bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studi In Vitro: Efek Anti Kolesterol Ekstrak Daun Rambusa (Passiflora foetida L)
Authors: Mulyani Evi
Published: March 2019

The Rambusa plant (Passiflora foetida L) is known to contain compounds for various treatments, empirically the people in Indonesia, especially Central Kalimantan, use the leaves of rambusa known as the cemot plant to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. Chemically, cholesterol is a complex compound produced by the body with various functions, including producing sex hormones, adrenal cortex hormones, vitamin D, and the production of bile salts that help the intestines to absorb fat. So, if the dose is right or reasonable, the role of cholesterol in the body will be optimal. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of anticholesterol in rambusa leaf extract. This study is an experimental study. The anticolesterol effect was tested by the modified enzymatic endpoint cholesterol method. The leaf extract of Rambusa was made with a concentration of 0.5 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml and 1.5 mg/ml as a positive control (multiplier) using simvastatin which was then reacted with reagent R1 and read the results using a photometer and UV-spectrophotometer. Vis with a wavelength of 546 nm. The measurement results using a photometer showed standard cholesterol levels (control negative) 200 mg/dl, positive control 195 mg/dl, 144 mg/dl (extract 0.5 mg/ml), 108 mg/dl (extract 1 mg/ml) and 103 mg/dl (extract 1.5 mg/ml). While the measurement of cholesterol absorbance and concentration using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 546 nm 0.179�159.8 mg/dl (Control positive), 0.123�109.8 mg/dl (extract 0.5 mg/ml), 0.110�98.2 mg/dl (extract 1 mg/ml), and 0.109�97.3 mg/dl (extract 1.5 mg/ml). As a conclusion, Rambusa leaf extract can reduce cholesterol levels in vitro.
A new class activation functions with application in the theory of impulse technics
Authors: KYURKCHİEV Nikolay
Published: March 2019

In this note we define the new activation functions, based on the well-known hyperbolic tangent and half--hyperbolic tangent activation functions. We consider the Hausdorff distance between the ''double step'' function $\sigma^{\ast}(t)$ (resp. function $\sigma^{\ast \ast}(t)$) and the new classes of activation functions. The results have independent significance in the study of issues related to neural networks and impulse techniques. Numerical examples, illustrating our results are presented using programming environment Mathematica.
On fourth-order jacobsthal quaternions
Authors: CERDA-MORALES Gamaliel
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we present for the first time a sequence of quaternions of order 4 that we will call the fourth-order Jacobsthal and the fourth-order Jacobsthal-Lucas quaternions. In particular, we are interested in the generating function, Binet formula, explicit formula and some interesting results for fourth-order Jacobsthal quaternions and fourth-order Jacobsthal-Lucas quaternions. This generalizes some previous results given by Szynal-Liana and Wloch in [13], Torunbalci Aydin and Yüce in [14] and Cerda-Morales in [2].
Assessment of Quantity Surveying Firms' Process and Product Innovation Drive in Nigeria
Authors: Peter Onyeagam Onyealilam , Eze Emmanuel Chidiebere , Anthony Adegboyega Adesoji
Published: March 2019

Purpose- Innovation repositions and strengthens the competitive advantage and revenue drive of corporate businesses. The aim of this study is to assess the extent of the process and product innovation in Nigerian Quantity Surveying firms with a view to determining the innovative tools/concepts used.  Design/Methodology- The study adopted a questionnaire survey in which simple random sampling was used to collect data from Quantity Surveyors working with Quantity Surveying firms in the study area. Relative importance Index, mean score, frequencies, andpercentages were used to analyze the data collected, and Rogers' innovation adopters categorization was employed to determine the level of adoption of innovation by Quantity Surveyors.  Findings- The study found that Quantity Surveying firms do not engage the services of innovation specialist because of financial constraint. The most adopted innovative tools/concept by Quantity Surveying firms are MS Excel, Computer Aided Taking-off, CATO, and CA Estimating, and these firms are an early majority in the adoption of process and product/technological innovations.  Practical Implications- The study would assist Quantity Surveying firms who have notembraced innovation to do so, by adopting and incorporating innovative practices in the running of the business transactions and operations to improve clients' satisfaction, profit generation, andcompany image.
Peer effects, Financial Decisions and Industry Concentration
Authors: Zaighum Isma , Abd Karim Dr. Mohd Zaini
Published: March 2019

Purpose- This article reviews literature related to peer effects and different financial decisions. It further summarizes the theory and motives that drive peer effects. Also, the study highlights the influence of industry concentration on peer interaction in financial decision making. This content analysis of scantily available peer effect literature has been performed to highlight the significance of peer effects in financial decision making like investment, cash holding, leverage and many more. Most of the existing peer effects literature focuses on the U.S. However, peer effects also occur in other countries but empirical evidence is comparatively limited. But, managers may take into consideration their industry peers especially if their firms are operating in highly competitive environments. 
Design/Methodology- Content analysis approach is applied to review prevailing financial literature on peer interactions and financial decisions with a special focus on industry concentration in explaining the peer effects. 
Practical Implications- As the prime focus of managerial decisions is to maximize the firm’s value. Hence, information about peers would be helpful in making better decisions, especially in highly competitive environments. Also, this review of selected literature provides pathways for future research in investigating the motives of peer effects.
Impact of HR Policies and Practices on Employee Job Satisfaction
Authors: Ali Amir
Published: March 2019

