bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute and Subacute Toxicity Evaluation of Alkaloids of Peganum harmala L. in Experimental Mice
Authors: Guergour Hassina , Allouni Rima , Mahdeb Nadia , Bouzidi Abdelouahab
Published: December 2017

The objective of the study was to evaluate the acute and subacute toxicity of total alkaloids seeds of Peganum harmala in
female mice. All morphological, biochemical, hematological, histopathological changes, in addition to mortality and
bodyweight changes were recorded. After acute intraperitoneal administration of dose118 mg/kg, there were no any
remarkable changes in general appearance and mortality. After 24h, a significant increase in relative weights of heart and
brain with no change in hematological, biochemical parameter compared to the normal group. For 5 days a significant
reduction in the relative weights of the kidneys and increase of brain with significant change in hematological (MCHC,
MCV) and biochemical parameter (AST, ALP and Urea). Subacute study of dose (18 mg/kg) for 28 days showed no
remarkable changes in general appearance and deaths occurred in experimental group. A significant increase in relative
weight of brain compared to the normal group was observed. In biochemical parameters, a significant increase was seen in
both ALT and AST enzyme activities. There was no significant change in hematological parameters. Histopathological
examination revealed a ground glass appearance of hepatocytes and the vascular congestion. Alkaloids seeds of P.harmala
showed significant toxicity in female mice.
Impact of Virucide; Carrageenan in Suppression of Potato Virus Y in Potato Plants
Authors: H. A. Gomaa Hanaa
Published: December 2017

Background: Potato plants are usually subjected to numerous diseases caused by viruses. Potato virus Y belongs to a
group of potyvirus that causes serious diseases to potato plants and is mainly responsible for the majority of losses caused
in potato production. Objective: The present study aims to evaluate the potential effect of carrageenan (virucide) which
was extracted from red algae (Acanthophora specifira) in an induction of systemic acquired immunity for bio-control of
PVY infection in potato plants. Methods: Potato tubers (Solanium tuberoisum cv. spounta) were obtained. The virus
isolate was obtained and maintained on Datura metel plant. Specimens of the red alga Acanthophora specifira were
collected from El Shoaiba coast, the eastern part of Saudi Arabia; Red Sea. The tested material carrageenan was extracted
from the selected seaweeds species as antiviral agents. The infectious sap was prepared and inoculated on the primary
and free potato leaves. The tested plants were sub-classified into 5 groups; 2 healthy groups (control group and virucidetreated
group), 3 PVY infected plants groups (one without virucide, PVY infected plants either before or after virucide).
Reduction in the disease severity was recorded and inhibition in PVY infectivity as a result of periodical treatment of
foliar potato plants with virucide (carrageenan) was assessed in pre and post-treatment groups. Results: PVY infection
resulted in significant decrease in shoot length, leave an area and fresh and dry weight of shoots. Improvement of
morphological characters of periodically-treated foliar with virucide (carrageenan) was observed. Chlorophyll and
carotenoids contents were increased in PVY infected foliar potato plants treated with virucide (carrageenan).
Biochemical markers as indicators for systemic acquired resistance were detected via significantly increased total
proteins, phenol compounds, free proline (PO), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and superoxide dismatase (SOD) enzyme
activities. As well as expressed proteins of induced potato plants were determined using sodium dodecyl sulphate
polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The results indicated that newly expressed proteins were produced and
a difference in number and density of bands in foliar treatment plants with virucide (carrageenan) were compared with
healthy ones. Conclusion: It has been suggested that the induction of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) was
successfully achieved; it also protected potato plants against PVY infection.
Macrofilaricidal Activity of Leaf Extracts of Rauvolfia tetraphylla L. Against Bovine Filarial Parasite Setaria cervi.
Authors: R. Behera D. , Ghosh R. K.
Published: December 2017

Leaf extracts of Rauvolfia tetraphylla were evaluated for antifilarial potential using Setaria cervi as target parasite. Four
extracts were tested these were hexane, chloroform, acetone and methanol. The activity was assessed by means of
worm motility assay, MTT reduction and GST enzyme inhibition assay using female worms of Setaria cervi. DEC was
used as a standard drug. Methanol extract exhibited significant activity among all the extracts with percentage of
reduction 89.28% at 10mg/ml concentration. DEC was comparitively less active than methanolic extract with 79.22%
activity at the same dose. The IC50 value for methanolic extract was found to be 0.03mg/ml, which was better than the
standard DEC i.e. 2.84mg/ml. The methanol extract significantly inhibited the GST enzyme activity of Setaria worms as
compared to untreated worms with percentage of inhibition value of 56.41% at 10mg/ml. The most active methanol
extract was finally explored for cell viability study by using trypan blue dye exclusion test. The methanolic extract
significantly killed the oocytes of Setaria worms as all the oocytes stained blue in treated worms and unstained in control
oocytes. The findings indicate that the methanolic extract has potent macrofilaricidal ativity.
Effect of Euphorbia Prostrata on the Wound Healing in Excisional Wound Model in Rats
Authors: Patil T. R. , Limaye R. P.
Published: December 2017

