bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pendampingan Peningkatan Mutu Madrasah melalui Pembelajaran Aktif dan Manajemen Sekolah
Authors: Rizal Daviq
Published: February 2019

Active, Creative, Effective and Enjoyable Learning (PAKEM) is a contextual learning model that involves at least four main principles in the learning process. First, the interaction process (students interact actively with teachers, fellow students, multimedia, references, environment, etc.). Second, the communication process (students communicate their learning experiences with teachers and other student colleagues through stories, dialogues or through role-play simulations). Third, the reflection process (students rethink the meaning of what they have learned and what they have done). Fourth, the exploration process (students experience directly by involving all their senses through observation, experiment, investigation or interview). PAKEM training is conducted for 2 days and SBM training is conducted for 1 day. After the training, there were mentoring for teachers on the practice of active learning and there was mentoring for SBM to install RKS and RKAS in the madrasas. Training does not mean anything without implementation and follow-up.

 

Penelitian Pembelajaran Aktif, Kreatif, Efektif dan Menyenangkan (PAKEM) adalah sebuah model pembelajaran kontekstual yang melibatkan paling sedikit empat prinsip utama dalam proses pembelajarannya. Pertama, proses interaksi (siswa berinteraksi secara aktif dengan guru, rekan siswa, multimedia, referensi, lingkungan, dan sebagainya). Kedua, proses komunikasi (siswa mengkomunikasikan pengalaman belajar mereka dengan guru dan rekan siswa lain melalui cerita, dialog atau melalui simulasi role-play). Ketiga, proses refleksi (siswa memikirkan kembali tentang kebermaknaan apa yang mereka telah pelajari dan apa yang mereka telah lakukan). Keempat, proses eksplorasi (siswa mengalami langsung dengan melibatkan semua indera mereka melalui pengamatan, percobaan, penyelidikan atau wawancara). Pelatihan PAKEM dilakukan selama 2 hari dan pelatihan MBS dilakukan selama 1 hari. Setelah pelatihan, diadakan pendampingan terhadap guru-guru terhadap praktik pembelajaran aktif dan ada pendampingan MBS untuk pemasangan RKS dan RKAS di madrasah-madrasah tersebut. Pelatihan memang tidak akan ada artinya tanpa pelaksanaan dan tindak lanjut.
Optimalisasi Potensi Ekonomi Masyarakat Melalui Budidaya Jamur Tiram
Authors: Waris Waris , Khasanah Nurul
Published: February 2019

This service research aims to open up the entrepreneurial spirit of Mitir community. The development of entrepreneurial spirit will automatically reduce the unemployment class and the working class in Mitir. With the emergence of oyster mushroom entrepreneurs, it is expected to increase the income of the community. The increasing income of the community is related to the increasing level of education of the younger generation in the country. If the level of education has begun to increase, the poverty rate in the following year will be gradually reduced. Through this paper, it is concluded that the presence of outside agents is very necessary for Mitir community. The agent serves to provide knowledge about the cultivation of oyster. With the presence of the agents, will be able to cut people mindset who tend to take it for granted, so that the community have open opportunities to achieve their own desired goals.

Penelitian pengabdian ini bertujuan untuk membuka jiwa wirausaha masyarakat dusun Mitir. Berkembangnya jiwa wirausaha akan secara otomatis memangkas kelas pengangguran, kelas buruh di dusun Mitir. Nantinya dengan banyak munculnya wirausahawan jamur tiram maka pendapatan masyarakat meningkat. Peningkatan pendapatan masyarakat berelasi dengan meningkatnya tingkat pendidikan generasi muda di dusun Mitir. Jika tingkat pendidikan sudah mulai mengalami peningkatan maka secara perlahan angka kemiskinan ditahun berikutnya sedikit dapat dikurangi. Melalui tulisan ini disimpulkan adanya agen dari luar sangat diperlukan bagi masyarakat dsn. Mitir. Agen berfungsi untuk memberikan pengetahuan tentang budidaya jamur tiram. Dengan adanya agen akan dapat memotong mata rantai pola pikir masyarakat yang cenderung take it for granted, sehingga masyarakat terbuka peluangnya untuk mencapai tujuan yang dikehendaki sendiri.
Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Pesisir Berbasis Potensi Lokal; Alternatif Ketahanan Pangan Berupa Tepung Magrove
Authors: Mulyatun Mulyatun
Published: February 2019

