bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Motivasi dan Kemampuan Kerja Terhadap Efektivitas Pegawai Pada Dinas Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan Kabupaten Aceh Timur
Authors: R Ridwan
Published: July 2018

Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian survey dengan pendekatan korelasional yang bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh antara kompetensi dan motivasi kerja terhadap kinerja pegawai di Dinas Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan Kabupaten Aceh Timur. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh pegawai yang berjumlah 30 orang. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan, bahwa ada pengaruh kompetensi terhadap kinerja pegawai yang ditunjukkan oleh: 1) Persamaan regresi linier sederhana = 16,058 + 0,814 X1 dengan koefisien korelasi ry 1 sebesar 0,745 dan koefisien determinasi r2yi sebesar 0,555. Artinya bahwa ada 55,5 % variasi yang terjadi pada kinerja pegawai dapat dijelaskan oleh kompetensi kerja. 2). Persamaan regresi linier sederhana Y = 43,030 + 0,498 X2 dengan koefisien korelasi ry2 sebesar 0,552 dan koefisien determinasi r2y2 sebesar 0,305. Hal ini berarti 30,5% variasi yang terjadi pada kinerja pegawai dapat dijelaskan oleh motivasi kerjanya. 3) Persamaan regresi linier multipel Y = -5,417 + 0,721 X1 + 0,377 X2. Hal ini berarti semakin baik kompetensi yang diikuti dengan kepemilikkan motivasi kerja secara bersama-sama, semakin baik kinerja yang diberikan pegawai. Selanjutnya, 72,2% variasi skor yang terjadi pada kinerja dapat dijelaskan secara bersama-sama oleh kompetensi dan motivasi kerja.
Hubungan Dukungan Sosial dengan Subjective Well-Being pada Remaja yang Memiliki Orangtua Tunggal
Authors: Tarigan Mustika
Published: July 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan dukungan sosial dengan subjective well-being pada remaja yang memiliki orangtua tunggal. Sebagai subjek dalam penelitian ini adalah remaja yang memiliki orangtua tunggal di kampus I Universitas Medan Area. Hipotesis yang diajukan adalah adanya hubungan positif antara dukungan sosial dengan subjective well-being, dengan asumsi semakin tinggi dukungan sosial yang diperoleh, maka semakin tinggi subjective well-being pada remaja. Sebaliknya, semakin rendah dukungan sosial yang diperoleh, maka semakin rendah subjective well-being pada remaja. Jumlah sampel yang digunakan pada penelitian ini berjumlah 108 orang. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Metode pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan skala dukungan sosial yang disusun berdasarkan skala likert dan subjective well-being yang disusun berdasarkan skala semantic differential. Dalam upaya untuk membuktikan hipotesis diatas, digunakan metode analisis data korelasi product moment, dimana yang menjadi variabel X adalah dukungan sosial dan yang menjadi variabel Y adalah subjective well-being. Berdasarkan analisis data yang menggunakan analisis product moment, diketahui bahwa terdapat hubungan positif antara dukungan sosial dengan subjective well-being pada remaja yang memiliki orangtua tunggal di kampus I Universitas Medan Area. Hal ini ditunjukkan dengan koefisien Rxy = 0,577 dimana  p= 0.000, berarti < 0,010. Artinya terdapat hubungan yang positif antara dukungan sosial dengan subjective well-being pada remaja yang memiliki orangtua tunggal di Kampus I Universitas Medan Area dengan sumbangan dukungan sosial sebesar 0,333 atau 33 %. Dengan demikian, hipotesis yang diajukan dalam penelitian ini dinyatakan diterima.

 
Diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C virus infection: a tool for engagement with people who inject drugs in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside
Authors: Alimohammadi Arshia , Holeksa Julie , Parsons Robyn , Yung Rossita , Amiri Neilofar , Truong David , Conway Brian
Published: July 2018

Background

Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) faces the interrelated challenges of poverty, homelessness, mental health, addiction, and medical issues such as hepatitis C virus (HCV). This study evaluates a new model of engagement with people who inject drugs (PWID) in the DTES.

Methods

Our centre has developed the community pop-up clinic (CPC) to engage vulnerable populations such as PWID. Rapid HCV testing is offered using the OraQuick saliva assay. If a test is positive, immediate medical consultation and an incentivized clinic appointment are offered. At this appointment, an HCV treatment plan is developed, along with a plan for engagement in multidisciplinary care.

Results

In 12 months, 1,283 OraQuick tests were performed at 44 CPCs; 21% of individuals were found to be positive for HCV (68% of whom were PWID). Of individuals positive for HCV antibodies who consulted with the on-site doctor, 50% engaged in care in our clinic—61% of whom have initiated interferon-free directly acting antiviral (DAA) HCV therapy with 100% cured of HCV (per protocol). Individuals who did not engage in care were significantly more likely to be homeless (P < .0001).

