bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Governance of information technology in a complex economy
Authors: Prince Colin , De La Harpe Andre , Cronje Johannes
Published: November 2016

Globally, the energy sector is fast nearing a tipping point of no return, transitioning from fossil fuel to renewable energy. Business is turning to the IT department to leverage technology that will reduce organisational wide production and operational cost in a fast changing economy. The business expects the IT department to be innovative and build new IT competencies for a rapid response to the transition towards renewable energy. This study contributes new knowledge regarding the impact of management theory and approaches on the successful implementation of IT in the African Oil and Gas industry. The research shows that capabilities such as innovation and people competencies are growing in importance while IT leadership is becoming a critical role in supporting and delivering on the business objectives as enabler and transformational agent of business. Capabilities such as systems thinking, business acumen and interpersonal skills are key IT management competencies for transformation innovation leadership. Knowing the business needs, the IT department can provide integrated solutions that support the complete business value chain without exposing the business to a rigid IT structure. Remaining competitive, business-driven IT innovation is a vehicle for business to meet new realities. The research followed a multistage mixed-model design using the African Oil and Gas industry as case study.
Monetary conformation of the corporate governmentality II The monetary system and the privatization process
Authors: Rivera Vicencio Eduardo
Published: November 2016

The global governance of large corporations or corporate governmentality changed over time through the penetration of the economy in all aspects of society but which has shaped the monetary system as an integral part of corporate governmentality and which gave it a big push in the last forty years. The conformation of the monetary system and the introduction of the neoliberal model which brought about the private process and which started from the late seventies of the twentieth century and marked the turning point in the acceleration of wealth will be discussed in this document. The shaping of this accelerated private process would not have been possible without the establishment of the monetary system. These conformations are described through Foucault’s approach to power relations and its manifestations such as discourse, discipline, ethics and governmentality. This document uses the archaeological and genealogical method Foucaultian approach and therefore looks at historical, philosophical and economic aspects. The period covered in this document corresponds from the interwar period to the beginning of the 21st century in terms of monetary aspects that have influenced the formation of the monetary in the privatisation process and the effects of both on the economy.
Board of directors and corporate sustainability – outlining the effective profile of the board
Authors: Kostyuk Alexander , Kostyuk Helen , Shcherbak Anna
Published: December 2016

Sustainability is one of the most significant trends in financial markets for decades. Sustainability is where businesses should focus today in order to reach and maintain a leading position and have a long-term perspective. The paper investigated into the researchers view on the ways corporate sustainability should be embedment, specifically into the issues of interrelations of the company’s strategy and sustainability road, connection of corporate governance and corporate sustainability, into the roles of corporate governance agents in the sustainability integration. The paper highlighted the lack of specification of the roles for stakeholders involved, determined the importance of the future empirical investigation conduction and raised the important issues of the corporate sustainability and corporate governance correlation, which still have not been properly examined.
Using non-performing loan ratios as default rates in the estimation of credit losses and macroeconomic credit risk stress testing: A case from Turkey
Authors: Kucukkocaoglu Guray , Altintas Ayhan
Published: December 2016

In this study, inspired by the Credit Portfolio View approach, we intend to develop an econometric credit risk model to estimate credit loss distributions of Turkish Banking System under baseline and stress macro scenarios, by substituting default rates with non-performing loan (NPL) ratios. Since customer number based historical default rates are not available for the whole Turkish banking system’s credit portfolio, we used NPL ratios as dependent variable instead of default rates, a common practice for many countries where historical default rates are not available. Although, there are many problems in using NPL ratios as default rates such as underestimating portfolio losses as a result of totally non-homogeneous total credit portfolios and transferring non-performing loans to asset management companies from banks’ balance sheets, our aim is to underline and limit some ignored problems using accounting based NPL ratios as default rates in macroeconomic credit risk modeling. Developed models confirm the strong statistical relationship between systematic component of credit risk and macroeconomic variables in Turkey. Stress test results also are compatible with the past experiences.
Metallothionein Is Downstream of Nrf2 and Partially Mediates Sulforaphane Prevention of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Gu Junlian , Cheng Yanli , Wu Hao , Kong Lili , Wang Shudong , Xu Zheng , Zhang Zhiguo , Tan Yi , Keller Bradley B. , Zhou Honglan , Wang Yuehui , Xu Zhonggao , Cai Lu
Published: December 2016

