bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Omics Approaches for the Study of Adaptive Immunity to Staphylococcus aureus and the Selection of Vaccine Candidates
Authors: Holtfreter Silva , Kolata Julia , Stentzel Sebastian , Bauerfeind Stephanie , Schmidt Frank , Sundaramoorthy Nandakumar , Bröker Barbara
Published: March 2016

Staphylococcus aureus is a dangerous pathogen both in hospitals and in the community. Due to the crisis of antibiotic resistance, there is an urgent need for new strategies to combat S. aureus infections, such as vaccination. Increasing our knowledge about the mechanisms of protection will be key for the successful prevention or treatment of S. aureus invasion. Omics technologies generate a comprehensive picture of the physiological and pathophysiological processes within cells, tissues, organs, organisms and even populations. This review provides an overview of the contribution of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and immunoproteomics to the current understanding of S. aureus‑host interaction, with a focus on the adaptive immune response to the microorganism. While antibody responses during colonization and infection have been analyzed in detail using immunoproteomics, the full potential of omics technologies has not been tapped yet in terms of T-cells. Omics technologies promise to speed up vaccine development by enabling reverse vaccinology approaches. In consequence, omics technologies are powerful tools for deepening our understanding of the “superbug” S. aureus and for improving its control.
Empirical Model for Phycocyanin Concentration Estimation as an Indicator of Cyanobacterial Bloom in the Optically Complex Coastal Waters of the Baltic Sea
Authors: Woźniak Monika , Bradtke Katarzyna , Darecki Miroslaw , Krężel Adam
Published: March 2016

Commonly used parameters to assess cyanobacteria blooms are chlorophyll a concentration and cyanobacterial cell counts. Chlorophyll a is contained in all phytoplankton groups and therefore it is not a good estimator when only detection of cyanobacteria is desired. Moreover, laboratory determination of cyanobacterial cell counts is difficult and it requires a well-trained specialist. Instead of that, cyanobacterial blooms can be assessed using phycocyanin, a marker pigment for cyanobacteria, which shows a strong correlation with the biomass of cyanobacteria. The objective of this research is to develop a simple, remote sensing reflectance-based spectral band ratio model for the estimation of phycocyanin concentration, optimized for the waters of the Baltic Sea. The study was performed using hyperspectral remote sensing reflectance data and reference pigment concentration obtained in the optically complex coastal waters of the Baltic Sea, where cyanobacteria bloom occur regularly every summer, often causing severe damages. The presented two-band model shows good estimation results, with root-mean-square error (RMSE) 0.26 and determination coefficient (R2) 0.73. Moreover, no correlation with chlorophyll a concentration is observed, which makes it accurate in predicting cyanobacterial abundance in the presence of other chlorophyll-containing phytoplankton groups as well as for the waters with high colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) concentration. The developed model was also adapted to spectral bands of the recently launched Sentinel-3 Ocean and Land Color Imager (OLCI) radiometer, and the estimation accuracy was comparable (RMSE = 0.28 and R2 = 0.69). The presented model allows frequent, large-scale monitoring of cyanobacteria biomass and it can be an effective tool for the monitoring and management of coastal regions.
Energy‐requiring uptake of prostasomes and PC3 cell‐derived exosomes into non‐malignant and malignant cells
Authors: Ronquist Karl Göran , Sanchez Claire , Dubois Louise , Chioureas Dimitris , Fonseca Pedro , Larsson Anders , Ullén Anders , Yachnin Jeffrey , Ronquist Gunnar , Panaretakis Theocharis
Published: March 2016

Epithelial cells lining the prostate acini release, in a regulated manner (exocytosis), nanosized vesicles called prostasomes that belong to the exosome family. Prostate cancer cells have preserved this ability to generate and export exosomes to the extracellular space. We previously demonstrated that human prostasomes have an ATP‐forming capacity. In this study, we compared the capacity of extracellular vesicles (EVs) to generate ATP between normal seminal prostasomes and exosomes secreted by PC3 cells (PC3 exosomes), a prostate cancer cell line. Proteomic analyses identified enzymes of the glycolytic chain in both prostasomes and PC3 exosomes, and we found that both of them were capable of generating ATP when supplied with substrates. Notably, the net production of extracellular ATP was low for prostasomes due to a high ATPase activity contrary to an elevated net ATP level for PC3 exosomes because of their low ATPase activity. The uptake of the 2 types of EVs by normal prostate epithelial cells (CRL2221) and prostate cancer cells (PC3) was visualized and measured, demonstrating differential kinetics. Interestingly, this uptake was dependent upon an ongoing glycolytic flux involving extracellular ATP formation by EVs and/or intracellular ATP produced from the recipient cells. We conclude that the internalization of EVs into recipient cells is an energy‐requiring process also demanding an active V‐ATPase and the capacity of EVs to generate extracellular ATP may play a role in this process.
Pierre Dunoyer, peintre
Authors: Stalter Marcel-André
Published: March 2016

Marcel-André STALTER, Pierre Dunoyer, schilder.

