bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Land Suitability for Rice by Agro-Ecological Zone in Majene Regency, West Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Marthen P. Sirappa Syamsuddin,
Published: January 2018

In order to support the self-sufficiency of food, especially rice, the government made special efforts to increase rice production in several ways, such as increased production, improved cropping index, and the expansion of planting area. In relation to the increase in crop production, data and information of land resource is necessary for optimal land use, focused and efficient through the surveying and mapping of land resources. Land surveying and mapping activities carried out in Majene Regency on a scale of 1: 50,000. Its objective was to determine the land suitability for food crops, especially lowland rice and upland rice in Majene Regency, West Sulawesi to support self-sufficiency in rice. Land evaluation results indicate that the suitability of land for rice crops of the total land area of 91,322 ha survey are as follows: (a) land that is quite appropriate (S2) for lowland rice area of 6,259 ha (6.85%) consists of two subclasses, namely S2wa an area of 5,552 ha (6.08%) by a factor limiting the availability of water (moderate rainfall), and S2wa, eh area of 707 ha (0.77%) by a factor limiting the availability of water and slopes of 3-8%; (b) land that is quite appropriate (S2) for upland rice area of 4,957 ha (5.42%), consists of two subclasses, namely S2na an area of 4,250 ha (4.65%) by a factor limiting the availability of nutrients low-medium, and S2na, eh area of 707 ha (0.77%) with the limiting factor being the availability of nutrients and low-slope 3-8%; while land classified in accordance marginal (S3) for upland rice area of 1,816 ha (1.99%), consists of two subclasses, namely S3rc an area of 1,302 ha (1.43%) with limiting factors impeded drainage, and S3eh an area of 514 ha (0.56%) with limiting factor willayah wavy shape/slope of 8-15%; and (c) land that is classified as not suitable (N) area of 84,227-84,741 ha or approximately 92.23 to 92.79% with a limiting factor slopes > 15%, very shallow soil, drainage severely hampered, and the danger of sulfidic materials.
INFLUÊNCIA DOS ATRIBUTOS FÍSICO-MECÂNICOS DO SOLO NA ESTABILIDADE DO TALUDE DO RIO SÃO FRANCISCO
Authors: Araujo Filho Renisson Neponuceno , Holanda Francisco Sandro Rodrigues , Pedrotti Alceu , Santos Tiago Oliveira , Lino Janisson Bispo , Rocha Igor Pinheiro
Published: January 2018

O uso intensivo do solo das margens do rio São Francisco na região do seu baixo curso exerce influência direta na sua degradação, potencializando a ocorrência da erosão marginal e alterando a dinâmica fluvial. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o comportamento dos atributos físicos e mecânicos do solo do talude fluvial relacionando-os com a susceptibilidade à erosão no Baixo curso do rio São Francisco. O ensaio experimental foi conduzido na margem direita do rio São Francisco, em talude com solo classificado como Neossolo Flúvico. Foram realizadas coletas de amostras indeformadas e deformadas de solo com execução de sondagem a trado, até o nível freático, e a caracterização dos atributos físicos e mecânicos do solo em laboratório. As camadas superiores do talude apresentaram predominância das frações granulométricas silte e argila, enquanto as camadas inferiores predominância da fração areia, sendo esse comportamento bastante regular ao longo do trecho estudado. Os processos de saturação e secagem, através das elevações da cota do rio, comprometeram a estabilidade do talude. A granulometria do solo do talude é determinante para a suscetibilidade ao processo erosivo, e consequentemente para o comportamento mecânico desse talude.Palavras-Chave– Cisalhamento direto, coesão, erosão marginal
EFICIÊNCIA DE FERTILIZANTES ORGANOMINERAIS FOSFATADOS EM MUDAS DE EUCALIPTO
Authors: Magalhães Ciro Augusto de Souza , Morales Marina Moura , Rezende Fabiana Abreu de , Langer Jaldes
Published: January 2018

Conduziu-se este estudo com o objetivo de avaliar a eficiência de fertilizantes organominerais fosfatados sobre o desenvolvimento inicial de mudas de eucalipto. O experimento foi realizado no viveiro de mudas da empresa Flora Sinop, em tubetes de 50 cm³. Foram avaliados três fertilizantes organominerais fosfatados, formulados a partir da mistura, em diferentes proporções, de superfosfato triplo, fosfato natural reativo de Bayovar, conteúdo ruminal de bovinos de corte, biochar e cama-de-aviário. Essas fontes foram aplicadas em mistura com o substrato comercial, em quatro níveis de P (1,4; 2,5; 3,6 e 4,7 mg dm-3) + tratamento referência. As parcelas foram compostas por 16 mudas do clone de eucalipto (Urograndis - I144). As mudas ficaram por 70 dias em desenvolvimento, após foi determinado: massa seca da parte aérea (MSPA), massa seca de raízes (MSR), teor de P na parte aérea e o índice de eficiência agronômica. O fertilizante organomineral composto por fosfato natural reativo de Bayovar + conteúdo ruminal apresentou eficiência similar ao tratamento referência.
Modeling the spatial distribution of crop cultivated areas at a large regional scale combining system dynamics and a modified Dyna-CLUE: A case from Iran
Authors: Mesgari Iman , Jabalameli Mohammad Saeed
Published: January 2018

