bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consensual  Budgetary  and  Fiscal  Policy  of  BRICS
Authors: Zharikov М. V.
Published: January 2019

The research is relevant as it defnes the optimal level of taxation for the BRCS members in the frames of consensual tax, budgetary and fscal policy in order to achieve the sustainable rate of economic growth, balanced development, moderate rates of inﬂation, high volume of production, balance of current account and low unemployment. The development of the BRICS countries as a new model of integration and inclusive development in the globalizing economy requires consensual macroeconomic policy. The author hypothesizes that consensual macroeconomic (tax and budgetary policy) may contribute to the harmonization of national economies of the BRICS members by parameters of an integration model proposed in the article. As a result of economic and mathematical modeling there were drafted the curves of the BRICS members’ budget revenue and expenditure. The author identifes the optimal weighted average tax rates to establish the balance. The graphic method is used to demonstrate the inﬂuence of tax, budgetary and fscal policy of the BRICS members on national economies and combined effect of its implementation. The practical importance of the research lies in identifying the optimal level of taxation which makes it possible to balance the BRICS members’ budgets. The calculation of the effectiveness of consensual tax, budgetary and fscal policy of the BRICS members is made on the basis of comparative analysis of the variants of fnancing the budget defcit by own means and the sources of hypothetical common debt market. The article proves that functioning of common market of debt fnance is optimal for the BRICS members on condition of using comparative advantage of China in providing credit resources to the members of the group. The theoretical signifcance of the results is the development of the methodology of harmonization of tax, budgetary and fscal policy of the BRICS members using gradual approach as opposite to“shock therapy” scenario.
Espacialização da Temperatura Máxima do ar utilizando Modelo Digital de Elevação para o município de Piranhas, Alagoas (Geostatistical Modeling for Prediction of Maximum Air Temperature using Digital Elevation Model for the city of Piranhas, Alagoas)
Authors: Fernandes Ronabson Cardoso , Wanderley Henderson Silva , Carvalho André Luiz de
Published: January 2019

A temperatura do ar é um dos elementos meteorológica mais importante para se caracterizar o clima, embora essa informação seja essencial, para algumas regiões ela ainda é escassa ou inexistente. Deste modo, o objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a temperatura máxima do ar para o município de Piranhas no estado de Alagoas, com auxilio do Modelo Digital de Elevação (MDE). Para o estudo foram utilizados dados médios de temperatura máxima do ar proveniente de oito estações de medição, com a utilização da análise de regressão linear múltipla, a qual teve como variável dependente a temperatura média mensal do ar e variáveis independentes a latitude, longitude e altitude e do método interpolativo espacial de krigagem. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que a metodologia proposta apresentou resultados satisfatórios para a estimação da temperatura máxima do ar, com temperaturas que variaram de 25 a 35 °C.   A B S T R A C TAir temperature is an important meteorological variable, which acts mainly in evapotranspiration process, transferring energy to crops as sensible heat. In the tropics, this variable is typically higher compared to other regions of the globe, since its daily variation is related to the incidence of solar energy and, consequently, to the heating of soil surface. So, the objective of this study was to estimate the maximum air temperature in Rio Largo, Alagoas, Brazil, using The Digital Elevation Model (DEM). For this study were used average values of maximum air temperature from eight stations, for which a multiple linear regression analysis was used, which has as dependent variable the monthly average air temperature and independent variables the latitude, longitude and altitude and the Krigging method spatial interpolation. The results showed that the methodology proposed in this study had satisfactory results for the estimation of the maximum air temperature, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 ° C.Keywords: Air temperature; multiple linear regression; krigging, interpolation, modeling.
Avaliação urbano-ambiental em residencial de interesse social concebido com recursos do PAC no estado de Alagoas, Brasil (Urban-environmental evaluation in residential of social interest conceived with pac resources in the state of Alagoas, Brazil)
Authors: Ferreira Elvis Pantaleão , Pantaleão Fabiana de Souza , Ferreira Elton Pantaleão , Ferreira José Thales Pantaleão , Ferreira Yara Pantaleão
Published: January 2019

