P 500 following a Stock Buyback Announcement
Authors: Munoz Jr Jose Emilio
Published: January 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate an alternative, more basic explanation for stock price increases among the Standard & Poor's 500 Index following a stock buyback announcement than the signaling theory offered in current literature.

Methodology: Three related sets of data were collected and analyzed for 1,858 individual S&P 500 stock buyback announcements occurring during the period 2005-2015: First, the actual stock prices for 6 different times from the buyback announcement date (t) to one year after (t+365); second, the S&P 500 Index for the same dates; and third, the mathematical price of the stock resulting from the reduction in buyback shares.

Results: The results demonstrate that the greatest contributor to the post-buyback-announcement share price increase is due to the combination of general market moves (S&P 500 Index) and the mathematical reduction in shares occurring from the buyback.  No support is found for the signaling theory.

Implication: This research presents a conceptually yet empirically supported framework to describe the significance of the mathematical reduction in shares as a contributing factor in the post-buyback-announcement share price increase as compared to alternatives offered in the current literature. This paper is particularly useful for those who study stock market behavior and the causes of the share price increase that follow a stock buyback announcement.
PELATIHAN MEMBUAT TAS MAKRAME BAGI REMAJA PUTUS SEKOLAH DI UPTD BINA HARAPAN REMAJA PADANGPANJANG UNTUK MENUMBUHKAN MINAT BERWIRAUSAHA
Authors: Trisnawati Desi , Ranelis Ranelis , Wendra Wendra , Prasilia Lucy
Published: January 2018

Makrame adalah kerajinan dalam bentuk simpul tali. Kerajinan Makrame/ simpul tali ini bermacam-macam seperti simpul pipih, kordon, kordon berganda dan simpul rantai. Kerajinan tangan yang dapat dibuat dengan teknik makrame adalah tas, dompet, asesoris, fashion, dan penghias interior tekstil lainnya. Hasil kerajinan makrame sangat unik dan memiliki nilai seni karena seluruh proses pengerjaannya dilakukan secara manual, pengulangan simpul dilakukan secara ber-ulang sehingga membentuk motif. Di Sumatera Barat khususnya di Padangpanjang teknik makrame ini belum banyak dikenal oleh masyarakat. Untuk memperkenalkan teknik makrame di tengah-tengah masyarakat dilakukan pelatihan bagi remaja putri putus sekolah di UPTD Dinas Sosial Bina Remaja Harapan Padangpanjang. Pelatihan ini bertujuan untuk menumbuhkan semangat jiwa usaha bagi remaja putri dengan kemampuan atau skill yang mereka dapatkan setelah dilakukan pelatihan ini. Mampu membuat produk kerajinan tas, dompet, sarung HP, dan benda kerajinan lainnya dengan teknik makrame. Pelatihan ini dilakukan dengan beberapa metode yaitu penyampaian materi dasar tentang kerajinan makrame dengan cara persentasi dan diskusi. Memberi contoh kerajinan makrame, dilanjutkan dengan praktek membuat tas. Selama pelatihan peserta dilatih dan didampingi oleh tim pengabdian. Peserta diajarkan berbagai macam simpul makrame sebagai dasar untuk membuat produk dengan teknik makrame.
Analytical Study of MHD Thermoconvective Waves through its Propagation
Authors: Lal Madan
Published: January 2018

Following is the analytical study on the propagation of undamped thermoconvective
waves, an electrically conducting viscous fluid is hypothesized which has the property of
uniform horizontal magnetic field in heating the uniform vertical concentration gradient
for a solute. It has seen that undamped thermoconvective waves propagation in a
specific order, whereas the heating of fluid, is based on the solute concentration, this
decreased vertically or show vertical pattern. If the heating of fluid takes place in
upward manner the propagation of waves is highly effected, the above aspect proves
hypothetically and has shown that its laboratory demonstration is also possible.
ASPEK PERTUMBUHAN UNDUR-UNDUR LAUT, Hippa adactyla DARI PANTAI BERPASIR KABUPATEN KEBUMEN
Authors: Dan Yusli Wardiatno Ali Mashar
Published: January 2018

