bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SUSTENTABILIDADE EM INDÚSTRIAS DE CERÂMICA VERMELHA POR MEIO DA UTILIZAÇÃO DE ECOINOVAÇÕES
Authors: Kuzma Edson Luis , Doliveira Sérgio Luis Dias , Kuasoski Marli , Menon Mário Umberto
Published: March 2017

A sustentabilidade passou a ser inserida no ambiente empresarial a partir das preocupações que começaram a surgir acerca do meio ambiente e da desigualdade social. As inovações passaram a ter um viés ambiental, o que fez surgir as ecoinovações, que são voltadas para o desenvolvimento de produtos e serviços que atendam ao desenvolvimento sustentável. O objetivo geral deste artigo foi identificar possíveis ecoinovações na atividade de cerâmica vermelha, por meio de uma pesquisa descritiva, bibliográfica, múltiplos casos e de abordagem qualitativa. Os resultados atingidos demonstraram que a elaboração do quadro referencial permitiu a alocação de possíveis ecoinovações utilizadas nas etapas do processo produtivo de cerâmica vermelha. As etapas produtivas que mais se destacaram, nesse aspecto, foram a mistura, a queima e a extrusão, respectivamente. Portanto, concluiu-se que embora o segmento de cerâmica vermelha seja preocupante em relação aos impactos socioambientais, estudos estão sendo desenvolvidos para minimizá-los e tornar essas organizações mais sustentáveis do ponto de vista do Triple Bottom Line. As indústrias de cerâmica vermelha ainda carecem de estudos mais aprofundados no tocante à adoção de uma ecoinovação, visto que esta precisa atender ao princípio da sustentabilidade para ser caracterizada como tal.
Periodontal Treatment and Computerized Occlusal Analysis
Authors: Cohen, DDS, MS, PhD Nicolas
Published: March 2017

This chapter addresses the ongoing controversy regarding occlusion's role in the progression of periodontal disease. Occlusal force has been considered a non-factor in the initiation of periodontal attachment loss. However, the absence of a validated measuring device or quantifying method for analyzing the occlusion has contributed to the confusion that still exists in the scientific community today about the relationship between periodontal disease and occlusion. The development of the T-Scan occlusal measurement technology, which is independent of a clinician's occlusal contact force level subjective assessment, may change the scientific opinion about occlusion's role in periodontal disease. This chapter illustrates how the T-Scan 8 system aids in treating patients who have tissue loss and occlusal issues. Notably, after the major etiologic risk factors of periodontal disease have been controlled, adjusting the occlusion with the T-Scan improves healing outcomes resulting in less inflammation, decreased probing depths, and bone level stability.
Force Finishing in Dental Medicine
Authors: Koirala Sushil
Published: March 2017

This chapter introduces the Force Finishing concept that is based upon the T-Scan technology. During case finishing, the aesthetic components are clinically visible and guided by the subjective analyses of the patient and the clinician. Alternatively, the case occlusal force components are invisible and do not become apparent until their adverse effects become chronic. When the force components are not properly addressed, clinicians may encounter Occlusal Force Disorder (OFD) symptomatology. Often, clinicians focus on the aesthetic finishing while placing a low priority on the occlusal Force Finishing by relying on subjective articulating paper mark interpretation and the patient's subjective “feel” with which to guide occlusal adjustments. Because articulating paper is a poor indicator of occlusal force and timing, the T-Scan technology can greatly improve the occlusal case finishing. This chapter details how to integrate the Force Finishing concept into conventional case finishing to simplify achieving occlusal force harmony in every case.
Thermal Evaluation of Myogenous Temporomandibular Disorders and Myofascial Trigger Points in the Masticatory Muscles
Authors: Haddad Denise Sabbagh , Brioschi Marcos Leal , Arita Emiko Saito
Published: March 2017

It is known that the myofascial trigger points (MTP) and myogenous temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) cause regional sympathetic hyperactivity in local temperature due to the cutaneous vasomotor activity and, for detection of functional changes, thermography is used as a complementary diagnostic imaging method. This chapter intends to study two masticatory muscles, masseter and anterior temporalis, in measurement of the cutaneous temperature of volunteers with and without myogenous TMD and MTP. Results: The temperature levels measured at both muscles regions in myogenous TMD volunteers were significantly lower than those measured in controls. Infrared imaging indicated differences between referred and local pain in MTPs of 0.5ºC. Conclusions: Infrared imaging measurements seem to indicate that it can be used as an aid in complimentary diagnosing of TMDs and MTPs in masticatory muscles.
At the Convergence of Energy Corridors
Authors: Gökmen Aytaç , Nakip Mahir
Published: March 2017

Turkey is at the threshold of Eurasia connecting various energy corridors. It has an improving economic volume and is one of the 20 largest economies in the world. Energy and economic development are highly correlated. Turkey is dependent on imported energy. In order to keep up with the economic expansion, the energy requirements of Turkey must be met in a diversified, timely and reliable way. Thus, the aim of this paper is to define the geographic disposition of Turkey at the convergence of energy lines, review its energy situation comprehensively and make critical evaluations on energy and economy related issues, also with using the diamond model developed by Michael E. Porter resting on credible national and international publications and data.
A Security-By-Distribution Approach to Manage Big Data in a Federation of Untrustworthy Clouds
Authors: Kohler Jens , Lorenz Christian Richard , Gumbel Markus , Specht Thomas , Simov Kiril
Published: March 2017

