bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective and Neurorescue Effects of a Novel Polymeric Nanoparticle Formulation of Curcumin (NanoCurc™) in the Neuronal Cell Culture and Animal Model: Implications for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Ray Balmiki , Bisht Savita , Maitra Amarnath , Maitra Anirban , Lahiri Debomoy K.
Published: May 2018

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques within the brain parenchyma followed by synaptic loss and neuronal death. Deposited Aβ reacts with activated microglia to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytochemokines, which lead to severe neuroinflammation. Curcumin is a yellow polyphenol compound found in turmeric, a widely used culinary ingredient that possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and may show efficacy as a potential therapeutic agent in several neuro-inflammatory diseases including AD. However, poor aqueous solubility and sub-optimal systemic absorption from the gastrointestinal tract may represent factors contributing to its failure in clinical trials. To increase curcumin's bioavailability, a polymeric nanoparticle encapsulated curcumin (NanoCurc™) was formulated which is completely water soluble. NanoCurc™ treatment protects neuronally differentiated human SK-N-SH cells from ROS (H2O2) mediated insults. NanoCurc™ also rescues differentiated human SK-N-SH cells, which were previously insulted with H2O2. In vivo, intraperitoneal (IP) NanoCurc™ injection at a dose of 25mg/kg twice daily in athymic mice resulted in significant curcumin levels in the brain (0.32 μg/g). Biochemical study of NanoCurc™-treated athymic mice revealed decreased levels of H2O2 as well as caspase 3 and caspase 7 activities in the brain, accompanied by increased glutathione (GSH) concentrations. Increased free to oxidized glutathione (GSH:GSSH) ratio in athymic mice brain versus controls also indicated a favorable redox intracellular environment. Taken together, these results suggest that NanoCurc™ represents an optimized formulation worthy of assessing the therapeutic value of curcumin in AD.
Accumulation of Insoluble Amyloid-β in Down's Syndrome is Associated with Increased BACE-1 and Neprilysin Activities
Authors: Miners James Scott , Morris Sean , Love Seth , Kehoe Patrick Gavin
Published: May 2018

We previously reported age- and Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related increases in the activities of β-secretase (BACE-1) and Aβ-degrading enzymes including neprilysin (NEP) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the frontal cortex. We suggested that these increases were secondary to the accumulation of insoluble amyloid-β (Aβ) and a decline in soluble Aβ. We have further tested this hypothesis by examination of frontal cortex obtained postmortem from individuals with Down's syndrome (DS), in whom AD-like neuropathological changes occur in association with early-onset dementia. We measured total soluble and insoluble (guanidine-extractable) Aβ, BACE-1 activity, and the concentrations and activities of NEP and ACE in two independent DS cohorts: an initial, Bristol cohort (9 DS cases, 8 controls matched for age-at-death) and a validation Newcastle cohort (20 DS, 18 controls with a wider spectrum of age-at-death). In both cohorts the level of insoluble (but not soluble) Aβ was significantly higher in DS than controls and was comparable to previously measured levels in AD. NEP protein concentration and activity were significantly increased in DS; a trend towards increased BACE-1 activity was observed in DS but did not reach statistical significance. Both NEP and BACE-1 correlated with the level of insoluble Aβ. The concentration of ACE in DS was elevated in the pilot cohort only and ACE activity was unchanged. These findings provide strong support that BACE-1 and NEP activities, but not ACE, increase in response to the accumulation of insoluble Aβ within the brain.
VI Sindem MEETING: Italian Association for the Study of Dementia linked to the Italian Neurological Society (SIN)
Authors: Bonavita Vincenzo , Caltagirone Carlo , Mariani Claudio , Padovani Alessandro , Scarpini Elio , Sorbi Sandro
Published: May 2018

Proceedings of the VI Sindem MEETING

Italian Association for the Study of Dementia linked to the Italian Neurological Society (SIN)

Milan, Centro Congressi della Provincia di Milano – Via Corridoni, 16, March 17–19, 2011

Scientific Committee: Vincenzo Bonavita, Carlo Caltagirone, Claudio Mariani, Alessandro Padovani, Elio Scarpini and Sandro Sorbi

Local Scientific Committee: Francesca Clerici and Daniela Galimberti
Upregulation of Brain Renin Angiotensin System by 27-Hydroxycholesterol in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Mateos Laura , Ismail Muhammad-Al-Mustafa , Gil-Bea Francisco-Javier , Leoni Valerio , Winblad Bengt , Björkhem Ingemar , Cedazo-Mínguez Angel
Published: May 2018

In spite of the fact that cholesterol does not pass the blood-brain barrier, hypercholesterolemia has been linked to increase Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. Hypertension is another risk factor and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity is known to be increased in AD. Furthermore, a lower incidence of AD has been reported in patients taking anti-hypertensive drugs. Here we show that the levels of angiotensinogen (AGT) and ACE are increased in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with mild cognitive impairment and AD. Moreover, we show ACE activity in the CSF to be positively correlated with both plasma and CSF levels of 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OH), an oxysterol known to pass through the BBB and taken up from the circulation by the brain. In addition, treatment of rat primary neurons, astrocytes, and human neuroblastoma cells with 27-OH resulted in increased production of AGT. Our results demonstrate that upregulation of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in AD brains occurs not only at the enzymatic level (ACE) but also at the substrate level (AGT). The possibility that 27-OH is part of a mechanism linking hypercholesterolemia with increased brain RAS activity and increased AD risk is discussed.
The Role of the Blood Brain Barrier in Neurodegenerative Disorders and their Treatment
Authors: Palmer Alan M.
Published: May 2018