Aim - This research highlights the HR policies and practices in terms of compensation and performance evaluation and its impact on employee job satisfaction. This study will fill the gap in the literature by providing information on compensation and performance functions of human resource.  Design - In this research descriptive design is taken in the collection of bias-free data. A sample of 42 respondents was taken into consideration from different management level of PTCL such as top, middle and lower level and the target population of this study was human resource department, management, and administrative staff. To collect the required information closed-ended questionnaire was used and were divided into three part; initially questionnaire identify the demographic factors of the respondents, then highlight the Likert scale options 1 being strongly disagreed and 5 strongly agree.  Findings - In findings of this research we highly recommend the management to have fair and equitable compensation policies and establish performance evaluation system which can reduce to biases at all levels.
Impact of Organization Politics on Human Resource Management Practices and Employee Performance
Authors: Yasmeen Rehana , Bibi Munaza , Raza Ali
Published: March 2019

Purpose- The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of nepotism & favoritism as a form of organization politics on HRM practices and employee performance.
Design/Methodology- Explanatory research design was employed to determine the effect of nepotism & favoritism on HRM practices and employee performance. Primary data collection method was used among employees working in different public-sector hospitals based on their accessibility. For this study, the sample of 150 employees was used. The adapted questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS. 
Findings- The correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between favoritism, employee performance & HRM practices whereas nepotism has a significant association with employee performance but the insignificant relationship with HRM practices. The outcomes of the study unveiled a significantly negative effect of nepotism on employee performance & HRM practices while favoritism has a significantly positive effect on employee performance & HRM practices. 
Practical Implications- The study outcomes might help public sector hospitals HR department to incorporate some changes regarding their policies to prevent the nepotistic & favoritism practices which can lead to creating a politics in the organization in which everyone works to fulfill his or her self- interest without focusing towards organizational goals achievement.
Impact of Regulatory Capital on Risk Taking By Pakistani Banks
Authors: Hussain Muhammad Sajjad , Musa Dr. Muhammad Muhaizam , Omran Dr. Abdelnaser
Published: March 2019

Objective - The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between capital regulation and risk-taking by the banks of Pakistan. 
Design - This study was conducted on all the commercial banks of Pakistan and data were collected from the year 2005 to 2016. 
Findings - This study concluded the significant positive relationship between regulatory capital and risk-taking by banks in Pakistan. The findings of this study play a key role in the implementation of capital regulations in the banks of developing countries. 
Policy Implications - In the light of this study, the regulators must revise their implementation process of the Basel Accord capital regulations in the banks of developing countries. The prime intention of regulators are only on to maintain the minimum capital ratios but must be conscious of other important elements of capital regulation implications. 
Originality - This study is one of the first attempts that investigated the crucial role of regulatory capital towards risk-taking in the Pakistani context.
An Investigation of the Diversification Roles of Contractor
Authors: Adros Nur Azila , Abidin Dr. Nazirah Zainul
Published: March 2019

The construction industry is facing a period of change due to the revolution of new technology, emphasis on strategic alliances and demanding customers. As one of the key players in the construction industry, the contractors play an important role in the development of the construction industry. They are known for their traditional roles during the construction stage by managing and production on site. Due to changes in the industry, the contractors’ role has been evolving during the years, this has impacted their roles to change as well. This paper reviews the traditional roles of the contractor and discusses the reasons for their evolving roles in the construction industry. Finally, this paper delves into the various diversification roles of the contractor in Malaysia which are categorised into two such as the management and technical.
Conhecimento e prática de enfermeiros no controle da dor de pacientes com feridas neoplásicas
Authors: Agra Glenda , Medeiros Maria Vitória de Souza , De Brito Débora Thaí­se Freires , Pimentel Edlene Régis Silva , Formiga Nilton Soares , Costa Marta Miriam Lopes
Published: March 2019

As feridas neoplásicas representam uma angústia para pacientes que enfrentam um prognóstico de doença terminal, uma vez que são lesões que não apresentam possibilidades de cicatrização, desfiguram a aparência fí­sica e desenvolvem sintomas de difí­cil controle. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o conhecimento e prática de enfermeiros no controle da dor de pacientes com feridas neoplásicas. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo realizado com 22 enfermeiros de um hospital filantrópico de Campina Grande/PB durante o perí­odo de abril a junho de 2016. O instrumento foi um questionário estruturado, contendo questões acerca dos cuidados a pacientes com feridas neoplásicas. Os resultados obtidos nesta pesquisa permitiram, de forma geral, identificar que os enfermeiros apresentam lacunas no conhecimento de conteúdos e técnicas sobre avaliação e tratamento de pacientes com feridas neoplásicas. Além disso, constatou-se que os enfermeiros não executam alguns cuidados pertinentes a essa clientela. Desse modo, a instituição da pesquisa precisa investir em educação permanente, a fim de treinar a equipe de enfermagem para o acompanhamento de pacientes com lesões neoplásicas, adquirir materiais necessários e implantar protocolos assistenciais que norteiem a prática de métodos avaliativos e terapêuticos para o cuidado com pessoas com feridas neoplásicas, familiares e cuidadores.Palavras-chave: conhecimento, enfermeiros, cuidados de enfermagem, assistência ao paciente, neoplasias cutâneas.
Visita domiciliar a crianças com microcefalia
Authors: Santos Josely Bruce , Felzemburgh Ridalva Dias Martins
Published: March 2019