In recent years, Cloud Computing has drastically changed IT-Architectures in enterprises throughout various branches and countries. Dynamically scalable capabilities like CPUs, storage space, virtual networks, etc. promise cost savings, as huge initial infrastructure investments are not required anymore. This development shows that Cloud Computing is also a promising technology driver for Big Data, as the storage of unstructured data when no concrete and defined data schemes (variety) can be managed with upcoming NoSQL architectures. However, in order to fully exploit these advantages, the integration of a trustworthy 3rd party public cloud provider is necessary. Thus, challenging questions concerning security, compliance, anonymization, and privacy emerge and are still unsolved. To address these challenges, this work presents, implements and evaluates a security-by-distribution approach for NoSQL document stores that distributes data across various cloud providers such that every provider only gets a small data chunk which is worthless without the others.
Selective Data Consistency Model in No-SQL Data Store
Authors: Phansalkar Shraddha Pankaj , Dani Ajay
Published: March 2017

Contemporary web-applications are deployed on the cloud data-stores for realizing requirements like low latency and high scalability. Although cloud-based database applications exhibit high performance with these features, they compromise on the weaker consistency levels. Rationing the consistency guarantees of an application is a necessity to achieve the augmented metrics of application performance. The proposed work is a paradigm shift from monotonic transaction consistency to selective data consistency in web database applications. The selective data consistency model leverages consistency of critical data-objects and leaves consistency of non-critical data-objects to underlying cloud data-store; it is called selective consistency and it results in better performance of the cloud-based applications. The consistency of the underlying data-object is defined from user-perspective with a user-friendly consistency metric called Consistency Index (CI). The selective data consistency model is implemented on a cloud data-store with OLTP workload and the performance is gauged.
Differential Privacy Approach for Big Data Privacy in Healthcare
Authors: Moussa Marmar , Demurjian Steven A.
Published: March 2017

This chapter presents a survey of the most important security and privacy issues related to large-scale data sharing and mining in big data with focus on differential privacy as a promising approach for achieving privacy especially in statistical databases often used in healthcare. A case study is presented utilizing differential privacy in healthcare domain, the chapter analyzes and compares the major differentially private data release strategies and noise mechanisms such as the Laplace and the exponential mechanisms. The background section discusses several security and privacy approaches in big data including authentication and encryption protocols, and privacy preserving techniques such as k-anonymity. Next, the chapter introduces the differential privacy concepts used in the interactive and non-interactive data sharing models and the various noise mechanisms used. An instrumental case study is then presented to examine the effect of applying differential privacy in analytics. The chapter then explores the future trends and finally, provides a conclusion.
Application of Knowledge Management in University Research and Higher Education
Authors: Raman Lalitha
Published: March 2017

Institutions of higher learning are continuously striving to create and sustain excellence. In this endeavor, one of the major initiatives is to harness the available inputs i.e., the in-house resources and put the same to optimal use. In organizations of higher learning, knowledge creation and dissemination are the assets of the institution. The Department of Commerce and Management at Jyoti Nivas College has initiated the formation of COPs .These COPs are created by the workforce among themselves. It is not handed down from the top level management. It fits into the framework of a ‘peer group' which can function as an informal community of peers and which can evolve into an institutionalized forum for interactions that creates and generates knowledge. In these COPs parallel or concurrent thought process happens, wherein, decentralization increases, dependence on one person as source for ideas reduces. These communities' sharing activity can be taken up at academic research community, researcher's group on KM. It is a step towards collaborative learning.
Knowledge Management in Academic Community
Authors: Puri Karuna , Mulay Preeti
Published: March 2017

Students are roots of a country's economic-expansion, often opt for different forms of Code-Content based Plagiarism in University Programming-Labs to avoid time-consuming and challenging academic tasks or due to grades, and peers pressure. Students may lack analytical and logical program development skills. This urges for need of Smart and Computationally-Intelligent system like University Code-Content Plagiarism Prevention Model (UCCPM) to keep a check and prevent incidences of plagiarism in Universities. Integration of ‘UCCPM Intelligence' with ‘MARG's Prevention' would prove to be a beneficial Academic Predictive Model. It would open new vistas of knowledge oriented academic-research and knowledge management in academic and research community. Key to nation's wealth is knowledge, which in turn, traces back to academic research and the level of knowledge attained among students' in Universities. Hence the undertaken research provides directions to Universities to smartly detect cases of plagiarism and take appropriate measures to prevent it.
Adolescence Surveillance System for Obesity Prevention (ASSO) in Europe
Authors: Tabacchi Garden , Jemni Monèm , Viana Joao L , Bianco Antonino
Published: March 2017

