bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Land‐Grant University Faculty Attitudes in and Engagement with Open Source Scholarship and Commercialization
Authors: Barham Brad , Goldman Irwin , van Rijn Jordan , Foltz Jeremy , Agnes Maria Isabella
Published: May 2017

Core Ideas

The push for open source/open access science recalls the formation of land grant universities.

A 2016 LGU faculty survey revealed strong support for open source/open access science.

Most based research choices around scientific curiosity than commercialization potential.

Plant scientists had the highest reliance on licensing revenues but still only 3% of total lab revenues.

It may be time to reassess the research model of public universities.

Based on a nationally representative survey done in 2016, this article examines the attitudes and activities of agricultural and life science faculty at US land grant universities with respect to open access/open source versus commercialization of research. The findings reveal pervasive faculty support for open scientific inquiry and sharing of knowledge and relatively low levels of participation in and laboratory market funding associated with commercialization activities. These results point toward the potential timeliness of a reassessment of public universities policies and public relations with respect to open science and commercialization.
Transformaciones socioeconómicas territoriales en el municipio de San Martín Texmelucan, México 1980-2010
Authors: Mendez Espinoza Jose Arturo , Tomé Hernández Griselda , Pérez Ramírez Nicolás , Ramírez Juárez Javier
Published: May 2017

El artículo analiza las transformaciones socioeconómicas suscitadas en el municipio de San Martín Texmelucan durante el periodo 1980-2010, bajo la mirada del enfoque de nueva ruralidad. La información se sustenta en revisión bibliográfica y documental, recorridos de campo, entrevistas a profundidad con informantes clave y análisis de información geoespacial. Al respecto, se viene verificando un acelerado proceso de urbanización a partir de la década de los ochenta y noventa, y es en la década de los noventa cuando se configuran dos tipos de conurbaciones: central y periférica. En esta década, se originó un cambio de base económica agrícola a una industrial. Una década después, se presenta un claro movimiento de terciarización de lo rural. En el ámbito de los cambios espaciales, se encontró una importante disminución en la superficie agrícola, de vegetación y humedal, mientras que el área urbana se  incrementó.
La familia: un estudio comparativo de percepciones juveniles de mexicanos y japoneses
Authors: Salgado Reveles Mario Alejandro
Published: May 2017

Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la percepción que tienen los jóvenes universitarios de Japón y México en lo referido a la familia: la obediencia de los hijos hacia los padres, el miembro de la familia más apreciado, el rol que toma el padre en el hogar, cuidados de los hijos mayores hacia los padres al llegar a la vejez, comunicación, expresión de sentimientos y convivio familiar.Método: El método elegido fue el de encuesta por cuestionario con respuestas de opción múltiple bajo una Escala Likert, el primer instrumento (Izawa y Salgado, 2015) consiste de 40 reactivos y fue aplicado a 188 estudiantes de nivel superior, 94 mexicanos en la ciudad de Tijuana, Baja California México y 94 japoneses en Joetsu, Niigata Japón; el segundo instrumento (Chávez, Katano, Lee y Salgado, 2015) consiste de 18 reactivos y fue aplicado a 44 alumnos universitarios japoneses y mexicanos que cursaban el nivel superior. Este estudio fue realizado con el fin de mostrar los efectos de la cultura sobre la personalidad a través de la percepción que se tiene sobre la familia. Ambas encuestas contaron con una tabla de evaluación de expertos que arrojó resultados de una prueba binomial menor al nivel de significancia de 0.005, en cuanto a la confiabilidad se llevó a cabo un test-retest, la consistencia interna del coeficiente Alfa de Cronbach en el primer cuestionario fue de .754 y en el segundo de .880.Resultados: Los reactivos que mostraron un nivel de correlación más alto en ambas naciones fueron: «Los espososo tienden a halagar rasgos de la personalidad de su esposa en público» con «los espososo tienden a halagar rasgos físicos de su esposa en público». Los puntos en los que más coinciden los japoneses y mexicanos son los siguientes: las generaciones actuales no desean ser como su padre al llegar a la adultez; el estilo disciplinario no suele ser autoritario en cuanto obediencia o castigos; en ambas culturas 4 de 10 padres juega un rol mínimo en la crianza de los hijos; las tareas domésticas usualmente son realizadas por la mujer independientemente de si trabaja o no.Discusión: Pese a que los mexicanos suelen convivir más tiempo en familia, a la hora de comer, los japoneses otorgan mayor importancia a la convivencia familiar, es el momento en el que tienen oportunidad de comer y hablar sobre cómo les fue en el día. Por otra parte, los padres mexicanos expresan más sus sentimientos entre ellos, asimismo los hombres suelen halagar en mayor medida los atributos físicos y de personalidad de su esposa y le dicen que ama a su pareja con mayor frecuencia que los japoneses. Por último, a diferencia del padre, la madre al estar conviviendo más tiempo con los hijos favorece a que se le considere como la figura más querida y confiable a la que suelen acudir cuando tienen un problema, es menester mencionar que es también quien suele encargarse en mayor medida de la disciplina y las tareas domésticas en contraste con el padre.
Spatial distribution and temporal changes in river water temperature in the Baltic States
Authors: Jurgelėnaitė A. , Kriaučiūnienė J. , Reihan A. , Latkovska I. , Apsīte E.
Published: May 2017