Neurodegenerative disorders represent a major medical challenge that is set to increase substantially in the decades ahead with the massive increase in the number of people in the world aged 65 or more. Neuroprotective therapeutics have the potential to play a key role in helping manage this growing global burden of long-term neurological care. However, neuropharmaceutical research is associated with significant challenges including: 1) the complexity of the brain (the cause of the majority of neurodegenerative disorders remains unknown); 2) the liability of central nervous system (CNS) drugs to cause CNS side effects (which limits their use); and 3) the requirement of neuropharmaceuticals to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB itself also plays a key role in most (if not all) neurodegenerative disorders since BBB dysfunction inevitably leads to inflammatory change including the movement of immune cells and immune mediators into the brain, which then contribute to the process of neurodegeneration. This review focuses on the role of the BBB in both neurodegenerative disorders and neuropharmaceutical research.
Corrigendum
Authors: Chemical Engineering Periodica Polytechnica
Published: May 2018

Nur Rokhati, Heru Susanto, Kristinah Haryani, Bambang Pramudono "Enhanced Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Chitosan by Surfactant Addition", 62(3), pp. 286-291, 2018. https://doi.org/10.3311/PPch.11142When the above article was first published online Eq. (2) was incorrect. This has now been corrected in the online version.
Study of High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Turbidimetric Inhibition Immunoassay for HbA1c Analysis in Diabetic Patients with Variant Hemoglobin
Authors: Sultana Gazi Sharmin , Khan Nadia Zebin , Khuda Zannat E , Sultana Tanvira Afroze , Dipta Tashmim Farhana , Muttalib MA , Choudhury Subhagata
Published: May 2018

Background: HbA1c is considered as “gold standard” to evaluate glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Hemoglobin variants are mutant forms of hemoglobin that can occur by genetic changes in specific amino acid that can affect the accuracy of HbA1c measurements. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is the standard method for HbA1c but inaccurate HbA1c values can occur when hemoglobin variants are present in diabetic patient. The aim of our study is to see Turbidimetric Inhibition Immunoassay (TINIA) method can report HbA1c values in diabetic patients with variant hemoglobin when the values are inaccurate on HPLC.Methods: 7590 diabetic patients were analyzed for HbA1c by HPLC method from BIRDEM General Hospital during December 2013 to January 2014. HbA1c levels were again measured by TINIA method in 50 cases out of 7590 who showed either undetectable / below normal HbA1c levels. Hb electrophoresis confirmed the variant hemoglobin in few casesResults: 50 cases out of 7590 (0.65%) had either undetectable / below normal HbA1c levels by HPLC method. Males-26 and females-24; and the ratio was 0.92:1. In 27 cases, HbA1c values were undetectable by HPLC method but in the reportable range by TINIA method. In the other 23 cases, HbA1c levels were below the reportable range (<4%) by HPLC method but were in the normal or higher range by TINIA method. On Bland Altman plot, TINIA method did not agree with HPLC method in variant cases.Conclusion: In South East Asia where Hb variant is high, Low or undetectable HbA1c level by HPLC may be a convenient clue for screening of hemoglobinopathies especially among diabetic population in Bangladesh. All laboratories should have alternative method of HbA1c testing like TINIA along with HPLC for correct determination of glycemic control in variant casesBirdem Med J 2018; 8(2): 114-117
Risk Factors and Etiologies of Ischemic Stroke in Young Adults: A Hospital-based Study in Bangladesh
Authors: Habib Rumana , Hosen Ikram , Islam Rashedul , Bhowmik Nirmalendu Bikash
Published: May 2018

Background: Stroke is an important cause of disability among adults and is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Strokes in young adults can have a significant impact on the affected individuals, their families and societies in general as the affected patients are in the economically productive period of their lives.This study was aimed to find out the demographic profile and explore the associated risk factors of the first-ever ischemic stroke of young adults.Methods: This retrospective study reviewed the records of 64 patients, age 18-49 years, ischemic stroke patients consecutively admitted in the Neurology department, BIRDEM General Hospital during the period January 2016 to June 2017. Study variables included hematological and biochemistry investigations and radiological and imaging findings. Stroke sub-typing was done following to TOAST criteria. Data of follow-up data at 3 month were also included. Data were expressed as number (percent) and managed by SPSS for Windows Version 15.Results: Of the 634 patients diagnosed as acute ischemic stroke 64 (9.90%) were in the 18-49 (yr) age range and the majority (55.4%) were male. Stroke was more common (47 out of 54) among the 31-49 years category as compare with the <30 years category. Stroke patients presented with diabetes mellitus(87.03%),arterial hypertension (44.4%), dyslipidemia (23.5%) and cigarette smoking (31.48%). Family history of stroke was present in 33.5% cases. Ten (6.51%) patients showed hypercoagualable state.Small vessel occlusion (SVO) found in 48.40% cases followed by large artery atherosclerosis (21.86%).Patients with SVO stroke presented with lacunar syndromes and lesions in Basal ganglia(12.1%),Thalamus(6.6%), Subcortical region (0.9%),Internal capsule (20.0%)and brain stem(11.3%). Thrombolysis was not done in any of patients. Most of the patients were on an anti-platelet treatment and majority (85.4%) receiving aspirin alone. Strokes left 48(75.5%)patients with moderate to moderately severe disability on discharge from the hospital.Mortality was lower (6.3%) and had good recovery 35 (54.6%).Conclusion: Ischemic stroke in the young adults accounted for 9.90% of the hospital admission with stroke. Those suffered from ischemic stroke had presence of modifiable risk factors. Predominance of SVO among them not only indicated stroke etiology but also predicted good short term prognosis.Birdem Med J 2018; 8(2): 138-144
Correlation between Platelet Count vs Spleen Bipolar Diameter Ratio and Esophageal Varices in Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Mahfuzzaman Md , Hoque Md Nazmul , Ahmed Shireen , Bhuiyan Tareq Mahmud
Published: May 2018