Background-Euphorbia prostrata possesses many actions one of which is wound healing. Skin wound healing is a
significant health care problem which clinician faces still. Hence this study was planned to evaluate effect of euphorbia
prostrata on skin wound healing. Material and methods-This study was conducted among randomly selected wistar rats
(n=6 per group). Group A and Group B had Cream and 1% euphorbia prostrate cream applied topically on the excisional
wound respectively. Wound healing and epithelisation was assessed on Days 4,8,12,16,20. Results: Group A showed an
average wound size of 348±13.0 on day 4, 278±10.5 on day 8, 119±9.8 on day 12, 86±9.2 on day 16 and 100% wound
healing was observed day 20 onwards. Group B showed an average wound size of 296±11.0 on day 4, 147±9.5 on day 8
and complete wound healing was observed day 12 onwards in the test group. Conclusion: Euphorbia prostrata holds
promise as effective drug therapy for wound healing.
Chromatography Analysis of Fatty Acids, Volatile Compounds and Alkaloids of Ephedra alata Growing Wild in Southern Tunisia and Evaluation of their Antioxidant Activity
Authors: H. Mighri , N. Bennour , H. Eljeni , M. Neffati , T. Akrou
Published: December 2017

In order to provide more information about phytochemical composition of Tunisian Ephedra alata known for their
medicinal uses, fatty acids, volatile compounds and alkaloids have been analyzed in fresh or dry plant materials whether
powdered or not. Extraction was performed with hexane and ethanol in soxhlet extractor and all extracts were analyzed by
GC-MS. Phosphomolybdenum, DPPH and FRAP methods were used to evaluate their antioxidant activities. The dry matter
present a more diversified fatty acids composition dominated by palmitic acid, oleic acid and linolelaidic acid.
Hydrocarbons represent the largest group of volatile compounds, followed by alcohols. The most known detected
ephedrine-type alkaloid characteristic of the Ephedra genus are dominated by pseudoephedrine, norephedrine,
ethylephedrine. Some other compounds are mentioned for the first time in E. alata alkaloids such as azetidine, 1,2-
dimethyl-3-phenylaziridine, N-ethyl benzamide and N-methyl-mandelamide. Lower total antioxidant and anti-radicular
effects were shown with hexane extracts and alkaloid fractions instead the ferric reducing antioxidant power test showed
the highest results with obtained alkaloid from powdered fresh and dry plant materials.
Lipids, volatile compounds and alkaloids in E. alata that have been assessed could provide possible roles in case of human
breast cancer and health benefits and therefore a research on this plant might be of value in drug industry.
Sharing Ongoing Care with Primary Care Physicians Opens Up Opportunity for Timelier and Earlier Care by Rheumatologists for Patients with New Inflammatory Polyarthritis
Authors: Nguyen Patrick , Julien Anne-Sophie , Bessette Louis , Fortin Paul R. , Michou Laëtitia
Published: December 2017

Objective.

In our region in Quebec, Canada, access to rheumatologists is very limited. Sharing followup of stable patients with their primary care physicians (PCP) could increase access to rheumatologists. In our study, we assessed the feasibility and potential benefits of sharing followup of inflammatory arthritis (IA) patients with their PCP.

Methods.

We reviewed the clinical records of 300 patients with peripheral arthritis who presented at our rheumatology outpatient clinic between July and October 2015. We distributed questionnaires to their treating rheumatologist, asking whether a PCP could participate in the followup of the patient and whether there were any factors that would prevent shared followup. We also distributed questionnaires to PCP to assess their level of comfort in participating in the followup care of patients with arthritis.

Results.

Chart review was completed on 300 patients. There was no treatment modification in 49% of the cases, and 38% of the visits were deemed unnecessary by the attending rheumatologist. We found that 74% of PCP were very interested in sharing the arthritis followup care of their patients. According to PCP, the main barriers to shared followup were treatment with biological agents, active disease, and need for infiltrations. Main organizational barriers were the lack of rheumatologist availability to see patients urgently (46%) and the lack of clear guidelines for the management of IA (58%).

Conclusion.

Up to 38% of peripheral IA visits to a rheumatologist could have been prevented and done by a PCP. In our department, this represented up to 19 followup visits per week that could have been avoided by involving a PCP.
L’American Committee for Armenian and Syrian Relief et l’instrumentalisation du témoignage d’Aurora Mardiganian (1918-1919)
Authors: Calzolari-Bouvier Valentina
Published: December 2017

Cet article porte sur l’instrumentalisation d’Archalouys Mardigian (Aurora Mardiganian), une jeune Arménienne rescapée du ­génocide, par l’American Committee for Armenian and Syrian Relief (ACSAR). Arrivée à New York en novembre 1917, A. Mardigian devint une protégée de l’organisation, ainsi qu’une icône et un instrument de son discours idéologique. En 1918, les responsables de l’ACASR recoururent à d’importants supports médiatiques, dont le cinéma hollywoodien, pour diffuser son témoignage. L’analyse de ce témoignage met en évidence le paternalisme de cette organisation humanitaire qui s’estimait investie d’une mission civilisatrice auprès des populations du Moyen- et du Proche-Orient. Le contexte de l’après-guerre et de l’intervention américaine auprès des Arméniens de l’Empire ottoman et du Caucase permet de mieux cerner les enjeux politiques liés à cette médiatisation.
Alain Dewerpe au travail
Authors: Bourdieu Jérôme , Grenier Jean-Yves
Published: December 2017