We have reported that sulforaphane (SFN) prevented diabetic cardiomyopathy in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) animal models via the upregulation of nuclear transcription factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) and metallothionein (MT). In this study, we tested whether SFN protects the heart from T2DM directly through Nrf2, MT, or both. Using Nrf2-knockout (KO), MT-KO, and wild-type (WT) mice, T2DM was induced by feeding a high-fat diet for 3 months followed by a small dose of streptozotocin. Age-matched controls were given a normal diet. Both T2DM and control mice were then treated with or without SFN for 4 months by continually feeding a high-fat or normal diet. SFN prevented diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction as well as diabetes-associated cardiac oxidative damage, inflammation, fibrosis, and hypertrophy, with increases in Nrf2 and MT expressions in the WT mice. Both Nrf2-KO and MT-KO diabetic mice exhibited greater cardiac damage than WT diabetic mice. SFN did not provide cardiac protection in Nrf2-KO mice, but partially or completely protected the heart from diabetes in MT-KO mice. SFN did not induce MT expression in Nrf2-KO mice, but stimulated Nrf2 function in MT-KO mice. These results suggest that Nrf2 plays the indispensable role for SFN cardiac protection from T2DM with significant induction of MT and other antioxidants. MT expression induced by SFN is Nrf2 dependent, but is not indispensable for SFN-induced cardiac protection from T2DM.
Influence of Adhesive Type and Placement Technique on Postoperative Sensitivity in Posterior Composite Restorations
Authors: Costa TRF , Rezende M , Sakamoto A , Bittencourt B , Dalzochio P , Loguercio AD , Reis A
Published: November 2016

Purpose: This double blind, randomized clinical trial compared the postoperative sensitivity of the placement technique (incremental and bulk fill) in posterior composite resin restorations bonded with two different adhesive strategies (self-etch and etch-and-rinse).

Methods: Posterior dental cavities of 72 participants (n=236), with a cavity depth of at least 3 mm, were randomly divided into four groups. The restorations were bonded using either the etch-and-rinse Tetric N-Bond (Ivoclar Vivadent) or the self-etch Tetric N-Bond SE (Ivoclar Vivadent). The composite resin Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill (Ivoclar Vivadent) was placed either incrementally or using the bulk-fill technique. Two experienced and calibrated examiners evaluated the restorations using World Dental Federation criteria after one week of clinical service. Spontaneous postoperative sensitivity was assessed using a 0-4 numerical rating scale and a 0-10 and 0-100 visual analog scale up to 48 h after the restorative procedure and after one week.

Results: The risk (p>0.49) and intensity of spontaneous postoperative sensitivity (p>0.38) was not affected by the adhesive strategy or the filling technique. The overall risk of postoperative sensitivity was 20.3% (95% confidence interval 15.7-25.9) and typically occurred within 48 hours after the restorative procedure.

Conclusions: The overall risk of immediate postoperative sensitivity was 20.3% and was not affected by either the adhesive strategy (etch-and-rinse/self-etch) or the filling technique (incremental/ bulk).
Equatorial ionospheric plasma drifts velocities using radar observations
Authors: Chapagain Narayan P
Published: November 2016

This study presents the experimental results of the equatorial ionospheric plasma drift zonal velocity obtained from Incoherent Scatter Radar (ISR) observations for 6 selective days in 2011 from Jicamarca, Peru. Our results indicate that the daytime drifts are westward with peak values mostly below ~50 m/s, while the night time drifts velocities are eastward, with a maximum value up to 120 m/s at around local midnight hours. The drift velocity decreases during post-midnight hours and starts to reverse westward in early morning hours. Our plasma drifts results are in good agreement with results from previous radar studies and other measurement techniques. 

BIBECHANA 14 (2017)1-8
Effect of additional side groups on the vibrational frequencies of benzoquinone molecules
Authors: Raut Nabin Kumar , Lamichhane Hari Prasad
Published: November 2016

The present work enumerates detailed computational investigation into the IR spectra in gas phase and in solvent of 1, 4- Benzoquinone family (benzoquinone (BQ), duroquinone (DQ), plastoquinone (PQ), ubiquinone (UQ), and dimethoxy dimethyl benzoquinone (MQo)). In  the spectra of BQ, PQ, and DQ, we observed separate intense carbonyl (C=O) and C=C bands respectively around 1730 cm-1 (intense), 1645 cm-1 (weak). On the other hand, for UQ and MQo, three prominent bands around 1652, 1703, and 1733 cm-1 were observed, where two C=O modes were uncoupled but one of the carbonyl is strongly coupled with C=C vibrations. The additional methyl groups downshift the intense carbonyl bands and upshift C=C mode frequencies. The carbonyl modes further downshifted in the solvent phase calculation.BIBECHANA 14 (2017) 66-76
Micellization Behavior of Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide in	Presence and Absence of Na2SO4 and MgSO4 in Aqueous media
Authors: Adhikari Chom Nath , Shrivastav G S , Bhattarai Ajaya
Published: November 2016

Viscosity and surface tension measurements of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in presence and absence of Na2SO4 and MgSO4 in aqueous media are reported. The results showed an increase in viscosity with increase in concentration of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide in presence and absence of salts where as the decrease in surface tension with increase in concentration of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide in presence and absence of salts. The viscosity of CTAB was observed lowest in pure water and increases in presence of MgSO4 and then more increases in presence of Na2SO4 where as the surface tension of CTAB was observed highest in pure water and decreases in presence of Na2SO4 and then more decreases in presence of MgSO4.The critical micelle concentration (cmc) of CTAB decreases in presence of salts in both viscosity and surface tension measurements. The decreasing cmc of CTAB are found to be more in the presence of Na2SO4 in comparison with the presence of MgSO4 for both measurements. The graphs of viscosity versus log[C] and the surface tension versus log[C] are used in determining the critical micelle concentration (cmc).        BIBECHANA 14 (2017) 77-85
Primary Productivity of Phytoplankton of Mahakali River, Nepal
Authors: Mahasetha Vinod Kumar
Published: November 2016

