bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Nano-Co3O4 by Direct Thermal Decomposition of Cobalt(II) Nitrate Hexahydrate for Electrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Ahmed Qasem Mohammed Ameen , Aziz Md. Abdul , Hakeem Abbas Saeed , Onaizi Sagheer A.
Published: December 2017

Background:

Nano-Co3O4 has been used in various technological areas and applications
such as electrochemical sensors and electrochemical water splitting. Even though many efforts have
been expended to prepare nano-Co3O4, the development of novel methods to prepare Co3O4 using
simple processes and at low cost remain a topic of interest. Besides, it could be economic and useful
if the synthesized nanoparticle could be applied as efficient electrocatalyst upon its immobilization
on a cheap base electrode material by very simple method for various practical applications including
renewable energy.

Method:

We prepared nano-Co3O4 by a direct thermal decomposition of an inexpensive, simple and
widely available cobalt inorganic precursor, such as Co(NO3)2·6H2O without any type of prereaction
or processing. The nano-Co3O4 was immobilized on filter-paper-derived carbon electrode by
drop-drying method for applying as electrode materials toward water electrooxidation.

Results:

The X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron
microscopy analysis confirmed the formation of short nanorods of single-phase Co3O4 upon
thermal decomposition of Co(NO3)2·6H2O at 520°C. The electrocatalytic properties of the nano-
Co3O4 were evaluated after immobilizing it on a cheap carbon electrode derived from normal filter
paper. The modified electrode showed good electrocatalytic properties toward water oxidation in an
alkaline solution.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, we developed a very simple, straight-forward and economic method for
preparation of nano-Co3O4 and immobilized it on very cheap carbon electrode for evaluating its electrocatalytic
properties. Due to the high electrocatalytic properties, the prepared nano-Co3O4 could
potentially play an important role in various practical fields.
Trends in the Genetic Background of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Clinical Isolates in a South African Hospital: An Institutional-Based Observational Study
Authors: Antiabong John F. , Kock Marleen M. , Maphanga Tsidiso G. , Salawu Adeola M. , Mbelle Nontombi M. , Ehlers Marthie M.
Published: December 2017

Background:

This study sought to understand the epidemio-ecological dynamics of MRSA isolates associated with a South African hospital over a period spanning year 2007-8 (a previous study reported in 2009) and year 2010-11 (this study).

Methods:

One hundred and ninety three isolates were characterised by molecular fingerprinting methods including pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE),spatyping,agr-typing, SCCmec-typing, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The Vitek-2 automated antibiogram of representative isolates was also performed.

Results:

Our data shows that the distribution of MRSA strains among the different clinical conditions was rarely dependent on the genetic backbone or genotype. Compared to the previous survey in 2009, CA-MRSA isolates increased by 31% while HA-MRSA isolates decreased by 17%. An increase in genetic diversity was also revealed including the detection of three pandemic clonal complexes (spatype t012-ST36/CC30,spatype t037-ST239/CC8,spatype t891-ST22/CC22 andspatype t1257-ST612/CC8). Majority of the genotypes were classified as Spa Cluster B-SCCmecI-agrI 19.2%; (37/193) Spa Cluster A-SCCmercury-agrI 14.5%; (28/193)

Conclusion:

This study reveals that increased diversity in MRSA genetic background was associated with resistance to frontline antibiotics. Also, an increase was recorded in the CA-MRSA/HA-MRSA ratio within a 5-year period despite the continuous dominance of the HA-MRSA genotype.
A Systematic Review and Comprehensive Critical Analysis Examining the Use of Prednisolone for the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Croup
Authors: Elliott Anna Catherine , Williamson Graham R.
Published: December 2017

Background:

Many randomised control trials and systematic reviews have examined the benefits of glucocorticoids for the treatment of croup in children, but they have reported mainly on dexamethasone as an oral treatment for croup. No systematic reviews have examined prednisolone alone.

Aim:

To determine in a systematic review of the literature whether a single dose of oral prednisolone is as effective as a single dose of dexamethasone for reducing croup symptoms in children.

Search Strategy:

A detailed search was conducted on the following databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE EBSCO, MEDLINE, OVID, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, ProQuest, EMBASE, JBI, Sum search, and OpenGrey. Study authors were contacted.

Selection Criteria:

Randomised Controlled Trials, clinical trials or chart reviews which examined children with croup who were treated with prednisolone alone, or when prednisolone was compared to a dexamethasone treatment and the effectiveness of the intervention was objectively measured using croup scores and re-attendance as primary outcomes.

Data Collection and Analysis:

Following PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews, relevant studies were identified. Scores were graded agreed by two independent reviewers using QualSyst.