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo apresentar um pioneiro diagnóstico urbano e da infraestrutura dos serviços de saneamento básico em residencial concebido com investimentos do Programa Minha Casa Minha Vida no município de Santana do Mundaú, estado de Alagoas. O procedimento metodológico foi estruturado em três etapas: levantamento de dados secundários, levantamento descritivo mediante coleta de dados in loco e consulta à comunidade local. Os resultados demonstram que o ambiente urbano necessita de adequação e implementação do espaço urbano para a convivência comunitária. Registrou-se a insatisfação da comunidade com a qualidade das habitações, o que vem contribuindo para uma personalização habitacional.  Foram observadas alterações funcionais de unidades habitacionais, haja vista o uso para o exercício de atividades de comércio ou de serviços. O abastecimento de água potável é o único serviço que opera adequadamente, o esgotamento sanitário e a destinação ambientalmente correta dos resíduos sólidos apresentam precárias condições de serviços, portanto, necessitam de intervenções significativas e imediatas para melhor conceituar o espaço urbano.   A B S T R A C TThe present study aimed to present a pioneering urban diagnosis and infrastructure of basic sanitation services in a residential project conceived with investments of the Minha Casa Minha Vida Program in the municipality of Santana do Mundaú, State of Alagoas. The methodological procedure was structured in three stages, secondary data collection, descriptive survey through data collection in the local and consultation to the community. The results show that the urban environment needs adaptation and implementation to adapt the urban space to community living, registered the community's dissatisfaction with the quality of housing which has contributed to the personalization of housing, functional changes were observed in housing units considering the use for the exercise of trade activities or services. The supply of drinking water is the only service that operates properly, sanitary sewage and environmentally correct disposal of solid waste, present poor service conditions, need significant and immediate interventions, to better conceptualize the urban space.Keywords: Minha Casa Minha Vida Program, housing policy, basic sanitation
Morfometria da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Sararé, Sudoeste de Mato Grosso (Morphometry of the Sararé River Basin, Southwest of Mato Grosso)
Authors: Pinto Valcir Rogério , Pierangeli Maria Aparecida Pereira , Souza Célia Alves de , Neves Sandra Mara Alves da Silva , Silva Carolina Joana da
Published: January 2019

A caracterização morfométrica é uma análise imprescindível para conhecimento da dinâmica ambiental existente na bacia hidrográfica. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo foi realizado na bacia hidrográfica do rio Sararé, afluente do rio Guaporé, localizada na região sudoeste de Mato Grosso. Objetivou-se caracterizar os aspectos morfométricos da bacia hidrográfica do rio Sararé, visando a geração de subsídios para gestão dos recursos hídricos regional. Para execução do estudo foi utilizado o ArcGIS, sendo delimitada a bacia a partir de imagens SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) e calculados os parâmetros morfométricos. Os resultados da análise morfométrica foram: área (3.324,90 km²), perímetro (393,40 km), hierarquia fluvial (5ª ordem), índice de compacidade (1,91), índice de circularidade (0,26), fator de forma (22), altitude média (398 m), amplitude altimétrica (617 m), declividade média (6%), razão de relevo (0,004), densidade de rios (0,05 canais/km²), densidade de drenagem (0,36 km/km²) e gradiente dos canais (0,5%). Por meio destas análises concluiu-se que a bacia do rio Sararé apresenta baixa suscetibilidade às enchentes.  A B S T R A C TThe morphometric characterization is an essential examination for knowledge of the existing environmental dynamics in the hydrographic basin. In this context, the present study was carried out in the basin of the Sararé river, a affluent of the Guaporé river, located in the southwest of Mato Grosso. This study aimed to characterize the morphometric aspects of the hydrographic basin of the Sararé river, seeking to generate subsidies for the regional water resources management. For this study's execution it was used ArcGIS, the basin was bounded from SRTM images (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) and morphometric parameters were calculated. The results of morphometric analysis were: area (3324.9 square kilometers), perimeter (393.4 km), river hierarchy (5th order), compactness index (1.91), circularity ratio (0.26), factor form (22), mean height (398 m), altimetric range (617 m), an average declivity (6%), ratio of relief (0.004), rivers density (0.05 channels / square kilometer), drainage density (0.36 km / square kilometer) and the channels gradient (0.5%). Through these analyzes it was concluded that the Sararé river basin has a low susceptibility to flooding.Keywords: Guaporé basin, planning, water resources, GIS.
Qualidade ambiental da bacia do Rio Monapo em Moçambique - um relato de experiência (Environmental Quality of the Monapo River Basin in Mozambique - A Report of Experience)
Authors: Batista Daiane Ferreira , Cabral João Batista Pereira , Martins Alécio Perini
Published: January 2019

A qualidade ambiental de uma bacia hidrográfica está diretamente relacionada as atividades produzidas sobre o uso e ocupação de suas terras. Com isto, o objetivo principal deste trabalho foi demonstrar a pesquisadores de Moçambique como verificar a qualidade ambiental da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Monapo, na província de Nampula em Moçambique-África. As metodologias utilizadas foram: a identificação das principais características físicas; aplicação do Protocolo de Avaliação Rápida (PARs); e cálculo de vazão. Como resultado, verificou-se que medição de vazão somente foi possível nos pontos próximos a foz do Rio Monapo, devido a presença de água corrente. Conforme os dados do PAR no trecho entre o ponto 6 a 8 a bacia pode ser classificada como impactado. Por meio deste relato de experiência, foi possível concluir que a bacia hidrográfica apresenta impactos ambientais provenientes das atividades antrópicas locais, e que para melhores resultados serão necessários novos campos de análise e adequação do PAR. A B S T R A C T The environmental quality of a river basin is directly related to activities such as the use and occupation of its lands. Thus, the main objective of this work was to demonstrate to Mozambican researchers how to verify the environmental quality of the Monapo River Basin, in the province of Nampula in Mozambique-Africa. The methodologies used included: identification of the main physical characteristics; implementation of the Rapid Assessment Protocol (RAPs) and flow calculation. As a result, it was verified that flow measurement was only possible at points close to the mouth of the Monapo river, due to the presence of water current. Accordingly, RAP data in the section between points 6 and 8 of the basin can be classified as impacted. Through this experience report, it was possible to conclude that the river basin presents environmental impacts from local anthropic activities, and that for better results, new fields of analysis and adequacy of RAP are required. Key words: Hydrographic basin, environmental quality, anthropic activities.
On the Best Life
Authors: Berger Chris
Published: January 2019