Present paper describes primary productivity of Mahakali river at four stations. The two years mean of net primary production was 96.80 mgC/m3/day. The  net primary production value of Mahakali river was less due to the low water temperature and less phytoplanktonic growth. Two years mean value of gross primary production of Mahakali river was 176.29 mgC/m3/day, which is less than lentic water. It shows that the river is oligotrophic but developing a tendency as going towards mesotrophic.BIBECHANA 14 (2017) 98-102
Physico-chemical evaluation of Gastroretentive Ranitidine Hydrochloride: An Anti-Ulcer Drug
Authors: Yadav RK , Prakash Satyam , Yadav K , Yadav NK , Mostafa M
Published: November 2016

Background  and  Objectives:  The  prevention  and  treatment  of  peptic  ulcers  has  become  an important challenge in the current medicine  world.   Modern progress in novel drug delivery system aims to improve the efficacy of the drug molecule by formulating a dosage form of RHCL. One of the most feasible approaches for achieving a prolonged and predictable drug delivery profile in GI tract is to control the gastric residence time.  Therefore, a multi-unit gastro retentive dosage form of RHCL capable of floating on simulated gastric fluid for more than 12 hours was formulated and evaluated.Materials  and  Methods:  Nine  batches  of  the  light  liquid  paraffin  entrapped  emulsion  gel  beads were  prepared  by  a  new  emulsion  gelation  technique  using  sodium  alginate  and  xanthan  gum  as polymers.  The  polymeric  solution  was  extruded  into  Calcium  chloride  solution  by  the  use  of  21G needles.  Morphology  of  beads,  drug  content,  drug  entrapment  efficiency,  floating  lag  time  and buoyancy were studied. Compatibility study of Ranitidine HCl with polymers used in the formulation was performed using DSC and FT-IR.Results:  Mean  surface  diameter  were  between  1.220  ±  2.259%  (F1)  to  1.230  ±  2.316%  (F9)  and floating lag time were between 6 minute (F9) to 11 minute (F1). All formulations were buoyant for more than 12 hours in simulated gastric  fluid  at  37ºC.  The  drug  content  and  drug  entrapment efficiency  among  the  formulations  were  between  17.48%~19.68%  and  71.06%  ~84.32% respectively. Formulation F1 showed lowest drug content and drug entrapment efficiency while F9 showed highest drug content and drug entrapment efficiency. F4 showed most acceptable sustained drug release profile.Conclusion:  The gastro retentive drug delivery system designed as floating beads was found to be satisfactory drug delivery system for Ranitidine HCl to improve the bioavailability of the drug. Janaki Medical College Journal of Medical Sciences (2015) Vol. 3 (2): 4-12
Prevalence of Dental Caries among adolescence of Dhanusha District, Nepal
Authors: Yadav K , Prakash S , Khanal S , Singh JK
Published: November 2016

Background  and  Objectives:  In  developing  countries  like  Nepal,  the  oral  health  system  is currently  in  transition  phase  facing  a  high  prevalence  of  dental  caries.  It  has  significant  social impact in important life activities which hinders the achievement and ma intenance of good oral health  due  to  lack  of  dental  awareness  in  all  age  groups.  Streptococcus  mutans  is  the  most predominant  organism  to  cause  dental  caries.  Therefore, the  present  study  was  designed  to determine the prevalence of dental caries and to identify its etiology among adolescence.Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried by following Standard protocols of Bergey’s  Manual  of  Systematic  Bacteriology  to  isolate  and  identify  the  organism.  The  data  was analyzed  using  SPPS  17.0  and  Microsoft  excels  2007  which  was  considered  as  statistically significant at p-value < 0.05.Results: The prevalence of dental caries in adolescent was found to be 33%.  The highest numbers of  patients  having  dental  caries  were  in  the  age  group  of  15-19  in  female  (66.32%)  than  male (39.70%).  Bacterial  growth  was  observed  more  in  female  (75.60%)  than  male  (24.39%)  which was found to be statistically significant (p=0.0001).  S. mutans  was found as the most important cause  of  dental  caries.  Maxillary  region  of  tooth  were  more  vulnerable  to  dental  caries  than mandibular  region  of  tooth.  Most  of  the  respondents  had  once  per  day  brushing  habit  without fluoridated dentrifice containing tooth paste.Conclusion:  The prevalence of dental caries was found one third of total.  S.mutans  was the main causes of dental caries and molars tooth are more affected than others.Janaki Medical College Journal of Medical Sciences (2015) Vol. 3 (2): 29-37
The morphological study of human deltoid ligament of Ankle joint in situ
Authors: Singh A K
Published: November 2016