Alain Dewerpe a consacré de nombreux textes à la question du travail, en particulier à la discipline au travail dans l’espace de la manufacture et de l’usine. Alain Dewerpe revient à de nombreuses reprises sur ce thème, en particulier dans un manuscrit laissé très inachevé, Les droits des travailleurs. Une histoire juridique et sociale des salariats en France. En s’appuyant sur ce texte qu’il présentait dans le cadre d’un séminaire que nous faisions ensemble avec Mathieu Arnoux et Gilles Postel-Vinay, nous souhaitons dans ce bref article rendre compte de son projet d’une histoire sociale du travail inscrivant les dispositifs juridiques dans des rapports sociaux, des rapports de domination propre au monde industriel. Contrats de travail, règlements d’atelier, livrets ouvriers apparaissent ainsi comme autant d’instruments juridiques ou normatifs qui règlent les pratiques selon des modalités qui varient dans l’espace et se transforment pour contribuer à la fabrication historique du salariat.
Mutation de la grande entreprise en contexte italien : Ansaldo
Authors: Fridenson Patrick
Published: December 2017

En faisant l’histoire de la firme génoise de sidérurgie et de mécanique générale Ansaldo de 1853 à 1933, le livre posthume d’A. Dewerpe montre une trajectoire de la grande entreprise autre que celle qui est la plus connue : elle repose sur la spécialisation flexible, toujours présente aujourd’hui. Par rapport à la conception dominante de l’histoire des entreprises il met l'accent sur le travail (des cols blancs comme des cols bleus), la science et la comptabilité. Enfin il explique pourquoi le fordisme, à laquelle l’entreprise se rallie pendant la Grande Guerre, est abandonné dans les tumultueuses années d’après-guerre.
Maîtriser l’espace public. Chrono-topographie anthropologique d’un affrontement, Charonne (8 février 1962)
Authors: Ozouf-Marignier Marie-Vic
Published: December 2017

Cette contribution a pour propos de montrer la sensibilité d’Alain Dewerpe à la dimension spatio-temporelle des faits politiques. À partir de la description qu’il dresse de l’affrontement entre policiers et manifestants lors des événements du 8 février 1962 à proximité du métro Charonne, on examine la production par l’auteur d’une géographie sensible de l’appropriation de l’espace public. L’attention est portée aussi bien aux savoir-faire policier et manifestant « ordinaires » qu’aux gestes, bruits et déroulé des opérations dont le rythme et la localisation sont spécifiques à un événement, le massacre de Charonne. Dewerpe fait œuvre d’innovation dans un champ rarement exploré : la spatialité et la temporalité des mobilisations collectives.
Alain Dewerpe et l’histoire dormante du secret
Authors: Engel Pascal
Published: December 2017

Espion d'Alain Dewerpe (Gallimard 1995) n'est pas seulement un travail pionnier sur une activité multiforme aux implications multiples pour l'histoire, la sociologie et la politique. C'est aussi une profonde réflexion anthropologique et philosophique sur la nature du secret, qui par delà les contextes historiques dessine en filigrane les constantes d'une épistémologie historique de la diffusion et de l'occultation du savoir.
Généalogie d’un engagement
Authors: Burguière André
Published: December 2017

Dans sa lecture vagabonde du Dictionnaire d’histoire du mouvement ouvrier de Jean Maitron, Edwy Plenel souligne des continuités régionales mais aussi familiales dans l’engagement militant à gauche. Cet article esquisse la reconstitution d’une filiation de ce type : celle qui aboutit à notre collègue Alain Dewerpe, récemment disparu, fils, neveu, et petit-fils de militants communistes. Son oncle, résistant a été exécuté atrocement par les allemands. Son père est mort des suites d’un traumatisme crânien subi lors d’une manifestation contre le général Ridgway. Sa mère est une des victimes de la tuerie du métro Charonne, lors de la manifestation du 8 février 1962 contre l’OAS et la guerre d’Algérie.Lui-même, devenu un brillant historien, a consacré des ouvrages importants à l’histoire du travail et du monde ouvrier. Son dernier grand livre, Charonne, 8 février 1962, chef d’œuvre de ce qu’on appelle « l’histoire immédiate », fut le moyen, choisi par lui, pour honorer cette filiation.
Ambiguités turques
Authors: Pérouse Jean-François , Gilles Isabelle , Côrte-Réal Pinto Anouck Gabriela , Scalbert-Yücel Clémence , Saran Ceren , Taşdemir Sergül
Published: December 2017