De Franse schilder Pierre Dunoyer (1949) werd bekend in Parijs in 1978 in de groep van plastische opzoekingen JA NA PA. Deze groep heeft drie tentoonstellingen gehouden. Hij is de enige, bij de leden van deze groep (Bonnefoi, Mosta-Heirt, Semeraro, Vilmouth), die trouw blijft aan het schilderij dat hij als een fundamentele plaats bekijkt. Hij verwaarloost de erfenis van de hedendaagse abstractie van Newman tot Martin Barré, om zich toe te leggen op een nieuwe ekonomie van krachten binnen het schilderij : wit dat ailes bedekt, geometrische vormen, open en suggestief, enkele tinten (blauw, zwart, groen en geel) lange en brede penseels- trepen die het werk opbouwen en het doek verkennen.
De Vauban à Chaussard : heurts, circuits et compétition de modèles architecturaux allogènes et autochtones en terre flamande
Authors: Foussard Dominique
Published: March 2016

L'annexion à la France de la frange méridionale des anciens Pays-Bas entraîna affrontement et compétition entre le modèle français et le modèle baroque flamand. L'article étudie les diverses modalités de pénétration dans les zones périphériques des modèles picturaux et architecturaux (libre circulation, « exportation interne »). Dans le cas des Pays-Bas français l'urbanisme et surtout l'architecture religieuse constituèrent des poches de résistance au modèle français qui ne s'imposa vraiment que dans la deuxième moitié du XVIIIe s. Contant d'Ivry fut l'un des protagonistes majeurs de l'introduction du style français. L'église de Condé et l'hôpital de Valenciennes témoignent d'une synthèse féconde entre fond local et apports français. Dans le cas de la chapelle Saint-Vaast (Arras), la tradition flamande, en perte de vitesse, rejoint néanmoins certaines des options de l'architecte. Avec l'Hermitage, Chaussard semble clore la pénétration du modèle français en donnant une œuvre dont la dimension européenne dépasse les clivages nationaux.
Les débuts du Néoclassicisme à Amiens (1761-1778)
Authors: Foucart-Borville Jacques
Published: March 2016

Le néoclassicisme à Amiens connait trois réussites : le quartier Stengel, 1767, par le parisien connu Oudot de Maclaurin, disciple du néogrec talentueux Barreau de Chefdeville, l'intendance (actuelle Préfecture), 1777, par un autre Parisien mort jeune, Louis Demontigny, enfin la façade du Théâtre, 1778 par celui qui sera jusqu'à sa mort (1801), le grand architecte — décorateur néoclassique de la région, Jean Rousseau de Saumur, lauréat de l'Ecole des Ponts et Chaussées. Par contre, l'originale folie de Lamotte-Brebière, par le même, date, non pas de 1770, mais de 1798.
Réflexions sur l'ancienne maison rurale du Tournaisis.
Authors: Génicot Luc-Francis
Published: March 2016

La maison paysanne du Tournaisis est demeurée fidèle, jusqu'à la fin du siècle dernier, à une logique constructive fort ancienne. Elle répète inlassablement la même structure de base, issue de la juxtaposition de trois modules reproduisant la « cage » primitive de la construction en bois. Le plus étonnant est que cette structure « archaïsante » a résisté aux innovations technologiques et habitatives du XIXe siècle.
Les nécropoles du sud-ouest de Bavay d'après les fouilles de Maurice Hénault
Authors: Loridant Frédéric
Published: March 2016

Au début de ce siècle, Maurice Hénault, archiviste de la ville de Valenciennes surveilla les travaux de terrassement effectués dans les sablières situées au sud-ouest de la ville de Bavay. Lui et ses collaborateurs ont découvert et relevé un grand nombre de structures (habitats, ateliers et tombes). Les notes qu'il a laissées, permettent d'esquisser la topographie antique de ce secteur de la ville. On s'est uniquement intéressé dans cette étude aux sépultures datées pour les premières du Ier siècle et pour les dernières de la fin du IVe siècle au moins.
Evaluation archéologique à la «Cité d'Angoulême», pâture Mandron-Peyron à Bavay
Authors: Duflot Laurent
Published: March 2016

Le terrain Mandron-Peyron est situé au nord-ouest de la ville, à proximité du forum, entre les voies antiques Bavay-Tournai (RN 49) et Bavay-Blicquy (CD 24 ). L'importante superficie (2 ha) laissée à l'investigation archéologique donne l'occasion unique de mieux connaître l'habitat gallo-romain et surtout de préciser l'ancienne organisation spatiale de la trame urbaine bavaisienne.

Le décapage a dégagé la couche d'abandon de l'ancienne «Cité d'Angoulême» sur 0,60 m de profondeur en moyenne et a mis à jour un cardo ainsi qu'un decumanus et un diverticulum, constitués d'un cailloutis de calcaire bleu. Le decumanus, au sud de la pâture, se présente sous la forme de deux chaussées parallèles séparées par un égoût voûté ; il n'a pas été possible d'observer le moindre recouvrement de ce dernier par le cailloutis des chaussées. Comme à Amiens, mais avec d'autres matériaux, un trottoir en dalles de calcaire bleu, abrité par un portique, bordait le côté nord du decumanus.

