bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation on surface charasteristics of uncalcinated and calcinated mussel shells
Authors: Dandil Sahra
Published: January 2018

In recent years, developing economical adsorbents to treat with different types of pollutants has attracted great interest. Waste mussel shells are common wastes produced by the seafood industry. They have some advantages over conventional process such as simplicity of design and low cost. In this study, the uncalcinated and calcinated mussel shells were characterisated for their surface characteristics. Mussel shells washed with tap water several times followed by distilled water and dried at 105°C for 12 hours in an oven. They were powdered to small particles and calcined at 900°C for 2 hours. The sample was finely ground into small particles of different sizes, washed with distilled water and dried overnight at 105°C. And then, the sample was calcined at a heating rate of 2°C/min to 400°C and maintaned at this temperature for 4 hours.The calcined and uncalcined mussel shell samples were characterised by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller and Zeta potential mesaurements. The results indicated that calcination studies improved the surface charasteristics of the mussel shells and that the calcinated mussel shells can be used in adsorption studies as a novel low-cost, eco-friendly biosorbent efficiently

Keywords: Adsorption, calcination, characterization, mussel shell.
Knowledge management as a strategy of customer relationship management: A study of tourism industry in Vietnam
Authors: Ngo Vu Minh
Published: January 2018

This study focuses on understanding the application of knowledge management practices as strategies of customer relationship management by managers in hospitality industry in Vietnam. Thirty in-depth interviews with managers and executives who are involved in tourism-related activities in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in tourism industry in different destinations in Vietnam facilitated the analysis. The analysis was carried out in the light of grounded theory. The analysis indicated that the use of customer relationship management (CRM) strategies in SMEs in tourism industry is at a moderate level. Yet, the performance of personalities who are involved in CRM activities in their jobs is intervened by knowledge management and dynamic capabilities. Precisely, while knowledge management mediates, dynamic capabilities moderate the relationship between CRM and performance of SMEs in tourism industry in Vietnam. Keywords: Customer relationship management, knowledge management, dynamic capabilities, SMEs, Vietnam.
Radical or incremental innovation adoption: do demographics and the frequency and form of innovation matter?
Authors: Kaya Cigdem
Published: January 2018

This study aims to describe managersâ€™ adoption of radical and incremental innovation based on managersâ€™ and organisationsâ€™ demographics, and forms and frequencies of innovation. With this purpose, data collected from 161 managers who work for companies operating in various industries have been analysed. According to our findings, there is a significant difference between men and women with respect to their adoption of incremental or radical innovation. Female managers adopt incremental innovation 71.7%, whereas male counterparts adopt incremental innovation 50%; female managers adopt radical innovation 28.3%, whereas male counterparts adopt radical innovation 50%. Another significant difference is found among the frequencies of applying innovation (apply innovation consistently, apply innovation occasionally and apply innovation rarely). Data indicate that the companies that are applying innovations consistently adopt incremental innovation rather than adopting radical innovation. In the companies applying innovations occasionally, percentages of adoption of incremental and radical innovation are equal to each other. Radical innovation percentage is relatively higher by 69% compared to incremental innovation percentage at the companies that apply innovations rarely. Managerial implications of our findings and directions for future research are discussed. Keywords: Radical innovation adoption, incremental innovation adoption, the frequency of applying innovation, form of innovation, managersâ€™ demographics, organisationsâ€™ demographics.
Fiscal decentralisation and economic growth: Is there a relationship?
Authors: Slavinskaite Neringa
Published: January 2018

The main objective of this paper is to study the concept of fiscal decentralisation and the influence of fiscal decentralisation on economic growth in selected European Union countries during the period of 2004 â€“ 2014. Academic interest in fiscal decentralisation began in the 1950s, when the original Tiebout (1950) article on the theory of local government management level cost created a base for never-ending debate about fiscal decentralisation effect on well-being of the country. The empirical literature analysing the influence of fiscal decentralisation on economic growth has emerged since the 1990s. The relevant studies vary as to whether they use time series, cross-sectional or panel data, as to whether they rely on singlecountry or cross-country samples, and they vary in fiscal decentralisation measures, estimation methods and sample composition. The empirical analysis was based on the method of Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) and regression analysis. The data analysis has revealed that there is a relationship between fiscal decentralisation and economic growth. Keywords: Fiscal decentralisation, economic growth, panel data.
Differences between foreign and domestic firms in investment measurement and management
Authors: Merkova Martina
Published: January 2018

The paper focuses on models and methods of investment measurement and management. Aim of the study was to find out dominant investment tools linked with possible positive effects in business performance. The research tested the business entities in transitional economy of Slovakia in Central Eastern Europe. Statistical analysis of contingency as appropriate testing method for categorical variables was applied in the research. Results demonstrated statistically significant differences between the use of selected tools in foreign firms against local firms as well as higher performance in companies with partly or fully foreign ownership. Keywords: Investment management, investment effectiveness measurement, business performance, foreign ownership.
The influence of perceived risk on brand addiction: A research on cosmetics products
Authors: Gurbuz Ahmet
Published: January 2018

