bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Usability Metrics for Gamified E-learning Course: A Multilevel Approach
Authors: Sobodić Aleksandra , Balaban Igor , Kermek Dragutin
Published: April 2018

This paper discusses the effect of a gamified learning system for students of the master course on Web Design and Programming performed at the Faculty of Organization and Informatics. A new set of usability metrics was derived from web-based learning usability, user experience and instructional design literature and incorporated into the questionnaire which consists of three main categories: Usability, Educational Usability and User Experience. The main contribution of this paper is the development and validation of a questionnaire for measuring the usability of a gamified e-learning course from students’ perspective. Usability practitioners can use the developed metrics with confidence when evaluating the design of a gamified e-learning course in order to improve students’ engagement and motivation.
Multimedia Teaching Platform Construction for Fashion Design Based on Simulation and Synchronous Teaching System
Authors: Qu Peng
Published: April 2018

SOA technology can connect different service functions of application program through the well-defined interface and then form a sound distributed system through proper control process. SOA-based simulation and synchronous teaching system can give play to agility and high efficiency of this technology, so its practical value is high. Fashion design and other design majors have high requirements for multimedia software. The good presentation effect has great significance for design major teaching. Based on analyzing current situation of computer aided technology and fashion design teaching, theory construction of SOA-based simulation and synchronous teaching system was first conducted in this paper. Then, multimedia platform for simulation and synchronous teaching system was designed according to the specific requirements of fashion design teaching. Finally, the platform effect was tested. This paper verified that, SOA-based simulation and synchronous teaching system has good application effect in Fashion Design course and college teaching of design major.
SOCS1 and SOCS3 Target IRF7 Degradation To Suppress TLR7-Mediated Type I IFN Production of Human Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells
Authors: Yu Chun-Feng , Peng Wen-Ming , Schlee Martin , Barchet Winfried , Eis-Hübinger Anna Maria , Kolanus Waldemar , Geyer Matthias , Schmitt Sebastian , Steinhagen Folkert , Oldenburg Johannes , Novak Natalija
Published: April 2018

Type I IFN production of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) triggered by TLR-signaling is an essential part of antiviral responses and autoimmune reactions. Although it was well-documented that members of the cytokine signaling (SOCS) family regulate TLR-signaling, the mechanism of how SOCS proteins regulate TLR7-mediated type I IFN production has not been elucidated yet. In this article, we show that TLR7 activation in human pDCs induced the expression of SOCS1 and SOCS3. SOCS1 and SOCS3 strongly suppressed TLR7-mediated type I IFN production. Furthermore, we demonstrated that SOCS1- and SOCS3-bound IFN regulatory factor 7, a pivotal transcription factor of the TLR7 pathway, through the SH2 domain to promote its proteasomal degradation by lysine 48-linked polyubiquitination. Together, our results demonstrate that SOCS1/3-mediated degradation of IFN regulatory factor 7 directly regulates TLR7 signaling and type I IFN production in pDCs. This mechanism might be targeted by therapeutic approaches to either enhance type I IFN production in antiviral treatment or decrease type I IFN production in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
REDD1/Autophagy Pathway Is Associated with Neutrophil-Driven IL-1β Inflammatory Response in Active Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Angelidou Iliana , Chrysanthopoulou Akrivi , Mitsios Alexandros , Arelaki Stella , Arampatzioglou Athanasios , Kambas Konstantinos , Ritis Dimitrios , Tsironidou Victoria , Moschos Ioannis , Dalla Vasiliki , Stakos Dimitrios , Kouklakis Georgios , Mitroulis Ioannis , Ritis Konstantinos , Skendros Panagiotis
Published: April 2018

Infiltration of neutrophils into colonic mucosa has been associated with the severity of ulcerative colitis (UC). We investigated the effect of disease microenvironment on the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) as well as the involved mechanisms in NETosis and whether certain NET proteins are correlated with disease phenotype. Peripheral blood neutrophils, sera, and colonic tissue were collected from treatment-naive and mesalazine-treated patients with active UC, treatment-naive patients with active Crohn’s disease, patients suffering from infectious colitis, or healthy individuals (controls). Analysis of colonic biopsy specimens and peripheral blood neutrophils for the presence of NET-related markers using immunofluorescence confocal microscopy, ELISA, immunoblotting, flow cytometry, and quantitative PCR were performed. In vitro cell and tissue culture systems were further deployed. The local inflammatory response in colon in UC, but not Crohn’s disease, is characterized by the presence of NETs carrying bioactive IL-1β and thrombogenic tissue factor. The inflammatory environment of UC is able to induce neutrophil activation, IL-1β expression, and NET release, as shown both ex vivo and in vitro. REDD1 expression, as a mediator linking inflammation, autophagy, and NET release, was also specifically associated with the inflammatory response of UC. We show that neutrophil expression of REDD1 in colon tissue and the presence of IL-1β in neutrophils/NETs provide candidate biomarkers for the differential diagnosis of inflammatory colitis and possible targets for the treatment of UC, suggesting that UC shares common features with autoinflammatory disorders.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia–Derived IL-10 Suppresses Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Alhakeem Sara S. , McKenna Mary K. , Oben Karine Z. , Noothi Sunil K. , Rivas Jacqueline R. , Hildebrandt Gerhard C. , Fleischman Roger A. , Rangnekar Vivek M. , Muthusamy Natarajan , Bondada Subbarao
Published: April 2018

