bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disclosure of risk information in the European banking sector
Authors: Klepczarek Emilia
Published: March 2017

A debate on the scope of bank information disclosures seems to be essential, especially after the Global Financial Crisis. The adequate quantity of data provided to the public domain is a condition of transparency of the banking sector which should assure the optimization of market participants’ decisions. There is also a tendency to unify global accountancy standards, and they are expected to ensure the same scope of disclosed information for the global financial market. The aim of the study is to investigate if there are any differences with the number of risk disclosures among the banks using GAAP and IFRS accounting standards, and if more stable banking sectors tend to report a wider scope of data. Finding out the nature of the determinants of disclosures is an important aspect in terms of working out the procedures which will increase the transparency and stability of the financial markets.
An Assessment of Islamic Banking in Bosnia and Herzegovina – a comparative analysis using the CAMELS approach
Authors: Komorowski Rafał , Kubiszewska Katarzyna
Published: March 2017

This paper examines the phenomenon of Islamic banking in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although almost half of the Bosnian population is recognized as Islamic, there is only one bank purely based on Sharia operating in this country. The aim of the article is to conduct a comparative analysis of the financial standing of this bank and the banking sector in this country and region. The chosen method of analysis is CAMELS, which examines an institution by taking into consideration its most crucial elements: capital, assets, management, earnings, liquidity and sensitivity to risk.
Furcation Therapy With Enamel Matrix Derivative: Effects on the Subgingival Microbiome
Authors: Queiroz Lucas A. , Casarin Renato C.V. , Dabdoub Shareef M. , Tatakis Dimitris N. , Sallum Enilson A. , Kumar Purnima S.
Published: March 2017

Background: Although enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has been used to promote periodontal regeneration, little is known of its effect on the microbiome. Therefore, this investigation aims to identify changes in periodontal microbiome after treatment with EMD using a deep‐sequencing approach.

Methods: Thirty‐nine patients with mandibular Class II buccal furcation defects were randomized to beta‐tricalcium‐phosphate/hydroxyapatite graft (BONE group), EMD+BONE, or EMD alone. Plaque was collected from furcation defects at baseline and 3 and 6 months post‐treatment. Bacterial DNA was analyzed using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and 16S pyrotag sequencing, resulting in 169,000 classifiable sequences being compared with the Human Oral Microbiome Database. Statistical comparisons were made using parametric tests.

Results: At baseline, a total of 422 species were identified from the 39 defects, belonging to Fusobacterium, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, Filifactor, and Parvimonas. All three regenerative procedures predictably altered the disease‐associated microbiome, with a restitution of health‐compatible species. However, EMD and BONE+EMD groups demonstrated more long‐term reductions in a higher number of species than the BONE group (P <0.05), especially disease‐associated species, e.g., Selenomonas noxia, F. alocis, and Fusobacterium.

Conclusions: EMD treatment predictably alters a dysbiotic subgingival microbiome, decreasing pathogen richness and increasing commensal abundance. Further investigations are needed to investigate how this impacts regenerative outcomes.
Subgingival Microbiota in White Patients With Desquamative Gingivitis: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Arduino Paolo G. , Romano Federica , Sasia Danilo , Broccoletti Roberto , Ricceri Fulvio , Barbui Anna Maria , Brossa Silvia , Cipriani Raffaella , Cricenti Luca , Cabras Marco , Aimetti Mario
Published: March 2017

Background: Presence of epithelial desquamation, erythema, and erosions on gingival tissue is usually described in the literature as desquamative gingivitis (DG). A wide range of autoimmune/dermatologic disorders can manifest as DG, although the two more common are oral lichen planus and mucous membrane pemphigoid. The aim of this study is to investigate prevalence of 11 periodontopathogenic microorganisms in patients with DG and to compare it with the microbiologic status of individuals affected by plaque‐induced gingivitis (pGI).

Methods: Cross‐sectional clinical and microbiologic data were obtained from 66 patients (33 in each group). Subgingival plaque samples were analyzed using semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis.

Results: Statistically significant difference, but with little clinical significance, was observed in gingival conditions between the two groups, probably due to the worse home control hygiene of patients with DG. Prevalence and levels of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Eikenella corrodens, and Fusobacterium nucleatum/periodonticum were statistically higher in samples from patients with DG than in those with pGI. In multivariate regression models, subgingival colonization of A. actinomycetemcomitans and F. nucleatum/periodonticum was not statistically associated with DG, whereas, high levels of E. corrodens were associated with 13‐fold increased odds for DG.

Conclusions: Microbiologic differences were found in subgingival plaque for patients with DG and pGI. This may suggest possible association between periodontal pathogens and DG.
Long‐Term Stability of Root Coverage by Coronally Advanced Flap Procedures
Authors: Jepsen Karin , Stefanini Martina , Sanz Mariano , Zucchelli Giovanni , Jepsen Søren
Published: March 2017

Background: This study compared 6‐month and 3‐year outcomes for root coverage (RC) by coronally advanced flap (CAF) procedures in localized gingival recessions.

