bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entrenching ‘Cooperative Federalism’: Is It Time to Formalise Coag's Place in the Australian Federation?
Authors: Kildea Paul , Lynch Andrew
Published: January 2018

Literature on the necessity for reform of Australia‘s federal division of government continues to blossom, reflecting the assessment of a leading expert in the area that the system is now at a ‘cross-road’ between delivering a vibrant and beneficial federalism to the Australian public or ‘merely a mask for the effective centralisation of power’. Although the solutions advanced by many commentators towards ensuring the first of these outcomes over the second are many and various, it is notable that none looks exclusively to constitutional amendment as the silver bullet of reform. The notorious difficulty of attaining a successful referendum result – particularly on federal issues which have traditionally been amongst the most contentious proposals –as well as the difficulty of encapsulating all that might be done in the way of federal reform within a single suite of proposed amendments, has ensured that sub-constitutional institutions and mechanisms have been looked to as a simpler, more effective way to achieve change.
The Process of Law Reform: Conditions for Success
Authors: Barnett Laura
Published: January 2018

Changing the law can be a tricky business. Seen from the perspective of non-governmental organisations, law reform can mean years of lobbying governments and politicians for change; seen from inside government, law reform may signify months or years of consultation, drafting bills, and holding one’s breath for Parliament; seen from Parliament, law reform may mean a relatively simple examination and passage of a Bill or months of political haggling; from the perspective of the public, law reform may appear variously political, idealistic, long and drawn out or hasty. Law reform is all of these things.

Most often when we think about the strict process of changing laws in Westminster systems our minds turn to parliamentary examination and passage of government sponsored and private member bills. However, beyond the focus on this one piece of the law reform process, it is worth remembering that proposed legislation often stems from much broader studies of larger legal and policy issues.
The Rise, Fall and Proposed Rebirth of the Australian Military Court
Authors: Burmester Henry
Published: January 2018

In October 2007 a new era in Australian military criminal justice began with the establishment of an Australian Military Court (AMC). The AMC had, however, a short life, being found in August 2009 by the High Court of Australia to be contrary to Chapter III of the Australian Constitution. In May 2010 it was announced that a new Military Court of Australia, established in conformity with Chapter III, was to be established to replace the interim system put in place following the High Court’s invalidation of the first AMC. A Bill for a new military court was introduced to Parliament in 2010 but lapsed with the dissolution of Parliament for the 2010 election. No replacement Bill had been introduced as at the beginning of 2011. It is unclear when or whether a new military court will be established.

This article examines the reasons behind the establishment of the AMC and then considers the High Court decision in Lane v Morrison that unanimously held the AMC to be invalid. It then considers the implications for a replacement Chapter III compliant military court.
Trends of mean annual river discharges in the Zapadna Morava river basin
Authors: Langovic Marko , Manojlovic Sanja , Cvorovic Zoran
Published: January 2018

Zapadna Morava River basin covers a surface of 15850 km2, which is
approximately 18% of the territory of the Republic of Serbia. In its basin,
38 active surface stations are registered. The goal of this paper is the
trend analysis of the mean annual river discharges in the Zapadna Morava
River basin and their noticing in a longer series of time, as well as
determining their intensity. Fifty years period of time (1965 - 2014) is
taken for a time series. Because there is no empirical data for mean annual
discharge values for all stations for the given period, the number of the
hydrological stations, which are processed in this paper, is reduced to 21.
Mann-Kendall test has been used for noticing the trend, Sen test has been
used for estimating the curves inclinations of the linear trend, while
Pettitt?s test has been used for determining the turning point of change.
Also, classification of the years by water richness has been performed in
this paper in order to determine wet and dry periods. For the needs of
identification of medium watery, wet and dry years, the combined method has
been used on the data examples from representative stations in the basin.
Based on the processed data and the obtained results, it has been
established that the most rivers in the basin of the Zapadna Morava River
have a slightly decreasing trend of the flow values, whereby the change of
the trend is not significant. On the most rivers, the change period has
begun in the early eighties of the past century. On a large number of
profiles, the watery period was appearing in the beginning of eighties,
while the dry season is characteristic for the period from 1990 to 1994.
Regional development of Serbia at the beginning of the XXI century
Authors: Lutovac Milos , Gataric Dragica , Jovanovic Slavoljub
Published: January 2018

Problem of regional inequality in Serbia is rather noticeable. Regional
inequality and polarization of Serbia can be observed primarily on the
example of the City of Belgrade and the AP Vojvodina, which are according to
numerous indicators of development evidently ahead other regions in the
country. Negative development trends in Serbia present a major problem that
threatens to jeopardize the future of regional and social development of the
state itself and the process of European integration too. The paper presents
some indicators of regional inequality as well as the importance of taking
measures to achieve a higher level of economic development. When we talk
about regionalization as a factor of public regulation of economic and
regional development in the conditions of transition in Serbia, European
integration in Europe and globalization in the world, it is necessary to
take into account possibilities, limitations, applicability and specific
characteristics of the Serbian economy in order to secure socio-economic and
geographical framework for conducting economic activities.
The Co-Innovation Alliance Scan, Tool for Effective Collaboration with External Partners
Authors: Avans Frans Stel
Published: January 2018

