bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How We Stopped Worrying about Cyber Doom and Started Collecting Data
Authors: Valeriano Brandon , Maness Ryan C.
Published: June 2018

Moderate and measured takes on cyber security threats are swamped by the recent flood of research and policy positions in the cyber research field offering hyperbolic perspectives based on limited observations. This skewed perspective suggests constant cyber disasters that are confronting humanity constantly. The general tone of the debate argues that cyber war is already upon us and our future will only witness more cyber doom. However, these hyperbolic perspectives are being countered by empirical investigations that produce the opposite of what is to be expected. It is generally observed that limited cyber engagements throughout the geopolitical system are the dominant form of interaction. Our task here is to offer a different path forward. We first posit what can be known about cyber security interactions with data as well as what cannot. Where is the water’s edge in cyber security research? We then examine the known works in the field that utilize data and evidence to examine cyber security processes. Finally, we conclude with an offering of what types of studies need to be done in the future to move the field forward, away from the prognostication and generalizations so typical in the discourse in this constantly changing and growing field.
Retrospective study on laparoscopic hysterectomy by vaginal vault closure method in a tertiary care centre
Authors: Ganiga Pradeep , B. Divyashree
Published: June 2018

Background: Hysterectomy is the frequently performed operation for benign conditions of uterus, but the route of hysterectomy is always a matter of discussion. Laparoscopic hysterectomy is an expensive and time-consuming procedure and could be associated with increased risk of thermal damage related injuries to the surrounding structures. Presently, laparoscopic hysterectomy is considered to be a day care surgery because of technological improvement in electro-surgical unit and expertise of doing surgery. The objective of this study was as a retrospective observational study conducted in teaching hospital to study the factors like age, parity, indication and procedure related complications in detail.Methods: A total number of 40 patients who have undergone laparoscopic hysterectomy for various indications with vault closure by vaginal method with no. 1 PDS. A detailed analysis of cases was done according to age, parity, indication, intra-operative and post-operative outcomes.Results: Fibroid uterus was the most common indication for laparoscopic hysterectomy. Overall postoperative complication rate was 22.5% with no major morbidity reported.Conclusions: Laparoscopic hysterectomy has to be done with proper selection of patient and good peri-operative care. Vault closure by vaginal method has significantly reduced operating time, without increasing the morbidity.
Evaluation of laparoscopic retroperitoneal approach for management of various renal calculi
Authors: . Rudramani , Singh Vikas , Kumar Shesh , Kumar Anil , Kumar Shailendra , Singh Manish Kr.
Published: June 2018

Background: Despite the availability of Multimodality treatment for management of renal calculi as ESWL (Extra Corporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy), PCNL (Percutaneous nephrolithotomy), URS (Ureterorenoscopy), RIRS (Retrograde intrarenal surgery) and open surgery and Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), the gold standard, laparoscopic pyelolithotomy is an alternative treatment modality as long as the operator has adequate laparoscopic experience. Evaluation of Laparoscopic retroperitoneal approach for management of various renal calculi must be done to get the efficacy of the procedure according to the calculus and renal morphology.Methods: Laparoscopic retroperitoneal pyelolithotomy/nephrolithotomy was performed on 58 patients with various renal calculi patterns viz. solitary pelvic calculus, staghorn calculus, staghorn calculus with calyceal and isolated calyceal calculi. Extended pyelolithotomy, Gilvernet’s technique were used as per the need.Results: Out of the 58 cases with renal calculi, solitary renal pelvic stones (n=23; 39.7%) were most common followed by staghorn (n=11; 19% Mean size 4.40±1.17 cm) and isolated caliceal stones (n=9; 15.5% with Mean size2.21±0.25 cm) respectively. There were 15 (25.9%) cases with mixed stones (11 cases solitary renal pelvic and isolated caliceal stones and 4 cases had staghorn and isolated caliceal stones). Stone clearance was 93.3 to 100%.Conclusions: laparoscopic retroperitoneal approach is a useful modality for clearance of renal calculi of different types with minimum complications and a high success rate. However, the technique seems to have a limited role for isolated caliceal stones where direct or C-arm guided nephrolithotomy can be performed for better clearance of stones.
Prevalence of obesity among urban and rural school going adolescents of Vadodara, India: a comparative study
Authors: Pathak Sunil , Modi Prashant , Labana Urmil , Khimyani Priya , Joshi Amruta , Jadeja Riddhi , Pandya Meghavi
Published: June 2018

Background: Obesity is a major global problem among children. India has paradox of having both undernutrition and obesity as a major problem. This epidemic of obesity is also affecting rural population. It has both short   and long term adverse health outcome.Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional, observational and questionnaire-based study conducted in urban and rural school going adolescents.Results: 188 subjects (89 rural and 99 urban school) school were enrolled. 17.6%(33), 20.2%(38), 59%(111) and 3.2%(6) children were obese, overweight, normal and underweight respectively. 65.22% of urban males & 62.26% females were either obese or overweight as compared to 15.78% of rural males and 3.92% females (p<0.0001). OR was 17.7 (95% CI of 7.6 to 40.7) in favor of urban residence.  Statistically significant (p<0.05) differences is found in term of annual income of family, frequency of physical training sessions conducted in schools, frequency of restaurant & school canteen food. No statistically significant association was found between two categories (higher BMI & normal BMI) with other factors viz. breakfast before school, liking for fast food, involvement in outdoor sports, operating gadgets during meals and having obese family members.Conclusions: Obesity and overweight is more prevalent in urban adolescent. There is no difference among male and female group. There is tendency of high frequency of obesity and overweight among those adolescents who have higher annual family income, frequency of restaurant and school canteen food and lesser frequency of physical training sessions conducted in schools.
Wychowawca małego dziecka – „intelektualne życie profesjonalne”
Authors: Telka Lucyna
Published: June 2018