Estudo descritivo, do tipo relato de experiência, a partir de inquéritos domiciliares realizados por enfermeiras às crianças com microcefalia, a fim de avaliar o estado geral de saúde e posteriormente encaminhá-las ao ambulatório de atendimento especializado para acompanhamento. Considerando que as crianças com microcefalia necessitam de estimulação precoce e detecção o mais rápido possí­vel das alterações, visando otimizar os resultados de intervenções que se façam necessárias, as visitas domiciliares abrangeram esse objetivo, pois foram capazes de avaliar e incluir precocemente as crianças com microcefalia ao ambulatório multiprofissional especializado.Palavras-chave: anormalidades congênitas, microcefalia, crianças com deficiência, visita domiciliar.
Espiritualidade: influência nos processos de luto em pacientes vivenciando a finitude na oncologia
Authors: Batista dos Santos Ana Clara Bezerra , Florêncio Fernanda Caroline , Nunes Neto Geraldo Vicente , Silva Yalle Laryssa Florencio , Cavalcante Laysa Thayane Silva , Sá Maciel Ana Maria Barreto , De Carvalho Maria Valéria Gorayeb
Published: March 2019

Objetivo: Avaliar a influência da espiritualidade nos processos de luto em pacientes vivenciando a finitude na oncologia. Métodos: Estudo descritivo e exploratório, de natureza qualitativa, com tamanho amostral por saturação pelo método de Bardin. Para coleta dos dados foi utilizado um questionário não estruturado com 3 perguntas abertas. Resultados: A espiritualidade pode contribuir para o enfrentamento do luto em pessoas que vivenciam a finitude, como também os auxilia a resistir às pressões e aos desconfortos fí­sicos e psicológicos de tal modo a promover o seu bem-estar até o último momento de vida. Conclusão: A equipe de saúde deve estar preparada para lidar com essas necessidades, escutando suas queixas, ansiedades e emoções, buscando intervenções que venham proporcionar melhor qualidade de vida na terminalidade.Palavras-chave: espiritualidade, oncologia, cuidados paliativos.
A atenção primária em saúde como fonte de apoio social a gestantes adolescentes
Authors: Do Lago Pamela Nery , De Sousa Albertina Antonielly Sydney , Rodrigues Dafne Paiva , Da Silva Maria Rocineide Ferreira , De Mesquita Nayara Sousa
Published: March 2019

Objetivou-se investigar a atuação da atenção primária em saúde na rede de apoio social í  gestante adolescente. Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratório-descritiva, qualitativa, realizada com 16 gestantes entre 12 e 18 anos e com enfermeiros, de fevereiro a maio de 2014, em quatro Unidades de Atenção Primária í  Saúde da cidade de Fortaleza/CE, além do domicí­lio das gestantes. Para a coleta dos dados com as gestantes, utilizou-se uma entrevista semiestruturada; para avaliar a atuação do enfermeiro nas consultas de pré-natal, realizou-se a observação sistemática. Da análise dos dados pela técnica de análise de conteúdo, emergiu a categoria O apoio social da Atenção Primária í  Saúde na maternidade adolescente. Nenhuma participante possuí­a ví­nculo empregatí­cio e algumas relataram abandono dos estudos; mais da metade era casada/amasiada e todas afirmaram ser católicas. A rede de apoio social contribuiu significativamente para as gestantes adolescentes no enfrentamento das adversidades inerentes ao seu processo adaptativo í  nova realidade. Contudo, percebeu-se que o pouco apoio social oriundo dos enfermeiros foi um ponto negativo, revelando ví­nculos frágeis e pouco efetivos na contribuição da adoção do papel materno.Palavras-chave: gravidez na adolescência, apoio social, atenção primária í  saúde, Enfermagem.
Acessibilidade para pessoas com deficiência na atenção básica de saúde em Três Rios, Centro Sul Fluminense
Authors: Da Cruz Renata Pedreira , Da Silva Rafael André , Pereira Juarez de Souza , Cruz Vanessa Vianna , Rezende Luciana Krauss , Monteiro Ricardo da Silva , Machado Wiliam César Alves
Published: March 2019