Consumers prefer certain brands like price, quality, image, environment and personal expectations, and therefore it is important to determine the reasons that are effective in brand loyalty in terms of both producers and intermediary institutions. In recent years, there have been many studies on brand loyalty. Investigations are generally carried out on the condition of showing brand affiliation and on the stages of the formation of this commitment. The relationship between consumersâ€™ risk perceptions of cosmetic products and brand dependency will be examined in our research. This study aiming to determine the effect of consumersâ€™ cosmetic product risk perception on brand dependency will be realised in Karabuk. Within the scope of the research, the data obtained by the questionnaire method will be analyzed with statistical methods and interpreted in tables. Keywords: Perceived risk, brand, brand dependence.
â€˜Transmission expansion planning under different uncertaintiesâ€™
Authors: Åženyiğit Ercan
Published: January 2018

This study aimed to determine the transmission expansion plan by considering the uncertainties in the electricity energy market. In the modelling and solution phase, the concept of cross-docking used in logistics and storage will be used, and the electrical conduction model will be created in the cross-docking logic light. With the help of the literature data, the problem will be solved with meta-heuristic method and transmission expansion plan will be established. Our work is aimed to be the interesting modelling work in the field of industrial engineering, addressing many uncertainties in the electricity market. Keywords: â€˜Transmission expansion planning, genetic algorithm, uncertainties, electricity, simulationâ€™.
Health communication and awareness of aluminium-waste disposal effects among Ogun state housing corporation residents
Authors: Oresanya Toluwalope
Published: January 2018

This paper determines the awareness profile of residents of Ogun state housing corporation, who have resorted to collecting aluminium waste as a cheap alternative to assuage the deplorable state of road networks in the estate. A total of 200 copies of a questionnaire were randomly distributed to the residents of the estate. The survey determined their level of awareness of aluminium waste disposal, and their level of involvement in the collection, use and contact with these waste materials. In cases of awareness about the health implications, the medium through which they gained such awareness was further queried. The findings recommend that harnessing the participation of all stakeholders would bring stability to the growing demand for these materials within the estate. Similarly, coordinating educative and informative campaigns in the estate would expedite enhanced consciousness and eventual cessation of the possibilities of contact and inhalation of aluminium waste in the housing estate. Keywords: Aluminium waste,awareness, communication, public health.
The influence of supervisory support on work motivation: a moderating role of organizational support
Authors: Khalid Afaf
Published: January 2018

This study investigates the effect and interaction of various factors on the motivation of the post-graduate trainees in the hospitals to work. It also aims to highlight the importance of certain factors that could influence the motivation of the postgraduate trainees to work better. This cross-sectional study tested relationships between the supervisor support, organisational support, job value and motivation to work. It further explored the interaction between organisational support and supervisor support. Data were collected from 335 doctors enrolled in post-graduate training in five teaching hospitals in the public sector in Lahore at that time. Pearson correlation and regression analysis along with the macro PROCESS were used to analyse the data. It was found that supervisor support and job value positively affects the motivation to work, while organizational support interacts with supervisor support to enhance motivation to work among doctors. The results of this study can help the supervisors and the dean of the hospitals to get a better understanding of the factors that play a role in affecting the motivation level of the relatively young doctors of the public sector hospitals to work effectively and efficiently. Keywords: Motivation to work, supervisor support, organizational support, job value.
Correlations between energy consumption per capita, growth rate, industrialisation, trade volume and urbanisation: the case of Turkey
Authors: Yurdakul Funda
Published: January 2018

This study examines the relationship of energy consumption per capita with growth rate, industrialisation, trade volume and urbanisation in Turkish economy throughout the 1980â€“2015 period using the Engle-Granger, Fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS), canonical cointegration regression (CCR) and dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) methods. Analysis results revealed a long-run equilibrium relationship between the change in energy consumption per capita and growth rate, industrialisation, trade volume and urbanisation. Urbanisation, industrialisation, growth rate and trade volume positively influence the change in energy consumption per capita. Keywords: Energy consumption, Engle-Granger method, fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) method, canonical cointegration regression (CCR), dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) method.
Human resource management practices and organisational commitment: employeesâ€™ perspective in the Nigerian hospitality sector
Authors: Folakemi Ohunakin
Published: January 2018

Employee commitment to the organisation is one of the major tools for building organisational capabilities towards gaining competitive advantage and effectiveness over others in any industry. However, this requires effective human resource management practices, thereby leading to favourable and enhanced organisational outcomes. This study seeks to examine the impact of three human resource management practices including: performance management, compensation system, and teamwork, on employee organisational commitment. To proffer a solution to the aforementioned objective, paper and pen data collection was done for 312 employees in six selected guesthouses in south-west Nigeria. SPSS and structural equation modelling (SEM) were used for analysing the data collected. The outcomes revealed positive and statistical significant effect of human resource management practices on the employee organisational commitment. This study concludes that, performance management, compensation system and teamwork play major role in boosting the employeesâ€™ organisational commitment in the study sector. Keywords: Performance management, compensation system, teamwork, organisational commitment, hospitality sector.
Change project development
Authors: Sujova Andrea
Published: January 2018