The thermal regime of rivers in the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) is not sufficiently studied. The presented research describes the spatial distribution and temporal variation of river water temperature (WT) in the Baltic States using a unified methodology. The object of the research is the WT of rivers during the warm season (May–October) and the warmest month of the year (July). The contour maps of WT were compiled for the rivers of the Baltic States using data series for the period 1961–1990 from 17 water measuring stations in Estonia (EST), 36 stations in Latvia (LV) and 40 stations in Lithuania (LT). These maps allow the evaluation of WT for the unmonitored rivers. Analysis of long-term (1951–2010) changes of river WT showed that during the first half of this period (1951–1980), river WT decreased significantly (0.003 °C/warm season). Meanwhile, only positive trends prevailed over the last three decades (1981–2010) in the river WT of the Baltic States. During the latest period, rivers which show significant positive trends in WT warm up significantly – by 0.04 °C/warm season.
Sobre certas dissimilaridades entre as Investigações filosóficas de Wittgenstein e o behaviorismo radical de Skinner [On certain dissimilarities between Wittgenstein's Philosophical investigations and Skinner's radical behaviorism]
Authors: Magalhães Tiago De Oliveira
Published: May 2017

A oposição ao dualismo, ao mentalismo, ao reducionismo e ao referencialismo, bem como a cuidadosa atenção dada ao comportamento, vêm sendo corretamente apontadas como similaridades entre o Behaviorismo Radical de Skinner e a filosofia tardia de Wittgenstein. Com o intuito de contribuir para uma comparação mais completa entre as obras desses autores, este artigo procura evidenciar pontos em torno dos quais eles divergem. Em linhas gerais, algumas das dissimilaridades mais significativas consistem em, contrariamente a Wittgenstein, Skinner alinhar-se à metafilosofia naturalista, dar ênfase à natureza empírica e pragmática do conhecimento, defender a possibilidade de compreensão da normatividade e da racionalidade em termos de regularidades factuais, adotar uma postura eliminativista diante da linguagem comum e empregar o conceito de eventos privados.[The opposition to dualism, mentalism, reductionism and referentialism, as well as the careful attention given to behavior, has been correctly indicated as similarities between Skinner’s Radical Behaviorism and Wittgenstein’s late philosophy. In order to concur to a more complete comparison, this work attempts to highlight points around which these authors diverge. Broadly, some of the most significant dissimilarities are related to the fact that, unlike Wittgenstein, Skinner embraces a naturalist metaphilosophy, emphasizes the empirical and pragmatic nature of knowledge, defends the possibility of understanding normativity and rationality in terms of factual regularities, adopts an eliminativist stance towards common language and makes use of the concept of private events.]
O problema da intuição intelectual enquanto postulado prático em Fichte [The problem of intellectual intuition as a practical postulate in Fichte]
Authors: Cecim Arthur Martins
Published: May 2017

Na Modernidade, o idealista alemão Fichte reconstrói o conceito de intuição intelectual não mais em termos de um procedimento teórico-reflexivo que visa o conhecimento da pretensa coisa-em-si, mas em termos de uma intuição de cunho prático, a partir do conceito kantiano de postulado prático, o que acaba por refletir a primazia da liberdade da razão prática sobre a razão teórica, tendo em vista a impossibilidade de conhecermos as realidades absolutas. Não obstante, essa intuição é problemática por não tratar de uma realidade objetiva, mas tão somente de uma subjetividade autorreflexiva.[In Modernity, the German idealist Fichte reconstructs the intellectual intuition not in terms of a theoretical-reflexive procedure that aims at the pretense knowledge of the thing-in-itself, but in terms of a practical-oriented intuition, from the Kantian concept of practical postulate, which ultimately reflects the priority of freedom in the practical reason over the theoretical reason, taking into account the impossibility of knowing the absolute realities. Nevertheless, this intuition is problematic, for it does not concern an objective reality, but only a self-reflected subjectivity]
O robe de Descartes: uma discussão em torno da melancolia e da origem da razão moderna [Descartes' robe: a discussion on melancholy and the origin of modern reason]
Authors: Manzi Filho Ronaldo
Published: May 2017

A melancolia é descrita no século XVII na Enciclopédia de Diderot e d’Alembert como um “delírio da alma” que pode ser notado por outra pessoa através do comportamento, da linguagem, do estado de humor, etc. Mas como eu mesmo poderia saber se estou delirando ou não? Esse verbete parece ter um endereço: a própria raiz da Razão moderna. Não é esse o tema central em Descartes: a fundamentação da Razão e a possibilidade da loucura? No Discurso do método e nas Meditações metafísicas, Descartes parte de situações “fictícias”: sua própria vida, sua experiência diante de uma lareira com seu robe, etc. – fictícias porque não se sabe exatamente se se trata de um delírio ou não. Sua obra é descrita como uma fábula, como ele mesmo o diz. O tempo todo ele está diante de “fantasmas”: a possibilidade da loucura, de um Gênio Maligno... Não é exatamente essa descrição da melancolia que Descartes temia – de uma possibilidade de se viver numa “doença da alma”? Este texto busca mostrar que a Razão moderna, ao invés de tentar excluir o delírio de seu interior, é credora, no fundo, de uma reflexão que leva a sério a possibilidade da loucura.[Melancholy is described in the eighteenth century in Diderot and d'Alembert’s Encyclopedia as a “delirium of the soul” that can be noticed by others through one’s behavior, language, mood, etc. But how could one know whether or not one is delirious? This entry seems to be addressing: the very root of modern reason. Is this not the central theme in Descartes: the foundation of Reason and the possibility of madness? In Discourse on the Method and Meditations on First Philosophy, Descartes starts from of a “fictitious” situations: his life, his experience in front of a fireplace with his robe, etc. Fictitious because it is not known exactly whether this is just a delusion or not. His work is described as a fable, as he himself says. All the time he is facing “ghosts”: the possibility of madness, an Evil Genie... It this not exactly the description of melancholy that Descartes feared – the possibility of one’s living with a “disease of the soul”? The present text goals to show that modern reason, rather than trying to exclude delirium from its interior, it owes a great deal to a reflection that takes the possibility of madness seriously.]
Merleau-Ponty, percepção e arte [Merleau-Ponty, perception and art]
Authors: Silva Claudinei Aparecido de Freitas da
Published: May 2017