Mangrove fruit can be explored as a new local food source, especially in areas that have the potential of mangrove forests such as in the village of Bedono Sayung demak. Brayo and lindur mangrove fruits have the opportunity to be explored as alternative food ingredients because its contain high carbohydrates so they can be processed into flour. The stages of the community service program carried out are: (1) The socialization of the utilization of mangrove fruit; (2) training; (3) Monitoring and Mentoring. The impacts of this community service program include: (1) increasing public awareness to utilize brayo and lindur mangrove fruits for alternative food in the form of mangrove flour, (2) increasing community knowledge and skills in brayo and lindur mangrove processing into flour mangrove substitute for flour, (3) Encouraging the growth of business group in processing mangrove fruit into mangrove flour and processing of mangrove flour into various high-value economic cakes so that it is expected to improve the welfare of the village community Bedono Sayung Demak.

 

Buah mangrove dapat dieksplorasi sebagai sumber pangan lokal baru terutama di daerah-daerah yang memiliki potensi hutan mangrove seperti di Desa Bedono Sayung demak. Buah mangrove jenis brayo dan lindur mempunyai peluang untuk dieksplorasi sebagai bahan pangan alternatif karena mengandung karbohidrat yang tinggi sehingga dapat diolah menjadi tepung. Tahapan program pengabdian masyarakat yang dilakukan adalah: (1) Sosialisai pemanfaatan buah mangrove; (2) pelatihan; (3) Monitoring dan Pendampingan. Dampak yang dihasilkan dari program pengabdian masyarakat ini antara lain: (1) meningkatkan kesadaran masyarakat untuk memanfaatkan buah mangrove jenis brayo dan lindur untuk pangan alternatif berupa tepung mangrove, (2) meningkatnya pengetahuan dan ketrampilan masyarakat bidang pengolahan buah mangrove jenis brayo dan lindur menjadi tepung mangrove pengganti terigu, (3) Mendorong tumbuhnya kelompok usaha pengolahan buah mangrove (brayo dan lindur) menjadi tepung mangrove dan pengolahan tepung mangrove manjadi beragam kue bernilai ekonomi tinggi sehingga diharapkan dapat meningkatkan kesejahteraan masyarakat desa Bedono Sayung Demak.
Participation Action Research dalam Membangun Kesadaran Pendidikan Anak di Lingkungan Perkampungan Transisi Kota
Authors: Muhtarom Ali
Published: February 2019

This paper provides an overview of efforts to overcome the inequality of education of children in a village that is transitioning to urban society. Perkampungn close to the center of the crowd like terminals, shopping centers, tourist attractions and others. However, the reality of people in the region is not comparable to access to urban, industrial, and educational and government routes. The Tegal Jeruk Hamlet community has been left behind economically and also in education. Poverty is a source of problems from the underdevelopment of people in the region, so at the same time, it is found that many teenagers in this region experience uncertainty about the future due to difficult economic and educational affordability. Through the Particular Action Research (PAR) approach, this program is focused on building awareness of children's education in urban transition villages by conducting community service workshops and empowering youth through life skill education activities in the form of skills that they do not get in formal schools.

 

Tulisan ini memberikan gambaran upaya mengatasi ketimpangan pendidikan anak di lingkungan perkampungan yang tengah bertransisi menuju masyarakat kota. Perkampungn yang dekat dengan pusat keramaian laiknya terminal, pusat perbelanjaan, tempat wisata dan lain-lain. Akan tetapi, realitas masyarakat di wilayah tersebut tidak sebanding akses ke jalur kota, perindustrian, maupun pusat pendidikan dan pemerintahan. Masyarakat Dusun Tegal Jeruk mengalami ketertinggalan secara ekonomi dan juga pendidikan. Kemiskinan menjadi sumber persoalan dari ketertinggalan masyarakat di wilayah tersebut, sehingga pada saat yang sama, banyak ditemukan kalangan masyarakat remaja di wilayah ini mengalami ketidakpastian masa depan karena ketidakterjangkauan pendidikan dan ekonomi yang sulit. Melalui pendekatan Particiopation action research (PAR), Program ini dititikberatkan kepada membangun kesadaran pendidikan anak di lingkungan perkampungan transisi kota dengan melakukan workshop pengabdian kepada masyarakatdan melakukan pemberdayaan kepada para remaja melalui kegiatan life skill education berupa keterampilan-keterampilan yang tidak banyak mereka dapat di sekolah formal.
AUDIOBOOK SEBAGAI ALAT BANTU MEMPERLANCAR KOMUNIKASI DALAM PENYEBARAN DAKWAH ISLAM PENYANDANG TUNANETRA
Authors: Handayani Maya Rini
Published: February 2019