Changes have become a part of everyday life due to the fast changing environment of firms. Success in provided changes depends on their preparing and planning. This paper deals with the preparation phase of change and development of the project. The aim of the paper is to present a methodology of change project development and its application in conditions of the chosen firm. Analytical managerial methods concerning project and change management were used. The results achieved have shown the possibility for improving a competitiveness of the firm through identification and realisation of needed changes. Keywords: Change, management of change, project development, firm.
Fuzzy set theory-based model for identifying the potential of improving process KPIs in production logistics area
Authors: Hrusecka Denisa
Published: January 2018

The high complexity of todayâ€™s manufacturing environment brings many problems with planning and managing, especially production, logistic and other key business processes. In many cases, it is quite complicating to identify the real causes of problems that enterprises face or to decide which one of them should be solved first. Especially, in the case of large enterprises, it is complicating to access expertise among all departments and employed professionals in order to solve the problems most efficiently. Our fuzzy model provides a simple tool for easy identification of the most significant problems of observed processes that cause their low performance according to the measured values of their key performance indicators. The model is based on data gained through interviews with production managers, industry experts and other professionals, and verified by real data from a model company. The results are presented in the form of case studies in this contribution. Keywords: Production logistics, key performance indicators, KPI, productivity, problem identification, fuzzy set theory, process.
Managerial model of business performance in industry 4.0 concept concentrated on effective manufacturing process
Authors: Chromjakova Felicita
Published: January 2018

A mutual combination of various managerial conceptions claims a lot of new opportunities for production managers, such as how to influence effectiveness and efficiency of flexible production flows based on the industry 4.0 concept. This paper is concentrated on the research of actual conditions, active influencing real manufacturing processes and their special process stability as a basic assumption for flexible implementation of industry 4.0 in industrial enterprises. In the real production process, the horizontal managerial concept is confronted with the vertical (digitised) manufacturing concept. The results presented in this paper are based on the research and survey realised in various industrial companies. Keywords: Process, model, industry 4.0, flexibility.
Genetic algorithm applied to the flow shop scheduling problem under effects of fuzzy learning and deterioration with a common fuzzy due date
Authors: Toksari M. Duran
Published: January 2018

This research is to develop an approximate solution for a flow shop scheduling problem under the effects of fuzzy learning and deterioration with a common fuzzy due date by applying genetic algorithm technique. Real life is complex and filled with ambiguity and uncertainty. Due dates may not be always determined by a decision maker because of their biased approach and past experiences. Therefore, due dates may be defined in forms of any fuzzy set to encode decision makerâ€™s biased approaches and satisfaction levels for completion times of jobs. The objective function of the problem in this research is to maximise decision makerâ€™s sum of satisfaction levels with respect to completion times of jobs on a flow shop scheduling environment by applying genetic algorithm technique. Keywords: Flow shop, fuzzy due date, genetic algorithm, learning effect, deterioration effect.
The relationship of bond yield curves and gross domestic product growth in Scandinavia
Authors: Hvozdenska Jana
Published: January 2018

The steepness of the bond yield curve is an excellent indicator of a possible future economic activity. A rise in the short rate tends to flatten the yield curve and slows down real growth in the near-term. This paper analyses the dependence between slope of the yield curve and an economic activity of selected countries between 2000 and 2016. The slope of the yield curve can be measured as the yield spread between sovereign 10-year and 3-month bonds. The results showed that the best predictive lags are the lag of four and five quarters. The results also confirm that 10-year and 3-month yield spread has a significant predictive power for real GDP growth after a financial crisis. These findings can benefit investors and provide evidence of the potential usefulness of the yield curve spreads as indicators of the future economic activity. Keywords: GDP prediction, yield curve, slope, spread.
Analysing passenger behaviour towards on perception in-flight food safety and quality
Authors: Dolekoglu Celile O.
Published: January 2018

This research criticises airline passengersâ€™ perception on food and beverage safety (F&B) and passengersâ€™ preference towards in-flight meals. Hot drinks, alcoholic drinks, sandwiches and regional foods are preferred in domestic flights. Freshness and healthiness of the food served is important for the passengers. 84.9% of passengers show medium and high â€˜positive perceptionâ€™ for food safety. It can be added that passengers do not have high expectations of F&B service during their flights. This can be interpreted as a result of the respondentsâ€™ preference to fly with low-cost airlines. Keywords: Inflight meal, food safety, food quality, Turkey, catering service, Likert scale, multinominal logit.
Cross-border mergers and acquisitions in the context of key determinants of their implementation in the pre-merger-andacquisition process
Authors: Heckova Jaroslava
Published: January 2018