Conclusion

CPCs paired with a multidisciplinary model of care address the needs of vulnerable populations such as PWID, particularly in the management of HCV with interferon-free DAA therapies.
Analysis of SSD Utilization by Graph Processing Systems
Authors:   Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology, Karachi Pakistan, Haider Qutbuddin Haider Qutbuddin , Saif-ur-Rahman Saif-ur-Rahman ,   Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan
Published: July 2018

Graph Processing Systems are highly productive when it comes to graph data. While using data parallel approach, it could not exploit common characteristics of a graph computation workload. To address all these challenges, distributed graph processing frameworks were introduced which inherited both the properties of graph parallel systems and data parallel system. Usually, the standard operators which were being used by data parallel systems were filter, join, reduce and etc. while graph parallel system introduced operators such as sub-graph, mrTriplets and etc. In comparison with graph framework operators, the standard relational operators were too slow. Traditionally, all the frameworks and their benchmarks were executed over hard disk drive but modern storage technology has evolved which lead us to use Solid State Drives. Solid state drives are known for their lightning speed as it manages to retrieve and populate data using pulse. This paper presents an analysis of SSD by utilizing graph processing systems. It also discuss the pros and cons faced by the Graph Processing Frameworks and by using TRIM support how the issue of wear leveling can be resolved.
Enhancing Data Quality using Human Computation and Crowd Sourcing
Authors:   Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan, Kirpalani Vikram Kumar , Tayab Muhammad Ejaz ,   Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan
Published: July 2018

This paper is aimed at addressing the issues that are present in the data dumps available at DBpedia by using the concept of associations i.e. concept hierarchy to enhance the quality of those data dumps. These data dumps are extracted from Wikipedia and the issues that prevail in these data dumps is because of either the data extraction frameworks or the human error during crowd-sourcing efforts made on Wikipedia. By using Human Computation techniques and employing Crowd sourcing together with query morphing, diving deeper into this subject would become easier in a better way. One of the key issues with the datasets is the presence of multiple values in a single attribute and vice versa especially in the “Place of Birth” field of important personalities. This paper highlights the implementation process in order to solve these issues and adds a survey conducted on Crowd Sourcing to highlight its impact.
Unequal Education in Preschool
Authors: Prioletta Jessica
Published: July 2018

In this article, I explore how the beliefs of preschool teachers that equality is the norm in their classrooms shape play periods in ways that may work to disadvantage girls. I argue that equality discourses mask the gender power children must negotiate in their play and that this leaves girls with fewer choices when they are accessing the play environment. With research grounded in fieldwork carried out in four public schools in a Canadian metropolis, I illustrate how liberal notions of equality reinforced the traditional gender binary in children’s play. Moreover, drawing on the work of Jane Roland Martin, I show that liberal understandings of equality work to sustain a male-centered education for all students in preschool. To explore ways to attend to such gender inequalities, I turn to Nel Noddings’s concept of an ethics of care and point to the need to challenge the gender binary in early learning.
Home Range and Habitat Selection of Long-Eared Owls (Asio Otus) in Mediterranean Agricultural Landscapes (Crete, Greece)
Authors: Emin D. , Toxopeus A.G. , Groen Ir.T.A. , Kontogeorgos I. , Georgopoulou E. , Xirouchakis S.
Published: July 2018

The Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) in Crete (Greece) is a common agricultural species affected by the recent changes in agro-forestry systems. Concrete studies of habitat selection are needed in order to improve our knowledge of its foraging behaviour in managed rural landscapes. In the present study, we analysed the home range size and habitat selection of 11 Long-eared Owls inside olive groves in the plain of central Crete using radio tracking data and remote sensing images. Six nominal scale and 11 landscape scale predictors were used for habitat selection analysis, using a maximum entropy approach. Home range size ranged between 337 and 969 ha while a 52% of home range overlap was observed suggesting that Long-eared Owls do not defend hunting territories. At the nominal scale, distance to potential roosts (trees) was the most important contributor to model performance, followed by vegetation heterogeneity. Furthermore, local heterogeneity of greenness was a better predictor than simply greenness at the presence location. At the landscape scale the amount of habitat openness significantly improved model performance. Incorporating landscape heterogeneity improved habitat selection prediction compared to using only discrete land cover classification. Results of our study pinpoint that although Long-eared Owls exhibit a wide range of habitat tolerance, they prefer mixed habitat conditions avoiding particularly open areas or dense olive plantations. The research has implications in the face of new reforms of European Common Agricultural policy which emphasised the importance of landscape structure in preserving biodiversity in agricultural areas of Europe.
Visualization of Focal Thinning of the Ganglion Cell–Inner Plexiform Layer in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Shao Yi , Jiang Hong , Wei Yantao , Shi Yingying , Shi Ce , Wright Clinton B. , Sun Xiaoyan , Vanner Elizabeth A. , Rodriguez Anny D. , Lam Byron L. , Rundek Tatjana , Baumel Barry S. , Gameiro Giovana Rosa , Dong Chuanhui , Wang Jianhua
Published: July 2018

Background:

A detailed analysis of the tomographic thickness of intraretinal layers may provide more information on neurodegeneration in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Objective:

The goal was to analyze tomographic thickness patterns of intraretinal layers in patients with AD andMCI.

Method:

Forty-nine patients (25 AD and 24 MCI) and 21 cognitively normal (CN) controls were imaged using ultra-high-resolution optical coherence tomography to obtain volumetric data centered on the fovea. The segmented intraretinal layers were retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell– inner plexiform layer (GCIPL), inner nuclear layer (INL), outer nuclear layer (ONL), outer plexiform layer (OPL), and retinal photoreceptor (PR), in addition to the total retinal thickness(TRT).