In order to select and assess co-innovation partners, I have developed an integrative framework coined as the co-innovation alliance scan that consist of four ‘fits’ between alliance partners: a strategic, operation, relationship and network fit. Each fit contains three indicators, to be rated from 1 (unfavorable) to 5 (favorable). High rated indicators prognosticate success, low ones might hamper or impede successful co-innovation cooperation. Using the scan, I constructed a serious “alliance game” in order to develop competencies of (future) alliance managers.
Innovation and paths to social-ecological sustainability
Authors: Degato Demissie Damite
Published: January 2018

The traditional approach to innovation assessment has mainly focused on the economic outcomes and failed to capture the ecological and social dimensions of sustainability. By giving high attention to the role of specific kind of innovation (technological innovation), there is little empirical work on whether combining different kinds of innovation leads to progress in social-ecological sustainability in developing countries. The sustainability orientation in the assessment of innovation performance becomes increasingly important for achieve successful transformation towards sustainability. The research question of this study is under what condition or combination of conditions the intervention for innovation reconciles the trade-offs between socioeconomic and ecological performance and thus improve progress towards sustainability in poor countries. Combing concepts and methods from literature on strategic corporate social responsibility (CSR), value chain upgrading, sustainability, and technological capability, this study identifies different mechanisms and conditions for building innovation capacity and then empirically evaluates the relationship between the degree of innovation capacity and the progress towards social-ecological sustainability by taking four cases from Ethiopia. The data for this study is collected using key informant interviews, focus group discussion, and biodiversity and innovation scorecard questionnaire. Mixed methods combing comprehensive fuzzy evaluation, biodiversity scorecard and qualitative comparative analysis are used for analysis. The study found that combing value chain innovation and green governance innovation either with technological upgrading or innovation platform learning are sufficient conditions for achieving social-ecological sustainability. We also found that innovation in green governance and in value chain are necessary conditions for sustainability. By developing and applying fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model for measuring innovation capacity and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis for identifying necessary and sufficient conditions for sustainability, this study made an important methodological contribution to existing literature.
Sustainable practices through green guerrilla marketing – an innovative approach
Authors: Gupta Harshita , Singh Saumya
Published: January 2018

Sustainability is the need of the hour. Organizations that align the interests of all their stakeholders – customers, investors and employees are considered to act for sustainable development. But some of the organizations compromise to this fact. They are rather busy exploiting the resources. Bluffing the customers for making quick profits has become a prevalent notion. Amidst all these selfish motives, they tend to forget about the repercussions which we and our planet may endure as a whole in near future. There are many evidences when responsible companies have proved themselves performing better in the long run.Green Guerrilla Marketing is an innovative concept, trying to figure out various ways to successfully market the products and at the same time acting ethically and socially responsible towards the sustainable development. It revolves around being conscious about 3Ps which are People, Profits and Planet. Guerrilla Marketing is an unconventional marketing strategy that focuses on attracting huge customer base with least amount of cost involved. Roots of Guerrilla Marketing can be traced to guerrilla warfare that was off-center warfare technique using unusual tactics by the armed civilians during Vietnam War in the 1960s. Since then this marketing concept has attracted many business houses. So far, Guerrilla Marketing was considered only as a creative tool for promoting ones’ product and services but now it can be seen as a responsible tool as well, which works toward a better society at large under the broad head of Green Guerrilla Marketing. Therefore, the paper is a pioneer attempt in understanding the potential of Green Guerrilla Marketing in the light of both sustainability and innovation at the same time. Also, it discusses various guerrilla techniques to market the products ethically without compromising on the profits. In the end, the paper also evaluates the examples to examine the concept.
SIX STEPS IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK FOR CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
Authors: Tasleem Muhammad , Khan Nawar , Shah Syed Tasweer Hussain , Saleem Muhammad , Nisar Asim
Published: January 2018

Managing sustainability practices holistically within firms is challenging and requires a sound and effective management framework that integrates all associated practices and performance dimensions to act for excellence. Corporate management is keen to adopt roadmap or a framework that can be useful in the identification, management and measurement of the drivers and can lead to desired outcomes relating to sustainable performance. This paper develops and presents a six-steps implementation framework for corporate sustainability performance and related practices keeping in account multifaceted managerial dimensions. These six steps include; identifying stakeholder’s requirements, establishing enterprise vision and sustainability goals, adopting strategies, systems and standardization, aligning technologies, core capabilities and culture, excelling sustainability performance, and progressing sustainable improvement with review and feedback. It also projects the perspective, theme and action items with regard to its effective.
As tecnologias da informação e comunicação como fator de produção na economia do conhecimento.
Authors: Morgado Flavio , Pazotto Renato Da Silveira , Amorim Maria Cristina Sanches
Published: January 2018

This article aims to assess the ICT as a production factor in the Knowledge Economy. Therefore, the modified production function of Robert Solow was, which adds to the neoclassical version the technological developments, was used. Was considered with factor A the percentage of internet use in households. In Brazil, whose percentage of Internet use is 54.2%, the multiplier effect of labor was 38.4%. Compared to countries where the percentage exceeds 90%, the multiplier effect exceeds 60%. Thus, we emphasize the importance of digital inclusion measures adopted by governments, companies and NGOs, so that the work factor is greater in the production function of Brazil.
ECOSOCIAL INNOVATIONS AS PART OF SOCIAL AND SOLIDARITY ECONOMY: LOCAL MODELS FOR A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Stamm Ingo Peter , Hirvilammi Tuuli , Matthies Aila-Leena , Närhi Kati
Published: January 2018

