bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Direct vs. Indirect Peer Influence in Large Social Networks
Authors: Zhang Bin , Pavlou Paul A. , Krishnan Ramayya
Published: March 2018

With the availability of large-scale network data, peer influence in social networks can be more rigorously examined and understood than before. Peer influence can arise from immediate neighbors in the network (formally defined as cohesion or direct ties with one-hop neighbors) and from indirect peers who share common neighbors (formally defined as structural equivalence or indirect ties with two-hop neighbors). While the literature examined the role of each peer influence (direct or indirect) separately, the study of both peer network effects acting simultaneously was ignored, largely because of methodological constraints. This paper attempts to fill this gap by evaluating the simultaneous effect of both direct and indirect peer influences in technology adoption in the context of caller ringback tone (CRBT) in a cellular telephone network, using data from 200 million calls by 1.4 million users. Given that such a large-scale network makes traditional social network analysis intractable, we extract many densely connected and self-contained subpopulations from the network. We find a regularity in these subpopulations in that they consist either of about 200 nodes or about 500 nodes. Using these subpopulations and panel data, we analyze direct and indirect peer influences using a novel autoprobit model with multiple network terms (direct and indirect peer influence, with homophily as a control variable). Our identification strategy relies on a newly designed spatial autoregressive model, allowing us to identify the direct and indirect peer influences on each of the extracted subpopulations. We use meta-analysis to summarize the estimated parameters from all subpopulations. The results show CRBT adoption to be simultaneously determined by both direct and indirect peer influence (while controlling for homophily and centrality). Robustness checks show model fit to improve when both peer influences are included. The size and direction of the two peer influences, however, differ by group size. Interestingly, indirect peer influence (structural equivalence) plays a negative role in diffusion when group size is about 200, but a positive role when group size is about 500. The role of direct peer influence (cohesion), on the other hand, is always positive, irrespective of group size. Our findings imply that businesses must design different target strategies for large versus small groups: for large groups, businesses should focus on consumers with both multiple one-hop and two-hop neighbors; for small groups, businesses should only focus on consumers with multiple one-hop neighbors.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.2017.0753 .
Differential Firm Commitment to Industries Supported by Social Movement Organizations
Authors: Durand Rodolphe , Georgallis Panayiotis (Panikos)
Published: March 2018

This article theorizes about and tests the conditions under which firms’ commitment to an industry is influenced by social movement organizations (SMOs) that favor the industry. We argue that the more prominent SMOs are within an industry, the more a firm increases its commitment to that industry by expanding its operations; yet, this main effect should be moderated substantially by a firm’s idiosyncratic characteristics. The current research predicts that a firm’s location, its sensitivity to information about the industry’s potential, and its history of associations with activists determine the magnitude of the effect of SMO prominence on its strategic commitment to the industry. We test and find support for these hypotheses using a longitudinal data set of European manufacturers of solar photovoltaic cells between 1990 and 2011. The findings offer new insights for literature on social movements and organizations, as well as strategic management research.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2017.1170 .
Pengaruh Waktu terhadap Efisiensi Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC)
Authors: Ridha Alfidharisti Sistha , Nurosyid Fahru , Iriani Yofentina
Published: March 2018

Penelitian ini mengkaji pengaruh waktu terhadap effisiensi Dye Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC). Jarak elektroda divariasi sebesar 76 µm dan 114 µm. Karakterisasi sifat listrik menggunakan Keithley I-V meter yang dilakukan selama 21 hari dengan selang 7 hari untuk mengetahui kestabilannya. Karakterisasi I-V dengan selang waktu pengukuran menunjukkan bahwa DSSC dengan jarak elektroda 76 µm stabil hingga hari ke-7 dengan efisiensi 0,0347%. Pada jarak 114 µm stabil hingga hari ke-14 dengan efisiensi 0,0117%.
El dominio de lo mental en la filosofía de Williamson
Authors: Pérez Otero Manuel
Published: March 2018

Según Williamson, saber y creer son estados mentales, pero creer algo verdadero y creer justificadamente algo verdadero no lo son. Ese tratamiento discriminatorio es relevante para la epistemología de Williamson. Su principal tesis epistemológica negativa (sobre la supuesta imposibilidad de definir el saber conforme a cierto formato tradicional) y su principal tesis epistemológica positiva (una definición, alternativa, del saber) están en peligro si su teoría metafísica sobre lo mental es incorrecta. Presento aquí un problema para dicha teoría: impone limitaciones implausibles a los posibles usos de conceptos y expresiones lingüísticas. Describiré algunas opciones que tendría Williamson para evitar el problema; pero sostendré que acarrean cierta dosis de arbitrariedad.
Still Unsuccessful: The Unsolved Problems of Success Semantics
Authors: González de Prado Salas Javier
Published: March 2018