Adolescents' obesity is a major concern in our modern life that could lead to significant increase in the rate of obese future generations and consequently in the health budget. The ASSO (Adolescence Surveillance System for Obesity prevention) project in Italy is tackling this new pandemic using the new e-technology through a multi facets monitoring system on life style including food consumptions, meal patterns and habits, alcohol, smoking, physical activity, fitness and sedentariness, and biological/genetic, and socio-cultural/environmental characteristics of adolescents. The project has been recently piloted in the South of the country. This chapter summarizes the design and structure of the ASSO system, its implementation and the results of an evaluation process for its possible extension to the whole Italian territory and to other European realities as a national surveillance system.
Auditory Feedback in a Computer Game for Blind People
Authors: Teixeira Ana , Gomes Anabela , Orvalho Joao Gilberto
Published: March 2017

The study presents an adaptation of the Mastermind game for blind users called MasterBlind. The game mechanics were simplified and auditory feedback introduced. The research object was to understand what kind of sounds would work better to help blind people play the game. Three versions were presented to the subjects - pentatonic notes, animal sounds and vowels - to help users recall previous steps in the game. The main hypothesis predicted that blind users would consciously benefit from the auditory feedback provided. The second hypothesis predicted that users would benefit less from the feedback that doesn't provide semantic information- auditory icons versus earcons. The results were congruent with the hypothesis. MasterBlind can be a usable, enjoyable and a challenging experience for blind users as long as it provides semantically significant feedback. However, new developments are in progress to prove our ideas having in mind the inclusion of blind people.
Coronary Heart Disease Prognosis Using Machine-Learning Techniques on Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Pimentel Angela , Gamboa Hugo , Almeida Isa Maria , Matos Pedro , Ribeiro Rogério T. , Raposo João
Published: March 2017

Heart diseases and stroke are the number one cause of death and disability among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Clinicians and health authorities for many years have expressed interest in identifying individuals at increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Our main objective is to develop a prognostic workflow of CHD in T2D patients using a Holter dataset.. This workflow development will be based on machine learning techniques by testing a variety of classifiers and subsequent selection of the best performing system. It will also assess the impact of feature selection and bootstrapping techniques over these systems. Among a variety of classifiers such as Naive Bayes (NB), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Alternating Decision Tree (ADT), Random Tree (RT) and K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN), the best performing classifier is NB. We achieved an area under receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) of 68,06% and 74,33% for a prognosis of 3 and 4 years, respectively.
Application of Machine Learning Techniques for Software Reliability Prediction (SRP)
Authors: Kumar Pradeep
Published: March 2017

Software reliability is a statistical measure of how well software operates with respect to its requirements. There are two related software engineering research issues about reliability requirements. The first issue is achieving the necessary reliability, i.e., choosing and employing appropriate software engineering techniques in system design and implementation. The second issue is the assessment of reliability as a method of assurance that precedes system deployment. In past few years, various software reliability models have been introduced. These models have been developed in response to the need of software engineers, system engineers and managers to quantify the concept of software reliability. This chapter on software reliability prediction using ANNs addresses three main issues: (1) analyze, manage, and improve the reliability of software products; (2) satisfy the customer needs for competitive price, on time delivery, and reliable software product; (3) determine the software release instance that is, when the software is good enough to release to the customer.
Taxonomy of Talent Management
Authors: Ayed Tahar Lazhar , Tamzini Khaled , Abdennadher Raef , Hamdeni Fadoua
Published: March 2017

This chapter encompasses the concepts, description, identification, nomenclature, and classification related to the talent management in order to generate a deep conceptual framework related to this field. This research work will deal with how authors define this human capital considered as a strategic workforce through history and how it contributes to the business value. To gain this goal, a literature review will be conducted. This chapter contributes to existing literature on talent management proposing a conceptual framework.
Об оценке уровня аффинности квадратичных форм
Authors: Cheremushkin Aleksandr Vasil'evich
Published: March 2017

Уровень аффинности двоичной функции определяется как минимальное число переменных, произвольная фиксация значений которых делает функцию аффинной. Обобщенный уровень аффинности определяется как минимальное число линейных комбинаций переменных, значения которых можно зафиксировать так, что функция станет аффинной. Для квадратичной формы ранга $2r$ обобщенный уровень аффинности совпадает с $r$. Приводятся свойства распределения ранга случайной квадратичной формы и, как следствие, получается асимптотическая оценка обобщенного уровня аффинности квадратичных форм.
Immunity to Radiated Electromagnetic Fields-Bulk Current Injection (BCI) Method
Authors:   Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards
Published: March 2017

This SAE Recommended Practice defines a method for evaluating the immunity of automotive electrical/electronic devices to radiated electromagnetic fields coupled to the vehicle wiring harness. The method, called Bulk Current Injection (BCI), uses a current probe to inject RF current from 1 to 400 MHz into the wiring harness of automotive devices. BCI is one of a number of test methods that can be used to simulate the electromagnetic field. For a list of others, see SAE J1113/1.
Human Mechanical Impact Response Characteristics-Responses of the Human Neck to Inertial Loading By the Head for Automotive Seated Postures
Authors:   Human Biomechanics and Simulations Standards Committee
Published: March 2017

This series of reports provides response characteristics of the head, face, neck, shoulder, thorax, lumbar spine, abdomen, pelvis, and lower extremities. In each report, the decriptions of human impact respnse are based on data judged by the subcommittee to provide the most appropriate information for the development of human surrogates.

