bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Problèmes d’interférences arabe/français dans les productions écrites d’élèves de secondaire
Authors: IMENE Ksentini
Published: March 2019

RÉSUMÉ. L’expression écrite est une activité complexe qui occupe une place importante dans l’enseignement/apprentissage du français langue étrangère en Algérie. Enseigner le français aux arabophones donne lieu à des contacts entre l’arabe langue maternelle et le français langue étrangère. Ces contacts engendrent des erreurs qui influencent les écrits des apprenants. Cet article vise à repérer, analyser et comprendre les erreurs interférentielles dans les productions écrites des élèves algériens. Le but ultime étant d’y remédier. Pour ce faire, une analyse d’erreurs sera appliquée à un corpus de 30 copies de productions écrites réalisées par des élèves de 3éme année secondaire ainsi qu’une analyse contrastive des systèmes des deux langues en question : l’Arabe et le Français. L’analyse des données recueillies a révélé que ce problème pourrait être provoqué par 3 facteurs : les pratiques scripturales des élèves notamment la difficulté de mettre en œuvre les étapes du processus de production textuelle, les confrontations des deux systèmes linguistiques arabe et français au moment de l’apprentissage ainsi que les pratiques enseignantes, telle que l’évaluation, qui ne ciblent pas les erreurs interférentielles. Mots-clés : contact des langues, erreurs, évaluation, interférences, langue étrangère, langue maternelle, production écrite. ABSTRACT. Written expression is a complex activity that occupies an important place in the teaching / learning of French as a foreign language in Algeria. Teaching French to Arabic speakers leads to contacts between Arabic mother tongue and French as a foreign language. These contacts generate errors that influence student’s writings. This article aims to identify, analyze and understand interferential errors in the written productions of Algerian students. The ultimate goal is to fix it. To do this, an analysis of errors will be applied to a corpus of 30 copies of written productions made by students of the 3rd year secondary as well as a contrastive analysis of the systems of the two languages in question: Arabic and French.The analysis of the collected data revealed that this problem could be caused by 3 factors: the scriptural practices of the pupils notably the difficulty to implement the stages of the process of textual production, the confrontations of the two linguistic systems Arabic and French also to teaching practices, such as evaluation, that do not target interferential errors. Keywords: error, evaluation, foreign language, interference, language contact, mother tongue, written production.
La ponctuation des lyceens marocains du FLE : Défauts textuels et dispositifs de remediation
Authors: TARNAOUI Moulay Mohamed , HASSAN Boujghagh
Published: March 2019

RÉSUMÉ. Dans le cadre de cette contribution, notre objectif est d’analyser les défauts de ponctuation des lycéens marocains pour répondre à la question suivante : les signes de ponctuation erronés ne contribueraient-ils pas à l’incompréhension et à l’opacité textuelle ? Le support qui servira de base au dépouillement des données est la production écrite. Il est donc crucial de repérer et de classer ces déviations localisées dans les copies des lycéens du FLE. Ces erreurs sont des indices des problèmes d'apprentissage du français chez nos sujets. Notons que cet aspect de la langue est souvent marginalisé par les enseignants bien qu’il contribue à la cohésion textuelle. Les résultats de ce travail ont révélé que la ponctuation reste non maîtrisée et bloque ainsi la compréhension du texte. C’est pourquoi, il sera fructueux de proposer quelques remédiations didactiques en faveur des futurs enseignants. Mots-clés : défauts textuels, français langue étrangère, ponctuation, production écriteABSTRACT. As part of this contribution, our objective is to analyze the punctuation defects of the Moroccan high school students to answer the following question: the punctuation marks mistakes not contribute to the misunderstanding and the textual opacity? The support that will be used as the basis for the data analysis is the written production. It is therefore crucial to identify and classify localized punctuation deviations in FFL high school students' copies. These errors are indicative of the problems of learning French in our subjects. Note that this aspect of language is often marginalized by teachers, although it contributes to textual cohesion. The results revealed that the punctuation remains uncontrolled. That is why it will be fruitful to propose some didactic remedies for future teachers. Keywords : textual flaws, French foreign language, punctuation, written production
Un dispositif pour les enseignants de FLE des universités angolaises
Authors: ILUNGA Anselmo
Published: March 2019

RÉSUMÉ. La présente contribution, converge vers la didactique comparée et porte sur la description des dimensions génériques et spécifiques, sur le savoir et les pratiques (Mercier, 2000, Schubauer-Léoni & Sensevy, 2000) à partir des vidéographies qui nous permettront de décrire les activités de classe en nous intéressant à la fois sur la circulation des savoirs et surtout l’analyse des gestes professionnels des quatre professeurs du FLE de deux institutions universitaires (Groupe A et groupe B). Le résultat a démontré que les professeurs du groupe A semblent avoir de difficulté par rapport à leur congénère de B qui ont reçu la formation du FLE. Cette analyse didactique nous permettra de trouver des réponses aux difficultés dans l’activité enseignante et permettre aux apprenants d’être des acteurs de leurs propres apprentissages. Mots-clés : approche comparative, FLE, action conjointe, gestes professionnels ABSTRACT. This contribution, which converges on comparative didactics, focuses on the description of generic and specific dimensions, knowledge and practices (Mercier, Schubauer-Léoni & Sensevy, 2000) from the videographies that will allow us to describe the classroom activities by focusing on both the flow of knowledge and, above all, the analysis of the professional gestures of the four FLE professors of two university institutions (Group A and Group B). The result showed that Group A teachers appear to have difficulty with their B congener who received the FLE training. This didactic analysis will allow us to find answers to the difficulties in the teaching activity and allow the learners to be actors of their own learning. Keywords: comparative approach, FLE, joint action, professional gestures
Analyse des lisibilités du manuel de français langue étrangère à travers le test de closure
Authors: MUTIARSIH Yuliarti , OKTAVIAN Alvani
Published: March 2019