Wychowawca małego dziecka w żłobku podejmuje namysł dotyczący działań wychowawczych i tego, co je orientuje w sensie teoretycznym. Wspólnie ze współpracującymi wychowawcami podejmuje „intelektualne życie profesjonalne”, na przykład poprzez opracowywanie projektu pedagogicznego, przygotowywanie narzędzi obserwacji zdarzeń z pola praktyki, przeprowadzanie spotkań i rozmów na temat zgromadzonych informacji, by dbać o kształtowanie zrównoważonych relacji z dzieckiem. Wśród niedyrektywnych koncepcji wychowania jedną z możliwych do wyboru jest towarzyszenie w rozwoju dziecka. Jej poznawanie i aplikowanie w praktyce realizowane jest nie bez trudności.
Kim są dzieci, jak się uczą? – jakościowa analiza wywiadu z wychowawcami w żłobku
Authors: Karwowska-Struczyk Małgorzata
Published: June 2018

W artykule przedstawiono rezultaty wywiadu grupowego z wychowawcami w żłobku, podczas którego wypowiadali się oni na temat różnych istotnych dla nich kwestii, dotyczących relacji z dziećmi, starali się odkryć swoje osobiste na ten temat „teorie” (implicit theories). W analizie danych inspirowano się założeniami teorii ugruntowanej. Wypowiedzi wychowawców wpisują się w dużym stopniu w globalnie akceptowane tezy na temat wysokiej jakości oddziaływania instytucjonalnego, sprzyjającego rozwojowi dziecka.
A promoção à saúde constrói a vigilância em saúde: contribuições para a educação física
Authors: Del Vecchio Fabrício Boscolo , Gonçalves Aguinaldo
Published: June 2018

No interior do Sistema Único de Saúde, a Vigilância em Saúde estrutura-se como nova área síntese dos segmentos epidemiológico e sanitário. No entanto, diferencia-se deles por incorporar participação ativa dos diversos estratos da sociedade civil nas decisões que lhes dizem respeito. Avança como modelo de atenção à saúde, por reconhecer a determinação social do processo saúde-doença. Nesse âmbito, dialoga com a Educação Física (EF), podendo influenciá-la e ser influenciada por ela; quando da incorporação e aplicação de seus conceitos, agires e fazeres surgem mobilizações intersetoriais que não conduzem só a alterações orgânicas, mas que fomentam motivação e poder coletivo de atuação decorrentes da atividade física (AF) sistematizada. Assim, protagonistas e profissionais de EF podem operar sobre estilos e condições de vida, pela desconstrução do biologicismo exacerbado.
A mundialização e os esportes na natureza
Authors: Dias Cleber Augusto Gonçalves
Published: June 2018

O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar alguns aspectos históricos do processo de formação e desenvolvimento dos esportes na natureza, considerando que essa formação já estava em curso desde o século XIX, ao mesmo tempo em que o período pós Segunda Guerra Mundial representa um importante ponto de inflexão. Assim, a história desses esportes acompanha e se articula a processos sociais mais gerais, tais como, por exemplo, a mundialização.
Estudo experimental de grupo único com avaliação pré e pós: através da prática do alongamento na extensão universitária – FEF/UNICAMP
Authors: Falsarella Gláucia Regina , Ramos Marcy Garcya , Páscoa Mauro Alexandre , Del Vecchio Fabrício Boscollo
Published: June 2018

Este trabalho abordou a atuação do alongamento como recurso modificador da aptidão física da flexibilidade e suas repercussões sobre a qualidade de vida após um período de 16 semanas. A população inicial envolvida no estudo foi constituída de 40 indivíduos e a amostra submetida às análises representaram 12 mulheres com faixa etária entre 22 e 42 anos de idade, envolvendo a participação da comunidade da Unicamp. Optou-se por desenvolver um estudo experimental, e como resultado observaram-se melhoras nas articulações de tronco e quadris, referentes aos aspectos da qualidade de vida, foram identificados escores expressivos para os domínios dor e aspectos sociais.
O efeito do treino da visão periférica na correlação entre chutes para o gol e tentos realizados no futsal
Authors: Marques Junior Nelson Kautzner , Garcia Guilherme Soares , Silva Vernon Furtado da
Published: June 2018

O objetivo do estudo foi determinar o efeito do treino da visão periférica na correlação entre chutes para o gol e tentos realizados no futsal. A amostra foi composta por dez meninos com 10,4±2,31 anos que foram divididos entre grupo experimental (GE) e grupo controle (GC). Esses jovens realizaram 25 sessões, o GE praticou o treino da visão periférica (TVP), enquanto que o GC realizou 15 sessões do treino tradicional e se exercitou em 10 sessões do TVP. O TVP ensina o futebolista a atuar na partida com ênfase na visão espacial através do treino técnico, treino situacional, treino tático e no jogo. O campeonato em dupla foi filmado pela câmera Sony Handycam Vision CCD-TRV 12 e posteriormente foram quantificados os chutes e gols das respectivas zonas da quadra por scout. Os resultados apresentaram um r insignificante (p>0,05) por zona do campo do GE e do GC. Todas as zonas da quadra foram significantes (p≤0,05) para o GC (r = - 0,97) e insignificante (p>0,05) para o GC. Concluindo, nesta pesquisa foi evidenciado que o mais importante é a precisão do chute que resulta em gol e não a alta quantidade desse fundamento no jogo.
Hábitos posturais: diagnóstico a partir de fotografias
Authors: Freire Ivete de Aquino , Teixeira Tatiane Gomes , Sales Célio Reis
Published: June 2018