Background and Objectives: The deltoid ligament is a very tough and strong ligament of the ankle joint. Different studies had been done by many investigators to find out its involvement in different types of ankle trauma and diseases. There is scanty of paper in the study of morphology of deltoid ligament among Kyrgyz (Mangolion race) context, this study was carried out to fill this gap in the literature.Material and Methods: Twenty-five limbs from cadevar and 32 of fresh dead (from freezer) bodies were selected for the study. Following the dissection, the parts, borders and the attachments of the superficial fibres of the ligament was identified and their attachments were established by inspection, palpation and by slight evertion of the ankle joint. The extents of their proximal and distal attachment were also measured. Mid way between the proximal and distal attachment of the anterior and posterior border ligament point were plotted through which the breadth of the respective ligament was measured again the vernier calipers. Data were entered in Excel and SPSS and were analyzed.Results: The result showed that the longest ligament was the tibionavicular and the shortest was the tibiotalar ligament. Similarly the broadest ligament was found to be the tibiotalar and the narrowest was the tibiocalcaneal ligament. There was no significant variation found in the length, breadth and the attachment of the ligament in terms of the sex and side of the limb. The interesting result which was obtained from the correlation coefficient was that the lengths of the tibiocalcaneal and tibiotalar ligaments were found to be increased with increasing age.Conclusion: The lengthening of the tibiocalcaneal and tibiotalar ligament, increased breadth of tibiotalar ligament and increased extent of origin of the ligament in old age which was evident in this study. Janaki Medical College Journal of Medical Sciences (2015) Vol. 3 (2): 50-57
Synthesis of Unsymmetrical 1,4-dihydropyridines from Dialkyl Acetylenedicarboxylates, Amines and Arylidenemalononitriles Promoted by Potassium Carbonate
Authors: Mehrabi Hossein , Tavakolian Hadi
Published: November 2016

The one-pot, three-component reaction of dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates, arylamines and arylidenemalononitriles in the presence of potassium carbonate in acetonitrile at 50 °C afforded 11 6-amino-5-cyano-1,4-dihydropyridine-2,3-dicarboxylates, nine of which are novel. These conditions offer simplified operation, easy purification and good yields. Also, this method avoids the use of expensive catalysts, toxic solvents and chromatographic separation.
Who Made Mauveine First: Runge, Fritsche, Beissenhirtz or Perkin?
Authors: Plater M. John , Raab Andrea
Published: November 2016

The oxidation of aniline or a mixture of aniline with o-toluidine and p-toluidine following Runge's original method as carefully as possible, using chloride of lime [Ca(OCl)2], produces a coloured solution from which small amounts of mauveine were purified, isolated and analysed by LC-MS. The oxidation of aniline by the method of Fritsche and Beissenhirtz, using potassium dichromate and sulfuric acid, similar to W.H. Perkin's patented method, also gave small quantities of mauveine. The composition of the anilines are suggested depending upon their sources and Kekulé's comments on these early contributions are summarised.
Prevalence of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Antenatal Women Coming to NRIMC&GH
Authors: Ramalingam K , Surasani Vijaya Madhuri , Bollu Mounica
Published: November 2016

Objective(s):The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women attending the antenatal OPD and to treat them. Also to identify the organisms causing asymptomatic bacteriuria and the risk factors in pregnant women.Materials and Methods: The present observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics, NRI Medical College, Chinakakani, Mangalagiri from Aug-2012 to Aug-2014. Material for the study consisted of 100 urine samples obtained from asymptomatic 100 pregnant women in their first antenatal visit. The study group consisted of cases from in and around Mangalagiri, attending antenatal OPD, NRI Medical College, Chinakakani. Each patient was first asked whether she had any symptom of urinary tract infection such as dysuria, urgency, haematuria, loin pain and fever. After ascertaining that she was asymptomatic, preliminary data on maternal age, gravidity, parity and period of gestation were collected on a predesigned proforma. Detailed history about previous antenatal check-up, hypertension were also taken. A clean-catch midstream urine sample was collected and MacConkey agar, Blood agar plates were used for culture .Bacterial counts were done to determine the number of microorganisms per millilitre.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done for the isolates by the Kirby-Bauer method (disc diffusion).Results: The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in the study group was 15%.Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Staphylococcus aureus were the isolates in the study group. Isolates showed maximum susceptibility to gentamycin followed by cefotaxime, nitrofurantoin and cotrimoxazole. They showed high degree of resistance to cephalexin and ceftriaxone. All the asymptomatic pregnant women with significant bacteriuria were treated and asked to come back after 7-10 days for repeat culture and susceptibility testing, which was done as a part of follow-up.Conclusion: Increasing gestational period showed increase in the incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria and also increased incidence was seen in the pregnants with anaemia. Routine antenatal screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria should be implemented and treatment of those showing bacteriuria must be practiced to prevent adverse perinatal outcome. Untreated asymptomatic bacteriuria progresses to pyelonephritis (13-27%). Therefore, routine screening for bacteriuria is recommended during pregnancy.Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2015; Vol. 30(1) : 30-36
Per Operative Discovery of Placenta Percreta and Uterine Rupture at 37 Weeks of Gestation - A Case Report
Authors: Chowdhury Rahat Afza , Chowdhury Ferdousi , Feroz S
Published: November 2016