In order to find a thorough treatment of the good life, arguably the subject of political science, we must have recourse to the ancients.  Aristotle directly addresses and thematizes the concept of “the good life” in his Nicomachean Ethics, wherein it is suggested that the best possible life for a human being is one that is lived in accordance with a human being’s natural function, that is, logos.  This paper implements Aristotle’s definition of the good life in order to suggest that it presents us with not merely a viable but a superior alternative to the relativistic language of “lifestyles” and “values” that dominates contemporary political theory.  This paper will first establish a framework within which the best life for a human being may be understood, then proceed to explain the inadequacy of relativism as a way of conceiving of the best life and the relationship between the best life and the best person.  The argument will conclude by making a case for the importance of the best life as a topic worthy of pursuit in both theory and practice.
Reformed Development: How Edmonton Can Benefit From Globalization Through Improved Development Strategies
Authors: Nugent Mack
Published: January 2019

Achieving economic success in a globalized world is a complex task for cities.  One of the most important challenges cities need to address to reach prosperity is how they plan their development.  Creating a socially, and economically attractive environment can help cities prosper.  This essay explores the development impediments that Edmonton has experienced in the last few essays.  Specifically Edmonton's focus on suburbanization has put Edmonton at a competitive disadvantage internationally. However, with strategies explored, Edmonton can drastically improve its quality of life.
Multilateralism and Arctic Sovereignty: Canada’s Policy Options
Authors: Gibson Andrew
Published: January 2019

This paper will examine Canada’s policy options regarding Canadian sovereignty over the Arctic Ocean, and will recommend a policy of multilateral engagement. Canada claims full sovereignty over the Arctic Archipelago and its surrounding waters, as well as a more limited form of sovereignty in parts of the Arctic Ocean. There is significant strategic, environmental, and economic value to uncontested Canadian control of these waters. However, these claims are not recognized by other states and contravene accepted international rules laid out in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). As Canada lacks the infrastructure and military power to effectively assert control of the region, as well as the diplomatic power to make other states recognize Canada’s claim, Canada should abandon its unilateral stance and pursue its claim through existing multilateral options: the UNCLOS and the Arctic Council.
Kant’s Universal History and The Paradox of Ethnocentric Egalitarianism
Authors: Halladay Leonard J.
Published: January 2019

As a subset of political theory, postcolonial critique exists to examine the fundamental disparity in the asymmetrical power relations between the actors involved in colonial and imperial interaction. Part of this examination includes the assumption that the totalizing nature of imperial practice and its effects are necessarily problematic. This paper examines the notion that there can be a ‘universal history’ for human beings, as sketched in the political writings of Immanuel Kant. In addition, the historical context of Kant’s political theory, centered within 18th century European imperialism, forms a substantial portion of the examination. The paper begins with a consideration of the friction between Kant’s ideas of human freedom and natural necessity. Kant’s solution to this conflict is to sketch a model of historical development that is then applied universally to human beings and human societies. This paper considers Kant’s writings, in their historical context, in order to evaluate the degree to which Kant is subject to the problems inherent to the discourse of imperialism.
American Media
Authors: Dawson Tyler
Published: January 2019

This paper discusses the state of the American media in the decade following 9/11. A framework is crafted from the work of previous media theorists and the writing of the Supreme Court of the United States to understand the specific role of the fourth estate in American society. Once this is accomplished, this paper re-evaluates the success of the media in fulfilling its constitutional role, arguing that the media was, in fact, less deferential to the government line than many critics suggest, particularly following the abuses at Abu Ghraib. Finally, the case is made that institutionalised media is necessary to provide a check on government power, and the expansion of democratized news can only fulfil this mandate to a certain extent.
Examining Race Privilege in America: The Preservation of Whiteness through the Systematic Oppression of African-Americans
Authors: Selner Justin
Published: January 2019

The prevailing assumption that race-relations have equalized in America is largely based on an incorrect and misinformed understanding of current socio-economic policies and public behaviors. The continued racialization and discrimination towards African-Americans may be linked to strategic efforts that seek to preserve the dominance and authority of whiteness. This paper examines such claims within the context of the post civil rights movement, with specific attention given to the media, education system, and implementations of social justice.
Why Ukraine Surrendered Security: A Methodological Individualist Approach to Nuclear Disarmament
Authors: Gibbs Daniel
Published: January 2019