Methods: Two centers, that had participated in a 6‐month multinational multicenter randomized clinical trial (RCT), followed up 18 patients with 36 Miller Class I and II defects that had been treated in a split‐mouth design with CAF procedures or CAF + xenogeneic collagen matrix (CMX). Percentage of RC, complete root coverage (CRC), width, and thickness of keratinized tissue were assessed by the same masked examiners as after the 6‐month RCT.

Results: There was a high correlation between 6‐month and 3‐year RC outcomes for both CAF procedures. Mean RC after CAF + CMX amounted to 89.9% after 6 months and 91.7% after 3 years (Pearson’s correlation: 0.91). Corresponding values for CAF were 83.7% versus 82.8% (Pearson’s correlation: 0.94). Likewise, CRC was stable with 61%/61% for CAF + CMX and 39%/39% for CAF after 6 months/3 years, respectively.

Conclusions: In this 3‐year follow‐up of a subgroup of patients from a previous 6‐month RCT, there was a high correlation between the results for RC after 6 months and 3 years, indicating their stability. These data suggest that 6‐month outcomes may be useful to predict long‐term outcomes in CAF procedures with or without additional use of CMX.
Valuation of provisional and cultural services of a Ramsar site: A preliminary study on Rudrasagar lake, India
Authors: Taran Moitree , Deb Sourabh
Published: March 2017

Rudrasagar lake, a Ramsar site in India offers a variety of ecosystem services. The contribution of Rudrasagar lake to the society has not been estimated so far. The preliminary study aims to provide an economic valuation of the provisional and cultural services of the Rudrasagar lake. Official records of revenue collected by the Tourism Department of Tripura and a socio- economic survey was the source of information used in the economic valuation of the lake. The main provisional services provided by the lake are food (aquatic plants and fishes), fuel wood and timber whereas, the cultural services provided were boat raiding and tourism due to its historical importance. The provisioning and cultural services provided by the Rudrasagar lake are 40810 US$ and 33929.33 US$ per year respectively during the period of 2010-2015. The main threats to the wetland identified are increasing silt loads due to deforestation, expansion of agricultural land and land conversion due to population pressure. To alleviate the anthropogenic stress on the lake, better monitoring, planning and management are essential. By proper conservation and management it will be possible to enjoy the provisional and cultural services of the lake in a sustainable way.
Mass Production and Application of Spodoptera pectinicornis as Biological Control Agent of Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)
Authors: Rosa Helda Orbani , . Samharinto , Aphrodyanti Lyswiana
Published: March 2017

Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) is one of the important aquatic weeds because it can cause many problems for humans and the environment. In addition, the declining quality and quantity of water is also due to the invasion of water lettuce weeds covering the surface of waters, which can lead to the increasing transpiration and destruction of plankton making the balance of the ecosystem disrupted. This study was conducted in an attempt to control P. Stratiotes by utilizing the biological control agent Spodoptera pectinicornis with mass production and its releasing applications in South Kalimantan’s waters. The study was started by taking and collecting S. pectinicornis from several places/fields. The moths were then placed in trays of water and put in a gauze cage of 75 cm x 75 cm x 75 cm in order to keep the air circulation. They were nourished in the laboratory to produce groups of eggs. The groups of eggs were then transferred to rearing ponds. When a fair number of agents were obtained, the treatment of liquid fertilizer AB Mix was carried out. The results showed that the fertilization treatment to water lettuce weeds as the food for the biological control agent S. pectinicornis did not differ from the condition when there was no fertilization treatment either on the feeding ability, weight of larvae and pupae or fitness of imago. However, its destructive ability is high that it has a big potential as a biological control of water lettuce.
An Approach to Evaluating Light Pollution in Residential Zones: A Case Study of Beijing
Authors: Jin Xueting , Li Yu , Zhang Jinzhou , Zheng Ji , Liu Huiping
Published: March 2017

Outdoor lighting is becoming increasingly widespread, and residents are suffering from serious light pollution as a result. Residents’ awareness of their rights to protection has gradually increased. However, due to the sometimes-inaccessible nature of residential vertical light incidence intensity data and the high cost of obtaining specific measurements, there is no appropriate hierarchic compensation for residents suffering from different degrees of light pollution. It is therefore important to measure light pollution levels and their damage at the neighborhood scale to provide residents with basic materials for proper protection and to create more politically suitable solutions. This article presents a light pollution assessment method that is easy to perform, is low-cost, and has a short data-processing cycle. This method can be used to monitor residential zone light pollution in other cities. We chose three open areas to test the spatial variation pattern of light intensity. The results are in accordance with spatial interpolation patterns and can be fit, with high precision, using the IDW method. This approach can also be used in 3 dimensions to quantitatively evaluate the distribution of light intensity distribution. We use a mixed-use zone in Beijing known as The Place as our case study area. The vertical illumination at the windows of residential buildings ranges from 2 lux to 23 lux; the illumination in some areas is far higher than the value recommended by CIE. Such severe light pollution can seriously interfere with people's daily lives and has a serious influence on their rest and health. The results of this survey will serve as an important database to assess whether the planning of night-time lighting is scientific and whether it provides residents with a basis for the protection of their rights.
Nurse´s A-phase material enhance adhesion, growth and differentiation of human bone marrow-derived stromal mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Rabadan-Ros Ruben , Aznar-Cervantes Salvador , Mazón Patricia , Ros-Tarraga Patricia , DE AZA PIEDAD N. , MESEGUER-OLMO LUIS
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bioactivity and cell response of a well-characterized Nurse´s A-phase (7CaO•P2O5•2SiO2) ceramic and his effect compared to a control (tissue culture polystyrene-TCPS) on the adhesion, viability, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of ahMSCs in vitro. Cell proliferation (Alamar Blue Assay), Alizarin Red-S (AR-s) staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteocalcin (OCN) and collagen I (Col I) were evaluated. Also, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images were acquired in order to visualise the cells and the topography of the material. The proliferation of cells growing in a direct contact with the material was slower at early stages of the study because of the new environmental conditions. However, the entire surface was colonized after 28 days of culture in growth medium (GM). Osteoblastic differentiation markers were significantly enhanced in cells growing on Nurse´s A phase ceramic and cultured with osteogenic medium (OM), probably due to the role of silica to stimulate the differentiation of ahMSCs. Moreover, calcium nodules were formed under the influence of ceramic material. Therefore, it is predicted that Nurse´s A-phase ceramic would present high biocompatibility and osteoinductive properties being a good candidate to be used as a biomaterial for bone tissue engineering.
Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization Based Fusion for Underwater Image Enhancement
Authors: MA JINXIANG , Fan Xinnan , Yang Simon X. , Zhang Xuewu , Zhu Xifang
Published: March 2017

