bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial and Temporal Grazing Patterns on Intensive‐early Stocked and Season‐long Stocked Pastures
Authors: Brock Brent L. , Evans Lynnette , Owensby Clenton E.
Published: May 2017

Core Ideas

Temporal grazing patterns influence forage quality.

Temporal and spatial grazing patterns aid in grazing system design.

Uniformity of grazing distribution is enhanced by increased stocking density.

Spatial and temporal patterns of domestic cattle (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) grazing were observed over two consecutive years under two grazing systems, intensive‐early stocking (IES) and season‐long stocking (SLS), to determine the factors influencing the observed patterns. Temporal grazing patterns differed between the two grazing treatments. Area grazed and forage height reduction remained relatively stable and consistently higher on IES pastures than on SLS pastures until midseason. In contrast, SLS pastures exhibited steady increases in area grazed and forage height reduction throughout the grazing season and was comparable to IES by the end of the grazing season. Percent forage height reduction was significantly higher on IES pastures than on SLS pastures in both years until midseason when the IES steers were removed. There was no difference between the amounts of forage height reduction at the end of grazing trials in SLS pastures compared with overall IES means. Cattle grazed a higher percentage of pasture area on IES pastures than SLS in both years. Grazing intensity did not differ between treatments but was significantly different between years. The IES pastures were more uniformly grazed than SLS pastures during the period when both treatments were present, but there was no difference when overall pasture means were compared. Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman) tillers were grazed more frequently under IES than under SLS. The results indicate that temporal grazing patterns should be considered when evaluating the performance and design of grazing systems since spatial patterns alone may not reveal periods when forage quality or plant physiology may be adversely or positively affected.
Yield‐Based Corn Planting Date Recommendation Windows for Iowa
Authors: Abendroth Lori J. , Woli Krishna P. , Myers Anthony J.W. , Elmore Roger W.
Published: May 2017

Core Ideas

Three distinct site‐groupings resulted, with different recommended planting windows.

Two planting windows were developed for each site‐grouping: 98–100% grain yield or 95–100% grain yield.

The north‐central and northeast grouping had the earliest recommended planting window to maximize grain yield.

Farmers use a suite of management practices to optimize corn (Zea mays L.) grain yield, including planting at appropriate times for their location. Research on planting dates across the years has tended to use categorical analysis and determination of recommendations by identifying a particular calendar date as optimum and setting yield decline relative to that. This approach was suitable given the experimental designs and number of sites available for analyses. An 18 site‐year Iowa dataset, however, that was constructed with planting dates on a sliding scale allowed regression analysis to be used instead of categorical analysis. This approach resulted in the construction of planting‐date recommendations as a window of time. Three distinct site‐groupings resulted for Iowa, which is different than previous statewide research: north‐central (NC) and northeast (NE); northwest (NW) and central (C); and southwest (SW) and southeast (SE). Two planting windows were developed for each site‐group based on the maximum yield on the response curve and a subtraction of 2 or 5% relative yield to develop yield windows of 98–100% or 95–100%, respectively. The response curves for each site‐grouping identify locations that exhibit a stronger grain‐yield response to planting date, especially in the northern and southern locations. The NC–NE grouping had the earliest 98–100% planting window (12–30 April) whereas the NW–C grouping (15 April–9 May) and SW–SE grouping (17 April–8 May) were later.
Validación cruzada del Perfil de Impacto de Salud Oral aplicado a enfermedad periodontal
Authors: Moral de la Rubia José , Rodríguez Franco Norma Idalia
Published: May 2017

El Perfil de Impacto de Salud Oral (OHIP-14) es el instrumento más empleado para evaluar la eficacia de tratamientos odontológicos. Con el propósito de dilucidar su estructura factorial y establecer la validez cruzada de la escala aplicada a la enfermedad periodontal (OHIP-14-PD), este estudio tiene como objetivos: 1) explorar la estructura factorial del OHIP-14-PD, y 2) contrastar la invarianza de los modelos propuestos para el OHIP-14 y de los derivados del análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE) entre una muestra de población general y una muestra clínica odontológica. Se aplicó el OHIP-14-PD a 249 pacientes adultos odontológicos y 256 adultos de población general de Monterrey, México. El AFE reveló modelos de uno, dos y tres factores. Los modelos jerarquizados propuestos arrojaron soluciones inadmisibles. Se concluye que el modelo unifactorial tuvo las mejores propiedades, aunque el bifactorial (impacto físico [ítems del 1 al 7] y psicosocial [ítems del 8 al 14]) también resultó válido. Los dos modelos fueron invariantes en pesos de medida, pero no en las varianzas de los factores y residuos. En ambos modelos, el ajuste mejoró con la inclusión de la correlación entre los residuos de los ítems 5 y 6.
Laboratory investigation of hydraulic characteristics of fly ash as a fill material from the aspects of pollutant transport
Authors: Stanić Filip , Jaćimović Nenad , Ranđelović Anja , Despotović Jovan
Published: May 2017