Success semantics is a theory of content that characterizes the truth-conditions of mental representations in terms of the success-conditions of the actions derived from them. Nanay (Philos Stud 165(1): 151-165, 2013) and Dokic and Engel (Frank Ramsey London: Routledge, 2003) have revised this theory in order to defend it from the objections that assailed its previous incarnations. I argue that both proposals have seemingly decisive flaws. More specifically, these revised versions of the theory fail to deal adequately with the open-ended possibility of unforeseen obstacles for the success of our actions. I suggest that the problem of ignored obstacles undermines success semantics quite generally, including alternative formulations such as Blackburn’s.
Implicit Bias: from social structure to representational format
Authors: Toribio Josefa
Published: March 2018

In this paper, I argue against the view that the representational structure of the implicit attitudes responsible for implicitly biased behaviour is propositional—as opposed to associationist. The proposal under criticism moves from the claim that implicit biased behaviour can occasionally be modulated by logical and evidential considerations to the view that the structure of the implicit attitudes responsible for such biased behaviour is propositional. I argue, in particular, against the truth of this conditional. Sensitivity to logical and evidential considerations, I contend, proves to be an inadequate criterion for establishing the true representational structure of implicit attitudes. Considerations of a different kind, which emphasize the challenges posed by the structural social injustice that implicit attitudes reflect, offer, I conclude, better support for deciding this issue in favour of an associationist view.
El modelo de simulación como generador de explicaciones causales
Authors: Giri Leandro Ariel , Miguel Hernán
Published: March 2018

Aquí profundizamos la tesis de que un modelo de simulación permite crear conocimiento en forma de explicaciones causales sostenida por Paul Weirich. Sostenemos la validez de exportar resultados del modelo al mundo modelizado en virtud de la similaridad entre modelo y mundo, analizable en términos de identidad parcial de estructura para eliminar la similaridad superficial que repita los resultados empíricos al ajustar datos por calibración. La estructura de relaciones rescatadas del mundo resulta crítica al estudiar la mencionada similaridad, como así también ciertas propiedades que condicionan el tipo de relaciones entre los elementos del modelo que representan entidades del mundo.
What characteristics of board of directors affect Indonesian bank performance?
Authors: Pangestu Stevanus , Dharmastuti Christiana Fara
Published: March 2018

The sustainability of a firm is determined by the effectiveness of its board of directors. Hambrick and Masonâ€™s Upper Echelon theory states that management characteristics could predict organizational outcomes. This study examines the effects of the characteristics of board of directors on the performance of publicly-traded banks in Indonesia. The measures of board characteristics are educational attainment, presence of independent directors, employment of foreign directors, compensation of directors, and age of directors. Our 58 firm-year observations from 2014-2015 were analyzed using fixed effects model. We find evidence that bank profitability is (i) positively affected by doctorate education of board members and (ii) negatively affected by remuneration of top executives. Based on our findings, we would suggest corporations to: comply with governmental regulations regarding the employment of independent directors, align the interest between principals and agents to eliminate agency problem, and accommodate board members with scholarships designated for academic development.
La fe sobrenatural y el valor epistemológico del testimonio
Authors: Alvarado José Tomás
Published: March 2018

Este trabajo presenta una concepción de la fe sobrenatural como conocimiento. La fe es una actitud proposicional por la que uno acepta o cree una proposición en virtud del testimonio que alguien ha dado de la verdad de tal proposición. La fe sobrenatural es la actitud proposicional por la que uno acepta una proposición como verdadera en virtud del testimonio –o revelación– que Dios ha dado de la verdad de tal proposición. Se sostiene que el testimonio, en general, es una fuente básica, no reducible, de justificación. El valor del testimonio proviene, (a) o bien de una regla defectible por la que uno debe aceptar lo que alguien asevera si es que no hay razones positivas para dudar, ya sea de la veracidad o ya sea de la confiabilidad epistemológica del testigo, o (b) desde una perspectiva externalista, del hecho de que el testigo está realmente diciendo la verdad y es realmente confiable epistemológicamente. En el caso de la revelación divina, se sostiene que la veracidad y la confiabilidad del testigo, i. e. Dios, es la máxima. La fe sobrenatural, entonces, es conocimiento.
EDITORIAL
Authors: Guillon Jean-Baptiste , Pérez Alejandro
Published: March 2018

The editorial team is very pleased to present the inaugural issue of TheoLogica: “Meta-philosophy of Religion and Meta-Theology”.
A Scientific Theology? A Programmatic Account of the Problems and Prospects for Confessional and Scientific Theology
Authors: Göcke Benedikt Paul
Published: March 2018

There are at least three kinds of arguments against the possibility of scientific and confessional theology: The first kind of argument tries to show that there is no universe of discourse that theology could investigate as a scientific discipline. The second kind of argument is not directed against the existence of theology’s putative universe of discourse. Instead, this kind of argument tries to show that even if there is a universe of discourse theology could investigate, it fails to do so by using scientific methods. The third kind of argument tries to show that even if theology has a universe of discourse and deploys scientific methods, it is still not a scientific discipline because it conflicts with the historical and natural sciences that are supposed to be more reliable than theology. In what follows, I clarify the importance of the scientificness of confessional theology for the plausibility of religious worldviews. I analyse the arguments put forward against the possibility of scientific and confessional theology. I indicate systematic weaknesses in the arguments that the theologian should use to show that they do not stand up to scrutiny and suggest a programmatic list of tasks the theologian has to engage in to demonstrate that scientific and confessional theology is indeed possible, if not already at hand
Customer service orientation on adhesion contracts
Authors: Câmara Murielle C. G. R. , Nobrega Kleber Cavalcanti , Santos Thereza A. B. S.
Published: March 2018