Me proponho traçar, em linhas gerais, um recorte mínimo da coletânea Merleau-Ponty and the art of perception, publicada pela Suny Press, em 2016, sob a organização de Duane H. Davis e William S. Hamrick. A obra traz para a primeira cena de debate, a figura de Merleau-Ponty, ao retratar alguns de seus temas mais capilares tendo como fio condutor as noções de “percepção” e “arte”. [I propose to outline, in general, a minimal profile of the compilation Merleau-Ponty and the art of perception, published by Suny Press, in 2016, edited by Duane H. Davis and William S. Hamrick. The work brings to the first scene of debate the figure of Merleau-Ponty portraying some of its most capillary themes having the notions of “perception” and “art” as a guide.]
A transsumptio e o uso de enigmas como "saída" para um discurso sobre o divino em De docta ignorantia (1440) de Nicolau de Cusa [The transsumptio and the use of puzzles as a "way out" for a discourse on divine in Nicholas of Cusa's De docta ignorantia (1440)]
Authors: Souza Klédson Tiago Alves de , Teixeira Neto José
Published: May 2017

Este artigo traz traços de uma importante discussão dentro do contexto da filosofia de Nicolau de Cusa, a saber, a discussão sobre o conceito de transsumptio e o uso de enigmas como uma saída para um discurso acerca do princípio primeiro, isto é, Deus. O objetivo é mostrar como esta perspectiva enigmática ou simbólica aparece na filosofia cusana, especialmente nas três obras que se propõe a discutir este trabalho: De docta ignorantia (1440), De visione dei (1453) e De non aliud (1462).[This article brings out traces of an important discussion in the context of the philosophy of Nicholas of Cusa, i.e. the discussion about the concept of transsumptio and the use of puzzles as a way out for a discourse on the first principle, that is, God. The objective is to show how this enigmatic or symbolic perspective appears in the Cusan philosophy especially in the three works that this work proposes to discuss: De docta ignorantia (1440), De visione dei (1453) and De non aliud (1462).]
Food and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Surdea-Blaga Teodora , Negrutiu Dana E. , Palage Mariana , Dumitrascu Dan L.
Published: May 2017

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic condition with a high prevalence in western countries. Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation episodes and a decreased lower esophageal sphincter pressure are the main mechanisms involved. Currently used drugs are efficient on reflux symptoms, but only as long as they are administered, because they do not modify the reflux barrier. Certain nutrients or foods are generally considered to increase the frequency of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, therefore physicians recommend changes in diet and some patients avoid bothering foods. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding food and gastroesophageal reflux. For example, fat intake increases the perception of reflux symptoms. Regular coffee and chocolate induce gastroesophageal reflux and increase the lower esophageal exposure to acid. Spicy foods might induce heartburn, but the exact mechanism is not known. Beer and wine induce gastroesophageal reflux, mainly in the first hour after intake. For other foods, like fried food or carbonated beverages data on gastroesophageal reflux is scarce. Similarly, there are few data about the type of diet and gastroesophageal reflux. Mediterranean diet and a very low carbohydrate diet protect against reflux. Regarding diet-related practices, consistent data showed that a “short-meal-to-sleep interval” favors reflux episodes, therefore some authors recommend that dinner should be at least four hours before bedtime. All these recommendations should consider patient’s weight, because several meta-analyses showed a positive association between increased body mass index and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Musification of Seismic Data
Authors: McGee Ryan , Rogers David
Published: May 2017

Seismic events are physical vibrations induced in the earth’s crust which follow the general wave equation, making seismic data naturally conducive to audiﬁcation. Simply increasing the playback rates of seismic recordings and rescaling the amplitude values to match those of digital audio samples (straight audiﬁcation) can produce eerily realistic door slamming and explosion sounds. While others have produced a plethora of sucha udiﬁcations for international seismic events (i.e. earthquakes), the resulting sounds, while distinct to the trained auditory scientist, often lack enough variety to produce multiple instrumental timbres for the creation of engaging music for the public. This paper discusses approaches of soniﬁcation processing towards eventual musiﬁcation of seismic data, beginning with straight audiﬁcation and resulting in several musical compositions and new-media installations containing a variety of seismically derived timbres.
Sonification, Musification, and Synthesis of Absolute Program Music
Authors: Coop Allan D.
Published: May 2017