This is one of a series of reports which define human mechanical impact response characteristics for specific body regions. These reports update SAE J1460 which is intended for use by anthropomorphic test dummy designers and analytical modelers who need qualitative definitions of human mechnical impact behavior.These reports do not discuss criteria for assessing human impact injury potential, which are the subject of SAE J885. Each document in the series covers material specific to a body region and will be independently updated when new response data become available. The goal of this report is to characterize the response of human neck due to head inertial loading when the occupant is sitting in an automotive posture.
SINGLE TOOTH GEAR BENDING FATIGUE TEST
Authors:   Metals Technical Committee
Published: March 2017

This SAE Recommended Practice defines the set-up and procedure for conducting the SAE Single Tooth Bending Fatigue Test. The details of the test fixture to be used (referred henceforth as “the test fixture” in this document) and gear test sample and the procedures for testing and analyzing the data are presented in this document.
Class B Data Communication Network Messages Part 2: Data Parameter Definitions
Authors:   Vehicle Architecture For Data Communications Standards
Published: March 2017

This SAE Recommended Practice defines the information contained in the header and data fields of non-diagnostic messages for automotive serial communications based on SAE J1850 Class B networks. This document describes and specifies the header fields, data fields, field sizes, scaling, representations, and data positions used within messages.
LOW-SPEED IMPACT BUMPER SYSTEM TEST PROCEDURE FOR PASSENGER VEHICLES
Authors:   Motor Vehicle Council
Published: March 2017

The scope of this SAE Recommended Practice is restricted to the testing of original equipment on passenger vehicles and to provide for a uniform industry test procedure.
The Selection of Adhesives for the Attachment of Exterior Aftermarket Accessories
Authors:   Motor Vehicle Council
Published: March 2017

The scope of this SAE Recommended Practice is to provide a mechanism for the proper surface preparation and selection of adhesive for the attachment of exterior aftermarket accessories.
The Effects of Front-mounted Accessories on Air Bag Sensors and Crashworthiness
Authors:   Motor Vehicle Council
Published: March 2017

Almost all light trucks now are being manufactured with at least a driver side air bag and all will have dual air bags by 1998. The driving forces behind this feature are occupant safety, federal regulations, and competition in the industry. Along with the booming popularity of pickups and SUVs, they are commonly accessorized with a wide variety of products. Many accessories for four-wheel drives in particular are mounted on the front of the vehicle. These products include grille/brush guards, winches, snow plows, replacement bumpers, bicycle carriers, etc. Concerns have arisen over the compatibility of these accessories with the vehicle’s air bag system.

The vehicle manufacturers are concerned because of their huge investment in design and crash test verification of the complete vehicle system and keen awareness of the federal regulations. The crushability of the front bumper and supporting structure are key elements in the system, so alterations to that area become logical concerns.

The accessory manufacturers, dealers, and installers are concerned because the very core of their business could be at risk. The unknowns can range from fear of setting off an airbag while working on the vehicle to liability issues in an injury accident situation. In some cases, the installation of the product is contrary to recommendations from the vehicle manufacturer and may void the warranty.

The ultimate customers (end users) are in a unique situation and are not being well served in some situations. Their dilemma stems from the conflict between what a manufacturer is willing to certify for sale and what the customer needs and expectations are. Their needs in vehicle equipment can vary widely from making a living to recreational lifestyle issues to simplify the desire to individualize. The precedent for front-mounted accessories is well established. The customers for both the vehicle and the equipment are there, so finding ways for them to coexist safely is beneficial to all.
Crane Hoist Line Speed and Power Test Code
Authors:   Cranes and Lifting Devices Committee
Published: March 2017

This code applies primarily to mobile cranes that lift loads by means of a drum and hoist line mechanism. It can be used to determine the hoist line speed and power of other hoist line mechanisms, if load can be held constant and hoist line travel distance is sufficient for the accuracy of the line speed measurements prescribed.
STANDARD FOR CIGAR LIGHTERS & POWER OUTLETS
Authors:   USCAR
Published: March 2017

This standard is intended to cover cigar or cigarette lighters as well as power outlets based on the form and dimensions of the cigar lighter. This standard is a full performance specification, it includes dimensional and operational parameters as well as performance characteristics which must be met when submitting a cigar lighter assembly or power outlet assembly for production approval. This standard constitutes an acceptance specification for a surface mounted, front-loaded cigar lighter or power outlet.
O custeio do sindicato livre: uma análise da compatibilidade das contribuições sindical e assistencial com o princípio da liberdade sindical
Authors: Gomes Ana Virgínia Moreira , Alfeu da Silva Antonio
Published: March 2017

O artigo analisa criticamente as principais fontes de custeio dos sindicatos no Brasil, em especial a contribuição sindical compulsória e a contribuição assistencial sindical, considerando seus aspectos históricos, doutrinários e jurisprudenciais, e discutindo a compatibilidade dessas regras com o princípio da liberdade sindical. O estudo examina dois questionamentos acerca do sistema de custeio do sindicato no Brasil – um no Tribunal de Contas da União (TCU) e outro perante a Organização Internacional do Trabalho. O primeiro versa acerca da possibilidade de fiscalização, pelo TCU, da aplicação dos recursos provenientes da contribuição sindical obrigatória, tendo em vista a sua natureza tributária e o seu interesse público. O segundo trata do caso nº 2739 (Brasil) do Comitê de Liberdade Sindical da OIT, que analisa queixa apresentada por organizações sindicais brasileiras contra o governo brasileiro em razão de medidas tomadas pelo Ministério Público do Trabalho (MPT), em