After the breakup of the Soviet Union, Ukraine found itself in possession of the world’s third largest nuclear arsenal.  By 1994, Ukraine had surrendered its entire nuclear arsenal to its historical enemy, Russia.  This phenomenon has largely escaped scrutiny.  At a time in world history when the question of nuclear proliferation and disarmament has again come to the forefront of international politics, it is important to reexamine the case of Ukrainian disarmament in which standard paradigms of international relations fail to satisfactorily explain historical events.  Only by applying the underutilized individual level of analysis can Ukrainian disarmament be clearly understood.
“Westernization” and the Politics of Islam in Senegal
Authors: Parasher Tejas
Published: January 2019

In much postcolonial theory, identity-politics is considered a means of subversion and possible emancipation. Consciously moving away from the political culture of the colonizer towards a rediscovery and reassertion of indigenous norms is seen as an important part of the larger postcolonial project of claiming political agency. This article problematizes this argument, and makes the case for a more critical analysis of the assertion of indigenous identity. The article turns to the work of one particular theorist—Ed van Hoven—and one particular case—Islamist politics in Senegal. Charting the development of politicized Islam since independence, it draws attention to how Senegalese governments have re-enacted the attitudes of the French colonial state.
Plato’s Case Against the Philosopher King
Authors: Berger Chris
Published: January 2019

Liberal democracies afford their citizens the opportunity to reflect seriously upon the perennial questions of politics and the fundamental alternatives.  However, an unfortunate trend, indeed observable in both practical politics and the social sciences, has seen political philosophy largely supplanted by ideology, the co-opting of philosophic thought for partisan ends.  Political philosophy is the serious reflection upon and inquiry into the core theme of political thought and practice: the best way to live and the regime that conduces to it.  This paper seeks to demonstrate by example the possibility of preserving the serious study of political questions by challenging the dominant scholarly interpretation of Plato’s political philosophy as presenting the philosopher king as the solution to the political problem.  By offering some cursory remarks on Plato’s Apology and Republic in order to suggest that philosophic rule is not a serious prescription for political action, this paper argues that Plato’s aim is not to propose a doctrine but to compel us to reflect on the nature of politics, the permanent political questions, and the fundamental alternatives available to the human condition.
In Pursuit of Women’s Representation: A Pragmatic Approach to Improving Women’s Representation in Canadian Politics
Authors: Buys Andrew
Published: January 2019

This essay addresses the democratic deficit in women's representation in Canadian politics that hinders the access of all citizens in Canada to free, equal, and meaningful opportunities to engage in all levels of political affairs. In doing so, a number of socio-cultural and structural barriers to women's participation in federal politics are identified. In turn, strategies to overcome these barriers are presented while making effort to tackle the conditions underlying women’s misrepresentation, as opposed to promoting explicitly compulsory solutions such as affirmative action legislation. The purpose of my research is to guide Canadian policy structures and social standards toward a new paradigm in Canadian politics where women are liberated from having to face the tension between the implications of their status as the 'other' and their desire to meaningfully contribute to the political affairs of the Canadian state.
The Future of U.S.-Taiwan Arms Sales
Authors: Aitken Aaron
Published: January 2019

The periodic sale of American arms to Taiwan has become one the United States’ thorniest diplomatic challenges. Not only has the issue forced the United States to carefully navigate between its long running commitments to Taiwan and its increasingly important relationship with China, it is an issue that could, if not carefully managed, lead to the outbreak of armed conflict between the two major regional powers. Given this danger, should the United States (1) cease arms sales, (2) increase arms sales, or (3) adopt a position somewhere in between? This essay will compare and contrast the merits of these three broad positions.
Making Liberal Democracy Ethical: Aristotle on the Unity of Ethics and Politics
Authors: Berger Chris
Published: January 2019

Contemporary liberal democracy recognizes a fundamental distinction between matters of “public” and “private” domain that amounts to a separation of ethics from politics.  Such a distinction is, however, a recent one insofar as the history of political thought is concerned.  Political and ethical matters can and in fact have been thought of and practiced as a single project.  Aristotle is one philosopher who has approached ethics and politics not as two distinct subjects but as a single unified project: the project of living well.  This essay examines Aristotle’s ethical-political project and engages with contemporary thinkers who have grappled with Aristotle’s political philosophy as a possible remedy for the problems currently confronting liberal democratic politics.  It argues that the best remedy for the ills of liberal democracy that arise out of the continued prevalence of relativism in liberal democratic discourse is a re-thinking of liberal education that unites ethical and political considerations. The author contends that Aristotle’s political philosophy offers us a vantage point from which this unity may be perceived and, hopefully, implemented.
The Unite the Right Movement and the Brokerage of Social Conservative Voices Within the New Conservative Party of Canada
Authors: Devaney Laura
Published: January 2019