Objetivo: Analisar as condições de acessibilidade para as pessoas com deficiência nas unidades de atenção básica de saúde do municí­pio de Três Rios, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo exploratório, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado com estudantes de Pós-Graduação, no primeiro semestre de 2016, utilizando um questionário autoaplicável em 29 estabelecimentos de saúde: 28 unidades básicas de saúde e um complexo regulador. Os resultados foram analisados a luz da estatí­stica descritiva, e discutidos com base no preconizado pelos parâmetros antropométricos oficiais vigentes, no Brasil. Resultados: 51,7% da amostra (15 unidades) não apresentavam condições mí­nimas de acessibilidade para pessoas com deficiência, enquanto outras 14 dispunham de algumas condições básicas. Em 6 delas os usuários alcançavam a recepção, em apenas 2 existia vão de portas para acesso de cadeirantes; 4 com acesso í  sala de atendimentos ao público, aos consultórios, aos banheiros masculino e feminino; apenas 9 delas ofereciam condições transitáveis nos entornos. Acessibilidade para surdos e cegos, também inexpressí­veis. Conclusão: Conclui-se que as unidades básicas de saúde estudadas não estão preparadas para acolher com dignidade cidadãos e cidadãs com deficiência ou mobilidade reduzida, o que demonstra flagrante descumprimento da legislação vigente e descaso dos gestores públicos para com as necessidades de cuidados e saúde para essas pessoas.Palavras-chave: acesso aos serviços de saúde, atenção básica de saúde, estruturas de acesso, pessoas com deficiência.
Effect of water parameters on temporal distribution and abundance of zooplankton at Kaptai lake reservoir, Rangamati, Bangladesh
Authors: Haque Md Anowarul , Nabi Md Rashed Un , Billah Md Masum , Asif Abdulla Al , Rezowan Mohammed , Mondal Md Atiqul Islam , Siddiqui Abdullah Al Mamun , Mahmud Syed Shoeb , Khan Md Razon
Published: March 2019

Seasonal abundance of zooplankton in relation to different physico-chemical conditions of Kaptai lake has been studied. A total of four major groups of zooplankton were identified from study area of Kaptai lake during three seasons observation at pre-monsoon, monsoon and Post-monsoon. These four groups were categorized into rotifers, copepods, cladocerans and others (fish larvae, shrimp larvae, insects, mosquito larvae etc.). The mean abundance of group rotifers, copepods, cladoceras and others were 103, 84.67, 38.33 and 41.83 ind. L-1 respectively. The highest group was rotifers in terms of abundance and composition where compositions were recorded 38 % at three season’s observation. The lowest group was cladoceras in term of abundance and composition where compositions were recorded 14 %. The air temperature, water temperature, transparency, water pH, DO, BOD5, PO4-P, NO2-N, SiO3-Si, TSS, TDS, Alkalinity ranged between 21 and 27.50C, 23.5 and 31.50C, 0.8 and 3 m, 7.1 and 7.5, 5.72 and 8.58 mg/l, 8.55 and 12.87 mg/l, 3.22 and 4.13 μg/l, 0.992 and 1.19 μg/l, 161.18 and 201.15 μg/l, 0.28 and 0.48 g/l, 0.18 and 0.68 g/l, 40 and 60 ppm, respectively. Margalef richness index (d), Pielou’s evenness index (J'), Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H'), Simpson dominance index (λ) are analyzed by Primer V6 software to quantify the collected species. Through same software SIMPER, Cluster analysis also done to compare similarity between season.

Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2018, 4(4): 389-399
Knowledge, attitude and practice towards use of herbal aphrodisiac among unani & ayurvedic health care seekers in Dhaka city
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammed Saiful Islam , Ahammed Md Monir , Taher Mohammad Abu , Rahman Md Anisur , Ahmed MSA Mansur
Published: March 2019

Geographically Bangladesh is the treasure-house of medicinal plants especially herbal aphrodisiac medicines. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 70%–80% of the global population relies on herbs for primary health care. Sexual health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being in all aspects related to the reproductive system. The study aimed as assessing the use of herbal aphrodisiac among Unani & Ayurvedic health care seekers in Dhaka city, knowledge, attitude and practice. The study design was a descriptive cross-sectional study. This study was conducted at Unani and Ayurvedic Medical College Hospital among 220 patients at Mirpur-13, Dhaka using a semi-structured interviewed questionnaire. The study result depicted that 47.7% respondents were in 21-30 years age group. The mean age was 31.22±8.265 years and the range was from 17-50 years. It was found that the prevalence of Premature Ejaculation (PE) and Erectile Dysfunction (ED) was 26.4% and 21.8% respectively. Low level of knowledge was found about different aspects of Unani and Ayurvedic System of Medicine. It was revealed that most of the respondents (95%) knew about the very effective aphrodisiac, their safety and cost issue. It was also revealed that most (79.1%) of the respondents strongly opined about less side-effect of herbal aphrodisiac. The study findings suggest that there is a significant association between age and knowledge about Govt. teaching hospital and between education and knowledge about cost of aphrodisiac in herbal medicine.

Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2018, 4(4): 400-405
Ethnomedicinal survey of plants used by the folk medicinal practitioner (FMP) in the Jamalpur sadar Upazila, Jamalpur district, Bangladesh
Authors: Ahamed Tanvir , Mondal Koushik , Khan Muhammad Ismail , Munni Tahmina Nasrin , Alam Tanziba , Islam Rashedul
Published: March 2019

The Folk medicinal practitioner (FMP) or Kabiraj plays a key role to provide health support mainly to village people. They are mainly dependent on the pants parts available around them and many modern medicines are being synthesized by extracting the active chemicals from plants. The main objective of this study is to document the plants used by the FMPs of two villages of Jamalpur sadar upazila. For this study, we conducted a survey based on semi structured method. We found they use mainly 31 plants belonging to 25 families. The part mostly used is leave (31.75%) and the least used is the flower (6.34%). It is found that almost 18 types of diseases are being cured by their formulation. This study also suggested that, the FMPs treat many common disorder like gastro intestinal disorder, Respiratory tract infection, diabetes, Skin disorder etc. and also various complicated disorder such as debility, anemia, neural disorder etc. This study may be helpful to create scientific view about the plants used by the FMPs of Jamalpur sadar upazila and these plants might be used to synthesize drug molecule of interest.

Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2018, 4(4): 422-426
Linking Country Governance Quality and Derivatives Use: Insights from Firms’ Hedging Behavior in East Asia
Authors: Kim Huong Trang
Published: March 2019

This paper examines the link between countries’ governance quality and firms’ use of derivatives using a novel hand-collected dataset. Our panel data includes 881 non-financial firms across eight East Asian countries. We found that better country governance induces firms to use derivatives to hedge exposure and mitigate costs. Firms in countries with weak governance use derivatives for speculative and/or selective hedging or self-management purposes. Overall, our findings provide strong evidence of the role of countries’ governance quality in driving firms’ derivatives-related behaviors. This macro-based effect on derivatives use is independent of firm-specific factors, which are frequently invoked by hedging theories.
Australia’s notifiable disease status, 2015: Annual report of the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System
Authors:   NNDSS Annual Report Working Group
Published: March 2019

In 2015, 67 diseases and conditions were nationally notifiable in Australia. States and territories reported a total of 320,480 notifications of communicable diseases to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, an increase of 16% on the number of notifications in 2014. In 2015, the most frequently notified diseases were vaccine preventable diseases (147,569 notifications, 46% of total notifications), sexually transmissible infections (95,468 notifications, 30% of total notifications), and gastrointestinal diseases (45,326 notifications, 14% of total notifications). There were 17,337 notifications of bloodborne diseases; 12,253 notifications of vectorborne diseases; 1,815 notifications of other bacterial infections; 710 notifications of zoonoses and 2 notifications of quarantinable diseases.
Quantum metrics on noncommutative spaces
Authors: Maysami Sadr Maysam
Published: March 2019

We introduce two new algebraic formulations for the notion of 'quantum metric on noncommutative space'. For a compact noncommutative space associated to a unital C*-algebra, our quantum metrics are elements of the spatial tensor product of the C*-algebra with itself. We consider some basic properties of these new objects, and state some connections with the Rieffel theory of compact quantum metric spaces.
Quantum contextuality in classical information retrieval
Authors: Zapatrin Roman
Published: March 2019

Document ranking based on probabilistic evaluations of relevance is known to exhibit non-classical correlations, which may be explained by admitting a complex structure of the event space, namely, by assuming the events to emerge from multiple sample spaces. The structure of event space formed by overlapping sample spaces is known in quantum mechanics, they may exhibit some counter-intuitive features, called quantum contextuality. In this Note I observe that from the structural point of view quantum contextuality looks similar to personalization of information retrieval scenarios. Along these lines, Knowledge Revision is treated as operationalistic measurement and a way to quantify the rate of personalization of Information Retrieval scenarios is suggested.
Differential bubordinations and argument inequalities for certain multivalent functions defined by convolution structure
Authors: Aouf Mohamed Kamal , El-ashwah Rabha , Ali Ekram Elsayed
Published: March 2019

The main object of the present paper is to investigate certain interesting argument inequalities and differential subordinations properties of multivalent functions associated with a linear operator $D_{\lambda ,p}^{n}(f\ast g)(z)\ $defined by Hadamard product
Best proximity points for weak $\mathcal{MT}$-cyclic Kannan contractions
Authors: Lakzian Hossein , Lin Ing-Jer
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we introduce a notion of weak $% \mathcal{MT}$-cyclic Kannan contractions with respect to a $\mathcal{MT}$% -function $\varphi$ and then we shall prove some new convergent and existence theorems of best proximity point theorems for these contractions in uniformly Banach spaces.
Establishing the existence of Hilfer fractional pantograph equations with impulses
Authors: Harikrishnan Sugumaran , Ibrahim Rabha , Kanagarajan Kuppusamy
Published: March 2019

In [1], the authors established the existence of a class of fractional differential equations of a complex order. In this note, we derive some sufficient conditions for the existence of solutions to a class of Hilfer fractional pantograph equations with impulsive effect. Further, using the techniques of nonlinear functional analysis, we establish appropriate conditions and results to discuss various kinds of Ulam-Hyers stability.
Characterizations of slant and spherical helices due to pseudo-Sabban frame
Authors: ALTUNKAYA Bülent , KULA Levent
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we investigate that under which conditions of the geodesic curvature of unit speed curve $\gamma$ that lies on $S_1^2$ or $H^2,$ the curve $\alpha$ which is obtained by using $\gamma$, is a spherical helix or slant helix in Minkowski 3-space.
A comparison study for solving systems of high-order ordinary differential equations with constants coefficients by exponential Legendre collocation method
Authors: ELARBİ BENATTİA Mohamed , BELGHABA Kacem , NOUREDDİNE Bouteraa
Published: March 2019

In this article we are interested to study the use of the Legendre exponential (EL) collocation method to solve systems of high order linear ordinary differential equations with constant coefficients. The method transforms the system of differential equations and the conditions given by matrix equations with constant coefficients a new system of equations that corresponds to the system of linear algebraic equations which can be solved . Numerical problems are given to illustrate the validity and applicability of the method. For obtaining the approximate solution Maple software is used.
Coding Matrices for $GL(2,q)$
Authors: KHAMMASH Ahmed A. , HAMED Marwa M.
Published: March 2019