Cross-border mergers and acquisitions enable creation of business synergies, gain economies of scale, reduce costs, increase market power and create competitive superiority. The aim of this contribution is therefore to identify and specify the key determinants of implementation of the pre-merger-and-acquisition process (based on analyses of the views of managers from 120 companies) and to verify the new original methodology – ante-Determinants of Mergers and Acquisitions (aDM&A). A factor analysis of the data collected (by means of principal component analysis and varimax rotation) allowed extraction of four key determinants of implementation of the pre-merger-and-acquisition process. The paper also presents the basic parameters of the methodology aDM&A (eigenvalues, percentage of variance explained, Cronbach’s alpha, inter-correlations of the extracted factors), and the results of the analysis of differences in assessment of the extracted factors by managers. Keywords: Cross-border mergers, cross-border acquistions, pre-merger management, pre-acqusition management, methodology aDM&A.
The junior II male handball playersâ€™ progress after the operational training programme
Authors: Sufaru Constantin
Published: January 2018

This paper presents the progress recorded during the technical-tactical drills after applying the operational objective-based athletic training programme on the junior II male handball players at the Bacau School Sports Club. The purpose of this research was to test the subjects throughout the competition season by applying a series of technical-tactical tests. It was presumed that after applying the operational objective-based athletic training programme in the junior II male handball players, progress in the technical-tactical drills would be ascending, recording superior final results, these being conditioned by an optimal training programmme. Data were gathered from three control drills and from the assessment of the playersâ€™ actions during the game. Generally, an uneven evolution was noticed, with some stagnation, and even some regress in certain parts, but with an obvious progress in the final tests, in all drills and regarding the assessment of the playersâ€™ actions during the game. Keywords: Junior II, handball, training, male players.
Hygiene Awareness Through Digital-Game-Based Learning
Authors: Miyan Masooma Zehra
Published: January 2018

Hygiene education is the major issue in developing nations. Improper sanitation and hygiene are hampering growth in other sectors, particularly education and health. Deaths of 110 children are being caused by improper hygiene in Pakistan [United Nations Childrenâ€™s Fund (UNICEF)]. Hygiene is essential for eliminating communicable diseases, however in Pakistan, as UNICEF states few people wash their hands with soap after defecation. Hence, with intentions of diminishing malpractices, various serious games have been developed, focusing on training users regarding health, and are gaining admirations in this digital age. In Pakistan, serious games are being used for educational purposes only by elite schools. A pilot study was conducted as phase one of this research for impact assessment of the available games on hygiene as well as to assess the need for a hygiene game in local context. Qualitative research was adopted in this study. Ten learners from socio-economic marginalised areas volunteered in achieving goal by playing serious games. Keeping in mind the fact that these learners have limited vocabulary, interviews were conducted with participants from the focus groups. The participants were engaged and motivated during intervention; however, they required guidance throughout. Therefore, the need for hygiene games depicting local context to minimise guidance required by the learners. Keywords: Hygiene, education, serious game, Pakistan
Impacts on education in Children with Celiac disease
Authors: Pliskova Barbora
Published: January 2018

Food that is considered by most of us to be a common activity represents for people with celiac disease a source of emotions. Their conduct must be adapted to it, it affects relationships and concerns about coping with this vitally important need every day are sources of many problems. The aim of this study is to present social context of education of children suffering from celiac disease. The study is based on research findings realised with these children and their parents. The study presents a qualitative method research procedure. As a data collection method, we used interview with children suffering from celiac disease and also with their parents. The date gathered in the study suggest that aspects related to the celiac disease inevitably shape and change identity and self-perception of a child with celiac disease, and the way a child is capable of accepting and coping with the disease and measures depends very much on environment. Teachers may become a great source of support for a child but also a source of many problems due to their ignorance and trivialisation. Teachers should have at least basic information about celiac disease, symptoms, diagnostics and treatment. It is though necessary to have also information about how a child himself and his family experience the disease and what special needs a child has. Then, it is possible to consider a special approach in the field of education. Keywords: Celiac disease, education of children with celiac disease, impacts of celiac disease.
Preventing reality shock in future pre-school and primary school teachers
Authors: Pecivova Veronika
Published: January 2018

Reality shock in pre-school and primary school teachers is a significant factor affecting beginning of careers of novice teachers. The purpose of the project of Ministry of Education Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic called â€˜Preventing reality shock in future preschool and primary school teaches at the beginning of their careerâ€™is to prepare students of preschool and primary teacher education for the beginning of their teaching career and thus prevent reality shock once they become service teachers. One of the focuses of studies presented in the project covers topics related to health problems of children teachers will possibly have to cope with in their classes. The aim is to provide teacher education students with information, which can help them in their teaching practice. Setting relationship between health issues and education is important, as it raises awareness of possible impacts certain health conditions of children may have on their education. We want to focus on the problem from the perspective of teacher training. Keywords: Reality shock, preschool teacher education students, primary teacher education students, health conditions.
Analisis Manajemen Stok Jagung di Perum BULOG Divisi Regional Provinsi Jawa Timur
Authors: Diandra Debby
Published: January 2018