The paper first introduces the concept of ecosocial innovations. These are local organizations embedded in social and solidarity economy, which combine ecological and social challenges in their work. They are successful models of how to operationalize sustainability. Based on a cross-national, multi-case study with a social work background, the paper aims at providing insights about the work and significance of ecosocial innovations. Drawn from interview material collected in four countries within selected ecosocial innovations, seven themes as common characteristics of these local actors are presented. One trait of ecosocial innovations is a creative mix of paid work, voluntary engagement, and subsidized employment in their activities. This mix is not only a compromise due to a lack of resources, but it also acknowledges the interconnectedness of well-being and sustainable social practices. The paper concludes with a summary of the main results and an outlook of the potential of ecosocial innovations for the future. They could for example serve as models for an ecological social work
SUSTAINABLE ENTERPRISE EXCELLENCE: COHESION OF TQM/BE MODELS, ISO STANDARDS AND SUSTAINABILITY
Authors: Tasleem Muhammad , Khan Nawar , Hussain Shah Syed Tasweer , Saleem Muhammad , Nisar Asim
Published: January 2018

There is increased attention in sustainability and sustainable development practices in business industry since last decade. Organizations are under immense pressure to do business that substantially imparts value not only in economical dimension but also satisfy two other important dimensions of sustainability; social and environmental dimensions. In pursuance to excellence organizations have been adopting various strategies and models among which Total Quality Management (TQM) and Business Excellence (BE) models stand up most. However these TQM/ BE models are focused to Excellence more in economical terms and less in social and environmental terms. This study attempts to examine the coherence of TQM/BE models with sustainability practices and evaluates the extent to which these models match sustainability criteria. The study proposes to develop a Sustainable Enterprise Excellence (SEE) framework based on TQM/BE models with desired cohesion of ISO standards, guidelines and sustainability reporting indices.
IMPROVING THE STUDENTS’ ABILITY TO WRITE DESCRIPTIVE TEXTS THROUGH FOUR SQUARE WRITING METHOD
Authors: Ilmiah Ilmiah , Supardin Supardin , Latief Hasnawati , Dalle Muhammad Basri
Published: January 2018

Writing is a difficult skill for the students at SMPN 26 Makassar. It could be seen from the result of a diagnostic test which showed the ability of the second year students of SMPN 26 Makassar in writing paragraphs was still poor. The students were unable to express their ideas well in making descriptive texts. The research used Classroom Action Research that consisted of planning, action, observation, and reflection. It conducted in two cycles in which each cycle comprised four meetings. The subjects of this research were 28 students of the second year students of SMPN 26 Makassar.The findings indicated that the students’ ability to write descriptive text in cycle 1 has not reached the score target because the mean score of the students was 66.52 that classified as “fairly good” whereas, In cycle 2 the students’ mean score was 75.26. It indicated that the score target has been reached and classified as “Good”. Therefore, the researcher suggested the English teacher apply Four Square Writing Method as one of the alternative ways of teaching writing subject in the classroom especially in teaching the descriptive text.
Research Fundamentals: Study Design, Population, and Sample Size
Authors: Majid Umair
Published: January 2018

This is the second article of a three-part series that continues the discussion on the fundamentals of writing research protocols for quantitative, clinical research studies. In this editorial, the author discusses some considerations for including information in a research protocol on the study design and approach of a research study. This series provides a guide for undergraduate researchers interested in publishing their protocol in the Undergraduate Research in Natural and Clinical Sciences and Technology (URNCST) Journal.
Variación espacial de las precipitaciones en una pequeña cuenca hidrográfica del suroeste de España
Authors: Alfonso-Torreño Alberto , Schnabel Susanne
Published: January 2018

La variación espacial es una característica identificadora de la pluviometría peninsular, pero se desconoce para cuencas pequeñas y sobre todo a escala temporal de episodios de lluvia. El objetivo es analizar la variación espacial de las precipitaciones a diferentes escalas temporales en una pequeña cuenca hidrográfica. Los análisis incluyen el cálculo de las precipitaciones medias de la cuenca utilizando el método de la media aritmética y el de los Polígonos de Thiessen. En el estudio de la variabilidad espacial de las precipitaciones a escala de evento se establecieron seis grupos en función de las cantidades diarias y de las intensidades como criterios. Los principales resultados muestran que los pluviómetros ubicados en las zonas más altas, registraron mayores precipitaciones, donde la orientación del relieve y la exposición a los vientos repercuten en la variabilidad espacial. En cuanto a los episodios de precipitación, aquellos con mayores intensidades presentan una mayor variabilidad espacial.
Computación ii
Authors: Herrera Hernández Mayra Concepción
Published: January 2018

EL uso de la hoja de cálculo en el aprendizaje estadístico se ha convertido en una herramienta disponible ya que la mayoría de software computacional tiene alguna versión de la misma. En el presente artículo se nos muestran los beneficios del uso de Excel en el proceso de aprendizaje de la estadística aplicada a la carrera de Psicología con Microsoft Excel que esta disponible para los estudiantes universitarios. Las ventajas adicionales en los procedimientos estadísticos son la sintaxis común de acuerdo a su nombre, las funciones de la aplicación inmediata y capacidad gráfica para la interpretación de resultados estadísticos, entre otras aplicaciones dentro del área de énfasis.