Parmi les nombreuses structures retrouvées on peut signaler : trois hypocaustes, dont un avait conservé toutes ses pilettes (6), un départ d'arc de voûte d'une cave en opus mixtum (constitué de briques et de moellons) contrebuté par un empilement de quatre dés en calcaire bleu, et plus spectaculairement une grande cave de plan trapézoïdal. Ses murs en opus mixtum ont été systématiquement arasés dès l'Antiquité jusqu'à la première arase de brique. Avant cette récupération des matériaux, elle a connu une réorganisation architecturale de l'espace intérieur : une entrée a été percée dans le mur occidental et au moins trois pilastres et un pilier central ont été rajoutés. Il n'est pas superflu de rappeler que dans ce secteur le chanoine H. Biévelet avait fouillé en 1942 un bâtiment similaire pourvu d'un hypocauste.

Cette étude n'a été entreprise qu'au stade d'évaluation archéologique et il serait dommage qu'elle en restât là. L'occasion de fouiller sur une large échelle l'habitat gallo-romain de l'ancienne Bagacum est à saisir dès à présent.
Trésor d'antoniniens découvert à Bavay en 1990. (avec une note de Frédéric Loridant
Authors: Delmaire Roland , Loridant Frédéric
Published: March 2016

Découvert par F. Loridant au cours de fouilles à la Terre à trois coins, ce trésor — le 13e trésor sûr trouvé à Bavay — comprend 1 290 antoniniens, plus quelques autres brisés ou effrités, d'Elagabale à Trébonien Galle, émis à Rome et à Antioche, parmi lesquels quelques variantes intéressantes. La carte de répartition des trésors ayant le même terminus montre une concentration dans le nord et l'est de la Gaule, mais il est possible que l'enfouissement soit plus tardif que l'an 253 et doive être reporté au moment des menaces d'invasions germaniques vers 256.
Une verrerie céphalomorphe provenant de la nécropole du Vieil-Atre à Boulogne-sur-Mer (Pas-de-Calais)
Authors: Belot Eric , Canut Véronique
Published: March 2016

Les collections de verreries boulonnaises, qui comptent parmi les plus importantes des musées français, comme le stipulait explicitement Morin-Jean dans sa synthèse sur le verre romain parue en 1913, sont tombées dans l'oubli depuis la Première Guerre mondiale. Avant d'en produire un inventaire systématique, nous en présentons une pièce importante, qui mérite tout particulièrement d'être portée à la connaissance des spécialistes et du public. Il s'agit d'une verrerie soufflée dans un moule en forme de tête, qui fut mise au jour à Boulogne-sur-Mer en novembre 1888 à l'issue des fouilles pratiquées par Lelaurain dans la nécropole gallo-romaine du «Vieil-Atre», et qui appartient depuis lors aux collections municipales d'archéologie (Château-Musée de Boulogne, n° inventaire 4045/5). L'étude comparative nous amène à chercher les parallèles à ce type de réalisation artisanale essentiellement dans la Rhénanie du IVe siècle de notre ère. Elle témoigne des rapports existant au Bas-Empire entre Boulogne et les centres de Gaule de l'est et de Germanie, ainsi que d'une façon plus générale de la vitalité du site durant l'Antiquité Tardive, en conformité avec les données issues des fouilles récemment pratiquées à Boulogne et sur plusieurs sites du Nord/ Pas-de-Calais, qui montrent que le Bas-Empire n'a pas été en Gaule septentrionale l'époque de déclin irrémissible que l'on a trop souvent voulu y retrouver.
La survie du livret ouvrier au début du XXe siècle
Authors: Baudelet Isabelle
Published: March 2016

Men analyseert hier de afspraken en kartels vanuit drie invalshoeken : het samenvallen met andere vormen van juridisch toelaatbare ekonomische concentraties, de verschillende vormen van functioneren en de verspreiding als bijdrage tot de interpretatie van dit procès. In Duitsland legaliseert de ordon- natie van Stresemann (1923) een bestaande praktijk. In Frankrijk moet men wachten tot 1926 voor een herziening van het verbod op de kartels. In het begin van de XXe eeuw wijzen veranderingen van het functioneren van kartels in de richting van een monopolie. Op het gebied van de interpretatie moet men de roi van het patronaat bepalen, de toestand van de markt, de technologie en de investeringen. Hoe verhouden kartels zich ten overstaan van het libéralisme ? Zij zijn er niet noodzakelijk op gericht de concurrentie uit te schakelen, maar kunnen meer middelen genereren, in verband met de organisatie van export, van gemeenschappelijk onderzoek, kapitaalsverhoging en de functie van drukkingsgroep. Kartels zijn zo niet noodzakelijk in tegenspraak met het libéralisme, maar versterken het soms.
Cail, constructeur de locomotives
Authors: Callite Anne
Published: March 2016

In 1845 probeert de firma Cail een nieuwe markt te veroveren, die van het spoor. Men begint lokomotieven te bouwen, eerst het type Clapeyron, dan de mythisch geworden Cramptons. De zaken draaien goed ; van 1845 tot 1952 worden duizenden stoomlokoomotieven gebouwd in de Parijse werkplaatsen Le Chaillot en Grenelle en in het noorden te Denain. Er waren nochtans voort- durend moeilijkheden te wijten aan de zware concurrentie tussen de spoorweg- maatschappijen, de voornaamste klanten. Zo komt het dat bij aile aktiviteit en vakkennis steeds financiëele problemen ontstonden die de technische evolutie, de oorlogen en fusies nog erger maakten. Het ontstaan van de electrische voortbeweging bracht Cail er tenslotte toe over te schakelen naar de markt van de metallurgie.
Entre familles et managers : les grandes firmes de commerce de détail en France depuis 1945
Authors: Chadeau Emmanuel
Published: March 2016