Results:

The thickness differences were negative (thinning) mainly in TRT, RNFL, and GCIPL in both AD and MCI groups in comparison to CN, while the thickness differences were positive (thickening) mainly in ONL and PR in AD. GCIPL of AD and MCI was thinner in superior, nasal superior, and temporal superior quadrants, compared to CN ( p < 0.05). GCIPL of the inner superior, inner nasal superior, inner temporal superior, and outer nasal superior sectors was significantly thinner in AD than CN ( p < 0.05). GCIPL of the outer superior, inner temporal superior, outer nasal, and temporal superior sectors was significantly thinner in MCI than CN ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Focal thinning of the GCIPL was visualized and quantified by detailed partitions in AD and MCI, which provides specific information about neurodegeneration in MCI and AD.
Walnut Supplementation in the Diet Reduces Oxidative Damage and Improves Antioxidant Status in Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Pandareesh Mirazkar D. , Chauhan Ved , Chauhan Abha
Published: July 2018

Our previous study has shown beneficial effects of walnuts on memory and learning skills in transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD-tg). To understand underlying mechanism, we studied here whether walnuts can reduce oxidative stress in AD. From 4 months of age, experimental AD-tg mice were fed diets containing 6% (T6) or 9% walnuts (T9) (equivalent to 1 or 1.5 oz, of walnuts per day in humans) for 5, 10, or 15 months. The control groups, i.e., AD-tg (T0) and wild-type (Wt) mice, were fed diets without walnuts. Free radicals, i.e., reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and antioxidant enzymes were assessed in these mice at different ages. AD-tg mice on control diet (T0) showed significant age-dependent increase in ROS levels, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation coupled with impaired activities of antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase] compared to Wt mice. Oxidative stress was significantly reduced in AD-tg mice on diets with walnuts (T6, T9), as evidenced by decreased levels of ROS, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation, as well as by enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes compared to T0 mice. Long-term supplementation with walnuts for 10 or 15 months was more effective in reducing oxidative stress in AD-tg mice. Our findings indicate that walnuts can reduce oxidative stress, not only by scavenging free radicals, but also by protecting antioxidant status, thus leading to reduced oxidative damage to lipids and proteins in AD. Therefore, by reducing oxidative stress, a walnut-enriched diet may help reduce the risk or delay the onset and progression of AD.
Categorising Visual Hallucinations in Early Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Clegg Benjamin J. , Duncan Gordon W. , Khoo Tien K. , Barker Roger A. , Burn David J. , Yarnall Alison J. , Lawson Rachael A.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Visual hallucinations (VHs) are common in Parkinson’s disease (PD), with prevalence ranging from 27–50% in cross-sectional cohorts of patients with well-established disease. However, minor hallucinations may occur earlier in the disease process than has been previously reported.

Objective:

We sought to categorise VHs in a cohort of newly diagnosed PD patients and establish their relationship to other clinical features.

Methods:

Newly diagnosed PD participants ( n = 154) were recruited as part of the Incidence of Cognitive Impairment in Cohorts with Longitudinal Evaluation in PD (ICICLE-PD) study. Participants completed the Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS III), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) to assess motor severity, cognition and quality of life (QoL), respectively. VHs were classified using the North East Visual Hallucinations Inventory. Hierarchical regression was used to build predictive models of motor severity, QoL and cognition.

Results:

22% ( n = 34) of participants experienced recurrent VHs with minor VHs being most frequently reported (64.7% of hallucinators). Complex VHs were present in 32.4% of hallucinating participants. Linear regression showed VHs predicted poorer PDQ-39 and MoCA scores ( β= 0.201, p = 0.006 and β= – 0.167, p = 0.01, respectively) but not motor severity ( p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

Over a fifth of people with newly diagnosed PD reported recurrent VHs; minor hallucinations were the most common, although a small proportion reported complex VHs. Recurrent VHs were found to be a significant independent predictor of cognitive function and QoL but not motor severity. Our findings highlight the importance of screening for VHs at diagnosis.
Autonomic Sweat Responses in REM Sleep Behavior Disorder and Parkinsonism
Authors: Al-Qassabi Ahmed , Pelletier Amélie , Fereshtehnejad Seyed-Mohammad , Postuma Ronald B.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Autonomic dysfunctions including sudomotor abnormalities commonly occur in early Parkinson’s disease (PD), but little is known about potential sudomotor abnormalities in idiopathic REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (iRBD), a strong prodromal marker of PD.

Objective:

Our aim was to assess sudomotor dysfunction by galvanic skin response using SudoScan, as well as other autonomic markers in 49 iRBD, 40 PD (21 with RBD, 19 without), 20 atypical parkinsonisms, and 41 age-matched controls.

Methods:

All subjects underwent SudoScan of their hands and feet, a 30-second electrocardiogram with assessment of beat-to-beat variability, assessment of orthostatic blood pressure changes and autonomic symptom questionnaires.

Results:

The galvanic skin response in the hands of PD patients with RBD was significantly smaller than controls (hand mean difference = –7.877, 95% CI (–13.283, –2.470), p-value = 0.004) and PD patients without RBD (hand mean difference = –9.578, 95% CI (–17.215, –1.941), p-value = 0.014). iRBD and atypical parkinsonism did not have different SudoScan profiles than controls.