Este artículo es una propuesta para iniciarse dentro del universo estadístico para los estudiantes para el procesamiento y análisis estadístico de los resultados, creado para cumplir los objetivos en la primera unidad de Computación II: Estadística.
Las Palabras y Las Cosas, de Michel Foucault
Authors: Garibay Santillán Aurora Sandra
Published: January 2018

El problema del conocimiento ha sido desde siempre, tema central en la historia del hombre, su ciencia y su filosofía. Las formas en que interpretamos al mundo buscan darle orden, sentido y significancia a las cosas y a los hechos de la vida; pero la forma en cómo lo hacemos ha sido bastante complicada de exponer y mucho más de explicar. Las Palabras y Las Cosas de Michel Foucault, nos lleva en un viaje a través de la historia para hacernos saber, de forma magistral, cómo se ha tratado hasta nuestros días el problema de la aprehensión de la realidad a través del conocimiento mediado por el lenguaje. El concepto de semejanza se convierte en el punto central de su enfoque, aunque nunca hace referencia al lugar que ya le había dado Aristóteles, junto con los de contigüidad y contraste, como procesos asociativos. Sin embargo, señala de forma certera el lugar que el lenguaje tiene como proceso, como sistema, como cosa o producto del lenguaje y cómo el hombre ha ido construyendo su propio mundo y tal vez su propia conciencia.
La Calidad Educativa y el Enfoque por Competencias en el Nivel Superior. El proyecto Tuning y Alfa Tuning en su relación con México y la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo.
Authors: Olvera Mendoza Juan de Dios
Published: January 2018

En el presente ensayo se analiza el proyecto Tunnig en Europa y su impacto en las Instituciones de Educación Superior, los cambios que generó en la misma así como la aplicación del enfoque por competencias centrando la enseñanza en el aprendizaje del alumno, lo que trae aparejado un cambio en la formación del docente y forma de trabajo. Cómo este proyecto influye en su aplicación para América Latina, su conformación, similitudes y diferencias con el proyecto Europeo, la inserción de México en este, para finalmente analizar el caso de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, que pertenece al subsistema de Educación Superior mexicano, miembro del proyecto Alfa Tuning, su modificación al modelo educativo e institucional para cumplir con los compromisos contraídos con las IES Europeas y Latinoamericanas.
Los tropiezos en la implementación de las TICs en la educación superior
Authors: Reyes Grande Oscar
Published: January 2018

Las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación TICs han impulsado una transformación en rumbos y ejes de diversos sectores que a su vez influyen en el desarrollo de una sociedad, provocando cambios en las formas de trabajo, modelos y paradigmas que ya se habían establecido anteriormente a la implementación de estos recursos, sin embargo la globalización tecnológica demanda un alto grado de dominio y desarrollo de las TICs principalmente en la educación que ayude a acelerar los procesos de este sector sin perjudicar los resultados. Pero es importante destacar la importancia real que se le da a este proceso de transición y la eficiencia, trascendencia e impacto que produce.
Artes visuales y artes escénicas en la carrera de Inteligencia de Mercados
Authors: Laguna García Alicia
Published: January 2018

Las artes visuales y las artes escénicas se implementaron en la matrícula de la carrera de Inteligencia de Mercados, con el fin de formar alumnos que aprecien las obras plásticas y escénicas en su contexto cultural y a la vez desarrollen habilidades de diseño, creatividad y presencia en el escenario, utilizando lo aprendido a lo largo de la carrera y en el campo laboral.Las evidencias que se realizaran serán de mucha ayuda para cumplir los objetivos señalados, sin olvidar que el arte sensibiliza y proporciona diferentes perspectivas de pensar, ver y sentir.Para Vigotski (1998) La imaginación como fundamento de toda actividad creativa, se manifiesta en todos, sin excepción, los conceptos de la vida cultural y posibilita la creatividad artística, científica y técnica. (p.6).Este autor centra su atención en la imaginación y sus posibilidades, en la carrera de Inteligencia de Mercados, los alumnos necesitan de imaginación para visualizar todas las posibilidades del mercado.
Evaluación de los entornos virtuales de aprendizaje y enseñanza
Authors: Hernández Gracia José Francisco , Buitrón Ramírez Hugo
Published: January 2018