São Paulo, no sentido de anular cláusulas de contribuição assistencial. Conclui-se que mesmo uma contribuição compulsória para um grupo de trabalhadores pode ser considerada democrática, conforme os princípios da OIT, desde que o sindicato que a instituiu seja um sindicato com representação democrática, e que a contribuição tenha sido resultado de uma decisão da assembleia. Diante do contexto nacional brasileiro, no entanto, deve-se ressaltar que a contribuição assistencial, se somada à já existente contribuição sindical compulsória, adquire contorno de um ato abusivo praticado pelo sindicato contra os próprios trabalhadores.
O enfrentamento ao tráfico de pessoas: avanços e dificuldades no Brasil
Authors: Abreu Célia Barbosa , Ordacgy Fabrízia da Fonseca Passos Bittencourt
Published: March 2017

Com a globalização, cresce a circulação de capitais, bens, pessoas e informações. Ocorre a intensificação da mobilidade social, em meio a qual, entre outras consequências, estão: o desemprego e a precariedade de emprego, o agravamento das desigualdades sociais, o aumento dos diversos tipos de tráficos, bem como as transformações das formas de crime. Surge a necessidade de análise do fenômeno criminal globalmente, o que se exige também para o exame do tráfico de seres humanos, uma das práticas mais cruéis e graves de violação aos direitos humanos, que persiste como uma das atividades mais lucrativas do mundo. Políticas públicas internacionais e nacionais para o seu enfrentamento passam a configurar verdadeiro desafio para as agendas dos diversos Estados Nacionais, justificando que seja conferida uma maior atenção a esse tema, de inequívoca relevância social e atualidade, porém, objeto carente de dedicação pelos estudiosos. Nesse contexto, os objetivos da presente pesquisa são: identificar os traços característicos desse crime no seu aspecto global; averiguar, em linhas breves, o tratamento que lhe vem sendo conferido na América Latina; e, por fim, elaborar uma crítica da ação governamental produzida pelo Estado brasileiro. Não faz sentido que, de um lado, se tenha a alardeada a “humanização dos direitos” e o reconhecimento dos direitos humanos, porém, de outro, ainda não existam medidas efetivas para prevenir e combater esse crime, assegurando a assistência integral às vítimas. A ideia geral é a de que são necessários esforços nacionais e internacionais efetivos, dado o caráter transnacional dessa modalidade criminosa. A despeito das conquistas obtidas, existe um longo caminho a ser percorrido.
Preliminary phytochemical screening and hepatoprotective activity of methanol extract of Artocarpus hirsutus leaves.
Authors: Patel Jitendra , Reddy Venkateshwar , Kumar GS
Published: March 2017

The objective of the present work was investigating the preliminary phytochemical screening and hepatoprotective activity of methanol extract of the leaves of Artocarpus hirsutus.

Group I served as vehicle control, Group II served CCL4 (2ml/kg, s.c.), Group III served as standard Silymarin (50 mg/kg, p.o.)  Group IV and V served as methanolic extracts of Artocarpus hirsutus (MEAH) at the dose level (250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.). The degree of protection was determined by measuring level biochemical marker like alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), direct bilirubin, total bilirubin and Cholesterol. The histopathology study also showed the hepatic protection of extracts. The preliminary phytochemical screening was performed to find out the phytoconstituents responsible for the activity.

The marker biochemical level such as ALT, AST, ALP, Direct bilirubin, Total bilirubin and Cholesterol were significantly raised in CCL4 treated rats when compared with the normal group (p<0.05), but the MEAH (500 mg/kg, bw) treated rats exhibited maximum depletion. The histopathology study also showed the hepatic protection of extracts. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of glycosides, flavonoids, Tannins, triterpenoids, carbohydrates and steroids.

The results of in vivo hepatoprotective activity showed that the methanol extract of Artocarpus hirsutus exhibit significant hepatoprotective activity. This might be due to flavonoids and tannins; which was confirmed their presence in phytochemical tests.  
α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase inhibitory activity assessment of Cucurbita maxima seeds – a LIBS based study
Authors: Kushawaha Devesh Kumar , Yadav Manjulika , Chatterji Sanjukta , Srivastava Amrita Kumari , Watal Geeta
Published: March 2017