Conclusions:

Galvanic skin responses, as measured by SudoScan did not demonstrate significant sudomotor dysfunction in iRBD, but decreases were seen in the PD subtype associated with RBD.
Association of dietary fiber intake with general and abdominal obesity in children and adolescents: The Weight disorder survey of the CASPIAN-IV Study
Authors: Bahreynian Maryam , Qorbani Mostafa , Motlagh Mohammad Esmaeil , Riahi Roya , Kelishadi Roya
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND: Dietary fiber intake might have a protective role against obesity. The aim of this study is to explore the association of dietary fiber intake with general and abdominal obesity in Iranian children and adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional nationwide study was conducted on 5187 students aged 6–18 years, living in 30 provinces of Iran. They were selected randomly through cluster sampling method. Data on demographic and anthropometric indices including weight, height and waist circumference (WC) were collected by trained interviewers. A valid and reliable 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess student’s usual dietary intake including total dietary fiber. All dietary reports were converted to daily consumption (g/day) using household measures for different portion sizes. Food items were then converted to their nutrient content. Energy-adjusted dietary fiber intake (g/1000 kcal/day) was also calculated using the energy density method. Multivariate regression models were applied to explore the association between dietary fiber intake and anthropometric indices. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation (SD) for age of participants were 11.40 (3.20) years. Of 5187 students, 52.6% were boys and 72.5% were from urban areas (participation rate: 79.7%). White bread (32.5%), white rice (17.1%) and potato (11.7%) were the most common sources of dietary fiber intake. Each 1 g/1000 Kcal increase in dietary fiber intake was significantly associated with lower weight and waist circumference (P = 0.006 and P = 0.008, respectively). CONCLUSION: Higher fiber intake was associated with lower anthropometric indices including weight and WC. Increased fiber intake should be encouraged for children and adolescents.
Alveolar capillary dysplasia with left heart obstruction – rare but lethal
Authors: Stark V.C. , Schneider E.P. , Biermann D. , Hauck P.A. , Kozlik-Feldmann R. , Schäfer H. , Gottschalk U.
Published: July 2018

Alveolar capillary dysplasia (ACD) is a rare neonatal lung disease characterized anatomically by a defective and hypoplastic development of pulmonary alveoli leading to persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) and finally lethal respiratory failure. It is often associated with congenital left heart obstruction. Given the fatal prognosis an early diagnosis is important. However, due to the fast onset of PPHN in neonates and lack of pathognomonic signs for its cause, safe and fast detection of ACD is challenging. Therefore, following the exclusion of cardiac and common pulmonary causes, lung biopsy becomes essential for diagnosis.

We hereby report a case of ACD with atrial septal defect type one and hypoplastic aortic arch with an ante-mortem diagnosis and discuss the current state of medicine in relation to ACD.
An exploration of the use of Inertial Measurement Units in the assessment of dynamic postural control of the knee and the effect of bracing and taping
Authors: Budini K. , Richards J. , Cole T. , Levine D. , Trede R. , George L.St. , Selfe J.
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND:

The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is a common clinical test that can provide information about dynamic movement, but does not reflect movement quality or postural-control strategies, and does not report kinematics of the lower limb.

PURPOSE:

To assess the dynamic postural control of healthy subjects using inertial measurement units (IMUs) and clinical SEBT scores to determine the effect of knee bracing and taping.

METHODS:

Twenty-four healthy individuals performed the SEBT under three randomised conditions (patellar bracing, patellar taping, and control condition (no intervention). Clinical SEBT scores were recorded and normalised to leg length and angular velocities were measured using IMUs during SEBT. Composite scores were calculated as the sum of clinical scores in each direction divided by three. Descriptive statistics (mean±sd) were calculated for each variable and repeated measures ANOVA were used to identify differences between limb (dominant, non-dominant) and condition.

MAIN RESULTS:

Compared to the control condition, bracing and taping significantly improved dynamic postural control in the sagittal plane by 6% (1.5–10.5%) P = 0.011 and 8% (2.9–13%) P = 0.004 respectively. Bracing significantly improved coronal plane stability compared to the control condition by 9% (3.8–14.1%) P = 0.002, and taping by 7% (1.6–12.6%) P = 0.013. SEBT scores revealed small but statistically significant differences ( P < 0.05) between conditions in the anterior, posteromedial and composite scores, all showing a difference of between 1-2%.

PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS:

Patellar soft bracing and taping can improve dynamic postural stability during SEBT. It is possible to detect clinically important changes in lower limb stability from angular velocity using IMUs.
Comparison between sustained natural apophyseal glides (SNAG’s) and myofascial release techniques combined with exercises in non specific neck pain
Authors: Rezkallah Sohier S. , Abdullah Ghada A.
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Nonspecific neck pain (NS-NP) which is described as neck pain without specific underlying disease is the most common neck pain presentation. This study aimed to compare the influence of the Mulligan sustained apophyseal glides (SNAG’s) with exercise, versus myofascial release (MFR) with exercise, on pain, neck range of motion (ROM), and functional disability in people with NS-NP.

METHODS:

A single blinded randomized control trial was used. Seventy participants with NS-NP were allocated randomly into three groups, the SNAG’s group received SNAG’s with exercise, the MFR group received MFR with exercise and the control group received exercise only. The selected exercises included strengthening exercises, stretching of the posterior neck muscles, and neck straightening exercises. The total treatment included 12 sessions, 3 sessions per week for 4 consecutive weeks. Pain, neck ROM and neck function was assessed prior to the first treatment and at the end of the 4-week trial.