La enseñanza virtual surge como una submodalidad de la educación a distancia, misma que tiene especificaciones que deben considerarse al momento de proponer un modelo educativo, por lo que la evaluación implica realizar, un juicio de valor acerca de una realidad determinada, utilizando distintas herramientas para indagar si los objetivos se alcanzaron. (Cabero, J., 2009).Por lo que debemos considerar, que realizar una evaluación a un curso virtual es de suma importancia, debido a que en la actualidad la mayor parte de las instituciones pretenden hacer uso de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación para hacerse llegar más usuarios, toda vez que la educación presencial se hace más difícil a la hora de empatar las necesidades tanto de la instituciones como de los estudiantes.Sin embargo, no todos los cursos que hacen uso del e-learning, lo hacen de manera adecuada puesto que omiten cuestiones importantes o caen en el error de aplicar los métodos tradicionales aún cuando se pretende ser diferentes.
Prototipo CNC para perforación de placas de circuitos electrónicos
Authors: Castro Maqueda Vari Zaida , Bautista Barrera Erik Alejandro , Acuña Galván Israel
Published: January 2018

Se propone un prototipo de control numérico computarizado (CNC) con tres grados de libertad para perforación de placas de circuitos electrónicos impresos, este tiene la característica de tener una interface que permita la comunicación USB a diferencia de otros prototipos que utilizan el puerto serial. Se creó un programa el cual lee las coordenadas de un archivo en código G y controla los movimientos del prototipo en tres dimensiones.
Educación y cultura ambiental en la micro y pequeña empresa, estrategia para la gestión ambiental
Authors: Flores Ramírez María Luisa , Méndez Reza Rosalía
Published: January 2018

En esta investigación se presenta una propuesta sobre la incorporación de la educación y cultura ambiental en la Micro y pequeña empresa, como mecanismo para la gestión ambiental empresarial (GAE).

Se expone la importancia, ventajas y beneficios de elementos clave de un sistema de gestión ambiental, así como la necesidad de integrar en el sector empresarial de las Micro y pequeñas empresas (MyPES) la educación y cultura ambiental como estrategia de gestión y comunicación ambiental; aspectos relevantes que permiten prestar atención a la relación empresa y medio ambiente ,la responsabilidad social corporativa y practicas ambientales como la reducción del consumo de energía, agua y disminución de generación de residuos, indicadores que impactan en el cambio climático y contribuyen al deterioro ambiental.

La metodología considera la aplicación de una encuesta a tomadores de decisión de nivel gerencial. El resultado es la propuesta de un plan de manejo ambiental para una mejora del ambiente.
El Mobbing dentro de las organizaciones. Un análisis para el cambio organizacional
Authors: García Jiménez Omar
Published: January 2018

El mobbing, acoso grupal, moral o psicológico, cualquier nombre con el que se le designe, es un síndrome de investigación social el cual consiste en la agresión sutil sistemática, recurrente a un individuo por parte de un grupo durante un periodo de tiempo, por lo tanto el individuo acosado se resiste a la voluntad del grupo, tal maltrato se quebranta con repetidas conductas grupales. En este trabajo conoceremos el concepto que denomina al mobbing y el punto de vista de algunos autores, así como los diferentes tipos de acoso laboral el cual puede ser de forma horizontal o vertical dependiendo del entorno laboral en donde se lleve el mobbing, así como la clasificación la cual se referencia mediante cuatro tipos de acoso laboral “mobbing” además de conocer las etapas desde como inicia el mobbing hasta el final de él y el marco jurídico establecido en los artículos de la Ley Federal del Trabajo de México, así como sus respectivas sanciones.
Perspectiva crítica sobre la legitimidad de la Responsabilidad Social Empresarial (RSE) en México
Authors: Martínez Lecuona M.A Adriana , Buitrón Ramírez Dr. Armando Hugo
Published: January 2018

A través de éste trabajo se pretenden ubicar los elementos más importantes que definen hoy a la Responsabilidad Social Empresarial (RSE). Para ello, se presenta en un primer apartado el análisis de algunos conceptos básicos y se muestran las líneas de formalización de la cultura corporativa de responsabilidad social que le dieron origen.

Por otra parte, se describen las iniciativas voluntarias que se consideran las más importantes en materia de promoción de la filosofía de RSE en el plano internacional y las acciones que en México se han emprendido para divulgar esta manera de hacer negocios, así como los argumentos a favor y en contra de ésta filosofía, para lo cual se realiza una revisión a la literatura de algunos autores sobre la legitimidad de las empresas ante la RSE, desde la percepción de los clientes, a fin de intentar responder a la pregunta ¿Existe legitimidad en la RSE en México?

La intención de formular esta interrogante es hacer una reflexión crítica de esta gran multinacional que se denomina RSE, por lo anterior es importante mencionar que no se pretende ofrecer una respuesta definitiva, sino incentivar al estudio y análisis de esta y otras reflexiones importantes de abordar.
Aguamiel y su fermentación: Ciencia más allá de la tradición
Authors: Guzmán-Pedraza Rodrigo , Contreras-Esquivel Juan Carlos
Published: January 2018