2003 marked a year of significant change in the political landscape, particularly for the Canadian right. After ten years of division, the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada (PCs) and the Canadian Alliance united to create the Conservative Party of Canada. This union required a balancing of the interests of both of its founding parties who, on certain issues, espoused very different views. One important example of this was social conservatism. In this paper, the author examines the new party’s attempt to balance the two parties’ differing opinions on social conservatism. In order to accomplish this, the paper first examines the differences between the two parties, and then examines how conflicting interests were resolved under the banner of the ‘New Conservative Party.’ The author concludes that by deliberately declarin socially conservative issues beyond the scope of party policy, the new conservative party has been able to strike a balance between the interests of the voting population and the interests of its more socially conservative members, who are able to express their preferences by means of a free vote.
Organic Amnesia: A Diversity in Deficits
Authors: Madan Christopher R
Published: January 2019

Organic amnesia is the loss of memory due to biological factors such as brain disorders, tumors, strokes, degenerative diseases, or any other of a multitude of other disruptions of neurological function. Memories are stored throughout the brain, and as a result damage to any localized brain region only causes limited memory deficits. Even in itself, organic amnesia can present in a variety of impairments across numerous memory systems within the brain. Several kinds of amnesia will be reviewed, including details of the corresponding deficits and suggestions of the likely affected memory system.
The Biggest Bugs: An investigation into the factors controlling the maximum size of insects
Authors: Polet Delyle
Published: January 2019

Not available.
A student experience in neurosurgery: How summer research can equate to much more than a publication
Authors: Wilson Mitchell P.
Published: January 2019

On November 17, 2011 I had the great pleasure of presenting to some 200 students, parents, and faculty at the first every University of Alberta Undergraduate Research Symposium.  This Letter to the Editor addresses my discussion on the many positive aspects of undergraduate research to students considering involvement that are often under-presented.  Beyond the assigned research, multiple potentially beneficial opportunities exist including course/elective credit, monetary remuneration, development of contacts and references, academic and personal development, and more.  In addition, this letter highlights new initiatives at the University of Alberta as well as showcasing the excellence of research that is presently being performed by students at our institution.
Metamaterial enhanced fluorescence detection
Authors: Molesky Sean J
Published: January 2019

In this article I show how materials created from designer functional units much smaller than the wavelength of operation , or meta- materials, can be used to decrease the lifetime of fluorescence based emitters. This is goal accomplished in three parts. First, the funda- mental physical equations describing both fluorescent emission and the particular class of metamaterial required will be over viewed in a broad two part introduction. Next, making use of a seldom seen approach, I will present the Green’s functions formalism of spontaneous emission of a quantum emitter above a material slab. Finally, I will present devices to reduce the lifetime of quantum emitters that could provide a large resolution enhancement for fluorescence based sensors, focussing on the wavelengths of 600 and 800nm.
A Science of Evil: An Exploration into Terror Management Theory, and a Psychoanalytic Theory of Extremism
Authors: Devraj-Kizuk Sayeed
Published: January 2019

Terror Management theory is a refinement on Psychoanalytic theory that places the knowledge and resulting fear of mortality as the primary motivating factor in human behaviour. Based largely on the work of cultural anthropologist Ernest Becker, the theory seeks to examine human nature from an existential standpoint, and use psychoanalytic observation to create a comprehensive theory of the subconcious factors that comprise human behaviour. This paper seeks to provide an introduction and general explanation of the essential premise of Terror Management Theory, and explain in detail one of the most integral aspects of the theory, the projection of death-anxiety from an individual onto a person, object, or abstraction, known in TMT as transference. The ideas developed in the first part of the paper are then used to develop an existentialist psychoanalytic rationale behind the extremist behaviour of the radical Islamic terrorist organisation Al Qa'ida. The paper concludes by conducting a brief review of the scientific research studies that have in the past few decades succeeded in providing solid experimental data that supports the predictions made by Terror Managment Theory.
Understanding Life in Academia: A Guide for Inspired Undergraduates
Authors: Madan Christopher R.
Published: January 2019

So you just got involved in a research lab and are start- ing to hear a lot of new vocabulary like “tenure,” “postdoc,” and “NSERC”. You may ask your new colleagues what some of these terms mean, but you might also feel embarrassed having no idea about so many of these new terms. Instead of nodding along in bewilderment, let’s go through a quick primer on life in academia and the major Canadian funding agencies. If you haven’t become involved in a research, please see our earlier guide to get you started! (Madan & Chen, 2012, Eureka, “Getting involved in research: A guide for inspired under- graduates”)
Rainbow on a Chip: Experimental Observation of the Trapped Rainbow Effect Using Tapered Hollow Bragg Waveguides
Authors: Melnyk Aaron
Published: January 2019

Experimental observation of the ‘trapped rainbow’ in the visible is demonstrated using tapered hollow Bragg waveguides. These waveguides spatially disperse an input spectrum into its various frequency components and vertical out of plane radiation was observed at wavelength dependant positions along the entire length of the waveguide. The experimental observation is corroborated by a brief theoretical analysis and simulation. These devices form the foundation for future work involving integration into a micro-spectrometer for eventual lab-on-chip use.
Bmpr1bb is a novel gene involved in retinoic acid induced patterning of the zebrafish hindbrain
Authors: Teitge Braden
Published: January 2019