When understood as a communication system, a musical work can be interpreted as data existing within three domains. In this interpretation an absolute domain is interposed as a communication channel between two programatic domains that act respectively as source and receiver. As a source, a programatic domain creates, evolves, organizes, and represents a musical work. When acting as a receiver it re-constitutes acoustic signals into unique auditory experience. The absolute domain transmits physical vibrations ranging from the stochastic structures of noise to the periodic waveforms of organized sound. Analysis of acoustic signals suggest recognition as a musical work requires signal periodicity to exceed some minimum. A methodological framework that satisﬁes recent deﬁnitions of soniﬁcation is outlined. This framework is proposed to extend to musiﬁcation through incorporation of data features that represent more traditional elements of a musical work such as melody, harmony, and rhythm.
Word Spotting in a Multichannel Virtual Auditory Display at Normal and Accelerated Rates of Speech
Authors: Brock Derek , Wasylyshyn Christina , McClimens Brian
Published: May 2017

The demands of concurrent radio communications in Navy shipboard command centers contribute to the problem of operator information overload and impede personnel optimization goals for new platforms. Motivations for serializing this task and human performance research with virtual, multichannel, rate-accelerated speech in support of this idea are briefly reviewed, and the results of a recent listening study in which participants carried out a Navyrelevant word-spotting task in this context are reported.
Comparison between Different Measures of Body Fat with Kidney Function Decline and Incident CKD
Authors: Madero Magdalena , Katz Ronit , Murphy Rachel , Newman Anne , Patel Kushang , Ix Joachim , Peralta Carmen , Satterfield Suzanne , Fried Linda , Shlipak Michael , Sarnak Mark
Published: May 2017

Background and objectives

Although anthropometric measures of body fat are associated with development of CKD, they may not be able to distinguish between various forms of fat and therefore may be less accurate than computed tomography (CT) measures. We compared the association of CT and anthropometric measures of obesity with kidney outcomes in the Health Aging and Body Composition Study.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Participants were recruited from March of 1997 through July of 1998. CT measures included visceral abdominal fat (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and intermuscular fat area (IMAT), whereas anthropometric measures included waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI). Kidney outcomes included kidney function (KF) decline (30% decrease in eGFRcysC in follow-up at either year 3 or 10) or incident CKD (follow-up eGFRcysC≤60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 in individuals with baseline GFR>60 ml/min per 1.73 m2). Multivariable logistic regression models and Poisson regression models were used to evaluate the association with decline in KF and incident kidney disease, respectively. We also assessed for the independent associations among the exposure measures by including them in the same model.

Results

Two-thousand four-hundred and eighty-nine individuals were included. Mean age was 74±3 years, 49% were men, 39% were black, 59% were hypertensive, and 15% were diabetic. KF decline occurred in 17% of the population, whereas incident CKD also occurred in 17% of those at risk. In continuous models, SAT, VAT, IMAT, BMI, and WC (per SD increase) were all significantly associated with KF decline. There was a significant interaction between VAT and CKD with regard to KF decline (P=0.01). Only VAT, BMI, and WC were associated with incident CKD. Only VAT remained a significant risk factor for incident CKD when other exposure variables were included in the same model. There was no association between any measure of obesity and kidney outcomes when creatinine values at years 3 and 10 were used to estimate changes in eGFR.

Conclusions

Anthropometric measures of body fat appear to provide as consistent estimates of KF decline risk as CT measures in elders.
Choice of Hemodialysis Access in Older Adults: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Hall Rasheeda K. , Myers Evan R. , Rosas Sylvia E. , O’Hare Ann M. , Colón-Emeric Cathleen S.
Published: May 2017

Background and objectives

Although arteriovenous fistulas have been found to be the most cost-effective form of hemodialysis access, the relative benefits of placing an arteriovenous fistula versus an arteriovenous graft seem to be least certain for older adults and when placed preemptively. However, older adults’ life expectancy is heterogeneous, and most patients do not undergo permanent access creation until after dialysis initiation. We evaluated cost-effectiveness of arteriovenous fistula placement after dialysis initiation in older adults as a function of age and life expectancy.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Using a hypothetical cohort of patients on incident hemodialysis with central venous catheters, we constructed Markov models of three treatment options: (1) arteriovenous fistula placement, (2) arteriovenous graft placement, or (3) continued catheter use. Costs, utilities, and transitional probabilities were derived from existing literature. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed by age group (65–69, 70–74, 75–79, 80–84, and 85–89 years old) and quartile of life expectancy. Costs, quality-adjusted life-months, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were evaluated for up to 5 years.

Results

The arteriovenous fistula option was cost effective compared with continued catheter use for all age and life expectancy groups, except for 85–89 year olds in the lowest life expectancy quartile. The arteriovenous fistula option was more cost effective than the arteriovenous graft option for all quartiles of life expectancy among the 65- to 69-year-old age group. For older age groups, differences in cost-effectiveness between the strategies were attenuated, and the arteriovenous fistula option tended to only be cost effective in patients with life expectancy >2 years. For groups for which the arteriovenous fistula option was not cost saving, the cost to gain one quality-adjusted life-month ranged from $2294 to $14,042.

Conclusions

Among older adults, the cost-effectiveness of an arteriovenous fistula placed within the first month of dialysis diminishes with increasing age and lower life expectancy and is not the most cost-effective option for those with the most limited life expectancy.