Main Results:

Four studies met the inclusion criteria, but were too heterogeneous to combine in statistical meta-analysis. The result suggests that although prednisolone appears as effective as dexamethasone when first given, it is less so for preventing re-presentation. Trial sample sizes were small, making firm conclusions difficult, however, a second dose of prednisolone the following day may be useful. More research including cost-benefit analysis is needed to examine the efficacy of prednisolone compared to dexamethasone.
Design optimisation for optically tracked pointers
Authors: De Coninck Bert , Victor Jan , De Baets Patrick , Herregodts Stijn , Verstraete Matthias
Published: December 2017

The use of mechanical pointers in optical tracking systems is needed to aid registration processes of unlocated rigid bodies. Error on the target point of a pointer can cause wrong positioning of vital objects and as such these errors have to be avoided. In this paper, the different errors that originate during this process are described, after which this error analysis is used for the optimisation of an improved pointer design. The final design contains six coplanar fiducials, favored by its robustness and low error. This configuration of fiducials is then analysed theoretically as well as practically to understand how it is performing. The error on tracking the target point of the pointer is found with simulation to be around 0.7 times the error of measuring one fiducial in space. However, practically this error is about equal to the fiducial tracking error, due to the non-normally distributed errors on each separate fiducial.
Experimental and numerical analysis of deformation patterns in notched heterogeneous welds
Authors: Giménez Avalos Marc , Keppens Florence , Naib Sameera , De Waele Wim , Hertelé Stijn
Published: December 2017

Standardized weld flaw assessment techniques assume the weld region to be homogeneous which is a strong idealisation of reality. Characterising the effects of heterogeneous properties of welds through the analysis of deformation patterns and slip lines is the major concern of this research. It is the goal to investigate which effects these variations in properties within the weld material have on the propagation of cracks within the weld material. Performed experiments are SENT tests on strongly heterogeneous welded connections. The same material is also simulated with a weld heterogenisation model in ABAQUS®. Results from both experiments and simulations are discussed and compared. It is shown that slip lines tend to avoid zones of high hardness in a way that a path of least resistance is found. Related to this, it is seen that the slip line angles deviate from the theoretical 45° for homogeneous material. Obtained results validate the numerical model used.
Investigation of the weldability of copper to steel tubes using the electromagnetic welding process
Authors: Simoen Barbara , Faes Koen , De Waele Wim
Published: December 2017

Magnetic pulse welding is an innovative joining method which allows joining of dissimilar metal combinations. However, much remains unknown about the process and its parameters. In this paper, the weldability of copper tubes to steel rods and tubes is discussed, with the goal of examining the influence of the wall thickness of the supporting steel tube on the weld and the deformation of the components. Large deformations were observed, causing an undesirable decrease in diameter of the tubes. The quality of the obtained welds was shown to decrease with decreasing inner tube thickness as well, most likely due to the deformation of the workpieces in radial direction. Because of this, it is advisable to use an internal support to prevent deformation of the support tubes. To gain more insight in the precise mechanisms of weld formation and failure, numerical simulations are advised.
Fatigue fracture assessment of high strength steel using thermographic analysis
Authors: Somers Marnick , Chhith Saosometh , De Waele Wim , Hojjati Talemi Reza
Published: December 2017

Fatigue behaviour is most commonly evaluated in uni-axial cyclic stress tests using standardised dog-bone samples. When components are sharply bent into shape and subjected to cyclic loading, the fatigue damage will accumulate at the inside of the bend. This paper reports on an experimental investigation about the feasibility of infrared thermographic techniques to monitor fatigue damage initiation and accumulation. By monitoring spectral components of the thermal response, the fatigue limit, the onset of crack initiation and the ratio of initiation to propagation lifetime can all be determined. Also the effect of surface treatments on initiation properties is investigated. Most results are consistent with expected behaviour based on a previous study, indicating that thermographic techniques have a greater sensitivity and can be used to reduce the number of samples and time required for fatigue characterisation.
Feasibility study of the friction surfacing process
Authors: Swinnen Filip , Faes Koen , De Waele Wim
Published: December 2017

Friction surfacing is a solid state cladding process based on the plastic deformation of a translating and rotating metallic consumable rod pressed against a stationary substrate. It is mostly used on mild and stainless steel and on aluminium. Thanks to the solid state nature of the process, it allows to join dissimilar metal combinations, e.g. aluminium to steel or to ceramics or several combinations of non-ferrous metals. Moreover, a continuous and fine-grained deposition is formed. Most research has been focussed on the feasibility of certain material combinations and on correlating the deposited layer quality to input parameters. In this work, a methodical approach to evaluate clad layers and to assess their properties is discussed. This approach consists of a visual assessment, a macrographic examination and a performance analysis and has shown to be apt to compare the clad layer quality.
3D finite element modeling of edge and width drop behavior in hot rolling mill
Authors: Van Bossche Nick , Bogaerts T. , Bellemans Inge , Verbeken Kim , De Waele Wim
Published: December 2017

Hot rough rolling is a conventional forming process in modern steelmaking practice in which high deformations are applied to a steel slab at high temperatures. Due to the sequence of edge rolling followed by rough rolling, so-called edge and width drop phenomena are observed at the head and tail of the slab. These unwanted effects govern a yield loss and need to be minimized as much as possible. By means of a finite element study this research aims to discover the main influencing parameters on the observed edge and width drop behavior. An overview and comparison of the relative contributions of several edge rolling settings are presented. The net edger roll opening is the most important influencing parameter on edge and width drop behavior. The effect of width and thickness of the slab on the edge drop is less strongly pronounced; only the thickness influences the width drop behavior.
Metallographic evaluation of the weldability of high strength aluminium alloys using friction spot welding
Authors: Vercauteren Jeroen , Faes Koen , De Waele Wim
Published: December 2017