Depending on the usage of fly ash, it is necessary to determine its environmental parameters, such as the potential for pollutant transport/leaching after its built-in. This study presents a methodology for determination of transport parameters (filtration coefficient, effective porosity, longitudinal dispersivity, and the mean residence time) from experimental data collected from column experiments with a conservative tracer on different mixtures of fly ash with stabilizers (4.8% lime and 5% cement). The transport parameters are determined using (1) numerical model results and (2) an adapted analytical solution results against measured outflow tracer concentrations. The study shows that the addition of stabilizers decreases the filtration coefficient by an order of magnitude and the effective porosity by half. The longitudinal dispersivity is not influenced by the addition of lime to the mixture, and is increased by 40% by the addition of cement. The pollutant contact time with fly ash increases by six or nine times with the addition of lime and cement, respectively. The adaptation of the analytical solution agrees well with both the numerical solution and the experimental results, and it is anticipated to be of high value for determination of transport parameters for practitioners not familiar with numerical methods.
Diderot e os Salões: a crítica a Watteau [Diderot and the Salons: critique towards Watteau]
Authors: Babiuki Kamila Cristina
Published: May 2017

Com base no Salão de 1765, buscaremos mostrar qual é o fundamento da crítica de Denis Diderot à obra pictórica de Antoine Watteau, além de indicar as características essenciais de uma pintura do ponto de vista diderotiano. Mostraremos como seu projeto filosófico procura retomar na pintura setecentista alguns elementos clássicos. Para compreender plenamente o contexto em que esse projeto é elaborado, parece estratégico fazer algumas considerações a respeito da vida de corte na passagem do século XVII para o XVIII. Nossa intenção, assim, é a de mostrar como e por quais razões Watteau, mesmo sendo considerado um bom colorista, é criticado por Diderot. [We will try to show what is the foundation of Denis Diderot’s critique on the compositions by Antoine Watteau. Besides, we will explicit which are the main qualities of a painting for the philosopher. We will show that Diderot wants to see some classical features in the paintings of his Century. In order to understand the context of this project, it is strategical to make some considerations about the court life at the end of the 17th Century and beginning of the 18th Century. Our goal, then, is to show how and why Diderot criticizes Watteau, even the last one being considered a good painter]
A New Method to Estimate Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Content, an Example from Goldwyer Shale Formation, the Canning Basin
Authors: Alshakhs Munther , Rezaee Reza
Published: May 2017

Background:

There is an increasing interest in the Goldwyer Formation of the Canning Basin as a potentially prospective shale play. This Ordovician shaly formation is one of the most prominent source rocks in the Canning Basin. One key property to evaluate the prospectivity of any shale oil or gas is its total organic carbon (TOC) richness.

Objectives:

This study investigates different TOC estimation techniques and validates the reliability of each, aiming to provide a best estimating approach for local and global applications.

Method:

The limited well distribution in the large area of the Canning Basin makes a basin-wide study not warranted at this stage. A focused look into the Barbwire Terrace was carried out instead. General TOC estimation methods, such as Schmoker and ∆logR were employed for TOC calculation. TOC relationships of single and multivariate regressions were also derived from wireline data and TOC rock sample measurements.

Results:

Both Schmoker and ∆logR methods tend to overestimate TOC when compared to the available Rock-Eval pyrolysis TOC measurements. The regression approach have shown to provide the best TOC estiamtes for wells in the Barbwire Terrace, where the best multiple regression approach for the terrace and global application was found to be the one derived from gamma-ray (GR), bulk density (RHOB), and sonic log transit time (DT).

Conclusion:

The generalized nature of the Schmoker method, as it provides a global relationship between density and TOC is probably the main reason why this approach does not provide a good fit in the case of the Goldwyer Formation. Furthermore, the uncertainty associated with the ∆logR method factors, such as the level of maturity (LOM), and resistivity and sonic baselines greatly influence the TOC estimation in this method, and hence, sometimes do not merit a reliable TOC estimation. The multiple regression approach have shown to be most accurate once lithology and compaction information (GR, RHOB, and DT) were incorporated in the regression process. TOC was reliably estimated for wells inside and outside the Barbwire Terrace, and also for wells of a global lacustrine shale. Such derivation have provided a more accurate technical assessment of the shale play and its prospectivity as a potential unconventional hydrocarbon resource.
Designing Informative Sound to Enhance A Simple Decision Task
Authors: Nesbitt Keith , Williams Paul , Ng Patrick , Blackmore Karen , Eidels Ami
Published: May 2017

In this paper we examined the role of informative sound in a simple decision-making game task. A within-subject experiment with 48 participants measured the response time, success rate and number of timeouts of the players in a number of eight-second decision tasks. As time proceeds, the task becomes easier at the risk of players timing out and reducing the overall opportunities they will have to attempt the task. We designed a simple informative sound display that uses a tone that increases in amplitude over the duration of the task. We test player performance in three conditions, no sound (visual-only), constant (non-informative) sound and increasing (informative) sound. We found that the increasing sound display significantly reduced timeouts when compared with the visual only and constant sound versions of the task. This reduction in timeouts did not impair the players’ performance in terms of their success rate nor response time.
LifeMusic: Reflection Of Life Memories By Data Sonification
Authors: Khan Ridwan A. , Avvari Ram K. , Wiykovics Katherine , Ranay Pooja , Jeon Myounghoon
Published: May 2017