Hiring a service is a moment of great importance once it builds the perception of the service value and quality. Some companies may deal with that, assuming a greater importance when elaborating their service contracts. Usually law professional people elaborate these documents, but this may include legal attributes, not considering the service to the customers, as well as the customers’ point of view. In times of increasing on customer focus, market and service orientation, a question can be posted: to what extent company contracts show service or customer orientation? This paper compares the service orientation degree for Cable TV contracts from five companies, based on a theoretical model developed to this purpose. From a conceptual model for servant contract, four dimensions were assessed: physical aspects, reasonableness, intelligibility and customer focus. After subject evaluation by eight judges, analyzing the validation index (CVI), it was found that the contracts show moderate orientation to serve. Furthermore, results show that the five surveyed company’s contracts showed a similar overall performance, i.e., none stood out over the other. The study presents important practical efficacy, because it can guide the Cable TV companies to adopt improvement strategies in elaboration of contracts, so that the contractual instruments be would reviewed of clauses that promote the sensation of better service to their customer. Thus, this article directs the manager to the aspect that deserves more attention, i.e, which dimensions require further refinement and direction to serve
Management Imperatives of Corruption and Governance Failures in Nigeria
Authors: Ugoani John N. N.
Published: March 2018

This study was designed to explore the relationship between neurological substrates of emotional intelligence and human behavior. Neuropsychologists posit that human actions are propelled by the neurons, which allow information to travel through the brain and body, in controlling voluntary and involuntary human behaviours. There is evidence that the connection between the amygdala and the neocortex are hug of operations between head and heart, thought and feeling. This circuitry explains why emotion is very crucial to effective thought and decision making. The architecture of the amygdala interferes with the neurons to ensure that each plays effective role as different neurotransmitters. The survey method was used for the study involving 300 respondents; and it was found that neurological substrates of emotional intelligence have positive relationship with human behavior.
Analysis of the catfish (clarias sp.) value chain and its problems in Bogor, Indonesia
Authors: Bulkini Asep , Satria Arif , Mulyati Heti
Published: March 2018

Catfish is one of the leading freshwater commodities stipulated by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) of the Republic of Indonesia. The annual production target of catfish continues to increase every year. This study aims to analyze the actors and the value chain map of catfish, problems in the value chain of catfish, and the strategies to improve the value chain. This research was conducted by survey method using questionnaire instrument. The survey was done by using purposive sampling technique to 23 catfish farmers, 7 catfish wholesalers, 5 catfish retailers, and 5 catfish processors in Bogor Regency. In this study, there are 4 channels of the value chain of catfish from the production to the consumer. The four actors who are involved in the value chain, namely farmer, wholesaler, retailer, and processor. The constraints along the value chain consist of three aspects: pre-production, production, and post-harvest.  Pre-production problems include thequality of seeds, high price of feed, and lack of capital. Problems on production are the weather, fish mortality, and social security. Problems facing post-production cover price instability and  lack of bargaining power of farmers. Proposed up-grading strategies to improve the competitiveness are strengthening partnership among farmers, strengthening partnerships between farmers and  other strategic partners (traders, and feed companies).
Selection of safety officers in an indian construction organization by using grey relational analysis
Authors: Rajaprasad Sunku Venkata Siva
Published: March 2018

Stakeholders are responsible for implementing the occupational health and safety provisions in an organization. Irrespective of organization, the role of safety department is purely advisory as it coordinates with all the departments, and this is crucial to improve the performance. Selection of safety officer is vital job for any organization; it should not only be based on qualifications of the applicant, the incumbent should also have sufficient exposure in implementing proactive measures. The process of selection is complex and choosing the right safety professional is a vital decision. The safety performance of an organization relies on the systems being implemented by the safety officer. Application of multi criteria decision-making tools is helpful as a selection process. The present study proposes the grey relational analysis(GRA) for selection of the safety officers in an Indian construction organization. This selection method considers fourteen criteria appropriate to the organization and has ranked the results. The data was also analyzed by using technique for order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal solution (TOPSIS) and results of both the methods are strongly correlated
RPG method improving business games
Authors: Oliveira Paulo Henrique Pinho
Published: March 2018

The business game methodology is applied for the best universities in the world and has been improved itself throughout the years. Using simulated backgrounds, the players live some experiences that could live in their professional future and take decisions to have success in the game. As all research stream, business game’s evolution not only has to prove your methods and benefits, but also has to know your criticisms. This paper studies these criticisms about the teaching model, specifically the fact that a round of decisions forces the student to take a decision, without he or she realized the real necessity of it. A business game literature review is needed so, and also about some parallel themes that could increase the knowledge and identify news alternatives for the criticisms, mainly about the role-playing-games method characteristics, proposing a new direction for the following researches focusing the improvement of the learning based in games.
Investigating the impact of ceo’s social network on sme performance and access to external resources in the moroccan textile industry
Authors: Adama Tahirou Younoussi Meda , Nadif Mohammed
Published: March 2018