Friction spot welding is a recent solid-state welding technique well suited for spot-joining lightweight materials in overlap condition. Aerospace and transport industries show great interest in this technique to join high-strength aluminium alloys, but published research is still limited. In this project, the link between process parameters and weld quality is investigated for EN AW-7075-T6 material. Techniques used are metallographic qualification, measurement of hardness reduction and lap shear strength. This paper focusses on the metallographic investigation of the weld region and its imperfections. Increasing joining time and heat input creates an easier material flow resulting in fewer imperfections. Limited plunge depths lead to typical interface imperfections. Variation in the rotational speed shows distinctive stir zone shapes as a consequence of severe stirring and frictional heat.
Survival and growth of nursery inoculated Fraxinus uhdei in acrisol gullies
Authors: Báez-Pérez Ana Laura , Lindig-Cisneros Roberto , Villegas Javier
Published: December 2017

Presence of degraded soils is increasing worldwide, but in many scenarios the knowledge to undertake restoration has not been acquired in an efficient, economical and socially acceptable manner. There are estimates placing moderate to severe degradation of agricultural land worldwide at 80%. Severely degraded substrates, such as gullies, sometimes lack the necessary microbiota for appropriate plant growth, under these conditions nursery inoculation can improve plant performance in the field. In order to explore the role of dual mycorrhization in Fraxinus growing in poor substrates, and also to contribute information on their usefulness in gully restoration, an experiment was conducted in which individuals of this species were inoculated with an endomycorrhyzal fungus, and ectomycorrhizal fungus and with both types of mycorrhizal fungi simultaneously, as well as urea fertilization. The results of this experiment show that establishment of Fraxinus uhdei is possible in severely degraded sites, it also provides information on the effects on the plant of multiple inoculation that cause some performance variables to improve as a result of the interaction, as was the case for the improved survival with the P. tinctorius, G. intraradices dual inoculation; whereas growth variables showed improved response to inoculation with only one of the fungi, height to inoculation with G. intraradices, and cover, number of leaves and diameter at base to inoculation with P. tinctorius. Given the improvements in growth and survival, our results suggest that in severely degraded soils, nursery inoculation of plants adapted to adverse conditions with mycorrhyzal fungi should be implemented.
Dynamics of land use and land cover in a Mexican national park
Authors: Pineda-López Maria del Rosario , Ruelas Inzunza Ernesto , Sánchez-Velásquez Lázaro Rafael , Espinoza Guzmán Marco A. , Rojo Alboreca Alberto , Vásquez-Morales Suria Gisela
Published: December 2017

To understand the dynamics of land cover at the Parque Nacional Cofre de Perote, the rates of change in land use were compared at two different scales during the period 1995-2004. At the meso scale, these patterns were studied throughout the entire Parque Nacional Cofre de Perote, which is one of the 60 priority mountains of Mexico, and an important natural protected area of the country located in the state of Veracruz. At a micro scale, the work was focused in ejido El Conejo, located within the boundaries of this national park. Federal government digital orthophotos were used to determine changes in nine categories of land use. In both, the meso- and micro-scale, it was found that the predominant land cover categories are agriculture and forest. The probabilities of land cover change at both scales are low and essentially the same for most land use categories, reflecting both small gains in forest cover park-wide as well as the effectiveness of the ejido in managing natural resources within the park. The authors consider that the findings of the study may be applicable to the broader situation of national parks in Mexico and, finally, the importance of integrating local stakeholders in the management of natural protected areas is discussed.
A New Polyketide from the Endophytic Fungus Penicillium chermesinum
Authors: Darsih Cici , Prachyawarakorn Vilailak , Mahidol Chulabhorn , Ruchirawat Somsak , Kittakoop Prasat
Published: December 2017

A new polyketide derivative, 2-chloro-3,4,7-trihydroxy-9-methoxy-1-methyl-6H-benzo[c]chromen-6-one (1), was isolated from the endophytic fungus Penicillium chermesinum. The structure was established on the basis of UV, IR, HR-ESI MS, and 1D and 2D NMR experiments. The cytotoxicity against four cancer cell lines (HuCCA-1, HepG2, A-549, and MOLT-3) of compound 1 are 14.94-115.71 µM.
Determination of Effective Functional Monomer and Solvent for R(+)-Cathinone Imprinted Polymer Using Density Functional Theory and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Approaches
Authors: Saputra Andrian , Wijaya Karna , Armunanto Ria , Tania Lisa , Tahir Iqmal
Published: December 2017

Determination of effective functional monomer and solvent for R(+)-cathinone imprinted polymer through modeling has been done using density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation approaches. The selection criteria of the best monomer and solvent are based on the classical potential energy (ΔEMM) from molecular dynamics simulation and confirmed further by quantum potential energy (ΔEDFT) from DFT calculation. The DFT calculation was performed in B3LYP exchange-correlation functional within the 6-31G(d) basis set of function including Polarizable Continuum Model (PCM) solvation effect. From this research, it is obtained that N,N’-methylene bis acrylamide and chloroform are respectively the best candidates for effective functional monomer and solvent, for the synthesis of R(+)-cathinone imprinted polymer.
Synthesis of Fulvic Acid-Coated Magnetite (Fe3O4–FA) and Its Application for the Reductive Adsorption of [AuCl4]–
Authors: Krisbiantoro Philip Anggo , Santosa Sri Juari , Kunarti Eko Sri
Published: December 2017