Agricultural land use pattern is affected by many factors at different scales and effects that are separated by time and space. This will lead to simulation models that optimize or project the cropping pattern changes and incorporate complexities in terms of details and dynamics. Combining System Dynamics (SD) and a modified Conversion of Land Use and its Effects (CLUE) modelling framework, this paper suggests a new dynamic approach for assessing the demand of different crops at country-level and for predicting the spatial distribution of cultivated areas at provincial scale. As example, a case study is presented for Iran, where we have simulated a scenario of future cropping pattern changes during 2015–2040.The results indicated a change in the spatial distribution of cultivated areas during the next years. An increase in the proportion of rice is expected in northern Iran, whereas the proportion of wheat is increasing in the mountainous western areas. Wheat and barley crops are expected to become dominant within the cropping system throughout the country regions.
The Impact of Assessment for Learning on Students’ Achievement in English for Specific Purposes A Case Study of Pre-Medical Students at Khartoum University: Sudan
Authors: Umar Abdul Majeed Al-Tayib
Published: January 2018

This study tries to identify the effect of assessment for learning on a group of Sudanese pre-medical students’ performance in English for Specific Purposes (ESP). The study also attempts to identify students’ perception and attitudes towards this type of assessment. The sample of the study is composed of 53 subjects from the Pre -medical students at Khartoum University in Sudan. These students are placed into two groups; an experimental and a control group. The experimental group students are taught their ESP material in accordance with assessment for learning principles and techniques, the control group; however, is taught the same material using the traditional summative assessment procedures. The experiment lasts for one term, i.e., 16 weeks. The experimental group instructor is subjected to an intensive training course on how to implement assessment for learning strategies in classroom setting. At the end of the term, the two groups sit for a final exam which is intended for all Pre-medical students. Comparison of the scores of the students reveals a significant difference between the two groups in favor of the experimental group. Students’ attitudes towards assessment for learning are checked through a questionnaire and interviews. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the students’ responses show their positive attitudes towards this type of assessment. The study ends up with a set of recommendations and suggestions to improve assessment for learning practice and to make it more effective in a Sudanese setting.
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE CODITIONS OF FINANCIAL
DECENTRALIZATION IN UKRAINE
Authors: Tsymbaliuk Iryna , Pidtserkovnyi Bogdan
Published: January 2018

The implementation of decentralization involves the transfer of additional powers and
financial resources from the central to the local level. The decentralization reform is one
of the eight priority reforms of the Ukrainian government. The article analyzes the main
indicators and trends of financial decentralization in Ukraine in 2014-2016. The influence
of financial decentralization on regional development in Ukraine from 2014 to 2016
is characterized.
FORMATION OF THE MARKET FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES IN
THE CONTEXT OF RATIONAL WATER USE
Authors: Yakimchuk Alina , Semenova Yuliya
Published: January 2018

This article comprises definitions of environmental services, environmental services
market as well as the preconditions for creating a loyal environment for the development
of environmental services market. We propose principles of improving the system of relationships
environmental services subjects in the context of rational water resources use.
The key moments of improving the system of rational water resources use while using
market tools for environmental services have been described. We designate the principles
of environmental services market forming in Europe. We analyze the issues of inheriting
these principles in Ukraine and we propose the ways for their optimization.
The effect of heart pulsatile on the measurement of artery bioimpedance
Authors: Abdelbaset Reda , Dosoky Mohamed El , El-Wakad Mohamed T.
Published: January 2018

Bioimpedance is an electrical property, which is measured to indicate related parameters and diagnose several diseases of the body. The heart pulsatile is a blood flow with periodic variations as a result of heart beats. The main objective of this article is studying the effect of the heart pulsatile on the measurements of artery bioimpedance. However, neglecting the heart pulsatile leads to error in calculations of many applications based on artery bioimpedance measurement such as glucose monitoring, stenosis, and cholesterol detection. Furthermore, the studying of the heart pulsatile effect could be developed to measure the heart rate as a novel method based on bioimpedance phenomena. A simple model of electrodes and composite layers (skin, fat, muscle, and artery) is simulated using COMSOL. In this work, a model of noninvasive electrodes for measuring an artery bioimpedance is described to show the best method to take into consideration the effect of heart pulsatile.
Redemoinho infinito: Schwanke e seu livro de artista
Authors: Alcântara Dalva Maria Alves , Lamas Nadja De Carvalho
Published: January 2018

Este artigo tem por proposta explorar o conceito de arquivo sob a perspectiva de Jacques Derrida, em seu “Mal de Arquivo – Uma impressão freudiana”, a partir da análise do Livro de Artista de Luiz Henrique Schwanke. Derrida correlaciona a noção de arquivo com a memória (pessoal e histórica), enfatizando a tensão constante entre a sua manutenção e a sua repressão (consciente ou inconsciente); e o “mal de arquivo” com a pulsão de morte, com o apagamento da memória, e suas possíveis consequências psíquicas, sociais e políticas. A partir dessa obra de Schwanke, uma série de pinturas conformadas num livro objeto de arte, um “livro de artista”, serão feitas ponderações quanto à significância do arquivamento como um recurso na poética do artista. Recebido em: 15 novembro 2017Aprovado em: 06 dezembro 2017
Efeito da adubação fosfatada em Pinus taeda L. em Latossolo Vermelho na região de Telêmaco Borba, Paraná, Brasil
Authors: Stahl James , Angelo Alessandro Camargo , Schumacher Mauro Valdir , Souza Karen Koch Fernades de , Biernaski Fabricio Antonio
Published: January 2018