Disabilities people, especially muslim who are blind have the same desire with other Muslims. The similarity desire is become da’i or propagator of Islam despite having physical limitations. The main obstacle for them in the spread of Islam is communication. In  order  to  establish  the  communication  between  the  sender  and the recipient should both have the same transmission and symbols. Transmission and the same symbol will be created if both of them have the same knowledge.

Unfortunately, the blind Muslims often have difficulty in gaining knowledge of Islam. This is because they can not read Islamic books. Therefore,  in  this  article  will  discuss  the  audiobook,  which  is  a voiced book that can be used blind Muslim to deepen knowledge of Islam. The benefits to be gained by the Islamic audiobook is facilitate communication  between  blind  Muslims  and  not  the  blind  one.

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Penyandang disabilitas khususnya tunanetra yang beragama Islam mempunyai keinginan yang sama dengan umat Islam awas lainnya. Persamaan keinginan tersebut antara lain ingin menjadi dai atau penyebar agama Islam meskipun dalam keterbatasan. Kendala utama bagi mereka dalam penyebaran Islam adalah komunikasi. Agar komunikasi dapat terjalin dengan baik antara pengirim dan penerima pesan hendaknya keduanya mempunyai transmisi dan simbol yang sama. Transmisi dan simbol yang sama akan tercipta jika keduanya mempunyai pengetahuan yang sama.

Sayangnya, muslim tunanetra sering mengalami kesulitan dalam memperoleh pengetahuan keislaman. Hal ini dikarenakan mereka tidak dapat membaca buku-buku Islam. Oleh sebab itu dalam artikel ini akan membahas audiobook yang merupakan sebuah buku bersuara yang dapat digunakan saudara muslim tunanetra untuk memperdalam ilmu Islam. Manfaat yang dapat diperoleh dengan adanya audiobook Islami akan memperlancar komunikasi di antara muslim tunanetra dan muslim awas.
MEDIA MASSA ISLAM DALAM TATANGAN GLOBAL (Analisis Dakwah dan Cyber Media di Indonesia)
Authors: Aziz Mokhamad Abdul
Published: February 2019

Globalization requires people to be wise. Because, globalization has two different sides, can even contradict each other. On the one hand, globalization offers convenience and promises progress. However, on the other hand, globalization can be destructive, even destructive if one rejects it. Admittedly or not, the impac t of globalization  is  very  influential  on  the behavior  and  culture  of  people  in  developing countries, especially Indonesia. World globals and challenges must be addressed with wisdom and positive thinking, because globalization and modernization are indispensable and beneficial for progress.

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Globalisasi menuntut manusia bersikap bijak. Sebab, globalisasi memiliki dua sisi yang berbeda, bahkan bisa saling bertentangan. Di satu sisi, globalisasi menawaran kemudahan dan menjanjikan kemajuan. Namun, pada sisi yang lain, globalisasi bisa merusak, bahkan bisa menghancurkan jika salah menyikapinya. Diakui atau tidak, dampak globalisasi kenyataannya sangat berpengaruh terhadap prilaku dan budaya masyarakat di negara berkembang, khususnya Indonesia. Pengglobalan dunia dan tantangannya harus disikapi dengan arif dan  positive thinking, karena globalisasi dan modernisasi sangat diperlukan dan bermanfaat bagi kemajuan.
IKLAN LAYANAN MASYARAKAT DAN RESPON KHALAYAK
Authors: . Mukaromah , Yanuarsari Dzuha Hening , Pratiwi Mutia Rahmi
Published: February 2019

Semarang is the capital city of Central Java with high density characteristic and well known as a trading transit place. The Government of Semarang city is actively socializing the government‟s service programs through various media, one of theseis Videotron. There are various kind of social advertisements in Tugumuda Semarang videotron and the research shows that there are 4 social ads that are remembered by the society: Obeying The Traffic Rules, Tax Amnesty, Report to Hendy and Saber Pungli. This research aims to analyze the people‟s response towards those ads. This research uses quantitative approach, descriptive as the method, and Agenda setting theory.