O presente ensaio tem como proposta central apontar a possibilidade do uso da imagem fotográfica para análise dos hábitos posturais em escolares. Nesta ótica propomos a utilização deste instrumento tanto para o diagnóstico como acompanhamento da efetividade de programas de educação postural. A fotografia pode ser um forte aliado no programa de educação postural na medida em que requer um equipamento de baixo custo, é altamente motivadora e contribui para sistematização de ações direcionadas as peculiaridades posturais de cada indivíduo e do coletivo. Pela simplicidade do instrumento, pode ser utilizado por qualquer indivíduo, requerendo sim alguns conhecimentos específicos para sua análise no âmbito dos hábitos posturais.
O esporte contemporâneo e o modelo de concepção das formas de manifestação do esporte
Authors: Marques Renato Francisco Rodrigues , Gutierrez Gustavo Luis , Almeida Marco Antonio Bettine de
Published: June 2018

O esporte contemporâneo se configura pela busca por lucros e por suas inúmeras formas de manifestação. Essa característica se deve às diversas incorporações do esporte em formas distintas de cultura, além de objetivos, expectativas, possibilidades e limitações, da parte dos praticantes, que delimitam as formas de prática. O Modelo de concepção das formas de manifestação do esporte é uma proposta de sistematização das possíveis vertentes desse fenômeno na sociedade do século XXI. Configura-se pela análise de três categorias que compõem as formas de manifestação desse objeto: o ambiente da prática, a modalidade esportiva em questão e o sentido que se dá à essa atividade. De acordo com a combinação desses fatores, toma-se uma forma de manifestação, que transmitirá valores morais específicos aos sujeitos envolvidos.
Um olhar histórico e multidisciplinar da educação física entrevista com professor : Ademir Gebara
Authors: Gutierrez Gustavo Luis
Published: June 2018

O Professor Ademir Gebara é neto de imigrantes libaneses por parte de pai e italianos por parte de mãe. Nasceu em São João da Boa Vista, divisa de Minas Gerais no interior do Estado de São Paulo. Morou em Águas da Prata, cidade vizinha a São João da Boa Vista e Maringá Velho no norte do Paraná, um vilarejo que concentrava um grande número de trabalhadores na construção da cidade de Maringá.
Digital Business: The Transition into New Age Dealing; Emphasizing Inputs from Cloud Computing and Big Data—An Indian Case
Authors: Paul P. K. , Bhuimali A. , Tiwary Kalishankar , Aithal P. S. , Rajesh R.
Published: June 2018

Business in today’s age changing rapidly, there are many reasons for this kind of transition of business houses and corporate bodies. Moreover, people in today’s age are using more online and digital means for the business and thus overall business systems are emphasize digital sources of revenue as well as digital channels. The concept of creation and dependencies of tools and technologies for financial economics systems is called Digital Economy and the growth of this leads to the development and familiarity with digital products and services among the service seekers and these ultimately are resulted in newer and competitive advantages in the digital space and system. Digital technology and its nature is also changing and has also challenged the existing business models. Here the key driving forces are included the capacity of innovation as well as the public availability of IT in different way. Digital business today is not a concept but it is about that stage of IT and Computing applications in different models viz. in marketing, ICT, social, business houses, healthcare, education and so on. Importantly these models may be seen as the convergence of technologies/ fully connected/integrated stage. In today’s age business is not only seen with computing and digital means but the traditional business systems also getting benefits from the ICT and here among the emerging names, few important include cloud computing, the Internet of Things, mobile and Big Data. It is important to note that this paper emphasizes the recent applications and role of Cloud Computing and Big Data in Business with a case of India. Moreover different financial aspects have also been described and analysed.
Improving Separation of Oil and Water With a Novel Coalescing Centrifugal Pump
Authors: Husveg R.. , Husveg T.. , van Teeffelen N.. , Ottestad M.. , Hansen M. R.
Published: June 2018

A novel centrifugal pump that increases oil-droplet sizes in produced water has been developed. This paper investigates a concept of pumping-pressure optimization, with respect to downstream separation efficiency, for the new pump. The investigation shows that the coalescing centrifugal pump always increased the separation efficiency of a downstream hydrocyclone. Furthermore, it is shown that the pumping pressure can be adjusted to maximize the improvement. Experimental results demonstrate how pumping conditions that minimize the volume fraction of droplets with a diameter smaller than the cut size of the hydrocyclone maximize the separation efficiency. Finally, it is demonstrated how the concept of pumping-pressure optimization can be implemented in a typical produced-water-treatment plant.
Analysis of the efficiency performance of Sharia and conventional banks using stochastic frontier analysis
Authors: Sadalia Isfenti , Haikal Kautsar Muhammad , Irawati Nisrul , Muda Iskandar
Published: June 2018