Atualmente o Pinus taeda é a espécie de maior importância utilizada em reflorestamentos na região Sul do Brasil servindo de base para a cadeia produtiva do setor madeireiro. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar aos dois e sete anos de idade a resposta de Pinus taeda a adição de doses de fósforo logo após o plantio em Latossolo Vermelho de textura argilosa e média na região de Telêmaco Borba, Paraná. Foram instalados dois experimentos de campo, um no solo de textura argilosa e o outro em textura média, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições, no qual os tratamentos consistiram em doses crescentes de fósforo (0, 50, 75 e 100 kg ha-1 de P2O5). As doses de fósforo foram aplicadas na forma de superfosfato triplo (46% P2O5) em duas covetas laterais aos 30 dias após o plantio. O teor de fósforo disponível no solo foi caracterizado como muito baixo. Aos dois e sete anos foram medidos o diâmetro e altura total de 20 plantas por parcela, e o cálculo de volume por área. Os resultados indicaram que o uso de adubação fosfatada promoveu ganhos significativos na produtividade de Pinus taeda até sete anos de idade no Latossolo Vermelho de textura média, e a resposta se deu de forma linear com máxima produção para a dose de 100 kg ha-1 de P2O5. Para o Latossolo Vermelho de textura argilosa não houve resposta significativa ao uso de adubação fosfatada até os sete anos de idade.
A VIOLÊNCIA DE GÊNERO NA PERCEPÇÃO DE AGENTES COMUNITÁRIOS DE SAÚDE
Authors: Moura Ludmila De , Castro-Silva Carlos Roberto
Published: January 2018

A violência é um fenômeno que atinge a ambos os sexos, porém têm incidência especial sobre mulheres, negras e pobres. O Brasil encontra-se no 5º lugar em relação a 83 países. Entre 2003 e 2013 houve um aumento de 21% no número de mulheres assassinadas, representando 13 feminicídios por dia. Esta pesquisa teve por objetivo compreender as percepções e os sentidos atribuídos ao fenômeno da violência de gênero no âmbito doméstico, contra a mulher, a partir das práticas dos/as agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS) em ações em território de alta vulnerabilidade social. Os achados foram analisados baseados nos pressupostos da psicologia sócio histórica e da epistemologia qualitativa de González Rey. Através da observação participante, a pesquisadora acompanhou os/as em visitas domiciliares, que resultou na elaboração de 20 diários de campo, além de entrevistas abertas com duas ACS. Os resultados obtidos foram analisados pela categoria empírica “Violência de Gênero”, segundo duas óticas: “ser mulher” e “a violência por parceiro íntimo”. A “naturalização” da violência na comunidade também foi problematizada, juntamente com o patriarcado enquanto discurso normativo articulado com o capitalismo, na busca de explicação da opressão das mulheres pelos homens.  Palavras-chave: Agente comunitário de saúde; Gênero; Violência de gênero; Trabalho em saúde; Vulnerabilidade social.
Em busca da Intergralidade no Atendimento à Violência Sexual contra Crianças e Adolescentes: Reflexões a partir da Realidade dos CREAS Tocantinenses
Authors: Vieira Monique Soares
Published: January 2018

O presente artigo versa sobre a construção da integralidade do atendimento às crianças, adolescentes e suas famílias em situação de violência sexual, por meio da articulação do Centro de Referência Especializado de Assistência Social (CREAS) com a rede de proteção. Para a coleta de dados, realizaram-se 17 entrevistas com famílias, profissionais e coordenadores/as de 5 CREAS e os dados foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo. Os resultados revelam um cenário em que há predominância de ações fragmentadas, focalizadas, imediatistas e acríticas que atuam como vetores para a revitimização das crianças, adolescentes e famílias e não rompem com o padrão hegemônico das respostas do Estado. A construção da integralidade do atendimento requer um processo de mudança que não depende somente dos/as profissionais, mas sim de todos os sujeitos que atuam na rede de proteção e tal movimento exige urgentemente a ruptura com concepções conservadoras e particularistas.
A EDUCAÇÃO EM DIREITOS HUMANOS DIANTE DA ASCENSÃO DO “NOVO FASCISMO”
Authors: Dibbern Thais Aparecida , Cristofoletti Evandro Coggo
Published: January 2018

Este artigo busca apresentar fundamentos teóricos acerca da importância atribuída à Educação em Direitos Humanos (EDH) à luz das ondas conservadoras e fascistas que permeiam a democracia moderna. Metodologicamente, o trabalho foi desenvolvido através de uma revisão bibliográfica da literatura científica sobre a temática dos direitos humanos fundamentais e da “nova onda fascista”, bem como da análise de documentos oficiais do Governo Federal que tratam especificamente sobre a EDH, buscando compreender como o ensino superior, mais precisamente a universidade pública, se insere dentro desta temática. Visualiza-se que, apesar desta prática educativa constituir-se enquanto alternativa local para o enfrentamento do “novo fascismo”, a incorporação desta deve ser fomentada com vistas à uma transformação cultural pautada nos princípios relativos aos direitos humanos fundamentais. É claro que, para que sua incorporação seja concretizada, é necessário considerar alguns desafios, os quais são apresentados no decorrer deste artigo.
ПРИКАЗ КЊИГЕ АУТО-МАФИЈА (ТАЈНЕ СРПСКОГ ПОДЗЕМЉА И АПОРИЈЕ НАЦИОНАЛНОГ СИСТЕМА БЕЗБЕДНОСТИ) АУТОРА ПРОФ. ДР САШЕ МИЈАЛКОВИЋА, У ИЗДАЊУ СЛУЖБЕНОГ ГЛАСНИКА, БЕОГРАД, 2014. ГОДИНЕ
Authors: Шикман Миле
Published: January 2018