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Semarang  adalah  salah  satu  ibukota  provinsi  di  Jawa  Tengah  Indonesia  yang memiliki jumlah kepadatan penduduk yang cukup tinggi dan terkenal sebagai kota transit perdagangan. Pemerintah Kota Semarang saat ini tengah giat melakukan gerakan sosialisasi berbagai layanan kegiatan pemerintahan melalui berbagai media, salah satunya adalah videotron. Iklan Layanan Masyarakat yang disajikan di Videotron Tugumuda Semarang cukup beragam dan berdasarkan hasil penelitian terdapat empat ILM yang cukup diingat oleh masyarakat, yaitu: Tertib Berlalu Lintas, Amnesty Pajak, Lapor Hendy dan Saber Pungli. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji respon masyarakat terhadap empat Iklan Layanan Masyarakat tersebut. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif dengan metode deskriptif dan diulas dengan teori Agenda Setting.

 
MEDIA BARU DIGITAL SEBAGAI PERETAS KONTEKS KOMUNIKASI ANTAR PRIBADI DAN KELOMPOK
Authors: Yudha Reza Praditya , Irwansyah Irwansyah Irwansyah
Published: February 2019

Digital media creates a gap in the definition of the communication context created by West & Turner (2010). Situational boundaries are increasingly unclear when in the whole process the number of participants, distance, space, feedback, media functions, and variety of channels are integrated. This study aims to analyze the implications of digital media functions in elaborating interpersonal communication to successfully mobilize groups. The study was conducted by reviewing the literature on new digital media theories. As a result, connectedness occurs as a character of interpersonal communication in digital new media. When these context is elaborated by digital media so that integrating more participants, interaction is not just merely connection anymore, but focuses on shared meaning. At this point the context is shifted into group communication.

 
Keywords : new digital media, communication context, interpersonal communication, group communication
Demand scenario planning approach using regression techniques and application to network sectors in Portugal
Authors: Cabral Marta , Loureiro Dália , Amado Conceição , Mamade Aisha , Covas Dídia
Published: February 2019

This paper aims to develop and apply an approach for short-, medium- and long-term scenario planning. Construction of water demand scenarios is of the utmost importance for planning, design and operation of distribution systems, providing useful information to promote more efficient use of water resources. The proposed approach offers a new perspective for water utilities to obtain coherent and plausible descriptive scenarios as well as realistic water demand projections. This approach was applied to network sectors in existing water distributions systems, using extensive network flow data. Descriptive scenarios for water demand, considering trends and the uncertainties of the future, were obtained, together with improved Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) models, with the inclusion of the key variable temperature and by using historical billed consumption, socio-demographic and infrastructure data. In addition, water demand projections for short- and long-term periods were obtained through the inclusion of future trends in the MLR models. Results from MLR models show enhanced empirical relations between water demand variables and water consumption key factors. This approach was validated using different distribution systems and the results have demonstrated the efficiency of the developed models for the projection of water demand.
Hospitalidade como Recurso Estratégico na Hotelaria: proposição de um modelo teórico-conceitual
Authors: Da Cruz Andrade Davi Alysson , Polo Edison Fernandes
Published: February 2019

Buscou-se neste estudo entender as dimensões que compõem o construto hospitalidade, no contexto da hotelaria, e sua configuração como recurso estratégico e fonte de vantagem competitiva para as empresas do setor de hospedagem. A partir da revisão da literatura sobre as Teorias da Hospitalidade, da Visão Baseada em Recursos (Resource-Based View) e da Vantagem Competitiva, propõe-se um modelo teórico-conceitual para melhor compreender e mensurar como a hospitalidade pode ser um recurso, servindo de apoio às empresas na definição de estratégias em busca de vantagem competitiva. Propõe-se que a hospitalidade, no contexto da hotelaria, é revelada por meio de seis dimensões: personalização, recepção calorosa, relacionamento especial, autenticidade, conforto e justiça de preço. Dentre as contribuições deste trabalho, destacam-se: a caracterização dos elementos que compõem/definem a hospitalidade na hotelaria, a partir da identificação das principais dimensões que a revelam; e a proposição de um modelo teórico, que permitirá o estudo empírico das correlações entre hospitalidade, recurso estratégico e vantagem competitiva.
THE ROLE OF MARKETING MIX AND SERVICE QUALITY ON TOURIST SATISFACTION AND LOYALTY AT SAMOSIR
Authors: Elfi Azhar Muhammad , . JUFRIZEN , Andi Prayogi Muhammad , Sari Maya
Published: February 2019