The aim is to publish this case report of rarely occurring and life threatening condition, placenta percreta causing uterine rupture at 37 weeks of gestation. A second gravida with unevenful pregnancy was admitted in a tertiary hospital at her 37 weeks of gestation with lower abdominal pain and less foetal movement with history of one caesarean section.After admission she complaint of dull pain in whole abdomen which was gradually increasing in intensity, associated with hardening of uterus , initiallyher pulse and BP was stable,but later she had tachycardia and fetal heart rate was irregular.An emergency cesarean section was done. Immediately after opening the peritoneal cavity a perforation in uterine wall by placenta was found through which active bleeding was present.After holding the bleeding point,an incision in upper segment of uterine wall was given and an asphyxiated male baby was delivered by breech extraction. Then in presence of a senior gynaecologist caesarean hysterectomy was done keeping placenta in situ.Post operative period was uneventful for the mother but the baby was managed in neonatal care unit. Both of them were well during discharge. Placenta percreta is a rare pathological entity with challenging diagnostic and therapeutic requirement especially for resource limited settings.Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2015; Vol. 30(1) : 49-52
Sclerosing Stromal Tumour of Ovary- A Case Report
Authors: Joty Fahmida Sharmin , Dewan Farhana , Lima Fahmida Khan , Biswas Bipul , Nondi Eva Rani
Published: November 2016

Sclerosing stromal tumor (SST) is an extremely rare and distinctive sex cord stromal tumor, which occurs predominantly in the second and third decades of life. Approximately 100 cases reported since first described in 1973. It typically present with pelvic/abdominal pain and tenderness, mass, and/or abnormal menses, and with hormonal activity reported predominantly in postmenarchal females. Only 5 cases of these tumors have been reported in premenarchal girls.We report a case of a 18-year-old girl who developed a sclerosing stromal tumor of ovary and presented with excessive menstruation, pelvic pain and increased frequency of menstruation. Her hormonal status was normal. She was suspected to have a malignant tumor on computed tomography and underwent unilateral salpingo-oopherectomy. It is therefore, necessary to keep in mind the possibility of sclerosing stromal tumor in a young womanBangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2015; Vol. 30(1) : 56-58
Different Phases of Breast Cancer Cells: Raman Study of Immortalized, Transformed, and Invasive Cells
Authors: Chaturvedi Deepika , Balaji Sai , Bn Vinay , Ariese Freek , Umapathy Siva , Rangarajan Annapoorni
Published: November 2016

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cause of cancer-associated death in women the world over, but if detected early it can be treated successfully. Therefore, it is important to diagnose this disease at an early stage and to understand the biochemical changes associated with cellular transformation and cancer progression. Deregulated lipid metabolism has been shown to contribute to cell transformation as well as cancer progression. In this study, we monitored the biomolecular changes associated with the transformation of a normal cell into an invasive cell associated with breast cancer using Raman microspectroscopy. We have utilized primary normal breast cells, and immortalized, transformed, non-invasive, and invasive breast cancer cells. The Raman spectra were acquired from all these cell lines under physiological conditions. The higher wavenumber (2800–3000 cm−1) and lower wavenumber (700–1800 cm−1) range of the Raman spectrum were analyzed and we observed increased lipid levels for invasive cells. The Raman spectral data were analyzed by principal component–linear discriminant analysis (PC-LDA), which resulted in the formation of distinct clusters for different cell types with a high degree of sensitivity. The subsequent testing of the PC-LDA analysis via the leave-one-out cross validation approach (LOOCV) yielded relatively high identification sensitivity. Additionally, the Raman spectroscopic results were confirmed through fluorescence staining tests with BODIPY and Nile Red biochemical assays. Furthermore, Raman maps from the above mentioned cells under fixed conditions were also acquired to visualize the distribution of biomolecules throughout the cell. The present study shows the suitability of Raman spectroscopy as a non-invasive, label-free, microspectroscopic technique, having the potential of probing changes in the biomolecular composition of living cells as well as fixed cells.
Development and Application of Electrochemical Sensor Based on Molecularly Imprinted Polymer and Carbon Nanotubes for the Determination of Carvedilol
Authors: Coelho Malena , Giarola Juliana , Da Silva Anny , Tarley César , Borges Keyller , Pereira Arnaldo
Published: November 2016

This work describes the preparation of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for determination of carvedilol (CAR). Electrochemical behavior of CAR on the modified electrode was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry. The best composition was found to be 65% (m/m) of MIP. Under optimized conditions (pH 8.5 in 0.25 mol L−1 Britton–Robinson buffer and 0.1 mol L−1 KCl) the voltammetric method showed a linear response for CAR in the range of 50–325 µmol L−1 (R = 0.9755), with detection and quantification limits of 16.14 µmol L−1 and 53.8 µmol L−1, respectively. The developed method was successfully applied for determination of CAR in real samples of pharmaceuticals. The sensor presented good sensitivity, rapid detection of CAR, and quick and easy preparation. Furthermore, the material used as modifier has a simple synthesis and its amount utilized is very small, thus illustrating the economic feasibility of this sensor.
Store-Carry and Forward-Type M2M Communication Protocol Enabling Guide Robots to Work together and the Method of Identifying Malfunctioning Robots Using the Byzantine Algorithm
Authors: Suga Yoshio , Takami Kazumasa
Published: November 2016