Fulvic acid-coated magnetite (Fe3O4–FA) has been synthesized through coprecipitation method using NH4OH. Synthesis conducted by cheap and environmentally friendly preparation used iron salts and extracted fulvic acid (FA) from Peat soil of Rawa Pening, Central Java, Indonesia. Characterization using FT–IR indicated that the coating of FA on Fe3O4 occurred through the formation of chemical bond between iron of Fe3O4 and carboxyl group of FA. The XRD measurement indicated that coated Fe3O4 successfully dispersed in smaller size than uncoated Fe3O4, i.e. from 16.67 to 14.84 nm for Fe3O4 and Fe3O4–FA, respectively. Synthesized Fe3O4–FA has pHPZC 6.37 and stable at pH > 3.0. The extracted FA has total acidity 866.61 cmol kg–1, –COOH content 229.77 cmol kg–1 and –OH content 636.84 cmol kg–1. Fe3O4–FA has total acidity 494.86 cmol kg–1, –COOH content 67.80 cmol kg–1 and –OH content 427.06 cmol kg–1. The adsorption rate constant (k) of [AuCl4]– on Fe3O4–A according to the Ho kinetic model was 8006.53 g mol–1 min–1. The adsorption capacity (qmax) according to Langmuir isotherm model was 1.24 × 10–4 mol g–1. The presence of reduction towards the adsorbed [AuCl4]– was shown by the appearance of peaks at 2θ: 37.41; 43.66; 64.25, and 76.67° in the XRD diffractogram.
Conocarpus erectus Leaf Extract for Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Alsultani Amjed Mirza
Published: December 2017

Silver nanoparticles (SNPs) were synthesized by a green method using Conocarpus erectus leaves extract. Leaves were cleaned and used freshly then the extract was obtained by heating leaves in water for 15 min. Silver nitrate used as SNPs precursor and 5 mL of extract were added to silver ion solution at 80 °C and the growth of nanoparticle was monitored by electronic spectra at plasmon resonance absorption of SNPs, where the growth obeys sigmoidal kinetics. SNPs were characterized by SEM, XRD, FTIR, UV-vis absorption and fluorescence, and particle size was estimated. SEM reveals that the SNPs had spherical shape and particle size less than 100 nm. XRD analysis showed that only Ag phase was present and the estimated particle size was 20 nm. FTIR spectra analysis showed similarity of extract and SNPs, indicating the adsorption of active components of the extract on the high surface area of SNPs. Electronic absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy showed that plasmon absorption and fluorescence in the visible region were a characteristic feature of SNPs. Antibacterial activity examined against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus indicated that the inhibition zones were equal to 24 and 19 mm, respectively.
Influence of Macrocyclic Ring Size on the Corrosion Inhibition Efficiency of Dibenzo Crown Ether: A Density Functional Study
Authors: Hadisaputra Saprizal , Hamdiani Saprini , Kurniawan Muhammad Arsyik , Nuryono Nuryono
Published: December 2017

The effect of macrocycle ring size on the corrosion inhibition efficiency of dibenzo-12-crown-4 (DB12C4), dibenzo-15-crown-5 (DB15C5), dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DB18C6), dibenzo-21-crown-7 (DB21C7) and dibenzo-24-crown-8 (DB24C8) have been elucidated by mean of density functional calculation at B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory in the gas and aqueous environment. The quantum chemical parameters including the frontier orbital energies (EHOMO, ELUMO), ionization potential (I), electron affinity (A), the absolute electronegativity (χ), hardness (η), softness (σ), and the fraction of electron transferred (ΔN) are positively correlated to the corrosion inhibition efficiency (IE%) of the studied crown ethers. The calculation results indicate that DB24C8 exhibits the highest corrosion inhibition efficiency, whereas DB12C4 exhibits the lowest corrosion inhibition efficiency. The results of this study will contribute to design crown ethers potential as corrosion inhibitors.
Investigation of the Structural and Dynamical Properties of Cu+ in Liquid Ammonia: A Quantum Mechanical Charge Field (QMCF) Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Saputri Wahyu Dita , Wijaya Karna , Armunanto Ria
Published: December 2017

A quantum mechanical charge field (QMCF) molecular dynamics (MD) simulation has been carried out to describe the structural and dynamical properties of Cu+ ion in liquid ammonia. The first and second shells were treated by ab initio quantum mechanics at the Hartree−Fock (HF) level with the DZP-Dunning basis set for ammonia and LANL2DZ ECP basis set for Cu. The system was equilibrated for 4 ps, then the trajectory data was collected every fifth step for 20 ps at 235.15 K. The structural analysis showed that in the first solvation shell, Cu+ is solvated by 4 ammonia molecules forming a stable structure of tetrahedral with Cu-N bond length of 2.15 Å, whereas in the second solvation shell there are 29 ammonia molecules that have an average distance of 4.79 Å to Cu+ ion. Mean residence time of 3.06 ps was observed for the ammonia ligand in the second solvation shell indicating for a highly unstable structure of the solvation shell. The obtained structure of the first solvation shell from this simulation is in excellent agreement with experimental data.
Assessing and Evaluating Learning Outcomes of the Information Systems Program
Authors: Nachouki Mirna
Published: December 2017

Program assessment is an essential procedure of academic programs accreditation review. As such, it is a cornerstone of quality, enhanced education. At Ajman University, the process of assessing and evaluating courses is done at the departmental level. This paper describes a model that the Department of Information Systems uses to assess the achievement of its program learning outcomes. This model enables the measurement of the level of achievement of each learning outcome to identify areas for improvement in students’ performance and suggest remedial actions in consultation with faculty concerned. The results of program assessment are used to suggest changes to curricula and courses structure and content to be implemented in the following reaccreditation cycles when these changes are considered substantial.
Examination of Expection and Anxiety States in the Science Laboratory in Science Education
Authors: AKA Elvan INCE
Published: December 2017