Retinoic acid signalling plays a critical role during zebrafish development.  The teratogenic effects of retinoic acid have been demonstrated by embryonic deformation resulting from insufficient or excessive levels of this vitamin A derivative.  During embryogenesis, bone morphogenetic proteins are closely linked to the physiological interpretation of RA gradients, particularly in the hindbrain.  We describe an uncharacterized gene, Bmpr1bb, as being significantly downregulated in response to retinoic acid treatment.  In situ expression demonstrates that Bmpr1bb is expressed ubiquitously at 10hpf, and is slowly downregulated until 48hpf where the expression is concentrated in the hindbrain.  We propose that Bmpr1bb is a downstream target of RA signalling, strongly downregulated during embryogenesis and specified to a specific region of the hindbrain.
The Meaning of Nafs in the Qur’an Based on Quraish Shihab’s Interpretation
Authors: Andopa Alpaqih , Hardivizon H , Yunita Nurma
Published: January 2019

: the word nafs (soul) in the context of human speech shows a side in human that has good and bad potential. In the Qur'an, nafs is mentioned 295 times. The type of this research is librarry research, namely research through library data that is representative and relevant to the research object in the form of notes, transcripts, books, interpretation books, and Arabic language dictionaries etc. The collection of research data is obtained by collecting and analyzing data relating to the nafs and books relating to human personality data sources using primary data, secondary data, and tertiary data. The research method used in this research is the method of Maudhu'i's (thematic) of interpretation that is interpreting the Qur’an according to a particular theme or topic. The results of this study indicate that the meaning of first nafs is the power of lust anger and stomach contained in the human soul and is the source of the emergence of despicable morals. As for the second meaning, nafs is a spiritual soul that is lathif, spiritual and rabbani. This nafs in the second sense is what constitutes human rights which distinguishes from animals and other creatures. He classified the Nafs into three, those are: First, Al-Nafs al-Muthmainnah, namely: A clear and bright soul with the remembrance of Allah and eradication of the influence of lust and despicable qualities; second, al-Nafs al-Lawamah, namely the soul that regrets itself; third, al-Nafs al-Amarah, which is the soul that always commands evil.
Building Students’ Islamic Characters through Information, Communication dan Technology Literacy
Authors: Sartika Eka , Suparjo Suparjo , Hakim Ihsan Nul , Supardan Dadan
Published: January 2019

In today’s digital world, technology has contributed to an expanded understanding of literacy. Besides having literacy skills, today’s students – millennials - also need technology skills for communicating, investigating, accessing, and using information, thinking critically about messages inherent in new media. Teachers and staff development need to learn the use of technology as well as guiding and opening the students’ perspective where the technology will help them to support the Muslim world. The use of ICT is not only to create the generation with the advanced knowledge in technology but also to have the Islamic character in the future. It is bringing about new opportunity for educators, because it can provide powerful support to educational innovation in creating future generation with Islamic characters. In short, this article is mainly about how the convergence of both literacy instruction and ICT in staff development can help in promoting future generation with Islamic characters.

Keywords: Students and teachers, ICT literacy, Islamic Characteremotion
Diatomeas como bioindicadores: Aspectos ecológicos de la respuesta de las algas a la eutrofización en América Latina
Authors: A. Lobo Eduardo , Weber Freitas Núbia , Hugo Salinas Victor
Published: January 2019

En este trabajo se discute la importancia taxonómica y ecológica de las diatomeas epilíticas como organismos indicadores de la calidad del agua en sistemas lóticos de América Latina, destacando algunos aspectos ecológicos de la respuesta de estas algas a la eutrofización. Dentro de los índices bióticos, se presenta y discute el Índice de diatomeas pampeanas (IDP) desarrollado por Gómez & Licursi (2001) para la región pampeana de Argentina, y el Índice Trófico de Calidad del Agua (ITCA) para sistemas lóticos subtropicales y templados en Brasil, propuesto por Lobo et al. (2015). En países tropicales como Colombia, Costa Rica y Ecuador, los resultados de investigaciones recientes que buscan establecer la tolerancia de diatomeas a la eutrofización sugieren, en general, una falta de concordancia con los valores tróficos de tolerancia de especies disponibles en la literatura científica. En la Cuenca de México, Salinas (2017) presenta el Índice de Diatomeas para la Calidad del Ecosistema (DEQI), destacando que este trabajo fue el primero en proponer un índice numérico para evaluar la calidad de los ecosistemas en función de la caracterización de la comunidad de las diatomeas epilíticas en los ríos del centro de México.
Producción de esterasas por microorganismos: importancia y aplicación industrial
Authors: Hernández-Sánchez Brenda , Díaz-Godínez Rubén , Luna-Sánchez Silvia , Sánchez Carmen
Published: January 2019