In order to improve contrast and restore color for underwater image captured by camera sensors without suffering from insufficient details and color cast, a fusion algorithm for image enhancement in different color spaces based on contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) is proposed in this article. The original color image is first converted from RGB color space to two different special color spaces: YIQ and HSI. The color space conversion from RGB to YIQ is a linear transformation, while the RGB to HSI conversion is nonlinear. Then, the algorithm separately operates CLAHE in YIQ and HSI color spaces to obtain two different enhancement images. The luminance component (Y) in the YIQ color space and the intensity component (I) in the HSI color space are enhanced with CLAHE algorithm. The CLAHE has two key parameters: Block Size and Clip Limit, which mainly control the quality of CLAHE enhancement image. After that, the YIQ and HSI enhancement images are respectively converted backward to RGB color. When the three components of red, green, and blue are not coherent in the YIQ-RGB or HSI-RGB images, the three components will have to be harmonized with the CLAHE algorithm in RGB space. Finally, with 4 direction Sobel edge detector in the bounded general logarithm ratio operation, a self-adaptive weight selection nonlinear image enhancement is carried out to fuse YIQ-RGB and HSI-RGB images together to achieve the final fused image. The enhancement fusion algorithm has two key factors: average of Sobel edge detector and fusion coefficient, and these two factors determine the effects of enhancement fusion algorithm. A series of evaluate metrics such as mean, contrast, entropy, colorfulness metric (CM), mean square error (MSE) and peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) are used to assess the proposed enhancement algorithm. The experiments results showed that the proposed algorithm provides more detail enhancement and higher values of colorfulness restoration as compared to other existing image enhancement algorithms. The proposed algorithm can suppress effectively noise interference, improve the image quality for underwater image availably.
Scale-Dependent Light Scattering Analysis of Textured Structures on LED Light Extraction Enhancement Using Hybrid Full-Wave Finite-Difference Time-Domain and Ray-Tracing Methods
Authors: Lee Tsung-Xian , Chou Ching-Chia
Published: March 2017

A multiscale model that enables quantitative understanding and prediction of the size effect on scattering properties of micro- and nanostructures is crucial for the design of LED surface textures optimized for high light extraction efficiency (LEE). In this paper, a hybrid process for combining full-wave finite-difference time-domain simulation and a ray-tracing technique based on a bidirectional scattering distribution function model is proposed. We apply this method to study the influence of different pattern sizes of a patterned sapphire substrate on GaN-based LED light extraction from the microscale to the nanoscale. The results show that near-wavelength–scaled patterns with strong diffraction are not expected to enhance LEE. By contrast, microscaled patterns with optical diffusion behavior have the highest LEE at a specific aspect ratio, and subwavelength-scaled patterns that have antireflection properties show marked enhancement of LEE for a wide range of aspect ratios.
Design and Imaging of Ground-Based Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Synthetic Aperture Radar (MIMO SAR) with Non-Collinear Arrays
Authors: Hu Cheng , Wang Jingyang , Tian Weiming , Zeng Tao , Wang Rui
Published: March 2017

MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) radar provides much more flexibility than the traditional radar for its ability to realize far more observation channels than the actual number of T/R (transmit and receive) elements. Designing the array of MIMO imaging radar, the commonly used virtual array theory generally assumes that all elements are placed on the same line. However, due to the physical size of the antennas and coupling effect between T/R elements, a certain height difference between T/R arrays is essential, resulting in the defocusing of edge points of the scene. On the other hand, the virtual array theory implies far-field approximation, leading to inevitable high grating lobes in the imaging result of near-field edge points of the scene observed by common MIMO array. To tackle these problems, this paper derives the relationship between target’s PSF (point spread function) and pattern of T/R arrays, by which the design criterion of near-field imaging MIMO array is presented. Firstly, the proper height between T/R arrays is designed to focus the near-field edge points well. Secondly, the far-field array is modified to suppress the grating lobes in the near-field area. Finally, the validity of the proposed methods is verified by simulations and an experiment.
Application of FBG Sensing Technology in Stability Analysis of Geogrid-Reinforced Slope
Authors: Sun Yijie , Xu Hongzhong , Gu Peng , Hu Wenjie
Published: March 2017