Nearly all the major retail firms in France are daughters of the «Thirty Boom Years», even though their past and the families of their founders — nearly always from the provinces — are ancient. They first experienced a high rate of growth (1950-1973) then a more irregular one (1973 to these days), they created complex organizations, sometimes on an international scale. The goal of this article is then to try and understand which strategies they have developed in order to change dimensions while keeping for a long time a family-type management and which conditions and regulations have governed, when the case arose, the transition from family management to the "managerial" stage.
Les incertitudes de l'évolution agricole : problèmes régionaux et généraux
Authors: Allart Marie-Christine
Published: March 2016

Sedert het einde van de Tweede Wereldoorlog stond de landbouw in de Pas- de-Calais in het teken van modernisering en ontwikkeling, maar het behaalde resultaat is teleurstellend, rekening houdend met de roputatie van een rijk landbouwgebied. Een relatieve achteruitgang is te wijten aan de diversificatie van de produktie en aan de afwezigheid van een goede begeleiding. Vanaf de jaren '80 werden de moeilijkheden van de landbouwers die een echte inspan- ning gedaan hadden om te evolueren nog verhoogd door de veranderingen van de gemeenschappelijke landbouwpolitiek. Het département beschikt nochtan over heel wet troeven die de landbouworganisaties proberen uit te spelen.
SHOCK BREAKOUT DRIVEN BY THE REMNANT OF A NEUTRON STAR BINARY MERGER: AN X-RAY PRECURSOR OF MERGERNOVA EMISSION
Authors: Li Shao-Ze , Yu Yun-Wei
Published: March 2016

A supra-massive neutron star (NS) spinning extremely rapidly could survive from a merger of an NS-NS binary. The spin-down of this remnant NS that is highly magnetized could power the isotropic merger ejecta to produce a bright mergernova emission in the ultraviolet/optical bands. Before the mergernova, the early interaction between the NS wind and the ejecta could drive a forward shock propagating outward into the ejecta. As a result, a remarkable amount of heat can be accumulated behind the shock front and the final escape of this heat could produce a shock breakout emission. We describe the dynamics and thermal emission of this shock with a semi-analytical model. It is found that a few hours after the merger, by leading the mergernova emission as a precursor, sharp and luminous breakout emission appears mainly in soft X-rays, with a luminosity of

. Therefore, the detection of such an X-ray precursor could provide evidence for identifying NS-powered mergernovae and distinguishing them from radioactivity-powered novae (i.e., kilonovae or macronovae). The discovery of NS-powered mergernovae could finally help to confirm the gravitational wave signals due to the mergers and the existence of supra-massive NSs.
DISTRIBUTION OF QUASAR HOSTS ON THE GALAXY MAIN SEQUENCE PLANE
Authors: Zhang Zhoujian , Shi Yong , Rieke George H. , Xia Xiaoyang , Wang Yikang , Sun Bingqing , Wan Linfeng
Published: March 2016

The relation between star formation rates (SFRs) and stellar masses, i.e., the galaxy main sequence, is a useful diagnostic of galaxy evolution. We present the distributions relative to the main sequence of 55 optically selected PG and 12 near-IR-selected Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) quasars at z ≤ 0.5. We estimate the quasar host stellar masses from Hubble Space Telescope or ground-based AO photometry, and the SFRs through the mid-infrared aromatic features and far-IR photometry. We find that PG quasar hosts more or less follow the main sequence defined by normal star-forming galaxies while 2MASS quasar hosts lie systematically above the main sequence. PG and 2MASS quasars with higher nuclear luminosities seem to have higher specific SFRs (sSFRs), although there is a large scatter. No trends are seen between sSFRs and SMBH masses, Eddington ratios, or even morphology types (ellipticals, spirals, and mergers). Our results could be placed in an evolutionary scenario with quasars emerging during the transition from ULIRGs/mergers to ellipticals. However, combined with results at higher redshift, they suggest that quasars can be widely triggered in normal galaxies as long as they contain abundant gas and have ongoing star formation.
Fabrication of Bionic Linear Actuator and Application Study Based on 3D Printing
Authors: Zhao Gang , Sun Zhuang Zhi , Li Ling Li , Ge Yang
Published: March 2016

In this manuscript, a bionic linear actuator was developed base on the ionic actuator: ionicpolymer metal composites, and the mainly fabrication method was presented in the currentinvestigation. Subsequently, a bionic robot was developed using 3D printing technique to fabricatethe skeleton structure and the presented Bi-IPMC(assembled by two segmented IPMC strip) linearactuator as the driving power. After a mathematical model of bionic robot, a experimented bionicrobot was manufactured to investigate. The results founded that our bionic robot behaved a maximumbounce height arrived at 22mm under applied 5V direct current, and the bounce height can keep onthe values of 18mm over the applied voltage of 4V.
Foot Morphological Difference between Habitually Unshod Runners and Shod Runners through Inverse Modelling
Authors: Wang Li Ping , Mei Qi Chang , Gu Yao Dong , Shu Yang , Fernandez Justin
Published: March 2016