Après les différents attentats survenus en France en 2015, au-delà des réactions officielles convenues ou des réactions sincères de certains groupes sociaux et individus, on a pu constater dans l’opinion turque – du sommet de l’État aux milieux les plus modestes – comme une tolérance, si ce n’est une forme de compréhension, vis-à-vis des motivations supposées des auteurs de ceux-ci. Certaines convergences étranges d’un extrême à l’autre du spectre idéologique, dans la réception de ces événements, traduisent des affinités à la fois dans les modes de représentation de la situation contemporaine et les modes de positionnement face à celle-ci.
Ce dossier analyse les réactions turques aux attentats commis en France en 2015 contre Charlie Hebdo et l’Hyper Cacher les 7 et 8 janvier et le 13 novembre à St Denis et dans les 10e et 11e arrondissements de Paris à travers une analyse de la presse et de Twitter.
L'objectif est d’identifier en priorité la gamme des réactions les plus dissonantes, de voir quels groupes sociaux et quels terreaux elles touchent, de déceler sur quelles argumentations elles reposent et comment elles peuvent circuler entre la Turquie et les communautés turques et/ou musulmanes d’Europe, et les djihadistes.
Een verhaal wat eintlik baie verhale vertel
Authors: Du Plooy Heilna
Published: December 2017

No abstract avaliable.
The psychosocial impact of caregiving on the family caregivers of chronically ill AIDS and/or HIV patients in home-based care: A qualitative study in Zimbabwe
Authors: Van Deventer Claire , Wright Anne
Published: December 2017

Background: The family caregiver has a pivotal role to play in the management of the chronically ill HIV and/or AIDS patients. The wellbeing of caregivers is therefore crucial because impairment of their physical or mental health could impact negatively on the management of their HIV-positive family member. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the psychosocial impact of caregiving on the family caregiver of the chronically ill HIV and/or AIDS patients in home-based care.Method: Unstructured interviews were conducted with 11 caregivers recruited at an adult HIV clinic at United Bulawayo Hospitals, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Relevant demographic information was collected from each participant. The interviews were then transcribed and analysed.Results: Caregivers’ biggest challenge was meeting care costs such as food, transport and medical costs. Certain conditions relating to the care-recipient’s health and family issues, such as abandonment of the ill patient as well as that of orphans, added to the burden of care. Carers also had to deal with their own health and physical problems. All the above resulted in a spectrum of emotions such as helplessness, sadness, anxiety and anger. Despite this, caregivers also reported on the positive aspects regarding their caregiving role.Conclusion: There were both negative and positive psychosocial experiences by caregivers of HIV and/or AIDS patients. The study highlighted practical areas where support could be provided.
When to start antiretroviral treatment? A history and analysis of a scientific controversy
Authors: Geffen Nathan , Low Marcus O.
Published: December 2017

Background: Since 1987 HIV scientists and activists have debated the optimal point to start antiretroviral treatment. Positions have varied between treating people with HIV as soon as they are diagnosed, based on biological, modelling and observational evidence, versus delaying treatment until points in disease progression at which clinical trial evidence has shown unequivocally that treatment is beneficial.Objectives: Examining the conduct and resolution of this debate may provide insight into how science works in practice. It also documents an important part of the history of the HIV epidemic.Method: We describe clinical trials, observational studies, models and various documents that have advanced the debate from 1987 to 2015.Results and conclusion: Evidence accumulated over the past decade, especially from randomised controlled clinical trials, has shown that immediate treatment both reduces the mortality and the risk of HIV transmission; it benefits both public health and the individual patient. By mid-2015, the debate was resolved in favour of immediate treatment.
The Visibility of Saudi Celebrities in Media Advertisements: A Content Analysis of Celebrity Endorsements in Traditional and New Media Advertisements
Authors: Aljasir Shuaa Abdulrahman
Published: December 2017

Given the scant literature on the use of celebrity endorsements in advertisements targeting Middle East markets such as Saudi Arabia, this study is aimed at contributing knowledge through investigating the extent to which advertising agencies use this strategy to attract Saudi consumers. A qualitative content analysis of advertisements appearing in traditional print and visual media and on YouTube is conducted. Interestingly, the results show that none of the advertisements in traditional printed media utilize endorsements from Saudi celebrities. While a few Saudi celebrity endorsers appear in television and YouTube commercials, none is portrayed as an expert in the products advertised. In contrast, many embedded endorsements appear in YouTube shows targeting Saudi youths, and the celebrities in these shows are often YouTubers themselves. All three types of endorsements (explicit, implicit, and co-present) are used by these YouTubers, and they are all one-sided endorsements.
EFL Instructors’ Perceptions of Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS) at University Level
Authors: Tawalbeh Thaer Issa
Published: December 2017

The present paper aims to investigate EFL instructors’ perceptions of Blackboard learning management system (LMS) at Taif University in Saudi Arabia. To achieve this purposes, the researcher attempted to answer two questions. The first question investigates EFL instructors’ perceptions of Blackboard LMS. The second question aims to identify instructors’ suggestions to overcome difficulties encountered while using the system. A questionnaire of 4- Likert Scale was used to gather data from one hundred and two instructors to answer the first question, and content analysis was used to answer the second question. The collected data were analyzed in the form of descriptive statistics. The results, on one hand, revealed that 75% of the instructors have not used Blackboard technology before coming to university, which would affect their perceptions of the system. It was also evident that most of the instructors believe that the different features of Blackboard LMS are either poor or very poor. In addition, the instructors, in most of their responses to the functionalities of using the Blackboard LMS, rarely or never used the system. On the other hand, the results revealed that the instructors have a positive attitude towards the system in terms of its impact on learning, which can be the starting point to help them be familiarized more with the system’s features and functionalities through professional development. Based on the results, the researcher presented a number of conclusions and recommendations.
Learning from ELLs’ Perspectives: Mismatch between ELL and Teacher Perspectives on ELL Learning Experiences
Authors: Shim Jenna Min , Shur Anna Mikhaylovna
Published: December 2017