Background: Esophageal variceal bleeding is a potentially fatal complication in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. In cirrhotic patients, endoscopic screening for esophageal varices (EV)is currently recommended at the time of diagnosis. The present study intends to find out correlation between platelet countspleen bipolar diameter ratio and esophageal varices in liver cirrhosis and prospectively validate its use for the noninvasive diagnosis of EV.Methods: This observational study was done at theDepartment of Gastrointestinal Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disorder, BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka, during the period of November, 2013 to October, 2014. A total 64 patients with cirrhosis of liver were included. Complete blood count, liver function tests, ultrasonographyof whole abdomenand endoscopy of upper gastro-intestinal tract (GIT)were done in all patients. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS version 16.Results: Among 64 study population EV were detected in 54 patients (84.4%). The platelet count/ spleen bipolar diameter ratio was significantly higher without EV compared with those with EV(1570 ± 493) and (688 ± 227), respectively; (p<0.001).Patients with EV had lower platelet counts (86799.84 ±27389.99/mm3, p<0.001), higher bipolar spleen diameters (127.94±15.14 mm, p<0.001) and lower platelet count/ spleen bipolar diameter ratios (688.79 ±227.13, p<0.001). In this analysis, by applying (ROC)curve the platelet count-spleen bipolar diameter ratio at a cut-of 908.5 maintained high sensitivity (100 %), Robust negative predictive value NPV (100%),specificity (55.6%) and PPV (85.4%), with an overall diagnostic accuracy of 87.50% for the prediction of EV.With advancing Child-Pugh (C-P) class the percentage of patients with varices increased, 33.3% in C-P class A, 85.7% in C-P class B and 91.6% in C-P class C. The presence of EVcorrelated significantly with the severity of liver cirrhosis (p = 0.03) as measured by Child-Pugh score.Conclusion: The identification of non-endoscopic, noninvasive methods that can accurately predict esophageal varicesin cirrhosis of liver has been addressed in several recent studies. This study was yet another attempt to achieve this goal. Predicting the presence of EV by noninvasive means would restrict the performance of endoscopy and reducing the number of unpleasant screening endoscopiesBirdem Med J 2018; 8(2): 159-166
Drug Induced Encephalopathy in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Case Series
Authors: Haque Wasim Md Mohosin Ul , Samad Tabassum , Rahim Muhammad Abdur , Saha Shudhanshu Kumar , Iqbal Sarwar
Published: May 2018

Drug induced encephalopathy is an established side effect of many drugs when used in a higher dose. Though we do not encounter this side effect frequently in our day to day practice, yet with renal impairment this is not uncommon. Even with a reduced dose many of these can precipitate encephalopathy in this special group of patients. We are presenting here a series of seven such cases of drug induced encephalopathy in patients with renal impairment.Birdem Med J 2018; 8(2): 172-176
Beginning of a Journey of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Mohammed Mosleh , Mahfuz Huque , Karim Md Mostafil
Published: May 2018

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) involves the intravenous infusion of autologous or allogenic stem cells collected from bone marrow, peripheral blood or umbilical cord to re-establish haematopoietic function in patients whose bone marrow or immune system is damaged or defective. HSCT are mainly of two types –autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) and allogenic SCT. Autologous SCT is mainly performed in multiple myeloma, Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and less commonly in acute myeloid leukaemia. Haematopoietic stem cells are mobilized from bone marrow to the peripheral blood after the use of mobilizing agents, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and plerixafor. Then the mobilized stem cells are collected from peripheral blood by apheresis and cryo-preserved. The patient is prepared by giving conditioning regimen (high dose melphelan). Stem cells, which are already collected, are re-infused into patient’s circulation by a blood transfusion set. Engraftment happens 7-14 days after auto SCT. Common side effects of this procedure include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, mucositis, infections etc. The first case of SCT performed in Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh is presented here.Birdem Med J 2018; 8(2): 177-180
Pachydermoperiostosis: A Rare Genetic Disorder
Authors: Barua Milton , Rashid Mamunur , Rouf Md Abdur , Barua Anupam , Biswas Rajat Sanker Roy
Published: May 2018

Pachydermoperiostosis (PDP) is a rare genetic disorder. Finger clubbing, skin changes and bony changes are the main three features of it. Here we present a 26-year-old male patient who was admitted for some other neurological disorder and diagnosed clinically as PDP. We diagnosed the condition clinically as gene analysis is not available in Bangladesh for a confirm diagnosis.Birdem Med J 2018; 8(2): 181-183
Medical Quiz: Images Vol.8(2)
Authors: Islam Md Rashedul , Rahman Tanbin
Published: May 2018