Jagung merupakan bahan pangan pokok dan bahan utama dalam pembuatan pakan di Indonesia. Sesuai Peraturan Menteri Pertanian (Permentan)  No. 57 Tahun 2015 tentang pengaturan impor jagung, Perum BULOG merupakan satu-satunya perusahaan yang diizinkan untuk melakukan kegiatan impor jagung. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah 1) menganalisis optimasi persediaan jagung di Perum BULOG Divisi Regional Jawa Timur; 2) menganalisis efisiensi biaya persediaan jagung di Perum BULOG Divisi Regional Jawa Timur; 3) menganalisis proyeksi jumlah pesanan jagung ekonomis Perum BULOG Divisi Regional Jawa Timur caturwulan III Tahun 2017 – caturwulan I Tahun 2019. Metode penelitian ini adalah studi kasus. Tujuan 1 dianalisis menggunakan metode economic order quantity (EOQ). Tujuan 2 dianalisis menggunakan rumus TIC dan efisiensi biaya. Tujuan 3 dianalisis menggunakan perhitungan trend kuadrat terkecil. Optimasi persediaan jagung Perum BULOG Divisi Regional Jawa Timur tidak optimal. Efisiensi biaya persediaan jagung Perum BULOG Divisi Regional Jawa Timur tidak efisien. Proyeksi trend EOQ caturwulan III Tahun 2017 – caturwulan I Tahun 2019 cenderung menurun.

 

Kata kunci: jagung, BULOG, economic order quantity, efisiensi biaya, trend kuadrat terkecil.
Analysis of chicken production trends in Ukraine
Authors: Fatenok-Tkachuk Alla , Kulynych Myroslava , Safarova Anna , Bukalo Nadiya
Published: January 2018

Poultry farming is one of the most promising areas of production not only in Ukraine but also in the world. This is due to the high demand for protein products and increased consumption. Ukraine does not use enough of its export potential in the agrarian sector. It is precisely these circumstances lead to choosing as the basis for the research the mentioned direction of production by domestic producers.The tendencies of the Ukrainian poultry enterprises development and features of the chicken market are generalized, namely the volume of cultivation and sale on the slaughter of poultry by Ukrainian producers, the cost price and profitability of poultry meat production have been analyzed; the specific features of the products range are defined in all competitor companies and products offered for export. The competitiveness of domestic poultry production in comparison with domestic and foreign analogues has been investigated. For the study the following enterprises as the LLS “Ptahokompleks” Gubin, TM “Pan Kurchak”, slaughter-house “Piorkowscy” and JSC “Superdrop” were taken. It is established that domestic products are competitive both in terms of price and taste properties. The dynamics of export and import of poultry meat in Ukraine and abroad is analyzed. Significant growth of poultry meat export as compared to previous periods has been revealed, which is explained by obtaining permit documents and implementation of measures by domestic producers to bring poultry products closer to international standards. The prospects for the development of the investigated production direction are designed.
Colchicine in Gout: An Update
Authors: Pascart Tristan , Richette Pascal
Published: January 2018

Despite the fact that colchicine is by far the most ancient treatment for gout, new data are still being
gathered. In gout, colchicine's ability to block polymerization of tubulin prevents the activation of the inflammasome.
Efficacy of colchicine for the treatment of gout flares has been demonstrated only recently by a randomized-
controlled trial, but it still has not been compared to other drugs. Use of colchicine is impaired by the impact
of underlying comorbid conditions and drug interactions that can considerably modify its pharmacokinetics and
pharmacodynamics. This manuscript reviews the state-of-the-art of colchicine in gout, from its known mechanisms
of action to its effects, wanted and unwanted, expected and unexpected.
Spices with Breast Cancer Chemopreventive and Therapeutic Potentials: A Functional Foods Based-Review
Authors: Muhammad Aliyu , Ibrahim Mohammed Auwal , Erukainure Ochuko Lucky , Malami Ibrahim , Adamu Auwal
Published: January 2018

Background:

Cancer is a multifaceted metabolic disease that affects sizeable dwellers of rural and
urban areas. Among the various types of cancer, mammary cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers
in women. Its menace can be curbed with locally consumed spices due to their multiple bioactive phytochemicals.

Aims:

This review focuses on the breast cancer chemopreventive and therapeutic potentials of locally consumed
spices.

Methods/Results:

The most commonly consumed spices with breast cancer chemopreventive and
chemotherapeutic phytochemical include pepper, onions, ginger, garlic, curry and thyme containing many
biologically active metabolites ranging from vitamins, fatty acids esters, polyphenols/phenolics, sulfurcontaining
compounds and anthraquinones with proven antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immuno-modulatory,
antitumor and anticancer properties against breast cancer/carcinogenesis. Therefore, extracts and active
principles of these spices could be explored in breast cancer chemoprevention and possibly therapeutically
which may provide an avenue for reducing the risk and prevalence of breast cancer.
PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND RENAL EFFECTS OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF ERIOBOTRYA JAPONICA FRUITS AND SEEDS IN ALLOXAN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS
Authors: Shafi Sabeeha , Tabassum Nahida
Published: January 2018