Ријетке су књиге које у исто вријеме имају научну, стручну и практичнупримјењивост. Једна од таквих је управо монографија „АУТО-МАФИЈА(тајне српског подземља и апорије националног система безбедности)“аутора др Саше Мијалковића, редовног професора безбједносних наукау Криминалистичко-полицијској академији у Београду. Књигу је крајем2014. године објавио Службени гласник, престижна издавачка кућа сасjедиштем у Београду.
2nd Argentine Symposium of Young Bioinformatics Researchers (2SAJIB) organized by the ISCB-SC RSG-Argentina
Authors: Cravero Fiorella , Landaburu Lionel Uran , Moreyra Nicolás N , Fenoy Emilio , Padilla Franzotti Carla L , Lanzarotti Esteban , Parra Gonzalo R , Palopoli Nicolás , Monzon Alexander Miguel
Published: January 2018

The 2nd Argentine Symposium of Young Bioinformatics Researchers (2SAJIB, according to its acronym in Spanish) took place on November 2017 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. SAJIB is the main annual student-based activity in the field of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology in Argentina and one of the largest in Latin America. Here we summarize the main activities and outcomes from the 2nd SAJIB that gathered together young students and researchers from all over the country and featured recognized Principal Investigators both from the local and international scenes.
DETERMINATION OF 850 NM AND 1 DB/KM AT 1300 NM, 9/125 SINGLE MODE LOSES 0.4/0.25 DB/KM AT 1310/1550 NM. FOR INSULATING SUBMARINE CABLES FOR UNDERSTANDING VARIATION IN HIGH DIELECTRIC CONSTANT.
Authors: Sharma Bhubneshwar
Published: January 2018

Optical fibers are very strong, but the strength is drastically reduced by unavoidable microscopic surface flaws inherent in the manufacturing process. The initial fiber strength, as well as its change with time, must be considered relative to the stress imposed on the fiber during handling, cabling, and installation for a given set of environmental conditions. There are three basic scenarios that can lead to strength degradation and failure by inducing flaw growth: dynamic fatigue, static fatigues, and zero-stress aging.
Assessment of effectiveness of spinal exercises and body mechanics on low back pain among post menopausal women
Authors: G Angel Rajakumari , K. Soli T. , D Malathy
Published: January 2018

Aim: To assessment of effectiveness of spinal exercises and body mechanics on low back pain among post menopausal women.Participants and setting: A quasi experimental non equivalent control group pretest post test design was adapted. The study was conducted in the urban area of suryapet. 40 post menopausal women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected by nonprobability purposive sampling technique.Intervention: The intervention such as spinal exercises and body mechanics were performed to overcome the level of low back pain among post menopausal women. The pre and post assessment was done by using a combined numerical and categorical pain scale.Measurement and findings: The women completed the demographic and obstetrical information and pain was measured by 0- 10 Modified combined numerical categorical pain intensity scale. This study revealed that there was high significant difference found in low back pain at p<0.001level between study group.Conclusion: The overall findings in the present study revealed that the spinal exercises and body mechanics was effectives and had brought about significant change in the reduction of low back pain among post menopausal women compared to pre test level of low back pain.
Techniques Used for Eye Gaze Interfaces and Survey
Authors: Rashid Maria , Mehmood Wardah , Ashraf Aliya
Published: January 2018

Eye movement tracking is a method that is now-a-days used for checking the usability problems in the contexts of Human Computer Interaction (HCI). Firstly we present eye tracking technology and key elements.We tend to evaluate the behavior of the use when they are using the interace of eye gaze. Used different techniques i.e. electro-oculography, infrared oculography, video oculography, image process techniques, scrolling techniques, different models, probable approaches i.e. shape based approach, appearance based methods, 2D and 3D models based approach and different software algorithms for pupil detection etc. We have tried to compare the surveys based on their geometric properties and reportable accuracies and eventually we conclude this study by giving some prediction regarding future eye-gaze. We point out some techniques by using various eyes properties comprising nature, appearance and gesture or some combination for eye tracking and detection. Result displays eye-gaze technique is faster and better approach for selection than a mouse selection. Rate of error for all the matters determines that there have been no errors once choosing from main menus with eye mark and with mouse. But there have been a chance of errors when once choosing from sub menus in case of eye mark. So, maintain head constantly in front of eye gaze monitor.
Quantitative Method to Assess Acute Stress Related Behavior in Dogs by Using Motion Capture Technology
Authors: Sakai Motoki
Published: January 2018