Abstract not availableBirdem Med J 2018; 8(2): 187
Birdem News Vol. 8(2)
Authors: Uddin Khwaja Nazim
Published: May 2018

Abstract not availableBirdem Med J 2018; 8(2): 190
Answer to Medical Quiz: Images Vol.8(2)
Authors: Uddin Khwaja Nazim
Published: May 2018

Abstract not availableBirdem Med J 2018; 8(2): 191
Medical Quiz: SBA Answers Vol.8(2)
Authors: Uddin Khwaja Nazim
Published: May 2018

Abstract not availableBirdem Med J 2018; 8(2): 192
Association of Diabetes Mellitus with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Sharmin N , Sultana N , Rahman H , Rahman T , Chowdhury SN
Published: May 2018

Acute ischemic stroke occurs more frequently in diabetic patients. The purpose of the present study was to observe the association of diabetes mellitus with acute ischemic stroke in Bangladeshi population. This case-control study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from January 2014 to December 2014. Patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke, age ranges from 18 to 65 years of both sexes, were taken as the case group. Age-and sex-matched healthy individuals were selected as control group. History of diabetes of both cases and controls were recorded and blood sample was collected from both cases and controls after overnight fasting for the estimation of blood sugar. A total number of 100 study subjects were taken of which 50 subjects presented with acute ischemic stroke were considered as cases and the rest 50 healthy subjects were taken as controls. In this study, the mean(±SD) of age of cases and controls were 56.54±12.18 and 53.34±7.98 years respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between mean age of the groups (p=0.124). Mean (±SD) of BMI was significantly higher in cases than that of controls (p=0.002) which were 27.25±3.25 and 25.38±2.57 respectively and the study subjects were sex matched, the difference between cases and controls was not statistically significant (p= 0.414). Diabetes mellitus was more commonly reported in case group (46.0%) than control group (6.0%) and the difference was found statistically significant (p=0.001). The risk estimation was calculated and was found a 13.34 OR (95% C.I. 3.66 to 48.62). From the findings of this study in may be concluded that diabetes mellitus is significantly associated with acute ischemic stroke.Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2016; 9(2): 45-48
An overview of recent advances in duplex DNA recognition by small molecules
Authors: Bhaduri Sayantan , Ranjan Nihar , Arya Dev P
Published: May 2018

As the carrier of genetic information, the DNA double helix interacts with many natural ligands during the cell cycle, and is amenable to such intervention in diseases such as cancer biogenesis. Proteins bind DNA in a site-specific manner, not only distinguishing between the geometry of the major and minor grooves, but also by making close contacts with individual bases within the local helix architecture. Over the last four decades, much research has been reported on the development of small non-natural ligands as therapeutics to either block, or in some cases, mimic a DNA–protein interaction of interest. This review presents the latest findings in the pursuit of novel synthetic DNA binders. This article provides recent coverage of major strategies (such as groove recognition, intercalation and cross-linking) adopted in the duplex DNA recognition by small molecules, with an emphasis on major works of the past few years.
The Star-grazing Bodies in the HD 172555 System
Authors: Grady C. A. , Brown Alexander , Welsh Barry , Roberge Aki , Kamp Inga , Rivière Marichalar P.
Published: May 2018

Kiefer et al. reported the detection of infalling Ca ii absorption in HD 172555, a member of the β Pictoris Moving Group (βPMG). We obtained HST Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph and Cosmic Origins Spectrograph spectroscopy of this star at 2 epochs separated by a week, and we report the discovery of infalling gas in resonant transitions of Si iii and iv, C ii and iv, and neutral atomic oxygen. Variable absorption is seen in the C ii transitions and is optically thick, with covering factors which range between 58% and 68%, similar to features seen in β Pictoris. The O i spectral profile resembles that of C ii, showing a strong low-velocity absorption to +50 km s−1 in the single spectral segment obtained during orbital night, as well as what may be higher-velocity absorption. Studies of the mid-IR spectrum of this system have suggested the presence of silica. The O i absorption differs from that seen in Si iii, suggesting that the neutral atomic oxygen does not originate in SiO dissociation products but in a more volatile parent molecule such as CO.
Chandra Detection of an Evolved Population of Young Stars in Serpens South
Authors: Winston E. , Wolk S. J. , Gutermuth R. , Bourke T. L.
Published: May 2018

We present a Chandra study of the deeply embedded Serpens South star-forming region, examining cluster structure and disk properties at the earliest stages. In total, 152 X-ray sources are detected. Combined with Spitzer and 2MASS photometry, 66 X-ray sources are reliably matched to an IR counterpart. We identify 21 class I, 6 flat spectrum, 16 class II, and 18 class III young stars; 5 were unclassified. Eighteen sources were variable in X-rays, 8 exhibiting flare-like emission and one source being periodic. The cluster’s X-ray luminosity distance was estimated: the best match was to the nearer distance of 260 pc for the front of the Aquila Rift complex. The ratio of N
H to A

K
is found to be ∼0.68 × 1022, similar to that measured in other young low-mass regions, but lower than that measured in the interstellar medium and high-mass clusters (∼(1.6–2) × 1022). We find that the spatial distribution closely follows that of the dense filament from which the stars have formed, with the class II population still strongly associated with the filament. There are four subclusters in the field, with three forming knots in the filament, and a fourth to the west, which may not be associated but may be contributing to the distributed class III population. A high percentage of diskless class IIIs (upper limit 30% of classified X-ray sources) in such a young cluster could indicate that processing of disks is influenced by the cluster environment and is not solely dependent on timescale.
A Candidate Tidal Disruption Event in a Quasar at z = 2.359 from Abundance Ratio Variability
Authors: Liu Xin , Dittmann Alexander , Shen Yue , Jiang Linhua
Published: May 2018