ABSTRAKUndur-undur laut atau mole crab merupakan komponen penting dari komunitas makrobentos di pantaiberpasir terbuka, baik di daerah tropis maupun bermusim empat di seluruh dunia.Undur-undur lautmempunyai fungsi ekonomi dan ekologi.Salah satu jenis undur-undur laut yang banyak dijumpai diIndonesia adalah jenis Hippa adactyla.Karena fungsi ekonomi dan ekologi undur-undur laut pentinguntuk dilestarikan, salah satu informasi penting yang dibutuhkan adalah pola pertumbuhan undurundurlaut.Penelitian dilakukan di Pantai Bocor, Kecamatan Buluspesantren, KabupatenKebumen.Pengambilan sampel undur-undur laut dilakukan setiap bulan dari bulan Maret hingga Mei2012, yang dilakukan dengan metode penyapuan dengan bantuan alat tangkap sorok pada daerahpantai berpasir yang terpengaruh gerakan gelombang (swash zone) (swept area method).Hasilpenelitian menunjukkan bahwa undur-undur laut Hippa adactyla yang tertangkap mempunyai kisaranpanjang karapas antara 15 mm hingga 40 mm, dengan ukuran yang paling banyak tertangkap beradapada selang panjang karapas 24-26 mm.Nisbah kelamin undur-undur laut di lokasi penelitianmendekati 1 (1,035) atau tergolong seimbang, dimana jumlah undur-undur laut jantan relatif seragamdengan undur-undur laut betina.Kondisi ini juga menunjukkan bahwa kondisi populasi undur-undurlaut di lokasi penelitian relatif stabil. Pola pertumbuhan undur-undur laut Hippa adactylaseluruhnya,baik jantan, betina, maupun gabungan, adalah isometrik, artinya pertambahan panjang undur-undurlaut relatifsama dengan pertambahan bobotnya.Kata kunci: Hippa adactyla, pantai berpasir, undur-undur lautABSTRACTMole crabs are one of important biological component among macrobenthos communityinhabiting sandy beach, both in tropic or temperate area all over the world. They playsignificant ecology and economy role in their habitat. One of Indonesian mole crabs is Hippaadactyla. Due to its ecological and economical function of the crab, it is neede to study thepopulation growth pattern for biological information based sustainable management. One ofimportant biological information is growth pattern. The research was conducted in PantaiBocor, Kecamatan Buluspesantren, Kabupaten Kebumen. Sample collections were donemonthly during March Ã¢â¬â May 2012. Sampling was done by swep area method by means oflocal fishermen gear called sorok along swash zone. The results showed that the carapacelength of collected crabs ranged from 19 Ã¢â¬â 34 mm, with the highest abundance within range of29 Ã¢â¬â 30 mm. Female dominated the sex ratio. The F/M ratio was 0.244. The growth pattern ofmale was isometric, while in female it was negative allometric. However, combining datashowed that the growth patern of the population was negative allometric, so its length growsfaster than its weight.Keywords: Hippa adactyla, sandy beach, mole crab, southern part of Jawa
STRUKTUR KOMUNITAS IKAN PADA AREAL BUDIDAYA RUMPUT LAUT SISTEM LONG LINE DI TELUK EKAS LOMBOK TIMUR
Authors: Dan I Putu Artayasa Muhammad Sulaiman, Lalu Japa
Published: January 2018

ABSTRAKPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk menggambarkan struktur komunitas ikan pada arealbudidaya rumput laut secara long line di Teluk Ekas Lombok Timur. Metode yangdigunakan adalah metode survei dengan menggunakan jaring sapu. Teknik pengambilan datateknik removal sampling. Analisis data untuk menggambarkan struktur komunitas ikanadalah analisis secara diskriptif pada parameter jumlah jenis ikan, kemelimpahan,keanekaragaman, keseragaman, dan dominansinya. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwajumlah spesies yang diperoleh sebanyak 886 yang terdiri dari 19 spesies. Spesies ikan yangpaling melimpah adalah Apogon angustatus diikuti oleh Achreichtys tomentosus dan Histriohistrio. Indeks keanekaragaman spesies termasuk kategori sedang. Sedangkan indekskeseragaman kategori tinggi dan dominansi berada pada katagori rendah. Kesimpulan daripenelitian ini dimana indeks keanekaragaman spesies ikan pada areal budidaya rumput laut diperairan Teluk Ekas secara keseluruhan sebesar 2,55. Nilai keanekaragaman tersebut dapatmenunjukkan bahwa rumput laut memiliki peran yang cukup besar dalam meningkatakanjumlah jenis ikan di lokasi studi.Kata-kata kunci: Kemelimpahan, Keanekaragaman, Keseragaman dan DominansiABSTRACTA research on fish community structure in the area of long line seaweeds mariculture of Ekasbay East Lombok was done. Samplings of fish were conducted during September and October2011. Removal sampling technique was applied in this research. Sample of fishes wereidentified and analyzed for density, diversity, equitability or evenees, and domiancy. Total886 fishes collected were identified as 19 species. Three species with the highest density wereApogon angustatus, Achreichtys tomentosus, and Histrio histrio. Species diversity index offish in Ekas bay was in intermediate category. Furthermore, species index equitability orevenees and dominancy were high and low category, respectively. This means there was nofish species dominated other species. All 19 species of fish recorded in this research were inrelative similar number of individual.Key Words: community structure, fish, seaweeds, Ekas bay
HUBUNGAN PRODUKTIVITAS PRIMER FITOPLANKTON DENGAN KETERSEDIAAN UNSUR HARA DAN INTENSITAS CAHAYA DI PERAIRAN TELUK KENDARI SULAWESI TENGGARA
Authors: Dan Niken T.M. Prawtiwi Nur Irawati, Enan M. Adiwilaga
Published: January 2018