Podcast

This article contains a podcast at https://www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/CJASN/2017_05_18_Hall.mp3
The Continuum of Mind-Body Interplay—From Placebo Effect to Unexplained Cures
Authors: Saad Marcelo , Medeiros Roberta de
Published: May 2017

Mind and body are components of the same entity, with many relations of great importance to health and disease. The next medical frontier will be to answer what are all the mind and body relations, and how it can be explored in clinical practice. In the present manuscript, the authors collected elements that could collaborate to such advancement. The first challenge is to identify how diverse mind-body phenomena, apparently different, may share common grounds, as different manifestations from a unique self-healing mechanism. The range of such spectrum goes from the underestimated placebo effect to the unexplained cure of serious diseases. In such continuum of common and uncommon phenomena regarding mind-body interactions, small daily wonders may be found in the placebo effect and spirituality in health; unusual special marvels may be found in altered states of consciousness; and great rare miracles may be found in trance states and unexplained cures. Some informal mind-body interventions may have the potential to support the clinical treatment and they could be prescribed by every clinician. Finally, the advancement of the self-healing concept could lead to a better clinical exploration of such natural hidden potential.
A VALIDATED ANALYTICAL HPLC METHOD FOR THE QUANTIFICATION OF LINCOMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE IN BULK AND SOLID DOSAGE FORM
Authors: Kumar P. Rajeev , Rajeevkumar Rekha
Published: May 2017

Objective: Develop a simple isocratic reverse phase high performance liquid chromatographic method (RP-HPLC) and validate for the determination of lincomycin hydrochloride (LMH) in bulk and pharmaceutical preparations.Methods: RP-HPLC quantification was carried out by using fine pack SIL RPC18 column. The mobile phase (methanol: water) was pumped at a flow rate of 1 ml/min in the ratio of 90:10 v/v and the eluents were monitored at 254 nm.Results: The retention time of the drug was 3.73 min and produced at a linear response in the concentration range of 5-25µg/ml. The percentage RSD was found to be below 2%. The LOD and LOQ were found to be 0.854µg/ml and 0.258µg/ml respectively.Conclusion: Validation of the method was performed for precision, accuracy, linearity, ruggedness, specificity and sensitivity to conform to ICH guidelines for valuation for analytical methods.
ADVANCES IN LIPOSOMAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM: FASCINATING TYPES AND POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS
Authors: Bonde Smita , Nair Sukanya
Published: May 2017

Liposomes are an efficient novel drug delivery system. They are used because of their structure which is stable and due to their ability to accommodate both lipophilic and hydrophilic drug. Various fascinating types of liposomes have been developed in recent past to further enhance their utility. Long-circulating liposomes or stealth liposomes are able to hide from the defence system of the body and circulate for a longer time in the blood. Targeted liposomes namely immuno- liposomes consists of antibodies conjugated on their surface to improve the specificity of the cell. Liposomes have been modified as per the conditions of pH and temperature, specifically designed to improve drug delivery to targeted tumor cells. Liposomes are being used in the treatment of various diseases and there are various liposomal drug formulations available today. Liposomes can be used as carriers for genetic materials such as antisense, DNA, RNA which are useful in the treatment of diseases. Liposomes are also efficient carriers of cytokines which further activate macrophages. This review provides the detailed insight of types and applications of liposomes and the potential challenges in the development of liposomal drug delivery systems.
ASSESSMENT OF EFFECT OF SHODHANA ON PHYTOCHEMICAL AND CHROMATOGRAPHICAL PROFILE OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF CLASSICAL PROCESSED DANTI (BALIOSPERMUM MONTANUM WILLD.) ROOT
Authors: Rout Siba Prasad , Shukla V. J. , Acharya Rabinarayan
Published: May 2017

Objective: Ayurveda recommends the use of Danti root after Shodhana (Processing/Purification) where the powder Pippali (Piperlongum Linn.) fruit, honey and Kusha (Desmostachya bippinata Stapf.) leaves are being used. But the additive effect of all these drugs on Danti root are yet to be explored scientifically. Principal component analysis (PCA), a multivariate data analysis technique targeting to assess the discrimination effect of psychic nut, for evaluating the additive effect, can be used to assess the effect of Shodhana on preliminary physicochemical, phytochemical parameters upon four levels of Danti (Baliospermum montanum Willd.) root.Methods: Roots of raw Danti, after proper botanical authentication, were subjected for classically recommended Shodhana procedure and four groups of Danti root like raw Danti (RD), Classical processed Danti root (CPDR), Kusha processed Danti root (KPDR), water processed Danti root (WPDR) were obtained at various levels of Danti Shodhana. Methanolic macerated extracts of all four Danti root groups were subjected for preliminary physicochemical, phytochemical and chromatographic screening. The obtained data were analyzed with the help of the Un-scrambler Camo Software for multivariate data analysis.Results: The methanolic and water extractive value of CPDR group is more than remaining sections holding lower ash value and high-intensity colour reaction during phytochemical screenings of steroid, flavonoid etc.Conclusion: Analysis of PCA technique suggests a similar trend in between RD and KPDR group while CPDR and WPDR on a different in score plot.
EVALUATION OF PIGMENTS AS ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIBACTERIAL AGENTS FROM BETA VULGARIS LINN.
Authors: Saani Mariya , Lawrence Reena
Published: May 2017