Objective: The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the phytochemical constituents, and renal effects of the ethanolic extract of the fruits and seeds of Eriobotrya japonica, commonly called as Loquat in Kashmir. So far, no such study was carried in Kashmir.Methods: Phytochemical screening involved the standard procedures. Diabetes was induced in albino rats using alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg b. w) given i. p prepared in sterile saline. Rats were divided into 8 groups of 6 rats in each group. The ethanolic extract of Eriobotrya japonica fruits were given in doses of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg b. w. whereas the ethanolic extract of Eriobotrya japonica deeds were given in doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. The renal effects were determined by estimating the kidney function tests i.e., serum urea levels, serum creatinine levels and serum total proteins. The effects were compared with the normal control rats.Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of some useful phytoconstituents. alkaloids, glycosides and flavonoids in both extracts. The renal effects showed changes in alloxan-induced diabetic rats when treated with the ethanolic extract of the fruit and seeds of Eriobotrya japonica.Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of E. J units and seeds have some useful Phytonstihut and there are some renal changes by the ethanolic extraction of E. B. F and S when admi to alloxaun inderced diabetic rats.
DEVELOPMENT OF SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC AND FLUOROMETRIC METHODS FOR ESTIMATION OF DARUNAVIR USING QBD APPROACH
Authors: Godambe R. D. , Disouza J. I. , Jamkhandi C. M. , Kumbhar P. S.
Published: January 2018

Objective: The main objective of the present study is to develop newer simple, precise spectrophotometric and fluorometric methods of estimation for Darunavir using coupling agent O-pthaladehyde.Methods: The experimental work was designed for both spectroscopic and fluorometric method development and validation. The method is based on formation complex of Darunavir with O-pthaladehyde. QbD approach was applied by varying different parameters. These parameters were designed into Ishikawa diagram.Results: The complex Darunavir-Phthalaldehyde in methanol with 0.1 N HCl showed linearity for both spectrophotometric and fluorometric methods. The calibration curve by spectrophotometry is linear in concentration range of 2-22 µg/ml with regression coefficient (R2) = 0.998 at 355 nm and for fluorometry it is linear in concentration range of 0.5-5.0 ng/ml with regression coefficient (R2) = 0.999. This method was found to be rugged and robust in different testing criteria with % RSD less than 2. The limit of detection and limit of quantification was found to be 0.2 μg/ml and 0.8 μg/ml for a spectrophotometric method and 0.12 μg/ml and 0.43 μg/ml for fluorometric method respectively.Conclusion: Both methods were found to be precise with % RSD of less than 2. The % recovery of the spectrophotometric and fluorometric methods was found to be 101.04 %, 98.15 % respectively. In this way, the results of all validation parameter were within the limits as per International Conference on Harmonization guideline.
PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING AND ANTIBACTERIAL EFFICACY SCREENING OF AGLAIA MALABARICA SASIDH
Authors: Ravindran Archana Elamkulam , Thoppil John Ernest
Published: January 2018

Objective: Aglaia malabarica is an unexplored endemic forest tree belonging to the family Meliaceae. The present study was conducted to screen the phytochemical constituents of the leaf extract, to analyze the important secondary metabolites and to determine the antibacterial efficacy of the plant extract.Methods: Antibacterial activity was studied using agar based disc diffusion method. Four strains of bacteria were used for the antibacterial study that includes Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosae, Proteus vulgaris and Bacillus megaterium.Results: The presence of constituents like, carbohydrates, proteins, tannins, phenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids and steroids were confirmed. Saponin was found to be absent. The secondary metabolites quantified were terpenoids, phenols and flavanoids, which were found in considerable amounts. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of all the bacteria studied was found to be 500 µg methanolic leaf extract.Conclusion: The plant extract was found to be highly potent against both the Gram positive and Gram negative strains and this property may be attributed to the potent phytochemicals revealed in the extract.
ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF PHYTOPATHOGENIC FUNGI FROM INFECTED PLANT PARTS
Authors: Thilagam R. , Kalaivani G. , Hemalatha N.
Published: January 2018

Objective: The present study deals with the isolation and identification of phytopathogenic fungi. The fungal isolates were Alternaria spp (Tomato early blight), Fusarium oxysporum (Fusarium wilt), Fusarium solani (daming off and root rot), Aspergillus flavus (Ear rot) and Collectotricumspp (Anthracnose).Methods: They were isolated from infected plant parts and were identified on the basis of colony morphology andlacto phenol cotton blue (LPCB) stains were used to identifymicroscopic examination of spore structures. Pure cultures of the isolates were sub cultured and transferred onto differential media; potato dextrose agar, malt extract agar, czapek yeast extract agar and czapek dox agar for species identification using macro morphological characteristicsThe morphological characteristics of these fungal elements showed various kinds of spores have been identified up to genus/species level.Results: This study proves rapid and less expensive techniques to validate a primary alarm of contamination.Conclusion: The fivefungus which were isolated from different plant parts were very effective in distruction of the plant and found that the producionwere reduced due to the infection. This rapid and less expensive techniques to validate a primary alarm of contamination.
GENETIC INVOLVEMENT OF INTERLEUKIN 4 FOR ASTHMA AND IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL PHYTOCHEMICAL SCAFFOLD THROUGH MOLECULAR DOCKING STUDIES
Authors: Sarithamol S. , V. Divya , R. Sunitha V. , Surendran Suchitra , Pushpa V. L. , Manoj K. B.
Published: January 2018