ABSTRAKPenelitian ini merupakan kajian tentang hubungan produktivitas primer fitoplankton denganketersediaan unsur hara dan intensitas cahaya di perairan Teluk Kendari. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan diPerairan Teluk Kendari pada bulan April Ã¢â¬â Juni 2009 dengan menempatkan 3 stasiun penelitian.Tujuan penelitian adalah mengkaji hubungan antara produktivitas primer fitoplankton (NPP) denganketersediaan unsur hara dan intensitas cahaya (ICM) di perairan Teluk Kendari. Hasil penelitianmenunjukkan bahwa nilai produktivitas primer selama penelitian pada perairan Teluk Kendari yaitupada stasiun luar teluk berkisar 16,99 Ã¢â¬â 26,37 mgC/m3/4 jam, pada stasiun tengah teluk 21,09 Ã¢â¬â 31,25mgC/m3/4 jam, dan 11,13Ã¢â¬â24,61 mgC/m3/4 jam pada stasiun dalam teluk. Hubungan produktivitasprimer dengan unsur hara dan ICM memperlihatkan keeratan hubungan yang kuat pada ketiga stasiunpenelitian sedang produktivitas primer dengan unsur hara dan ICM menunjukkan pola yang hampirsama pada ketiga stasiun penelitian. Pada stasiun luar teluk, unsur hara amonia dan nitrat bersamaICM menjadi faktor yang memberikan pengaruh nyata terhadap tinggi rendahnya nilai NPP, sedangpada stasiun tengah dan dalam teluk, unsur hara nitrat dan ICM memberikan pengaruh yang nyataterhadap tinggi dan rendahnya nilai NPP di perairan Teluk Kendari.ABSTRACTThe sudy on the Phytoplankton primary productivity relationship to the availability of nutrientelement and light intensity in the waters of Kendari Bay was conducted on April-June 2009 at threesites. The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between primary productivity ofphytoplankton with nutrient availability and light intensity in the waters of the Bay of Kendari. Basedon the data description and laboratory analysis, net primary productivity values during the surveyperiod varied from 11.13 to 31.25 mgC/m3/4 hour with ranges of average value of NPP from 20.0 to24.46 mgC/m3/4 hour. Sampling station located at the middle of the bay had the highest NPP valuefollowed by sampling station positioned at the mouth of the bay and the lowest value was found atsampling station located near the river mouth of the upper part of the bay. Relationship betweenprimary productivity and light intensity depicted a strong correlation at the three sampling stations.Relationship of primary productivity to nutrient and light intensity showed that the relationship werehigh in all three stations. Similar pattern of relationship were shown among the three stations. At thestation located out of the Kendari Bay, nutrient element N (both ammonia and nitrate) and lightintensity were the main factors that signifacantly influence the level of NPP value, while stationlocated in the middle and inside the bay, results reveal that nitrate and light intensity had significatinflunce on the level of NPP values.Key words: primary productivity of phytoplankton, nutrient elements, light intensity
Effect of Dividend Payment on Stock Prices of Commercial Banks in Nepal: Panel Approach
Authors: Bhattarai Yuga Raj
Published: January 2018

This study has examined the effect of dividend payment on stock prices of commercial banks in Nepal. The study has adopted causal comparative research design. The secondary data of six commercial banks were collected during 7 years (2010 to 2016) period. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. From the empirical analysis this study found a significant positive relationship between share price and dividend payment. This study concludes that payment of dividend positively affect share price of Nepalese commercial banks.Economic Journal of Development Issues Vol. 21 & 22 No. 1-2 (2016) Combined Issue, Page:  55-68
Hepatitis B vaccination in Nepalese infants: The present scenario
Authors: Adhikari Sudhir , Sathian Brijesh
Published: January 2018

Under the sustainable Development Agenda 2030, WHO is supporting the countries for achieving the global hepatitis goals by formulating evidence-based policy and data for action, promoting partnerships and mobilizing resources, raising awareness, preventing transmission, and also improving the screening, care and treatment services. There is an urgent need for a national policy for active and passive hepatitis B immunization to sustain our low transmission status.Nepal J Epidemiol. 2017;7(3); 694-696
Pour un management paradoxal de nos pratiques de recherche
Authors: de Vaujany François-Xavier
Published: January 2018

En séparant élaboration et communication des connaissances, enseignement et recherche, événements A et B, le monde académique en gestion a produit des ruptures profondes. L’auteur relie ce problème à deux logiques scientifiques actionnées de façon contradictoire, sans durée et sans simultanéité : l’hétéronomie (avec les plateformes du « nouveau » monde) et l’isonomie (avec les communautés de l’ « ancien » monde). Les écrits de Merleau-Ponty permettent d’identifier des voies de réconciliation paradoxales illustrées par les expérimentations d’un collectif d’académiques (RGCS).
The Creaturely Life of Carol Reed's Cities: Eric Santner and Walter Benjamin
Authors: Charles Hill John
Published: January 2018