The aim of the present study was to investigate, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of the aqueous extract of Cucurbita maxima seeds in vitro and to correlate their activity with their phytoelemental profile quantitatively assessed by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). Diabetes can be managed by controlling postprandial hyperglycemia which can be achieved by inhibiting carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes like α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Results reveal that the C. maxima seeds have appreciable α-amylase inhibitory activity of 46.03±1.37% with IC50 value at 7.00±0.29 mg ml-1 in addition to substantial α-glucosidase inhibitory effect of 35.11±1.04% with IC50 at 8.11±0.36 mg ml-1. Acarbose was used as a reference. LIBS analysis showed the presence of certain phytoelements viz. Mg, Ca, K and Na which are well known glycemic elements and hence could be responsible for inhibitory activity of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes.Thus, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory action of C. maxima seeds would be responsible for their antidiabetic activity. The glycemic elemental profile further validates their role in controlling diabetes and hence C. maxima seeds could be explored as a potential herbal candidate for managing postprandial hyperglycemia causing type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Effects of Opuntia ficus-indica flower extract WS 1261 on mental and psychic function in subsyndromal fatigue – A pilot study
Authors: Kressel Gaby , Willers Janina , Kohrs Heike , Zimmermann Andrea , Klement Stephan , Dienel Angelika , Hahn Andreas
Published: March 2017

Background
 Traditional use, chemical constituents, and results of prior animal studies indicate alleviating effects of Opuntia ficus-indica flowers extract on subsyndromal fatigue symptoms in humans

 

Methods
 50 healthy subjects of either gender aged 30 to 60 years with subsyndromal fatigue were enrolled in this open-label monocentric single arm proof-of-principle study. 500mg of a hydro-alcoholic extract from Opuntia ficus-indica flowers were administered daily over 8 weeks. Mental and psychic function parameters were assessed by numerical analogue scale of Subjective Fatigue Symptoms, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory 20, Sheehan Disability Scale, Short Form Health Survey 36, Fatigue Impact Scale, and Global Self-Assessment. Also, health-related incidents, laboratory parameters and vital signs were measured during the intervention period.

 

Results
 Improvement of fatigue symptoms could be shown in most measurements after week 1 and continued further throughout the trial. 70.0% of subjects reported global improvement of their complaints at end of study.

 
Conclusions
 A consistent and positive effect of Opuntia ficus-indica flowers extract on symptoms of fatigue could be demonstrated. Improvement in all mental and psychic functions could be measured, most of them statistically significant.
Evaluation of anticoagulant activity of aqueous extract of Cestrum nocturnum

Authors: Tyagi Chandra Kishore , Jhade Deenanath , Shah Sunil Kumar
Published: March 2017

The study evaluated anticoagulant properties of the aqueous extract of Cestrum nocturnum using aPTT-Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time, PT- Prothrombin Time & TT-Thrombin Time as standard procedures.

For in vitro coagulation assays, aqueous extract of plant prolonged APTT, TT, and PT clotting times in a dose-dependent manner (Table 7). It prolonged APTT clotting time from 45 ± 2 (2mg/mL) to 82.2 ± 2.63s (10mg/mL), PT clotting time from 20.4 ± 1.49 (2mg/mL) to 31.4 ± 2.15s (10mg/mL), and TT clotting time from 9.2 ± 1.16 (2mg/mL) to 17.4 ± 1.01s (10mg/mL) at the concentration of 2 to 10mg/mL. Heparin prolonged APTT and PT clotting times more than 111.8s and 40.8s, respectively, at a concentration of 1 IU/mL. Heparin prolonged TT clotting times more than 20.6s at a concentration of 1 IU/mL.

The phytochemical screening of the plant confirm the presence of saponin in the water and ethanolic extract, Alkaloid in all the extract except hexane extract, tannin in water, ethanol and methanol extract, amino acid in water and ethanolic extract, carbohydrate in water and methanolic extract and triterpenoids and glycoside were absent in all the extracts. The results demonstrated that the aqueous extract of Cestrum nocturnum possesses pharmacologically active anticoagulant principles that could be isolated and evaluated for clinical or physiological purposes.
Six years of atmospheric CO2 observations at Mt. Fuji recorded with a battery-powered measurement system
Authors: Nomura Shohei , Mukai Hitoshi , Terao Yukio , Machida Toshinobu , Nojiri Yukihiro
Published: March 2017

Abstract. We developed a battery-powered carbon dioxide (CO2) measurement system for monitoring at the summit of Mt. Fuji (3776 m a.s.l.), which experiences very low temperatures (below −20 °C) and severe environmental conditions without access to gridded electricity for 10 months (from September to June). Our measurement system used 100 batteries to run the measurement unit during these months. These batteries were charged during the 2-month summer season when gridded electricity was available, using a specially designed automatic battery-charging system. We installed this system in summer 2009 at the Mt. Fuji weather station; observations of atmospheric CO2 concentration were taken through December 2015. Measurements were never interrupted by a lack of battery power except for two cases in which lightning damaged a control board. Thus we obtained CO2 data during about 94 % of the 6-year period. Analytical performances (stability and accuracy) were better than 0.1 ppm, as tested by checking working standards and comparisons with flask sampling.Observational results showed that CO2 mole fractions at Mt. Fuji demonstrated clear seasonal variation. The trend and the variability of the CO2 growth rate observed at Mt. Fuji were very similar to those of the Mauna Loa Observatory (MLO). Seasonally, the concentration at Mt. Fuji was 2–10 ppm lower in summer and 2–12 ppm higher in winter than those at MLO. The lower concentrations at Mt. Fuji in summer are mainly attributed to episodes of air mass transport from Siberia or China, where CO2 is taken up by the terrestrial biosphere. On the other hand, the relatively higher concentrations in winter seem to reflect the high percentage of air masses originating from China or Southeast Asia during this period, which carry increased anthropogenic carbon dioxide. These results show that Mt. Fuji is not very influenced by local sources but rather by the sources and sinks over a very large region.Thus we conclude that, as this system could provide stable measurement data with relatively easy operation for 6 years at Mt. Fuji, it could be a useful monitoring technique for remote background sites elsewhere.
Comparing sea ice, hydrography and circulation between NEMO3.6 LIM3 and LIM2
Authors: Uotila Petteri , Iovino Doroteaciro , Vancoppenolle Martin , Lensu Mikko , Rousset Clement
Published: March 2017