A small fraction of quasars show an unusually high nitrogen-to-carbon ratio (N/C) in their spectra. These “nitrogen-rich” (N-rich) quasars are a long-standing puzzle because their interstellar medium implies stellar populations with abnormally high metallicities. It has recently been proposed that N-rich quasars may result from tidal disruption events (TDEs) of stars by supermassive black holes. The rapid enhancement of nitrogen and the depletion of carbon due to the carbon–nitrogen–oxygen cycle in supersolar mass stars could naturally produce high N/C. However, the TDE hypothesis predicts that the N/C should change with time, which has never hitherto been observed. Here we report the discovery of the first N-rich quasar with rapid N/C variability that could be caused by a TDE. Two spectra separated by 1.7 years (rest-frame) show that the N iii] λ1750/C iii] λ1909 intensity ratio decayed by ∼86% ± 14% (1σ). Optical (rest-frame UV) light-curve and X-ray observations are qualitatively consistent with the TDE hypothesis; though, the time baseline falls short of a definitive proof. Putting the single-object discovery into context, statistical analyses of the ∼80 known N-rich quasars with high-quality archival spectra show evidence (at a 5σ significance level) of a decrease in N/C on timescales of >1 year (rest-frame) and a constant level of ionization (indicated by the C iii] λ1909/C iv
λ1549 intensity ratio). If confirmed, our results demonstrate the method of identifying TDE candidates in quasars via abundance ratio variability, opening a new window of TDE observations at high redshift (z > 2) with upcoming large-scale time-domain spectroscopic surveys.
Statistical Analysis of Acoustic Wave Power and Flows around Solar Active Regions
Authors: Rabello-Soares M. Cristina , Bogart Richard S. , Scherrer Philip H.
Published: May 2018

We analyze the effect of a sunspot in its quiet surroundings applying a helioseismic technique on almost three years of Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) observations obtained during solar cycle 24 to further study the sunspot structure below the solar surface. The attenuation of acoustic waves with frequencies lower than 4.2 mHz depends more strongly on the wave direction at a distance of 6°–7° from the sunspot center. The amplification of higher frequency waves is highest 6° away from the active region and is largely independent of the wave’s direction. We observe a mean clockwise flow around active regions, the angular speed of which decreases exponentially with distance and has a coefficient close to −0.7 degree−1. The observed horizontal flow in the direction of the nearby active region agrees with a large-scale circulation around the sunspot in the shape of cylindrical shell. The center of the shell seems to be centered around 7° from the sunspot center, where we observe an inflow close to the surface down to ∼2 Mm, followed by an outflow at deeper layers until at least 7 Mm.
Characterising planktonic dinoflagellate diversity in Singapore using DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Sze Yue , Miranda Lilibeth N. , Sin Tsai Min , Huang Danwei
Published: May 2018

Dinoflagellates are traditionally identified morphologically using microscopy, which is a time-consuming and labour-intensive process. Hence, we explored DNA metabarcoding using high-throughput sequencing as a more efficient way to study planktonic dinoflagellate diversity in Singapore’s waters. From 29 minimally pre-sorted water samples collected at four locations in western Singapore, DNA was extracted, amplified and sequenced for a 313-bp fragment of the V4–V5 region in the 18S ribosomal RNA gene. Two sequencing runs generated 2,847,170 assembled paired-end reads, corresponding to 573,176 unique sequences. Sequences were clustered at 97% similarity and analysed with stringent thresholds (≥150 bp, ≥20 reads, ≥95% match to dinoflagellates), recovering 28 dinoflagellate taxa. Dinoflagellate diversity captured includes parasitic and symbiotic groups which are difficult to identify morphologically. Richness is similar between the inner and outer West Johor Strait, but variations in community structure are apparent, likely driven by environmental differences. None of the taxa detected in a recent phytoplankton bloom along the West Johor Strait have been recovered in our samples, suggesting that background communities are distinct from bloom communities. The voluminous data obtained in this study contribute baseline information for Singapore’s phytoplankton communities and prompt future research and monitoring to adopt the approach established here.
Entreprises religieuses transnationales en Afrique de l'Ouest
Authors: Duchesne Véronique , Guedj Pauline
Published: May 2018

En 1965, l’Akonedi shrine , lieu de culte le plus populaire de la ville de Larteh Kubease au Ghana, accueille un Afro-Américain du nom de Gus Dinizulu, percussionniste en tournée en Afrique de l’ouest. De la rencontre de cet homme avec la « prêtresse suprême » du lieu, okomfohene Akua Oparebea, naît un réseau transnational se déployant entre le Ghana et les États-Unis, reliant l’Akonedi shrine à des Afro-Américains de la côte est principalement. En revenant sur le contexte politique du Ghana des années soixante, sur les prémisses de la formation du réseau et sur ses modalités de fonctionnement, cet article montre comment celui-ci est le produit à la fois des aspirations d’une possédée-devineresse akan (okomfo) qui a su utiliser la renommée d’un culte localisé en territoire guan pour développer un réseau intrinsèquement lié à sa personne et d’un désir partagé par des Ghanéens et des Noirs Américains de lutter pour la valorisation d’une présumée « tradition » africaine sensée se manifester des deux côtés de l’Atlantique.
Entreprises religieuses transnationales en Afrique de l'Ouest
Authors: Gomez-Perez Muriel
Published: May 2018