By installing FBG sensors on the geogrids, smart geogrids can both reinforce and monitor the stability for geogrid-reinforced slopes. In this paper, a geogrid-reinforced sand slope model test was conducted in the laboratory and fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensing technology is used to measure the strain distribution of the geogrid. Based on the model test, the performance of the reinforced soil slope is simulated by finite element software Midas-GTS, and the stability of the reinforced soil slope is analyzed by strength reduction method. The relationship between the geogrid strain and safety factor is set up. The results indicate that the measured strain and calculated results agree very well. The geogrid strain measured by FBG sensor can be applied to evaluate the stability of geogrid-reinforced sand slopes.
3D Imaging Millimeter Wave Circular Synthetic Aperture Radar
Authors: Zhang Renyuan , Cao Siyang
Published: March 2017

In this paper, a new millimeter wave 3D imaging radar is proposed. The user just needs to move the radar along a circular track, a high resolution 3D imaging can be generated. The proposed radar uses the movement of itself to synthesize a large aperture in both the azimuth and elevation directions. It can utilize inverse Radon transform to resolve 3D imaging. To improve the sensing result, compressed sensing approach is further investigated. The simulation and experimental result further illustrated the design. Because a single transceiver circuit is needed, a light, affordable and high resolution 3D mmWave imaging radar is illustrated in the paper.
APLIKASI AMALAN TAREKAT QADIRIYAH WA NAQSABANDIYAH DAN HASILNYA SEBAGAI NILAI PENDIDIKAN JIWA
Authors: Salahudin Marwan , Arkumi Binti
Published: March 2017

Tarekat yang diyakini oleh para sufi sebagai jalan hidup, telah memasukkan nilai-nilai pendidikan jiwa di dalam mengaplikasikan amalannya. Pendidikan jiwa merupakan usaha secara bertahap untuk memperbaiki seseorang yang mempunyai kecenderungan melakukan perbuatan yang belum baik, sehingga menjadi baik, dan akan terbuka pintu kebaikan dan kebenaran serta mudah menerima hikmah dari Allah swt.  Pendidikan jiwa ditanamkan melalui berbagai aktifitas, sebagaimana amaliyah yang dilakukan oleh Tarekat Qadiriyah dan Naqsabandiyah, seperti: bai’at, rabi>t}ah, z}ikir, manakiban dan suluk. Dengan berbagai bentuk amalan tersebut diharapkan dapat mencapai kebahagian hidup yang hakiki dunia dan akhirat. Nilai pendidikan jiwa dapat berbentuk tazkiyatu al nafs, taqarrub ila> Alla>h dan ma’rifat bi Alla>h. Dan terbukti bahwa amaliyah Tarekat Qadiriyah dan Naqsabandiyah menghasilkan ketenangan jiwa bagi pengikutnya, terhindar dari sifat iri dan dengki serta mampu mengontrol diri dari perbuatan negative.
Functionalized Nanosilicas as Shale Inhibitors in Water-Based Drilling Fluids
Authors: Boul Peter J. , Reddy B. R. , Zhang Jilin , Thaemlitz Carl
Published: March 2017

Water-based-mud (WBM) formulations inclusive of nanosilicas offer the possibility for improved shale inhibition with reduced environmental impact vs. conventional shale inhibitors. These additives may be effective in maintaining well stability and in preventing equipment problems, such as bit balling, which may be experienced in the absence of good shale inhibition.

A series of different nanosilicas has been tested as shale inhibitors in WBMs. Differences in shale inhibition are observed depending on the kind of nanosilica that is used. The nanosilicas described in this article are tested in fresh water and seawater to determine their applicability in both onshore and offshore scenarios. In seawater, nanosilica muds appear to be more powerful inhibitors than silicate/potassium chloride (KCl) muds. The data presented in this report indicate that a nanosilica mud achieves less shale erosion in seawater than a conventional silicate/KCl mud. This increased performance of nanosilica is accompanied with greater ease in handling the lower-pH fluid (which can range from pH 8.5 to 10.0) compared with silicate muds that often exceed pH 12. In addition to being more-potent inhibitors and more safe to handle, nanosilicas offer the possibility of lower environmental cost. High concentrations of KCl are not necessarily required when nanosilicas are included in a mud design for shale inhibition.
Casing-Design Optimization With CAML Technique and Drilling-Fluid Performance
Authors: Nguyen T. C. , de Oliveira R.. , Al-Safran E.. , Saasen A..
Published: March 2017

Controlled annual mud level (CAML) is a managed-pressure drilling technology used to drill deep and ultradeep offshore wells that often encounter narrow and challenging operating windows. This technique uses a submersible pump to change the liquid level in the riser to control the bottomhole pressure (BHP) during drilling operations. The flexibility in changing the liquid level in the riser allows the use of higher-density drilling fluids, as well as higher pump rates.