Situated within Activity Theory, this study investigates and compares ELLs’ perspectives on their own learning and their teachers’ perspectives on their own learning experiences. The predilection carried by this study is that there is a significant value in attending to and understanding how ELL students make meaning of their learning circumstances and compare that to teachers’ perspectives on their students’ learning. This study also assumes that allowing student voice and perspective to be heard in school is a prerequisite for student-centered learning. The authors report that students’ perspectives on what they perceive as the limiting factors for their learning are sharply different from those of their teachers. Students’ perspectives in this study showed that their perspectives on, and attitudes toward, their learning are very much influenced by what teachers do and do not do.
Couples Who Collaborate: Picture Book Authors Miranda and Baptiste Paul
Authors: Gibson Jennifer
Published: December 2017

As in many fields, the myth of the lone creative genius simply does not hold true for those creating children’s books.While in traditional publishing, the writer and the illustrator of picture books are normally not in contact, both must work collaboratively with their editors and art directors on book projects and often rely on feedback from critique groups of their peers to enrich their creative work.Yet what happens when your partner in life is also a writer or illustrator? Children and Libraries introduces a new series, Couples Who Collaborate, looking at the dynamic duos in children’s publishing. We begin our series with Wisconsin-based husband-and-wife team Baptiste and Miranda Paul.
Building Upon the STEM Movement: Programming Recommendations for Library Professionals
Authors: Shtivelband Annette , Riendeau Lauren , Jakubowski Robert
Published: December 2017

A growing body of evidence is showing that youth develop their interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through participation in activities across the informal and free-choice learning environments found in libraries.1 Many libraries have joined a national movement in which libraries deliver STEM programming to youth.2 Public libraries are a place for STEM learning,3 and children’s librarians are uniquely positioned to promote a love of STEM learning among youth through such programs. The benefits of STEM programming in public libraries are promising.4 For example, participating youth can become proficient in key STEM content and skills, such as critical thinking and engineering design processes.It is critical to youth and community success that these existing STEM programs continue to grow and expand. Public libraries are an ideal location for these programs. They provide a familiar and trusted learning environment for diverse and underserved families.5 Providing children’s librarians with a “six strand” framework will help guide the successful expansion of these fun and engaging STEM programs.6 This article provides specific recommendations and resources to help prepare and support librarians feel in adopting and implementing STEM in their programming.
Research Roundup: Brain Research: Who, What, When, Where, Why?
Authors: Diamant-Cohen Betsy , Goldsmith Annette Y.
Published: December 2017

Within the past twenty years, it has become more common for children’s librarians to look at brain research to explain the importance of what they are doing, since “the exceptionally strong influence of early experiences on brain architecture makes the early years a period of both great opportunity and great vulnerability for development.”1Responsive caregiving, like a volleyball game, involves reciprocal interactions (often referred to as “serve and return”) that affect intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and behavioral development. This is especially important during the first three years of life when children depend on the adults in their lives for safety, survival, and socialization.2 Science tells us that healthy children develop in an environment of loving reciprocal relationships with the important adults in their lives; because of this, library programming has expanded to include children under age three, and preschool programs now include adults as well as children.
Consumer myopia: uma análise do gap entre atitude e comportamento sustentável
Authors: Paiva Marlon Bruno Matos , Oliveira Lais Vieira Castro , Romero Cláudia Buhamra Abreu , Guimarães Daniel Barboza
Published: December 2017

The aim of this research was analyzing attitude and behavior of the public workers of a Federal University, in relation to sustainability issues, through a case study at Federal University of Ceará (UFC). In order to achieve this, in a sample of 298 workers from UFC, we analyzed the variables attitude, behavior at workplace and outside the workplace, as well as a possible gap among these variables, conducted by descriptive and factorial analysis, and Pearson’s correlation. The results showed that there is green marketing myopia in attitudes and behavior of the individuals, but the level of myopia was considered low at all scales. While paper consumption was the item with greater impact on behavior at work, outside the workplace, disposal of waste showed greater influence on behavior. Also it was found that attitude is positively correlated to environmental behavior, both inside and outside the workplace with moderate effect, and between those two types of behavior, there is correlation with strong effect. Furthermore, it was noticed that correlation between attitude and environmental behavior is stronger among professors, and between federal workers with higher education.
Nível de disclosure socioambiental: uma análise comparativa entre empresas brasileiras de acordo com o potencial de agressão ao meio ambiente
Authors: Viana Junior Dante Baiardo Cavalcante , Crisóstomo Vicente Lima
Published: December 2017