Pays majoritairement musulman, le Sénégal a la particularité d’avoir toujours connu une forte influence des confréries et d’avoir vu émerger, dans les années 1950, une nouvelle génération de musulmans arabisants et francisants, appelée réformistes, qui ont milité pour un enseignement arabe rénové, dans lequel il est question de comprendre le Coran et de maîtriser la Sunna ou Tradition du Prophète, le fiqh ou droit islamique, les sciences et d’introduire l’apprentissage du français. Depuis les années 1980, est apparue une nouvelle génération de réformistes, a remodelé ses stratégies, en mettant l’accent sur le prosélytisme religieux ou da c wa , en investissant les mosquées, en multipliant les prêches et les écoles franco-arabes. L’auteur se propose dés lors d’identifier ces différentes générations de réformistes, de présenter leurs parcours éducatifs, leurs modes de socialisation islamique et de militantisme et de démontrer les points de continuité et de rupture entre ces générations. La pluralité du réformisme conduit à s’interroger sur le contenu et l’évolution des savoirs véhiculés par cette tendance de l’islam. L’auteur s’interroge sur les dynamiques internes et externes du réformisme musulman sénégalais des années 1950 à nos jours et démontre que le fait d’utiliser plusieurs registres linguistiques et culturels, de s’identifier à la umma et de perpétuer des relations séculaires avec les pays arabes n’implique pas nécessairement l’émergence d’une culture réformiste musulmane transnationale ni la structuration de réseaux interrégionaux et internationaux du réformisme sénégalais.
Entreprises religieuses transnationales en Afrique de l'Ouest
Authors: Ukah Asonzeh F-K.
Published: May 2018

Cette étude décrit l’incroyable popularité des films vidéo chrétiens au Nigeria et plus particulièrement des films pentecôtistes produits par des organisations pentecôtistes pour des consommateurs pentecôtistes. Cette étude s’appuie sur des entretiens réalisés auprès de réalisateurs, de producteurs et de distributeurs de films et sur un questionnaire conduit auprès de cinq cents personnes dans cinq villes du sud Nigeria. Elle nous informe sur les mécanismes de production et de distribution de ces films, sur les modèles de consommation et sur le genre de public concerné. Ces films forment finalement une part importante d’une culture matérielle pentecôtiste émergente et témoignent de l’apparition d’un marché du sacré au Nigeria, influencé à la fois par le paysage religieux local et par une culture commerciale urbaine.
Entreprises religieuses transnationales en Afrique de l'Ouest
Authors: Ojo Matthews A.
Published: May 2018

Cette recherche s’est penchée sur les réseaux religieux transnationaux développés par le pentecôtisme nigérian en Afrique de l’Ouest. De fait, cette enquête révèle la présence d’importants réseaux religieux d’origine nigériane dans les autres pays de la région. Plusieurs facteurs contribuent à la promotion de ces réseaux et notamment, la liberté de circulation, les échanges culturels, les activités commerciales transfrontalières, l’amélioration du système de transport et de communication, les dynamiques internes au pentecôtisme qui créent des Églises transnationales, l’appropriation des medias et de leurs technologies et de manière plus décisive, la conviction partagée par les pentecôtistes nigérians d’une mission évangélisatrice à accomplir en Afrique. Dans les années 1970 et 1980, ces réseaux étaient marqués par une vocation missionnaire à la différence des années 1990, dominées par une perspective entrepreneuriale.
La Tolérance des religions de Henri Basnage de Beauval (1684)
Authors: Graveleau Sara
Published: May 2018

Lorsque la Tolérance des
Religions sort des presses de Hollande, le protestantisme
français est à l’agonie. Ce traité est le fruit d’une réaction
désespérée de la part d’un huguenot, Henri Basnage de Beauval
(1656-1710), qui s’inquiète pour l’avenir de sa communauté
confessionnelle. Il y dénonce les persécutions orchestrées par une
Église catholique corrompue et rebelle à l’autorité légitime des
Bourbons sur la Couronne de France. Ce texte est aussi un appel, de la
part d’un protestant profondément attaché à la monarchie absolue, au
« bon vouloir » de Louis XIV. L’auteur réclame en effet la mise en
place d’une tolérance civile qui, selon lui, est nécessaire à la
préservation de la paix dans le royaume et à « l’émulation positive
des religions concurrentes ». Cette tolérance des plus pragmatiques
n’est autre qu’un retour à l’édit de Nantes des origines, purifié de
toute interprétation rigoriste. Son application devrait contribuer à
la gloire du Roi-Soleil en Europe, l’érigeant en monarque soucieux du
bonheur de ses sujets. Le sieur de Beauval justifie cette demande par
l’idée que les huguenots sont de bons chrétiens mais surtout de bons
français qui méritent d’être récompensés pour leur loyauté. Si ce
traité est le premier d’un ensemble de textes dédiés à la tolérance
qui apparaissent dans le sillage de l’édit de Fontainebleau de 1685,
il ne peut être considéré comme complètement innovant. Il construit
effectivement sa théorie à partir de ses propres lectures de
théologiens protestants aussi bien que catholiques. Influencé par des
auteurs comme Castellion, Locke ou encore Bayle, il propose cependant
des arguments originaux qui, à leur tour, sont pris en compte par
d’autres théoriciens de la tolérance.
Droit naturel, intolérance et tolérance à l’égard des huguenots au xviiie siècle
Authors: Borello Céline
Published: May 2018