In this paper, a sensitivity analysis is carried out to study the possibility of synergizing the CAML drilling technique and drilling-fluid performance to optimize the casing-design program. Drilling-fluid density, fluid rheological properties, sagging potential, lost circulation, and hole cleaning are the main investigated variables. The results show that, if sag-prevention properties and fluid rheological parameters are controlled, changing the liquid level in the riser and using higher-density drilling fluids will enable drilling deep, challenging offshore wells. In addition, the number of casing strings can be reduced with the proposed synergistic approach. A case study is performed in this paper for an offshore well in the Black Sea to validate this approach. The validation reveals that, if the synergistic approach is applied, the number of casing strings is reduced by approximately 26% in comparison to a conventional casing design. The paper also proposes a best-practice guideline of how to synergize the CAML drilling technique and drilling-fluid performance to optimize the casing-design program.
Tratamento cirúrgico da fratura de mandibula atrófica pela técnica AO: relato de caso
Authors: Pereira Rodrigo dos Santos , Bonardi João Paulo , Da Silva Jonathan Ribeiro , Mourão Carlos Fernando de Almeida Barros , Barbosa Júnior Paulo Roberto , Magacho Luis Fernando
Published: March 2017

As fraturas das mandíbulas atróficas são de difícil tratamento, pois necessitam de um vasto conhecimento por parte do cirurgião maxilofacial. Como é uma injuria incomum, muitos profissionais não possuem a experiência necessária para trata-las. O objetivo deste artigo é demonstrar um caso clínico onde foi empregada a técnica cirúrgica errada para tratar uma fratura de mandíbula atrófica bilateral e seu retratamento através da filosofia preconizada pela AO Foundation empregando uma placa de reconstrução 2.4 mm e enxertia com osso autógeno particulado da crista ilíaca anterior. Após 1 e 7 meses conclui-se que, apesar de ser uma técnica mais agressiva, proporciona os resultados mais satisfatórios e previsíveis.Descritores: Fixação Interna de Fraturas; Técnicas de Fixação da Arcada Osseodentária; Arcada Edêntula.
Child self-report and parent ratings for the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: Norms and agreement in a Swedish random population sample
Authors: Liu Bojing , Engström Karin , Jadbäck Isabel , Ullman Sara , Berman Anne H.
Published: March 2017

Background:

The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) measures behavioral problems among children and adolescents. Prior research in Sweden has included child self-report or parent ratings from community or population data.

Objective:

To provide child-reported and parent-rated SDQ norms for 11- to 16-year-olds, as well as data on child–parent agreement and parental sociodemographic correlates: education, employment status, and quality of life.

Method:

A random population sample with 600 children aged 11 to 16 years, 100 per age group, and one of their parents (N=1200) yielded a sampling pool of 1158 participants and a 34.8% response rate, including 175 child–parent pairs and 27 and 26 child/parent singletons. Responses to child and parent versions of the extended SDQ were analyzed by child gender and age. Child–parent agreement was evaluated using the Prevalence- and Bias-Adjusted Kappa and Bland–Altman plots.

Results:

Older children reported greater difficulties compared with younger children, while girls reported a higher negative impact of difficulties on daily life in comparison to boys. Child–parent item-by-item agreement was fair to slight on 15 of the 25 SDQ items, perfect to moderate on 9 items, and less than chance on 1 item, but generally high regarding dichotomous assignment to the “raised difficulties” or “normal” groups, based on subscales and the total SDQ score. Greater difficulties for children were reported by parents born outside Sweden, parents of children born outside Sweden, parents lacking regular employment, and parents with lower education or lower quality of life. In relation to other child–parent pairs, parents born outside Sweden perceived greater difficulties for their children compared with the children’s own ratings. Parents with better physical health and social relationships rated their children as having fewer difficulties compared with the rates reported by children.

Conclusions:

Gender differences contrasted with prior Swedish studies showing higher ratings for boys on hyperactivity and total difficulties and for girls on emotional symptoms. However, findings on increased difficulties with age concurred with prior studies. Research on children’s mental health should be widely and systematically conducted at regular intervals and encompasses large, representative samples in order to inform national public health and health-care policy regarding measures to support children and enhance their mental health.
TECHNOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF COUNTERCURRENT EXTRACTION: DERIVING BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS FROM PLANT RAW MATERIALS
Authors: Garmashov Sergey , Garmashov Sergey , Izgaryshev Alexander , Izgaryshev Alexander , Kashirskih Egor , Kashirskih Egor
Published: March 2017

Wild-growing plants produce a wide range of vitamins, macro- and microelements, mineral salts and other biologically active substances. Even in minute quantities, these constituents can mediate the healing effect on a human body. To date, the most promising method of extracting biologically active compounds from crude wild plant material is solvent extraction. The intensification of the extraction process has seen a new development in the last few years. This paper focuses on obtaining maximum yield of bioactive compounds from wild-growing plants, such as ordinary cowberry, prickly wild rose, sea-buckthorn, ordinary rowan, guelder-rose by a countercurrent extraction method, a continuous process where the plant material moves against the solvent. With that, it examines various extraction agents and their mixtures in relation to the extractives and total flavonoid content, the optimal time of the duration of the extraction. The optimal temperature of the process was found to be corresponding to the boiling point of the solvent. In the future, this study might contribute to the development of high quality new galenical preparations with maximum content of biologically active substances identical to the composition of the source plants to produce pharmaceutical drugs, food supplements, functional foods and cosmetics.
MATERIALS SELECTION FOR PRODUCTION OF MICROSPHERES PROTECTING LACTOFERRIN UNDER ACID CONDITIONS
Authors: Novoselova Marina , Novoselova Marina , Prosekov Alexander , Prosekov Alexander
Published: March 2017