This paper concerns a service in which multiple guide robots in an area display arrows to guide individual users to their destinations. It proposes a method of identifying malfunctioning robots and robots that give wrong directions to users. In this method, users’ mobile terminals and robots form a store-carry and forward-type M2M communication network, and a distributed cooperative protocol is used to enable robots to share information and identify malfunctioning robots using the Byzantine algorithm. The robots do not directly communicate with each other, but through users’ mobile terminals. We have introduced the concept of the quasi-synchronous number, so whether a certain robot is malfunctioning can be determined even when items of information held by all of the robots are not synchronized. Using simulation, we have evaluated the proposed method in terms of the rate of identifying malfunctioning robots, the rate of reaching the destination and the average length of time to reach the destination.
Optimization of Key Parameters of Energy Management Strategy for Hybrid Electric Vehicle Using DIRECT Algorithm
Authors: Hao Jingxian , Yu Zhuoping , Zhao Zhiguo , Shen Peihong , Zhan Xiaowen
Published: November 2016

The rule-based logic threshold control strategy has been frequently used in energy management strategies for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) owing to its convenience in adjusting parameters, real-time performance, stability, and robustness. However, the logic threshold control parameters cannot usually ensure the best vehicle performance at different driving cycles and conditions. For this reason, the optimization of key parameters is important to improve the fuel economy, dynamic performance, and drivability. In principle, this is a multiparameter nonlinear optimization problem. The logic threshold energy management strategy for an all-wheel-drive HEV is comprehensively analyzed and developed in this study. Seven key parameters to be optimized are extracted. The optimization model of key parameters is proposed from the perspective of fuel economy. The global optimization method, DIRECT algorithm, which has good real-time performance, low computational burden, rapid convergence, is selected to optimize the extracted key parameters globally. The results show that with the optimized parameters, the engine operates more at the high efficiency range resulting into a fuel savings of 7% compared with non-optimized parameters. The proposed method can provide guidance for calibrating the parameters of the vehicle energy management strategy from the perspective of fuel economy.
The Biodiversity Benefits and Opportunity Costs of Plantation Forest Management: A Modelling Case Study of Pinus radiata in New Zealand
Authors: Nghiem Nhung , Tran Hop
Published: November 2016

This study modelled the potential biodiversity benefits and the opportunity costs of a patch-clear-cutting strategy over a clear-cutting strategy for Pinus radiata in New Zealand. Patch-clear cutting is a special case of clear cutting involving the removal of all the trees from strips or patches within a stand, leaving the remainder uncut or clear cutting a series of strips or patches. A forest-level optimisation model was extended to include uncertainty in timber growth, plant diversity, and cutting costs. Using a species-area relationship and economies of cutting scale, the net present value and optimal rotation age under alternative management strategies were calculated. Results suggested that the optimal rotation ages were similar (24 and 25 years) for the two cutting strategies. Patch-clear cutting provided higher biodiversity benefits (i.e., 59 vs. 11 understorey plant species) with an opportunity cost of 27 NZD (18 USD) per extra plant species or 1250 NZD (820 USD) ha−1. However, the true benefits of patch-clear cutting would be even greater if other benefits of stand retention are included. Our research can potentially inform local decision making and inform international systems of payment for environmental services, such as the REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) program, to conserve biodiversity in developing countries with plantation forests.
Aerodynamic Performance of an Ultra-Low Aspect Ratio Centripetal Turbine Stator
Authors: Fontaneto Fabrizio , Arts Tony , Simon Matthieu , Picot Philippe
Published: November 2016

An extensive measurement campaign was carried out at the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics to assess the aerodynamic performance of an ultra-low aspect ratio centripetal turbine stator. The test section consisted of 18 periodic sectors of two blade passages each, tested at transonic conditions in a blow-down facility. Particle image velocimetry (2D-PIV) measurements were performed in the trailing edge area at blade mid-height. Further downstream, 16 micro virtual 3-hole pressure probes were used to measure the aerodynamic performance at about 44% of the radial chord, downstream of the trailing edge. Results describe a highly swirling flow-field characterized by a very large tangential velocity component increasing at smaller radii. The radial component decreased instead to compensate for an opening of the test section closer to its center, therefore enhancing the tangential nature of the generated flow field. Adjacent blades showed asymmetric wakes as an effect of the particular design of the nozzle. The performance analysis exhibited very high loss coefficients (always higher than 12%) which have to be related to the extremely small aspect ratio of the cascade.
Line Force and Damping at Full and Partial Stator Overlap in a Linear Generator for Wave Power
Authors: Ulvgård Liselotte , Sjökvist Linnea , Göteman Malin , Leijon Mats
Published: November 2016