El aguamiel, una savia extraída de diversas especies de agave (Agave spp.), es un tópico de gran interés debido que se le atribuyen propiedades interesantes como la actividad prebiótica debido los carbohidratos que lo constituyen. El aguamiel contiene compuestos bioactivos como saponinas, vitaminas, aminoácidos y ácidos grasos, que lo hacen un posible alimento funcional. Su composición permite el crecimiento de microorganismos que la convierten en una bebida alcohólica no destilada llamada pulque, que se aprovecha
únicamente en la elaboración de pan y bebidas en algunas regiones de México. Las investigaciones recabadas en este documento constatan que el aguamiel y el pulque pueden aprovecharse en la industria alimenticia y biotecnológica tanto para el aislamiento de microorganismos como para la obtención de metabolitos de alto valor agregado. El objetivo de esta revisión es presentar los avances más sobresalientes en el aprovechamiento de esta savia y su fermentado. Además de concientizar sobre la necesidad de generar más información a través de la investigación científica y su potencial en las diversas ramas de la salud y la biotecnología.
Evaluasi efektifitas effective microorganism-4 (EM-4) dalam menaikkan volume produksi biogas
Authors: Tira Hendry Sakke , H. Syahrul , Umbara Edi G.
Published: January 2018

Anaerobic digestion process of cow dung was observed over 30 days with addition of effective microorganism – 4 in regard to improve biogas volume production. Temperature for biogas production was kept constant and was conducted at mesophilic mode. It was found that EM-4 addition was effective to increase the biogas yields production. The improvement in biogas volume was recorded as high as 87.8% which was achieved in 10% v/v EM-4 addition. However, the solution concentration should be limited in certain amount. By experimentally work, the results showed that adding more EM-4 into digestate resulted in reduction of biogas volume gradually. The most influential factor of the result may be attributed by the alteration of digestate pH from netral to more acidic. This acidic condition hampered microorganism to do anaerobic process well.
INDUKSI KALUS KACANG TANAH (Arachis hypogaea L.) VARIETAS KELINCI DENGAN PERLAKUAN 2,4-D DAN BAP
Authors: Royani Ida , Zulkifli Lalu , Sedijani Prapti
Published: January 2018

Callus induction determines the successfulness of micropropagation through somatic embryogenesis. This research was conducted to determine the effect of 2,4-D and BAP on callus induction of peanut (Kelinci strain). Callus induction was done on MS medium, with the observed variables were of initiation time, diameter, texture and color callus. Statistical analysis showed that 2,4-D and BAP affect the initiation time, diameter, texture and color callus. The earliest initiation of callus formation was obtained from MS medium with the addition of 4 mg/L 2,4-D. The diameter of the largest callus obtained from MS medium with the addition of 3 mg/L 2,4-D + 1 mg/L BAP. Callus color were affected by the treatment of 2,4-D and BAP, while callus texture was not affected by these treatmen, in which compact callus texture was not affected by these treatment, in which compact callus texture was observed in all treatments.Keywords: Induction of callus, 2,4-D, BAP, peanuts
SINTESIS LAPISAN TIPIS (THIN FILM) SnO2 DAN SnO2:Al MENGGUNAKAN TEKNIK SOL-GEL SPIN COATING PADA SUBSTRAT KACA DAN QUARTZ
Authors: Imawanti Yanika Diah , Doyan Aris , Gunawan Erin Ryantin
Published: January 2018

This study has successfully synthesized SnO2 and SnO2 thin films by doping aluminum (Al) using the technique of sol-gel spin coating on glass and quartz substrates. The basic materials are Tin (II) chloride dihydrate (SnCl2.2H2O) and ethanol (C2H5OH) as solvent.  Material for doping is AlCl3 as much as 0.027 g, 0.053 g and 0.08 g to get Al dopant concentration of 5%, 10% and 15% respectively. The substrate used in this study are glass and quartz with the dimension of 10 mm x 10 mm x 3 mm. Detergent water, distilled water and 70% alcohol were used for the preparation of the substrates. Pure SnO2 sol solution was obtained by dissolving SnCl2.2H2O in ethanol, and SnO2:Al was obtained by adding AlCl3 to the solution of SnO2. The stirring process was done by using a hot plate magnetic stirrer to obtained a homogeneous solution (transparent). Sol solution of pure SnO2 and SnO2:Al were allowed for 24 hours as maturation (aging) process. Solution deposition on a substrate was done with a rotary speed of 2000 rpm for 3 minutes. Heating process was done at the annealing temperature of 200°C to 400°C by using a furnace for 1 hour to grow the crystalline of thin films. This thin films are very appropriate when applied to transparent conductive oxide (TCO) materials with high transparency and conductive character of tin (Sn) and aluminum (Al)Keyword: SnO2‚ aluminum‚ sol-gel, spin coating, substrate
Study and development of NiAl intermetallic coating on hypo-eutectoid steel using highly activated composite granules of the Ni–Al system
Authors: Shahzad Aamir , Zadorozhnyy Vladislav Yu. , Pavlov Mikhail D. , Semenov Dmitri V. , Kaloshkin Sergey D.
Published: January 2018