With the increasing popularity of barefoot running, the difference of foot morphology between habitually unshod runners and shod runners is becoming one concern leading to running injuries. The purpose of this study was to analyze the foot skeletal morphological characteristics between habitually unshod runner and shod runner through inverse modelling. A total of eight subjects, including four habitually unshod runners and four habitually shod runners participated in the Computed Tomography (CT) foot scanning test and Mimics was utilized to rebuild foot model and the Inter-Metatarsal Angle (IMA), Metatarsal-Phalangeal Angle (MPA), and Inter-Phalangeal Distance (IPD) were measured to illustrate the morphology difference. The results showed that the Inter-Phalangeal Distance and Inter-Metatarsal Angle of unshod runners were obviously bigger than those of habitually shod feet. And the difference of Inter-Metatarsal Angle between unshod runner and shod runner was also distinct. Not only can this finding be proven of foot morphology variations, but also it can confirm the development of nature foot from unshod running to shod running.
FTIR Investigation of Rotational Spectra and Structural Change due to Deuterium Exchange in Bio-Molecule
Authors: Dutta Arup , Sarkar Aloke Kumar
Published: March 2016

This paper summarizes research on infrared absorption spectrum of gum Arabica, a Bio-material. The frequency shift due to deuterium exchange in gum Arabica molecule and rotational spectrum of bio-molecules are estimated from the measured data of FTIR spectra. The obtained shift of the characteristics frequency caused due to deuterium exchange in the –OH bond of gum Arabica. Normally two major region in the IR spectrum of a molecule are the functional group region ( 7000 cm-1 to 1500 cm-1) it includes the X-H stretching region and finger print region ( 1500 cm-1 to 350 cm-1). The mentioned region is very important in bio-molecular dynamics and it may provide much relevant information about the internal motion of the molecule and is related bio-molecular function in living systems. The change in molecular structure, of the constituent bio-molecules of Gum Arabica, due deuterium exchange is directly determined from analysis of FTIR spectrum in functional group region. The rotational constants as well as the ground state rotational energy levels are estimated from analysis of FTIR spectrum of the experimental specimens. A map of quantum energy levels of the bio-molecule has been extracted from this present FTIR analysis.
Thermal Conductivity Analysis and Characterization of Copper Oxide Nanofluids through Different Techniques
Authors: Nallusamy S.
Published: March 2016

The aim of this research is to analyse the thermal conductivity of copper oxide (CuO) nanofluids. In the present study CuO nanofluids were prepared using a new method of wet chemical method and the testing was carried out by various techniques. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) pattern was used to determine the crystal structure and the average crystallite size of the CuO nanofluids. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were used to study the morphology and the particle size. Similarly Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) was used to estimate the size of the CuO nanofluids. Finally UV-Visible absorption spectrum was used to measure the optical property of the CuO nanofluids. The thermal conductivity of CuO nanofluids was analyzed using KD2 Pro thermal property analyzer and concludes that the thermal conductivity is increased with the increase of particle loading.
Role of Collagen Concentration in Stability of Star-Shaped Silver@Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Nguyen Thi Phuong Phong , Nguyen Minh Tien , Nguyen Dai Hai
Published: March 2016

In this report, star-shaped silver@gold (Ag@Au) nanoparticles were synthesized in collagen (Coll) suspensions by a seeding growth approach. The silver nanoparticles were used as seeds for Au development. Coll was used as a protecting agent and the effect of its concentration on stability was also examined. Obtained nanoparticles were then characterized by UV-Vis, TEM, XRD and FTIR. The result was confirmed by the maximum surface plasmon resonance peak at 566-580 nm for each sample indicating the formation of branched Ag@Au@Coll NPs. The average diameters of the branched Ag@Au@Coll NPs were revealed to be 30-50 nm depending on the corresponding component ratio and the pH value. It is interesting to note that the concentration of Coll plays a critical role in the stability of the star-shaped gold nanoparticles. The results offer an understanding of the handling of the electronic and the silver@gold based nanoparticles stability properties.
Bromelain Encapsulated in Self Assembly Nanoemulsion Exhibits Better Debridement Effect in Animal Model of Burned Skin
Authors: Rachmawati Heni , Sulastri Evi , Immaculata Iwo Maria , Safitri Dewi , Rahma Annisa
Published: March 2016