We use the BN-pair structure for the general linear group to write a suitable listing of the elements of the finite group $GL(2,q)$ which is then used to determine its ring of matrices. This approach of identifying finite group ring with ring of matrices has been used effectively to construct linear codes, benefiting from the ring-theoretic structure of both group rings and the ring of matrices.
Forcing linearity numbers for coatomic modules
Authors: Fuchs Peter R.
Published: March 2019

We show that an integer $ n\in \mathbb{N}\cup \lbrace 0 \rbrace $ is the forcing linearity number of a coatomic module over an arbitrary commutative ring with identity if and only if $n\in \left\{ 0,1,2,\infty \right\} \cup \left\{ q+2\left\vert q\text{ is a prime power}\right. \right\} .$
Barang Siapa Di Antara Kamu Tidak Berdosa, Hendaklah Ia Yang Pertama Melemparkan Batu Kepada Perempuan Itu
Authors: Ndruru Yerni
Published: March 2019

All humans are sinful and no one is without sin. The intended sinfulness applies to everyone, no matter what their religious status or whatever their social status. Through this incident in John 8, from the words Jesus gave about 'whoever is without sin' it is very clear that all men have sinned so that no one is without sin. Sin deserves to be punished. But in this case, the sins committed by adulterous women were not punished by Jesus. This does not mean that Jesus was abolishing the law, but Jesus made it clear that the sinfulness of mankind must be redeemed and that redemption was not enough with the sacrifice made every year according to the law. Permanent redemption comes only from God Himself through Jesus Christ.
PENYULUHAN, PENGETAHUAN DAN SIKAP PASANGAN USIA SUBUR TENTANG INPEKSI VISUAL ASAM ASETAT (IVA) DI KELURAHAN BIROBULI
Authors: Taqwin Taqwin , Sumiaty Sumiaty , Lasman Kartini
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTCervical cancer is a serious health problem. The coverage of Visual Acetate Acid (IVA) inspection at Birobuli was still lower than the target, of 13,474 people only 8.7% of the target was achieved. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of IVA counseling on the knowledge and attitudes of fertile age couples in Birobuli Village. The research method is pre-experimental design with a pretest-posttest design approach. The population is all fertile couples who reside in Birobuli Sub-District as many as 432 people. The purposive sampling technique is 40 people. Data were analyzed by univariate and bivariate t-test in pairs. The results of the study showed that before being given information on good knowledge as much as 32.5%, there was less knowledge as much as 67.5%. After being given counseling, good knowledge increased to 92.5% and less knowledge decreased by 7.5%. The results of paired t test obtained a Mean Rank value of -2.675 and a value of p = 0.000. Before being given positive attitude counseling as much as 35% and negative attitudes as much as 65%, after being given positive attitude counseling increased to 87.5% and negative attitudes decreased to 12.5%. The results of the paired t test obtained a Mean Rank value of -7.450 and a value of p = 0.000. The conclusion is that there is an influence of IVA counseling on knowledge and attitudes of fertile age couples in Birobuli Village. It is recommended to Midwives at Birobuli Health Center to increase their role as educators, so that the knowledge and attitudes of fertile couples about IVA increase and cervical cancer cases can be prevented early.Keywords : Knowledge, attitude, counseling, and IVA
Mindfulness y el problema de la integración de las psicoterapias
Authors: Miró María Teresa
Published: March 2019

Como es sabido, los problemas o dilemas no pueden ser resueltos desde la mente condicionada en la que surgen. En la primera parte de este artículo, se explora brevemente cómo surgió el problema de la integración de las psicoterapias en el marco de la investigación comparativa de resultados. Se sostiene que, como todo problema complejo, el problema de la integración de las psicoterapias se ha resuelto por si mismo. En la segunda parte de este artículo, se revisan aportaciones de la sociología de la cultura que nos permiten comprender cómo a lo largo del siglo XX la psicoterapia se ha ido constituyendo como un nuevo marco cultural. Por último, en la tercera parte de este artículo, se plantea cómo la práctica de mindfulness puede ser vista como un eje vertebrador de la psicoterapia del siglo XXI.
A Weighted Voting Ensemble Self-Labeled Algorithm for the Detection of Lung Abnormalities from X-Rays
Authors: Livieris Ioannis E. , Kanavos Andreas , Tampakas Vassilis , Pintelas Panagiotis
Published: March 2019

During the last decades, intensive efforts have been devoted to the extraction of useful knowledge from large volumes of medical data employing advanced machine learning and data mining techniques. Advances in digital chest radiography have enabled research and medical centers to accumulate large repositories of classified (labeled) images and mostly of unclassified (unlabeled) images from human experts. Machine learning methods such as semi-supervised learning algorithms have been proposed as a new direction to address the problem of shortage of available labeled data, by exploiting the explicit classification information of labeled data with the information hidden in the unlabeled data. In the present work, we propose a new ensemble semi-supervised learning algorithm for the classification of lung abnormalities from chest X-rays based on a new weighted voting scheme. The proposed algorithm assigns a vector of weights on each component classifier of the ensemble based on its accuracy on each class. Our numerical experiments illustrate the efficiency of the proposed ensemble methodology against other state-of-the-art classification methods.
Variability among Young Table Grape Cultivars in Response to Water Deficit and Water Use Efficiency
Authors: Weiler Carolin Susanne , Merkt Nikolaus , Hartung Jens , Graeff-Hönninger Simone
Published: March 2019