The purpose of the study is evaluating the level of social and environmental disclosure of the Brazilian company. By means of lexical analysis, we count the frequency of appearance of 77 key terms related to environmental and social disclosure in firm financial reports. Six indices for disclosure are calculated, being two relative to environmental aspects, two related to social disclosure, and two associated with socio-environmental disclosure as a whole. We analyzed complete annual financial reports of 351 Brazilian companies from 16 different sectors, comprising sectors classified with relevant environmental impact, according to the National Environmental Policy (PNMA) and others, in the period 2010-2014. The findings signal that companies classified with greater environmental impact indeed present higher rates of social and environmental disclosure. Results are robust for different metrics of the disclosure indicator, as well as for parametric and non-parametric tests. The more pronounced socio-environmental disclosure by firms classified as with high environmental impact matches the proposal of the enforcement effect. The Brazilian environmental law could be an important trigger to foster social and environmental disclosure of firms with greater environmental impact.
Os efeitos econômicos do rompimento de barragem de resíduos: divulgações nas demonstrações contábeis comparativamente à grande mídia
Authors: Ribeiro Maísa De Souza , Toledo Junior Márcio Da Silva
Published: December 2017

Brazil followed, through the press, the facts involving the company Samarco S.A., the mining company controlled by Vale SA and BHP Billiton Brazil Ltda., which failed in the conservation of their waste deposits and became responsible for significant impacts environmental, social and economic order. Inside this context, the accounting and financial information related to the environment become relevant due to represent the expressive sacrifice of economic benefits and by relate themselves with stakeholders interested in accountability, equity situation  and effects on performance . Thus, known the main effects of the accident in Mariana, Minas Gerais, the goal of the study was to verify the disclosures of provisions and contingent liabilities related to what happened in the involved companies´ financial statements. It was found that the values defined in the Terms of Transaction and Adjustment of Conduct were recorded and/or inserted in explanatory notes, exerting significant effect on the result and equity situation. The Parent Companies restricted to present a brief comment about the incident, without however to mention any responsibility about the case; but one of them has notified the lawsuit filed by foreign investors due to the lack of information about the case and the risks involved.
Certificação ISO 14001: análise dos fatores relacionados à conscientização ambiental de colaboradores de uma indústria de papel da região centro-sul do Paraná
Authors: Crotti Katiane , Maçaneiro Marlete Beatriz , Kuhl Marcos Roberto
Published: December 2017

Environmental management systems certified by NBR ISO 14001:2004 emerge as alternatives for organizations to structure their environmental activities. The certification requires a primordial factor, which is environmental awareness. Given this, this research aims to identify and analyze the factors related to the environmental awareness of employees included in the ISO 14001 certification process, on a paper industry of the Center-South region of Paraná. In order to achieve the proposed objectives, we applied a quantitative approach by the application of questionnaires to the employees of the industry researched. The treatment of the data occurred by means of descriptive statistics, being used the parameters of average, standard deviation and coefficient of variation, as well as the factor analysis for grouping and analysis of factors that showed more awareness and testing validation of the scale. As a result, they identified the factors related to environmental awareness, which were passed on to the employees by training, internal disclosures and other mechanisms that helped the company to achieve a satisfactory level of awareness. However, there was an opportunity for the paper industry to enhance awareness to waste management, wastewater and chemicals, since not all employees know the destination and the treatment of waste at the end of process.
Grammar Errors in the Writing of Iraqi English Language Learners
Authors: Jasim Al-Shujairi Yasir Bdaiwi , Tan Helen
Published: December 2017

Several studies have been conducted to investigate the grammatical errors of Iraqi postgraduates and undergraduates in their academic writing. However, few studies have focused on the writing challenges that Iraqi pre-university students face. This research aims at examining the written discourse of Iraqi high school students and the common grammatical errors they make in their writing. The study had a mixed methods design. Through convenience sampling method, 112 compositions were collected from Iraqi pre-university students. For purpose of triangulation, an interview was conducted. The data was analyzed using Corder’s (1967) error analysis model and James’ (1998) framework of grammatical errors. Furthermore, Brown’s (2000) taxonomy was adopted to classify the types of errors. The result showed that Iraqi high school students have serious problems with the usage of verb tenses, articles, and prepositions. Moreover, the most frequent types of errors were Omission and Addition. Furthermore, it was found that intralanguage was the dominant source of errors. These findings may enlighten Iraqi students on the importance of correct grammar use for writing efficacy.
The Relationship between Classroom Environment and EFL Learners' Academic Self-Efficacy
Authors: Naghsh Daemi Masoumeh , Tahriri Abdorreza , Mahdavi Zafarghandi Amir
Published: December 2017

The present study sought to examine the relationship between classroom environment and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners' academic self-efficacy. To this end, a sample of 200 advanced EFL learners (146 females and 54 males) completed the What is Happening In This Class? (WIHIC) which consists of seven scales including Student Cohesiveness, Teacher Support, Involvement, Investigation, Task Orientation, Cooperation, and Equity that help to measure classroom learning environment. The Self-Efficacy for Learning Form (SELF-A) was also administered to gauge the participants’ academic self-efficacy. In order to analyze the data, Spearman rank-order correlation was run. The results revealed that there was a significant relationship between EFL learners’ classroom environment and their self-efficacy (rho = .438). The findings reflected that the highest relationship was between task orientation and self-efficacy (rho = .433) followed by the relationship between student cohesiveness and self-efficacy (rho = .353).  However, the lowest relationship was found for the relationship between cooperation and self-efficacy (rho = .199). Overall, the results highlight the relationship between classroom environment and academic self-efficacy.
Evaluation of Certified Teachers’ Perfomance at SMPN 6 Luwuk Banggai Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Salingkat Suhartini
Published: December 2017