This study aims to investigate the effect of the marketing mix and service quality on tourist satisfaction and loyalty. The data collection techniques used in this study included interviews and questionnaires to the relevant parties. The technique of data analysis in this study was descriptive and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The results showed that the marketing mix had a positive and significant effect on tourists satisfaction. The service quality had a positive and significant effect on tourists satisfaction in the region of Samosir. Marketing mix had a positive and significant effect on tourists loyalty. The service quality had a positive and significant effect on tourists loyalty. Tourist satisfaction had a positive and significant effect on tourists loyalty in the region of Samosir. And the marketing mix and the service quality had a significant effect on tourists in the Samosir Region through tourist satisfaction.
Lung on a Chip for Drug Screening and Design
Authors: Kızılkurtlu Ahmet Akif , Polat Tuğçe , Aydın Gül Banu , Akpek Ali
Published: February 2019

Lung-on-a-chip is a micro device that combines the techniques of bioengineering, microbiology, polymer science and microfluidics disciplines in order to mimic physicochemical features and microenvironments, multicellular constructions, cell-cell interfaces of a human lung. Specifically, most novel lung on a chip designs consist of two micro-channeled outer parts, flexible and porous Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane to create separation of air-blood chamber and subsidiary vacuum channels which enable stretching of the PDMS membrane to mimic movement mechanisms of the lung. Therefore, studies aim to emulate both tissue and organ functionality since it shall be creating great potential for advancing the studies about drug discovery, disease etiology and organ physiology compared with 2D (two dimensional) and 3D (three dimensional) cell culture models and current organoids. In this study, history of researches on lung anatomy and physiology, techniques of recreating lung functionality such as cell cultures in 2D and 3D models, organoids were covered and finally most advanced and recent state of the art technology product lung-on-a-chips’ construction steps, advantages compared with other techniques, usage in lung modeling and diseases, present and future offers were analyzed in detail.
Evaluation of Activity Kinetic Parameters of SK319cys, As a New Cysteine Variant of Streptokinase: A Comparative Study
Authors: Alinodehi Narges N. , Sadeh Sanaz , Nezamiha Farahnaz K. , Keramati Malihe , Hasanzadeh Mehdi , Mianroodi Reza A.
Published: February 2019

Background:

Despite the extensive use of streptokinase in thrombolytic therapy, its administration may have some shortcomings like allergic reactions and relatively low half life. Specific PEGylation on cysteine at desired sites of streptokinase may alleviate these deficiencies and improve the quality of treatment.

Objective:

This study was carried out to create a new cystein variant of streptokinase and compare its activity with formerly mutated SK263cys, SK45cys and intact streptokinase (Ski) to introduce superior candidates for specific PEGylation.

Method:

In silico study was carried out to select appropriate amino acid for cysteine substitution and accordingly mutagenesis was carried out by SOEing PCR. The mutated gene was cloned in E. coli, expressed, and purified by affinity chromatography. Activity of the purified proteins was assayed and kinetic parameters of enzymatic reaction were analyzed.

Results:

According to in silico data, Arginine319 was selected for substitution with cysteine. SK319cys was achieved with 98% purity after cloning, expression and purification. It was shown that the enzymatic efficiency of SK319Cys and SK263cys was increased 18 and 21%, respectively, when compared to SKi (79.4 and 81.3 vs. 67.1µM-1min-1), while SK45cys showed 7% activity decrease (62.47µM-1min-1) compared to SKi. According to time-based activity assay, SK319Cys and SK263cys exhibited higher activity at lower substrate concentrations (100 and 200 µM), but at higher concentrations of substrate (400 and 800 µM), the proteins showed a very close trend of activity.