Las enzimas esterasas son de gran importancia en el área biotecnológica debido a las reacciones de interesterificación, transesterificación y esterificación que llevan a cabo. Las esterasas microbianas pueden ser secretadas por hongos filamentosos, levaduras o bacterias. En base a las características de cada enzima, éstas se pueden emplear en las industrias del vino y de lácteos, en la degradación de sustratos complejos, en biorremediación de sitios contaminados, entre otras aplicaciones. La enzima de interés debe ser caracterizada para que pueda ser producida a nivel industrial. El proceso de producción industrial de las
enzimas se lleva a cabo principalmente en fermentación líquida. En general, este proceso consiste en una serie de pasos que inician con la inoculación del organismo, mismo que debe crecer en condiciones óptimas, posteriormente se lleva a cabo el pretratamiento de la enzima de interés, seguido del concentrado de ésta por medio de filtración para eliminar el excedente de agua y finalmente se realiza la purificación del producto.
Isoformas intracelulares de lacasas producidas por Pleurotus ostreatus crecido en fermentación líquida a diferentes pH iniciales del medio de cultivo
Authors: Díaz Rubén , Díaz-Godínez Gerardo
Published: January 2019

Pleurotus ostreatus se cultivó en fermentación líquida a diferentes pH (3.5, 4.5, 6.5 y 8.5) del medio de cultivo para la producción de lacasas. La actividad y el número de isoformas de las lacasas intracelulares se determinaron a diferentes pH (3.5, 4.5, 6.5 y 8.5) utilizando 2,6-dimetoxifenol como sustrato. El valor máximo de actividad (4800 U/gX) del cultivo se observó a un pH de 4.5 evaluado al mismo pH. En todas las fermentaciones, la actividad de lacasa mostró los valores máximos al final del cultivo. La menor actividad de lacasa (120 U/gX) se obtuvo en el cultivo a un pH de 8.5 evaluado a un pH de 6.5. Se obtuvieron diferentes patrones de isoformas de lacasa según el pH del medio de cultivo. Estos resultados mostraron que el pH es un parámetro importante para la actividad e isoformas de las lacasas intracelulares de Pleurotus ostreatus.
HYPERTENSION;
Authors: Bilal Hafiz Muhammad , Iqbal Neelam , Raza Muhammad Kamran
Published: January 2019

Background and Objectives:Asymptomatic nature of hypertension (HTN) has made it a silent killer. The better understanding of the underlying causes or factors can be beneficial in reducing the mortality and morbidity rate. Thus, the present study aims to determine the risk factors associated with HTN among adults and elderly patients visiting outpatient departments (OPDs) and the knowledge of patients about their health status. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Outpatient departments (OPDs) of four tertiary care hospitals (Nishtar hospital, Khawaja Farid Social Security hospital, Railway hospital and Bakhtawar Amin Memorial hospital) of Multan, Pakistan. Period:1st May 2017 and 31st October 2017. Patients and Methods:364 patients (≥18 years−≥60 years of age) in OPDs of four tertiary care hospitals of Multan, Pakistan. Data regarding demographic details, medical history and blood pressure measurements were collected on a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed by using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.) and Microsoft Excel (MS Office 2010).Result: Overall 38.7% of the participants were suffering from HTN. Most of them were 40-59 years of age and had body mass index (BMI) >23 kg/m2. Bivariate analysis (p-value <0.005) showed a significant association of age, marital status, gender, weight, and physical activity with HTN. Conclusion: The major determinants of HTN include increase in age, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, genetics, diabetes mellitus (DM) and lack of health concerns. Although patients are knowledgeable of their poor health status but make little or no efforts in controlling and preventing HTN.
NUCHAL CORD;
Authors: Nasreen Abida , Niaz Hina
Published: January 2019

NUCHAL CORD PREVALENCE & PERINATAL OUTCOME IN CASES PRESENTED IN KHYBER TEACHING HOSPITAL, PESHAWAR: A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL.
POST-OPERATIVE PATIENTS;
Authors: Farhat Kulsoom , Shaukat Asma , Ali Shabana , Waheed Akbar , Ismail Muhammad
Published: January 2019

Objective: To explore the effect of genetic polymorphism -100_-102AAG deletion in the 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3B (5-HT3B) gene on the incidence of post-operative vomiting (POV). Study Design: A prospective, clinical trial. Place and Duration of study: Clinical data collection and blood sampling was carried out at Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi. Genetic analysis was carried out at Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering, Islamabad from 01 Aug 2012 to 22 Sep 2013. Methods: This study included two hundred and sixty patients planned for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. 4 mg ondansetron was administered intravenously thirty minutes before the end of surgery. A total of 140 patients with the complaints of vomiting and 120 patients without vomiting were analyzed for -100_-102delAAG deletion polymorphism with the help of direct sequencing method. Results: A signiﬁcant association was found between the incidence of vomiting and the -100_-102AAG insertion/deletion polymorphism of the 5-HT3B gene at 2 hours after surgery. Conclusion: The -100_-102AAG deletion variant of the 5-HT3B gene may aﬀect POV and predict the responsiveness to ondansetron.
MANDIBULAR WISDOM TEETH;
Authors: Kumar Oad Haresh , Devi Karshma , Ali Mirani Shahid
Published: January 2019