Memorable life events are important to form the present selfimage. Looking back on these memories provides an opportunity to ruminate meaning of life and envision future. Integrating the life-log concept and auditory graphs, we have implemented a mobile application, “LifeMusic”, which helps people reflect their memories by listening to their life event sonifcation that is synchronous to these memories. Reflecting the life events through LifeMusic can relieve users of the present and have them journey to the past moments and thus, they can keep balance of emotions in the present life. In the current paper, we describe the implementation and workflow of LifeMusic and briefly discuss focus group results, improvements, and future works.
Towards An In-Vehicle Sonically-Enhanced Gesture Control Interface: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sterkenburg Jason , Landry Steven , Jeon Myounghoon , Johnson Joshua
Published: May 2017

A pilot study was conducted to explore the potential of sonically-enhanced gestures as controls for future in-vehicle information systems (IVIS). Four concept menu systems were developed using a LEAP Motion and Pure Data: (1) 2x2 with auditory feedback, (2) 2x2 without auditory feedback, (3) 4x4 with auditory feedback, and (4) 4x4 without auditory feedback. Seven participants drove in a simulator while completing simple target-acquisition tasks using each of the four prototype systems. Driving performance and eye glance behavior were collected as well as subjective ratings of workload and system preference. Results from driving performance and eye tracking measures strongly indicate that the 2x2 grids yield better driving safety outcomes than 4x4 grids. Subjective ratings show similar patterns for driver workload and preferences. Auditory feedback led to similar improvements in driving performance and eye glance behavior as well as subjective ratings of workload and preference, compared to visual-only.
Hypothesis-Driven Sonification of Proteomic Data Distributions Indicating Neurodegredation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Martens William L. , Poronnik Philip , Saunders Darren
Published: May 2017

Three alternative sonifications of proteomic data distributions were compared as a means to indicate the neuropathology associated with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) via auditory display (through exploration of the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cell derived neurons). Pure visual displays of proteomic data often result in ”visual overload” such that detailed or subtle data important to describe ALS neurodegradation may be glossed over, and so three competing approaches to the sonification of proteomic data were designed to capitalize upon human auditory capacities that complement the visual capacities engaged by more conventional graphic representations. The auditory displays resulting from hypothesis-driven design of three alternative sonifications were evaluated by naïve listeners, who were instructed to listen for differences between the sonifications produce from proteomic data associated with three different types of cells. One of the sonifications was based upon the hypothesis that auditory sensitivity to regularities and irregularities in spatio-temporal patterns in the data could be heard through spatial distribution of sonification components. The design of a second sonification was based upon the hypothesis that variation in timbral components might create a distinguishable sound for each of three types of cells. A third sonification was based upon the hypothesis that redundant variation in both spatial and timbral components would be even more powerful as a means for identifying spatio-temporal patterns in the dynamic, multidimensional data generated in current proteomic studies of ALS.
Quantitatively Validating Subjectively Selected HRTFs for Elevation and Front-Back Distinction
Authors: Fan Ziqi , Wan Yunhao , McMullen Kyla
Published: May 2017

As 3D audio becomes more common place to enhance auditory environments, designers are faced with the challenge of choosing HRTFs for listeners that provide proper audio cues. Subjective selection is a low-cost alternative to expensive HRTF measurement, however little is known concerning whether the preferred HRTFs are similar or if users exhibit random behavior in this task. In addition, PCA (principal component analysis) can be used to decompose HRTFs in representative features, however little is known concerning whether the features have a relevant perceptual basis. 12 listeners completed a subjective selection experiment in which they judged the perceptual quality of 14 HRTFs in terms of elevation, and front-back distinction. PCA was used to decompose the HRTFs and create an HRTF similarity metric. The preferred HRTFs were signiﬁcantly more similar to each other, the preferred and non-preferred HRTFs were signiﬁcantly less similar to each other, and in the case of front-back distinction the non-preferred HRTFs were signiﬁcantly more similar to each other.
Response Techniques and Auditory Localization Accuracy
Authors: Iyer Nandini , Thompson Eric R. , Simpson Brian D.
Published: May 2017