Conclusion:

SK319cys, as the new cysteine variant of streptokinase, together with SK263cys and SK45cys can be considered as appropriate molecules for specific PEGylation.
Exploring Promises of siRNA in Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Kaushik Mahima , Raghunand Rddhima , Maheshwari Shobhit
Published: February 2019

Since the discovery of the RNA interference (RNAi) in 2006, several attempts have
been made to use it for designing and developing drug treatments for a variety of diseases, including
cancer. In this mini-review, we focus on the potential of small interfering RNAs (siRNA) in
anticancer treatment. We first describe the significant barriers that exist on the path to clinical application
of siRNA drugs. Then the current delivery approaches of siRNAs using lipids, polymers,
and, in particular, polymeric carriers that overcome the aforementioned obstacles have been reviewed.
Also, few siRNA mediated drugs currently in clinical trials for cancer therapy, and a collated
list of siRNA databases having a qualitative and/ or quantitative summary of the data in each
database have been briefly mentioned. This mini review aims to facilitate our understanding about
the siRNA, their delivery systems and the possible barriers in their in vivo usage for biomedical
applications.
Structure Activity Relationship of 4-Amino-2-thiopyrimidine Derivatives as Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
Authors: Cacciari Barbara , Crepaldi Pamela , Cheng Chun Yan , Bossi Elena , Spalluto Giampiero , Federico Stephanie , Jacobson Kenneth A. , Cattaneo Marco
Published: February 2019

Background:

Platelet aggregation plays a pathogenic role in the development of arterial
thrombi, which are responsible for common diseases caused by thrombotic arterial occlusion, such
as myocardial infarction and stroke. Much efforts are directed toward developing platelet aggregation
inhibitors that act through several mechanisms: The main antiplatelet family of COXinhibitors,
phosphodiesterase inhibitors, and thrombin inhibitors. Recently, the important role in
the platelet aggregation of adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-activated P2Y12 and P2Y1 receptors, Gprotein
coupled receptors of the P2 purinergic family, has emerged, and their inhibitors are explored
as potential therapeutic antithrombotics. P2Y12 inhibitors, i.e. clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor,
and cangrelor, are already used clinically to reduce coronary artery thrombosis risk and
prevent acute coronary syndromes. The search for new P2Y12 inhibitors, with better risk-to-benefit
profiles is still ongoing.

Methods:

Several years ago, our group prepared a series of 6-amino-2-thio-3H-pyrimidin-4-one
derivatives that displayed an interesting platelet aggregation inhibiting activity. In order to probe
the structure-activity relationships and improve their inhibitory effects of these compounds, we
synthesized variously substituted 6-amino-2-thio-3H-pyrimidin-4-one derivatives and substituted
4-amino-2-thiopyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid analogues. All the synthesized compounds were
tested by light trasmission aggregometry (LTA) as inducers or inhibitors of platelet aggregation in
citrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Results:

Among the 6-amino-2-thio-3H-pyrimidin-4-one derivatives, compounds 2c and 2h displayed
marked inhibitory activity, with a capability to inhibit the ADP(10-6M)-induced platelet aggregation
by 91% and 87% at 10-4M concentration, respectively. Selected 4-amino-2-
thiopyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid derivatives were tested as P2Y12 and P2Y1 antagonists and found
to display negligible activity.

Conclusion:

These negative findings demonstrated that this heterocyclic nucleus is not a useful
common pharmacophore for developing P2Y-dependent inhibitors of platelet aggregation. Nevertheless,
compounds 2c and 2h could represent a new chemotype to further develop inhibitors of
platelet aggregation.
Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Effects of the Cultivated Ruta chalepensis
Authors: Gali Lynda , Bedjou Fatiha
Published: February 2019

Background:

Ruta chalepensis is a shrub from the Mediterranean basin widely used in the
traditional medicine. The plant presents an interesting composition containing alkaloids, coumarins and
volatile oil. The present work aims to study the antibacterial and the cytotoxic effects of the ethanol
extract, its fractions, and the alkaloid extract from the cultivated Ruta chalepensis.

Methods:

Extracts were tested against five bacterial strains using the agar well diffusion method and the
broth micro-dilution technique for the determination of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC).
Brine shrimp assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity.