RÉSUMÉ. Cette étude tente d’étudier la lisibilité de manuel de français largement utilisés en Indonésie et à décrire les classes de mots qui influencent sa lisibilité. Cette étude utilise une conception de recherche de méthode mixte avec une approche de conception convergente. Les données ont été obtenues à partir de trois textes pris au hasard dans un manuel de français et analysées en effectuant le test de closure auprès des étudiants du deuxième semestre du programme d'études de français dans une université en Indonésie. Les résultats du test de lisibilité montre qu'aucun texte n'est classé comme élevé ou sans assistance. Cependant, il est déterminé qu'un texte appartient à la catégorie moyenne ou à la lecture pédagogique et à la lecture assistée. Tandis que le reste du texte appartient à la même catégorie, qui est faible ou au niveau de frustration. Il est donc conclu que le niveau de lisibilité de ce manuel peut être considéré comme assez bon. La présente étude a des implications pour les études de la didactique de français langue étrangère, notamment pour l’évaluation des manuels. Mots-clés : français langue étrangère, lisibilité, manuel, test de closure. ABSTRACT. This study attemps to investigate the readability of French language textbook that is widely used in Indonesia and to describe word classes that influence its/the readability. This study employs a mixed method research design with a convergent design approach. The data were obtained from three texts taken randomly from a French textbook, and analyzed by conducting the cloze test to the students of second semester at French study program in one university in Indonesia. The results of the readability test show that none of the text are categorized as high or unassisted. However, one text is determined to be in the medium category or instructional and assisted reading. While, the rest of the text are in the same category, which is low or in frustrasion level. It is therefore concluded that the level of readability of this manual can be considered quite good. The current study has implications to French as a foreign language teaching-learning studies, especially for textbook assessment. Keywords: cloze test, french for foreign language, readibility, textbook.
Lignocellulosic Biomass Pretreatment for Biorefinery: A Review
Authors: Putra Zulfan Adi
Published: March 2019

Lignocellulosic biomass consists of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, which have the potential to produce the so-called green chemicals. Many processes are available at different scales (e.g. labs, pilots, demos, commercials), utilizing lignocellulosic biomass as the raw material. Due to its complicated chemical structures, lignocellulosic biomass must be pretreated before it can be processed further. Simultaneous separation of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin from the biomass is an important step to maximize the full potential of the biomass. In this review, several well-known biomass pretreatment technologies are evaluated. These are low pH process (e.g. dilute acid, steam explosion, hot water liquid, and concentrated acid), high pH (e.g. NaOH, lime, NH3), organosolv, ozonolysis, CO2 explosion, and ionic liquids. The objective of this review is to understand how effective the pretreatment process for separating cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Based on this review, organosolv is the only pretreatment process that is capable of separating cellulose, C5 sugars (from hemicellulose), and lignin, simultaneously. This process is currently at pilot scales of 30 – 100 ton per day of biomass feedstock.
Conformity of Vertical Public Housing's Performance With Resilience Agenda in Bandung Metropolitan Area
Authors: Nurdini Allis , Hadianto Nur Fitra
Published: March 2019

The ideas of resilient housing have been rapidly developed for better future quality improvement. On the other side, resilience is a critical framework, which is not only for housing in the future but also for those that have been built and already inhabited. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a study that can identify the compatibility of existing housing performance with the framework of resilience. Five vertical housing in Bandung were selected as case studies. These five housing are vertical public-housing prototype from national government that have been used in many cities for low income people. Post occupancy evaluation was used to assess the performance. Benchmarking and occupant survey instruments were combined in this study. The performance measurement results were then compared with critical resilient framework for housing to support community livelihood, reduce the vulnerability of resident to environmental risk and stresses, enhance personal security, and empower communities. It is concluded that the resilience of existing vertical public housing is differentiated according to the corridor design type and the occupant behavior to adapt the design. These two factors are closely linked to the achievement of resilient housing framework and are key inputs for short-term improvements in the vertical public housing that have been built.
Study on Durability of the Concrete of Sanitation Network in Ouargla Algeria Under the Existence of Sulphates Attack
Authors: Boumehraz Mohammed Amin , Mellas Mekki , Kriker Abdelouahed
Published: March 2019