Auditory cues, when coupled with visual objects, have lead to reduced response times in visual search tasks, suggesting that adding auditory information can potentially aid Air Force operators in complex scenarios. These beneﬁts are substantial when the spatial transformations that one has to make are relatively simple i.e., mapping a 3-D auditory space to a 3-D visual scene. The current study focused on listeners’ abilities to map sound surrounding a listener to a 2-D visual space, by measuring performance in localization tasks that required the following responses: 1) Headpointing: turn and face a loudspeaker from where a sound emanated, 2) Tablet: point to an icon representing a loudspeaker displayed in an array on a 2-D GUI or, 3) Hybrid: turn and face the loudspeaker from where a sound emanated and them indicate that location on a 2-D GUI. Results indicated that listeners’ localization errors were small when the response modality was head-pointing, and localization errors roughly doubled when they were asked to make a complex transformation o fauditory-visual space (i.e., while using a hybrid response); surprisingly, the hybrid response technique reduced errors compared to the tablet response conditions. These results have large implications for the design of auditory displays that require listeners to make complex, non-intuitive transformations of auditory-visual space.
Sonifying for Public Engagement: A Context-Based Model for Sonifying Air Pollution Data
Authors: St Pierre Marc , Droumeva Milena
Published: May 2017

In this paper we report on a unique and contextually-sensitive approach to sonification of a subset of climate data: urban air pollution for four Canadian cities. Similarly to other datadriven models for sonification and auditory display, this model details an approach to data parameter mappings, however we specifically consider the context of a public engagement initiative and a reception by an ‘everyday’ listener, which informs our design. Further, we present an innovative model for FM index-driven sonification that rests on the notion of ‘harmonic identities’ for each air pollution data parameter sonified, allowing us to sonify more datasets in a perceptually ‘economic’ way. Finally, we briefly discuss usability and design implications and outline future work.
Virtual-Audio Aided Visual Search on a Desktop Display
Authors: Rothwell Clayton , Romigh Grifﬁn , Simpson Brian
Published: May 2017

As visual display complexity grows, visual cues and alerts may become less salient and therefore less effective. Although the auditory system’s resolution is rather coarse relative to the visual system, there is some evidence for virtual spatialized audio to beneﬁt visual search on a small frontal region, such as a desktop monitor. Two experiments examined if search times could be reduced compared to visual-only search through spatial auditory cues rendered using one of two methods: individualized or generic head-related transferfunctions. Results showed the cue type interacted with display complexity, with larger reductions compared to visual-only search as set size increased. For larger set sizes, individualized cues were signiﬁcantly better than generic cues overall. Across all set sizes, individualized cues were better than generic cues for cueing eccentric elevations (>±8°). Where performance must be maximized, designers should use individualized virtual audio if at all possible, even in small frontal region within the ﬁeld of view.
Accessible Spectrum Analyser
Authors: Martin Fiore , Metatla Oussama , Bryan-Kinns Nick , Stockman Tony
Published: May 2017

This paper presents the Accessible Spectrum Analyser (ASA) developed as part of the DePic project (Design Patterns for Inclusive collaboration) at Queen Mary University of London. The ASA uses soniﬁcation to provide an accessible representation of frequency spectra to visually impaired audio engineers. The software is free and open source and is distributed as a VST plug-in under OSX and Windows. The aim of reporting this work at the ICAD 2016 conference is to solicit feedback about the design of the present tool and its more generalized counterpart, as well as to invite ideas for other possible applications where it is thought that auditory spectral analysis may be useful, for example in situations where line of sight is not always possible.
Becoming an Activist Citizen: Individual Experiences and Learning Processes within the Swedish Suburban Movement
Authors: Ålund Aleksandra , Léon-Rosales René
Published: May 2017

Focusing on activism within a new “suburban movement” (förortsrörelse) in Sweden, this article explores the processes of becoming an activist from the perspective of post-migrant youth. The authors ask how individual identities are formed under conditions of social subordination and cultural stigmatization. Using interviews with urban activists the authors elaborate how this experience is contingent on individual and collective learning processes, and related to place struggle; the notion of self-identification for a “justice movement” among Swedish activists in ethnically mixed suburban areas. The article is based on Megafonen, a youth led organization grounded in Husby, a Stockholm suburb. Employing the notions of active and activist citizen, the interconnection of racialization and resistance, as well as how conditions of a racialized being affects the options of becoming an activist citizen, are explored.
Effect of the Use Lethal Ovitrap to Population Aedes sp
Authors: Ramadhani Tri , Wahyudi Bondan Fajar
Published: May 2017

Dengue vector control has been done in various ways, however, has not been able to obtain optimal results. Ovirap use to determine the presence of Aedes sp in a region is often done, but the application of lethal ovitrap for population control Aedes sp still rarely done. This study was aimed to assess the effect of LO applications on populations of Aedes sp.