There are two sectors of banks operating in Indonesia, namely Sharia banks and conventional banks. Improving performance is important in maintaining public confidence in the bank. Efficiency is one of the parameters to measure the performance of Sharia banks. This study measures the comparative level of technical efficiency of Sharia commercial banks and conventional banks by Stochastic Frontier Analysis method during 2011–2015 period by using 10 samples of Sharia commercial banks and conventional banks. Input variables in this study are total deposits, operational costs, and other operational costs. Total financing is an output variable. The results of this study show that total deposits and operational costs have a positive and significant impact on total financing in Sharia and conventional banks. The average score of the technical efficiency of Sharia commercial banks during the period observed is 0.84 and conventional banks is 0.85.
Parsimonious modelling of winter season rainfall incorporating reanalysis climatological data
Authors: Garthwaite Andrew P. , Ramesh N. I.
Published: June 2018

Several Markov modulated Poisson process (MMPP) models are developed to describe winter season rainfall with parsimonious parameter use. We propose a methodology for determining the best form of seasonal model for fine-scale rainfall within a MMPP framework. Of those proposed here, a model with a fixed transition rate is shown to be superior over the other MMPP models considered. The model is expanded to include covariate data for sea-level air pressure, relative humidity, and temperature using reanalysis data over 14 years from the coordinates covering the Bracknell rainfall collection site in England. Results are compared using the likelihood ratio test and the second-order properties of aggregated rainfall.
Business model analysis for faecal sludge collection and transport services in Thailand and Vietnam
Authors: Anh Ta Hung , Koottatep Thammarat , Polprasert Chongrak
Published: June 2018

In Thailand and Vietnam, faecal sludge (FS) collection and transport services grow spontaneously without adequate business models, causing serious problems to human health and the environment. This study aimed to analyse business problems, business components with financial structure and propose a new conceptual business model. Primary, secondary business data and financial statement reports of 53 service cases were collected and analysed through field surveys, case investigations and questionnaires. The findings revealed the business problems, business components with financial structure of FS collection and transport services. The operation cost structure (7.1 to 13.5 US$/m3) and net profit (−65.8 to 11.1 US$/m3) comparison results suggested that ownership status was related to business performance. A new conceptual business model for FS collection and transport was proposed, comprising infrastructure, service, customer, finance, legislation and ownership. The proposed conceptual business model, qualitatively tested with cases in Finland, Thailand and Vietnam, proved its applicability to improve the FS collection and transport service efficiency in municipalities of low- and middle-income countries.
A green method based on electro-assisted and photo-assisted regeneration for removal of chromium(VI) from aqueous solution
Authors: Xing Jianyu , Shen Yu , Yang Bin , Feng Dongdong , Wang Wei , Bai Bo
Published: June 2018

In general, spent adsorbent is regenerated using high-concentration chemicals. Although chemical regeneration is efficient, it often leads to adsorbent damage and secondary waste. To overcome these problems, electro-assisted and photo-assisted regeneration were proposed in this study for the remediation of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). Filter paper was decorated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypyrrole (PPy) to fabricate a FP/PEG/PPy nanocomposite, which could be used as an adsorbent for Cr(VI) with a high adsorption capacity. Moreover, it could be regenerated by electro-assisted or photo-assisted regeneration to reduce eluent use. As a result, secondary waste could be greatly reduced.
Chemical coagulation of greywater: modelling using artificial neural networks
Authors: Vinitha E. V. , Mansoor Ahammed M. , Gadekar Mahesh R.
Published: June 2018

In the present study, chemical coagulation with alum and polyaluminium chloride (PACl) was utilized for greywater treatment. More than 140 jar tests on greywater with varying characteristics were conducted in order to determine the optimum coagulant dosage and treated greywater characteristics. The average removal efficiencies of turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total suspended solids were obtained as 91, 73 and 83% using alum and 93, 74 and 89% using PACl, respectively. For similar initial turbidity levels, optimum PACl dosages required were significantly less compared to optimum alum dosages. Further, PACl produced treated greywater with lower levels of turbidity compared to alum. Results of the coagulation tests were used to design artificial neural network (ANN) models for the prediction of the optimum coagulant dosage and treated greywater quality parameters. ANN models with initial turbidity, pH, conductivity and alkalinity as the input parameters could predict the optimum coagulant dose and treated greywater quality. The performance of the models was found to be good, with correlation coefficient values greater than 0.80. Empirical formulas for the prediction of alum and PACl dosages were also derived using the algorithm weights and bias values from the networks eliminating the need for running the ANN software.
Identifying Patterns in Signs and Symptoms Preceding the Clinical Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease: Retrospective Medical Record Review Study and a Nested Case-control Design
Authors: Bature Fidelia , Pang Dong , Robinson Anthea , Polson Norma , Pappas Yannis , Guinn Barbara
Published: June 2018

Objective:

Evidence suggests that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are often diagnosed in
the later stages of their disease with a poor prognosis. This study is aimed to identify patterns in signs and
symptoms preceding the clinical diagnosis of AD to suggest a predictive model for earlier diagnosis of the
disease in the primary care.

Design:

A retrospective medical record review; nested case control design.

Participants:

Participants included one hundred and nine patients from three general practice (GP) surgeries in
Milton Keynes and Luton Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG) (37 cases with AD and 72 controls without
AD).

Main outcome measure:

A retrospective analysis using the logistic regression of the presence of signs and
symptoms before the diagnosis of AD was attained. Identification of the timing and sequence of appearance of
these presentations as first reported before the clinical diagnosis was measured.