In this research, it is aimed to study the expectations and anxiety states of students, studying Science Education, during the course of science education laboratory practices. Screening model was used in this research. The research was carried out with the participation of 83 students, who took the course of Science Education Laboratory Practice and who were studying in 3rd Grade (3 branches) in the Department of Science Education, Department of Mathematics and Sciences, Faculty of Education, public university in the spring semester of 2016-2017 academic year. We used the following open-ended research question; “What are your expectations from the course of Science education laboratory practices as a data collection tool?”, and we also used “Science Laboratory Anxiety Scale” which was developed by U?akl? and Akp?nar (2015). Descriptive analysis technique was used during the analysis of qualitative data. SPSS 18.0 package statistics program was used during the analysis of quantitative data. In line with the research results, it is observed that the expectations and anxieties of students related with science laboratory are focused mostly on the level of success.
THE STORY OF THE BC FAMILY JUSTICE INNOVATION LAB
Authors: Morley Jane , Boyle Kari D
Published: December 2017

Many in the justice system know that fundamental change is needed but few know the best way to do it.  Previous attempts using strategic planning approaches have not achieved meaningful change.  Something different is needed.  The BC Family Justice Innovation Lab (the Lab) is experimenting with a different approach drawing on complexity science, the experience of other jurisdictions and disciplines and incorporating human-centred design as a way of focusing on the well-being of families going through the transition of separation and divorce.  This article is the story of the first few years of the Lab’s life.  It has been a fascinating and challenging path so far, and it remains to be seen whether it will ultimately succeed. The story is offered so that others with similar ambitions can learn from the Lab’s experience – its successes and its failures.  It is the nature and strength of stories that the reader will take from them what they will. For the authors, one overriding theme that emerges from this story is that transforming a complex social system, such as the family justice system in British Columbia, requires embracing the complexity of paradox and refusing to be defeated by the tension of opposites and a multitude of wicked, unanswerable questions.
COLD, HARD JUSTICE LESSONS FROM THE FLEET: INNOVATING FROM THE BOTTOM UP
Authors: Ha-Redeye Omar
Published: December 2017

With law school graduates encountering increased difficulty in securing articling positions, legal incubators are an alternative way of providing practical training and mentorship opportunities for young practitioners. Not only do they have the potential to help launch careers in law, but they can also play a major role in increasing access to justice. Though legal incubators have been gaining popularity in law schools across the United States, they are still a novel concept in Canada. This article discusses the resources and practice models used by Fleet Street Law, a law practice in Toronto that evolved into the first legal incubator in Canada. The use of innovative business models allowed for greater service of low income and marginalized populations, especially on a “low-bono” rate, and also assisted in providing essential supports for racialized and minority lawyers early in their career. The flexible and innovative nature of a legal incubator was beneficial for the purposes of experimentation, but there were challenges associated with cost and long-term participation. The model of a practitioner-based incubator, as an alternative to traditional-type clinics, should be strongly considered by law schools to help address some of the market needs in the legal community today.
Review Hepatoprotektor Rosela (Hibiscus sabdariffa): Aktivitas, Mekanisme Aksi dan Toksisitas
Authors: Liem Steffi , Levita Jutti
Published: December 2017

Liver cirrhosis has become the international health problem that causes significant mortality. Handling using herbs from various countries has been done, one of them by consuming roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyx extract. H. sabdariffa contains anthocyanins, flavonoids, tannins, and ascorbic acid that function as hepatoprotector. H. sabdariffacalyx extract may inhibit the increasing of various clinical parameters, such as ALT, AST, ALP, and LDH in various inducer types, ie acetaminophen, CCl4, CdCl2, DNPH, and TAA. The mechanism of action of H. sabdariffacalyx extract are as an antioxidant, inhibition of cytochrome enzyme, induction of phase II metabolism enzymes, increase cell viability percentage, increase CAT, GSH and decrease protein expression of pJNK, tBid and Bax. However, the consumption of H. sabdariffacalyx extract may also cause acute, subchronic, and chronic toxicity depending on the given dose.
Uji Aktivitas Antidiabetes dari Ekstrak Metanol Buah Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) melalui Penghambatan Aktivitas α-Glukosidase
Authors: Meila Okpri , Noraini Noraini
Published: December 2017

Diabetes melitus (DM) is defined as a chronic metabolic disease or disorder with multiple etiologies characterized by high blood sugar levels. One way to treat diabetes mellitus is inhibiting the α-glucosidase enzyme. This study aims to determine the inhibition of α-glucosidase of methanol extract of kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa) . Kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa) contains saponins characterized by the formation of foam, positive flavonoid characterized by the formation of a yellow color (orange) and positive alkaloid which is characterized by brown color in wagner test. The inhibition activity test of α-glucosidase enzyme was performed by using spectrophotometric method. The results of the inhibition activity test of α-glucosidase enzyme in acarbose showed the value of 13,672 mg/L, while the methanol extract of kiwi fruit showed IC50 value of 7.219 mg/L. It demonstrated that themethanol extract of kiwi fruit has the inhibition activity greater than acarbose.
Sensor Asam Nukleat Sebagai Aktivator Imunitas Intrinsik Terhadap Patogen Intraseluler
Authors: Usmar Usmar , Arfiansyah Rudi , Nainu Firzan
Published: December 2017