This research includes quasi experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group without randomization. Research sites in dengue in endemic areas in Banyumas district, with a total sample of 100 homes in each treatment and control areas. Insecticides used on ovistrip is cypermethrin at a dose of 12.5 mg ai/strip. Populations of Aedes sp measured each week for three weeks prior to the intervention and twelve weeks during the intervention. The mean density of Aedes sp compared before and after intervention and between treatment and control areas.
The study showed the difference of mosquito densities before and after the intervention in the experimental group was 0,07 ( p-value 0.044), whereas the control group was 0.037 (p-value 0.341). LO use with the addition of insecticide active ingredient cypermetrin on ovistrip impact on the decline density of Aedes sp.
Brothers and Sisters—“More” is Better? Effects on School, Violence and Health
Authors: Camacho Inês , De Matos Margarida Gaspar , Tomé Gina , Reis Marta , Jiménez-Iglesias Antonia , Moreno Mari Carmen , Galvão Diana
Published: May 2017

Aims: The aim of this study was to understand the differences between adolescents with and withoutbrothers and sisters, in what concerns to risk behaviours, health and the relationship with their peersand family.
Sample: The Portuguese HBSC (Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children) survey included a total of 6026 students where 47.7% were boys. Results: Male adolescents with three or more brothers drink and smoke more, feel sadder, are more nervous and angrier, have more worries, and more frequently act as bullies. Boys who are only child are more satisfied with life and report more frequently that they like school. Boys with more than three sisters practice more physical activity. Girls with one brother are less victimized and have better relationships with their friends.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF A CHITOSAN-PVA-GELLAN INSULIN IMPLANT
Authors: S. Satish C.
Published: May 2017

Objective: The purpose of this study was to ascertain the applicability of degradable materials for fabrication of an insulin release system.Methods: Insulin implants were prepared by using poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), gellan and chitosan by solution casting method. The prepared implants were evaluated for swellability, content uniformity, potency and purity of insulin in implants, scanning electron microscopy studies, in vitro release studies, in vitro degradation studies using lysozyme, stability studies and circular dichroism spectroscopy.Results: The swelling degree of the implants was found to be in the range of 1.07-1.56. The diffusion coefficient of water through the implant was found to depend on the calcium chloride (CaCl2) concentration. The diffusion coefficient of insulin through the chitosan-PVA-gellan in the early stages was found to be in the range of 1.99´10-5 cm2/sec to 5.24´10-5 cm2/sec and at later stages in the range of 6.9´10-6 cm2/sec to 1.10´10-5 cm2/sec. The weight of the implants was 48±0.58 mg. The insulin content in the implants was 9.86±0.10 mg. The potency of insulin extracted from the implants was 27.11±0.75 U/mg or 95.12±2.61 % of the control insulin. The in vitro release studies showed that insulin was released completely in a period of 13-19 d depending on the composition of the implant. The increase in CaCl2 retarded the rate of insulin release whereas the increase in PVA content leads to the rapid release of insulin. The device was found to undergo significant weight loss due to enzyme mediated degradation.Conclusion: These studies provide validity for the potential utility of chitosan-PVA-gellan implant systems for the delivery of insulin. The studies also demonstrate that insulin maintained its integrity within the implant system. Implants showed the complete release of insulin in 19 d and the release of insulin from the implants depended on the amount of CaCl2.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF SIMVASTATIN GASTRORETENTIVE DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM
Authors: N. Manjunath P. , S. Satish C. , S. Vasanti , C. Preetham A. , Ras Naidu
Published: May 2017

Objective: The aim of this study was to formulate and evaluate gastro retentive drug delivery system (GRRDS) using an effervescent approach for simvastatin.Methods: Floating tablets were prepared using directly compressible polymers hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) K100M, HPMC K4M and carboxymethylcellulose sodium (NaCMC). The prepared tablets were subjected to pre-formulation studies like Compressibility index, Hausner ratio and post compression parameters like buoyancy/floating test and In vitro dissolution study.Results: Drug-excipient compatibility studies performed with the help of FTIR instrument indicated that there were no interactions. The DSC thermogram of the formulations revealed that crystalline form of simvastatin existed in the formulation which was confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction. Dissolution studies indicated that there was a decrease in the drug release with an increase in the polymer viscosity. The tablets prepared with low-viscosity grade HPMC K4M exhibited short Buoyancy Lag Time and floated for a longer duration as compared with formulations containing high viscosity grade HPMC K100M. The ‘n’ value for dissolution studies for all the formulations was found to be in the range of 0.647 to 0.975 indicating non-Fickian or anomalous drug transport. Conclusion: The drug release rate and floating duration of tablets depended on the nature of the polymer and other added excipients. The release rate of the drug can be optimized by using different ratios of polymers and other excipients. The formulation F8 achieved the optimized batch and complied with all the properties of the tablets.
PHARMACOGNOSTIC, ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL, PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROFILE OF WILD GUAVA I.E. CAREYA ARBOREA ROXB
Authors: Kaur Manbir , Yadav Rakesh
Published: May 2017

Careyaarborea Roxb. is a medium-sized deciduous tree of 9 to 18 m height, surviving throughout India up to an altitude of 1,500 meters and other Asian countries. The tree belongs toFamily Lecythidaceae and has folklore use in treating cold, cough, tumours, asthma, inflammations, ulcers and skin infections. The present review reveals updated, comprehensive and categorized information on pharmacognostical evaluation containing morphology as well as microscopic studies, ethnopharmacology, physiochemical parameters, preliminary photochemical screening, phytochemistry and elaborated pharmacological studies.
A STUDY ON PHYTOCHEMICALS, FUNCTIONAL GROUPS AND MINERAL COMPOSITION OF ALLIUM SATIVUM (GARLIC) CLOVES
Authors: Divya B. J. , Suman B. , Venkataswamy M. , Thyagaraju K.
Published: May 2017