Lactoferrin is a multifunctional protein of the transferrin family, which can be found in the human and other mammals milk. On the basis of many biological functions of lactoferrin, researchers have considered various possibilities of its application in health care, in the prevention and treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases. However, lactoferrin is exposed to pepsin degradation in the gastrointestinal tract, decreasing its bioactivity after oral administration. In this regard, appropriate delivery system of lactoferrin, which ensures its delivery intact to the receptors in the small intestine requires. In this study, the different compositions of the capsules in combination with tannic acid, formed mainly by hydrogen and hydrophobic interactions were showed. Its stability toward acidic conditions (0.1 M HCl) was investigated. Complexes with polyelectrolytes (and its pairs): PSS/PAH, Parg as the first adsorbed layer on CaCO3 particles formed by electrostatic interactions were presented. As the results, the adsorption of these polyelectrolytes led to greater stability of the obtained capsules. Bovine serum albumin and tannic acid, in particular with the use of poly-L-arginine as the first layer, increasing the stability of the obtained microspheres were selected as the most promising materials for the microcapsules synthesis. The changes in the morphology of [BSA/TA] and Parg [BSA/TA] capsules depending on the various number of bilayers (from 3 to 6) were analyzes. The thickness of capsule was increased on 1-2 nm by applying each subsequent layer. It was noted BSA/TA capsules looked thinner than Parg [BSA/TA] capsules with the same number of bilayers.
Adsorption behavior of methyl orange onto an aluminum-based metal organic framework, MIL-68(Al)
Authors: Wu Shi-chuan , You Xia , Yang Cao , Cheng Jian-hua
Published: March 2017

MIL-68(Al), a powdered aluminum-based metal organic framework (MOF), was synthesized and used to explore its adsorption behavior toward methyl orange (MO). The adsorption isotherm, thermodynamics, kinetics, and some key operating factors as well as changes in the material's structure were investigated. The adsorption isotherm conformed to the Langmuir isotherm model and the maximum equilibrium adsorption capacity was 341.30 mg g−1. Thermodynamic data demonstrated that the adsorption process was spontaneous, endothermic and showed positive entropy. For kinetics, the process of MO adsorption onto MIL-68(Al) was more suitably described by a pseudo-second-order model. Electrostatic and hydrogen-bonding interactions contributed to dye adsorption, with electrostatic interactions considered to be the principal binding force between adsorbent and adsorbate. Furthermore, MIL-68(Al) maintained a stable structure after adsorption. From these results, MIL-68(Al) was suggested here to be a stable MOF adsorbent for removing MO from aqueous solution.
Multi-objective evolutionary polynomial regression-based prediction of energy consumption probing
Authors: Bonakdari Hossein , Ebtehaj Isa , Akhbari Azam
Published: March 2017

Electrocoagulation (EC) is employed to investigate the energy consumption (EnC) of synthetic wastewater. In order to find the best process conditions, the influence of various parameters including initial pH, initial dye concentration, applied voltage, initial electrolyte concentration, and treatment time are investigated in this study. EnC is considered the main criterion of process evaluation in investigating the effect of the independent variables on the EC process and determining the optimum condition. Evolutionary polynomial regression is combined with a multi-objective genetic algorithm (EPR-MOGA) to present a new, simple and accurate equation for estimating EnC to overcome existing method weaknesses. To survey the influence of the effective variables, six different input combinations are considered. According to the results, EPR-MOGA Model 1 is the most accurate compared to other models, as it has the lowest error indices in predicting EnC (MARE = 0.35, RMSE = 2.33, SI = 0.23 and R2 = 0.98). A comparison of EPR-MOGA with reduced quadratic multiple regression methods in terms of feasibility confirms that EPR-MOGA is an effective alternative method. Moreover, the partial derivative sensitivity analysis method is employed to analyze the EnC variation trend according to input variables.
HIF1A is Overexpressed in Medulloblastoma and its Inhibition Reduces Proliferation and Increases EPAS1 and ATG16L1 Methylation
Authors: Cruzeiro Gustavo Alencastro Veiga , dos Reis Maristella Bergamo , Silveira Vanessa Silva , Lira Regia Caroline Peixoto , Jr Carlos Gilberto Carlotti , Neder Luciano , Oliveira Ricardo Santos , Yunes Jose Andres , Brandalise Silvia Regina , Aguiar Simone , Eterovic Agda Karina , Tone Luiz Gonzaga , Scrideli Carlos Alberto , Valera Elvis Terci
Published: March 2017

Background:

Genetic and epigenetic modifications are closely related to tumor initiation
and progression and can provide guidance for understanding tumor functioning, potentially leading
to the discovery of new therapies. Studies have associated hypoxia-related genes to tumor progression
and chemo/radioresistance in brain tumors. Information on the expression profile of hypoxiarelated
genes in pediatric medulloblastoma, although scarce, may reveal relevant information that
could support treatment decisions.