Pour les huguenots, le xviiie siècle se
caractérise par la volonté de retrouver un statut qui leur permette
d’exister légalement dans le royaume de France. Cette quête pour la
tolérance religieuse et civile reste profondément liée à une question
de droits à acquérir ou à retrouver, droits qui doivent se
matérialiser par une refonte législative. Toutefois, elle repose
conceptuellement sur des questions qui relèvent du droit naturel.
L’article s’interroge donc sur la place du courant jus naturaliste dans l’argumentaire protestant
autour de la tolérance à laquelle les huguenots aspirent.

Pour cela, un point de définition et de
contextualisation du droit naturel au xviiie siècle sera posé et
permettra, ensuite, de comprendre son usage dans les écrits de défense
de la cause protestante. De fait, si le droit naturel a été mobilisé
pour demander la tolérance pour les huguenots, il a aussi permis de la
dépasser au regard des desseins ultimes des droits naturels durant la
Révolution française.
La tradition laïque tchèque, héritage de l'intolérance de l'époque moderne : problème historiographique ou question historique ?
Authors: Richard Nicolas
Published: May 2018

Au concile Vatican II, le cardinal Beran fit une intervention plus ou moins célèbre. Lors du débat sur la liberté religieuse, l’archevêque-primat de Prague, sorti peu avant des geôles communistes, fit de la conversion de la Bohême avec l’appui du bras séculier au xviie siècle la cause d’un « traumatisme », qui expliquait la déprise religieuse contemporaine en Tchécoslovaquie communiste. Au-delà d’une lecture en miroir anti-communiste évidente, le primat utilisait un argument historique important, qui était l’appui essentiel de son propos. L’article examine la relation entre ces deux phénomènes très éloignés dans le temps, et conclut à son inexistence. Il s’attache ensuite à retracer la généalogie de cette erreur historique, et cherche à comprendre comment, par un curieux paradoxe, l’historiographie catholique se trouva, dans la dernière moitié du xxe siècle, la dernière à la défendre.
Fondamentalisme et intolérance : le regard d’historiens des guerres de Religion sur le djihadisme contemporain
Authors: Brizay François
Published: May 2018

Cet article présente deux ouvrages concis que trois historiens modernistes, spécialistes de l’histoire culturelle du xvie siècle et des guerres de Religion en France, ont rédigé à propos de l’intolérance et de la violence islamistes qu’ils analysent à la lumière de ce que nous apprend l’étude des conflits religieux que l’Europe a connus aux xvie et xviie siècles : Les religions meurtrières, d’Elie Barnavi, et Au péril des guerres de Religion. Réflexions de deux historiens sur notre temps, de Denis Crouzet et Jean-Marie Le Gall. Les auteurs expliquent comment l’intolérance religieuse des chrétiens du xvie siècle et des islamistes du xxie siècle prend sa source dans le fondamentalisme et l’eschatologie. Ils décrivent ensuite les caractéristiques de la violence commise au nom de la religion, puis ils envisagent les conditions d’un apaisement des passions religieuses dans l’Europe du xxie siècle en insistant sur la lutte contre le fondamentalisme révolutionnaire musulman et sur l’importance d’un enseignement tourné vers une réflexion sur la tolérance.
L’activité éditoriale dans le processus créatif de textes littéraires
Authors: Cadioli Alberto
Published: May 2018

La demande de corrections qu’un éditeur soumet à un écrivain avant l’impression de son texte et plus encore les interventions qu’introduisent directement les rédacteurs sur le texte en cours d’édition agissent sur le processus de création littéraire et sur l’identité d’une œuvre. Le présent article propose une typologie des demandes des éditeurs et des réponses des écrivains, que les changements soient accueillis comme d’utiles conseils, ou qu’ils soient acceptés sans qu’un consensus évident se soit manifesté, ou même contre leur gré. Les nombreux exemples proposés montrent que la volonté de l’auteur et celle de l’éditeur s’opposent souvent, de sorte que la publication d’une œuvre peut être le résultat d’un affrontement entre des poétiques divergentes : celle que l’auteur a en vue et celle que l’éditeur propose (et diffuse à travers ses publications).
Ecological Responsibility and Sustainable Development as Preconditions for Development of the Concept of Circular Economy
Authors: Ivanovic Olja Munitlak
Published: May 2018

Ethical and ecological responsibility represent the root of sustainable development taking into account intergenerational justice. Mass production and consumption have left negative effects on the environment. Disregarding ecological responsibility, production processes were mainly based on uncontrollable use of raw materials and non-renewable energy sources. Taking into account limitation of raw materials, economic and ecological disasters, a concept of resilience has been developed to make all elements of society flexible in terms of unwanted shocks. This chapter describes two conceptual economic models: linear and circular. The linear model is based on the principle “take, produce, consume, and throw,” meaning that usability of waste is reduced and that waste is simply thrown out after consumption. Circular economic model takes into account environmental responsibility, but it also makes companies more competitive. Waste is treated and processed adequately and used as raw material in production, thus increasing competitiveness. Waste that cannot be processed is disposed permanently.
Effect of Greenwashing Advertisements on Organizational Image
Authors: Baran Tamer , Kiziloglu Mehmet
Published: May 2018