Abstract. A set of hindcast simulations with the new version 3.6 of the Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean (NEMO) ocean–ice model in the ORCA1 configuration and forced by the DRAKKAR Forcing Set version 5.2 (DFS5.2) atmospheric data was performed from 1958 to 2012. Simulations differed in their sea-ice component: the old standard version Louvain-la-Neuve Sea Ice Model (LIM2) and its successor LIM3. Main differences between these sea-ice models are the parameterisations of sub-grid-scale sea-ice thickness distribution, ice deformation, thermodynamic processes, and sea-ice salinity. Our main objective was to analyse the response of the ocean–ice system sensitivity to the change in sea-ice physics. Additional sensitivity simulations were carried out for the attribution of observed differences between the two main simulations.In the Arctic, NEMO-LIM3 compares better with observations by realistically reproducing the sea-ice extent decline during the last few decades due to its multi-category sea-ice thickness. In the Antarctic, NEMO-LIM3 more realistically simulates the seasonal evolution of sea-ice extent than NEMO-LIM2. In terms of oceanic properties, improvements are not as evident, although NEMO-LIM3 reproduces a more realistic hydrography in the Labrador Sea and in the Arctic Ocean, including a reduced cold temperature bias of the Arctic Intermediate Water at 250 m. In the extra-polar regions, the oceanographic conditions of the two NEMO-LIM versions remain relatively similar, although they slowly drift apart over decades. This drift is probably due to a stronger deep water formation around Antarctica in LIM3.
Cláusulas adjetivas con participio: cotejo del euskera, español y checo
Authors: Cid Abasolo Karlos
Published: March 2017

Sabido es que el euskera es una lengua no indoeuropea y que las lenguas románicas y eslavas son indoeuropeas. Las cláusulas de relativo son uno de los aspectos en que mejor ha conservado el euskera su naturaleza no indoeuropea. En este artículo nos ocupamos, concretamente, de las cláusulas relativas reducidas (es decir, con verbo no finito, en participio), que confirman esta singularidad del euskera (por ejemplo, en la estructura de sus cláusulas relativas como ramificación a la izquierda, estructura propia de muchas lenguas no indoeuropeas). Las características que comparte con las otras dos lenguas objeto de estudio (español y checo) respecto a las cláusulas relativas reducidas son escasas.
Association of Triiodothyronine Levels with Left Ventricular Function, Cardiovascular Events, and Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Gao Jianjun , Xu Yongxing , Kong Deyang , Zhou Lei , Jia Huaping , Liang Boran , Gu Zhaoyan
Published: March 2017

Background

Hemodialysis (HD) patients have altered free triiodothyronine (fT3) levels. A low fT3 level is a strong and inverse mortality predictor in HD patients. However, little is known about the relationship between fT3 and left ventricular function in HD patients.

Methods

A total of 128 maintenance HD patients were enrolled in this study. A thyroid function test with blood sampling and echocardiography was conducted. Low-T3 syndrome was defined as fT3 level <3.62 pmol/L and normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Overall mortality and rate of cardiovascular (CV) events were assessed during 48 months of follow-up.

Results

Low-T3 syndrome was detected in 57 (44.5%) of the 128 patients. Patients with low-T3 syndrome had a shorter duration of HD (49.1 vs. 73.3, p = 0.01), and lower serum albumin (35.1 vs. 40.4 g/L, p<0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; 54.7% vs. 63.9%, p<0.001), and fractional shortening at endocardial levels (endoFS; 29.3% vs. 34.8%, p = 0.001) compared to those with normal fT3 levels. In multivariate linear regression, LVEF, albumin, and duration of HD were independently correlated with fT3 levels. In addition, fT3 was also correlated with LVEF. During the study period, 13 (10.1%) patients died, CV events occurred in 15 (11.7%) patients. In Cox regression analysis, low fT3 level and elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were associated with mortality and CV events.