A full scale linear generator for wave power has been experimentally evaluated by measuring the line force and translator position throughout the full translator stroke. The measured line force, in relation to translator speed, generator damping and stator overlap, has been studied by comparing the line force and the damping coefficient, γ , for multiple load cases along the translator stroke length. The study also compares the generator’s behavior during upward and downward motion, studies oscillations and determines the no load losses at two different speeds. The generator damping factor, γ , was determined for five different load cases during both upward and downward motion. The γ value was found to be constant for full stator overlap and to decrease linearly with a decreasing overlap, as the translator moved towards the endstops. The decline varied with the external load case, as previously suggested but not shown. In addition, during partial stator overlap, a higher γ value was noted as the translator was leaving the stator, compared to when it was entering the stator. Finally, new insights were gained regarding how translator weight and generator damping will affect the translator downward motion during offshore operation. This is important for power production and for avoiding damaging forces acting on the wave energy converter during operation.
Best Proximity Point Theorems in Partially Ordered b-Quasi Metric Spaces
Authors: Abkar Ali , Moezzifar Narges , Azizi Azizollah
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we introduce the notion of an ordered rational proximal contraction in partially ordered b-quasi metric spaces. We shall then prove some best proximity point theorems in partially ordered b-quasi metric spaces.
Why Oats Are Safe and Healthy for Celiac Disease Patients
Authors: Gilissen Luud , Van der Meer Ingrid , Smulders Marinus
Published: November 2016

The water-insoluble storage proteins of cereals (prolamins) are called “gluten” in wheat, barley, and rye, and “avenins” in oat. Gluten can provoke celiac disease (CD) in genetically susceptible individuals (those with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 serotypes). Avenins are present at a lower concentration (10%–15% of total protein content) in oat as compared to gluten in wheat (80%–85%). The avenins in the genus Avena (cultivated oat as well as various wild species of which gene bank accessions were analyzed) are free of the known CD immunogenic epitopes from wheat, barley, and rye. T cells that recognize avenin-specific epitopes have been found very rarely in CD patients. CD patients that consume oats daily do not show significantly increased levels of intraepithelial lymphocyte (EIL) cells. The safety and the positive health effects of the long-term inclusion of oats in the gluten-free diet have been confirmed in long-term studies. Since 2009 (EC 41/2009) and 2013 (FDA) oat products may be sold as gluten-free in several countries provided a gluten contamination level below 20 ppm. Introduction of oats in the gluten-free diet of celiac patients is advised after the recovery of the intestine. Health effects of oat consumption are reflected in European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)- and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved health claims. Oats can form a healthy, nutritious, fiber-rich, and safe complement to the gluten-free diet.
A Method for Determining the Content of Glycoproteins in Biological Samples
Authors: Gao Yang , Xu Duoduo , Li Hongyue , Yang Xianling , Wang Mingxing , Gao Qipin
Published: November 2016

The glycoprotein purified from the mycelium extract of Tremella fuciformis was marked with iodine through the iodine substitution reaction. The content of iodine, which is indicative of the amount of the marked tremella glycoprotein (ITG), was detected with Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The method was found to be stable, sensitive, and accurate at detecting the content of iodine-substituted glycoprotein, and was used in the quantitative analysis of biological samples, including blood and organs. Different biological samples were collected from rats after oral administration of ITG, and were tested for iodine content by ICP-MS to calculate the amount of ITG in the samples. The results suggested that ICP-MS is a sensitive, stable, and accurate method for detection of iodinated glycoproteins in blood and organs.
Ribosome-Inactivating Proteins from Plants: A Historical Overview
Authors: Bolognesi Andrea , Bortolotti Massimo , Maiello Stefania , Battelli Maria , Polito Letizia
Published: November 2016

This review provides a historical overview of the research on plant ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs), starting from the first studies at the end of eighteenth century involving the purification of abrin and ricin, as well as the immunological experiments of Paul Erlich. Interest in these plant toxins was revived in 1970 by the observation of their anticancer activity, which has given rise to a large amount of research contributing to the development of various scientific fields. Biochemistry analyses succeeded in identifying the enzymatic activity of RIPs and allowed for a better understanding of the ribosomal machinery. Studies on RIP/cell interactions were able to detail the endocytosis and intracellular routing of ricin, thus increasing our knowledge of how cells handle exogenous proteins. The identification of new RIPs and the finding that most RIPs are single-chain polypeptides, together with their genetic sequencing, has aided in the development of new phylogenetic theories. Overall, the biological properties of these proteins, including their abortifacient, anticancer, antiviral and neurotoxic activities, suggest that RIPs could be utilized in agriculture and in many biomedical fields, including clinical drug development.
Antifungal Activity of Oleuropein against Candida albicans—The In Vitro Study
Authors: Zorić Nataša , Kopjar Nevenka , Bobnjarić Ivan , Horvat Igor , Tomić Siniša , Kosalec Ivan
Published: November 2016