Abstract: Several degradations were noted on remediation networks (pipes and manholes) in the Ouargla - Algeria, due to the product quality concrete the type of pipe used, and  the aggressive of external environment. The objective of this research was to investigate the durability of pipes for sanitation networks in the Ouargla under the effect of sulfates (in particular H2S). In this research, the concrete specimens were conserved in real environment and these results were compared with the result of specimens control. They conclude the decrease in conservation of concrete specimens by 3% for compressive strength after 365 days. For concrete specimens exposed to H2S gas, a rapid deterioration after 90 days. Then, the change was found for from 90 to 365 days reduction to 40 % for compressive strength.
Effect of Shell Color and Nursery Depth on the Growth of Pearl Oyster Pinctada Maxima in Tekalok West Nusa Tenggara IndonesiaEffect of Shell Color and Nursery Depth on the Growth of Pearl Oyster Pinctada Maxima in Tekalok West Nusa Tenggara Indonesia
Authors: R Syachruddin A , Syukur Syukur , Suryaningsih Septy , Rahmawati Ratri , Khan Asim L
Published: March 2019

The correlation between shell color and pearl oyster growth rates during the breeding phase is not well known and is then explored in this study. In addition, the effect of breeding depth on the growth is also assessed. The tests were conducted by monitoring the growth during a nursing season at a local company at Tekalok, East Lombok, Indonesia. The growth rates were measured from length extension, width extension and weight gain of a total of 4,493 seed samples over a three months nursing period. Results showed that average growth of each group of shell color was homogeneous with acceptable variance. The average length extension of all samples was 1.085 cm/month. The shell color significantly correlates with length extension, in which the yellow one being the highest elongation rate. However, no significant difference in width extension and weight gain was found at a specific condition. A slight decline in growth rate was shown at higher depth, but overall variations in growth rates are insignificant. Since the quality of the resulting pearls is better at higher depth, breeding should be done at higher depth, and further growth after nucleus inclusion can be done at lower depth to yield both optimum growth and high-quality pearl.
The Effect of Seaweed Extract (Sargassum Sp) Used as Fertilizer on Plant Growth of Capsicum Annum (Chilli) and Lycopersicon Esculentum (Tomato)
Authors: Fatimah Siti , Alimon Hasimah , Daud Norhayati
Published: March 2019

Seaweeds, mainly brown species, have long been used as soil fertilizers and have several advantageous effects of spraying their crude extracts on plant growth. Unlike chemical fertilizer, biofertilizers derived from seaweeds or other organisms are usually biodegradable, non-toxic, non-polluting and non-hazardous to humans, animals and birds which will benefit to agriculture sector. In this study, four different concentrations (0.50; 1.00; 2.50; and 5.00 mg/L) of four different solvents extract (hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and water) were used to determine the effect on in vitro seed germination of Capsicum annum and Lycopersicon esculentum. The results showed that concentration 2.50 mg/L can be classified as optimum concentration for seedling development of Lycopersicon esculentum and this study has proven that DCM is the effective extract solvent that result in promoting hypocotyl and root growth of tomato plant. For Capsicum annum, hexane extracts solvent of Sargassum sp. Was found to be more effective than other extracts in promoting seedlings development. Phytochemical screening of Sargassum sp. exhibited the presence of alkaloids and terpenoids as the dominant compenants in all extract.
Limitation in Fabricating PSf/ZIF-8 Hollow Fiber Membrane for CO2/CH4 Separation
Authors: Nordin Nik Abdul Hadi Md , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Racha Surya Murali , Cheer Ng Be , Bilad Muhammad Roil , Putra Zulfan Adi , Wirzal Mohd Dzul Hakim
Published: March 2019

Hollow fiber membrane configuration is way forward in membrane development since it possesses higher packing density and effective surface area per unit module compared to other configuration. Since majority of mixed matrix membrane (MMM) for gas separation reported focuses on flat sheet membrane development, this report aims to address the challenges faced in fabricating hollow fiber MMM. In this study, hollow fiber formulation is fabricated and their MMM using different types of fillers (virgin and modified ZIF-8) are prepared and used as a dispersed phase. The neat hollow fiber membrane shows good results with CO2 permeance of 104.39 GPU and CO2/CH4 selectivity of 29.28, in comparison with reported literature. Upon filler incorporation, the resulted MMMs appear to be diminished in both CO2 permeance and CO2/CH4 selectivity. While using modified ZIF-8, lesser deterioration was shown compared to pure ZIF-8, this phenomenon is likely to occur due to the changes in solution stability which causes notable changes in membrane morphology and performances.
CORRUPTION AND OBSTACLES FOR CONDUCTING BUSINESS IN FORMER FRENCH WEST AFRICA
Authors: Wadsworth Frank H. , Wheat Jerry E. , Swartz Brenda K.
Published: March 2019

This study examines the extent of corruption and obstacles to conducting business in some former French West Africa countries.

Methodology: This study uses business owner’s and mangers perceptions about the use of gifts or informal payments and obstacles to conducting business in five African countries.  Data comes from the World Bank Institute and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s Business Environment and Economic Performance study.  Data from Benin, Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal, and Togo were examined.  Univariate general linear analysis was used to discover statistical differences between factors by country.