In the years following the end of the Second World War Carol Reed directed three films, Odd Man Out (1947), The Third Man (1949), and The Man Between (1953), that all dealt with individuals somehow cast alone into post-war urban environments that shared certain characteristics of division and violence. This article argues that they can be usefully analysed through the lens of Walter Benjamin's notion of the creaturely, especially through Eric Santner's explication of the concept. It considers the films from three aspects of Santner's creaturely life: natural history, the state of exception, and undeadness. These qualities of the creaturely as an analysis of the human condition help to encompass some of the strangeness of Reed's apparently conventional film narratives. The films' characters can be seen as overtly modelling a kind of Benjaminian natural history, the history of the brutal twentieth century, in which the vulnerable, mortal, dying human beings at the centre of these tales stumble around in real cities manifesting in real broken stones and brick, the allegorical ruins of a past order. They are victims of an arbitrary law experiencing life in a permanent now as the endless liminality of death, and are therefore, as examples of our creaturely state, terminally undead.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Algorithms in 2017
Authors:   Algorithms  Editorial Office
Published: January 2018

Peer review is an essential part in the publication process, ensuring that Algorithms maintains high quality standards for its published papers.[...]
Assessing the Impact of Surface and Upper-Air Observations on the Forecast Skill of the ACCESS Numerical Weather Prediction Model over Australia
Authors: Soldatenko Sergei , Tingwell Chris , Steinle Peter , Kelly-Gerreyn Boris
Published: January 2018

The impact of the Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s in situ observations (land and sea surface observations, upper air observations by radiosondes, pilot balloons, wind profilers, and aircraft observations) on the short-term forecast skill provided by the ACCESS (Australian Community Climate and Earth-System Simulator) global numerical weather prediction (NWP) system is evaluated using an adjoint-based method. This technique makes use of the adjoint perturbation forecast model utilized within the 4D-Var assimilation system, and is able to calculate the individual impact of each assimilated observation in a cycling NWP system. The results obtained show that synoptic observations account for about 60% of the 24-h forecast error reduction, with the remainder accounted for by aircraft (12.8%), radiosondes (10.5%), wind profilers (3.9%), pilot balloons (2.8%), buoys (1.7%) and ships (1.2%). In contrast, the largest impact per observation is from buoys and aircraft. Overall, all observation types have a positive impact on the 24-h forecast skill. Such results help to support the decision-making process regarding the evolution of the observing network, particularly at the national level. Consequently, this 4D-Var-based approach has great potential as a tool to assist the design and running of an efficient and effective observing network.
Observations of Local Meteorological Variability under Large-Scale Circulation Patterns over Athens, Greece
Authors: Halios Christos , Flocas Helena , Helmis Costas , Asimakopoulos Dimosthenis , Mouschouras Panagiotis
Published: January 2018

Linking synoptic circulation patterns to specific environmental problems is of significance in the Eastern Mediterranean region, which is characterized by increased seasonal climatic variability and a wealth of distinct weather patterns. This study aims to discuss the links between synoptic scale circulation, intra-day variability and sub-hourly temperature changes over Athens. Diurnal cycles of surface atmospheric variability were examined by applying Principal Component Analysis and Integral Quantities Analysis to a four months data set with surface meteorological elements. Sub-hourly temperature changes were identified by applying a simple linear technique. Principal Components, Integral Quantities and temperature change rates (geometric structures) were related with synoptic circulation categories. It was found that the presence of a Closed Low over the area results in intense along-mountain flows, whilst, after the passage of a trough, when a strong northwesterly flow is established over the area, surface recirculation flows develop. On 64% of the days, geometric structures were observed in the hourly temperature time-series, and they were found to occur across all synoptic situations. Cliff—ramps was the most common geometric structure, and step changes were found to be related with recirculation flows.
The Dynamic Character of Northern Hemisphere Flow Regimes in a Near-Term Climate Change Projection
Authors: Jensen Andrew , Akperov Mirseid , Mokhov Igor , Lupo Anthony , Sun Fengpeng
Published: January 2018

The dynamic character of an enstrophy-based diagnostic, previously used in the study of atmospheric blocking, is examined here, in near-term future simulations from the Institut Pierre Simon Laplace Climate Model version 4 (IPSL-CM4) and version 5 (IPSL-CM5) climate models of the Northern Hemisphere flow for moderate climate change scenarios. Previous research has shown that integrated regional enstrophy (IE) increases during blocking onset and decay, which is a reflection of planetary-scale instability. In addition, IE has been shown previously to increase during flow regime transitions in general, even those not associated with blocking events. Here, a 31-year IE diagnostic time series is examined for changes in short term (5–40 days) planetary-scale variability that may correspond flow regime changes in an increased carbon dioxide environment. The time-series analysis herein indicates that the IE diagnostic provides evidence for approximately 30–35 atmospheric flow regime transitions per year in a warmer climate, which is similar to that of the control run and the latest 30-year observed climate, as derived from re-analyses. This result has implications regarding the predictability of weather in a warmer world.
New Setup of the UAS ALADINA for Measuring Boundary Layer Properties, Atmospheric Particles and Solar Radiation
Authors: Bärfuss Konrad , Pätzold Falk , Altstädter Barbara , Kathe Endres , Nowak Stefan , Bretschneider Lutz , Bestmann Ulf , Lampert Astrid
Published: January 2018