Result:

Episodic memory with an odds ratio of 1.85 was the most frequent presentation, documented in 1.38%
of the controls and 75.6% in cases. Auditory disturbance with an odds ratio of 3.03, which has not previously
been noted except in the form of auditory hallucination, could have a diagnostic value.

Conclusion:

Auditory disturbance, which occurred mostly in the Caucasian females, could discriminate individuals
with AD from those without the disease. The symptom, which presented up to 14.5 (mean time) years
prior to clinical diagnosis, was identified in Caucasians and mixed race individuals only.

Strengths:

The study demonstrates that auditory disturbance could allow an earlier diagnosis of AD in Caucasian
females. Episodic memory was confirmed as being frequently noted in AD patients prior to a clinical diagnosis
as per previous publications. This study supports the development of a scoring system for the earlier
diagnosis of AD. The data used was free from the confounding effects of misinformation, as this was written
at the point of collection, thereby benefitting from the use of GP data that is diversified, reliable and valid.

Limitations:

Limited sample size that will not allow for generalization of less frequent observations due to
their low prevalence in case notes. Randomisation was not achieved; however, the best available nonrandomisation
which is consecutive sampling was used. Patterns identified were in LOAD, the baseline could
vary with other geographical areas.
Genistein Induces Alterations of Epigenetic Modulatory Signatures in Human Cervical Cancer Cells
Authors: Sundaram Madhumitha Kedhari , Ansari Mohammad Zeeshan , Al Mutery Abdullah , Ashraf Maryam , Nasab Reem , Rai Sheethal , Rais Naushad , Hussain Arif
Published: June 2018

Introduction: Epidemiological studies indicate that diet rich in fruits and vegetables is associated
with decreased cancer risk thereby indicating that dietary polyphenols can be potential chemo-preventive agents.
The reversible nature of epigenetic modifications makes them a favorable target for cancer prevention. Polyphenols
have been shown to reverse aberrant epigenetic patterns by targeting the regulatory enzymes, DNA methyltransferases
(DNMTs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). In vitro and in silico studies of DNMTs and HDACs
were planned to examine genistein’s role as a natural epigenetic modifier in human cervical cancer cells, HeLa.

Methods:

Expression of the tumour suppressor genes (TSGs) [MGMT, RARβ, p21, E-cadherin, DAPK1] as
well the methylation status of their promoters were examined alongwith the activity levels of DNMT and HDAC
enzymes after treatment with genistein. Expression of DNMTs and HDACs was also studied. In-silico studies
were performed to determine the interaction of genistein with DNMTs and HDACs.

Results:

Genistein treatment significantly reduced the expression and enzymatic activity of both DNMTs and
HDACs in a time-dependent way. Molecular modeling data suggest that genistein can interact with various
members of DNMT and HDAC families and support genistein mediated inhibition of their activity. Timedependent
exposure of genistein reversed the promoter region methylation of the TSGs and re-established their
expression.

Conclusions:

In this study, we find that genistein is able to reinstate the expression of the TSGs studied by
inhibiting the action of DNMTs and HDACs. This shows that genistein could be an important arsenal in the
development of epigenetic based cancer therapy.
Anticancer Properties of a New Hybrid Analog AD-013 Combining a Coumarin Scaffold with an α-methylene-δ-lactone Motif
Authors: Dlugosz Angelika , Gach-Janczak Katarzyna , Szymanski Jacek , Deredas Dariusz , Krawczyk Henryk , Janecki Tomasz , Janecka Anna
Published: June 2018

Background:

Coumarin is a natural phytochemical but as such has no medical uses. However, various
natural and synthetic coumarin analogs attract attention due to their interesting biological properties.

Objective:

Here, we evaluated and compared anticancer properties of a new synthetic hybrid compound AD-
013, which integrates a coumarin moiety and an α-methylene-δ-lactone motif, with novobiocin, a natural antibiotic
bearing a coumarin scaffold.

Methods:

Cytotoxic activities of compound AD-013 and novobiocin were assessed by the MTT assay. In order
to explore the mechanism of anticancer activity of analog AD-013, we performed quantitative real-time PCR
analysis of apoptosis- and cell cycle-related genes. The ability of AD-013 and novobiocin to induce apoptosis
and DNA damage was studied by flow cytometry.

Results:

The cytotoxic activity of this new compound was compared with the activity of a coumarin-based antibiotic
novobiocin against two cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and HL-60 and also against normal human cells, MCF-
10A and HUVEC. AD-013 was much more cytotoxic than novobiocin in both cancer cell lines and showed
some selectivity against MCF-7 cancer cells as compared with MCF-10A healthy cells. Expression levels of the
pro-apoptotic genes significantly increased while the anti-apoptotic genes, were down-regulated for both compounds
in both cancer cell lines.

AD-013 was able to inhibit cell proliferation, generate DNA damage and induce apoptosis. The obtained data
showed that this compound caused the cell cycle arrest in subG0/G1 in both cancer cell lines.

Conclusion:

The new hybrid analog was a much stronger apoptosis inducer than novobiocin and activated the
intrinsic pathway of apoptosis.
Technical Conditions Survey of Simple-Support Bridges in a Severe Cold Region in Northeast China
Authors: Zhang Jinquan , Li Pengfei , Mao Yan , Dong Zhenhua , Jiang Zhenyu
Published: June 2018

Background:

Based on the routine inspection of 637 simple-support bridges in a severe cold region in northeast China, the technical condition data were collected and analyzed according to China’s bridge condition evaluation code.