Objective: The present study on garlic cloves (Allium sativum) belongs to family Amaryllidaceae has been focused. This is a natural medicinal plant used for disease preventions against all kinds of internal infections. Preliminary screening of phytochemicals has found plenty of secondary metabolites which are present in garlic cloves. Their functional groups and mineral compositions, the potential of trace elements have been evaluated using FTIR and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICPOES).Methods: The screening of phytochemicals, FTIR and ICPOES. All the methods were performed by standard protocols.Results: The phytochemical screening of plant extracts of hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water revealed the presence of steroids, saponin, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, terpenoids and carbohydrates. The results of the methanolic extract of A. sativum analysis showed rich bioactive compounds. The FTIR spectroscopic studies revealed characteristic peak values from 3500-1000 cm-1 for various functional compounds like hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylic and organosulfur and aromatic compounds in the garlic methanolic extract. The elements present in the garlic play an important role in the treatment of various diseases described in the traditional medicinal system. The elemental analysis was carried out on garlic methanolic extract using the ICP-OES technique and it showed the order of abundance as K>P>Mg>Ca>Zn>Al that could enhance the curative process of ill health and the potentially toxic elements were not detected.Conclusion: Thus our data on garlic shows a great importance to understand the pharmacological actions and therapeutic efficacy possessed by majority of active compounds.
NANOSUSPENSION: AN OVERVIEW
Authors: Aher Smita S. , Malsane Sagar T. , Saudagar R. B.
Published: May 2017

Nanosuspensions are important carriers to develop novel drug formulations. Nanosuspensions have emerged as a promising strategy for the efficient delivery of hydrophobic drugs because of their versatile features and unique advantages. Nanosuspension technology solved the problem of drugs which are poorly aqueous soluble and less bioavailability. Stability and bioavailability of the drugs can be improved by the Nanosuspension technology. Techniques such as media milling and high-pressure homogenization have been used commercially for producing nanosuspensions. Nanosuspensions can be delivered by oral, parenteral, pulmonary and ocular routes. Nanosuspensions can also be used for targeted drug delivery when incorporated in theOcular inserts and mucoadhesive hydrogels. Currently, efforts are being directed to extending their applications in site-specific drug delivery.
CYTOMORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF BUCCAL CELLS IN BUILDING WORKERS EXPOSED TO POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON IN AND AROUND COIMBATORE DISTRICT
Authors: Singaravelu Saranya Ramalingam , Srinivasan Sushmitha , Dinesh Deepak
Published: May 2017

Objective: Building workers are exposed to a mixture of chemicals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at the time exposure by inhalation which is suspected to cause genetic damage. The aim of the study was to assess the level of genetic damage in south Indian building workers are exposed to PAHs.Methods: 30 Building workers and standardized control groups are examined for frequencies of micronuclei in buccal epithelial cells.Results: The genetic damage observed in the buccal cells of building workers was significantly higher than in controls. Chewing also related to genetic damage since the observed in PAHs exposed groups with chewers was significantly higher than non-chewing workers.Conclusion: Occupational exposure of PAHs from building workplaces has been associated with increased genetic damage and chewers represent an additional risk factor. Exposure to PAHs may be related to increased risk of cancer in building workers.
Animal models of chronic traumatic encephalopathy
Authors: McAteer Kelly M , Turner Renee J , Corrigan Frances
Published: May 2017

Repeated head impacts have been suggested to be associated with the development of the neurodegenerative disorder, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is characterized by the accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau within the brain, with accompanying cognitive and behavioral deficits. How a history of repeated head impacts can lead to the later development of CTE is not yet known, and as such appropriate animal models are required. Over the last decade a number of rodent models of repeated mild traumatic brain injury have been developed that are broadly based on traditional traumatic brain injury models, in controlled cortical impact, fluid percussion and weight drop models, with adaptations to allow for better modeling of the mechanical forces associated with concussion.
The Influence of Green Marketing Tools on Green Eating Efficacy and Green Eating Behaviour
Authors: Muposhi A , Dhurup M
Published: May 2017

This study employs the Legitimacy Theory and Self-efficacy Theory to examine the potential role of green marketing tools in fostering green eating behaviour. Using the mall-intercept technique at major retailers, data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire survey on South African consumers who regularly buy green products. Data analysis was conducted with the aid of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 22.0.The results indicate that South African consumers are significantly influenced by eco-labels and eco-brands when buying green products. The study, however, shows a negative relationship between green advertising and green eating efficacy. It also reveals a positive relationship between green eating efficacy and green eating behaviour. The findings of the study highlighted important implications and policy directions that marketers and policy makers may implement in order to promote green eating behaviour.
The Shemita Effect, How a Jewish agricultural law prompted fear for Evangelical investors: Confirmation Bias and Bandwagoning in Action
Authors: Newfeld Daria J.
Published: May 2017