Objective: The work is aimed to evaluate the health beneficial properties of (Beta vulgaris) Beetroot. Beetroot ranks among the 10 most powerful vegetable as a natural antioxidant and has a potential source of natural food colourant. The present work is therefore organized to evaluate the Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Antioxidant activity and Antibacterial activity of the Ethanolic and Methanolic extracts of Beetroot.Methods: In the present work the Total Phenolic Content was determined by using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method of the Ethanolic and Methanolic extracts of Beetroot (Beta vulgaris). The antioxidant scavenging activity of these extracts was determined by applying three different assay methods: (1) (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl) DPPH method, (2) Ferric thiocyanate (FTC) method and (3) Thiobarbituric acid (TBA). The antibacterial test was examined against gram positive (B. subtilis, S. aureus) and gram negative (E. coli, S. dysenteriae) bacterial strains.Results: In the present work the Methanolic extract showed greater TPC value 394.8 mg/g GAE than the Ethanolic extract 316.8 mg/g GAE. A correlation between antiradical capacities of the extracts with TPC value was clearly observed. The Methanolic extract was found to be most effective in all the methods. 50% scavenging power of the Methanolic and Ethanolic extracts were (0.129 mg/ml and 0.254 mg/ml) in DPPH method respectively. Moreover, in TBA and FTC method, both the extracts of Beetroot exhibited strong percentage inhibition ranging from 49%-62%. The results of the antibacterial test indicated that the Ethanolic and Methanolic extracts of Beetroot are significantly effective, both in Gram-negative (E. coli, S. dysenteriae) and in Gram-positive (B. subtilis, S. aureus) bacterium.Conclusion: Thus, from the above experimental observations, it can be clearly stated that the Beetroot is a promising source of natural antioxidant and antibacterial agent and definitely provides an alternative towards synthetic antioxidant because of its beneficial properties.
ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF STEROIDS FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF PROSOPIS JULIFLORA
Authors: Preeti Khandelwal , A. Sharma R. , Mala Agarwal
Published: May 2017

Objective: The present study was carried out to investigate the steroid content present in the leaves, stem, pods and callus of Prosopis juliflora.Methods: The method of Tomita et al., was used for isolation of steroids. The structure of the isolated compound was established on the basis of physical and chemical test and spectroscopic evidence (TLC, IR and GC-MS).Results: The study concluded that a single type of steroid Diosgenin was found in the selected plant species.Conclusion: Diosgenin is an important steroidal metabolite used as a starting material for the synthesis of steroidal drugs, as it exhibits estrogenic activity.
IN VITRO EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF MICRO PROPAGATED CALLUS OF CURUULIGO ORCHIODES (BLACK MUSILLI) AGAR WELL DIFFUSION AND MINIMUM INHIBITORY CONCENTRATION (MIC)
Authors: Garapati Rajanikanth , Ramesh N.
Published: May 2017

Objective: In vitro investigated the potential of methanol extracts of micro-propagated C. orchiodes in the antimicrobial property against the three gram-negative bacteria, two gram-positive and one fungal filament.Methods: The micro propagated callus methanol extract was examined against Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Candida albicans. The zone of inhibitions are determined at 10 mg/ml concentration of methanol extracts of callus on agar well plate and MIC against tested microorganism.Results: The highest antibacterial activity recorded in Staphylococcus aureus Bacillus cereus and followed by Candida albicans. Antibacterial activity of leaf extracts of A. reticulata was also significant against the tested microorganisms Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa compared to ciprofloxacin.Conclusion: Based on the above observations, these extracts were further evaluated for their effect on microorganisms causing infections like typhoid fever, urinary tract infections, septicemia, toxic shock syndrome, skin infection, nosocomial infection, arthritis and diarrhoea. The results also suggest that these plants serve a therapeutic purpose in the treatment bacterial infections.
PRELIMINARY PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND IN VITRO ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF STEM OF THE HERB BASELLA ALBA L. VAR RUBRA (L.) STEWART (FAMILY-BASELLACEAE)
Authors: Deka Juman , Borah Uttam , Dash Biswajit , Dash Suvakanta , Kalita Lawrence
Published: May 2017

Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity ethanolic extracts of Basella alba L. var. rubra (L.) stewart (family-basellaceae) along with phytochemical analysis.Methods: The ethanolic extract of stems of the herb Basella alba L. var. rubra (L.) stewart (family-basellaceae) were prepared and analysed for phytochemical constituents using standard methods. The antimicrobial activity of the plant extracts were examined against 2 bacterial strains among one is gram positive and other is gram negative and2 fungal strains using agar well diffusion method.Results: The present study describes the phytochemical profile and antimicrobial activity of Basella alba L. var. rubra (L.) stewart. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract were carried out and it revealed the presence of carbohydrates, tannins, terpene, saponin. The presence of these bioactive constituents is associated with the antimicrobial activity of the plant. The extract solvated by ethanol showed varying levels of antimicrobial activity against the tested bacteria namely E. coli, S. aureus, and fungi namely Candida albicans and Trichophyton rubrum. The study showed that the extract has a marked Sensitivity towards antibacterial strains namely E. coli, S. aureus, and antifungal strain namely Candida albicans and Trichophyton rubrum.Conclusion: The present study concluded ethanolic extract of stem of theBasella alba L. var. rubra (L.) stewartrevels many phytochemicals such as carbohydrate,tenin, saponin etc. This extract was found to possess promising antimicrobial activity when compared with the standards.
DESIGN AND SYNTHESIS OF SOME NEWER IMIDAZOLYL HETEROCYCLES AS POTENT BTK INHIBITORS FOR THE TREATMENT OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Authors: Priyadarsini R. , Menaka Anandhan
Published: May 2017