Results and Discussion:

The results indicate that the appraisal rating of the bridges decreases with service time gradually. For bridges with a service life of 3-5years, 7 years and more than 15 years, the proportion of rating of “poor condition” is 14%, 22% and 43%, respectively. Besides, the inspection results show that cracking, concrete scaling, and corrosion of reinforcement are the major damage types of the bridges, and the freeze-thaw and salt induced corrosion are the main deterioration causes. It is recommended based on the inspection results that timely drainage of water is very important in reducing bridge damages in severe cold regions. Meanwhile, protective measures of durability should be specially considered in the design and construction stages.
Enumerating Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Different Sources in Dhaka City
Authors: Bhuiya Mahmudullah , Sarkar Mohammad K. I. , Sohag Mehadi H. , Ali Hafij , Roy Chapol K. , Akther Lutfa , Sarker Abu F.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Pseudomonas aeruginosais a ubiquitous free-living bacterium and is responsible for severe nosocomial infections, life-threatening infections in immune compromised persons. The bacterium, along with its natural resistance, can acquire resistance to many antibiotics by a variety of methods.

Method:

Therefore, to compare the antibiotic sensitivity pattern ofPseudomonas aeruginosa, a total of seventeen isolates ofP. aeruginosawere isolated from different sources; for example environmental sources, frozen food sources, clinical sources and medical waste materials. Isolates were confirmed to beP. aeruginosaby cultural and biochemical properties.

Result:

The isolates were tested against seventeen commercially available antibiotics to observe the antibiotic susceptibility patterns. Imipenem and meropenem were the most potent antibiotics (100% sensitivity) followed by amikacin and piperacillin with maximum sensitivity. Among others, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and aztreonam were found to be fairly active. A good number of isolates were intermediately resistant to ceftriaxone. The rates of resistance to aztreonam, cefotaxime and ceftazidime were 11.76%, 82.35% and 5.88% respectively. Complete resistance was observed against penicillin, ampicillin, cefixime and cefpodoxime.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that the clinical isolates including isolate from medical waste, were multi-drug resistant than environmental and food isolates indicating the risk of transmission of resistance to the environmental isolates ofP. aeruginosa.
Visual Outcomes and Higher Order Aberrations Following LASIK on Eyes with Low Myopia and Astigmatism
Authors: Agarwal Smita , Thornell Erin , Hodge Chris , Sutton Gerard , Hughes Paul
Published: June 2018

Background:

Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) can induce corneal aberrations that can impact vision and patient satisfaction. Recent developments in laser technologies have helped minimise these aberrations.

Objective:

To assess the quality of vision and change in Higher-Order Aberrations (HOAs) following wavefront-optimized LASIK in low-myopic astigmatic patients.

Methods:

LASIK was performed on a total of 76 eyes in patients with myopia <4.0 D and cylinder <2.0 D using the WaveLight® EX500 excimer and FS200 femtosecond laser platform. Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and HOAs were measured at 1 and 3 months postoperatively and compared to preoperative values. Subjective quality of vision was assessed pre- and postoperatively using a VF14 questionnaire.

Results:

Mean postoperative Spherical Equivalent (SE) was -0.09 ± 0.26 µm with 95% of patients within ± 0.5 D of attempted SE. Postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/20 or better for 96% of patients. Contrast sensitivity increased against horizontal and vertical gratings at all spatial frequencies except for vertical gratings at 18 cycles/degree. Spherical aberration and total HOA increased by 0.085 µm and 0.13 µm respectively. The mean VF14 score increased from 89.2 ± 16.7% to 99 ± 1.4% postoperatively.

Conclusion:

LASIK performed using the WaveLight® EX500 excimer and WaveLight® FS200 laser platform provided improved contrast sensitivity and visual acuity with minimal introduction of HOAs, making it a suitable platform for low myopic astigmatic patients.
BMI and Waist Circumference Have Positive Correlation With Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number in Young Adult Male
Authors: Kurniawan Liong Boy , Bahrun Uleng , Hatta Mochammad , Arif Mansyur
Published: June 2018

Background:

Abdominal obesity is associated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Mitochondrial dysfunction is often related to metabolic disorder commonly found in abdominal obesity. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number is a biomarker which can be used to reflect the activity of mitochondria. Abdominal obesity is more commonly found in males compared to females and the incidence is growing in young adult male, therefore we investigated the relationship of mtDNA copy number and anthropometric and metabolic biomarkers in young adult male.

Methods:

A total of 25 healthy young adult males of age 19 to 24 years old were recruited in the study. Metabolic biomarkers were evaluated along with body mass index, waist circumference and total body fat, visceral fat by bioelectrical impedance analysis. mtDNA copy number was measured in peripheral blood leukocytes by using real-time polymerase chain reaction method.

Results:

After adjusting for ages, mtDNA copy number correlated with body mass index (r= 0.45,P= 0.03) and waist circumference (r= 0.43,P= 0.04) but had no significant correlation with fasting plasma glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, testosterone, total body fat and visceral fat.