This paper analyses the relationship between the social network dimensions, the performance of Moroccan SMEs of the textile industry and their access to external resources. As these companies face a fierce competition in recent years, their CEOs’ social networks are playing a significant role in their success and survival.  Through a sample of 112 SMEs and a quantitative method, our results show that the more the network is important, the more it promotes SME performance and access to information resources, that having closer tie with the bankers allows a better access to financial resources, that knowing and having links with people in high places is a privilege and contributes effectively to an organizational performance.
Wood gasification energy micro-generation system in Brazil- a Monte Carlo viability simulation
Authors: Prates Glaucia Aparecida , Schaitza Erich Gomes
Published: March 2018

The penetration of renewable energy into the electricity supply in Brazil is high, one of the highest in the World. Centralized hydroelectric generation is the main source of energy, followed by biomass and wind. Surprisingly, mini and micro-generation are negligible, with less than 2,000 connections to the national grid. In 2015, a new regulatory framework was put in place to change this situation. In the agricultural sector, the framework was complemented by the offer of low interest rate loans to in-farm renewable generation. Brazil proposed to more than double its area of planted forests as part of its INDC- Intended Nationally Determined Contributions to the UNFCCC-U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This is an ambitious target which will be achieved only if forests are attractive to farmers. Therefore, this paper analyses whether planting forests for in-farm energy generation with a with a woodchip gasifier is economically viable for microgeneration under the new framework and at if they could be an economic driver for forest plantation. At first, a static case was analyzed with data from Eucalyptus plantations in five farms. Then, a broader analysis developed with the use of Monte Carlo technique. Planting short rotation forests to generate energy could be a viable alternative and the low interest loans contribute to that. There are some barriers to such systems such as the inexistence of a mature market for small scale equipment and of a reference network of good practices and examples.
Interfaces between servant processes and service classification
Authors: Lopes Adriano , Nóbrega Kleber Cavalcanti , Guimarães Luciana Gondim de Almeida
Published: March 2018

In this paper, a theoretical approach was developed to analyze servant processes’ characteristics in different types of services, as professional, shop and mass services. Facilitator, responsiveness, flexibility, customer focus and tend to be higher in professional services. Responsiveness and simplicity tend to be higher in mass services while only responsiveness is highlighted on service shops.
Identification of Bacillus spp. colonizing the nasal mucosa of healthy adults living in the suburban area using the matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) system
Authors: Kosikowska Urszula , Stepien-Pysniak Dagmara , Ozga Dorota , Wernicki Andrzej , Malm Anna
Published: March 2018

Bacillus spp. can be regarded as a rare component of the nasal mucosa microflora. The aim of this study was to identify Bacillus spp. from the nasal mucosa of healthy adults living in the suburban area near Lublin using the matrix-assisted laser desorptionionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) system.

A total of 11 bacterial isolates from the nasal specimens were cultured. The following species were identified using the routine microbiological methods: Staphylococcus aureus (3 isolates), S. epidermidis (1 isolate), S. intermedius (1 isolate) and Staphylococcus spp. (1 isolate). Moreover, 2 strains of Escherichia coli were isolated. Besides, 3 isolates of Bacillus spp. were found. These isolates were characterized by means of MALDI-TOF MS, resulting in highly specific mass spectral fingerprints and these were identified as B. pumilus, B. safenis and B. licheniformis. It was observed that all studied Bacillus spp. isolates only had the masses in common at 3864 ± 2, 7727 ± 2, and 14301 ± 4. The spectra of B. safensis and B. pumilus showed peaks at m/z 4914 ± 3, 6621 ± 3 and 14291 ± 2, which were absent in the spectrum of B. licheniformis. For B. safenis and B. pumilus, other potential biomarkers could be found at m/z 12620 and 16668, respectively.
Effect of intervertebral disc disease on scoliosis in the lumbar spine
Authors: Wojcik Gustaw , Piskorz Jolanta , Ilzecka Joanna , Bulikowski Wlodzimierz
Published: March 2018

Lumbar intervertebral discopathy is a common clinical problem and a significant cause of low back pain. Usually it is associated with overload and damage to the intervertebral disc, which directly relates to the instability of the motion segment. Renal normal anatomy between tissues within the spinal canal is a cause of the reflex curvature of the spine, the goal is to increase the volume of the spinal channel and reduce the compression of the nerve tissue. Knee-jerk reaction to pain is an non physiological change of the setting of the spine in the frontal plane.

The aim of the study was to establish the relationship of migration of the intervertebral disc with reflex scoliosis in the lumbar region in patients with lumbar disc herniation.

Material and methods. The studies involved 78 patients aged 18-55 years with damaged intervertebral disc with annulus fibrosus of the bulge in the posterior-lateral direction. The study used multi-row spiral CT scanner.