Objective: The rheumatoid arthritis as a global health problem over the past few decades, Emphasizes the need for discovery of new therapeutic disease modifying anti-rheumatoid Arthritis drugs (DMARD’s). Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a cytoplasmic, non-receptor, tyrosine kinase which is expressed in most of the hematopoietic cells and plays an important role in the development, differentiation and proliferation of B-lineage cells, thus making BTK an efficient therapeutic target for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. This prompted us to synthesise a novel series of Imidazolyl Heterocycles as potent BTK (Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase) inhibitors with alleged Anti-Rheumatoid Arthritis properties. Methods: Newer BTK inhibitors containing one hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA), one hydrogen bond donor (HBD) and three hydrophobic features based on that pharmacophore model for BTK were designed. The designed compounds were sorted by applying ADMET properties, Lipinski rule of five, molecular docking and Novelty prediction to refine the designed ligands. Finally, different five compounds containing Imidazole as the heterocyclic nucleus have been synthesized and characterized by different analytical methods like Chromatographic data, Elemental analysis and Spectral studies by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, GC-MS. Molecular docking studies were performed against BTK using GLIDE 10.2. Results: Several important hydrogen bonds with BTK were revealed, which include the gatekeeper residue Glu475 and Met477 at the hinge region. Conclusion: Overall, this study suggests that the proposed ligands are found to be more effective BTK inhibitor as Anti-Rheumatoid arthritis agents.
APPLICATION OF METAL COMPLEXES OF SCHIFF BASES AS AN ANTIMICROBIAL DRUG: A REVIEW OF RECENT WORKS
Authors: Divya Kumble , Pinto Geetha M. , Pinto Asha F
Published: May 2017

Schiff bases are versatile ligands which are synthesized from the condensation of primary amines with carbonyl groups. Synthesis of Schiff base transition metal complexes by using Schiff base as ligands appears to be fascinating in view of the possibility of obtaining coordination compounds of unusual structure and stability. These transition metal complexes have received exceptional consideration because of their active part in metalloenzymes and as biomimetic model compounds due to their closeness to natural proteins and enzymes. These compounds are very important in pharmaceutical fields because of their wide spectrum of biological activities. Most of them show biological activities including antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, antitumor, antiproliferative, anticancer, herbicidal, and anti-inflammatory activities. The biological activity of the transition metal complexes derived from the Schiff base ligands has been widely studied. This review summarizes the importance, Scope and antimicrobial activities of Schiff base metal complexes.
GC-MS ANALYSIS OF INVASIVE AQUATIC WEED, PISTIA STRATIOTES L. AND EICHHORNIA CRASSIPES (MART.) SOLMS
Authors: Tyagi Tulika , Agarwal Mala
Published: May 2017

Objective: To investigate the bioactive components of an invasive aquatic weed, Pistia stratiotes L. and Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms vegetative parts by using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS).Methods: The chemical compositions of the ethanol extract of whole plant Pistia stratiotes L. and Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms was investigated using Agilent Technologies GC-MS (GC-7890A, MS 5975C).Results: The results of GC-MS analysis of the ethanolic extract revealed the existence of 28 phytochemical compounds in Pistia stratiotes L. n-Hexadecanoic acid,-11-Hexadecenoic acid, ethyl ester, Hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester, Octadecanoic acid, ethyl ester, 2-Cyclopenten-1-one, 5-hydroxy-2,3-dimethyl, L-Glutamine, 2-Pentadecanone, 6,10,14-trimethyl, Linolelaidic acid, methyl ester, 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester,(Z,Z,Z), Nonadecane, 12,15-Octadecadiynoic acid, methyl ester, Hexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl ester, Diisooctyl phthalate, Docosanoic acid, ethyl ester, Stigmasterol, Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, 1-Monolinoleoylglycerol trimethylsilyl ether, Ethyl iso-allocholate are the major compound.The ethanolic extract of Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms contains 43 phytochemical compounds of high and low molecular weight n-Hexadecanoic acid, E-11-Hexadecenoic acid, ethyl ester, Palmitic acid, Phytol, 9,12,15-Octadecatrienal, 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid, ethyl ester, Linolenic acid, ethyl ester, Stearic acid, ethyl ester, Hexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl ester, α-Glyceryl linolenate, 1-Monolinoleoylglycerol trimethylsilyl ether, Linoleic acid, 2,3-bis-(O-TMS)-propyl ester, Stigmasterol, Linolelaidic acid, methyl ester, 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid, ethyl ester, (Z,Z,Z), Ethyl iso-allocholate, Cholesta-22,24-dien-5-ol, 4,4-dimethyl are the major compounds.These results indicates Pistia stratiotes L. and Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms possess potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antitumour, antiarthritic, cancer preventive, antibacterial effects so can be recommended as a plant of phytopharmaceutical importance.Conclusion: The ethanol extract of Pistia stratiotes L. and Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms proves as a potential source of bioactive compounds of pharmacological importance.
PRELIMINARY PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF DRIED FRUITS OF SOLANUM TORVUM (FAMILY-SOLANACEAE)
Authors: Kalita Lawrence , Dash Biswajit , Borah Uttam , Deka Juman , Dash Suvakanta
Published: May 2017