Conclusions

In HD patients, fT3 level is positively correlated with LVEF. Low fT3 level and elevated hs-CRP predicted all-cause mortality and CV events.
A Comprehensive Guide to Perioperative Management and Operative Technique for Robotic Cystectomy with Intracorporeal Urinary Diversion
Authors: Tan Wei Shen , Lamb Benjamin W. , Sridhar Ashwin , Briggs Timothy P. , Kelly John D.
Published: March 2017

Robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) represents an evolution of open radical cystectomy (ORC) with the aim of reducing patient morbidity and improving return to normal function, whilst maintaining oncological equivalence. RARC is gaining popularity, especially in high-volume centres, although there remains a lack of level 1 evidence to demonstrate any superiority of RARC over ORC. All previously reported studies that randomised ORC and RARC have utilised a technique for RARC requiring a conversion to open surgery for urinary diversion. Conversion to open surgery invariably masks the benefits of a truly minimally invasive approach. Moreover, such studies tend to report a small sample size, likely reflecting early surgical experience that may contribute to the lack of observed benefit. Nonetheless, it is established that short-term oncological outcomes following RARC are comparable to those after ORC. It is likely that the benefits of RARC are only observed in cases wherein intracorporeal urinary diversion (iRARC) is performed by a surgical team with high volume experience, which will minimise morbidity and maximise early return to normal function. In this review, we will discuss a holistic approach to iRARC, including patient selection, perioperative optimisation, the surgical technique for iRARC with urinary diversion reconstruction, the use of enhanced recovery protocol, oncological outcomes and perioperative complications.
A very large leiomyoma of the urethra: A case report
Authors: Fedelini Paolo , Chiancone Francesco , Fedelini Maurizio , Fabiano Marco , Persico Francesco , Di Lorenzo Domenico , Meccariello Clemente
Published: March 2017

Introduction:

Leiomyomas are benign mesenchymal tumours of smooth muscle origin. They are the most common uterine masses in women of reproductive age group and may be related to the hormonal status. Urethral leiomyomas are very rare. According to the literature, the mean diameter of the urethral leiomyomas is 3.7 cm.

Case report:

We report a case of a very large leiomyoma of the urethra. A 40-year-old women woman was admitted to our department for a giant vaginal mass. She complained of haematuria, dysuria, recurrent urinary tract infections and dyspareunia. The physical evaluation demonstrated a 6 × 5.5 cm neoformation involving the distal tract of the urethra. The patient underwent an ultrasonography and then a magnetic resonance that suggested the diagnosis of leiomyoma. The neoformation was excised through a suburethral incision.

Conclusions:

The patient was discharged after 3 days and no intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred. The Foley catheter was removed after a week. The patient was continent to urine, and at 6 months follow-up, the patient was symptom free and no recurrences occurred.
Implementation of E-Training in Developing Country: Empirical Evidence from Jordan
Authors: Masa'd Fawzieh Mohammed Saeed
Published: March 2017

This paper is to emphasize the factors that aid e-training adoption in the developing country like Jordan. This paper is based on past review literature databases. The literature recognized the role of computer self-efficacy, availability of resources and perceived support in e-training adoption. This paper using the technology acceptance model (TAM) for modelling framework and explained the importance of these variables in e-training adoption in developing country context. The author found that the combined role of computer self-efficacy, technological infrastructure, Internet facilities and technical support is critical for e-training adoption in developing countries, particularly in Jordan.Thus, the authors proposed the combination of these variables which would encourage future research on the use of TAM in technology adoption. Research limitations/implications – This paper gives an elaboration of the role of computer self-efficacy, perceived cost, availability of resources and perceived support with TAM as base of the framework. This provides researchers the opportunity to test the proposed framework empirically and further suggest other variables that can aid e-training adoption in the context of developing country.Practical implications – The result of this paper can serve as a guide to managers and policymakers to have a better understanding of the requirements for e-training adoption, especially in developing countries. This will go a long way towards designing good policies that could maximise e-training results.
Strategies and Procedures Used in Translating Ideological Islamic-Related Texts from English into Arabic
Authors: Dweik Bader S. , Khaleel Hiyam M.
Published: March 2017

This study aims to identify the various strategies and procedures that translators use in rendering ideological Islamic-related texts from English into Arabic. To achieve this purpose, the researchers have designed a translation test consisting of 10 extracts with ideological content written by Muslim and non-Muslim writers. The researchers have selected a purposive sample of 20 translators to perform the test. Only 16 of them have responded. The results of the test have been analyzed qualitatively and quantitively. The study reveals that two strategies have been used by the translators: foreignizing and domesticating. It also reveals that 12 procedures have been employed by the translators: recognized translation, literal translation, naturalization and paraphrasing procedures underlying the foreignizing strategy and transposition, equivalence, omission, addition, glossing, magnifying, moderating and the label procedures underlying the domesticating strategy.
The Effect of Using Computer Program on Developing Verbal Communication among Mentally Retarded Children in the Elementary Stage in Rafha Province
Authors: Saleh Essam Abdou Ahmed , Attia Khaled Ahmed Mahmoud , Al-Jundi Alaa Ahmed Hassan
Published: March 2017

This study aims at investigating the effect of using a computer program on developing verbal communication among the educable mentally retarded students in the elementary stage in Rafha Province. The sample was selected from the students of the intellectual education classes in the elementary stage in Rafha province/ Northern Borders Region. The researchers followed the experimental method to conduct the study. The sample consisted of 20 students randomly distributed into two groups: an experimental group that was taught using the suggested verbal communication developing computer program and a control group that did not receive any educational program. The program was made up of 21 sessions. Each session lasted for 45 minutes, three times a week. The researchers used verbal communication scale to collect data and to compare the performance of the experimental and control groups in the pre and post tests. The results of the study indicated that there are statistically significant differences on the verbal communication scale among the students of the two groups at the level of (0.01) in favor of the experimental group.