Main Findings: Results show Senegalese managers and owners perceived the lowest obstacles to conducting business among the five countries.  Togo business managers and owners are slightly less positive about obstacles they face in their businesses.  Businesses in the five countries on average pay about eight percent of their annual sales as gifts/informal payments.

Limitations: The study uses data that is about ten years old.  The political and economic environment may have changed in these countries since data collection.

Social Implications: The significant level of obstacles business faces in these countries may significantly reduce foreign direct investment in these countries.  Electricity is an obstacle in most of these countries reducing the ability if not the interest in conducting business.

Originality/Novelty of the Study: The French strategy in this region for three hundred years was to rule through the military not the development of economic systems.  The results of this strategy may still be apparent in the number and degree of obstacles facing business only 50 years after independence.
MULTI-AIRPORT SYSTEMS AS A GLOBAL TOURISM PHENOMENON: A CRITICAL REVIEW AND A NEW CONCEPT
Authors: Hassanein Attaalla Dr. Farouk Abdelnabi
Published: March 2019

Purpose:The main objective of the present study is to shed light on the different dimensions and international experiences of the multi-airport system including the Egyptian experience in this regard.

Methodology:The methodology of the study depends on the researcher's own critical review based on his scientific background on the phenomenon of multi-airport systems through survey in secondary and primary data.

Findings:Finally, the study presented a new comprehensive concept of the multi-airport system. The importance and originality of the current research is to ameliorate the concept of multiple-airport system in light of displaying some of international experiences.

Implications:The transition from single-airport to multi-airport systems is going to be a basic tool by which air transportation systems will be able to meet future demand. There are many experiences related to the failure and success of managing the multi-airport systems worldwide.
Deixis in Judith McNaught’s Night Whispers Novel
Authors: Afrilian Witri , Rozelin Diana , Rahmi Awliya
Published: March 2019

This paper aims to examine the types of deixis, the meaning of deixis, and the position of deixis in novel entitled Night Whispers written by Judith McNaught. The authors applied theory of deixis from Levinson (1983) and theory of meaning by Chaer (2013). The analysis of this research uses distributional and referential identity method by Sudaryanto (1993). The results show that there are five types of deixis which is found in the novel with the most-found type is person deixis and the fewest-found type is social deixis. The meanings of the deixis are referred to the speaker herself which is named Sloan, Sloan’s friend named Sara, the time when Sloan uttered the utterance, the span when Sloan lived as police officer, Sloan’s father’s house, Apparition, the thought of Sloan of a group of girl, the thing Sloan wanted Paris to remember, and Sloan’s great-grandmother. The position of the deixis is as Noun, Pronoun, Adjective, and Adverb.
The Impact of Animated Karaoke on Vocabulary Acquisition Among Japanese Language Learners in Malaysian Universities
Authors: Abdullah Muhammad Alif Redzuan , Hussin Sanimah
Published: March 2019

This research paper aimed to explore and investigate whether the use of animated karaoke in the Japanese language classes has an influence on vocabulary acquisition among Malaysian Japanese language learners. The study was conducted on 100 students learning the Japanese language at the beginner level as an elective subject at the Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and observations. The analytical descriptive result showed that the participants were able to memorize and understand Japanese vocabulary quickly and easily after watching animation consisting of visual graphics combined with text which stimulate their brain. Data from the interviews also showed that the target vocabulary items were pronounced accurately and correctly when learners sang along while watching the animated karaoke. The triangulation of data showed that animated karaoke is a good tool to engage participants in learning the Japanese language while at the same time, having fun and feeling highly motivated to explore the language. The implication of the study suggests that the use of animated karaoke in other foreign language classes will help boost students’ confidence and motivation level.
Speech Acts in the Selected and Award Winning Filipino Children Short Stories
Authors: Serenio Frances Mae A. , Velasquez Cindy A.
Published: March 2019

Children’s literature may be one of the most difficult genres to write, if not the most difficult. The writer has to take into consideration his or her aims in writing the story while focusing on other literary elements such as the theme and the plot at the same time. Not only that, he or she has to put in mind what kind of reaction he wants from his or her reader – whether it be amusement, rejection or wholesome acceptance through learning. The purpose of this study is to identify the different speech acts commonly found in contemporary children’s short stories particularly those which have been awarded as Palanca winners and those from the book entitled Filipino Stories for Filipino children (An Anthology from the UP Integrated School Creative Writing Classes) by Eleanor Eme Hermosa. The study is anchored on John Searle’s (1969) Speech Act Theory. In the analysis, it is found that children’s literature provides a didactic role. Consistent with this function, the speech act structure has observed didactic role found to be primarily informational, assertive, and expressive in nature. In the stories, some of the values that the writers aimed to teach the readers are nationalism, love and pride for parents and siblings, and appreciation for education.
Choline Chloride: Zinc Chloride Ionic Liquid Mediated Inverse Electron Demand (IED) Diels-Alder Reaction; An eco-benign Synthesis of Pyranoquinolines and Furanoquinolines
Authors: Amudha Palani , Lavanya Gnanamani , Venkatapathy Karuppan , Magesh Chinnian Jayaraman
Published: March 2019