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients progressively develop an immunosuppressive state. CLL patients have more plasma IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, than healthy controls. In vitro human CLL cells produce IL-10 in response to BCR cross-linking. We used the transgenic Eμ–T cell leukemia oncogene-1 (TCL1) mouse CLL model to study the role of IL-10 in CLL associated immunosuppression. Eμ-TCL mice spontaneously develop CLL because of a B cell–specific expression of the oncogene, TCL1. Eμ-TCL1 mouse CLL cells constitutively produce IL-10, which is further enhanced by BCR cross-linking, CLL-derived IL-10 did not directly affect survival of murine or human CLL cells in vitro. We tested the hypothesis that the CLL-derived IL-10 has a critical role in CLL disease in part by suppressing the host immune response to the CLL cells. In IL-10R−/− mice, wherein the host immune cells are unresponsive to IL-10–mediated suppressive effects, there was a significant reduction in CLL cell growth compared with wild type mice. IL-10 reduced the generation of effector CD4 and CD8 T cells. We also found that activation of BCR signaling regulated the production of IL-10 by both murine and human CLL cells. We identified the transcription factor, Sp1, as a novel regulator of IL-10 production by CLL cells and that it is regulated by BCR signaling via the Syk/MAPK pathway. Our results suggest that incorporation of IL-10 blocking agents may enhance current therapeutic regimens for CLL by potentiating host antitumor immune response.
Framing and Visual Type: Effect on Future Zika Vaccine Uptake Intent
Authors: Guidry Jeanine P.D. , Carlyle Kellie E. , LaRose Jessica G. , Perrin Paul , Ryan Mark , Messner Marcus , Adams Jay
Published: April 2018

Introduction

The Zika virus is associated with the birth defect microcephaly, and while a vaccine was not available in early- 2017, several were under development. This study's purpose was to identify effective communication strategies to promote uptake of a new vaccine, particularly among women of reproductive age.

Design and methods

In order to study the effects of Zika message framing (gain vs. loss) and visual type (photo vs. infographic) on future Zika vaccine uptake intent, a 2×2 between-subjects experiment was performed via an online survey in 2017 among 339 U.S. women of reproductive age (18-49 years). Participants were exposed to one of four messages, all resembling Instagram posts: gain-framed vs. loss-framed infographic, and gain-framed vs. loss-framed photo. These messages were followed by questions about Zika vaccine uptake intent as well as intermediate psychosocial variables that could lead to intent.

Results

There was no interaction between framing and visual type (P=0.116), and there was no effect for framing (P=0.185) or visual type (P=0.724) on future Zika vaccine uptake intent, which is likely indicative of insufficient dosage of the intervention. However, when focusing on intermediate psychosocial constructs that are known to influence behavior and intent, gain-framed messages were more effective in increasing subjective norms (P=0.005) as related to a future Zika vaccine, as well as perceived benefits (P=0.016) and self-efficacy (P=0.032).

Conclusions

Gain-framed messages seem to be more effective than loss-framed messages to increase several constructs that could, in turn, affect future Zika vaccine uptake intent. This is a novel finding since, traditionally, loss-framed messages are considered more beneficial in promoting vaccine-related health behaviors.
Hearing children of Deaf parents: Gender and birth order in the delegation of the interpreter role in culturally Deaf families
Authors: Moroe Nomfundo F. , De Andrade Victor
Published: April 2018

Background: Culturally, hearing children born to Deaf parents may have to mediate two different positions within the hearing and Deaf cultures. However, there appears to be little written about the experiences of hearing children born to Deaf parents in the South African context.Objective: This study sought to investigate the roles of children of Deaf adults (CODAs) as interpreters in Deaf-parented families, more specifically, the influence of gender and birth order in language brokering.Method: Two male and eight female participants between the ages of 21 and 40 years were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling strategies. A qualitative design was employed and data were collected using a semi-structured, open-ended interview format. Themes which emerged were analysed using thematic analysis.Results: The findings indicated that there was no formal assignment of the interpreter role; however, female children tended to assume the role of interpreter more often than the male children. Also, it appeared as though the older children shifted the responsibility for interpreting to younger siblings. The participants in this study indicated that they interpreted in situations where they felt they were not developmentally or emotionally ready, or in situations which they felt were better suited for older siblings or for siblings of another gender.Conclusion: This study highlights a need for the formalisation of interpreting services for Deaf people in South Africa in the form of professional interpreters rather than the reliance on hearing children as interpreters in order to mediate between Deaf and hearing cultures.
Reformed theology and ‘decolonised’ identity. Finding a grammar for peaceful coexistence
Authors: Vorster Nico
Published: April 2018

Decolonisation discourse has gained significant momentum in South Africa with the rise of the various #MustFall movements that strive to rid South Africa of its colonial vestiges. But does South Africa need another national metanarrative that envisions an ideal South Africa and champions utopian social ideals? Following the logic of Johan Degenaar and Dirkie Smit, this contribution argues that we should refrain from developing social meta-narratives that seek to frame a single South African identity and social ethos. However, we do need a grammar for peaceful coexistence that goes beyond legal and procedural considerations to establish basic parameters for a constructive social discourse that promotes peaceful coexistence. Such a grammar cannot be imposed unilaterally on social groupings but should be framed by a public discussion aimed at reaching a consensus among social imaginaries on the rules of discourse. Drawing on Reformed thinkers such as John Calvin and John Althusius, the essay continues to discuss the contribution that the Reformed tradition can make to such a grammar. The last part of the essay proceeds to apply the proposed grammar as a benchmark to evaluate the validity of decolonisation discourse.
Complementing South African inflation surveys: A suitable forecasting tool
Authors: Van Heerden Chris , Heymans Andre , Seetharam Yudhvir
Published: April 2018