Animal therapy is a form of healthcare intervention conducted with the aid of therapy animals, most commonly dogs. For a therapy dog to play an active role in animal therapy, an animal therapist must design a therapy program, which does not place the dog under stress. Generally, a dogs stress can be evaluated by observing its behavior. However, existing ethological evaluation indices of stress behavior are subjective and obscure, and discrimination between dogs stress behaviors is difficult for observers with insufficient experience. Thus, we propose to quantitatively evaluate behaviors associated with acute stress in dogs. We quantified dog behavior by using a motion capture system. Specifically, body and ear postures such as the opening degree of left and right ears, anteroposterior tilt of left and right ears, height of the vertex above the floor, height of the center of gravity above the floor, and angle between the lateral axis of the body and the floor were recorded using nine motion capture markers. During the experiments, a canine subject was acutely stressed using a tail clamp, and the dogs posture while under stress was quantitatively distinguished from non-stress postures via quadratic discrimination analysis (QDA). From the results, we distinguished the dogs body and ears postures while under acute stress from those under non-stressed conditions with 81% sensitivity and 93% specificity, and a quantitative evaluation of the dogs acute stress behavior was carried out.
An effective approach on physical and dielectric properties of PZT-PVDF composites
Authors: P Gowdhaman , K Antonyraj , V Annamalai
Published: January 2018

The 0-3 connected ferroelectric composites made of PZT and PVDF have been examined for its different physical and dielectric properties. The standard methods presented in earlier literatures for the composite preparation have been compared to find an effective method. The distinction in the physical properties like density and porosity of the piezocomposite was studied and their SEM morphological facts are scrutinized. The dielectric constant of PZT-PVDF composite has been predicted by using standard models and the results are compared. Also the relaxation behavior of polymer at higher temperature has been justified.
Nutritional and antioxidant potential of some selected edible mangrove fruits of Odisha coast
Authors: Rout Pramodini , Singh Shovna , Kumar Nikhil , Basak Uday Chand
Published: January 2018

Keeping in mind the growing need for alternative bionutrition resources, some mangrove fruits are popularized for their edible and medicinal properties. Nutritional and antioxidant point of view, there is no concrete report on mangrove fruits. Therefore, the present study was attempted to assess nutritional parameters viz. moisture, protein, total sugar, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar, carotenoid, fiber, ash and ascorbic acid in mangrove fruits of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Rhizophora apiculata and Kandelia candel and elemental and antioxidant analysis of the same. Fruit of K. candel exhibited highest level of three nutritional parameters i.e protein, total sugar and non-reducing sugar content (15.61.11 mg/g fwt, 396.674.16 mg/g fwt, 383.933.57 mg/g fwt. respectively) whereas lowest amount was observed in B. gymnorrhiza (4.40 mg/g fwt for protein and 1086.9 mg/g fwt. for total sugar and 103.866.81 mg/g fwt. for non-reducing sugar). The reducing sugar and fiber content were ranged from 4.130.23 mg/g fwt. to 27.001.0 mg/g fwt and 0.75810.006 g/g dry wt. to 0.80610.001 g/g dry wt. respectively. Furthermore, the moisture and ash content was highest in B. gymnorrhiza and lowest in R. apiculata. It was found that the fruit with highest antioxidant activity was seen in B. gymnorrhiza and lowest recorded in K. candel. Likewise carotenoid content was highest in R. apiculata (3.530.28 mg/g fwt.) and lowest in K. candel (1.731.37 mg/g fwt.). Highest ascorbic acid content was recorded in B. gymnorrhiza (0.530.02 mg/g fwt.) and lowest in R. apiculata (0.350.03 mg/g fwt.). Fruit of R. apiculata was found rich in micronutrient among all the studied species. Nutrient analysis of these mangrove fruits can help us determining health benefits achieved from their use as an emergency as well as famine food and may play major role in bio-prospecting of mangroves.
Screening of phytochemical compounds, trace metals and antimicrobial activity of Anacyclus pyrethrum
Authors: Subasri G. , John S. Ahmed
Published: January 2018

In the present study is phytochemicals, trace metals and antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum. The phytochemical screening of the crude ethanolic root, stem and leaf extracts showed the positive results of steroids, triterpenes, reducing sugar, sugar, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponin, tannins, anthraquinones and amino acids. The average mean concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn in plant sample were BDL, 0.03, 0.42, 0.79, BDL, BDL and 0.58 mg kg-1, respectively. The descending order of the metal content in the plant sample were: Zn > Fe > Cu > Cd > Cr = Ni = Pb. Among various part of plant extracts studied for antimicrobial activity, root ethanolic extract showed highest of inhibition than leaves and stem ethanolic extracts.
Exploring structure indenture for some Schiff bases as anti-Salmonella typhi drugs: A QSAR Approach
Authors: John Ameji , Femi Awe Emmanuel , Oluwaseye Adedirin , Sabitu Olusupo
Published: January 2018

There are many drugs available in the market for treating typhoid infection, but the emergence of multi-drug resistant strain of Salmonella typhi (S.typhi) has necessitated the exploration and development of newer structural moiety of Schiff bases as anti-S. typhi agents owing to their enormous inhibitory activity against this bacterium. In this present study, a Genetic function approximation (GFA) QSAR analysis of some selected Schiff bases with anti-S. typhi activity was performed using OD,1D, 2D and 3D descriptors resulting in the generation of three statistically significant models from which an octa-parametric model was selected as the most robust model with R2 = 0.8589, R2adj = 0.8155, Q2 = 0.7437,R2 - Q2 = 0.1152, r2 r02 / r2 =0.00, r2 r02 / r2 = 0.0263, K = 1.0E-7, K = 0.1969. The optimization model hinted the dominant influence of the size descriptor ETA-Eta-B (Branching index EtaB relative to molecular size) on the observed anti-S.typhi activity of Schiff bases. It is envisaged that the QSAR results identified in this study will offer important structural insight into designing novel anti-S.typhi drugs from Schiff bases.
Concentration related differences in the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity in the common carp Cyprinus carpio by Phorate, an organophosphorous insecticide
Authors: Lakshmaiah G
Published: January 2018

The activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the vital organs of fish such as gill, liver, muscle, kidney and brain of the freshwater common carp Cyprinus carpio (C. carpio) was investigated after exposing to acute lethal toxicity (ALT) and chronic sublethal toxicity (CST) of phorate. C. carpio fish were exposed to ALT (LC50/96 hours - 0.71 ppm/l) of Phorate for one day and 4 days and CST (one-tenth of the LC50/96 hours - 0.071 ppm/l) of Phorate for 1, 7, 15 and 30 days and the concentration related differences in the inhibition and recovery of the AChE enzyme activity was evaluated in the target organs of the fish. Relative to controls, the activity of AChE in all the organs of the fish exposed to ATP gradually decreased significantly ((P<0.05)) at 1 and 4 days of exposure period whereas in the fish exposed to CTP the AChE activity was elevated at day 1 and gradually decreased from day 7 to day 15 followed by an increase at day 30 in all the organs significantly (P<0.05). Based on the percent values obtained the inhibition of AChE activity was predominantly more in the organs of the fish exposed to ATP in a concentration-dependent manner. On prolonged exposure for 30 days in CTP the AChE activity was restored gradually depending on the initial pesticide exposure concentration. Findings from this study have demonstrated that inhibition of AChE activity in C. carpio is a useful biomarker for assessment of anticholinesterase pesticide contaminations in water.
Biosynthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using marine bacteria against certain human pathogens
Authors: Begam J. Nasrin
Published: January 2018

The present work investigates the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by biological method using marine bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test was performed to find the inhibitory concentration of AgNO3 against marine bacterial isolate. After MIC study, the biogenic AgNPs was prepared through marine bacterial isolate and characterized by using UV-visible spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). From the UV-visible spectroscopy, the absorption peak was found at 420 nm. In SEM image, it is confirmed that the sample contains spherical shaped silver nanoparticles and most of the particles were below 100 nm in size. In XRD analysis, it was confirmed that the silver nanoparticles are crystalline in nature, which was confirmed by the FTIR peak at 518 cm-1 corresponding to the Ag vibration present in crystalline structure. The antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles was determined by disk diffusion method, and found that silver nanoparticles have significant antibacterial activity against most of the pathogens.
Dosimetric comparison of non-coplanar three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (nc3DCRT) planning and radio biologically optimized partial arc volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) planning of unilateral brain tumours � a retrospective study
Authors: Binjola Ashish , Singh S. Megha , Sharma Seema , Subramani V. , Gupta Subhash , Chander Subhash , Kumar Prateek , Rath G. K.
Published: January 2018

Aim: To compare non-coplanar 3DCRT planning and partial arc VMAT planning dosimetrically for unilateral brain tumours.Introduction:Intensity modulated radiation therapyhas gainedwide popularity as a radiotherapy treatment of choice for many clinical sites. Volumetric modulated arc therapy is a kind of therapy in which rather than using multiple static fields at different gantry angles, one or multiple full or partial arcs are used for radiotherapy planning and treatment. Its ability to provide superior target coverage and better normal tissue sparing makes it a treatment of choice over conventional and 3DCRT radiotherapy planning techniques. But, on the same time volume of low dose region which can increase probability of secondary malignancy in VMAT planning is reported to be on the higher side. Our study compares various parameters of plan quality along with low dose volumes in the techniques under comparison.Materials and methods:10 anonymized patients with unilateral malignant brain tumours previously treated with nc3DCRT were selected for the study and planned with partial arc VMAT. Conformity Index, Homogeneity Index, Target Coverage, Doses to critical structures and normal brain were compared.Conclusion:In our study by using VMAT technique we were able to reduce doses to critical structures (Brainstem, optic nerves, and optic chiasm) significantly, got better target coverage along with lesser number of MUs per fraction and significant reduction in low dose volume and reduction in doses to contralateral normal structures including lesser amount of low dose volume.
Study on the efficiency of continuous flow-based constructed wetland system for grey water treatment
Authors: Chithra Devi Rengaraj , Shrinithivihahshini Nirmaladevi D. , Viji Rajendran
Published: January 2018

Water is inevitable for our life. Due to the population growth, there is a tremendous pressure on the existing fresh water resources such as surface water and ground water. Increasing water demand and improper usage of potable water lead to scarcity of fresh water resources. Globally, treating grey water is a real constraint to minimize the problem of water scarcity. The continuous flow-based constructed wetland system for grey water treatment is a technique for reusing the domestic grey water and it is a low-cost method. The current study was aimed to evolve a suitable user-friendly treatment system for handling the household grey water. In the present study, grey water has been collected from the Bharathidasan University and it has been treated with biofiltration and rhizhodegradation techniques using continuous flow-based constructed wetland system. The system has been found as more effective for treating the Physico-chemical parameters such as suspended solids, pH, electrical conductivity, TS, TDS, DO, BOD, COD, TOC, CO3, HCO3, SO4, NO3, PO4, Ca, Mg, Na, K, total hardness, calcium hardness, chloride, and total alkalinity. The results reported the reduction in the biological oxygen demand (89%), chemical oxygen demand (81%), DO (95%), carbonate (100%), sodium (65%), and potassium (85%).It also examined the benefits and risks associated with the results in the reuse of domestic grey water for the purpose of vegetable gardening, irrigation, and toilet flushing. Consequently, this biofiltration method is natural, simple, and low cost-effective treatment in a holistic manner.
Nano pore Sequencing Technology: A Review
Authors: Raza Shahid , Ameen Ayesha
Published: January 2018