Bromelain is a mixture of proteolytic enzymes presence in all tissues of pineapple (Ananas comosus). It is known for clinical use as debridement for burn treatment. However, it is easily degraded by light, high temperature and pH. Nanoemulsion of bromelain is promising to increase its stability. In this study, we investigated the nanoemulsion of bromelain and its formulation into gel preparation in order to increase its efficacy for the burn treatment. Spontaneous or self-nanoemulsifying was applied to form nanoemulsion of bromelain (NEB). Bromelain was incorporated in various types of oil phase i.e virgin coconut oil (VCO), olive oil, vitamin E acetate and combination of both vitamin E acetate and VCO. Cremophor RH 40 was used together with polyethyleneglycol 400 to reduce oil-water interface tension. The stability of NEB in different oil phases was evaluated including particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, enzymatic activity and nanoemulsion morphology. Further, the most stable NEB was incorporated into hydrophilic gel matrix. An in vivo evaluation was carried out in hot plate-induced burn skin of New Zealand rabbit. Treatment of wounds was given by applying the preparations: NEB and the nanoemulsion bromelain-CMC gel (GKNB), using a standard protocol. As a control, untreated rabbit burned skin was provided. The efficacy of NEB was evaluated by observing wound contraction, eschar score, erythemic score, pus score and edema. After 14 days of storage, nanoemulsion using vitamin E acetate was found to be the most appropriate formula to encapsulate bromelain with good physical and chemical stabilities. This formula shows clear visual appearance with globule diameter of 74.37 nm, narrow size distribution, high loading efficiency of 97.96 %, and ability to maintain the enzymatic activity of bromelain compared to gel preparation using corresponding bromelain nanoemulsion. The vitamin E acetate nanoemulsion system shows better reduction in wound contraction until the 14th day of observation as well as other relevant parameters for wound healing effects. Taken together, bromelain formulated with the vitamin E acetate nanoemulsion improved the stability of bromelain and showed better activity to heal burnt skin on the animal model tested. The gel matrix retained the release of bromelain resulting in lower wound healing effect but it may have prolonged activity.
Novel Direct Synthesis of Mesoporous Tin Dioxide Network Intact up to 500 °C
Authors: Aqeel Tariq , Greer Heather F. , Zhou Wu Zong , Bruce Duncan W. , Bumajdad Ali
Published: March 2016

We present a direct soft templating method to synthesise mesoporous tin dioxide network that maintains a porous structure after calcination at 400 °C and 500 °C and has a relatively high BET surface area of 220 and 100 m2 g-1, respectively. TEM, BET and XRD results confirm that both crystal and pore sizes increase as a result of increasing the temperatures during the calcination step. This method is highly reproducible.
Size Controlled Synthesis of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles by Ascorbic Acid Mediated Reduction of Fe(acac)3 without Using Capping Agent
Authors: Nene Ajinkya G. , Takahashi Makoto , Wakita Koichi , Umeno Masayoshi
Published: March 2016

Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by ascorbic acid mediated reduction of Fe (acac)3, without using any intentionally added capping agent. Fine tuning of synthesis parameters such as dropping rate of ascorbic acid solution, addition temperature, reflux temperature and time, and concentration of reactants have yielded nanoparticles of size 15±4 nm. Synthesis is observed to be highly reproducible. Possible mechanism for growth of Fe3O4 nanoparticles is suggested. Nanoparticles are characterized for their size, crystallinity and crystal structure, elemental analysis for impurities (if any), and presence of any additional oxide phases – by SEM and TEM, XRD, EDAX and XPS spectroscopy, respectively.
Factors influencing pricing in the accommodation sector in South Africa
Authors: Du Plessis Engelina , Saayman Mellville
Published: March 2016

Price is a significant factor of competitiveness. Price is a complex issue and is determined by a variety of demand and supply factors. These factors also differ from industry to industry. The purpose of this article is to determine the factors that influence pricing in the South African accommodation sector. In order to generate proper data, a survey was conducted at various South African accommodation establishments that were obtained from the databases of the three major associations in the accommodation sector. Two-hundred and forty seven questionnaires completed by managers from accommodation establishments were used in this research. Principal component factor analyses with Varimax rotation in STATISTICA were carried out. These resulted in ten factors, namely environmental qualities, amenities, image, management factor, positioning, quality service factor, infrastructure service factor, location, marketing and product quality factor. The results revealed that the major factors in pricing are service quality, image and product quality. Consequently this article can be used to assist managers in pricing and in obtaining a better competitive position in the industry by revising management structures and marketing campaigns.

Keywords and phrases: Tourism industry, price competitiveness, service quality, image, product quality, entrepreneur and factor analysis
Guidance for SMEs with the adoption of technology: A conceptual framework
Authors: Steyn Riana , Leonard Awie
Published: March 2016

When starting up a new small or medium sized company, it is crucial to understand what the requirements are in terms of Information and communication technologies (ICT). Bentellis and Boufaïsa (2008) note that over the last twenty years the markets have been changing fast, which has led to the evolution of the business environment. In many instances companies cannot keep up with the change occurring in the ICT arena. Entering the market as a small competitor, you need to ensure that you implement ICT that will support your business strategies. This paper presents the findings of a qualitative research study done to determine how SMEs cope with the adoption of technology. The paper explores the typical problems and challenges faced by SMEs, within South Africa, with regard to ICT and propose a conceptual framework to support managers in their decision making on ICT implementation. As such, this framework supports them in choosing the relevant technology, as well as supporting them with the effective application of the chosen technologies.

KEY WORDS: Adoption, Information communications Technology (ICT), skills, small to medium organisations (SME), Technology
Business development challenges in a rural District Municipality in South Africa: A case of Fezile Dabi District Municipality
Authors: Pooe R , Mafini C
Published: March 2016

Business development continues to be an important driver of economic growth in many rural settings. Some of the results of business development in rural areas include job creation, innovation, entrepreneurship, infrastructural development, and skills development, among others. Many developing countries have identified rural business development as a critical area in their development agenda. The purpose of this study was to explore business development challenges faced by enterprises in the Fezile Dabi District Municipality in rural South Africa. Using the survey method, a questionnaire was administered to a purposive sample composed of 143 business owners and managers located within the municipality. Data were assessed for frequencies and percentages on each item in the questionnaire. In addition, Cronbach’s coefficient alpha was used to test the reliability of the scale. The findings of the study indicate that there are gaps in four areas, namely, markets and business development (1), labour supply (2), business planning (3) and the local operational environment (4). These gaps hinder business growth in the municipality. Establishment of business incubators, improvement of networking between business leaders, and the implementation of an appropriate business retention and expansion program are some of the strategies that may be implemented to eliminate the identified gaps.