Central banks currently perform inflation expectation surveys in order to better align their inflation expectations with that of the general public. However, surveys are time-consuming, complicated, expensive and not always accurate, thus compromising the credibility of these expectations. The complexity of inflation targeting and the difficulty of forecasting in real time can also cause policymakers to consider more basic models, which can lead to inexact forecasts. This article employs less complicated models, such as the seasonally adjusted autoregressive integrated moving average and Holt-Winters exponential smoothing models, to provide equally reliable forecasts. A more complex approach in the form of a non-linear autoregressive neural network process was also employed to model the strategic and rational manner in which the general public formulates their expectations. Overall, the forecast estimates provided by these models were superior when compared with the inflation expectations provided by the International Monetary Fund, South African Reserve Bank and Bureau for Economic Research.
El uso por los periodistas de las recomendaciones de la OMS para la prevención del suicidio. El caso del periódico Abc
Authors: Garrido-Fabián Fermín , Serrano-López Antonio Eleazar , Catalán-Matamoros Daniel
Published: April 2018

El suicidio es la primera causa de muerte no natural en España. Según la OMS, una mejor cobertura del suicidio por los medios de comunicación puede resultar ser una estrategia efectiva para su prevención. Objetivo: Este estudio analiza si las recomendaciones de la OMS para la cobertura sobre suicidio en medios de comunicación han influido al tratamiento mediático del suicidio en el periódico Abc. Metodología: Análisis de las noticias sobre suicidios publicadas en los años 1995, 2000 y 2005. Resultados: 90 apariciones sobre suicidios fueron identificadas observándose una reducción significativa en el porcentaje de noticias que informaron sobre el método empleado, que informaron del suicidio como algo inexplicable o simplista y que describieron el suicidio como método para enfrentar problemas entre 1995 y 2005. Conclusiones: La cobertura informativa del suicidio de Abc ha mejorado entre 1995 y 2005 pero no en todos los aspectos recomendados por la OMS.
Participatory, explorative, qualitative modeling: application of the iMODELER software to assess trade-offs among the SDGs
Authors: Neumann Kai , Anderson Carl , Denich Manfred
Published: April 2018

The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their generalized form need to be further reflected in order to identify synergies and trade-offs between their targets, and to apply them to concrete nations and regions. Explorative qualitative cause and effect modeling could serve as an approach for considering crucial factors to better understand the interrelations among the SDGs, eventually leading to more informed concrete measures that are able to cope with the SDG’s inherent obstacles. This work describes a model that could serve as a template for concrete application. The generalized model already points to some potential trade-offs. Its first analysis cautiously raises doubts that some possible assumptions behind the SDGs might overlook systemic boundaries. For example, an undifferentiated increase of productivity contradicts a lessened environmental impact and need for resources in light of potential planetary boundaries. However, the model was developed as a starting point and requires modification for its application to a concrete region.
O Conceito de Biopoder no Pensamento de Michel Foucault
Authors: Nogueira Furtado Rafael , Aparecida de Oliveira Camilo Juliana
Published: April 2018

O presente artigo busca analisar o conceito de biopoder, tal como elaborado por Michel Foucault, entre os anos de 1974 e 1979. O biopoder é definido como assumindo duas formas: consiste, por um lado, em uma anátomo-política do corpo e, por outro, em uma biopolítica da população. A anátomo-política refere-se aos dispositivos disciplinares encarregados do extrair do corpo humano sua força produtiva, mediante o controle do tempo e do espaço, no interior de instituições, como a escola, o hospital, a fábrica e a prisão. Por sua vez, a biopolítica da população volta-se à regulação das massas, utilizando-se de saberes e práticas que permitam gerir taxas de natalidade, fluxos de migração, epidemias, aumento da longevidade. Ademais, busca-se relacionar as análises de Foucault sobre a política da vida à problemática do liberalismo, evidenciando a extrapolação da lógica econômica para relações sociais. Ao final do artigo, os autores discutem os desenvolvimentos contemporâneos das tecnologias da vida e procuram mostram como o conceito de biopoder auxilia na compreensão das formas atuais de governo das condutas.
A Pulsão Anarquista e a Resistência diante da Morte e da Massificação
Authors: Palumbo José Henrique Parra , Cabral Paulo Emílio Pessoa Lustosa
Published: April 2018

Este artigo propõe uma reflexão em torno do conceito de pulsão anarquista cunhado por Nathalie Zaltzman em texto homônimo durante 1979; conceito que articula certa manifestação específica da pulsão de morte: servir à vida como último recurso para a sobrevivência. Seu objetivo principal é tratar desse último recurso que emerge quando o indivíduo está diante de experiências de precariedade aguda. Assim, o estudo de um caso é o pano de fundo da reflexão de Zaltzman em torno dessas situações chamadas de experiências limite, nas quais as garantias de sobrevivência e de unidade são arruinadas, isto é, quando os excessos de privação ou de um amor totalitário e paralisante ameaçam a sobrevivência do indivíduo. Por conta disso, o ímpeto libertário do anarquismo torna-se a figura para essa pulsão de morte, já que, nessas situações, é dele que se alimenta o sujeito para sobreviver. Com essa construção teórica é possível verificar a necessidade de reconhecer o papel da pulsão de morte sem a moralização de suas exigências.
Fundamentos Metodológicos da Pesquisa Teórica em Psicanálise
Authors: Lameira Valéria Maia , Costa Márcio Clayton da Silva , Rodrigues Simone De Miranda
Published: April 2018