NiAl intermetallic coating thickness of about 50 μm was fabricated on hypo-eutectoid steel by mechanical alloying using pre-activated Ni–Al composite granules as coating material. First, Ni and Al powders were mixed with the composition of Ni-50 at.% Al and mechanically activated in a planetary ball mill, until the composite granules of this powder mixture, having maximum activity (9 cm sec−1), were formed after 120 min of milling at 200 rpm. The composite granules were then taken out from the planetary ball mill just before the critical time, i. e. the time at which these granules synthesize and convert to an intermetallic NiAl compound. The highly activated composite granules of Ni–Al were then put into the vial of a vibratory ball mill with the substrate on top of the chamber. After mechanical alloying for 60 min in the vibratory ball mill, the composite granules were synthesized fully and heat was produced during the synthesis which helped producing a thick and strong adhesive coating of NiAl intermetallic on the steel substrate. The main advantage of this technique is that not only is time saved but also there is no need for any post mechanical alloying process such as annealing or laser treatment etc. to get homogeneous, strongly bonded intermetallic coatings. X-ray diffraction analysis clearly indicates the formation of NiAl phase. Micro-hardness of the coating and substrate was also measured. The cross-sectional microstructure of the composite granules and the final coating were studied by scanning electron microscopy.
Nanoindentation characterization of Al-matrix nanocomposites produced via spark plasma sintering
Authors: Sadeghi Behzad , Shamanian Morteza , Ashrafizadeh Fakhreddin , Cavaliere Pasquale , le Valerini Danie
Published: January 2018

Spark plasma sintering has been recognized in the recent past as a very useful tool capable of producing materials with high strength and low porosity when compared to the traditional powder metallurgy technologies. In addition, the possibility of producing metal-matrix composites with enhanced mechanical and wear properties has been demonstrated. Obviously, the final properties of spark plasma sintered composites depend on the reinforcement type, size and percentage. The present paper analyzes the possibility of producing spark plasma sintered aluminum-based composites with various types and sizes of reinforcement (Al2O3 nanosized and microsized particles blended with aluminum in different percentages). A strong variation in the microstructural behavior, in mechanical properties and in deformation mode has been observed by varying the type, percentage and combination of reinforcements in the aluminum matrix. The material evolution was deeply analyzed through nanoindentation, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.
Diffusion behaviour of Pt in platinum aluminide coatings during thermal cycles
Authors: Ye Liya , Chen Hongfei , Yang Guang , Cui Yuanyuan , Luo Hongjie , Liu Bin , Qian Lingyi , Gao Yanfeng
Published: January 2018

Two-phase PtAl2+β-(Ni,Pt)Al and single-phase β-(Ni,Pt)Al coatings were fabricated on DD5 Ni-based superalloy and pure Ni substrates. A coating/pure Ni substrate system was studied to determine the diffusion behaviour of Pt in the Ni–Al–Pt ternary system. The evolutions of morphology, phases and component concentration during thermal cycles were analysed. It was found that there is a phase shift from PtAl2 to β* in the two-phase coating, and Kirkendall porosity was observed in the single-phase coating. Our results further indicated that there are two different diffusion paths of Pt in the Ni–Al–Pt system.
Relationships Between Lower Olfaction and Brain White Matter Lesions in Elderly Subjects with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Heinrich Juliette , Vidal Jean-Sébastien , Simon Axelle , Rigaud Anne-Sophie , Hanon Olivier , Epelbaum Jacques , Viollet Cecile , Duron Emmanuelle
Published: January 2018

Background:

Olfactory impairment is reported in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and is associated with hippocampal atrophy. In elderly people, dementia with AD neuropathology and white matter lesions (WML) is common. In this context, olfactory impairment could also depend on the presence of WML.

Objective:

To assess the cross-sectional relationship between olfaction and WML in elderly subjects with MCI.

Methods:

Consecutive subjects, >65 years old, diagnosed as MCI after a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment in an expert memory center, with a brain MRI performed within a year and without major depressive state, were included. Olfaction was assessed by the Brief Smell Identification Test (BSIT). Two trained neuroradiologists, blind to cognitive and olfaction status, visually assessed hippocampal atrophy according to Scheltens’ scale and WML according to Fazekas criteria.

Results:

Seventy-five MCI subjects (mean age (SD) = 77.1 (6.2) years, 74.7% of women) were included. After adjustment for age and sex, factors associated with low BSIT scores were older age ( p = 0.007), lower BMI ( p = 0.08), lower MMSE score ( p = 0.05), lower FCRST ( p = 0.008), hippocampal atrophy ( p = 0.04), periventricular WML ( p = 0.007), and deep WML burden ( p = 0.005). In multivariate analysis, severe deep WML (OR (95% CI) = 6.29 (1.4–35.13), p = 0.02) remained associated with low BSIT score independently from hippocampal atrophy.

Conclusion:

In elderly MCI subjects, low olfactory performances are associated with WML, whose progression may be slowed by vascular treatments. A longitudinal study to evaluate whether the progression of WML, hippocampal atrophy and low olfactory function, can predict accurately conversion from MCI to dementia is ongoing.
A Novel Antibody Targeting Tau Phosphorylated at Serine 235 Detects Neurofibrillary Tangles
Authors: Brici David , Götz Jürgen , Nisbet Rebecca M.
Published: January 2018

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by two main pathological hallmarks in the human brain: the extracellular deposition of amyloid-β as plaques and the intracellular accumulation of the hyperphosphorylated protein tau as neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Phosphorylated tau (p-tau) specific-antibodies and silver staining have been used to reveal three morphological stages of NFT formation: pre-NFTs, intraneuronal NFTs (iNFTs), and extraneuronal NFTs (eNFTs). Here we characterize a novel monoclonal antibody, RN235, which is specific for tau phosphorylated at serine 235, and detects iNFTs and eNFTs in brain tissue, suggesting that phosphorylation at this site is indicative of late stage changes in tau.
Sally-Anne Test in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia
Authors: Takenoshita Shintaro , Terada Seishi , Yokota Osamu , Kutoku Yumiko , Wakutani Yosuke , Nakashima Makoto , Maki Yohko , Hattori Hideyuki , Yamada Norihito
Published: January 2018