This study investigated certified teachers’ performance at SMPN 6 Luwuk of Banggai Regency, with a focus on the teachers’ performance in planning the lesson, implementing the lesson, and conducting the lesson evaluation. It lasted for nine months, from March to December 2011. Qualitative method was used. More specifically, the evaluation research method was followed which involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data for decision making. The evaluation system used in this study was based on the quality of the certified teachers’ performances. The real condition in the field is that many of the certified teachers are still unable to design lessons and implement them professionally as expected from certified teachers. Currently there are many teachers in need of trainings. This study showed that the quality of the performance of the certified teachers in SMPN 6 Luwuk in planning the lesson was low. This could indicate that the certification process has not yet resulted in an increase in the quality of performance of the certified teachers, particularly as long as the quality of their performance in planning lessons is concerned.
Use of Computer-Based Learning Multimedia at English Departement of Universitas Sembilanbelas November Kolaka
Authors: Kadaruddin Kadaruddin
Published: December 2017

In an attempt to help the students of the English Study Program in Universitas Sembilanbelas November improve their English proficiency, the researcher used computer-based learning multimedia. The objective of the treatment was to overcome the students’ low performance in English by creating an enjoyable atmosphere. To investigate how computer-based learning multimedia improve the students’ English students’performance at the English Study Program of Universitas Sembilanbelas November, the researcher adopted Plomp’s (1997) development method which consists of five steps; namely, preliminary investigation; planning; realization/construction; test, evaluation, and revision; and implementation. Based on the results of this research, it can be concluded that in order to improve the English ability of students, it will need to be presented in the form of activities that are more creative and innovative. One is through the use of computer-based learning multimedia. This has been done in order to provide a more attractive presentation of the material and relevant to the conditions and characteristics of the students.
Effect of Oral Communication Strategies Training on the Development of Malaysian English as a Second Language Learners’ Strategic Competence
Authors: Lai Kuen Gan , Rafik-Galea Shameem , Swee Heng Chan
Published: December 2017

This study investigates the use of oral communication strategy instruction on English as a Second Language (ESL) learners’ oral communicative performance and their strategic competence. The treatment involved 12 weeks of training using oral communication strategies such as circumlocution, appeal for help, clarification request, fillers, comprehension check, confirmation checks, self-repair and topic avoidance. Strategies were integrated into the learners’ Communicative English 2 Course syllabus with Mechanical Engineering content. The study involved two intact control (n=34) and experimental groups (n=54). The control group only received the normal Communicative English course with no explicit focus on communication strategies (CS) while the experimental group received CS training designed with metacognitive strategies. Pre and posttest procedures were used to assess the effectiveness of the training and learners’ strategic competence. Five instruments were used to collect the data (oral proficiency test, oral communication test, transcripts of oral communication test, unstructured interview and self-report). The findings revealed that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group after the training and the learners’ self-reports also revealed positive results. The results also revealed that the learners frequently used literal translation from their first language in their communication.
Paediatric Spectacle Prescription
Authors: Doma Wangchuk , Dagar Abhishek
Published: December 2017

The prescription of spectacles in children depends on the individual need of the child and other associated factors like strabismus and amblyopia. Several guidelines have been published to help ophthalmologists when prescribing optical correction in infants and children, including the publication by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The purpose of this paper is to reassess and review the guidelines to assist the clinician in deciding when to prescribe spectacles in children, and the amount of refractive error which should be corrected, with a view to fulfilling the particular clinical requirements of each child.
Preoperative Conjunctival Swab Analyses for Chloramphenicol and Moxifloxacin in Normal Ocular Commensals
Authors: Jacob Sajeev Cherian , Revanasiddappa Isiri , Vaishnavi Thirumagal , Antony CL , Kalikivay Venkataramana
Published: December 2017

Purpose:-

Normal microfloras of conjunctival sac can flourish and be the potential cause for postoperative intraocular infections. Precautions and measures have to be taken to prevent acute postoperative endophthalmitis, which is a challenge to treat, and has poor visual outcome. Hence this study was done to assess the sensitivity of commonly used topical antibiotics like chloramphenicol and moxifloxacin.

Material & Methods:-

During the period of 10 months, 727 patients were included in the study that were either planned for intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF or were undergoing cataract surgery in a tertiary eye hospital. Conjunctival swabs were obtained, subjected to standard aerobic culture, along with identification techniques and antibiotic sensitivity evaluation was done. All collected data was entered in Microsoft Excel and statistical analysis was performed.