Keywords: Business development, district municipality, economic growth, small to medium enterprises
The use of marketing strategies by Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises in rural KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Lekhanya Lawrence Mpele , Mason Roger B
Published: March 2016

This paper examines the use of marketing strategies by Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) in rural areas and identifies how they are limited by various internal and external factors. The study aimed to determine whether rural SMMEs have formal marketing strategies, the factors that constrain their marketing activities, their understanding of what marketing entails and the marketing communications techniques that they use. The study was conducted in rural KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), using a survey method. The sample consisted of 374 SMME owners/managers, selected using quota sampling, with respondents completing a questionnaire with the assistance of an interviewer. The results of the research revealed that marketing knowledge and expertise is lacking, with limited use of marketing strategies by the rural SMMEs. The paper will benefit SMME marketers by assisting them to better understand the marketing tactics to use, dependent on the nature of their environment. Most work on SMME marketing has concentrated on urban entrepreneurial marketing, with little emphasis on marketing strategies used in rural areas. Findings were limited by the study’s exploratory nature and the small sample. Further research with larger samples and the consideration of other provinces is recommended.

Keywords – Marketing strategy, Rural, Marketing tactics, South Africa, SMME, KZN
The prospects of making small retail outlets in the Townships aggressively competitive
Authors: Lebusa Malefane Johannes
Published: March 2016

Historically, township Small Retail Outlets were mostly established for survival and operated under a generally closed market system where the competition was not very strong. However, with the advent of democracy many people lost their formal income through retrenchments and out of desperation, many of these people opened Small Retail Outlets thus most of the existing and new entrants into the township market were unskilled or semiskilled labourers with little or no formal skills in business or entrepreneurship. Such efforts were rarely guided by any specific and informed strategy of identifying and exploiting a gap in the market. With the consolidation of the free market system under democracy, big brand businesses such as Shoprite Checkers and Small Retail Outlets of foreign nationals with different strategies entered and competed in this township market. With fewer formal skills in business and entrepreneurship, the owners of the Small Retail Outlets struggled to compete and thrive under these relatively new economic conditions. Given this situation, I conducted semi-structured interviews with fifteen of these traditional Small Retail Outlets to find out and better understand the challenges they face and the skills that might be needed to aggressively compete in this space. Based on these findings and understandings, I further examined these issues and suggest infusions of specific entrepreneurship skills that could develop their aggressive competitiveness.

Keywords: entrepreneurship, competitiveness, small retail outlets, shopping complexes, innovation
Audiology, Entrepreneurship and Innovation: A perspective on private practice
Authors: Antonites Alex , Ross Annemarie
Published: March 2016

Objective: This paper investigates the correlation and contact points between entrepreneurship as a discipline and the profession of audiology. The research focuses on specific areas of entrepreneurship (e.g. innovation as an entrepreneurial skill) and the impact it has on audiology private practices as key role players in the biotechnology industry.

Design: This study used a two-stage research design comprising of an exploratory study and a formal study to survey the entrepreneurial and business skills of audiologists as entrepreneurs in private practice.

Findings: The findings describe severe deficiencies - specifically the business and entrepreneurial skill sets of the professional audiologist as an entrepreneur. The mind-set of the audiologist is not that of an entrepreneur, but rather of a small business owner. A lack of self-confidence to be creative, take risks, and identify new opportunities or innovate in terms of products, process and services was found. Audiologists are not necessarily concerned about the creation of employment, or the growth and profitability of their practices. Autonomy and security are the primary objectives of most practice owners.

Keywords: Innovation, Entrepreneurs, Women Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurship, Audiology, Biotechnology
Critical success factors of Indian Entrepreneurs
Authors: Antonites Alex , Govindasamy Thiloshini
Published: March 2016

This research seeks to explore the critical success factors that influence the success of Indian small business owners in the largest metropolitan area in South Africa. To achieve this, the objective of the study was to confirm whether there are significant differences between a successful and less successful group of business owners in terms of general management skills, personal characteristics, and entrepreneurial orientation and financing of the business. Through analysing secondary evidence and empirical results it was possible to facilitate a better understanding of how Indian entrepreneurs operating in small and medium enterprises sustain success, thus contributing to the body of knowledge relating to entrepreneurship development in the domain of entrepreneurship. From the literature it became clear that cultural dimensions have an impact on the entrepreneurial process. The arrival of Indians in South Africa has contributed to a unique Indian culture. The characteristics that describe ethnic entrepreneurs and success factors attributed to their success are described. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are crucial for the development of any country as they offer benefits of economic growth and employment generation. The success factors to sustain SMEs are also described. The findings of the study indicate that there are no significant differences between the comparable groups in relation to management skills and finance factors. There are, however, significant differences relating to personal factors, such as the level of education, family support and experience. Finally, an important learning is that the Indian entrepreneurs in this study are similar to ethnic entrepreneurs reviewed in literature. The study was conducted in Tshwane, the largest metropolitan area in South Africa, and amongst the largest in the world.