Há um extenso debate em torno da pesquisa em psicanálise no âmbito dos programas de graduação e pós-graduação das universidades. Ensejado por essa discussão, esse artigo se propõe a refletir sobre os fundamentos metodológicos da pesquisa teórica, relacionando-a com a premissa básica da psicanálise sobre a indissociabilidade entre pesquisa e prática clínica. Foram trabalhados conceitos fundamentais como inconsciente, repetição e desejo, erguidos por Freud e lidos por Lacan, a fim de sustentar o método psicanalítico na pesquisa. As recomendações técnicas freudianas foram apresentadas como um caminho para a pesquisa teórica em psicanálise. O desejo é um aspecto crucial na constituição da práxis psicanalítica, no entanto, é desconcertante questionar o desejo do pesquisador na escolha de seu objeto de estudo. Para a ciência, ele deveria supostamente ser neutro ao desenrolar dos fatos. No campo da pesquisa psicanalítica, o pesquisador não tem como ser apagado de sua pesquisa, já que ele fala de determinado lugar e aparece implicado indissociavelmente ao material que pretende analisar. É esta interrogação sobre o desejo que faz da psicanálise um campo no qual o sujeito-pesquisador não tem como não ser contado. Se o sujeito é considerado pela ciência como incômodo fator de erro, a psicanálise vem reintroduzir a noção de sujeito em sua dimensão própria. Concluímos que a pesquisa não se encontra restrita à clínica, mas só pode se dar tendo a dimensão clínica em seu horizonte. Mesmo que em uma dada pesquisa não haja a referência explícita ao material clínico, ou ainda que o pesquisador em psicanálise não atue clinicamente, este mesmo pesquisador possui sua própria experiência clínica e é parte de sua pesquisa. Toda pesquisa em psicanálise deve estar apoiada no conceito de inconsciente.
A Violência e o seu Real: Zizek e a Psicanálise
Authors: Neves Tiago Iwasasa , Dos Santos Andreza Silva , De Mariz Inácio Antônio Silva
Published: April 2018

A violência é a principal causa de angústia na sociedade atual. Ela representa um mal-estar social e é apontada como protagonista na pauta política brasileira. Neste artigo, tomamos a violência como objeto de nossa discussão, mas nos propomos a apresenta-la para além de sua fenomenologia cotidiana. Nossa intenção consiste em lançar um olhar sobre a violência, ou seja, pretendemos problematizar o Real que irrompe através das fissuras na teia social, tomando como principal referência a leitura psicanalítica realizada por Slavoj Zizek. Sua tese sobre a violência denuncia o engodo subjetivista de entendê-la apenas como uma expressão do embate entre agentes sociais e questiona o seu sentido naquilo que nela há de mais Real, isto é, naquilo que se inscreve no cerne de sua condição traumática e que se instala nas exigências da linguagem, enquanto modo de articulação em torno do vazio. Nesse contexto, o verdadeiro ato político surge como uma aposta, um apelo violento ao impossível de realizar-se e um abalo nas fantasias naturalizadas que se proliferam no laço que o sujeito estabelece com o outro.
Clube da Luta: A Sociedade do Espetáculo e a Cultura da Imagem
Authors: Assmann Carina , Londero Mário Francis Petry
Published: April 2018

Este artigo busca discutir os processos de subjetivação na contemporaneidade, atravessados pela lógica capitalista de consumo e descarte, a partir da discursividade enunciada pelo filme “Clube da Luta”. Da mesma forma, procura-se pensar qual é o papel da clínica diante deste cenário contemporâneo que, autores como Joel Birman e Maria Rita Kehl, chamam de sociedade do espetáculo e cultura da imagem. Junto a película, a luz da Análise de Discurso foucaultiana, pinça-se algumas falas dos personagens principais para analisá-las no que elas dizem sobre as relações do sujeito para com o mundo contemporâneo e o que clínica, enquanto ética de escuta, tem a problematizar. A partir da análise de discurso e de sua costura com alguns conceitos advindos da psicanálise e da filosofia da diferença, se percorrerá uma discussão sobre: o filme anunciado; a sociedade capitalística contemporânea e o sujeito que emerge neste contexto; e a posição da clínica diante deste cenário.
Sentidos Produzidos a partir do Discurso sobre o Corpo Feminino na Publicidade
Authors: Pereira Ana Alice Da Silva , Próchno Caio César Souza Camargo
Published: April 2018

Este artigo busca analisar os sentidos produzidos a partir do discurso sobre o corpo feminino em três anúncios publicitários de produtos voltados para esse público. A perspectiva adotada é a análise do discurso de linha francesa, a partir de uma breve apresentação dos conceitos de discurso, história nova e memória discursiva. O discurso em questão é o discurso publicitário, que, na intenção de promover o consumo, atribui valores e ideais aos produtos que veicula. O estudo reconhece um caráter pedagógico nas revistas femininas, assim como nos anúncios selecionados, característico desse tipo de publicação, demonstrando uma tentativa de ensinar como deve ser uma mulher. Nesse sentido, a análise aponta que as peças publicitárias constroem imperativos sobre o corpo da mulher, que deve ser submetido a determinados procedimentos e fazer uso de produtos para que possa se inserir adequadamente na cultura.
Psicanálise, “arte literal”? Objeto e letra sob um ponto de vista psicanalítico
Authors: Dionisio Gustavo Henrique
Published: April 2018