Results:-

Out of 727 conjunctival swabs, 13 (1.7 %) conjunctival swabs showed microbial growth. The most common organism was found to be staphylococcus epidermidis. Microbial culture and antibiotic sensitivity revealed that only 5 conjunctival swabs (38%) showed sensitivity to moxifloxacin, whereas chloramphenicol showed sensitivity in 11 conjunctival swabs (85%). The antibiotic sensitivity reports of inhibition zone for moxifloxacin and chloramphenicol were compared using paired t test and showed that bacteria were more sensitive to chloramphenicol than moxifloxacin with p value of 0.00.

Conclusion:-

The results of this study suggest that topical chloramphenicol was found to be more sensitive as compared to topical moxifloxacin. Hence, it is wise to choose the cheaper and more effective topical chloramphenicol over moxifloxacin.
The Functional Impact of Amblyopia on Visual Skills In Children
Authors: Deshpande Chinmay , Gogate Dipti Amod , Deshpande Aditi
Published: December 2017

Purpose:-

To assess the efficiency of visual functions and visual skills in strabismic & anisometropic amblyopes and to assess visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in anisometropic amblyopes with spectacles & contact lenses.

Methods:-

In a prospective clinical study, 32 children aged 5 to 15 years presenting with amblyopia in the pediatric department of Shri Ganapati Netralaya Jalna, India, were assessed. Visual acuity was measured with Snellen's and Bailey-lovie log MAR charts and contrast sensitivity was measured with Pelli-Robson chart with spectacles and contact lenses. Saccadic movements were assessed with SCCO scoring criteria and accommodative facility was checked with ±1.50 DS flippers. Stereopsis was assessed with TNO test.

Results:-

By using Wilcoxon sign rank test p-value < 0.05 (<0.001), the mean linear visual acuity was 0.29 (~6/21) and mean single optotype visual acuity was found to be 0.36 (~6/18). Mean visual acuity of 0.27(~6/21) with spectacles improved to 0.33 (~6/18) with contact lenses in amblyopic eyes. The mean Log MAR visual acuity with spectacles and contact lens was found to be 0.602(~6/24) and 0.531(~6/21) respectively. The contrast threshold of 20 amblyopic eyes showed that the mean contrast threshold changed in 9 patients from 0.27 (spectacles) to 0.19 (contact lens). The mean accommodative facility was 5.31 (±2.37). 24 subjects (75%) revealed marked saccadic defects on the test applied. 78% subjects didn't show even gross stereoscopic ability on TNO test.

Conclusion:-

This study supports the facts about amblyopia and associated deficits in visual skills which were claimed in previous studies. In addition, anisometropic amblyopia can be managed better with contact lenses than spectacles.
Management Of Neuroretinitis In A Case of Lyme Disease
Authors: Nainiwal Sanjeev K , Kumari Sushma , Singh Balbir , Yadav Rajendra Kumar
Published: December 2017

Neuroretinitis in Lyme disease is a rare entity, which is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. Diagnosis of the disease is based on clinical history, symptoms and serological testing. Here, we present a case of a young 12 year old female suffering from unilateral neuroretinitis associated with Lyme disease characterized by sudden loss of vision, optic disc swelling and macular star. After the diagnosis, the patient received medical therapy and improved well. Early diagnosis and appropriate management of this disease may improve vision with a good outcome.
Management of Recurrent Tube Exposure in A Challenging Scenario
Authors: Menon Meena , Singh Aditi , Balasubramaniyam Anand
Published: December 2017

Glaucoma drainage devices (GDD) remain an effective option for management of refractory glaucoma. However, GDD surgery is not without its complications, including conjunctival erosion and patch graft thinning, to name a few, leading to tube exposure eventually. In our case the patient had various ocular risk factors for tube exposure, thus we used multiple treatment options to prevent recurrent exposure and subsequent complications. A 42 year old lady presented with complaint of sudden decrease in right eye vision, following blunt trauma. On examination, she was found to have retinal detachment in the right eye. She underwent retinal detachment surgery with 360o scleral buckling. She developed intractable glaucoma following surgery, for which Ahmed Glaucoma Valve was implanted after scleral buckle removal. She had two instances of tube exposure. The first was managed with direct conjuctival closure. For the second, a scleral patch graft was used, which was covered with conjunctiva from the inferior fornix and amniotic membrane secured over it. She was on a course of tablet doxycycline 100mg / day, for 2 months. One and a half years after surgery there are no further incidents of tube exposure with well controlled intraocular pressure. Erosion of the drainage tube after shunt surgery is a potentially serious problem. While many techniques and materials are successfully used to address this situation, further studies are required to determine the best repair method.
Bilateral Ocular and Facial with Unilateral Intracranial Involvement In Sturge Weber Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Dube Mihika , Kujur Rashmi , Prajapati Swati
Published: December 2017

The Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare congenital disorder involving the eye in the form of glaucoma and choroidal hemangioma, facial skin in the form of port wine stain, usually in the distribution of ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve, and the brain in the form of leptomeningeal angiomas. We report a rare case of 6 year-old girl with Sturge-Weber syndrome with bilateral port wine stain involving the ophthalmic and maxillary division of trigeminal nerve, unilateral intracranial involvement, bilateral glaucoma and abnormal retinal vasculature, without the presence of choroidal hemangioma.