Results. In the patients, reflex lateral curvature was observed. The angle of scoliosis was measured with Cobb method; it did not exceed 10 degrees. It was also established that spontaneously the shallowing of lumbar lordosis and vertical alignment of the sacrum occured.

Conclusion. The study shows that in most patients diagnosed with lateral migration of the intervertebral disc there develops a slight lateral curvature of the spine, which is a reflex reaction of axial musculoskeletal to discogenic pain.
Consumption and awareness of students about nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Authors: Wawryk-Gawda Ewelina , Chylinska-Wrzos Patrycja , Lis-Sochocka Marta , Jodlowska-Jedrych Barbara
Published: March 2018

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used by millions of people worldwide to neutralize pain that is of different origin, as well as to treat fever and inflammation. However, NSAIDs misuse/overuse can induce many adverse effects and some potentially serious complications. The aim of the our study was to ascertain young people’s knowledge about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The research tool was a questionnaire. This study was carried out among students of the Medical University in Lublin, and it involved 236 persons of an average age of 20 years. The questions were intended to assess the frequency of NSAIDs use and the general knowledge that is held with respect to them. The results of this work show that more than 77% of the respondents confirmed that they use NSAIDs. Our results revealed no statistical correlation between the place of living or origin and the use of this drug. Hence, it can be said that while young adults quite often use NSAIDs, their knowledge about the dangers associated with the use of NSAIDs is low. Therefore, it is necessary to more intensively disseminate knowledge on the potential adverse effects of NSAID utilization.
Selected caries diagnostic methods
Authors: Kuchta Ewa , Szymanska Jolanta
Published: March 2018

Standard caries diagnostic methods include a visual tactile method, as well as several radiographic methods. The former is a subjective method, while bitewing radiographs and digital radiographs (radiovisiography) enable detection of caries lesions only after 30% of hard dental tissue mineral substances have been lost. The paper presents methods based on electrical and optical phenomena that allow early caries diagnosis. Strengths and weaknesses of each presented method are discussed, basing this on recent literature review. The methods of caries detection generally used in daily clinical practice, combined with alternative methods, make it possible to significantly increase the effectiveness of dental caries diagnosis.
Impact of the grasping test on women’s cardiovascular systems, and the possibility of replacing the orthostatic tolerance test with it
Authors: Zaluska Karolina , Sawicki Tomasz , Kulesza Bartlomiej , Nogalski Adam
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to test the impact of the Grasping Test (GT) on the female cardiovascular system and to ascertain the possibility of using this to replace the Orthostatic Tolerance Test (OT). In this study, 15 volunteer female students were examined, and their physiological parameters - their systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressures (DBP), and their heart rates (HR) - were compared. We found that the Orthostatic Tolerance Test (changing the position of the body from recumbent to upright) and the Grasping Test induced meaningful but similar changes in the functioning of the women’s cardiovascular system. The results confirm that there were significant similarities between the cardiovascular system measurements as produced through the Orthostatic Tolerance Test and the Grasping Test. The possibility of introducing the procedure into clinical practice is a crucial factor for continuing our research in the wider population.
The effect of one-electron reduced drugs on hepatic aconitase activity and triglycerides level
Authors: Wnukowska Magdalena , Mandziuk Slawomir , Korga Agnieszka , Jodlowska-Jedrych Barbara , Matysiak Wlodzimierz , Halasa Justyna , Burdan Franciszek , Iwan Magdalena , Gieroba Renata , Dudka Jaroslaw
Published: March 2018

The redox cycle triggered by one electron reduction of doxorubicin and tirapazamine - both anticancer agents - leads to superoxide production. This superoxide production itself removes one iron atom from the [4Fe-4S] cluster, being an active center of aconitase. In addition, the incurred changes in cell redox equilibrium may affect lipid metabolism. The aim of the study was to evaluate a concomitant effect of both drugs on hepatic aconitase activity and triglycerides level. In our study, doxorubicin (1.8 mg/kg b.w.) was administered intraperitoneal (i.p.) six times, once a week, within male Wistar rats, to achieve a cumulative dose of 10.8 mg/kg b.w. Two hours before every doxorubicin administration, tirapazamine in the dose of either 5 or 10 mg/kg b.w. was also i.p. injected. A week after withdrawing drug administration, the liver was taken for biochemical analysis. Therein, an increase in aconitase activity and a decrease in triglycerides level was seen in all groups exposed to doxorubicin. Our work demonstrated that tirapazamine administration had no influence on both tested parameters, but its higher dose rate normalized aconitase activity affected by doxorubicin.
The activity of micafungin against clinical isolates of non-albicans Candida spp.
Authors: Biernasiuk Anna , Dobiecka Ewelina , Zdzienicka Grazyna , Malm Anna
Published: March 2018