Objective:

Our study focused on evaluation the of CA9, CA12, HIF1A, EPAS1, SCL2A1 and VEGF
genes in 41 pediatric fresh-frozen medulloblastoma sample. Additionally, we analyzed the effect of
hypoxia and normoxia in the pediatric medulloblastoma cell-line UW402. Furthermore, we assessed
the effects of HIF1A knockdown in cell-proliferation and methylation levels of genes related to hypoxia,
apoptosis and autophagy.

Method:

qPCR was performed to evaluate mRNA levels, and Western blot to confirm HIF1A silencing
in both patient samples and cell line. Pyrosequencing was performed to asses the methylation
levels after HIF1A knockdown in the UW402 cell line.

Results:

A higher HIF1A mRNA level was observed in MB patients when compared to the cerebellum
(non-tumor match). In UW402 MB cell-line, chemically induced hypoxic resulted in an increase
of mRNA levels of HIF1A, VEGF, SCL2A1 and CA9 genes. Additionally, HIF1A knockdown induced
a decrease in the expression of hypoxia related genes and a decrease of 30% in cell proliferation
was also observed. Also, a significant increase in the methylation of ATG16L1 promoter and
decrease in the methylation of EPAS1 promoter were observed after HIF1A knockdown.

Conclusion:

HIF1A knockdown in medulloblastoma cells lead to decreased cellular proliferation,
suggesting that HIF1A can be a potential therapeutic target to be explored in the medulloblastoma.
However, the mechanisms behind HIF1A protein stabilization and function are very complex and
more data need to be generated to potentially use HIF1A as a therapeutical target.
INDEXICALITY OF RELIGIOUS IDENTITY IN YALE MSA E-COMMUNICATION
Authors: Munandar Aris
Published: March 2017

Muslims in the U.S is a minority group, thus, vulnerable to discrimation. Yale Muslim Students Association (Yale MSA) as a Muslim community on Campus provides Yale students with the opportunity to come together in a supportive Muslim environment and seeks to educate the Yale and New Haven communities about Islam (YaleMSA.org). This article discusses how Yale MSA indexes Muslim identity in its emails and webpage communication and how the indexicality shows Yale MSA as an empowered Muslim community on campus. It applies the framework for identity analysis proposed by Bucholtz and Hall (2005), especially principle (3) identities may be linguistically indexed through labels, implicatures, stances, styles, or linguistic structures and systems. The analysis of Yale MSA in-group e-mail communication (Yale MSA@gmail.com) and in out-group webpage communication (YaleMSA.org) during the 2008-2014 periods reveals that Yale MSA uses Arabic borrowings and expressions presupposing Muslim life to index’s its Muslim identity. The intensive use of Arabic borrowings in the in-group communication heightens the Islamic atmosphere and strengthens solidarity among members, while the use of Arabic borrowings in combination with English equivalent in out-group communication mitigates prejudice from different faith groups. The choice of overt labels “Muslim” and “non Muslim” rather than “Moslem” and “nonbeliever” implies Yale MSA’s freedom to speak its own voice, and advocate for equal respect among different faith groups in Yale campus and New Haven community. The confidence in speaking its own voice and asserting an equal stance demonstrates that Yale MSA is an empowered Muslim community.
Treatment of Renal Angiomyolipoma and Other Hamartomas in Patients with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: Samuels Joshua A.
Published: March 2017

Tuberous sclerosis complex is an autosomal dominant genetic disease characterized by growth of benign tumors (hamartomas) in multiple organs, especially the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, and skin. Tuberous sclerosis complex is usually caused by a mutation in either the tuberous sclerosis complex 1 or tuberous sclerosis complex 2 gene, resulting in constitutive activation of mammalian target of rapamycin signaling. Currently, mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors are recommended in adult patients with tuberous sclerosis complex for the treatment of asymptomatic, growing renal angiomyolipoma that are >3 cm in diameter and pediatric or adult patients with brain lesions (subependymal giant cell astrocytoma) that either are growing or are not amenable to surgical resection. Clinical evidence suggests that systemic administration of a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor may provide concurrent improvements in multiple lesions and symptoms of tuberous sclerosis complex. With the major paradigm shift in consensus guidelines toward screening at diagnosis and ongoing monitoring and with the recent availability of an effective oral treatment, it is important that nephrologists have a thorough understanding of our role in the management of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex. Because the various manifestations of tuberous sclerosis complex typically emerge at different periods during patients’ lifetimes, patients will need to be followed throughout their lives. Unlike brain and cardiac lesions, renal lesions are more likely to emerge as patients age and can grow at any time. Considerations regarding long-term medication administration for the potential control of multiple tuberous sclerosis complex manifestations will need to be addressed; these include the most appropriate starting dose, appropriate doses for tumor shrinkage versus prevention of regrowth, and management of adverse events. Best practices and potential obstacles for nephrologists treating patients with tuberous sclerosis complex who have multiple manifestations are considered.
Differential Effects of Dapagliflozin on Cardiovascular Risk Factors at Varying Degrees of Renal Function
Authors: Petrykiv Sergei , Sjöström C. David , Greasley Peter J. , Xu John , Persson Frederik , Heerspink Hiddo J.L.
Published: March 2017