Firms have an unfavourable effect on environmental problems that severely threatens the ecological balance. In this context, firms' responsibility must be heavy on environmental problems. In the last two decades an approach guiding firms' socially beneficial activity as well as profitably activity has emerged. Accordingly, many firms launched marketing campaigns in order to claim themselves environment friendly. But it is not possible to say all of these campaigns reflect the facts. Some firms conduct greenwashing campaigns, which means misleading activity in order to persuade external stakeholders and consumers to appear more environmentally friendly than they actually are. In this chapter, the authors explain the effect of greenwashing advertisements on organizational culture using findings of previous studies as evidence. Organizational image, greenwashing concepts, and factors that drive firms' greenwashing activities are explained and then the effect of green advertisements on organizational image is revealed through previous studies' findings.
Organic Markets, Participatory Guarantee Systems, and Community-Supported Agriculture for Sustainable Food Communities
Authors: Ercoskun Ozge Yalciner
Published: May 2018

Local and organic food is of global importance and benefits our health, community, and environment. Today, people come together and build a food community to access local and organic food directly from the farmers under a chain of trust. It is an amazing opportunity to support small farmers and reach fresh produce. Organic markets, participatory guarantee systems, farm shares or community supported agriculture, work exchange, and other co-operatives allow us to connect with one another and perpetuate social and ecological sustainability. This chapter analyzes these direct organic marketing mechanisms and community building ways towards green economy. It demonstrates these cultures and gives some best practices in the creation of sustainable food community networks around the world. The chapter concludes with emphasizing the significance on the sociality and locality, thus contributing to the long-term goal of sustainable development and resilience.
The Evolution of the Feed Industry Towards Its “Sustainabilization”
Authors: Escribano Alfredo J.
Published: May 2018

Livestock production requires important amounts of resources, which are limited. Therefore, the feed industry is under pressure to combine food security and sustainability. Hence, it is going through an important process of remodeling (both in focus and in practice). The feed industry should make good use of this context as a way to evolve towards a more sustainable future, and constitute itself as a player in global sustainability efforts. The present chapter reviews the concept of quality (using meat products as model) and gives examples of how to modulate animal products healthiness/safety and reduce the environmental impact of the sector through animal feeding practices. Finally, it provides an overview of the main research areas and ongoing projects that the main global organizations involved in the feed sector are currently running in order to successfully overcome sustainability challenges.
Partnership of Rural Tourism and Organic Farming to Achieve Goals of Green Economy
Authors: Vuković Predrag , Roljević-Nikolić Svetlana Milorad
Published: May 2018

Practice has shown that the best results in solving problems that burden rural areas give mechanisms which coordinate development of agriculture with other economic activities on the principles of sustainable development. Partnership in the development of rural tourism and organic agriculture represent a logical sequence of things. People today are aware of the complex problem of burdening the global food chain and natural resources with the remains of persistent pesticides, nitrates, and the worsening of organoleptic properties and nutrient-like food. The concept of organic farming insists on the natural balance of interests. For this reason, tourists who come to the rural areas expect that they will be able to consume organically produced healthy food. The chapter analyzes the concept of rural tourism and organic farming, their dynamic development in the world and in Serbia. It points out the importance of its connectivity to eliminate existing negative trends which burden life in rural areas and possibilities to implement the goals of the green economy.
Composting an Emerging Technology for Solid Waste Management in India
Authors: Rastogi Mansi , Nandal Meenakshi
Published: May 2018

This chapter describes how “Solid waste” (SW) is a term usually applied to an assorted collection of wastes produced in urban areas, the nature, characteristics and quantity of which varies from region to region. Waste generation is influenced not only by lifestyle of the region's inhabitants, but also by copiousness and type of the region's natural resources. Composting of municipal solid waste is, therefore, a simple and cost-effective technology for treating the organic fraction of municipal solid waste. As the composting proceeds there occurs drastic change in microbial communities, and resemblance to the initial community is lost with process. Generally, three categories of microorganisms play a vital role in composting process: bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi. It is primarily the mesophilic (> 45 °C) and specifically the thermophilic bacteria (< 60 °C), that plays a major role by rising the temperature of the piles. This chapter mainly focused on composting process for Municipal waste stabilization and role of microbes in the process.
Phytoremediation of Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Municipal Wastewater by Cyperus alternifolius Planted Constructed Wetland
Authors: Farraji Hossein
Published: May 2018

Nowadays municipal wastewater (MWW) treatment by phytoremediation techniques goes as an emerging technique in the USA and many European countries. Cleaning wastewater with constructed wetland (CW) is an advanced type of phytoremediation. Low concentration of hazardous metallic elements in this major wastewater caused its capability for treatment by CW. This treatment method highly depends on the presence of macrophytes, media, and operating factors which have high influences in the efficiency of this technology. This chapter will discuss on engineering controls that traditionally are available and practically could be used in the commonly CW. Recirculation, dry to wet duration, artificial aeration, absorbent application, dilution and carbon source addition through this eco-friendly decontamination method. The concentration of this manuscript will be on Cyperus alternifolius as a well-known rapid growth plant species which often known as an ornamental plant. This review on try to illustrate practical ways to enhancing efficiency of decontamination of MWW in CW