Objective: To study the antimicrobial activity ethanolic extracts of dried fruits of Solanumtorvum (family-solanaceae) along with preliminary phytochemical analysis.Methods: The ethanolic extract of dried fruits of the herb Solanumtorvum (family-solanaceae) were prepared and analyzed for phytochemical constituents using standard methods. The antimicrobial activity of the plant extracts were examined against 2 bacterial strains among one is gram positive and other is gram negative and 2 fungus using agar well diffusion method.Results: The present experiment shows the phytochemical analysis, antimicrobial activity of the ethanolic extract of dried fruits of the plant Solanumtorvum (family-solanaceae). Various phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponin, flavonoids, carbohydrates, glycosides, Steroids, proteins and amino acids and tannins. All the extracts of the plant showed antimicrobial activity against most of the test organisms.Conclusion: It can be concluded ethanolic extract of whole aerial parts of the Solanumtorvum (family-solanaceae) contain the high presence of phytochemicals. This extract was found to possess promising antimicrobial activity when compared with the standards.
ANTI-ASTHMA ACTIVITY OF TAMARIND PULP EXTRACT (TAMARINDUS INDICA L.)
Authors: Mahmudah Rifa’atul , Adnyana I Ketut , Kurnia Nengfisheri
Published: May 2017

Objective: Tamarind (Tamarindusindica L.) is one of the plants, which most of its parts are not only rich in nutrients, but also has been used widely in the community as a medicine, and one of them is believed to have effectiveness as anti-asthma.Methods: The study of that anti-asthma activity was conducted by using the test method of improvement breathing patterns in the male guinea pig and using anti-inflammatory testing in male Wistar rats.Results: The results of breathing patterns improvement test shows that there is no significant difference of breath intensity between observation groups (extract in doses of 25 mg/kg bw guinea pig, 75 mg/kg bw guinea pig, and 225 mg/kg bw guinea pig) and the control group. However, it has significant differences (p<0.05) in the decline of breath frequency, in line with the effect that given by methylprednisolone 4.5 mg/kg bw guinea pig and salbutamol 4 mg/kg bw guinea pig. While the result of anti-inflammatory test shows the significant decrease in inflammation percentage in each of observation group (extract in doses of 25 mg/kg bw rat, 75 mg/kg bw rat, and 225 mg/kg bw rat) than the control group at minute 30 up to 360, it is in line with the reduction effect given by methylprednisolone 4.5 mg/kg bw rat.Conclusion: The best effect in breathing patterns improvements and anti-inflammatory are demonstrated by extract in a dose of 75 mg/kg bw. One of the anti-asthma mechanisms is an anti-inflammatory effect.
Can Sound Corporate Governance Alleviate Corporate Failure? A Study of the Zimbabwean Financial Services Sector
Authors: Dlamini Banele , Tapera Julius , Chivasa Shynet
Published: May 2017

This study, using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) Regression Model, investigated the extent to which good corporate governance practices can minimise or alleviate corporate failure in the Zimbabwean Financial Services Sector. The results of the study reflected that sound corporate governance has a positive effect on corporate success and can alleviate corporate failure. It is thus recommended that financial institutions continuously adhere to sound corporate governance practices to guarantee corporate success and alleviate the collapse of financial institutions as has been witnessed in the past. The findings of the study will assist policy makers, regulators and players in the financial services sector to adhere to sound corporate governance practices, given its impact on corporate success. Further research could be carried out with regards the implementation of sound corporate governance in parastatals, quasi-government institutions and private sector companies in other sectors other that the financial services sector and how it can be monitored or enforced.
The Impact of Leadership Styles on the Entrepreneurial Orientation of Small and Medium Enterprises in South Africa
Authors: Dzomonda Obey , Fatoki Olawale , Oni Olabanji
Published: May 2017

The critical role Small and Medium Enterprises play in the economic prosperity of nations cannot be understated. SMEs actively contribute towards economic growth and development through their active role as innovators and agents for change. The authors of this paper believe that leadership styles exercised by SME owners have a bearing on the innovative ability of SMEs. Hence, this paper aimed at investigating the impact of leadership styles on the entrepreneurial orientation of SMEs in Polokwane Municipality. A quantitative research method was used and 103 SMEs participated in the survey. The random sampling technique was used. Self-administered questionnaires were utilised to collect data in a survey. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis. Reliability of the data collection instruments was measured using the Cronbach’s alpha. The results indicated that the SMEs display average levels of entrepreneurial orientation. In addition, the results showed that SMEs display average levels of leadership styles inclined towards transformational leadership style. Furthermore, the results showed a significant positive relationship between the independent variables: leadership styles with the dependent variable (EO) of SMEs. SMEs were recommended to provide flexible leadership styles that will make EO to flourish in their businesses. Furthermore, the policy makers and relevant authorities were recommended to devise and implement a consortium of strategies and policies that can increase the level of entrepreneurial orientation among SMEs in South Africa.