A recyclable, eco-friendly, efficient method of synthesis has been developed for the biologically
active heterocycles pyranoquinolines and furanoquinolines via inverse electron demand Diels-
Alder reaction mediated by choline chloride: zinc chloride ionic liquid as a catalyst and medium. The
methodology offers the advantages such as mild reaction conditions, simple work-up procedure, highly
efficient reaction, recyclable and eco-friendly catalyst etc. All the products were thoroughly characterized
by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, Mass spectral and Elemental analysis.
Synthesis and Characterization of Some New 1,3,4-thiadiazole Compounds Derived from 3,4-(Methylenedioxy)cinnamic Acid and their Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Muğlu Halit , Gür Mahmut , Ben Hsin Maesm Ahmed Mohamed , Şener Nesrin , Özkınalı Sevil , Özkan Osman Emre , Şener İzzet
Published: March 2019

Some new 1,3,4-thiadiazole compounds derived from 3,4-(methylenedioxy)cinnamic acid
were synthesized in this study. Their structures were determined using UV-Vis, IR, 1H-NMR, and
13C-NMR spectroscopy. Moreover, the antibacterial activities of the new 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives
were tested against Gram positive (Enterococcus durans, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus)
and gram negative (Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella infantis,
Salmonella kentucky, Enterobacter aerogenes) bacteria using the disk diffusion method. Furthermore,
their antifungal activity was tested against Candida albicans using the disk diffusion method.
Some of the synthesized compounds (V, VII, XIII, and XIV) showed antibacterial activity against
S. aureus. Also, one synthesized compound (VIII) showed antibacterial activity against E. coli, exhibiting
8 and 9 mm inhibition zones using 50 and 80 µL. One compound (IX) showed antibacterial activity
against E. aerogenes, exhibiting a 12 mm inhibition zone using 80 µL. One compound (XIII)
showed antibacterial activity against S. kentucky, exhibiting an inhibition zone of about 9 mm using
80 µL. Also, one compound (VII) showed antibacterial activity against E. durans, exhibiting 7, 7, and
8 mm inhibition zones using 30, 50, and 80 µL. None of the compounds (I-XV) showed antifungal
activity against C. albicans. These results showed that some of the synthesized compounds could be
used as antibacterial agents.
Synthesis of α-(R)-/γ-(S)-Dimethyl Substituted Peptide Nucleic Acid Submonomer Using Mitsunobu Reaction
Authors: Abdelbaky Ahmed S. , Prokhorov Ivan A. , Smirnov Igor P. , Koroleva Kristina M. , Shvets Vitaliy I. , Kirillova Yulia G.
Published: March 2019

One of the major challenges facing modern biochemical and biomedical technologies are
finding molecular tools for diagnosis and detection of genetic diseases. In this connection, several classes
of oligonucleotides have been developed that can recognize and bind to DNA and RNA with high
affinity and sequence selectivity and withstand enzymatic degradation by proteases and nucleases;
however, few can traverse the cell membrane on their own. One such promising class of nucleic acid
mimics developed in the last two decades which showed good results in vitro, are the peptide nucleic
acids (PNAs). New chiral α- and γ-peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) submonomer with methyl substituents
in pseudopeptide backbone were synthesized via Mitsunobu reaction. The α-(R)-/γ-(S)-configuration of
the chiral centres will ensure the preorganization of the PNA oligomer into a right-handed helix. The
results obtained showed that Boc/Fmoc-submonomer compatible with Boc-protocol PNAs solid-phase
synthesis on an MBHA resin. We synthesized simple and efficient α-R-, γ-S-disubstituted PNA submonomer
based on L-Ala and D-Ala with the construction of the intermediate pseudopeptide moiety
by Mitsunobu reaction for subsequent use in the Boc-Protocol of solid phase PNA synthesis.
Immunostimulatory Potential of Natural Compounds and Extracts: A Review
Authors: Stroe Andreea C. , Oancea Simona
Published: March 2019

The proper functioning of human immune system is essential for organism survival
against infectious, toxic and oncogenic agents. The present study aimed to describe the scientific evidence
regarding the immunomodulatory properties of the main micronutrients and specific phytochemicals.
Plants of food interest have the ability to dynamically affect the immune system through
particular molecules. Plant species, type of compounds and biological effects were herein reviewed
mainly focusing on plants which are not commonly used in food supplements. Several efficient phytoproducts
showed significant advantages compared to synthetic immunomodulators, being good
candidates for the development of immunotherapeutic drugs.
Three Dimensional Reconstruction Models for Medical Modalities: A Comprehensive Investigation and Analysis
Authors: Joseph Sushitha Susan , Dennisan Aju
Published: March 2019

Background:

Image reconstruction is the mathematical process which converts the signals obtained from the scanning machine into an image. The reconstructed image plays a fundamental role in the planning of surgery and research in the medical field.

Discussion:

This paper introduces the first comprehensive survey of the literature about medical image reconstruction related to diseases, presenting a categorical study about the techniques and analyzing advantages and disadvantages of each technique. The images obtained by various imaging modalities like MRI, CT, CTA, Stereo radiography and Light field microscopy are included. A comparison on the basis of the reconstruction technique, Imaging Modality and Visualization, Disease, Metrics for 3D reconstruction accuracy, Dataset and Execution time, Evaluation of the technique is also performed.