The unmanned research aircraft ALADINA (Application of Light-weight Aircraft for Detecting in situ Aerosols) has been established as an important tool for boundary layer research. For simplified integration of additional sensor payload, a flexible and reliable data acquisition system was developed at the Institute of Flight Guidance, Technische Universität (TU) Braunschweig. The instrumentation consists of sensors for temperature, humidity, three-dimensional wind vector, position, black carbon, irradiance and atmospheric particles in the diameter range of ultra-fine particles up to the accumulation mode. The modular concept allows for straightforward integration and exchange of sensors. So far, more than 200 measurement flights have been performed with the robustly-engineered system ALADINA at different locations. The obtained datasets are unique in the field of atmospheric boundary layer research. In this study, a new data processing method for deriving parameters with fast resolution and to provide reliable accuracies is presented. Based on tests in the field and in the laboratory, the limitations and verifiability of integrated sensors are discussed.
Building Energy Assessment and Computer Simulation Applied to Social Housing in Spain
Authors: Aranda Juan , Zabalza Ignacio , Llera-Sastresa Eva , Scarpellini Sabina , Alcalde Alfonso
Published: January 2018

The actual energy consumption and simulated energy performance of a building usually differ. This gap widens in social housing, owing to the characteristics of these buildings and the consumption patterns of economically vulnerable households affected by energy poverty. The aim of this work is to characterise the energy poverty of the households that are representative of those residing in social housing, specifically in blocks of apartments in Southern Europe. The main variables that affect energy consumption and costs are analysed, and the models developed for software energy-performance simulations (which are applied to predict energy consumption in social housing) are validated against actual energy-consumption values. The results demonstrate that this type of household usually lives in surroundings at a temperature below the average thermal comfort level. We have taken into account that a standard thermal comfort level may lead to significant differences between computer-aided energy building simulation and actual consumption data (which are 40–140% lower than simulated consumption). This fact is of integral importance, as we use computer simulation to predict building energy performance in social housing.
Microbial Kinetic Resolution of Aroma Compounds Using Solid-State Fermentation
Authors: Boratyński Filip , Szczepańska Ewa , Grudniewska Aleksandra , Olejniczak Teresa
Published: January 2018

A novel microbial approach to the production of enantiomerically enriched and pure aroma compounds based on kinetic resolution via solid-state fermentation is proposed. Twenty-five filamentous fungi were screened for lipase activity and enantioselective hydrolysis of a volatile racemic ester (1-phenylethyl acetate (1)) and several racemic lactones (trans and cis whisky lactones (4, 5), γ-decalactone (7), δ-decalactone (8), (cis-3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydro-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone) (9)). Solid-state fermentation was conducted with linseed and rapeseed cakes. Kinetic resolution afforded enantiomerically enriched products with high enantiomeric excesses (ee = 82–99%). The results highlight the potential economic value of solid-state fermentation using agroindustrial side-stream feedstocks as an alternative to more expensive processes conducted in submerged fermentation.
Construction of an Ultrasensitive and Highly Selective Nitrite Sensor Using Piroxicam-Derived Copper Oxide Nanostructures
Authors: Alsalme Ali , Arain Munazza , Nafady Ayman , Sirajuddin
Published: January 2018

In this work, piroxicam-based copper oxide nanostructures (Px-CuO NSs) were synthesized via hydrothermal precipitation in the presence of ammonia. The prepared Px-CuO NSs were subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to obtain morphology and crystallinity, respectively. The SEM study reveals that these Px-CuO NSs are in the form of porous rose-like nanopetals with dotted particles on their surface, while the XRD study confirms their crystalline nature. The Px-CuO NS-based sensors were fabricated by drop-casting them onto the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and they were tested for nitrite detection using voltammetry and amperometry. The results show these Px-CuO NSs to be highly stable on the GCE surface with linear amperometric (current vs. time) responses to wide range of nitrite concentrations from 100 to 1800 nM, with limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) being 12 nM and 40 nM, respectively. Importantly, the fabricated sensor showed negligible effects for a 10-fold higher concentration of common interfering agents and exhibited excellent selectivity. It was applied successfully for nitrite detection in water samples such as river water, mineral water, and tap water.
Catalytic Isomerization of Dihydroxyacetone to Lactic Acid and Alkyl Lactates over Hierarchical Zeolites Containing Tin
Authors: Feliczak-Guzik Agnieszka , Sprynskyy Myroslav , Nowak Izabela , Buszewski Bogusław
Published: January 2018