Infections caused by non-albicans Candida spp. are an important medical problem in people from risk groups, e.g. hematooncological patients. The aim of this paper was to analyse the in vitro activity of micafungin against 30 clinical isolates of non-albicans Candida spp. (C. glabrata, C. famata, C. tropicalis, C. inconspicua, C. lusitaniae, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei) by way of the E-test procedure, allowing determination of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Data presented in this paper indicate that most of the studied clinical isolates - 27 (90%) showed sensitivity to micafungin, with MIC values ranging from 0.004 to 2 mg/l, while 3 (10%) isolates, including 2 isolates of C. tropicalis and 1 isolate of C. famata, were resistant to micafungin, with MIC values > 32 mg/l. The MIC50 and MIC90 values of micafungin, defined as MIC inhibited growth of 50% or 90% of the isolates studied, were 0.008 mg/l or 2 mg/l, respectively. In the case of C. glabrata isolates, MICs ranged from 0.004 to 0.016 mg/l, while MIC50 was 0.004 mg/l and MIC90 - 0.008 mg/l. Our data confirm the utility of micafungin for the therapy of the infections caused by non-albicans Candida spp., especially C. glabrata.
A preliminary report on the susceptibility to aminoglycosides of Escherichia coli isolated from the community-acquired urinary tract infections in adults in south-east Poland
Authors: Fidecka-Skwarzynska Magdalena , Juda Marek , Maziarczyk Lucyna , Malm Anna
Published: March 2018

World-wide, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are an important clinical problem. In such, the most frequently isolated uropathogen is Escherichia coli. In the treatment of uncomplicated UTIs, e.g. cystitis, the widely used antibiotics are nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, fosfomycin trometamol or ciprofloxacin, while the treatment of pyelonephritis requires the usage of antibiotics with a broader spectrum of activity, such as cephalosporins of the 3rd and 4th generation, aminoglycosides or even carbapenems. The aim of this study was to assess the susceptibility to aminoglycosides (such as amikacin, gentamicin, netilmicin and tobramycin) of E. coli isolated from UTIs in adult community patients living in Lubelszczyzna. We found that all of the 86 strains of E. coli encountered were susceptible to amikacin. Moreover, the prevalence of susceptibility to tobramycin, gentamicin or netilmicin among the tested strains was found to be 89,5%, 90,7% or 94,2%, respectively. The data obtained in the present study shows the high susceptibility to aminoglycosides of E. coli isolated from the community-acquired UTIS in adults. These data, together with that derived from current literature, indicate that aminoglycosides, when employed in combination therapy with other antibiotics, may still be very useful group of antibacterial agents in the treatment of UTI’s in Poland.
The inflluence of emulsifiers on physical properties and release parameters of creams with caffeine
Authors: Dwornicka Dorota , Wojciechowska Katarzyna , Zun Maria , Kasperek Regina , Swiader Katarzyna , Szumilo Michal , Poleszak Ewa
Published: March 2018

Caffeine is well known alkaloid chemical compound belonging to the methyl-xanthines group. It is an active substance that is found in many cosmetic products, as it has a stimulating action on both the central nervous system and the metabolism. Commercially available topical formulations normally contain 3% of caffeine and 7% anticellulite products.

The aim of our work was to investigate the properties of four cream preparations. These consisted of 5% of caffeine and one of four different emulsifiers (GSC, Sodium polyacrylate, Emulsifying Base, MDS). In our work, we compared the physical properties (spreadability, slip and tenacity), the rheological structure of the resulting creams and the caffeine release from the obtained preparations. The results showed that the properties of these creams and their drug release depended upon the kind of the emulsifiers utilised. What is more, all preparations have a pseudoplastic character of flow and most of them have significant thixotropy. Furthermore, the amount of released caffeine is the largest from the MDS cream, and this emulsifier seems to be the most optimal in all the examined items.
A chemical activity evaluation of two dental calcium silicate-based materials
Authors: Chalas Renata , Mielko Ewelina , Zubrzycka-Wrobel Joanna , Nowak Jakub
Published: March 2018

Calcium silicate-based materials are interesting products widely used in dentistry. The study was designed to compare the chemical reaction between analyzed two preparates and dentin during cavity lining. In our work, dentinal discs were prepared from human extracted teeth filled with Biodentine and MTA+. The samples were then analyzed by way of SEM, EDS and Raman spectroscopy. The obtained results revealed differences in elemental composition between both materials. Biodentine showed higher activity in contact with dentine. Moreover, the interfacial layer in the tooth filled by Biodentine was wider than that in the tooth filled with MTA+. The applied methods of analysis confirmed that both materials have a bioactive potential which is a promising ability.
Analysis of mutation and promoter methylation of TP53 gene in tumors of the head and neck
Authors: Jarzynski Adrian , Papiernik Katarzyna , Polz-Dacewicz Malgorzata
Published: March 2018