Social cognition has recently been recognized as one of the essential cognitive domains. Some reports suggested that patients with Alzheimer’s disease dementia (ADD) presented significant theory of mind deficits even in the mild condition. However, most previous studies included only small numbers of patients with ADD. The present study administered the first-order false belief (Sally-Anne) test to 116 consecutive patients with ADD from the outpatient units of the Memory Clinic and compared the characteristics of the two groups with correct and incorrect answers on the test. Then various clinical characteristics were evaluated. Only 37.1% of patients with ADD correctly answered the Sally-Anne test with the right explanation. Comparison between the two groups of correct and incorrect answers revealed a significant association between the frontal assessment battery score and the result of the Sally-Anne test in the multiple logistic regression analyses. Thus, patients with ADD presented a significant deficit in social cognition even in the mild condition. Frontal dysfunction was thought to be related to the deficits in mild ADD.
Frequency of Cardiovascular Genetic Risk Factors in a Calabrian Population and Their Effects on Dementia
Authors: Maletta Raffaele , Smirne Nicoletta , Bernardi Livia , Anfossi Maria , Gallo Maura , Conidi Maria Elena , Colao Rosanna , Puccio Gianfranco , Curcio Sabrina A.M. , Laganà Valentina , Frangipane Francesca , Cupidi Chiara , Mirabelli Maria , Vasso Franca , Torchia Giusi , Muraca Maria G. , Di Lorenzo Raffaele , Rose Giuseppina , Montesanto Alberto , Passarino Giuseppe , Bruni Amalia C.
Published: January 2018

Background:

Several genetic variants playing a key role in cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and vascular dysfunction influence the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD). The many meta-analysis studies carried out on large numbers of samples in different populations have not provided clear results to date, because a trans-ethnic shift of risk genotypes in different populations is often observed.

Objectives:

To determine genotypes allele frequencies of the polymorphisms most frequently identified to be correlated with cardio-cerebrovascular disease and AD in a Southern Italy population and to investigate their possible association with dementia.

Methods:

The genotype and allele frequencies of 13 cardio-cerebrovascular risk polymorphisms were assessed and their possible association with dementia was investigated in a case-control study, including 221 consecutive unrelated subjects diagnosed with dementia (120 subjects affected by AD, 55 by frontotemporal dementia, and 33 by vascular dementia) and 218 matched controls of Calabrian origin.

Results:

Carriers of at least one APOE ɛ4 allele resulted to be at higher risk of AD [OR(95% CI) = 2.721(1.477–5.011)] and VaD [OR(95% CI) = 6.205(2.356–16.342)] compared to non-carriers. Individuals with the IV genotype of the CETP polymorphism were more likely to have AD [OR(95% CI) = 2.427(1.364–4.319)] and VaD [OR(95% CI) = 3.649(1.455–9.152)] compared to subjects with the II-VV genotypes.

Conclusion:

CETP I405V polymorphism is likely a risk factor for AD and VaD in our cohort, independent of APOE ɛ4 status. Unmodifiable genetic risk factors should be taken into account to promote a healthy lifestyle to prevent dementia.
Free Heme and Amyloid-β: A Fatal Liaison in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Chiziane Elisabeth , Telemann Henriette , Krueger Martin , Adler Juliane , Arnhold Jürgen , Alia A. , Flemmig Jörg
Published: January 2018

While the etiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is still unknown, an increased formation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide and oxidative processes are major pathological mechanism of the disease. The interaction of Aβ with free heme leads to the formation of peroxidase-active Aβ-heme complexes. However, enzyme-kinetic data and systematic mutational studies are still missing. These aspects were addressed in this study to evaluate the role of Aβ-heme complexes in AD. The enzyme-kinetic measurements showed peroxidase-specific pH- and H2O2-dependencies. In addition, the enzymatic activity of Aβ-heme complexes constantly increased at higher peptide excess. Moreover, the role of the Aβ sequence for the named enzymatic activity was tested, depicting human-specific R5, Y10, and H13 as essential amino acids. Also by studying Y10 as an endogenous peroxidase substrate for Aβ-heme complexes, ratio-specific effects were observed, showing an optimal dityrosine formation at an about 40-fold peptide excess. As dityrosine formation promotes Aβ fibrillation while free heme disturbs protein aggregation, we also investigated the effect of Aβ-heme complex-derived peroxidase activity on the formation of Aβ fibrils. The fluorescence measurements showed a different fibrillation behavior at strong peroxidase activity, leading also to altered fibril morphologies. The latter was detected by electron microscopy. As illustrated by selected in vivo measurements on a mouse model of AD, the disease is also characterized by Aβ-derived microvessel destructions and hemolytic processes. Thus, thrombo-hemorrhagic events are discussed as a source for free heme in brain tissue. In summary, we suggest the formation and enzymatic activity of Aβ-heme complexes as pathological key features of AD.