Climate change will lead to higher frequencies and durations of water limitations during the growing season, which may affect table grape yield. The aim of this experiment was to determine the variability among 3-year old table grape cultivars under the influence of prolonged water deficit during fruit development on gas exchange, growth, and water use efficiency. Six own rooted, potted table grape cultivars (cv. ‘Muscat Bleu’, ‘Fanny’, ‘Nero’, ‘Palatina’, ‘Crimson Seedless’ and ‘Thompson Seedless’) were subjected to three water deficit treatments (Control treatment with daily irrigation to 75% of available water capacity (AWC), moderate (50% AWC), and severe water deficit treatment (25% AWC)) for three consecutive years during vegetative growth/fruit development. Water deficit reduced assimilation, stomatal conductance, and transpiration, and increased water use efficiencies (WUE) with severity of water limitation. While leaf area and number of leaves were not affected by treatments in any of the tested cultivars, the response of specific leaf area to water deficit depended on the cultivar. Plant dry mass decreased with increasing water limitation. Overall, high variability of cultivars to gas exchange and water use efficiencies in response to water limitation was observed. ’Palatina’ was the cultivar having a high productivity (high net assimilation) and low water use (low stomatal conductance) and the cultivar ‘Fanny’ was characterized by the highest amount of total annual dry mass as well as the highest total dry mass production per water supplied during the experiment (WUEDM). Hence, ‘Fanny’ and ‘Palatina’ have shown to be cultivars able to cope with water limiting conditions and should be extensively tested in further studies.
Uterine Involution and Reproductive Performance in Dairy Cows with Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Braga Paiano Renan , Becker Birgel Daniela , Harry Birgel Junior Eduardo
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of metabolic diseases on uterine involution and reproductive performance during the postpartum period. Multiparous Holstein dairy cows (n = 50) were divided into four groups based on whether they were healthy (n = 14), or had lipomobilization (n = 14), hypocalcemia (n = 11), and hyperketonemia (n = 11). Transrectal palpation and transrectal B-Mode sonography were carried out on days 7, 14, 21, 30, 45 and 60 after parturition. Cows with metabolic disease had a greater (p < 0.05) uterine size as assessed transrectally compared with cows without metabolic disease. Sonographic measurements revealed a greater (p < 0.05) horn diameter and endometrial thickness in cows of the metabolic disease groups than in the healthy cows. Metabolic disease affected (p < 0.05) the milk yield, percentage of service per pregnancy, days to first ovulation and days open. In conclusion, metabolic disease affected the uterine involution and fertility during the postpartum period.
Human Domain Antibodies to Conserved Epitopes on HER2 Potently Inhibit Growth of HER2-Overexpressing Human Breast Cancer Cells In Vitro
Authors: Wang Hongqian , Wang Yanping , Xiao Zuoxiang , Li Wei , Dimitrov Dimiter S. , Chen Weizao
Published: March 2019

The FDA approval of two anti-HER2 monoclonal antibodies, trastuzumab and pertuzumab, and an antibody-drug conjugate, trastuzumab emtansine, has transformed clinical practice for HER2-positive cancers. However, not all patients respond to therapy, and the majority of responders eventually develop resistance. In addition, cardiotoxicity is a major safety concern for their clinical use. Thus, there remains a need for the discovery and development of novel classes of HER2-targeted therapeutics with high efficacy and specificity. In this study, we report the identification and characterization of fully human single-domain antibodies (dAbs) targeting HER2 epitopes that are highly conserved among various species and non-overlapping with those of trastuzumab and pertuzumab. An Fc-fusion protein of the best binder demonstrated much higher inhibitory activity against HER2-amplified human breast cancer cell lines than trastuzumab and pertuzumab. Unlike the latter, however, it did not have an effect on gastric and ovarian cancer cell lines with HER2 overexpression. The dAb-Fc fusion protein showed poor pharmacokinetics in mice, thus limiting its potential for therapeutic use. It could be useful as an agent for the exploration of functionally important conserved structures on HER2 with implications for the design of novel therapeutics and elucidation of mechanisms of HER2-mediated tumorigenesis.
A Molecular Modeling Approach to Identify Novel Inhibitors of the Major Facilitator Superfamily of Efflux Pump Transporters
Authors: Zárate Sandra G. , Morales Paula , Świderek Katarzyna , Bolanos-Garcia Victor M. , Bastida Agatha
Published: March 2019