Vertebrata, termasuk manusia, dilengkapi dengan sistem imun alamiah dan sistem imun adaptif yang saling bekerjasama untuk melindungi tubuh dari material berbahaya, termasuk berbagai patogen dan sel-sel kanker. Kedua sistem imun tersebut secara rutin melakukan pengecekan terhadap beragam material yang ada di dalam tubuh. Salah satu cara yang digunakan oleh sistem imun dalam melaksanakan tugasnya adalah melalui pengaktifan sensor asam nukleat yang berfungsi untuk memberikan informasi keberadaan DNA atau RNA asing maupun kemungkinan adanya salinan DNA inang di sitoplasma atau lokasi lain yang tidak semestinya. Ketika genom patogen terdeteksi oleh sensor-sensor tersebut, selanjutnya efektor sistem imun akan diaktivasi melalui serangkaian proses dan berakhir dengan eradikasi asam nukleat target atau bahkan induksi apoptosis sel yang bersangkutan. Beberapa sensor asam nukleat yang telah ditemukan antara lain adalah Toll-like receptor (TLR), RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs), cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), dan interferon-γ-inducible protein 16 (IFI16). Namun, sejumlah patogen telah memiliki mekanisme untuk menghindari sensor-sensor tersebut sehingga infeksi tetap dapat terjadi. Dengan demikian, berbagai penelitian untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan tentang bagaimana sensor asam nukleat bekerja sebagai salah satu respon imun intraseluler serta mekanisme terbentuknya resistensi patogen terhadap deteksi sensor tersebut sangat penting untuk didorong. Hal ini akan memberikan wawasan baru dalam pengembangan berbagai sediaan farmasi terkait seperti vaksin dan antimikroba intraseluler.
Fair Value Accounting and Earnings Persistence: Evidence from International Banks
Authors: Yao Daifei (Troy) , Percy Majella , Stewart Jenny , Hu Fang
Published: December 2017

Using hand-collected data from a sample of 210 international banks during the period 2009 to 2013, we investigate whether fair value exposure, the proportion of financial assets measured at fair values, is associated with earnings persistence and whether the reliability of fair value measurements influences earnings persistence. We also examine whether the association between fair value measurements and earnings persistence is a function of institutional factors such as legal enforcement, the audit environment, and country-level auditor industry expertise. Results suggest that the use of fair values for balance sheet financial instruments enhances earnings persistence. Also, we find that the nondiscretionary fair value Level 1 assets (measured with observable inputs) are positively associated with earnings persistence, whereas the Level 2 assets (measured with indirectly observable inputs) and Level 3 assets (measured using unobservable inputs) are not associated with earnings persistence. We provide further evidence that there is a strong association between factors reflecting countrywide institutional structures and the predictive power of fair values based on discretionary measurement inputs (Level 2 and Level 3 assets) and we find that the moderating effect from these institutional factors is greater for Level 3 assets than for Level 2 assets. Additional tests suggest that the association between fair value estimates and earnings persistence is moderated by the classification of fair value assets (that is, through profit and loss versus other comprehensive income) and the reliability of fair value estimates.
Glucocorticoids Reprogram β-Cell Signaling to Preserve Insulin Secretion
Authors: Fine Nicholas H.F. , Doig Craig L. , Elhassan Yasir S. , Vierra Nicholas C. , Marchetti Piero , Bugliani Marco , Nano Rita , Piemonti Lorenzo , Rutter Guy A. , Jacobson David A. , Lavery Gareth G. , Hodson David J.
Published: December 2017

Excessive glucocorticoid exposure has been shown to be deleterious for pancreatic β-cell function and insulin release. However, glucocorticoids at physiological levels are essential for many homeostatic processes, including glycemic control. We show that corticosterone and cortisol and their less active precursors 11-dehydrocorticosterone (11-DHC) and cortisone suppress voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel function and Ca2+ fluxes in rodent as well as in human β-cells. However, insulin secretion, maximal ATP/ADP responses to glucose, and β-cell identity were all unaffected. Further examination revealed the upregulation of parallel amplifying cAMP signals and an increase in the number of membrane-docked insulin secretory granules. Effects of 11-DHC could be prevented by lipotoxicity and were associated with paracrine regulation of glucocorticoid activity because global deletion of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 normalized Ca2+ and cAMP responses. Thus, we have identified an enzymatically amplified feedback loop whereby glucocorticoids boost cAMP to maintain insulin secretion in the face of perturbed ionic signals. Failure of this protective mechanism may contribute to diabetes in states of glucocorticoid excess, such as Cushing syndrome, which are associated with frank dyslipidemia.
Mechanisms to Elevate Endogenous GLP-1 Beyond Injectable GLP-1 Analogs and Metabolic Surgery
Authors: Briere Daniel A. , Bueno Ana B. , Gunn Ellen J. , Michael M. Dodson , Sloop Kyle W.
Published: December 2017