Partindo do trabalho do psicanalista Serge Leclaire, este ensaio visa discutir o conceito de letra cunhado no interior do pensamento psicanalítico, sobretudo a partir de Jacques Lacan, para, em seguida, articulá-lo a uma problemática do campo das artes pela via da reflexão estética e da recepção da obra de arte. Assim, procuraremos hipotetizar a existência de uma “arte literal”, procurando demonstrar em que medida os artistas chegam a verdades psicanalíticas “sem depender” do corpus teórico da primeira. Friccionando a obra de Leclaire com certas obras de arte literais, propomos uma espécie de torção na relação estabelecida anteriormente por Lacan entre a dimensão da letra e o lugar do objeto a na teoria psicanalítica.
Interpretando o “sem sentido”: Um olhar hermenêutico na metodologia psicanalítica
Authors: Da Silva Josenildo José , Rocha Zeferino de Jesus Barbosa
Published: April 2018

O presente artigo foi construído a partir de uma inquietação do autor na busca por justificar a metodologia utilizada em sua pesquisa em psicanálise, como modo de aproximação e releitura de textos de Sigmund Freud. Diga-se, de início, pois, que queremos evitar o que normalmente acontece quando se trata de uma pesquisa estritamente teórica, em que o autor tem a preocupação de apresentar, de antemão, as obras que serão objeto de seu estudo e esquece de mencionar os pressupostos da leitura que efetuará ao longo do seu trabalho. Por acreditarmos, então, na possibilidade de uma aproximação entre a visão psicanalítica e a visão hermenêutica, nos propomos aqui problematizar esta tentativa que denominamos de leitura psicanalítica-hermenêutica.
Contato Interpessoal com Homossexuais e Crenças sobre a Adoção Homoparental
Authors: Cerqueira-Santos Elder , Silva Bruno De Brito , Rodrigues Hênio Dos Santos , Dos Santos Lizandra , Araújo Ludgleydson Fernandes
Published: April 2018

O presente estudo objetivou investigar a relação entre o contato interpessoal com homossexuais e as crenças sobre a adoção por casais do mesmo sexo. A hipótese principal do estudo foi de que os sujeitos com maior nível de contato interpessoal apresentam características mais favoráveis à homoparentalidade. Utilizou-se instrumento de caráter quantitativo, exploratório e analítico (survey com desenho quase-experimental) através de coleta on-line, da qual participaram 732 indivíduos, os quais foram direcionados aleatoriamente para um de três cenários com histórias acerca de casais adotantes (heterossexuais, gays e lésbicas). Os participantes responderam questionário sociodemográfico, sucedido de instrumentos sobre religiosidade e espiritualidade, posicionamento político e crenças sobre homossexualidade. A análise dos dados encontrou relação estatisticamente significativa entre as variáveis intensidade do contato e adoção homoparental. Verificou-se que os participantes foram mais favoráveis à adoção quando o casal adotante era formado por heterossexuais, seguido de lésbicas, com maior rejeição para os gays. Discute-se o impacto se medidas de apoio à diversidade e incentivo à adoção por casais homoafetivos fossem garantidas.
O que a Clínica da Adolescência nos Ensina sobre o Ato?
Authors: Souza Aline Oliveira , Rinaldi Doris Luz
Published: April 2018

O presente artigo tem por objetivo situar, a partir de fragmentos clínicos do acompanhamento de uma adolescente em uma instituição pública de saúde, o conceito de ato para a psicanálise, segundo a teoria de Sigmund Freud e Jacques Lacan. Abordaremos a especificidade do ato, tanto no que diz respeito a um modo peculiar de repetição - pela via da compulsão, que não aparece pela via da fala, mas pela atuação (acting out) - quanto no que tange ao ato do analista como função - indicando sua particularidade na incidência de um corte em relação à repetição como compulsão. Essa experiência clínica convoca-nos a pensar sobre a prevalência da repetição pela via do ato, que tem o corpo como destino, assim como sobre a função do ato analítico, que pode operar a partir desse significante enigmático que se revela no ato, de modo a deslocar uma repetição em ato para uma repetição pela via da fala.
O Espaço para o Scholé no Mundo Acadêmico
Authors: Siqueira Marcus Vinicius Soares , Medeiros Bárbara Novaes , Bueno Mendonça Juliana Moro
Published: April 2018

Envolto às lógicas gerencialista, produtivista e mercadológica, a academia aprofunda suas próprias contradições que a definem. A partir desse contexto, o objetivo deste artigo teórico é o de discutir de maneira crítica, as relações de trabalho no mundo acadêmico a partir de dimensões como: o espaço para o ócio na visão grega (scholé), o desprazer e o prazer. Constata-se que é fundamental conceber as duas últimas dimensões de maneira imbricada com a primeira para que exista uma reflexão crítica a respeito das atividades que envolvem o trabalho docente no ensino superior. Caso contrário, pouca atenção será ofertada para a construção de mecanismos de trabalho emancipatórios, oriundos da conduta individual e coletiva, que ajudam a renovar a relação do sujeito com o trabalho. É necessário, portanto, o resgate do espaço do scholé enquanto valor, não para fins instrumentais, mas humanos, ligado à alteridade nas relações do professor, visando transformar a realidade social, por intermédio seja do ensino, seja da pesquisa e/ou da extensão.
Devastação: Entre Mal-estar e Sintoma, o Sofrimento Relacionado ao Feminino Irrepresentável
Authors: Souza Danuza Effegem de , Vidal Paulo Eduardo Viana
Published: April 2018