Multidrug efflux systems play a prominent role in medicine, as they are important contributors to bacterial antibiotic resistance. NorA is an efflux pump transporter from the major facilitator superfamily that expels numerous drug compounds across the inner membrane of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The design of novel inhibitors to combat drug efflux could offer new opportunities to avoid the problem of antibiotic resistance. In this study, we performed molecular modeling studies in an effort to discover novel NorA efflux pump inhibitors. A group of over 673 compounds from the PubChem database with a high (>80%) level of similarity to the chemical structure of capsaicin was used to study the binding affinity of small molecule compounds for the NorA efflux pump. Ten potential lead compounds displayed a good druggability profile, with one in particular (CID 44330438) providing new insight into the molecular mechanism of the inhibition of major facilitator superfamily (MFS) efflux pump transporters. It is our hope that the overall strategy described in this study, and the structural information of the potential novel inhibitors thus identified, will stimulate others to pursue the development of better drugs to tackle multidrug resistance in S. aureus.
Genetic Profiling and Comparison of Human and Animal Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Isolates from Serbia
Authors: Asanin Jelena , Misic Dusan , Aksentijevic Ksenija , Tambur Zoran , Rakonjac Bojan , Kovacevic Ivana , Spergser Joachim , Loncaric Igor
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study was to characterize a collection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates of human and animal origin from Serbia. In total, 36 MRSA isolates—30 obtained from humans and six from companion animals—were investigated by PCR for the presence of antibiotic and biocide resistance determinants and virulence genes (PVL—Panton–Valentine leukocidin, ETs—exfoliative toxins, TSST—toxic shock syndrome toxin, SEs—staphylococcal enterotoxins, and MSCRAMMs—microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules and biofilm). Isolates were analyzed by staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec), spa, and dru typing, as well as by multiple locus variable number of tandem repeat analyses (MLVA), multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and subsequently, eBURST. The majority of human MRSA isolates were resistant to gentamicin, erythromycin, clindamycin, and ciprofloxacin. Different antibiotic resistance genes were detected: aac-aphD, ant(6′)-Ia, erm(A), erm(B), erm(C), tet(K), tet(M), fexA, and catpC221. All isolates were susceptible to teicoplanin and linezolid. SCCmec type III was prevalent in human isolates, while SCCmec elements in animals were mostly nontypeable. t037 was the predominant spa type in human and t242 in animal MRSA isolates. The prevalent dru type was dt11c in human and dt10a in animal MRSA isolates. MRSA isolates exhibited 27 different MLVA types. ST239 was predominant in human, while ST5 was prevalent in canine MRSA isolates. PVL was found in two, while tsst-1 was detected in three human isolates. Human-associated clones belonging to ST5, ST45, and ST239 MRSA clones were discovered in companion animals, which suggests anthropozoonotic transmission.
Antibiotic Activity Potentiation and Physicochemical Characterization of the Fixed Orbignya speciosa Almond Oil against MDR Staphylococcus aureus and Other Bacteria
Authors: Machado Jean Ferreira , do Socorro Costa Maria , Tintino Saulo Relison , Rodrigues Fábio Fernandes Galvão , Nobre Camila Bezerra , Coutinho Henrique Douglas Melo , da Costa José Galberto Martins , de Menezes Irwin Rose Alencar , de Sousa Erlânio Oliveira
Published: March 2019

Orbignya speciosa (babassu) is an important palm tree in Brazil whose fixed almond oil is used in popular medicine and especially in food, in addition to being a research target for the manufacture of biofuels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fixed almond oil physicochemical characterization and its antibacterial activity in isolation and in association with aminoglycosides against standard and multidrug-resistant bacteria. Analyses such as water content, pH, acidity, peroxide index, relative density, and refractive index indicate the stability and chemical quality of the oil. In the oil’s GC/MS chemical composition analysis, a high saturated fatty acid (76.90%) content was observed. Lauric acid (56.28%) and oleic acid (23.10%) were the major oil components. In the antibacterial test, a more significant oil activity was observed against K. pneumoniae KP-ATCC 10031 (minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 406.37 μg/mL) and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 (MIC = 812.75 μg/mL), but for the other strains—including standard and multi-resistant strains—the oil presented an MIC ≥ 1024 μg/mL. Furthermore, a synergistic effect was observed when the oil was associated with amikacin and gentamicin against S. aureus (SA-10) and an antagonistic effect was observed with amikacin against Escherichia coli. Data indicate the O. speciosa oil as a valuable nutritional source of lauric, oleic, and myristic fatty acids with an ability to modulate aminoglycoside activity.
Effect of Side Chain Functional Groups on the DPPH Radical Scavenging Activity of Bisabolane-Type Phenols
Authors: Ichikawa Kazuya , Sasada Ryosuke , Chiba Kosuke , Gotoh Hiroaki
Published: March 2019

Methods for improving the antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds have been widely investigated; however, most studies have focused on the structure–activity correlations of substituents on the aromatic rings of catechols or flavonoids. We investigated the influence of side chain functional groups on the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of xanthorrhizol and curcuphenol analogues. These compounds were synthesised by the side chain functional group conversion of curcumene, followed by direct oxidation of the aromatic ring. We determined the DPPH radical scavenging activity from the half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) obtained from a DPPH assay in methanol. The positional relationships of the side chain with the aromatic ring and phenolic OH group were determined using density functional theory calculations, and the stability of different conformations was compared. Electron transfer-proton transfer was determined to be the dominant mechanism in the DPPH reaction with xanthorrhizol analogues, based on the correlation between the EC50 and ionisation potential. The radical cation was greatly stabilised in the structure where the side chain functional group was close to the aromatic ring. Stabilisation also depended on the phenolic OH group position. In future antioxidant design, aromatic ring substituent conversion and the use of functional groups far from the OH group or ring should be explored.
Thioredoxin and Glutaredoxin Systems Antioxidants Special Issue
Authors: Jacquot Jean-Pierre , Zaffagnini Mirko
Published: March 2019

The special issue on Thioredoxin and Glutaredoxin systems (http://www [...]