Conclusion:

mtDNA copy number has a positive correlation with BMI and waist circumference. Even though it is still controversial over other studies, further studies are needed to explain the causality and significance of our findings.
A Tussle for Decolonization of the Mind: Representation of the Whiteman in “A Grain of Wheat”
Authors: Ismail Khaleel Bakheet Kh. , Mahfouz Yasir Arafat
Published: June 2018

The main aim of this paper is to critically examine the representation of the Whiteman (the colonizer) in the African prose narrative context and Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s “A Grain of Wheat” specifically. The thrust has emerged from the main concepts of the binary opposites postulated by the critic Franz Fanon regarding the relationship between the colonizer and the colonized. Hence, the postcolonial theory is adopted as a literary analytical theoretical framework in this paper, for it works as a boundary line that explicates such texts. Via a close analysis of the selected text based on the tenants of postcolonialism, orientalism, Occidentalism its concluded that A Grain of Wheat is one of the literary texts that represents African elites’ tussle for decolonizing the mind.
Comparison of amlodipine versus other calcium channel blockers on blood pressure variability in hypertensive patients in China: a retrospective propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Zhang Lin , Yang JinKui , Li LanTing , Liu DongDong , Xie XiaoPing , Dong Peng , Lin Yong
Published: June 2018

Aim:
Reducing the fluctuation of blood pressure has recently been recognized as a potential target for improving management of hypertension to prevent cardiovascular events, particularly for strokes. Some randomized controlled trials demonstrated that amlodipine can effectively reduce blood pressure as a well-established, long-acting calcium channel blocker (CCB). However, few data are available for amlodipine on blood pressure variability (BPV) in China in a real-world setting. This study aimed to assess the effect of amlodipine versus other CCB antihypertensive agents on BPV.
Materials & methods:
A retrospective propensity score-matched analysis was conducted, which retrieved the encounter data from 5582 hypertensive inpatients (with a median age of 69, female percentage of 48%, diastolic blood pressure ≥40 and <150 mmHg; systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥70 mmHg and <260 mmHg), who had taken at least one antihypertensive agent and completed at least three SBP measurements during the visit. International Classification of Diseases was used to identify the hypertensive patients. BPV was calculated with standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) of SBP during a single inpatient visit. The Propensity Score Matching was used to balance the cohort of patients prescribed amlodipine or other CCBs. A series of appropriate statistical tests were applied to the propensity score-matched samples to examine the different effects on BPV. Additionally, the hypertensive patients with comorbidity such as coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction, heart failure and chronic kidney disease were analyzed.
Results:
For the hypertensive patients (n = 1756, for each cohort), patients prescribed amlodipine showed lower BPV than patients prescribed other CCBs (12.90 vs 13.76 mmHg, p < 0.05 [SD] and 9.47 vs 10.06, p < 0.05 [CV]). For the hypertensive patients with comorbidity (n = 1080, for each cohort), patients prescribed amlodipine had lower BPV than patients prescribed other CCBs as well (13.24 vs 14.23 mmHg, p < 0.05 [SD] and 9.66 vs 10.28, p < 0.05 [CV]).
Conclusion:
amlodipine was associated with lower BPV than other CCBs for both hypertensive patients and hypertensive patients with comorbidity.
Examples of dramatic failures and their effectiveness in modern surgical disciplines: can we learn from our mistakes?
Authors: Ball Chad G , Grondin Sean C , Pasieka Janice L , Kirkpatrick Andrew W , MacLean Anthony R , Cantle Paul , Dixon Elijah , Schneider Prism , Hamilton Mark
Published: June 2018

Innovation can be variably defined, but when applied to healthcare is often considered to be the introduction of something new, whether an idea, method or device, into an unfilled void or needy environment. Despite the introduction of many positive surgical subspecialty altering concepts/devices however, epic failures are not uncommon. These failures can be dramatic in regards to both their human and economic costs. They can also be very public or more quiet in nature. As surgical leaders in our communities and advocates for patient safety and outcomes, it remains crucial that we meet new introductions in technology and patient care with a measured level of curiosity, skepticism and science-based conclusions. The aim of an expert committee was to identify the most dominant failures in technological innovation and/or dogmatic clinical beliefs within each major surgical subspecialty. In summary, this effort was pursued to highlight the past failures and remind surgeons to remain vigilant and appropriately skeptical with regard to the introduction of new innovations and clinical beliefs within our craft.
Antidiabetic, hematoprotective and nephroprotective effects of the aqueous extract of Falcaria vulgaris in diabetic male mice
Authors: Zangeneh Mohammad , Zangeneh Akram , Tahvilian Reza , Moradi Rohallah
Published: June 2018

Falcaria vulgaris has been used in medicine as an antimicrobial agent. The aims of this study were to evaluate the hypoglycemic and nephroprotective activities of the aqueous extract of F. vulgaris in diabetic mice. Diabetes was experimentally induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). The mice were divided randomly into 6 groups as follows: nondiabetic, untreated diabetic, a group that received orally 0.5 mg/kg glibenclamide, and three groups that were given orally 200, 600 and 1800 ?g/kg of F. vulgaris, respectively, for 20 days. On the 20th day, the mice were dissected, and blood and kidney samples were collected for analysis of hematological, biochemical and stereological parameters. F. vulgaris at all doses, particularly 1800 ?g/kg, significantly (p?0.05) reduced the levels of urea, creatinine, WBC, eosinophils, basophiles, platelet and increased RBC, Hb, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC, lymphocytes and monocytes that were raised after diabetes induction, compared to the untreated diabetic group. Multiple doses of F. vulgaris, particularly1800 ?g/kg, significantly (p?0.05) decreased the total volumes of the kidney cortex, medulla, vessels and renal tubules, as well as the lengths of the vessels and renal tubules, compared to the untreated diabetic group. Also, F. vulgaris at all doses significantly prevented glomerular hypertrophy and reduction of glomeruli numbers in comparison with the untreated diabetic group. In conclusion, F. vulgaris possesses antidiabetic, hematoprotective and nephroprotective properties and can improve renal structural and blood biomarkers in STZ-induced nephrotoxicity in mice.
On the Klemm model for bistability of mixtures of interacting enantiomers
Authors: Gutman Ivan
Published: June 2018