Background and objective

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition with dapagliflozin decreases hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), body weight, BP, and albuminuria (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio). Dapagliflozin also modestly increases hematocrit, likely related to osmotic diuresis/natriuresis. Prior studies suggest that the HbA1c–lowering effects of dapagliflozin attenuate at lower eGFR. However, effects on other cardiovascular risk factors at different eGFR levels are incompletely understood.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This pooled analysis of 11 phase 3 clinical trials assessed changes in HbA1c, body weight, BP, hematocrit, and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio with placebo (n=2178) or dapagliflozin 10 mg (n=2226) over 24 weeks in patients with type 2 diabetes according to baseline eGFR (eGFR≥45 to <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2, eGFR≥60 to <90 ml/min per 1.73 m2, and eGFR≥90 ml/min per 1.73 m2).

Results

Compared with placebo, reductions in HbA1c with dapagliflozin were 0.6%, 0.5%, and 0.3%, respectively, for each consecutive lower eGFR subgroup (P value interaction <0.001). Effects of dapagliflozin on hematocrit, body weight, and BP were similar regardless of baseline eGFR, suggesting that effects potentially related to volume and natriuresis are eGFR independent. Moreover, among individuals with baseline urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g, placebo-adjusted reductions in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio were larger in the lowest eGFR subgroup (P value interaction <0.001). Adverse events occurred more frequently in the lowest eGFR subgroup; this was true for both dapagliflozin- and placebo-treated patients.

Conclusions

The HbA1c–lowering effects of dapagliflozin decrease as renal function declines. However, dapagliflozin consistently decreases body weight, BP, and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio regardless of eGFR. These effects in conjunction with the finding of similar effects on hematocrit, a proxy for volume contraction, suggest that the effects of dapagliflozin are partly mediated via nonglucosuric-dependent mechanisms.
Pathological vascular and inflammatory biomarkers of acute- and chronic-phase traumatic brain injury
Authors: Werhane Madeleine L , Evangelista Nicole D , Clark Alexandra L , Sorg Scott F , Bangen Katherine J , Tran My , Schiehser Dawn M , Delano-Wood Lisa
Published: March 2017

Given the demand for developing objective methods for characterizing traumatic brain injury (TBI), research dedicated to evaluating putative biomarkers has burgeoned over the past decade. Since it is critical to elucidate the underlying pathological processes that underlie the higher diverse outcomes that follow neurotrauma, considerable efforts have been aimed at identifying biomarkers of both the acute- and chronic-phase TBI. Such information is not only critical for helping to elucidate the pathological changes that lead to poor long-term outcomes following TBI but it may also assist in the identification of possible prevention and interventions for individuals who sustain head trauma. In the current review, we discuss the potential role of vascular dysfunction and chronic inflammation in both acute- and chronic-phase TBI, and we also highlight existing studies that have investigated inflammation biomarkers associated with poorer injury outcome.
The role of external auditing in activating the governance for controlling banking risk
Authors: Ahmad Muhannad Akram , Alrabba Hussein Mohammed
Published: March 2017

This study was done to investigate the role of external auditing in activating the governance for controlling banking risk. The study was mainly focused on Jordanian banking sector. Data for this study was collected using structured and non-structured questionnaires. The questionnaires were distributed randomly to internal auditors in different banks in Jordan. To ensure that accurate result was achieved, hypotheses testing was done using sample-t-test where alternative hypotheses were accepted and null hypotheses rejected. The most valid result that was obtained in this study was that external auditing was the main tool that is able to activate the governance of banking risk. The result showed that with the existence of external auditors, the management of a bank has to be very vigilant to ensure that there are no financial risks affecting banking sector of Jordan. Most vital recommendation determined by the researcher was to ensure that the banking sector of Jordan keeps proper financial records in order to mitigate the extent of financial risk. It is also recommended for all financial institutions in Jordan to adopt the use of accounting information technology to improve accounting functions of the banks. In this research study, 11 different banks were investigated to provide actual evidence of the roles external auditing play in activating governance to mitigate financial risk. 70% of the banks showed that external audit activate the management governance while only 30% of the Jordan banks denied that fact. The aim of this research was to determine the roles played by external audit to manage risk. The main focus was on banking sector of Jordan. In this analysis, were able to determine different risks which affects banking sector of Jordan. Finally, the banking sector of Jordan must adopt international accounting standards such as transparency, accountability, integrity and objectivity when preparing financial statements.
Organizational control and performance: An empirical study of financial institutions
Authors: Sulistyani Lilis , Ghozali Imam , Isgiyarta Jaka
Published: March 2017

The aim of this research was to examine the effect of diagnostic control system and interactive control system on organizational performance with organizational capability as intervening variable. Resource-based view theory was used for underlying the association between the variables. The respondents were 84 Financial Institutions in Indonesia. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Model with Warp PLS 3.0. The results show that the diagnostic control system has positive significant effect on organizational capability but no significant effect on organizational performance. Interactive control system is proven to have positive significant effect on organizational capability and organizational performance. Organizational capability is proven not to mediate the association between diagnostic control system and organizational performance, but it mediates partially the association between interactive control system and organizational performance partially.