Conclusion:

The survey makes an assessment of the suitable reconstruction technique for an organ, draws general conclusions and discusses the future directions.
Hepatoprotective Effects of Red Cabbage in Hypercholesterolemic Diet-induced Oxidative Stressed Rabbits
Authors: Ashfaq Faiza , Butt Masood S. , Bilal Ahmad , Suleria Hafiz A.R.
Published: March 2019

Background:

Diet-disease linkages are getting immense attention of the scientific fraternity.
In this regard, red cabbage was assessed against hypercholesterolemic and related oxidative damage.
Nowadays, plant bioactives are gaining immense attention among the masses to mitigate lifestyle related
malfunctions. Considering phytochemistry and cost-effectiveness, the current project was designed to
probe the bioefficacy red cabbage against hypercholesterolemic diet related oxidative stress in the liver.

Methods:

The red cabbage and its aqueous extract were tested on male white New Zealand rabbits for
12 weeks. Two studies were conducted based on dietary regimens; normal and hypercholesterolemic
diet (1% cholesterol). At termination, overnight fasted rabbits were sacrificed to assess serum specific
and tissues biomarkers of hepatic oxidative stress alongside, hepatosomatic index and histopathology
were studied.

Results:

In hypercholesterolemic diet induced oxidative stressed rabbits, the supplementation of red
cabbage and its aqueous extract suppressed the leakage of liver functioning enzymes in sera up to 15.63
and 12.70% (alanine transaminase), 13.88 and 9.55% (alkaline phosphatase), 12.96 and 8.82% (γ-glutamyl
transferase) and 10.77 and 6.15% (total bilirubin). Besides, the respective diets also portrayed
considerable reduction in hepatic lipid peroxidation up to 29.60 and 23.63% thus improved endogenous
antioxidant enzymes; superoxide dismutase (17.97 and 15.92%) and catalase (24.39 and 20.98%). Furthermore,
hepatosomatic index expounded a significant impact of treatments on oxidative stressed rabbits
alongside mild degree of fibrotic and necrotic changes in their hepatic parenchyma was rectified by
red cabbage, whereas red cabbage extract demonstrated slower rate of amelioration.

Conclusion:

In the nutshell, dietary inclusions based on red cabbage have shown higher restorative
potential against hepatic oxidative stress as compared to red cabbage aqueous extract.
Optimization and Analysis of Acid Treated Trimethylamine using Surface Response and Gas Chromatography Analytical Methods
Authors: Park Seul-Ki , Khan Fazlurrahman , Cho Yeon-Jin , Hong Dong-Lee , Jang Yu-Mi , Kim Young-Mog
Published: March 2019

Background:

Trimethylamine (TMA) is a nitrogenous base aliphatic organic compound accounting for the odor of rotten fish and it is used as an indicator for analyzing the quality of fish products.

Introduction:

Extraction procedures and analytical methods including colorimetric and Gas- Chromatography (GC) can quantify the TMA contents of fish products after pre-treatment with basic solutions. However, the extraction procedure and analytical methods for acid-treated samples are not known, despite the majority of fish products being preserved using acid preservatives.

Methods:

The methodologies used included solid-phase micro-extraction of TMA followed by its quantification by a GC-based analytical method. An analysis of response surface methodology was also conducted to verify the optimum conditions for TMA detection in acid-treated liquid samples affected by factors including trapping time, temperature, and stirring speed.

Results:

The results obtained from this study showed that the optimum conditions for the best yield of TMA extraction are 20 min of trapping, emission at 55°C, and stirring at 400 rpm. The validation of the developed method was carried out using rotten fish after acid treatment. Acid treatment decreased TMA by up to 73.01%, however, when adding NaOH solution of the same volume to the samples, TMA increased similar to the control group.

Conclusion:

Here, we report a simple, sensitive, and rapid extraction procedure. A GC-based analytical method was developed for the analysis of TMA from the acid-treated sample. The developed extraction procedure and analytical methods were optimized and validated, which could be helpful for the extraction of TMA without damaging the sample.
Casuarina equisetifoliaExtract Loaded Phytosomes: Optimization, Characterization andIn vivoEvaluation of Antidiabetic and Antihyperlipidemic Activities in Wistar Rats
Authors: Rani Anjana , Kumar Sunil , Khar Roop K.
Published: March 2019

Background:

Herbal extracts have brilliant in-vitro activity but less in-vivo action in light of their macromolecular size and poor lipid solubility bringing about poor absorption and low bioavailability. These issues can be corrected by designing novel drug delivery systems. Phytosomes provide better absorption and bioavailability when compared to conventional herbal extract.

Objective:

This paper deals with the preparation, optimization and characterization of Phytosome of plant extract and in vivo assessment of antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activity for improved therapeutic efficacy having sufficient stability.

Methods:

Preliminary distinctive strategies were utilized to get ready Phytosome and antisolvent precipitation method was chosen. The formulation was guided by a full factorial design to study the effect of Independent variable on various dependent variables and resulted in an optimised product. Response contour plots were generated for each response factor to predict a phytosomal composition that yields phytosome formulation having least particle size and maximum entrapment efficiency.