The solution of the Klemm model for spontaneous chiral stereoselection has
been obtained. It is shown that a system whose time-evolution is described
by the Klemm model, independently of the initial value of the enantiomeric
excess, always reaches a racemic terminal state. In a system described by
the Klemm model bistability never occurs.
The effect of exchangeable cations in clinoptilolite and montmorillonite on the adsorption of aflatoxin B1
Authors: Tomasevic-Canovic Magdalena , Dakovic Aleksandra , Markovic Vesna , Stojsic Dragan
Published: June 2018

The adsorption of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) by cation-exchanged clinoptilolite
zeolitic tuff and montmorillonite was investigated at 37?C and pH 3.8 from
an aqueous electrolyte having a composition similar to that of gastric
juices of animals. Bothminerals were exchanged from the natural form to the
sodium form and then to the Cu2+, Zn2+ and Co2+-rich forms. The cation
exchange was different for the different cations, but in all cases the
exchanges were larger on montmorillonite than on clinoptilolite. The degree
of exchange on montmorillonite was 76 % for copper (from a total of CEC 0.95
meq/g, Cu2+ -0.73 meq/g) and 85 % for zinc and cobalt. Under the same
conditions (concentration, temperature, pH, contact time), the degree of
exchange on zeolitic tuff was 12 % for Cu2+ (from a total CEC of 1.46 meq/g,
Cu2+ -0.17 meq/g), 8 % for Zn2+ and 10 % for Co2+. Both groups of mineral
adsorbents showed high AFB1 chemisorption indexes (c?). For the
montmorillonite forms, c? ranged from 0.75 for the Cu-exchanged
montmorillonite to 0.89 for the natural Ca-form, 0.90 for the Zn-exchanged
form and 0.93 for the Co-exchanged montmorillonite. The adsorption of AFB1
on the different exchanged forms of clinoptilolite gave similar values of c?
for the Cu and Ca forms (0.90) and values of 0.94 and 0.95 for the Zn- and
Co-exchanged form. The impact of the mineral adsorbents on the reduction of
essential nutrients present in animal feed (Cu, Zn, Mn and Co) showed that
the Ca-rich montmorillonite had a higher capability for the reduction of the
microelements than the Ca-rich clinoptilolite.
Comparative study on biochemical activity of the intestinal isolates Lactobacillus sp. V3 and Bifidobacterium sp. A71 in different substrates
Authors: Dimitrijevic-Brankovic Suzana , Baras Josip
Published: June 2018

The two intestinal isolates Lactobacillus sp. V3 and Bifidobacterium sp. A71
were selected for soymilk fermentation according to their acidification
activity in soymilk. Beetroot juice and carrot juice were chosen for soymilk
supplementation as additional sources of carbohydrates and brewer's yeast as
an extra source of nitrogen. The fermentation was carried out for eight
hours at 42?C. The fermentation was monitored by standard analytical and
microbiological tests for changes of acidity (decreasing pH and increasing
acid content), the contents of soluble dry substances, sugars and ?-amino
acids as well as changes in the number of viable cells. The samples were
collected at the beginning and subsequently every two hours until the end of
the fermentation. The results showed that there were differences between the
tested isolates in terms of their ability to ferment soymilk. The mix with
brewer's yeast had a better stimulating effect on the growth of both strains
compared to those with juices alone. In addition, the carrot juice
stimulated the growth of Bifidobacterium sp. A71 better than beetroot juice,
while the opposite effect was found for the growth of Lactobacillus sp. V3.
Interplay between vibronic and spin-orbit couplings in 3П states of triatomic molecules using as an example the A3Пu electronic state of NCN
Authors: Krmar Marija , Peric Miljenko
Published: June 2018

A systematic study of various effects on the structure of the spectra of
linear triatomic molecules in the 3P electronic states has been carried out.
Paricular attention was paid to the interplay between the vibronic and
spin-orbit couplings. Variational and perturbative computations at various
levels of sophistication were performed for the A3Pu state of the NCN
radical.
New indicator reaction for kinetic determination of micro amounts of Sn(II)
Authors: Igov Rangel , Mitic Violeta , Pecev Todor , Stankov-Jovanovic Vesna
Published: June 2018

A new reaction is suggested and a new method is elaborated for determination
of micro amounts of Sn(II) based on its inhibiting effect on the oxidation
of {4-bis[n-(dimethylamino) phenyl]methylene-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1-ilydene}dimethyl-ammonium chloride (crystal
violet CV) by H2O2. The method sensibility is 0.4 ?g/cm3. The probable
relative error is 2.8-12.8 % for Sn(II) in the concentration interval of 3
to 0.8 ?g/cm3. The kinetic equation for this process is given. The influence
of some other ions on the reaction rate was tested. The method was applied
to the determination of Sn(II) in a sample of microalloy.