Keywords: Culture, ethnic entrepreneurship, Indian entrepreneurship, critical success factors, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), successful SMEs.
Entrepreneurship traits of Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) students
Authors: Van der Lingen Elma , Van Niekerk Gerhard
Published: March 2016

Entrepreneurship studies and education courses have increased significantly with the realisation of its importance for economic growth. Entrepreneurship courses are no longer only lectured by business schools, economical and management sciences, but also in natural science and engineering departments. The aim of this study is to determine the enterprising tendency of science, engineering and technology (SET) students with the General Enterprising Tendency (GET) test developed by Dr Caird. The SET students have an enterprising tendency above average indicative that they are likely to be enterprising in some way, but most likely through intrapreneurship by being part of a group within a corporate environment. The first degree (BEng, BSc and BTech) of the SET students appear to have no influence on their enterprising tendency. The male students have a higher enterprising tendency than the females, and the BTech males revealed a significantly higher need for autonomy than BTech females. The White students have a higher tendency for the entrepreneurial traits such as “need for autonomy”, “calculated risk taking” and “internal local of control”, whereas the Black students have a higher “need for achievement”. The future aim with continuing this study will be to structure technopreneurship courses in order to provide more effective training for SET students.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship, traits, tendencies, technopreneurs, science students, engineering students, technology students, SET students, gender, ethnical group, GET test

 
The Law Faculty of the NWU Potchefstroom Campus celebrates its half Centenary
Authors: Gouws HS (Lennie)
Published: March 2016

The Law Faculty of the North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, is celebrating its half centenary in 2015, having been founded in 1965. Law subjects were first introduced in 1932 after the Senate had decided on 11 November 1931 to accept the recommendations of a commission which had to examine the possibilities of adding law subjects for the BA degree. The newly found Law Faculty held its first meeting on 4 August 1965.
Die Effek van 'n Voorlopige Sekwestrasiebevel – Word my Reg om 'n Lid van die Parlement te wees ingeperk?
Authors: Stander AL
Published: March 2016

The question asked in this article is inspired by the recent case of Mr Julius Malema. Why the matter is so important and has enjoyed so much attention, is the fact that it was widely suggested that a final order of sequestration would affect Mr Malema's political career in that it would not be possible for him to continue to serve as Member of Parliament. The question that immediately comes to the fore is whether the provisional order of sequestration would not already result in such an outcome. As stipulated by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, an unrehabilitated insolvent may not become a member of the National Assembly, National Council of Provinces, or a Provincial Legislator. Do the words "unrehabilitated insolvent" also include a person who is under provisional sequestration? The purpose of this article is to investigate the effect of a provisional order of sequestration and the focus will be on the ability of an insolvent to act as a Member of Parliament. The legal position in the South African law will be compared with the legal position in the United States of America – which is, with regard to the insolvency law, recognized as a very successful, modern, progressive and dynamic legal system. Voluminous changes to the American bankruptcy law system, to adapt to current practical situations and the current economic climate, have been effected as recently as in 2005. Brief reference will also be made to the legal position in the United Kingdom, due to South Africa's historical ties with the UK and the reliance in the past on the English insolvency law and the Bankruptcy Act, 1986.
Riglyne vir die Hersiening van Omgewingsverwante Wetgewing ter Verwesenliking van die Reg op Toegang tot Voldoende Voedsel
Authors: Snyman I , Gildenhuys A
Published: March 2016

The development of legislation for the progressive realisation of the right to access to sufficient food is labelled as an international and national objective. Section 27(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 assigns a compulsory mandate to the South African government to take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to achieve the progressive realisation of the right to access to sufficient food. The United Nations' Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) proposes a three-level strategy for the implementation of the right to food on a national legislative level, namely through: constitutional recognition, the implementation of a food framework law and the reviewing of relevant sectoral legislation. This contribution focuses on the last level of legislative provisioning, namely the reviewing of relevant sectoral legislation which influences, or possibly can, influence the realisation of the right to access to sufficient food. The right to access to sufficient food has multidimensional, interdisciplinary and crosssectoral characteristics and consequently various sectors are involved in the realisation of the right to access to sufficient food. The FAO determines that the intended purpose will be to identify and review all sectoral legislation that might influence the availability, stability, access and adequacy of food, by means of a proposed reviewing process. The suggested reviewing process of the FAO is comprehensive and diverse; therefore the focus of this contribution is based on the reviewing of relevant environmental-related legislation only. The FAO does not make recommendations with regard to the specific aspects that need to be incorporated in environmental-related legislation to contribute to the progressive realisation of the right to access to sufficient food (in other words the aspects against which environmental-related legislation can be evaluated). Therefore this contribution contains compiled guidelines that can be used to review environmental-related legislation.
Valuation in the Constitutional Era
Authors: Du Plessis WJ
Published: March 2016

The Constitution brought about a new compensation regime for expropriations. Compensation for expropriation must now be "just and equitable". Whereas before the Constitution came into force market value played a central role in compensation for expropriation, market value is now only one factor or aspect of compensation that the court needs to take into account. Yet we find that courts tend to focus on market value and to still employ the valuation methods used to calculate market value. This article argues that the methods used to calculate the market value, once thought to be objective, are not as objective as was believed. While it is impossible to give judges specific tools for the assessment of market value, this article provides guidelines on how the calculation of compensation should be approached.