Therapeutic engineering of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) has enabled development of new medicines to treat type 2 diabetes. These injectable analogs achieve robust glycemic control by increasing concentrations of “GLP-1 equivalents” (∼50 pmol/L). Similar levels of endogenous GLP-1 occur after gastric bypass surgery, and mechanistic studies indicate glucose lowering by these procedures is driven by GLP-1. Therefore, because of the remarkable signaling and secretory capacity of the GLP-1 system, we sought to discover mechanisms that increase GLP-1 pharmacologically. To study active GLP-1, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (Gipr)–deficient mice receiving background dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitor treatment were characterized as a model for evaluating oral agents that increase circulating GLP-1. A somatostatin receptor 5 antagonist, which blunts inhibition of GLP-1 release, and agonists for TGR5 and GPR40, which stimulate GLP-1 secretion, were investigated alone and in combination with the DPP4 inhibitor sitagliptin; these only modestly increased GLP-1 (∼5–30 pmol/L). However, combining molecules to simultaneously intervene at multiple regulatory nodes synergistically elevated active GLP-1 to unprecedented concentrations (∼300–400 pmol/L), drastically reducing glucose in Gipr null and Leprdb/db mice in a GLP-1 receptor–dependent manner. Our studies demonstrate that complementary pathways can be engaged to robustly increase GLP-1 without invasive surgical or injection regimens.
Habermas e a Religião: por uma dialética da secularização
Authors: Costa Oliveira Juliano Cordeiro da
Published: December 2017

Este artigo tem como objetivo investigar a relação entre razão e religião no âmbito do que Jürgen Habermas chama hoje de sociedade pós-secular. Duas tendências, para ele, caracterizariam nossa época: a proliferação de imagens de mundo naturalistas e a influência política crescente também das ortodoxias religiosas, constituindo este diagnóstico um dos temas mais recentes da reflexão de Habermas. Ele busca, no entanto, um lugar intermediário entre o naturalismo cientificista e a religião, numa perspectiva crítica em relação a um caminho unilateral tanto da ciência como da religião. Para ele, cidadãos seculares e religiosos devem estar dispostos a se ouvirem reciprocamente nos debates públicos e a aprenderem uns com os outros. Segundo Habermas, começa a prevalecer, na sociedade pós-secular e não mais apenas secular, a ideia de que tanto as mentalidades religiosas quanto as seculares precisam se modificar de forma reflexiva, aprendendo as contribuições de uma e de outra para os diversos temas.
Ideologia alemã: a produção do mito na teórica do fascismo em W. Benjamin e S. Kracauer
Authors: Araujo Robson Breno Dourado de
Published: December 2017

Este texto discute a constituição ideológica da intelectualidade alemã no período pós Primeira-Guerra tal como exposto por Walter Benjamin e Siegfried Kracauer. Inicialmente, apresentamos o mote formal da produção literária de Ernst Jünger e do Círculo Tat, analisados pelos autores, respectivamente, e as condições de emergência da “superestrutura das relações materiais” como posicionamento político capaz de fundar o mito da germanidade que alicerça o novo nacionalismo de então. Desta feita, tematiza-se o modo como tal produção intelectual gerencia a ideia do herói de guerra e do Estado-Povo pervertendo a experiência da guerra de trincheira sobrepondo-lhe uma miragem.
“Fortaleza, 2016” ou “O que é Teoria Crítica?”
Authors: Cardoso Adriano Costa
Published: December 2017

O presente trabalho deseja repor a pergunta pela Teoria Crítica, indagando sobre seu sentido, sua natureza, seus objetivos, seu método, aqui e agora. Remetendo ao texto clássico de Horkheimer, Teoria Tradicional e Teoria Crítica (1937), bem como ao livro que o influenciou, História e Consciência de Classe (1922), de Lukács, a exposição ensaia uma tentativa de recuperar de algum modo o sentido dessa Teoria Crítica, mais do que caracterizar o que ela foi e o que ela se tornou ou a herança que deixou.PALAVRAS-CHAVE: História; Método; Teoria Crítica.
Marcuse e o Biopoder: como a liberdade sexual transforma-se em um instrumento de controle social
Authors: Barbosa Alexandre De Moura
Published: December 2017

Proponho mostrar uma interpretação de “Homem unidimensional” acerca da liberdade dos corpos na sociedade industrial. Se outrora houve uma grande promessa da técnica de promover a liberdade pela Razão, o que ocorreu foi um paradoxo nessa sociedade industrial como sujeita a uma irracionalidade na dependência das necessidades e carências o que, por fim, constituem os indivíduos imersos nessa unidimensionalidade. Nessa imersão há um "controle social" caracterizado pela utilização das necessidades como instrumentos de cooptação na produção e no consumo no interior da sociedade industrial. A liberdade sexual ou dos corpos está submetida a esta forma de cooptação ideológica por parte das necessidade e consumos no interior dessa sociedade. O que podemos ver é que há uma forma de “biopoder” nesse “controle” que vai para além da mera sociedade repressiva, trata-se de uma transformação de substituições e sublimações de desejos e das forças libidinais em novas formas de necessidades e consumos que submetem a liberdade e, particularmente, a liberdade sexual e dos corpos ao controle social.
Batallando por la reactivación del liberalismo en la Argentina: la revista Ideas sobre la Libertad entre 1958 y 1976
Authors: Haidar Victoria
Published: December 2017

A partir del análisis de Ideas sobre la Libertad, la revista del Centro de Estudios sobre la Libertad creado a instancias de Alberto Benegas Lynch, el artículo muestra el papel que, desde ese espacio, se atribuyó a dicha publicación en el marco de la “batalla por las ideas”, explora las vinculaciones transnacionales que el mismo mantuvo con think-tanks e intelectuales que defendían el libre mercado, y reconstruye la significación que dio a la “reactivación” del liberalismo entre 1958 y 1976. Considerando esos tres ejes se argumenta que Ideas sobre la Libertad apuntaba a la educación de las elites mediante la crítica del colectivismo, la difusión y el comentario de la “tradición liberal argentina”. Asimismo se sostiene que el posicionamiento de aquella institución respecto del proyecto neoliberal era ambiguo, puesto que desde la revista se confrontaron las ideas “colectivistas” pero no se puso en discusión el rol del Estado.
Oralidad y escritura en la lirica griega arcaica: el ejemplo de Píndaro
Authors: Torres Daniel A.
Published: December 2017