Hierarchical zeolites containing tin were obtained, characterized and used in a reaction of catalytic isomerization of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) to lactic acid and alkyl lactates. These catalysts are characterized by preserved crystallinity and primary microporosity with the simultaneous existence of secondary porosity regarding mesopores, which facilitates access of large molecules of reagents to active centers. Creation of additional porosity was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption/desorption studies. The reaction of dihydroxyacetone isomerization was conducted in different reaction media such as methanol, ethanol or water with the use of two heating methods: microwave radiation and conventional heating. The application of microwave radiation enabled to reduce the reaction time to 1 h and achieve dihydroxyacetone conversion of >90% and high yields of the desired reaction products.
Salts and Co-Crystalline Assemblies of Tetra(4-Pyridyl)Ethylene with Di-Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Gabr Moustafa , Pigge F.
Published: January 2018

Tetraarylethylene derivatives are emerging as an increasingly important family of supramolecular building blocks in both solution phase and the solid state. The utility of tetraarylethylenes stems from appealing structural features (rigidity and symmetry) and their propensity to exhibit aggregation induced emission (AIE). In an effort to investigate the luminescent sensing ability of heteroaromatic tetraarylethylenes, we previously prepared tetra(4-pyridyl)ethylene and characterized its solution phase AIE properties. We here report the successful incorporation of tetra(4-pyridyl)ethylene into three distinct salts and co-crystalline assemblies with three organic di-carboxylic acids (oxalic acid, malonic acid, and fumaric acid). Interactions between the tetra(pyridyl)ethylene and di-acid components were found to vary from conventional to charge-assisted hydrogen bonding according to the extent of proton transfer between the acid and pyridine groups. Notably, the formation of pyridinium-carboxylate adducts in the salts does not appear to be strongly correlated with acid pKa. Three distinct network topologies were observed, and all featured the bridging of two or three tetra(pyridyl)ethylene groups through di-acid linkers. Crystalline assemblies also retained the AIE activity of tetra(pyridyl)ethylene and were luminescent under UV light. As tetra(4-pyridyl)ethylene features four Lewis basic and potentially metal ligating pyridine rings in a relatively well-defined geometry, this compound represents an attractive building block for the design of additional crystalline organic and metal–organic functional materials.
Trinuclear Co(II) and Mononuclear Ni(II) Salamo-Type Bisoxime Coordination Compounds
Authors: Li Xiao-Yan , Kang Quan-Peng , Liu Ling-Zhi , Ma Jian-Chun , Dong Wen-Kui
Published: January 2018

One trinuclear Co(II) coordination compound [{CoL1(OAc)(CH3COCH3)}2Co] (1) and one unprecedented mononuclear Ni(II) coordination compound [Ni(L2)2] (2), constructed from a Salamo-type ligand H2L1 were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV-vis spectra, and single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The results show that the Co(II) atoms have no significant distortion in CoO6 or CoO4N2 octahedrons in coordination compound 1. Interestingly, in coordination compound 2, the desired tri- or mono-nuclear Salamo-type Ni(II) coordination compound was not obtained, but an unprecedented Ni(II) coordination compound [Ni(L2)2] was synthesized, the Ni1 atom having no significant distortion in the NiO2N2 planar quadrilateral geometry. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activities of coordination compound 1 and previously reported coordination compound [{CoL1(OAc)(MeOH)}2Co]·2MeOH (3) are discussed.
Prediction of Dissolved Gas Concentrations in Transformer Oil Based on the KPCA-FFOA-GRNN Model
Authors: Lin Jun , Sheng Gehao , Yan Yingjie , Dai Jiejie , Jiang Xiuchen
Published: January 2018

The purpose of analyzing the dissolved gas in transformer oil is to determine the transformer’s operating status and is an important basis for fault diagnosis. Accurate prediction of the concentration of dissolved gas in oil can provide an important reference for the evaluation of the state of the transformer. A combined predicting model is proposed based on kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) and a generalized regression neural network (GRNN) using an improved fruit fly optimization algorithm (FFOA) to select the smooth factor. Firstly, based on the idea of using the dissolved gas ratio of oil to diagnose the transformer fault, gas concentration ratios are also used as characteristic parameters. Secondly, the main parameters are selected from the feature parameters using the KPCA method, and the GRNN is then used to predict the gas concentration in the transformer oil. In the training process of the network, the FFOA is used to select the smooth factor of the neural network. Through a concrete example, it is shown that the method proposed in this paper has better data fitting ability and more accurate prediction ability compared with the support vector machine (SVM) and gray model (GM) methods.
Drosophila DNA-Binding Proteins in Polycomb Repression
Authors: Erokhin Maksim , Georgiev Pavel , Chetverina Darya
Published: January 2018

The formation of individual gene expression patterns in different cell types is required during differentiation and development of multicellular organisms. Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are key epigenetic regulators responsible for gene repression, and dysregulation of their activities leads to developmental abnormalities and diseases. PcG proteins were first identified in Drosophila, which still remains the most convenient system for studying PcG-dependent repression. In the Drosophila genome, these proteins bind to DNA regions called Polycomb response elements (PREs). A major role in the recruitment of PcG proteins to PREs is played by DNA-binding factors, several of which have been characterized in detail. However, current knowledge is insufficient for comprehensively describing the mechanism of this process. In this review, we summarize and discuss the available data on the role of DNA-binding proteins in PcG recruitment to chromatin.
Preliminary Evaluation of Moniliformin as a Potential Threat for Teleosts
Authors: Gonçalves Rui , Tarasco Marco , Schatzmayr Dian , Gavaia Paulo
Published: January 2018