Este artigo sobre a devastação feminina estuda a relação dessa forma de apresentação do sofrimento com as especificidades da construção da imagem corporal feminina que, estruturalmente, realiza-se sem o acesso a uma identificação definitiva para o seu sexo. O estudo se detém na problemática narcísica que surge em consequência da perda do amor e busca situar essa forma de sofrimento entre as noções de mal-estar e sintoma, delimitando suas especificidades.
Desafios da governança energética global e a participação do BRICS na construção de um novo paradigma energético
Authors: Volpon Fernanda , Rosado de Sá Ribeiro Marilda
Published: April 2018

Diante da relevância político-econômica do setor energético, desperta-se para o debate crítico sobre as instituições internacionais regulatórias e o domínio dos tradicionais players neste setor. Verifica-se a dominância de países que formam o chamado “clube dos ricos” em uma estrutura arcaica dominada pelo principal ator regulatório internacional - a Agência Internacional de Energia. Revela-se a necessidade de uma releitura das instituições regulatórias à luz da participação do BRICS neste setor, com o desenvolvimento de novas fontes energéticas e proteção ao meio ambiente. O BRICS representam uma renovação cogente na seara da governança energética global a partir da participação de países dotados da combinação de importantes matrizes energéticas e alto investimento em energia renovável. Neste trabalho, atenta-se para o desenvolvimento de políticas de energia limpa e sua importância como mecanismos de segurança energética e desenvolvimento sustentável, fatores imprescindíveis para o futuro energético global. Aplica-se a metodologia jurídico-dogmática, utilizando-se como marco teórico a pesquisa desenvolvida por Rafael Leal-Arcas e Andrew Filis que defende a governança energética como um mapa fragmentado e multifacetado. Conclui-se que governar energia globalmente requer esforços conjuntos e sistemáticos para endereçar os desafios energéticos. Diante do papel de “key emerging markets” do BRICS, a cooperação entre esses países, em especial na energia renovável, será essencial para promover uma agenda robusta que possa alcançar, progressivamente, a proteção ambiental, o desenvolvimento sustentável e democracia energética.
Biological activities and phytochemical screening of Elaeodendron croceum (Thunb.) DC. Leaves and Stem barks Extracts
Authors: Odeyemi Samuel Wale , Afolayan Anthony Jide
Published: April 2018

Background: From reports Elaeodendron croceum has been used traditionally for spiritual cleansing, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory and for the management of diabetes. The leaves and bark extracts were therefore analyzed for its biological activities.

Materials and methods: The antibacterial activities of E. croceum leaves and stem barks were evaluated against both Gram positive and gram negative bacteria using agar well diffusion method. The analysis for the phytochemical contents, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the leaves and barks were determined using standard procedures.

Results: The S. aureus, S. flexneri, E. faecalis and S. typhimurium were susceptible to the aqueous leaves and stem barks extracts of Elaeodendron croceum while S. aureus was susceptible to only the aqueous leaf extract. The antibacterial activity showed MIC ranging from 0.625 – 2.5 mg/ml. The composition of flavonoids (52.72 mg/g), proanthocyanidins (32.66 mg/g), alkaloids (65.44 mg/g) and saponins (68.21 mg/g) were significantly higher in the aqueous leaf extract while phenols (94.13 mg/g) content was higher in the aqueous bark extract. The free radical scavenging activity using ABTS, FRAP and DPPH showed that the extracts possess good free radical scavenging activities with different free radical species that is comparable with ascorbic acid and also showed significant inhibitory activity on protein denaturation as an indication of anti-inflammatory potential.
Conclusion: These findings support the folkloric usage of Elaeodendron croceum and indicates that it can be used to manage diseases caused by the tested organisms. The presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, total phenols and proanthocyanidins, previously suggested to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity indicate that E. croceum is a potential source of anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenging and antimicrobial agents.
Phytochemical screening and In-vitro antioxidant activity of Centella asiatica extracts
Authors: Yadav Mukesh Kumar , Singh Santosh Kumar , Tripathi JS , Tripathi YB
Published: April 2018

Centella asiatica also known as mandukparni or Indian pennywort or jalbrahmi, which has been used as a medicine in the Ayurveda from ancient times and mentioned in many classical texts of Ayurveda. Centella asiatica has long been used to improve memory and cognitive function.

The study aimed to identify the phytochemicals present in different solvent extracts of Centella asiatica (i.e. PECA- Petroleum ether extract of C. asiatica, CCA- Chloroform extract of C. asiatica, EACA- Ethyl acetate extract of C. asiatica, ECA- Ethanolic extract of C. asiatica, HACA- Hydro-alcoholic extract of C. asiatica) and evaluate the respective in-vitro antioxidant potentials.

The phytochemical screening of extracts was done with standardized procedures and the antioxidant potential of different solvent extracts of Centella asiatica was assessed by its free radical scavenging activity 2, 2-diphenyl -1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) as well as hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay respectively for reducing capability.