This paper examines how Shemita, a Jewish agricultural law only applicable in Israel came to be viewed by Evangelical Christian Investors as a signal of a potential stock market crash in September, 2015 purportedly as a consequence of G-d’s displeasure with the United States. In 2014 Johnathan Cahn, a popular Evangelical preacher, published “The Shemita Effect” which claimed that the seven year Shemita cycle mirrored stock market patterns over the last 50 years and suggested an impending crash. This theory was quickly taken up by conservative Christian Evangelical media and at least one man was convinced enough to start an entire investment company based on it despite the fact that it is easily disproven using basic statistical analysis of freely available data. This bizarre incident illustrates confirmation bias and bandwagoning effects in action, amplified with religious fervor.
Private Financing and Human Resource Practices of Small Local and Foreign-Owned Cosmetological Businesses
Authors: Rambe Patient
Published: May 2017

There exists a growing body of empirical studies that explore both the sources of small, micro and medium enterprises (SMME) funding, and the quality of their human resource practices. However, there is paucity of literature that interrogates the impact of private funding of local and foreign SMMEs on the quality of human resources. Nevertheless, the wide recognition of the economic significance of SMMEs in emerging economies and the pivotal role that funding plays in the growth of such firms suggest that the nexus between SMME private funding and human resourcing is integral to this condition and growth. As a result, the current study examined the influence of private financing of local and foreign-owned hair salon SMMEs on the quality of their human resources, in an attempt to bridge the aforementioned research gap. The study, which drew on a quantitative approach, is based on a survey conducted on 150 South African and foreign immigrant-owned hair salon businesses. The findings suggest that the private financing structure was dominated by a combination of debt and equity financing, followed by debt financing, with equity financing as the least employed funding model. The study established the significant impact that access to private equity financing has on recruitment, selection and compensation. However, the level of private debt financing, attractiveness of interest rates for private debt financing and financial value of funding from private institutions (banks) do not have any impact on human resources management practices. A major observation from the results is that, some aspects of private financing impact negatively on human resources management albeit a small effect size, which somehow raises critical questions about the popular claims that financing, contributes positively to the quality of human resources of firms.
National Development Plan as an Entrepreneurial Mechanism for Rural Economic Development in South Africa
Authors: Shava Elvin , Maramura Tafadzwa Clementine
Published: May 2017

Chapter 6 of the National Development Plan (NDP) accentuates on the impact of an integrated and inclusive rural economy by proposing for the creation 643 000 direct jobs and 326 000 indirect jobs in the farming and non-farming sector by 2030. Discussion within the study reveals that, the NDP was also designed to stimulate rural economic development among other important dynamic economic factors of the country. However, five years into the implementation of the NDP, remnants of inequality, unemployment and poverty are still apparent amongst the rural population. This paper indicates that the success of NDP as an entrepreneurial mechanism is being underpinned by contestations which are emanating from under-financing, lack of entrepreneurial education and research culture, negative attitudes of the people, corruption and red tape. Through a qualitative research approach, the paper observes that, for NDP to be continuously coordinated as an economic initiative, financing of rural projects such as small businesses, cooperatives and other rural development projects should be the government’s key priority. The study concludes that entrepreneurship has to be considered as a prime mover in rural economic development in South Africa since an entrepreneurial economy significantly differs from a non-entrepreneurial one, as evidenced by the economic vigour and sustainable development of its inhabitants.
Simulation by temperature gradient adaption of wavelength effect in metal laser cutting
Authors: Amara E. H. , Aoudjit T. , Kheloufi K. , Tamsaout T. , Aggoune S. , Ahmanache A. , Hamadi F. , Bougherara K.
Published: May 2017

Laser cutting of thick metal workpieces requires the use of low operating speeds which, however, will have an influence on the cut quality following the used laser wavelength. In this study, we develop a model which takes into account the Fresnel coefficients in order to determine the local laser absorbed energy as a function of the beam incidence angle on the surface workpiece. The deposited laser energy occurs on the metal/air interface which evolution is tracked by the volume-of-fluid multiphase model. In the simulation, in order to find the difference between the patterns obtained on the kerf walls when different laser wavelengths are used, an important number of cells must be used at the regions of interest, which are characterized by high gradients, but a larger number of cells will have the consequence to complete the calculation with much less computer time consumption. Therefore, a gradient adaption method was implemented in order to control the number of cells, by multiplying or reducing them when it is necessary, depending on the importance of the temperature gradients. It was found out in our results that processing with higher wavelength (λCO2 = 10.6 μm) results in lower roughness on the kerf walls, compared to the surface quality obtained by using lower wavelength (λNd-YAG = 1.06 μm). A good accordance with the experimental observations is concluded.
Insertos de WC recubiertos con nanomulticapas de [TiN/TiAlN]: Evaluaciones mecánicas durante el maquinado
Authors: Martínez Aneiro Federico , Vidal Miguel , Sánchez Teresa , Moreno Luis Henry , Prieto Pedro
Published: May 2017