RESULTS:

There were statistically significant, time-by-group effects (mixed-design MANOVA) on pain, neck ROM and NDI for all groups ( P < 0.0001). SNAG’s with exercise and MFR with exercise yielded significant reduction in pain and neck disability, and increase in neck ROM. Control group reported lesser reduction in pain and neck disability, and lesser increase in neck ROM.

CONCLUSION:

SNAG’s with exercise and MFR with exercise offered short-term statistically significant improvements in pain, neck ROM and functional disability in NS-NP. However, there is need to ascertain the long-term effects of these treatment approaches, before any further clinical recommendations can be made.
Dry needling: A critical commentary of its effectiveness and safety profile
Authors: Gilmartin Stephen
Published: July 2018

Dry needling is an invasive procedure using solid filament needles to treat myofascial pain and dysfunction. It is becoming a widely used adjunct to traditional physiotherapy treatment.

Despite its rate of growth there still remains questions marks over the effectiveness of dry needling and its potential to cause adverse events.

Recent reviews largely agree that there is an improvement in the patient’s pain and range of motion in the short term when compared to no treatment, but evidence remains inconclusive for long term effects.

Dry needling is an invasive therapy and clinicians need to have an appropriate indication for providing dry needling therapy while also determining whether the therapy will place the patient under any unacceptable risk of adverse events. One paper found the rate of mild adverse events to be as high as19.18%. The most common adverse events experienced were bleeding, bruising and pain during or following treatment. To minimise the risk of adverse events treating clinicians should receive appropriate training and certification to provide dry needling therapies.

This commentary aims to present the most current evidence surrounding dry needling effectiveness, safety profile and the need for appropriate levels of professional competence.
A Novel Fluorimetric Method to Evaluate Red Wine Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Tubaro Franco , Pizzuto Roberto , Raimo Gennaro , Paventi Gianluca
Published: July 2018

In the light of the increasing use of red wine in the diet, due to its antioxidant properties, the availability of a simple and fast method to assay the antioxidant activity of this beverage is needed. Here we measured wine antioxidant capacity (WAC) via "crocin bleaching test", wine polyphenol content (WPC), via Folin Ciocalteu method, and fluorimetric response (WF) of 13 Italian red wines. A fairly good correlation between WAC and WF (R = 0.82) was found, thus validating the fluorimetric method as a simple, fast and cheap method to evaluate the antioxidant activity of red wines.
Antibacterial activity of Tamarindus indica L. against bacteria causing urinary tract infection
Authors: Biswas K , Sinha SN
Published: July 2018

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common bacterial infection known to affect the different parts of the urinary tract of human which is a great menace for the last decade. Various medicinal plants have been reported for treating infectious diseases including UTI due to their fewer side effects and reduced toxicity. The present study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of Tamarindus indica against UTI causing pathogens. Bacteria were isolated from the UTI infected women patients and characterized by using biochemical and morphological methods. Acetonic, methanolic and chloroform leaf extracts were used to evaluate their antibacterial activity against the bacteria isolated from UTI infected patients and the zones of inhibitions were measured. Four bacteria viz. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella sp. and Enterococcus sp. were isolated from 60 urine samples infected with UTI. Regarding antibacterial susceptibility test ampicillin showed lowest degree of MIC against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and highest degree of MIC against Klebsiella sp. Acetone extract of Tamarindus indica leaves showed highest antibacterial activity against E. coli (22.5 mm). Methanol extract showed highest activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21.4 mm) and chloroform extract showed highest activity against Klebsiella sp. (6.2 mm). Different phytochemicals found in the plant extract were alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, carbohydrates, saponins, phlobatannins and anthocyanins.J. bio-sci. 23: 47-55, 2015
In vivo anticancer activities of Ni (II)-Benzoin thiosemicarbazone complex [Ni(BTSC)2] against ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells
Authors: Ali SMM , Zakir HM , Shahriar SMS , Sarkar MH , Dey AK , Nur HP , Jesmin M
Published: July 2018

Cancer is a class of diseases in which a group of cells display uncontrolled growth, invasion and sometimes metastasis. In order to find out a new anticancer drug, Ni(II) complex with benzoin thiosemicarbazon was synthesized and characterized. Anticancer activities of Ni(BTSC)2 2 2 has been studied against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cells in Swiss albino mice by monitoring tumor cell growth inhibition, tumor weight measurement, survival time of tumor bearing Swiss albino mice. Hematological parameters were also studied in both normal and EAC bearing treated mice. The results were compared with those obtained with a standard anticancer drug bleomycin and the compound was found to possess pronounced anticancer effect. Maximum cell growth inhibition was found to be 77.15% after treatment with Ni(BTSC)2 at the dose of 8 mg/kg (i.p). About 69.56% enhancement of life span was found at 8 mg/kg (i.p).With the same dose Ni(BTSC)2 reduced the tumor weight by 52.17% at day 20. The hematological parameters (WBC, RBC, hemoglobin content and differential counts) were found to be significantly changed as compared to those of the normal mice. These parameters restored more or less towards normal when treated with the test compound.J. bio-sci. 23: 77-88, 2015
Lactobacillus acidophilus and Clostridium butyricum ameliorate colitis in murine by strengthening the gut barrier function and decreasing inflammatory factors
Authors: Wang Y. , Gu Y. , Fang K. , Mao K. , Dou J. , Fan H. , Zhou C. , Wang H.
Published: July 2018