In all different solvent extracts of C. asiatica revealed excellent free radical scavenging activity as revealed by 2-2- diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay with  EC50 values for ECA=128.752±1.85 μg/ml, HACA=274.884±1.21 μg/ml and hydrogen peroxide assay against the standard (Butylated hydroxytoluene) BHT, with the EC50 values ECA=429.69±0.92 μg/ml HACA=458.08±0.58 μg/ml while rest solvent extracts shown very less antioxidant activity.

 The present study indicates that the Centella asiatica extracts have good antioxidant activity which can be used in stress and anxiety and also a good source to be used as natural drugs.
Screening of some plant materials used in South-West Algerian traditional medicine for their antibacterial activity
Authors: Naima Fatehi , BENMEHDI Houcine , Hocine Allali , Nawal Oulednecir
Published: April 2018

The initial introduction of new medicinal agents into the health care system sometimes, requires information beyond that is recorded in libraries relying instead, on reports available through traditions and healers within a society. This paper explored the antibacterial activity of aqueous and hydromethanolic extracts of nine folkloric medicinal plant from Bechar region (southwest Algeria) namely: A. nardus, A. schoenanthus, G. vulgaris, two species of H. scoparia green & red, P. laevigata, R. tripartita, T. gallica and T. nudatum, frequently used in the local traditional medicine. The antibacterial activity of different extracts were evaluated by using disc diffusion method agar and antibiotics susceptibility of ten selected microorganisms: seven reference strains, Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, and three clinically isolated strains, Escherichia coli (Urinary Tract Infection), Escherichia coli (Vaginal Infection) and Staphylococcus aureus (Skin Infection).

The maximum antibacterial activity was recorded against the gram negative reference strains Pseudomonas aeruginosaand Escherichia coli with a maximum inhibition diameter of 15.6 ± 0.5 and 15.0 ± 1.4 mm respectively displayed by the aqueous extract of T. gallica, followed by the activity detected by the hydromethanolic extract of R. tripartita against the gram negative reference strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14.6±1.2 mm) and the aqueous and hydromethanolic extracts of R. tripartita against the gram negative reference strains Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli with a maximum inhibition diameter of 14.3 ± 2.0 and 14.3±0.5 mm, respectively.

According to the present study, H. scoparia red, P. laevigata, R. tripartita, and T. gallicacan be served as broad spectrum antibiotic and used as a potent source of natural antibacterial agents by replacing commercially available synthetic drug that may have a large number of side effects.
Anti-diabetic and acute toxicity studies of Annona squamosa L. ethanolic leaves extract.
Authors: Saeed Farah - , Ahmad Mansoor
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Aim of this research work was to explore the anti-diabetic activity and acute toxicity of Annona squamosa L. leaves ethanolic extract in albino rats and mice respectively.

Diabetes was induced by Alloxan (120 mg/kg). Seven rats were taken in each group. Glibenclaimide (0.25 mg/kg) was taken as the standard drug. A. squamosa was administered orally in 100mg, 200mg and 400mg doses in three different groups of diabetes- induced rats. A. squamosa leaves extracts were found to have significant anti-diabetic activity.

Acute toxicity study was carried out on administration of 800mg/kg, 1600mg/kg and 5000 mg/kg body weight. No acute toxicity was observed at 800mg/kg and 1600mg/kg doses. At 5000mg/kg body weight dose 100% fatality was recorded within 24 hours.

Our research work revealed the safe and effective anti-diabetic activity of Annona squamosa ethanolic leaves extract. 
Synthesis and in vitro drug release studies on substituted polyphosphazene conjugates of lumefantrine.
Authors: Kumar Sahil , Sharma Alka , Singh Rajesh K , Prasad DN , Bhardwaj TR
Published: April 2018

The present study pertains to the delivery of antimalarial drug (Lumifantrine). In this, polyphosphazene has been used in the synthesis of polyphosphazene-linked conjugates of Lumifantrine. These polymer-linked Conjugates have been synthesized and characterized by modern analytical techniques. The in-vitro drug release of Lumifantrine drug conjugates: p-Amino benzoic acid ester substituted polyphosphazene drug conjugate (15) and Glycine methyl ester substituted polyphosphazene drug conjugate (21) have been found to be 6.00 % and 5.96% (pH 1.2), 88.52% and 79.86% (pH 7.4), respectively. These drug conjugate may prove an effective delivery system for the treatment of malaria.
Synthesis of Alginate/Nanocellulose bionanocomposite for in vitro delivery of Ampicillin
Authors: Poonguzhali R , Basha S Khaleel , Kumari V Sugantha
Published: April 2018

In this study Ampicillin drug loaded with alginate and nanocellulose film was prepared by solution casting method. Nanocellulose and ampicillin incorporated into alginate to improve both mechanical and swelling property. The formulated ampicillin loaded Alg/NC film gave acceptable physicochemical properties compared with Alg-amp film and was able to deliver the drug in a prolonged release pattern. In vitro drug release showed that alginate, could provide an immediate release of ampicillin with further enhanced nanocellulose, and followed by a sustained release over 500 min of the remaining drug. The present study exhibited a simple and useful approach to systematically design for providing drug release profiles.
Formulations and evaluation of Cyclodextrin complexed Ceadroxil loaded nanosponges
Authors: Dubey Pawan , Sharma Hemant Kumar , Shah Sunil , Tyagi Chandra Kishore , Chandekar Amol R. , Jadon Rajesh S.
Published: April 2018