Dado que la evaluación física de los recubrimientos no brinda suficiente información sobre el comportamiento durante el maquinado de insertos recubiertos, en el presente trabajo se han estudiado insertos de carburo de tungsteno (WC) recubiertos con multinanocapas de [TiN/TiAlN]n (200 y 300 capas) con un espesor de 4 µm utilizando la técnica Deposición Física reactiva en fase Vapor (PVD) y comparándolas con insertos recubiertos tipo monocapa de TiCN-Al2O3-TiN (TINAL) producidas de forma industrial. Mediante esta técnica las capas depositadas están en el orden de los nanómetros.Se realizaron ensayos de temperatura mediciones de rugosidad superficial en la pieza, huella de contacto y se mostraron resultados de desgaste. Los ensayos se realizaron sobre probetas de acero AISI 4340 endurecido 50HRc aplicando altas velocidades de corte (HSC).Los valores de temperatura fueron inferiores, así para los insertos de 300 capas la disminución fue de 520 °C y para las de 200 capas de 770°C.Los resultados de los ensayos de desgaste demostraron, que los insertos recubiertos con 200 y 300 capas alcanzaron valores de vida útil mayores en un 44% y 57 % respectivamente, comparados con el valor obtenido (7600m) por el inserto de TINAL.
Propiedades mecánicas y tribológicas de películas lubricantes de ws2 depositadas por medio de magnetrón sputtering dc no reactivo
Authors: González Carmona Juan Manuel , Berrío Edison , Ortega Carolina , Ruden Alexander , Sequeda Osorio Federico
Published: May 2017

Se depositaron recubrimientos de WS2 por medio de magnetrón sputtering, sobre sustratos de acero inoxidable 304, con el fin de determinar las capacidades del material como lubricante sólido en ambientes con humedades relativas superiores a 40%. Se determinó que los recubrimientos obtenidos poseen estruc-tura hexagonal con textura combinada en planos (100) y (101), los cuales son paralelos al eje c y están relacionados con rompimiento columnar y posterior formación de una película de transferencia. Se determinó alta ductilidad a partir de la obtención de la dureza, módulo de elasticidad, índice de plasticidad y carga crítica. Con la técnica de bola en disco se determinó que al aumentar la carga de 1 a 10 N mejora el comportamiento de la fricción cuando se utiliza un par de alúmina, se encontraron coeficientes de fricción del orden de 0.09, y se observó que la tribo-oxidación posee gran influencia al propiciar la transición de mecanismos de adhesivo a abrasivo.
Tableros de partículas de polvillo de aserrín reforzados con subproductos reciclados (TAR)
Authors: Buitrago Braian , Henao Ángela Patricia , Ayala Orlando , Mejìa Poseidòn
Published: May 2017

El propósito del presente estudio es investigar el comportamiento mecánicoy físico de tableros aglomerados, compuestos por polvillo de aserrín y resinasmelamínica-urea formaldehído (MUF) en los que se introdujeron cargas demateriales recuperados como caucho sintético, fibra de vidrio y fibra de yute.Se estudiaron algunos parámetros como la relación molar M/UF, la resistenciaa la tracción, la resistencia a la flexión, la gravedad específica, la absorción dehumedad y el hinchamiento después de 2 y 24 horas de inmersión en agua. Losresultados experimentales arrojaron valores máximos de resistencia a la traccióny a la flexión de 10,9 MPa y de 48 MPa respectivamente, con una razón molarM/UF de 1,5. La temperatura de trabajo fue de 150 °C y el tiempo estimadopor prensado fue de 150 s.
Tratamiento de agua basado en la adsorción de crudo en nanopartículas polares y no polares
Authors: Martínez Aguilar Maricelly , Cortés Farid Bernardo , Franco Ariza Camilo Andrés
Published: May 2017

Uno de los impactos de la producción de petróleo es el aumento de la contaminación debido a la descarga de aguas de formación. Este documento  presenta el estudio de la adsorción de crudo en nanopartículas de sílice funcionalizada con residuos de refinería (VR) al 2 y al 4 %wt. Además de zeolita y zeolita modificada (2 y 4%wt de VR) para reducir la cantidad de crudo en las emulsiones crudo/agua (W/O). Los modelos de Langmuir y Freundlich se usaron para ajustar las isotermas de adsorción a los datos experimentales. El rango de la concentración de crudo inicial fue desde 200 hasta 2000 mg/l. El cambio en la concentración después de la adsorción se determinó utilizando un espectrofotómetro UV visible. La cantidad máxima de adsorción se obtuvo con nanopartículas de sílice modificada al 4% para una concentración inicial de 200 mg/g con una eliminación de crudo del 100%, 9 mg/g más que la obtenida con zeolita modificada de 191 mg/g a la misma concentración. Los modelos de pseudo primer y pseudo segundo orden se usaron para ajustar los datos experimentales de la cinética de adsorción obtenidos a diferentes concentraciones de crudo, con mejores resultados para el modelo de pseudo segundo orden.