DNA strand nucleotide order is determined by using Nano pore sequencing method can this method is under development since 1995. Many porous membranes proteins and used as Nano pores, Each nucleotide base is pass through this small hole of almost 1 nanometer and the peak is recorded in the form of chromatograph. This method is considered more accurate than gel electrophoresis because the chances of sample damage are low and more authentications of sequences were previously reported. Now a days manual methods are replaced by automated methods for less time consumption and more accurate results.
Multi-neuron intracellular recording in vivo via interacting autopatching robots
Authors: Kodandaramaiah Suhasa B , Flores Francisco J , Holst Gregory L , Singer Annabelle C , Han Xue , Brown Emery N , Boyden Edward S , Forest Craig R
Published: January 2018

The activities of groups of neurons in a circuit or brain region are important for neuronal computations that contribute to behaviors and disease states. Traditional extracellular recordings have been powerful and scalable, but much less is known about the intracellular processes that lead to spiking activity. We present a robotic system, the multipatcher, capable of automatically obtaining blind whole-cell patch clamp recordings from multiple neurons simultaneously. The multipatcher significantly extends automated patch clamping, or 'autopatching’, to guide four interacting electrodes in a coordinated fashion, avoiding mechanical coupling in the brain. We demonstrate its performance in the cortex of anesthetized and awake mice. A multipatcher with four electrodes took an average of 10 min to obtain dual or triple recordings in 29% of trials in anesthetized mice, and in 18% of the trials in awake mice, thus illustrating practical yield and throughput to obtain multiple, simultaneous whole-cell recordings in vivo.
Cis-regulatory evolution integrated the Bric-à-brac transcription factors into a novel fruit fly gene regulatory network
Authors: Roeske Maxwell J , Camino Eric M , Grover Sumant , Rebeiz Mark , Williams Thomas Michael
Published: January 2018

Gene expression evolution through gene regulatory network (GRN) changes has gained appreciation as a driver of morphological evolution. However, understanding how GRNs evolve is hampered by finding relevant cis-regulatory element (CRE) mutations, and interpreting the protein-DNA interactions they alter. We investigated evolutionary changes in the duplicated Bric-à-brac (Bab) transcription factors and a key Bab target gene in a GRN underlying the novel dimorphic pigmentation of D. melanogaster and its relatives. It has remained uncertain how Bab was integrated within the pigmentation GRN. Here, we show that the ancestral transcription factor activity of Bab gained a role in sculpting sex-specific pigmentation through the evolution of binding sites in a CRE of the pigment-promoting yellow gene. This work demonstrates how a new trait can evolve by incorporating existing transcription factors into a GRN through CRE evolution, an evolutionary path likely to predominate newly evolved functions of transcription factors.
Developmental effects of environmental light on male nuptial coloration in Lake Victoria cichlid fish
Authors: Wright Daniel Shane , Rietveld Emma , Maan Martine E.
Published: January 2018

Background

Efficient communication requires that signals are well transmitted and perceived in a given environment. Natural selection therefore drives the evolution of different signals in different environments. In addition, environmental heterogeneity at small spatial or temporal scales may favour phenotypic plasticity in signaling traits, as plasticity may allow rapid adjustment of signal expression to optimize transmission. In this study, we explore signal plasticity in the nuptial coloration of Lake Victoria cichlids,Pundamilia pundamiliaandPundamilia nyererei.These two species differ in male coloration, which mediates species-assortative mating. They occur in adjacent depth ranges with different light environments. Given the close proximity of their habitats, overlapping at some locations, plasticity in male coloration could contribute to male reproductive success but interfere with reproductive isolation.

Methods

We rearedP. pundamilia,P. nyererei,and their hybrids under light conditions mimicking the two depth ranges in Lake Victoria. From photographs, we quantified the nuptial coloration of males, spanning the entire visible spectrum. In experiment 1, we examined developmental colour plasticity by comparing sibling males reared in each light condition. In experiment 2, we assessed colour plasticity in adulthood, by switching adult males between conditions and tracking coloration for 100 days.

Results

We found that nuptial colour inPundamiliadid respond plastically to our light manipulations, but only in a limited hue range. Fish that were reared in light conditions mimicking the deeper habitat were significantly greener than those in conditions mimicking shallow waters. The species-specific nuptial colours (blue and red) did not change. When moved to the opposing light condition as adults, males did not change colour.