Results:

Mean particle size, entrapment efficiency and Span value were found to be 295 ± 0.53nm, 82.43 ± 1.65% and 0.34 ± 0.14 respectively. Zeta potential was found to be 19.35mv, indicating the formation of stable formulation. In vitro release study described that the drug release follows the Korsmeyer- Peppas kinetic model. The results proved that Phytosomes of Casuarina equisetifolia extract exhibited more antidiabetic potential and antihyperlipidemic properties as compared to crude Casuarina extract.

Conclusion:

Phytosomes of Casuarina equestifolia extract was successfully formulated having good entrapment efficiency and physico-chemical characterization of the optimized product, confirming the formation of stable formulation. In vivo antidiabetic activity confirmed better potential of the optimised formulation. Consequently, it has been presumed that Phytosomes of Casuarina equisetifolia extract serve as a useful novel drug delivery system and provide more therapeutic efficacy than conventional plant extracts.
α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity of the Extracts and Major Phytochemical Components of Smilax glabra Roxb
Authors: Nguyen Phuong T.M. , Ngo Quang V. , Nguyen Minh T.H. , Maccarone Alan T. , Pyne Stephen G.
Published: March 2019

Background:

A therapeutic approach to treat diabetes is to decrease postprandial hyperglycemia.
α-Glucosidase inhibitors from plant sources offer an attractive strategy for the control of
hyperglycemia. Smilax glabra Roxb is a medicinal plant found in Asia, including Vietnam, which is
used in the treatment of chronic diseases. However, the antidiabetic activity and the identification of
α-glucosidase inhibitors from this plant have not been intensively investigated. This research was
carried out to determine the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of the extracts and that of the major
phytochemical components of Smilax glabra Roxb. This could lead to further studies on the role of
these compounds in hyperglycemia control, as well as identify their potential future applications.

Methods:

Column chromatography combined with crystallization procedures were used to isolate
active fractions and two major compounds. The chemical structures of these compounds were determined
by analysis of their NMR spectroscopic data, as well as MS data and comparisons made
with the literature data. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was determined spectrophotometrically
using p-nitrophenyl α-D-glucopyranoside as a substrate. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the isolated
compounds and fractions was determined using the MTT assay.

Results:

The two major compounds, astilbin and 5-O-caffeoylshikimic acid together with two very
active fractions, F7 and F8, were isolated from the rhizome. The two major compounds had α-
glucosidase inhibitory activities with IC50 values of ca. 125 µg/mL and 38 µg/mL, respectively
which are about 4 and 13 folds higher activity than the reference compound acarbose (IC50 of ca.
525 µg/mL). Fractions F7 and F8 showed very promising inhibitory activities towards α-glucosidase
with IC50 values of 5.5 and 5.8 µg/mL, respectively. Cytotoxicity data on mouse fibroblast NIH3T3
cells indicated that the active compounds and fractions were not toxic at concentrations that are
greater than their respective IC50 values. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of 5-Ocaffeoylshikimic
acid and that of the two active fractions are reported here for the first time.

Conclusion:

The two major isolated compounds and fractions, F7 and F8, significantly contribute to
the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of S. glabra Roxb extract. Further work is needed to clarify
their modes of action and potential application.
Assessment of Efficacy and Safety of Clindamycin Against Methicillin- Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Infected Subcutaneous Abscess Model
Authors: Vivekanandan Lalitha , Sheik Hajasherief , Singaravel Sengottuvelu , Thangavel Sivakumar
Published: March 2019

Background:

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes infection in
the wound leading to life-threatening bacteriemia. It causes recalcitrant infections because of being
resistant to various antibiotics. The recent studies reported clindamycin to be effective against
MRSA rather than inducible clindamycin resistance and decrease the incidence of new infections
after clindamycin treatment. The study focused on assessing the efficacy and safety of clindamycin
against MRSA infected rats.

Methods:

The rats become neutropenic by intraperitoneal administration of cyclophosphamide at a
dose of 150 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg for 4 days and 5th day respectively. The neutropenic rats were
infected with MRSA by subcutaneous administration of 106 CFU/ml of MRSA. The 3 groups of
rats such as Normal, MRSA infected, MRSA infected rats that were administered clindamycin
orally at a dose of 90 mg/kg/ thrice daily for 14 days were used in the study. The abscess size,
weight, and bacterial load were measured at the end of the study. The blood and liver samples were
collected for biochemical analysis and histopathological evaluation.

Results:

The MRSA was confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method. The clindamycin
minimum inhibitory concentration was 0.125 - 0.5 μg/ml. The MRSA showed negative D test
for clindamycin indicating the absence of inducible clindamycin resistance. The decreased abscess
size, weight, bacterial count, Intestinal Alkaline Phosphatase (IAP), weight loss, alteration in hematological
parameters, mild changes in cholesterol, ALT and liver histology, no significant (P >
0.05) change in triglycerides, AST, ALP, bilirubin, lactate, urea, and creatinine were seen in
clindamycin treated MRSA infected rats. The MRSA infected clindamycin treated rats showed
mild irritation and diarrhea.