Ulcerative colitis is a type of chronic inflammation present in the intestines for which the aetiology is not yet clear. The current therapies for ulcerative colitis cannot be considered to be long-term management strategies due to their significant side effects. Therefore, it is essential to identify an alternative therapeutic strategy for ulcerative colitis. The present study focused on the evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activities of Lactobacillus acidophilus CGMCC 7282 and Clostridium butyricum CGMCC 7281. The roles of both single and combination of L. acidophilus CGMCC 7282 and C. butyricum CGMCC 7281 in ulcerative colitis were investigated in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced acute colitis (Th1-type colitis) in Sprague-Dawley rats and oxazolone-induced chronic colitis (Th2-type colitis) in BALB/c mice. The in vivo studies showed that the administration of L. acidophilus CGMCC 7282, C. butyricum CGMCC 7281 and L. acidophilus CGMCC 7282 plus C. butyricum CGMCC 7281 could reduce the Th1-type colitis as well as the Th2-type colitis, and the combination of the two strains exhibited the most notable effects, as indicated by the reduced mortality rates, the suppressed disease activity indices, the improved body weights, the reduced colon weight/colon length and colon weight/body weight ratios, and the improved gross anatomic characteristics and histological features (ameliorations of neutrophil infiltration and ulceration in the colon). It was found that the alterations of the gut microbiome, the barrier function changing and the selected inflammation-related cytokines are observed in the ulcerative colitis rats/mice treated with L. acidophilus CGMCC 7282 and C. butyricum CGMCC 7281. The combination of L. acidophilus CGMCC 7282 plus C. butyricum CGMCC 7281 also exerted a stronger anti-inflammatory effect than either of the single strains alone in vitro. These findings provide evidence that the administration of L. acidophilus CGMCC 7282 plus C. butyricum CGMCC 7281 may be a promising therapy for ulcerative colitis.
A autoridade docente e os discursos e lógicas atuantes dos professores face à participação dos encarregados de educação no processo educativo
Authors: Resende José Manuel , Gouveia Luís , Beirante David
Published: July 2018

O sistema educativo português é palco de complexas evoluções nas últimas décadas, tendo na massificação e descentralização os seus grandes vetores. Como parte destas políticas de descentralização estão diretivas e orientações que enfatizam a importância de envolvimento dos pais/ Encarregados de Educação no processo educativo enquanto membros da comunidade educativa, cabendo aos professores abertura nas formas de envolvimento com estes atores. Estas orientações podem, no entanto, conflituar com subjetividades produzidas pelos professores relativamente à sua prática profissional. A partir de dados recolhidos no âmbito de uma pesquisa empírica, pretende-se neste artigo explorar os sentidos críticos evidenciados por estes profissionais de ensino relativamente à relação com os pais/Encarregados de Educação enquanto questão que se enquadra na problemática da pluralidade de entendimentos relativamente ao mandato e licença profissional.
El absentismo escolar en contextos de vulnerabilidad social. Una reflexión antropológica
Authors: Villadóniga Juan Carlos Romero
Published: July 2018

En una sociedad globalizada, donde el conflicto se entiende como una mera transgresión y no como una oportunidad para la reflexión y el cambio, las poblaciones de adolescentes en riesgo de exclusión social cada vez ven más limitadas sus posibilidades de acceso a la comunidad. Es entonces cuando el conflicto se convierte en violencia, pues las herramientas formativas han fallado en su primera concepción. Por esta razón, en la investigación se analizan cómo los mecanismos a través de los cuáles se lucha contra el absentismo escolar encierran, en ocasiones, violencias sistémicas y simbólicas hacia los sujetos. Para ello tomaremos como campo de trabajo uno de los escasos centros existentes en el territorio andaluz considerados como parte de el Programa Actuación Preferente, al trabajar prácticamente en su totalidad, con población en riesgo, lo cual le confiere un carácter especialmente relevante de cara al conocimiento de las dinámicas en las que se produce el absentismo escolar.
A sociologia da educação em Portugal : Perspetivas de futuro
Authors: Dionísio Bruno , Torres Leonor Lima , Alves Mariana Gaio
Published: July 2018

Perspetivar o futuro da sociologia da educação requer que se examine o passado e o presente deste campo científico. Com base nesse pressuposto, neste artigo apresentam-se resultados de uma análise de conteúdo de dez entrevistas a sociólogos da educação de diferentes gerações e filiações institucionais. Essa análise é complementada com estudos sobre a evolução da sociologia da educação realizados por autores portugueses, permitindo explorar as três dimensões constitutivas do campo científico : o ensino, a investigação e a intervenção socioeducativa.
Comprehensive Assessment of a Hotspot with Persistent Bancroftian Filariasis in Coastal Sri Lanka
Authors: Rao Ramakrishna U. , Samarasekera Sandhya D. , Nagodavithana Kumara C. , Goss Charles W. , Punchihewa Manjula W. , Dassanayaka Tharanga D. M. , Ranasinghe Udaya S. B. , Mendis Devika , Weil Gary J.
Published: July 2018