Discussion

Our results show that species-specific nuptial colours, which are subject to strong divergent selection by female choice, are not plastic. We do find plasticity in green coloration, a response that may contribute to visual conspicuousness in darker, red-shifted light environments. These results suggest that light-environment-induced plasticity in male nuptial coloration inP. pundamiliaandP. nyerereiis limited and does not interfere with reproductive isolation.
Quasi‐Monolayer Black Phosphorus with High Mobility and Air Stability
Authors: Tan Sherman Jun Rong , Abdelwahab Ibrahim , Chu Leiqiang , Poh Sock Mui , Liu Yanpeng , Lu Jiong , Chen Wei , Loh Kian Ping
Published: January 2018

Black phosphorus (BP) exhibits thickness‐dependent band gap and high electronic mobility. The chemical intercalation of BP with alkali metal has attracted attention recently due to the generation of universal superconductivity regardless of the type of alkali metals. However, both ultrathin BP, as well as alkali metal‐intercalated BP, are highly unstable and corrode rapidly under ambient conditions. This study demonstrates that alkali metal hydride intercalation decouples monolayer to few layers BP from the bulk BP, allowing an optical gap of ≈1.7 eV and an electronic gap of 1.98 eV to be measured by photoluminescence and electron energy loss spectroscopy at the intercalated regions. Raman and transport measurements confirm that chemically intercalated BP exhibits enhanced stability, while maintaining a high hole mobility of up to ≈800 cm2 V−1 s−1 and on/off ratio exceeding 103. The use of alkali metal hydrides as intercalants should be applicable to a wide range of layered 2D materials and pave the way for generating highly stable, quasi‐monolayer 2D materials.
Enhanced water flux through graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets membrane by incorporating polyacrylic acid
Authors: Wang Yanjie , Liu Lingfei , Xue Jian , Hou Jiamin , Ding Li , Wang Haihui
Published: January 2018

Membranes assembled from two‐dimensional (2‐D) layered materials have shown potential use in water purification. Recently, a 2‐D graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) nanosheets membrane exhibits considerable separation performance in water purification. In this study, to further improve this water separation performance, polyacrylic acid (PAA) was introduced to tune the nanochannels formed between the g‐C3N4 nanosheets. The fabricated g‐C3N4‐PAA hybrid membranes possessed higher water flux without sacrificing much rejection rate compared with that of the g‐C3N4 membrane; however, noticeable fouling was observed upon addition of the PAA into the membrane composite structure. In addition, the effect of PAA on the morphology, surface hydrophilicity, separation performance, and antifouling properties of the g‐C3N4 membrane were examined in detail. Overall, incorporating PAA into the g‐C3N4 nanosheets membrane was an effective and convenient method to improve the water separation performance, which could promote the application of the 2‐D g‐C3N4 nanosheets membrane in practical ultrafiltration processes. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 2181–2188, 2018
Roadmap for a Smart Factory: A Modular, Intelligent Concept for the Production of Specialty Chemicals
Authors: Reitze Arnulf , Jürgensmeyer Nikolas , Lier Stefan , Kohnke Marco , Riese Julia , Grünewald Marcus
Published: January 2018

Digitalization and increasing the flexibility of production concepts offer the possibility to react to market challenges in the field of specialty chemicals. Shorter product lifetimes, increasing product individualization, and the resulting market volatility impose new requirements on plant operators. Novel concepts such as modular production plants and developments in digitalization (Industry 4.0) are able to assist the implementation of smart factories in specialty chemicals. These essential concepts will be presented in this Minireview.
The Binding Mode of a Tau Peptide with Tubulin
Authors: Kadavath Harindranath , Cabrales Fontela Yunior , Jaremko Mariusz , Jaremko Łukasz , Overkamp Kerstin , Biernat Jacek , Mandelkow Eckhard , Zweckstetter Markus
Published: January 2018

The microtubule‐associated protein Tau promotes the polymerization of tubulin and modulates the function of microtubules. As a consequence of the dynamic nature of the Tau–tubulin interaction, the structural basis of this complex has remained largely elusive. By using NMR methods optimized for ligand–receptor interactions in combination with site‐directed mutagenesis we demonstrate that the flanking domain downstream of the four microtubule‐binding repeats of Tau binds competitively to a site on the α‐tubulin surface. The binding process is complex, involves partial coupling of different interacting regions, and is modulated by phosphorylation at Y394 and S396. This study strengthens the hypothesis of an intimate relationship between Tau phosphorylation and tubulin binding and highlights the power of the INPHARMA NMR method to characterize the interaction of peptides derived from intrinsically disordered proteins with their molecular partners.
Detection of monohydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urine and particulate matter using LC separations coupled with integrated SPE and fluorescence detection or coupled with high‐resolution time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Lintelmann Jutta , Wu Xiao , Kuhn Evelyn , Ritter Sebastian , Schmidt Claudia , Zimmermann Ralf
Published: January 2018

A high‐performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method with integrated solid‐phase extraction for the determination of 1‐hydroxypyrene and 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, 4‐ and 9‐hydroxyphenanthrene in urine was developed and validated. After enzymatic treatment and centrifugation of 500 μL urine, 100 μL of the sample was directly injected into the HPLC system. Integrated solid‐phase extraction was performed on a selective, copper phthalocyanine modified packing material. Subsequent chromatographic separation was achieved on a pentafluorophenyl core–shell column using a methanol gradient. For quantification, time‐programmed fluorescence detection was used. Matrix‐dependent recoveries were between 94.8 and 102.4%, repeatability and reproducibility ranged from 2.2 to 17.9% and detection limits lay between 2.6 and 13.6 ng/L urine. A set of 16 samples from normally exposed adults was analyzed using this HPLC‐fluorescence detection method. Results were comparable with those reported in other studies. The chromatographic separation of the method was transferred to an ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography pentafluorophenyl core–shell column and coupled to a high‐resolution time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (HR‐TOF‐MS). The resulting method was used to demonstrate the applicability of LC‐HR‐TOF‐MS for simultaneous target and suspect screening of monohydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in extracts of urine and particulate matter.