Neste artigo focaliza-se o estudo da poesia de Píndaro, a partir das recentes abordagens hermenêuticas que consideram a cultura oral da Grécia arcaica como um fator decisivo para a interpretação da poesia arcaica. O crítico status quaestionis é revisado, especialmente em relação ao problema da elocução em primeira pessoa nas epinícias, como também a sua atribuição ao coro ou ao poeta, o que leva a recente discussão sobre a intervenção regular dos coros na performance. A hipótese de uma performance só parece estar relacionada com um grau de conhecimento e o uso da escrita no âmbito da composição. Algumas marcas textuais nas odes de Píndaro que indicam escrita são analisadas e confrontadas com sua estrutura. Este estudo procura dar uma contribuição a recente questão do caráter coral das epinícias.
L’áte dans l’Iliade (le cas Agamemnon)
Authors: Assunção Teodoro Rennó
Published: December 2017

Estudo breve sobre a áte na Ilíada a partir da discussão do caso de Agamêmnon – decisivo para a intriga da cólera. Exposição da polaridade complementar entre a Áte e as Litaí e do mito da áte de Zeus como sua última ocorrência no plano divino. Análise, no caso de Agamêmnon, das duas versões sobre a “responsabilidade” pelo ato ruinoso (que, do ponto de vista prático, ele assume como seu), a divina e a humana, tentando mostrar como – longe de serem excludentes – elas são, segundo Albin Lesky, “as duas faces diferentes de uma única e mesma moeda”.
"Noctem sideribus inlustrem...” (Tacite, Ann. XIV, 5, l). Quel est le sens exact de ce passage et qu’apporteil au récit de Ia mort d’Agrippine et a l’écriture de Tacite?
Authors: Kivuila-Kiaku José Mambwini
Published: December 2017

Meditação sobre a tragédia humana, as narrativas tacitianas tendem não somente a ordenar e a expor os fatos mas tambám, e sobretudo, a sugerir planos de fundo psicológicos que se escondem por detrás da realidade sensível. Tacito – sabe-se – organiza suas narrativas com a finalidade de provocar na consciência de seu leitor uma série de emoções capazes de engendrar um estado de sensibilidade que o predispõe a compreender melhor as causas dos acontecimentos que Roma conheceu e que precipitaram sua decadência. Para atingir esse fim ele recorre a apresentação poética. Esta, ao mesmo tempo em que dá à narrativa de Tácito certa beleza, participa da estratégia de persuasão, tocando a imaginação dos leitores. Assim, a frase dos Anais XIV, 5, 1 e, sem dúvida, um exemplo entre tantos outros que mostram que, em Tácito, a poesia tem um conteúdo de pensamento que exprime ou aproxima a verdade histórica. E também um belo exemplo que, na literatura latina, mostra como é difícil a tarefa de um historiador pós-clássico, de unir a realidade histórica ao cuidado com o belo e ao respeito a complexidade dos acontecimentos históricos. Nas narrativas de Tácito, frequentemente marcada pela dimensão dramática, a apresentação poética dos acontecimentos entra na estratégia da persuasão que incita os leitores a melhor apreender o sentido oculto da história.
An overview on therapeutic potential and various applications of microbial collagenases
Authors: Azmi Wamik , Chauhan Shikha , Gautam Manisha
Published: December 2017

Collagen is the most widely distributed class of proteins in the human body. Monomers of collagen are constantly being synthesized and degraded throughout the development of a healthy individual to adulthood. The collagenase subfamily found in human matrix (metalloproteinases), are capable of hydrolyzing native collagen under physiological conditions. Collagenases are produced by specific cells involved in repairs and remodelling processes and plays important role in connective tissue metabolism. Present article focus on the major sources, properties and therapeutic aspects of microbial collagenases in their relation with various diseases and its applications in medical and food industry. Collagenolytic enzymes are highly specific for collagen and have been the focus of much practical interest with respect to cosmetic, medical and food based applications. The most common uses of these enzymes appear to be in medicine as they have been used to treat burns and ulcers, to eliminate scar tissue and play an important role in the successful transplantation of specific organs.
Album photographique scolaire, histoire et configuration de l’identité des établissements scolaires: le cas du collège Sant Josep Obrer de Palma
Authors: Comas-Rubí Francisca , Sureda Garcia Bernat
Published: December 2017

Les établissements scolaires photographient leurs activités, les conservent et, parfois, les publient dans des livres ou des revues et, de nos jours, sur le Web également. Outre le fait qu’elles constituent un bien patrimonial utile à la connaissance de l’histoire de ces institutions, ces photographies peuvent également avoir d’autres fonctions comme celle de construire une mémoire collective qui permette de renforcer l’identité commune de leurs anciens élèves et de construire un discours historique qui étaie leur projet éducatif actuel. Dans le cas qui nous occupe, et en tant qu’exemple de ce qui vient d’être dit, nous analyserons ci-dessous les photographies publiées par le Collège Sant Josep Obrer de Palma de Majorque dans l’objectif d’établir le lien entre ces images et le modèle éducatif que le centre souhaite transmettre tant du point de vue historique qu’actuel.