Objective: Interleukin 4, an important cytokine, has the major role in the immunomodulatory responses associated with asthma. The present study focused on the involvement of single nucleotide polymorphism variation (SNP) of interleukin 4 (IL4) in the development of disease, asthma and designing small molecules for the inhibition of IL4 through in silico strategy.Methods: Identification of disease causing SNP will be a wise approach towards the phenotype specific treatment. A human origin deleterious no synonymous SNP of IL4 were found out in the chromosome region 5q31-q33 (rs199929962) (T/C). Proteins of the corresponding nucleotide variation were identified and were subjected to characterization studies for selecting the most appropriate one for further mutational analysis and molecular docking studies.Results: Influence of microbes on SNP variation of IL4 gene leading to asthma was found to be insignificant by metagenomic studies. Gene responsive drugs were identified through environmental factor analysis. The drug candidates including corticosteroids were subjected to protein interaction studies by in silico means. The pharmacophoric feature derived from drug receptor interaction was utilized for virtual screening on a dataset of anti-inflammatory phytomolecules. The scaffolds of ellagic acid and quercetin were identified as potential nonsteroidal entities which can shield the asthmatic activities.Conclusion: Developing small molecules using these scaffolds taking interleukin 4 as a target will be an adequate solution for steroid resistant asthma.
Memoria y lugar: del espacio fijo al proceso en movimiento
Authors: Ramírez Velázquez Blanca Rebeca
Published: January 2018

Blanca Rebeca Ramírez Velázquez
blare19@hotmail.com

Es doctora en Urbanismo, Geógrafa y Planificadora Regional. Actualmente es profesora e investigadora en la división de Ciencias y Artes para el Diseño, de la carrera de Planeación Territorial, en la UAM-Xochimilco.
Entre sus principales obras están La región en su Diferencia: Los valles centrales de Quéretaro, 1940-1990. (1995), Modernidad, Posmodernidad, globalización y territorio (2004), Repensar la Metrópolis II (2015), Teorías sobre la Ciudad en América Latina (2013), Debates y estudios de la Movilidad Laboral en la Región Centro del País: alcances y dimensiones desde México (2015), Espacio, paisaje, región, territorio y lugar vistos desde
la dimensión contemporánea (2015), además de haber colaborado con la elaboración del Atlas de Geografía junto con Sámano, Mayén y Calderón. (1978), y compilar la Antología. Unidad de investigación y Docencia. 
Posgrado de la Facultad de Arquitectura UNAM (1988).
Sobre Juan José Kochen (coord.), El primer Multifamiliar Moderno. Centro Urbano Presidente Alemán, México, Fundación ICA/Fundación Miguel Alemán, 2017. ISBN 978-607-95801-5-5
Authors: Noelle Louise
Published: January 2018

El año de 1947 fue crucial para México en muchos sentidos. A nivel gubernamental destaca la primera visita de un presidente norteamericano, Harry S. Truman, el 3 de marzo, como resultado de una invitación del entonces presidente, Miguel Alemán, quien buscaba abrir líneas de
crédito para impulsar la industrialización al concluir la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Poco después, el 11 de julio las oficinas de la Presidencia de la República dejaron Palacio Nacional para instalarse en la residencia de Los Pinos. En cuanto al ámbito cultural, resulta evidente que quien
fuera el primer presidente civil se ocupará particularmente del tema; esto con la creación, el 31 de diciembre del año anterior, del Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes y Literatura, encabezado por Carlos Chávez, con Luis Sandi, Blas Galindo, Enrique Yáñez y Salvador Novo en las 
subdirecciones. Asimismo, ese año dieron inicio los concursos internos en la Escuela Nacional de Arquitectura para el diseño de la nueva Ciudad Universitaria.
PENGARUH STIMULAN ETEFON TERHADAP PRODUKSI DAN FISIOLOGI LATEKS BERBAGAI KLON IRR
Authors: Herlinawati Eva , Kuswanhadi Kuswanhadi
Published: January 2018

Stimulan telah umum digunakan pada perusahaan perkebunan untuk mengoptimalkan tenaga kerja dan produksi. Aplikasi stimulan dapat meningkatkan lama aliran lateks dan metabolisme sel lateks. Namun aplikasi stimulan etefon seringkali tidak sesuai dengan kemampuan tanaman. Penerapan etefon stimulan dalam sistem eksploitasi hendaknya sesuai dengan tipologi klon. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui frekuensi stimulan yang optimal pada masing-masing klon dengan memperhatikan kondisi fisiologis dan kesehatan tanaman. Penelitian dilaksanakan di Kebun Percobaan Balai Penelitian Sembawa mulai 2011 hingga 2014, menggunakan klon IRR 24, IRR 41, IRR 100, IRR 105, dan IRR 118, tahun tanam 2002. Penyadapan mulai dilakukan pada panel B0-1 dengan sistem sadap S/2 d3 ET2.5%. Frekuensi stimulan diaplikasikan berbeda-beda pada setiap klon sesuai dengan hasil analisis lateks sebelum perlakuan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan frekuensi stimulan yang optimum untuk tiap klon berbeda-beda. Produksi optimal pada IRR 24 dan IRR 100 dicapai pada kondisi tanpa stimulan, stimulan justru meningkatkan risiko kering alur sadap (KAS). IRR 41, IRR 105, dan IRR 118 respon terhadap stimulan. Kondisi tersebut didukung dengan kapasitas metabolisme dan kadar sukrosa lateks sebelum stimulan. Faktor pembatas peningkatan produksi adalah kadar sukrosa tanpa stimulan dan kemampuan tanaman dalam mengaktifkan metabolisme.
Alter egos: an exploration of the perspectives and identities of science comic creators
Authors: Collver Jordan , Weitkamp Emma
Published: January 2018