Cefadroxil (CFD) is a broad spectrum antibiotic that acts against an extensive variety of bacteria, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The major drawback of orally administered drug like cefadroxil is its shorter half life of 1.2 hrs. The goal of the study is to prolong the drug release, producing a desired blood serum level, reduction in drug toxicity and improving the patient compliance by prolonging the dosing intervals. Cyclodextrin-based nanosponges (NS) are a novel class of cross-linked derivatives of cyclodextrins. They have been used to increase the solubility of poorly soluble actives, to protect the labile groups and control the release. This study aimed at formulating complexes of CFDwith three types of β-cyclodextrin NS obtained with different cross-linking ratio (viz. 1:2, 1:4 and 1:8 on molar basis with the cross-linker) to protect the lactone ring from hydrolysis and to prolong the release kinetics of CFD. Crystalline (F1:2, F1:4 and F1:8) and paracrystalline NS formulations were prepared. XRPD, DSC and FTIR studies confirmed the interactions of CFDwith NS. XRPD showed that the crystallinity of CFD decreased after loading. CFD was loaded as much as 21%, 37% and 13% w/w in F1:2 , F1:4 and F1:8, respectively while the paracrystalline NS formulations gave a loading of about 10% w/w or lower. The particle sizes of the loaded NS formulations were between 450 and 600 nm with low polydispersity indices. The zeta potentials were sufficiently high (-20 to -25 mV) to obtain a stable colloidal nanosuspension. The in vitro studies indicated a slow and prolonged CFD release over a period of 24 h. The NS formulations protected the lactone ring of CFD after their incubation in physiological conditions at 37°C for 24 h with a 80% w/w of intact lactone ring when compared to only around 20% w/w of plain CFD.
In vitro evaluation of Transdermal Patch of Palonosetron for Antiemetic Therapy
Authors: Tripathi Atul , Tyagi Piyush , Vyas Amber , Gidwani Beena , Chandekar Amol , Sharma Hemant Kumar
Published: April 2018

Skin is one of the routes for systemic delivery of drugs through various drug delivery system. A transdermal Drug Delivery System (TDDS) is one of the most reliable and useful system to deliver drug systemically through skin. Generally medicated patch is placed on skin for delivery of medication through it into the blood stream. The aim of present study was to formulate and evaluate Palonosetron transdermal patch in vitro that could be used for antiemetic therapy. The incorporation ofPalonosetron a serotonin 5-HT3 antagonist drug was envisaged. The TDDS was prepared by solvent evaporation technique and was evaluated for organoleptic characteristics and other physicochemical properties Thickness, Weight variation, Drug content uniformity, Tensile strength, % Elongation, Folding endurance & Moisture content. The in vitro permeation study of the patch was carried out through KesaryChein diffusion cell as barrier membrane. Phosphate buffer pH 7.4 was used as dissolution medium and the temperature was maintained at 37 ± 10C. The in vitro permeation study of the prepared patch indicated a time dependent increase in drug release throughout the study. The percentage of cumulative drug release was found to be 76.25% in 24 hours.The study shows a new approach to work in with Palonosetron.
Preparation of progesterone nanoparticles and evaluation of its effect on the capacitation of Bovine spermatozoa used in the in Vitro Fertilization
Authors: Abd-Allah Saber , Ralan Mai , Suliman Hanaa , Essam Tamer , Salem Heba F
Published: April 2018

Progesterone (P) has been reported to affect several sperm functions especially capacitation and acrosome reaction. The main problem of (P) is its low aqueous solubility. So formulation of progesterone nanoparticles (PN) will enhance its solubility. This study was conducted to produce nanosized progesterone (NP) and assess its biocompatibility. Therefore, nine progesterone formulations were prepared and characterized. Data analysis revealed only one formula of P showed nanosized particle (1-100 nm) with an average particle size (95±5 nm), and spherical shape as seen by Transmission Electron Microscope(TEM). Motile spermatozoa were separated from frozen-thawed semen by a swim-up procedure and capacitated in IVF-TALP medium with NP or P or without treatments (control) and incubated for 3h at 38°C and evaluated every 1 hour (h) interval. Ovarian oocytes were matured and fertilized in vitro with frozen-thawed bull sperm capacitated in vitro with NP or P or control (without NP, P) and incubated at 39C in 5% CO2 incubator for 24h and then examined for evidence of fertilization. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that nanosized progesterone is highly efficient for sperm capacitation. In addition to the use of nanosized progesterone in sperm capacitation produces more fertilized oocytes than the progesterone after In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Investigating the phase-solubility and compatibility study of anticancer drug complexed with β-cyclodextrin and HP–β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Dhurve Preeti , Tripathi Atul , Gidwani Bina , Vyas Amber
Published: April 2018

Poor  aqueous  solubility  and  dissolution  rates  are  critical  problems  that  hinders  the  formulation, development  and  delivery  of  most  of  BCS  class  II  and  class  IV  drugs.  Gefitinib  is  a  cytotoxic chemotherapeutic  drug  used  in  treatment  of  cancer.    The  objective  of  the  present  study  was  to investigate  the  drug-cyclodextrin  compatibility  study  by  FTIR  and  DSC  study.  The  phase solubility  study  revealed  formation  of  1:1  stoichiometry  binary  inclusion  complex.  The  complex was  prepared  by  kneading  method.  FT-IR  spectra  provided  the  data  indicating  that  the  HP-β-CD was  more  effective  than  β-CD.  Differential  scanning  calorimetry  thermograms  indicated  stronger amorphization and entrapment of  gefitinib with HP-β-CD.