According to current World Health Organization data, worldwide, cancer is second to cardiovascular diseases as the leading cause of death. The p53 protein is a translation product of the TP53 gene, and it has many functions in cells. Indeed, for this, it is commonly called the “guardian of the genome”. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of mutation and methylation in the promoter of the TP53 gene in cells affected with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The research material consisted of 34 DNA samples isolated from surgically removed tissue fragments of head and neck tumors. In this work, analysis of all samples for the presence of mutations proved negative. This result simultaneously revealed an absence of mutation in the TP53 gene promoter in the analyzed material. However, the detection of changes in the methylation profile status of the promoter of the TP53 gene in the DNA samples revealed the presence of both methylated alleles in 76.5% of the sample population, while in the remaining 23.5%, methylation was present in only one allele of the studied gene. In our work, we assumed that samples displaying methylation involving two alleles will show greater predisposition to the development of a malignant tumor. The obtained results reveal that despite the lack of mutation in the TP53 gene promoter, its functioning may be impaired by other mechanisms – either epigenetic or environmental.
Contemporary pharmacological obesity treatments
Authors: Kaszubska Katarzyna , Budzynska Barbara , Biala Grazyna
Published: March 2018

In the last few years, obesity has become a global epidemic. Consequently, worldwide costs associated with managing obesity and obesity-related comorbidities are huge. Numerous studies have focused on discerning the appropriate proper treatment of weight related problems such as overweight and obesity. Moreover, many clinical trials have been conducted for many years in order to introduce effective anti-obesity drugs. The aim of the present review is to provide an overview of current and future pharmacotherapy for obesity, and to provide the reader with a determination of the concentration and composition of long and short term anti-obesity drugs, doing so by placing emphasis on pharmacotherapy and up-to-day solutions. It should be noted that, currently, the worldwide pharmacotherapy is represented by phendimetrazine, benzphetamine and diethylpropion, as well as by orlistat, lorcaserin, phentermine/topiramate, naltrexone/bupropion and liraglutide. In our paper, individual cases of patients’ needs are thoroughly illustrated by way of examples. Medical prescriptions and contraindications are also described.
Using tests and models to assess antidepressant-like activity in rodents
Authors: Kedzierska Ewa , Wach Izabela
Published: March 2018

In today's world, depression is one of the more prevalent forms of mental illness. According to WHO, about 10%-30% of all women and 7%-15% of all men are afflicted by depression at least once in their life-times. Today, depression is assessed to be affecting 350 million people. Regarding this issue, an important challenge for current psychopharmacology is to develop new, more effective pharmacotherapy and to understand the mechanism of action of known antidepressants. Furthermore, there is the necessity to improve the effectiveness of anti-depression treatment by way of bringing about an understanding of the neurobiology of this illness. In achieving these objectives, animal models of depression can be useful. Yet, presently, all available animal models of depression rely on two principles: the actions of known antidepressants or the responses to stress. In this paper, we present an overview of the most widely used animal tests and models that are employed in assessing antidepressant-like activity in rodents. These include amphetamine potentiation, reversal of reserpine action, the forced swimming test, the tail suspension test, learned helplessness, chronic mild stress and social defeat stress. Moreover, the advantages and major drawbacks of each model are also discussed.
Monosaccharide composition of Herniaria glabra L. and Herniaria polygama J.Gay
Authors: Kozachok Solomiia , Marchyshyn Svitlana , Ostapchuk Andriy , Zavyalova Liudmyla
Published: March 2018

The plants from Herniaria genus (Caryophyllaceae family) are mainly applied as diuretic agents for the treatment of kidney and gall-stones, gouts, urinary tract infections, hypertension and diabetes. The most widely spread species in Europe is Herniaria glabra L. (HG). Herniaria polygama J.Gay (HP) is found growing from Eastern Europe to Asia. Surprisingly, no work has been reported on the analysis of primary metabolites of HP yet and there is only a limited data on HG. The aim of our study was to establish the monosaccharide composition after a complete hydrolysis and in a free state in the entire herbs of HG and HP harvested in the western and central parts of Ukraine. The carbohydrates were separated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after conversion into volatile derivatives as aldononitrile acetate. As a result, the monosaccharide composition after a total hydrolysis was established with the contribution of the following components: D-rhamnose, D-arabinose, D-fucose, D-xylose, D-manose, D-glucose, D-galactose, D-pinitol, myo-inisitol, D-mannitol, D-dulcitol. In a free state it was detected: D-fructose, D-glucose, D-galactose, D-pinitol, myo-inisitol, D-mannitol and D-saccharose. The following monosaccharides were found in the most abundant quantities in HG and HP respectively: glucose was determined as the major component – 33.40 and 22.80 mg/g, the second dominant sugar was pinitol – 16.80 and 18.07 mg/g, followed by galactose – 13.88 mg/g in HG and arabinose – 8.13 mg/g in HP. Sugars were determined in these plant species for the first time and this finding shed new light on their pharmacological application.
Control of hyperglycemia in male mice by leflunomide: mechanisms of action
Authors: Chen Junhong , Sun Jing , Doscas Michelle E , Ye Jin , Williamson Ashley J , Li Yanchun , Li Yi , Prinz Richard A , Xu Xiulong
Published: March 2018