While academic interest in science comics has been growing in recent years, the creators of these materials remain understudied. This research aimed to explore the experiences and views of science comic creators through the lens of science communication. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 science comic creators. Interviewees felt that the visual, narrative, permanent, and approachable qualities of comics made them particularly adept at explaining science and bringing it to new audiences. Science comic creators often had complex identities, occupying an ambiguous territory between `science' and `art', but were otherwise unconcerned with strict definitions. They emphasised the importance of balance between entertaining and informing, striving to create an engaging visual narrative without overcrowding it with facts or compromising scientific accuracy. This balancing act, and how they negotiate it, sheds light on what it means to be a science communicator operating in the space between entertainment and information/education.
Pengaruh Ekstrak Daun Kemangi (Ocimum sanctum L.) Terhadap Kelarutan Kalsium Batu Ginjal
Authors: Sumarni Wiwin , Sabang Sri Mulyani , Ratman Ratman
Published: January 2018

The aim of the study is to determine dissolving power and the solubility of calcium on kidney stone by the extracts of basil (Ocimum sanctum L.) and determined the effect of basil leaves extracts concentration (%)on the solubility of kidney stones calcium. The method used the extraction infuse way. Variation of concentration extracts were 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%. The solubility of calcium in basil leaves extracts was determined by SpectroDirect. The results showed that concentration of 5% dissolved by 15.38% of calcium; concentration of 10% dissolved by 21.05%; concentration of 15% dissolved by 26.92%; concentration of 20% dissolved by 35.71%, and concentration of 25% dissolved by 42.10%calcium. It can be concluded that the extracts of basil leaves dissolved kidney stones calcium. The solubility tests showed that the higher the concentration of the basil leaves extracts than the greater the solubility.
Analisis Kadar Flavonoid dan Fenolat pada Kulit Buah Manggis (Garcininia mangostanaL.)
Authors: Rezki Atika Putri , Gonggo Siang Tandi , Sabang Sri Mulyani
Published: January 2018

This study aimed to determine flavonoid and phenolic levels from the mangosteen bark samples. The preparation process of the sample was performed by extraction through maceration technique using HCl 1% in ethanol and for the phenolic using ethanol. Levels of both analit were determined using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer at the wavelength of 510 nm and 700 nm for the flavonoid, and 765 nm for the phenol. The results showed that flavonoids and phenol levels in the mangosteen bark samples were 1.271 mg/g and 12.373 mg/g.
Pembuatan Etanol dari Buah Salak (Salacca zalacca) Melalui Proses Fermentasi
Authors: Wartini Ni Ketut , Abram Paulus Hengky , Rahman Nurdin
Published: January 2018

The study aimed to determine the level of ethanol that produced by the flesh of salak fruits with the fermentation process. The method used was an experimental method. The technical is fermentation, with tape yeast starter, determination of ethanol and purification. Ethanol level in the flesh of fresh fruits without handling was 11.3%, the highest levels of ethanol in the fruit flesh of 4 days after the plucking was 7.6%, and the fruit flesh of 7 days after the plucking was 3.4%.
Smooth twin support vector machines via unconstrained convex minimization
Authors: Tanveer M. , Shubham K.
Published: January 2018

Twin support vector machine (TWSVM) exhibits fast training speed with better
classification abilities compared with standard SVM. However, it suffers the
following drawbacks: (i) the objective functions of TWSVM are comprised of
empirical risk and thus may suffer from overfitting and suboptimal solution
in some cases. (ii) a convex quadratic programming problems (QPPs) need to
be solve, which is relatively complex to implement. To address these
problems, we proposed two smoothing approaches for an implicit Lagrangian
TWSVM classifiers by formulating a pair of unconstrained minimization
problems in dual variables whose solutions will be obtained by solving two
systems of linear equations rather than solving two QPPs in TWSVM. Our
proposed formulation introduces regularization terms to each objective
function with the idea of maximizing the margin. In addition, our proposed
formulation becomes well-posed model due to this term, which introduces
invertibility in the dual formulation. Moreover, the structural risk
minimization principle is implemented in our formulation which embodies the
essence of statistical learning theory. The experimental results on several
benchmark datasets show better performance of the proposed approach over
existing approaches in terms of estimation accuracy with less training time.