In the present study we investigated activity of oleuropein, a complex phenol present in large quantities in olive tree products, against opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Oleuropein was found to have in vitro antifungal activity with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 12.5 mg·mL−1. Morphological changes in the nuclei after staining with fluorescent DNA-binding dyes revealed that apoptosis was a primary mode of cell death in the analyzed samples treated with subinhibitory concentrations of oleuropein. Our results suggest that this antifungal agent targets virulence factors essential for establishment of the fungal infection. We noticed that oleuropein modulates morphogenetic conversion and inhibits filamentation of C. albicans. The hydrophobicity assay showed that oleuropein in sub-MIC values has significantly decreased, in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, the cellular surface hydrophobicity (CSH) of C. albicans, a factor associated with adhesion to epithelial cells. It was also demonstrated that the tested compound inhibits the activity of SAPs, cellular enzymes secreted by C. albicans, which are reported to be related to the pathogenicity of the fungi. Additionally, we detected that oleuropein causes a reduction in total sterol content in the membrane of C. albicans cells, which might be involved in the mechanism of its antifungal activity.
Analgesic Effect of Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Fruit) Extracts on Postoperative and Neuropathic Pain in Rats
Authors: Lim Dong , Kim Jae , Kim Yun
Published: November 2016

Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis fruit), also known as “Amla” is one of the oldest edible fruits known in India. It has also traditionally been used to treat inflammation, and as an analgesic to treat wounds. However, experimental evidence for the analgesic effects of E. officinalis has been lacking. The present study investigated whether E. officinalis extracts exhibit analgesic effects in the plantar incision (PI) and spared nerve injury (SNI) pain-model rats. We evaluated the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) using von Frey filaments, and pain-related behavior was determined after surgery based on ultrasonic vocalization (USV). The group treated with E. officinalis extracts at 300 mg/kg had significantly increased MWT values at 6 h and 24 h after the PI, and had a significantly reduced number of 22–27-kHz USVs at 6 h and 24 h after PI. Moreover, after 15 days of continuous treatment with E. officinalis extracts, the treated group showed significantly alleviated SNI-induced hypersensitivity and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Thus, E. officinalis extracts have potential analgesic effects in both postoperative and neuropathic pain models in vivo.
Assessment of the Activity of Tigecycline against Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Organisms Collected from Italy between 2012 and 2014, as Part of the Tigecycline Evaluation and Surveillance Trial (T.E.S.T.)
Authors: Stefani Stefania , Dowzicky Michael
Published: November 2016

As part of the Tigecycline Evaluation and Surveillance Trial (T.E.S.T) we report the in vitro activity of tigecycline and its comparators against Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms collected from Italian centers between 2012 and 2014. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined according to the broth microdilution methodology of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, and antimicrobial resistance was determined using the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing interpretive criteria. Among the Enterobacteriaceae, 31% of Escherichia coli isolates, 22% of Klebsiella pneumoniae, and 1% of Klebsiella oxytoca were extended-spectrum β-lactamase producers (ESBLs). Resistance rates among ESBL-K. pneumoniae and ESBL-E. coli to meropenem were 24% and <1%, respectively. Thirty-seven percent of K. pneumoniae were multidrug resistant (MDR) strains. Resistance rates among isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii to amikacin, levofloxacin and meropenem were between 84% and 94%. Eighty percent of A. baumannii isolates were MDR strains. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) accounted for 38% of S. aureus isolates. No isolates of MRSA were resistant to linezolid, tigecycline or vancomycin. Antimicrobial resistance remains a problem in Italy with increasing numbers of MDR organisms. Despite high levels, MRSA rates appear to be stabilising. Tigecycline retains its in vitro activity against the majority of organisms, including those with multidrug resistance.
A Study of Explorative Moves during Modifier Adaptation with Quadratic Approximation
Authors: Gao Weihua , Hernández Reinaldo , Engell Sebastian
Published: November 2016

Modifier adaptation with quadratic approximation (in short MAWQA) can adapt the operating condition of a process to its economic optimum by combining the use of a theoretical process model and of the collected data during process operation. The efficiency of the MAWQA algorithm can be attributed to a well-designed mechanism which ensures the improvement of the economic performance by taking necessary explorative moves. This paper gives a detailed study of the mechanism of performing explorative moves during modifier adaptation with quadratic approximation. The necessity of the explorative moves is theoretically analyzed. Simulation results for the optimization of a hydroformylation process are used to illustrate the efficiency of the MAWQA algorithm over the finite difference based modifier adaptation algorithm.
Extending Applications of High-Pressure Homogenization by Using Simultaneous Emulsification and Mixing (SEM)—An Overview
Authors: Gall Vanessa , Runde Marc , Schuchmann Heike
Published: November 2016

Conventional high-pressure homogenization (HPH) is widely used in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and food industries among others. In general, its aim is to produce micron or sub-micron scale emulsions with excellent product characteristics. However, its energy consumption is still very high. Additionally, several limitations and boundaries impede the usage of high-pressure homogenization for special products such as particle loaded or highly concentrated systems. This article gives an overview of approaches that have been used in order to improve the conventional high-pressure homogenization process. Emphasis is put on the ‘Simultaneous Emulsification and Mixing’ process that has been developed to broaden the application areas of high-pressure homogenization.