p70 S6 kinase (S6K1) is a serine/threonine kinase that phosphorylates the insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) at serine 1101 and desensitizes insulin receptor signaling. S6K1 hyperactivation due to overnutrition leads to hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes. Our recent study showed that A77 1726, the active metabolite of the anti-rheumatoid arthritis (RA) drug leflunomide, is an inhibitor of S6K1. Whether leflunomide can control hyperglycemia and sensitize the insulin receptor has not been tested. Here we report that A77 1726 increased AKTS473/T308and S6K1T389phosphorylation but decreased S6S235/236and IRS-1S1101phosphorylation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, C2C12 and L6 myotubes. A77 1726 increased insulin receptor tyrosine phosphorylation and binding of the p85 subunit of the PI-3 kinase to IRS-1. A77 1726 enhanced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in L6 myotubes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and enhanced insulin-stimulated glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) translocation to the plasma membrane of L6 cells. Finally, we investigated the anti-hyperglycemic effect of leflunomide onob/oband high-fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetes mouse models. Leflunomide treatment normalized blood glucose levels and overcame insulin resistance in glucose and insulin tolerance tests inob/oband HFD-fed mice but had no effect on mice fed a normal chow diet (NCD). Leflunomide treatment increased AKTS473/T308phosphorylation in the fat and muscle ofob/obmice but not in normal mice. Our results suggest that leflunomide sensitizes the insulin receptor by inhibiting S6K1 activityin vitro, and that leflunomide could be potentially useful for treating patients with both RA and diabetes.
La retórica de lo extremo en la ultraderecha chilena
Authors: González Juan Antonio
Published: March 2018

Este artículo pretende caracterizar la ideología de la extrema derecha chilena a través de su historia. Se realizó un análisis del discurso de los manifiestos y declaraciones de principios de cuatro formaciones de ultraderecha de distintos momentos de la historia de Chile: el Movimiento Nacional Socialista, el Movimiento Revolucionario Nacional Sindicalista, el Frente Nacionalista Patria y Libertad, así como Patria Nueva Sociedad. El enfoque retórico de la ideología ultraderechista permite reconstruir las autodescripciones ideológicas, las articulaciones del autoritarismo, los marcos figurativos y las principales construcciones argumentativas de la extrema derecha chilena.
The Acculturation Strategy of the Tabut Community in Bengkulu
Authors: Marhayati Nelly , Suryanto Suryanto
Published: March 2018

This research examines the acculturation strategy of the Tabut community, a minority group in Bengkulu. Acculturation occurs when two or more cultures meet, and the purpose of an acculturation of an acculturation strategy is to harmonize the contact. According to the Berry perspective, there are four strategies that groups or individuals can apply during acculturation. These are: integration, separation, assimilation, and marginalization. Most cultures in Indonesia, physical or non-physical, have been formed through an acculturation process. The Tabut tradition in Bengkulu is an example of a non-physical cultural process of acculturation. The Tabut came to Bengkulu from Punjab hundreds of years ago, and the long process of acculturation has occurred within the community and through their traditions. An integration strategy has been used by the Tabut community to preserve their heredity. In this context integration means maintaining the original culture and perceived cultural contact.DOI: 10.15408/sdi.v24i3.4319
Islām wa fiqh Nusantara: al-Tanāfus ‘alá al-huwīyah wa ‘alāqat al-sulṭah wa al-ramz al-dīnī li jam‘īyah Nahdlatul Ulama
Authors: Harisudin Muhammad Noor
Published: March 2018

This article tries to explain how the debate of Islam Nusantara and Fiqh Nusantara discourses among internal Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) happened. The debate, in fact, not only comes from the external of NU’s adherents, but also from the inner-circle of NU’s followers. In the 2015 NU Congress in Jombang, East Java, the debate was polarized into two main groups, namely the traditional ulama and the liberal ulama. The liberal group of NU as represented by Said Aqil Siradj, the General Chairman of PBNU for two periods (2010-2015 and 2015-2020) has been considered as a group of Islam Nusantara bearer, while Hasyim Muzadi, the former General Chairman of PBNU (1999-2004 and 2004-2010) has been considered as a representation of traditional group who reject the concept of Islam Nusantara. This study finds that the debate is not solely about the Islam Nusantara content, but it relates to the power relations among NU’s elite in identifying NU organization with the others to seize the symbols of “power” within NU organization.DOI: 10.15408/sdi.v24i3.4324
The Quranic Exegesis, Reformism, and Women in Twentieth Century Indonesia
Authors: Ismail Norbani B.
Published: March 2018

The paper examines the process of idea formation and intellectual roots of al-Manār reform in the field of tafsīr and the transmission of its ideas through the tafsīr work of Haji Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah, also known as Hamka (d.1981). It argues that Hamka internalized al-Manār reform in his writings, particularly in his seminal exegetical work, Tafsir al-Azhar. This paper studies Hamka’s interpretation of the Qur’anic verses and passages related to women, such as: equality in marriage and divorce, gender equality, polygamy, and modesty. Hamka exhibited originality and creativity within a Southeast Asian context in interpreting these verses related to women’s issues. His writing also synthesized and manifested the symbiotic links between past exegetical approaches and modern ones. The result was an interpretation of the Quran that speaks to the Southeast Asian indigenous Muslim culture, while being firmly rooted within the Islamic intellectual tradition and modernist reform.DOI: 10.15408/sdi.v24i3.5187