Conclusion:

Our study concludes that the clindamycin showed better anti- MRSA activity and tolerable
adverse effects such as anemia, weight loss, and mild irritation after oral treatment, but the
intestinal dysbiosis is a severe adverse effect and causes diarrhea.
Tuning the Photocatalytic Performance of Plasmonic Nanocomposites (ZnO/Aux) Driven in Visible Light
Authors: Samantara Aneeya K. , Dash Debasrita , Bhuyan Dipti L. , Dalai Namita , Jena Bijayalaxmi
Published: March 2019

:

In this article, we explored the possibility of controlling the reactivity of ZnO nanostructures
by modifying its surface with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). By varying the concentration of Au with
different wt% (x = 0.01, 0.05, 0.08, 1 and 2), we have synthesized a series of (ZnO/Aux) nanocomposites
(NCs). A thorough investigation of the photocatalytic performance of different wt% of Au NPs on
ZnO nanosurface has been carried out. It was observed that ZnO/Au0.08 nanocomposite showed the highest
photocatalytic activity among all concentrations of Au on the ZnO surface, which degrades the dye
concentration within 2 minutes of visible light exposure. It was further revealed that with an increase in
the size of plasmonic nanoparticles beyond 0.08%, the accessible surface area of the Au nanoparticle decreases.
The photon absorption capacity of Au nanoparticle decreases beyond 0.08% resulting in a decrease
in electron transfer rate from Au to ZnO and a decrease of photocatalytic activity.

Background:

Due to the industrialization process, most of the toxic materials go into the water bodies,
affecting the water and our ecological system. The conventional techniques to remove dyes are expensive
and inefficient. Recently, heterogeneous semiconductor materials like TiO2 and ZnO have been
regarded as potential candidates for the removal of dye from the water system.

Objective:

To investigate the photocatalytic performance of different wt% of Au NPs on ZnO nanosurface
and the effect of the size of Au NPs for photocatalytic performance in the degradation process.

Methods:

A facile microwave method has been adopted for the synthesis of ZnO nanostructure followed
by a reduction of gold salt in the presence of ZnO nanostructure to form the composite.

Results:

ZnO/Au0.08 nanocomposite showed the highest photocatalytic activity which degrades the dye
concentration within 2 minutes of visible light exposure. The schematic mechanism of electron transfer
rate was discussed.

Conclusion:

Raspberry shaped ZnO nanoparticles modified with different percentages of Au NPs
showed good photocatalytic behavior in the degradation of dye molecules. The synergetic effect of
unique morphology of ZnO and well anchored Au nanostructures plays a crucial role.
Refined Model Predictive Control of Back-to-back 3L-NPC Converter Interfacing a PMSG Based WECS with Grid for Blocking High Jumps in Voltages
Authors: Eedara Aswani K. , Koritala Chandra S. , Rayapudi Srinivasa R.
Published: March 2019

Background:

For controlling a back-to-back three-level (3L) Neutral-Point-Clamped
(NPC) converter of a Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) based Wind Energy Conversion
System (WECS), a Refined Model Predictive Control (RMPC) strategy is presented in this paper.

Methods:

The RMPC strategies of PMSG-side and network-side converters aim at prevention of
the high jumps in line and pole voltages of both the converters. A suitable subset of Switching
States (SSs), which can prevent these high jumps, is predetermined for each SS. In each control cycle,
the RMPC algorithm determines an optimal switching state from an appropriate candidate set
of SSs.

Results:

The functioning of the RMPC algorithms is checked with simulation tests. The effect of
parameter uncertainty on the functioning of the RMPC algorithm is also studied.

Conclusion:

The test results indicate that the RMPC scheme can block high jumps in
pole and line voltages while extracting maximal power from wind, controlling network
side reactive power, and balancing the capacitor’s voltage.
The Application of the Positive Semi-Definite Kernel Space for SVM in Quality Prediction
Authors: Meng Wang , Hongyan Dui , Shiyuan Zhou , Zhankui Dong , Zige Wu
Published: March 2019

Background:

A transformation toward 4th Generation Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) is being led by Germany based on Cyber-Physical System-enabled manufacturing and service innovation. Smart manufacturing is an important feature of Industry 4.0 which uses the networked manufacturing systems for smart production. Current manufacturing systems (5M1E systems) require deeper mining of the data which is generated from manufacturing process.

Objective:

To map low-dimensional embedding into the input space would meet the requirement of “kernel trick” to solve a problem in feature space. On the other hand, the distance can be calculated more precisely.

Methods:

In this research, we proposed a positive semi-definite kernel space by using a constant additive method based on a kernel view of ISOMAP. There were 6 steps in the algorithm.

Results:

The classification precision of KMLSVM was better than SVM in the enterprise data set, in which SVM selected the RBF kernel and optimized its parameters.

Conclusion:

We adopted the additive constant method in kernel space construction and the positive semi-definite kernel was built. The typical mixed data set of an enterprise was used in simulation. We compared the SVM and KMLSVM in this data set and optimized the SVM kernel function parameters. The simulation results demonstrated the KMLSVM was a better algorithm in mix type data set than SVM.