The Sri Lankan Anti-Filariasis campaign distributed five rounds of mass drug administration (MDA with diethylcarbamazine plus albendazole) to some 10 million people in eight districts between 2002 and 2006. Sri Lanka was recognized by the WHO for having eliminated lymphatic filariasis (LF) as a public health problem in 2016. However, recent studies by our group documented pockets with persistent LF in coastal Sri Lanka, especially in Galle district. The present study was performed to reexamine an area previously identified as a potential hotspot for persistent LF (Balapitiya Public Health Inspector area, population 17,500). A community survey documented high rates for circulating filarial antigenemia (3%, confidence interval [CI]: 1.8–4.9) and microfilaremia (1%, CI: 0.5–2.5%). Circulating filarial antigenemia rates were 2.8-fold higher in males than females. High prevalence was also observed for anti-filarial antibodies in young children (5.7%, CI: 3.7–8.4%) and for filarial DNA in vector mosquitoes (5.2%, CI: 4.2–6.3%). Spatial data showed that persistent LF was dispersed across the entire study area. Other studies showed that persistent LF was not limited to Balapitiya and not solved by additional rounds of MDA. Molecular xenomonitoring studies conducted in 2016 in 22 of 168 Public Health Midwife areas in the coastal Galle evaluation unit (approximate population 600,000) found that 179 of 660 (27%) pools of Culex collected from all areas were positive for Wuchereria bancrofti DNA by quantitative polymerase chain reaction; the estimated infection rate in mosquitoes was 1.26%, CI: 1.0–1.5%. Interventions other than routine MDA will be required to remove LF hotspots in Balapitiya and in other areas in coastal Sri Lanka.
Antibiotic Therapy in Adults with Malaria (ANTHEM): High Rate of Clinically Significant Bacteremia in Hospitalized Adults Diagnosed with Falciparum Malaria
Authors: Aung Ne Myo , Nyein Phyo Pyae , Htut Thu Ya , Htet Zaw Win , Kyi Tint Tint , Anstey Nicholas M. , Kyi Mar Mar , Hanson Josh
Published: July 2018

It has been believed that concomitant bacteremia is uncommon in adults hospitalized with falciparum malaria. Accordingly, the World Health Organization treatment guidelines presently only recommended additional antibacterial therapy in these patients if they have a clinical syndrome compatible with serious bacterial infection. Admission blood cultures were collected from 20 consecutive adults in Myanmar, hospitalized with a positive immunochromatographic test and blood film, suggesting a diagnosis of falciparum malaria; four (20%) had bacteremia with a clinically significant pathogen. These case series’ data were pooled with a previously published multicenter study from Myanmar which had also collected blood cultures in adults hospitalized with a diagnosis of falciparum malaria. Among 87 patients in the two studies, 13 (15%) had clinically significant bacteremia on admission, with Gram-negative organisms in 10 (77%) and Staphylococcus aureus in the remaining three (23%). Bacteremic patients had more severe disease than non-bacteremic patients (median [interquartile range] respiratory coma acidosis malaria score 2 [1–4] versus 1 [1–2], P = 0.02) and were more likely to die (2/13 [15%] versus 1/74 [1%], P = 0.01). However, bacterial coinfection was suspected clinically in a minority of bacteremic patients (5/13 [38%] compared with 13/70 [19%] of non-bacteremic patients, P = 0.11). Concomitant bacteremia in adults diagnosed with falciparum malaria may be more common than previously believed and is difficult to identify clinically in resource-poor settings. Death is more common in these patients, suggesting that clinicians should have a lower threshold for commencing empirical antibacterial therapy in adults diagnosed with falciparum malaria in these locations than is presently recommended.
The Representation of the African Woman in Male-Dominated Society: A Study of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and Amma Darko’s Beyond the Horizon
Authors: Gbaguidi Célestin
Published: July 2018

This paper highlighted and analysed the portrayals of the  traditional African women in selected postcolonial Anglophone African writers’ literary works such as Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart (1958) and Amma Darko’s Beyond the Horizon (1995). Although they are of opposite sex, different nationalities and generations they condemn the phallocentric organisation of the African societies where women are nothing but naïve,  second-rank and sexually addicted people, reproducers, merecommodities and men’s appendage, just to name a few. Interestingly, Achebe and Darko are convinced that it is time to do justice to women. Therefore, post-colonial criticism offers the lenses through which female characters can regain power. This paper posited that some writers show concern for the relegation of the African woman to subordination because they are not satisfied with some African male writers’ misrepresentation of the African woman. For this reason, they decide to give proofs of the real role of the African woman in her community.Key Words: African woman, biased image, subordinate, patriarchy, exploit, fairness
Inequality in China – Trends, Drivers and Policy Remedies
Authors: Jain-Chandra Sonali , Khor Niny , Mano Rui , Schauer Johanna , Wingender Philippe , Zhuang Juzhong
Published: July 2018