Aquaculture feed manufacturers and producers increasingly recognize the importance of mycotoxins, which contaminate plant-based meals used in compound aquafeeds, and their potential to negatively impact production. Though data on the worldwide occurrence of legislated mycotoxins e.g., trichothecenes and zearalenone (ZEN) are well documented, relatively little information is available regarding other mycotoxins also produced by Fusarium, notably moniliformin (MON). Given that MON is known to affect the survival, growth, skeletal formation and bone mineralization in terrestrial species, its widespread occurrence on maize and maize by-products typically used in aquaculture makes it relevant to study these parameters in teleost fish. In the present work we have tested the effect of MON exposure on survival, bone development and mineralization using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model species and fish derived osteo-chondroprogenitor cell line for in vitro studies. Moniliformin exposure did not decrease bone mineralization in zebrafish larvae or extracellular matrix mineralization in the mineralogenic cell line VSa13. Here, the minimal in vitro cytotoxicity concentration was found to be 1000 µg L−1 MON. Incidence of deformities was also not altered by MON at the concentration tested (450 µg L−1) although larval growth was affected, as shown by a decrease in the standard length of exposed specimens at 20 days post fertilization. Survival decreased significantly in larvae exposed to MON concentrations higher than 900 μg L−1. Influence of MON on survival and growth might be relevant for aquaculture industry. As MON is a water-soluble mycotoxin, its leaching from feed is highly probable, so MON assimilation into the surrounding aqueous environment should also be considered. Tested levels in fish larvae are within the reported occurrence levels of MON in commercial feed and plant meals.
Ultra Light Axionic Dark Matter: Galactic Halos and Implications for Observations with Pulsar Timing Arrays
Authors: De Martino Ivan , Broadhurst Tom , Tye S.-H. , Chiueh Tzihong , Schive Hsi-Yu , Lazkoz Ruth
Published: January 2018

The cold dark matter (CDM) paradigm successfully explains the cosmic structure over an enormous span of redshifts. However, it fails when probing the innermost regions of dark matter halos and the properties of the Milky Way’s dwarf galaxy satellites. Moreover, the lack of experimental detection of Weakly Interacting Massive Particle (WIMP) favors alternative candidates such as light axionic dark matter that naturally arise in string theory. Cosmological N-body simulations have shown that axionic dark matter forms a solitonic core of size of ≃150 pc in the innermost region of the galactic halos. The oscillating scalar field associated to the axionic dark matter halo produces an oscillating gravitational potential that induces a time dilation of the pulse arrival time of ≃400 ns/(m B /10 − 22 eV) for pulsar within such a solitonic core. Over the whole galaxy, the averaged predicted signal may be detectable with current and forthcoming pulsar timing array telescopes.
Time in Quantum Cosmology of FRW f(R) Theories
Authors: Ramírez C. , Vázquez-Báez V.
Published: January 2018

The time problem is a problem of canonical quantum gravity that has long been known about; it is related to the relativistic invariance and the consequent absence of an explicit time variable in the quantum equations. This fact complicates the interpretation of the wave function of the universe. Following proposals to assign the clock function to a scalar field, we look at the scalar degree of freedom contained in f ( R ) theories. For this purpose we consider a quadratic f ( R ) theory in an equivalent formulation with a scalar field, with a FRW metric, and consider its Wheeler-DeWitt equation. The wave function is obtained numerically and is consistent with the interpretation of the scalar field as time by means of a conditional probability, from which an effective time-dependent wave function follows. The evolution the scale factor is obtained by its mean value, and the quantum fluctuations are consistent with the Heisenberg relations and a classical universe today.
Maternal Exposure to PM2.5 during Pregnancy Induces Impaired Development of Cerebral Cortex in Mice Offspring
Authors: Zhang Tianliang , Zheng Xinrui , Wang Xia , Zhao Hui , Wang Tingting , Zhang Hongxia , Li Wanwei , Shen Hua , Yu Li
Published: January 2018