Objectives: This study evaluated mandibular wisdom teeth impaction frequency, angulation and associated variables among patients visiting OPD at BibiAseefaDental CollegeLarkana. Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional studyinvolving patients of 18 to 40 years of age.Setting:Radiology Department at BibiAseefa Dental College for Orthopantomogram (OPG) Radiograph.Period:1 monthfrom01-03-2016 to 31-03-2016. Materials and Methods:The prevalence of impacted mandibular third molars, type of angulation, level of impaction (according to Winters classification) and relationship with ramus (according toPell & Gregory classification) and inferior alveolar nerve canal were evaluated on the OPG radiograph as well as clinically.Results: A total of 162 patients participated in this study including 68 males (42.06%) and 94 Females (57.94%). The mean age of study participants was found to be 23.09 years.The total prevalence of mandibular third molar impaction in current study was 28.57%. Thehighest number of patients were withMesioangular impactions (13.49%), followed byVertical (9.52%) and Horizontal(5.56%) no any Distoangular impaction was found in present study. The level B (15.9%) was more common followed by level C (8.7%). Moreover, Class I ramus relationship was frequently found among study participants followed by Class II and Class III respectively.Conclusion: The female patients with mandibular wisdom teeth impaction outnumbered males.The most common was the mesioangular impaction with level B depth and class I ramus relationship.
CLERKSHIP;
Authors: Jamil Brekhna , Masood Bilal
Published: January 2019

Objectives: To assess the clerkship experiences and self-perceived competence of Undergraduate medical students in clinical and procedural skills at Bolan Medical College, Quetta, Balochistan. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Bolan Medical College, Quetta, Balochistan. Period: February 2016 to August 2016. Methodology: Undergraduate medical Students of 2nd, 3rd and final profession MBBS at Bolan Medical College, Quetta.Multistage stratified random sampling method was used; making a total sample size of 166. A self-administered questionnaire was used with item responses based on 4-point Likert Scale for the number of times a clinical skill was performed and 3-point Likert scale for the number of times a clinical skill competence was perceived by the performer respectively. The questionnaire contains mainly three parts. The first part mainly contained information on socio demographic data like age, gender, monthly income, marital status; student’s year of study and completed clinical clerkship. The second part contained information regarding clinical and procedural skills that is physical skills examination and the third part includes information about the number of times a clinical skill is performed and the competence achieved or not by the participant. SPSS version 16 was used to carry out the statistical analysis. Results: Among nine listed basic physical examination skills, both 2nd and 3rdproff students were having low exposure or experience i.e< 50% have performed the skills at least two times and among 12 listed procedural skills only 4thproff (final year) students were having high level of experience i.e ≥ 70% have performed the skills. Among 9 listed basic physical examination skills, only 4thproff (final year) students were having high level of competence i.e ≥ 70% reported to be very confident. Similarly among 12 listed procedural skills the 4thproff (final year) students were having high level of competence i.e ≥ 70% reported to be very confident. There was a strong positive linear correlation between level of exposure and self-perceived competence (r=0.92). Conclusion: The level of performing the basic physical skills and clinical procedures was low for majority of the variables. However, on several occasions an important clear connection was appeared performing physical skills and practical course of action and confidence level of students.
DIABETIC GUIDELINES;
Authors: Hashmi Noreen Rahat , Ali Khan Shahzad , Aziz Ahmad Kashif , Ali Hashmi Ahmed
Published: January 2019

Introduction: Diabetic guidelines are important tools to provide evidence based structured diabetic care. There are no national guidelines and it has been noted that diabetic care is suboptimal in Pakistan.The objective of our study was to identify various contextual barriers and propose possible solutions foroptimal diabetic guideline use by physicians in Pakistan. Study Design: Quasi experimental study. Setting: Two hospitals in Lahore Pakistan. Period: Jan to Dec 2016. Methodology: We analyzed data of 53 Physicians from two hospitals in Lahore Pakistan. These physicians were recruited in a quasi-experimental study done by the authors to check the effectiveness of m-health technology for improving diabetic guideline adherence and also to check the various barriers to diabetic guidelines adherence. The responses were obtained on Likert scale and were analyzed by factor analysis. Results: Majority of participating physicians were postgraduate trainees 34(64.1%) and females 33(62.3%). Majority 41(77.3%) were in the age group 20-29 years. Majority of the physicians agreed that diabetic guideline were helpful in diabetic management 46(86.8%) however they also noted following several barriers to diabetic guidelines adherence.These barriers were grouped into organizational, patients and physicians related factors by factor analysis. Majority of the physicians cited lack of patient care time, patient work overload, noncompliance and financial constraints in diabetic patients, lack of education in diabetics and diabetic guideline information among doctors and patients as major barriers for adherence to diabetic guidelines. Cultural differences between doctors and diabetic patients and lack of incentives and consequences for doctors to use diabetic guidelines were not considered as important as the rest of the variables. Conclusion: This study illustrates the various contextual barriers for diabetic guidelines implementation categorized into patient factors; physician factors; and systemic factors. It is important to identify and mitigate these barriers for effective diabetic guidelines implementation.