China has experienced rapid economic growth over the past two decades and is on the brink of eradicating poverty. However, income inequality increased sharply from the early 1980s and rendered China among the most unequal countries in the world. This trend has started to reverse as China has experienced a modest decline in inequality since 2008. This paper identifies various drivers behind these trends – including structural changes such as urbanization and aging and, more recently, policy initiatives to combat it. It finds that policies will need to play an important role in curbing inequality in the future, as projected structural trends will put further strain on equity considerations. In particular, fiscal policy reforms have the potential to enhance inclusiveness and equity, both on the tax and expenditure side.
Particle acidity and sulfate production during severe haze events in China cannot be reliably inferred by assuming a mixture of inorganic salts
Authors: Wang Gehui , Zhang Fang , Peng Jianfei , Duan Lian , Ji Yuemeng , Marrero-Ortiz Wilmarie , Wang Jiayuan , Li Jianjun , Wu Can , Cao Cong , Wang Yuan , Zheng Jun , Secrest Jeremiah , Li Yixin , Wang Yuying , Li Hong , Li Na , Zhang Renyi
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Atmospheric measurements showed rapid sulfate formation during
severe haze episodes in China, with fine particulate matter (PM) consisting
of a multi-component mixture that is dominated by organic species. Several
recent studies using the thermodynamic model estimated the particle acidity
and sulfate production rate, by treating the PM exclusively as a mixture of
inorganic salts dominated by ammonium sulfate and neglecting the effects of
organic compounds. Noticeably, the estimated pH and sulfate formation rate
during pollution periods in China were highly conflicting among the previous
studies. Here we show that a particle mixture of inorganic salts adopted by
the previous studies does not represent a suitable model system and that the
acidity and sulfate formation cannot be reliably inferred without accounting
for the effects of multi-aerosol compositions during severe haze events in
China. Our laboratory experiments show that SO2 oxidation by NO2
with NH3 neutralization on fine aerosols is dependent on the particle
hygroscopicity, phase-state, and acidity. Ammonium sulfate and oxalic acid
seed particles exposed to vapors of SO2, NO2, and NH3 at high
relative humidity (RH) exhibit distinct size growth and sulfate formation.
Aqueous ammonium sulfate particles exhibit little sulfate production, in
contrast to aqueous oxalic acid particles with significant sulfate
production. Our field measurements demonstrate significant contribution of
water-soluble organic matter to fine PM in China and indicate that the use of
oxalic acid in laboratory experiments is representative of ambient organic
dominant aerosols. While the particle acidity cannot be accurately determined
from field measurements or calculated using the thermodynamic model, our
results reveal that the pH value of ambient organics-dominated aerosols is
sufficiently high to promote efficient SO2 oxidation by NO2 with
NH3 neutralization under polluted conditions in China.
Exploring the relationship between surface PM2.5 and meteorology in Northern India
Authors: Schnell Jordan L. , Naik Vaishali , Horowitz Larry W. , Paulot Fabien , Mao Jingqiu , Ginoux Paul , Zhao Ming , Ram Kirpa
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Northern India (23–31° N, 68–90° E) is one of the most densely populated and polluted regions in world. Accurately modeling pollution in the region is difficult due to the extreme conditions with respect to emissions, meteorology, and topography, but it is paramount in order to understand how future changes in emissions and climate may alter the region's pollution regime. We evaluate the ability of a developmental version of the new-generation NOAA GFDL Atmospheric Model, version 4 (AM4) to simulate observed wintertime fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its relationship to meteorology over Northern India. We compare two simulations of GFDL-AM4 nudged to observed meteorology for the period 1980–2016 driven by pollutant emissions from two global inventories developed in support of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phases 5 (CMIP5) and 6 (CMIP6), and compare results with ground-based observations from India's Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for the period 1 October 2015–31 March 2016. Overall, our results indicate that the simulation with CMIP6 emissions produces improved concentrations of pollutants over the region relative to the CMIP5-driven simulation. While the particulate concentrations simulated by AM4 are biased low overall, the model generally simulates the magnitude and daily variability of observed total PM2.5. Nitrate and organic matter are the primary components of PM2.5 over Northern India in the model. On the basis of correlations of the individual model components with total observed PM2.5 and correlations between the two simulations, meteorology is the primary driver of daily variability. The model correctly reproduces the shape and magnitude of the seasonal cycle of PM2.5, but the simulated diurnal cycle misses the early evening rise and secondary maximum found in the observations. Observed PM2.5 abundances are by far the highest within the densely populated Indo-Gangetic Plain, where they are closely related to boundary layer meteorology, specifically relative humidity, wind speed, boundary layer height, and inversion strength. The GFDL AM4 model reproduces the overall observed pollution gradient over Northern India as well as the strength of the meteorology–PM2.5 relationship in most locations.
Resource and physiological constraints on global crop production enhancements from atmospheric particulate matter and nitrogen deposition
Authors: Schiferl Luke D. , Heald Colette L. , Kelly David
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Changing atmospheric composition, induced primarily by
industrialization and climate change, can impact plant health and may have
implications for global food security. Atmospheric particulate matter (PM)
can enhance crop production through the redistribution of light from
sunlight to shaded leaves. Nitrogen transported through the atmosphere can
also increase crop production when deposited onto cropland by reducing
nutrient limitations in these areas. We employ a crop model (pDSSAT),
coupled to input from an atmospheric chemistry model (GEOS-Chem), to
estimate the impact of PM and nitrogen deposition on crop production. In
particular, the crop model considers the resource and physiological
restrictions to enhancements in growth from these atmospheric inputs. We
find that the global enhancement in crop production due to PM in 2010 under
the most realistic scenario is 2.3, 11.0, and 3.4 % for maize,
wheat, and rice, respectively. These crop enhancements are smaller than
those previously found when resource restrictions were not accounted for.
Using the same model setup, we assess the effect of nitrogen deposition on
crops and find modest increases (∼ 2 % in global production
for all three crops). This study highlights the need for better observations
of the impacts of PM on crop growth and the cycling of nitrogen throughout
the plant–soil system to reduce uncertainty in these interactions.