Air pollution is a serious environmental health problem closely related to the occurrence of central nervous system diseases. Exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 µm (PM2.5) during pregnancy may affect the growth and development of infants. The present study was to investigate the effects of maternal exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy on brain development in mice offspring. Pregnant mice were randomly divided into experimental groups of low-, medium-, or high-dosages of PM2.5, a mock-treated group which was treated with the same amount of phosphate buffer solution (PBS), and acontrol group which was untreated. The ethology of offspring mice on postnatal days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 30, along with neuronal development and apoptosis in the cerebral cortex were investigated. Compared with the control, neuronal mitochondrial cristae fracture, changed autophagy characteristics, significantly increased terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) positive cell rate, and mRNA levels of apoptosis-related caspase-8 and caspase-9 were found in cerebral cortex of mice offspring from the treatment groups, with mRNA levels of Bcl-2 and ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax decreased. Treatment groups also demonstrated enhanced protein expressions of apoptosis-related cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-8 and cleaved caspase-9, along with declined proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Bcl-2, and ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax. Open field experiments and tail suspension experiments showed that exposure to high dosage of PM2.5 resulted in decreased spontaneous activities but increased static accumulation time in mice offspring, indicating anxiety, depression, and social behavioral changes. Our results suggested that maternal exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy might interfere with cerebral cortex development in mice offspring by affecting cell apoptosis.
Mutation Analysis in Cultured Cells of Transgenic Rodents
Authors: Besaratinia Ahmad , Zheng Albert , Bates Steven , Tommasi Stella
Published: January 2018

To comply with guiding principles for the ethical use of animals for experimental research, the field of mutation research has witnessed a shift of interest from large-scale in vivo animal experiments to small-sized in vitro studies. Mutation assays in cultured cells of transgenic rodents constitute, in many ways, viable alternatives to in vivo mutagenicity experiments in the corresponding animals. A variety of transgenic rodent cell culture models and mutation detection systems have been developed for mutagenicity testing of carcinogens. Of these, transgenic Big Blue® (Stratagene Corp., La Jolla, CA, USA, acquired by Agilent Technologies Inc., Santa Clara, CA, USA, BioReliance/Sigma-Aldrich Corp., Darmstadt, Germany) mouse embryonic fibroblasts and the λ Select cII Mutation Detection System have been used by many research groups to investigate the mutagenic effects of a wide range of chemical and/or physical carcinogens. Here, we review techniques and principles involved in preparation and culturing of Big Blue® mouse embryonic fibroblasts, treatment in vitro with chemical/physical agent(s) of interest, determination of the cII mutant frequency by the λ Select cII assay and establishment of the mutation spectrum by DNA sequencing. We describe various approaches for data analysis and interpretation of the results. Furthermore, we highlight representative studies in which the Big Blue® mouse cell culture model and the λ Select cII assay have been used for mutagenicity testing of diverse carcinogens. We delineate the advantages of this approach and discuss its limitations, while underscoring auxiliary methods, where applicable.
Different Lipid Regulation in Ovarian Cancer: Inhibition of the Immune System
Authors: Wefers Christina , Duiveman-de Boer Tjitske , Zusterzeel Petra , Massuger Leon , Fuchs David , Torensma Ruurd , Wheelock Craig , De Vries I.
Published: January 2018

Lipid metabolism is altered in several cancer settings leading to different ratios of intermediates. Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. Cancer cells disperse in the abdominal space and ascites occurs. T cells obtained from ascites are unable to proliferate after an antigenic stimulus. The proliferation of ascites-derived T cells can be restored after culturing the cells for ten days in normal culture medium. No pathway aberrancies were detected. The acellular fraction of ascites can inhibit the proliferation of autologous as well as allogeneic peripheral blood lymphocytes, indicating the presence of soluble factors that interfere with T cell functionality. Therefore, we analyzed 109 lipid mediators and found differentially regulated lipids in suppressive ascitic fluid compared to normal abdominal fluid. Our study indicates the presence of lipid intermediates in ascites of ovarian cancer patients, which coincidences with T cell dysfunctionality. Since the immune system in the abdominal cavity is compromised, this may explain the high seeding efficiency of disseminated tumor cells. Further research is needed to fully understand the correlation between the various lipids and T cell proliferation, which could lead to new treatment options.
Telomeric Repeat-Containing RNAs (TERRA) Decrease in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck Is Associated with Worsened Clinical Outcome
Authors: Vitelli Valerio , Falvo Paolo , G. Nergadze Solomon , Santagostino Marco , Khoriauli Lela , Pellanda Paola , Bertino Giulia , Occhini Antonio , Benazzo Marco , Morbini Patrizia , Paulli Marco , Porta Camillo , Giulotto Elena
Published: January 2018

Telomeres are transcribed into noncoding telomeric repeat-containing RNAs (TERRA), which are essential for telomere maintenance. Deregulation of TERRA transcription impairs telomere metabolism and a role in tumorigenesis has been proposed. Head and neck cancer (HNC) is one of the most frequent cancers worldwide, with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) being the predominant type. Since HNSCC patients are characterized by altered telomere maintenance, a dysfunction in telomere transcription can be hypothesized. In this prospective study, we compared TERRA levels in the tumor and matched normal tissue from 23 HNSCC patients. We then classified patients in two categories according to the level of TERRA expression in the tumor compared to the normal tissue: (1) lower expression in the tumor, (2) higher or similar expression in tumor. A significant proportion of patients in the first group died of the disease within less than 34 months postsurgery, while the majority of patients in the second group were alive and disease-free. Our results highlight a striking correlation between TERRA expression and tumor aggressiveness in HNSCC suggesting that TERRA levels may be proposed as a novel molecular prognostic marker for HNSCC.