Results:

Chloroform fraction exhibited a strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus, and B. subtilis
with inhibition diameters of 25.5±0.7 and 18.5±2.12mm at 50mg/ml and 100mg/ml, respectively. Butanol
and aqueous fractions were found to be inactive against all the tested strains. Ethyl acetate was the
only active fraction against E. coli. Alkaloids showed a strong growth inhibition of B. subtilis and S.
aureus at low concentrations (22.5±0.71 and 18.00±0,00mm, respectively at 20mg/ml). The cytotoxicity
evaluation using the brine shrimp larvae indicated a high effect of alkaloids with an LC50 of 27.51μg/ml
supporting their antibacterial activity.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest a possible use of Ruta chalepensis as a source of antibacterial and
anti-proliferative agents.
Development and Validation of a Rapid and Efficient Method for Simultaneous Determination of Scopolin and Scopoletin in Convolvulus Species by Ultra- high-performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Al-Rifai Asma’a , Aqel Ahmad , Al-Saleem Muneera
Published: February 2019

Background:

Convolvulus species are extensively used in traditional medicines for the
treatment of peptic ulcer diseases primarily associated with the presence of many bioactive compounds,
such as coumarins.

Methods:

A validation and improvement of a rapid, sensitive and simple technique for bioactive compounds
analysis of scopolin and scopoletin in Convolvulus pilosellifolius (CP) and Convolvulus
austroaegyptiacus (CA) plant extracts using UHPLC-MS/MS were performed. Both plants extracts
were subjected to high-resolution DART-ToF-MS technique for fast profiling of their constituents.

Results:

DART-ToF-MS spectra proved the presence of experimental mass at 193.05137 and
355.10371 m/z in the extract of CA plant and at 193.05084 and 355.10365 m/z in CP plant extract for
scopolin and scopoletin compounds, respectively. The total chromatographic analysis time was less
than 10 min with excellent resolution and negligible matrix effect. The validated parameter showed
good linearity (R2
≥0.998) over a wide concentration range of 0.05-10.0 μg mL-1 for both scopolin and
scopoletin, detection limits of scopolin and scopoletin were 0.03 and 0.01 μg mL-1, respectively. The
method also showed good intraday and interday precisions (RSD<4.33%). The recovery percentage
values were between 97.04 and 99.97% at three added concentration limits. The highest content of
scopolin (3.485 mg g-1) and scopoletin (0.795 mg g-1) was detected in CA ethanolic extract. The studied
plants were finally compared with all previous reports in terms of scopolin and scopoletin content.

Conclusion:

The results indicate that the suggested method can be used for regular analysis of active
compounds in medicinal plant extracts.
Comparison Study on the Contents of Eight Flavonoids in three Different Processed Products of Scutellariae Radix using Ultra-high Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled With Triple-Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Yang Yuedong , Zhi Hao , Yan Baofei , Tian Yi , Shen Jianping , Zhu Xingyu , Li Zhipeng
Published: February 2019

Background:

The simultaneous determination of multiple components in a sample is an important
factor in the quality control of traditional Chinese medicines and can give an indication of potential
clinical applications.

Introduction:

A rapid and sensitive method has been introduced for the simultaneous quantitative analysis
of eight bioactive flavonoid constituents from Scutellariae Radix using ultra-high performance
liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry.

Methods:

The separation was performed on a Waters Acquity UPLC C18 column (2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.7
μm), under optimized mass spectrometry conditions, with a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The column temperature
was maintained at 35°C and the injection volume was 3 μL.

Results:

The method showed a good linear relationship of each component; all R2 values were above
0.9990 in the experiment. The RSDs of the precision test, repeatability test, stability test and recovery
test were all not more than 2.86 %. We found that the total percentage amounts of the eight flavonoids
were 22.19%, 18.63% and 10.86% in Raw Scutellariae Radix (RSR), Wine Scutellaria Radix (WSR)
and Scutellaria Radix Charcoal (SRC) respectively.

Conclusion:

The method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of the eight bioactive
flavonoids of Raw Scutellariae Radix, Wine Scutellaria Radix and Scutellaria Radix Charcoal.
Analytical Techniques in the Analysis of Darunavir and Ritonavir: A Review
Authors: Kashish Goswami , Nisha Parikh , Hiren Kadikar
Published: February 2019

Darunavir and Ritonavir are amongst the most useful antiretroviral drugs worldwide for treating
AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). This review discussed and summarized the various
analytical techniques used in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of darunavir and ritonavir, protease
inhibitors (PIs), which have gained importance as antiretroviral drugs. The importance and use of
chromatographic techniques for the estimation of darunavir and ritonavir are also discussed herein. This
review highlights the various advanced analytical techniques such as spectroscopic, chromatographic,
electrophoresis, X-ray powder diffraction and their corresponding methods.
The Hypolipidemic Effect of Active Components in the Decoction of Alisma Orientale and their Chemical Structures Characterized by LC-QTOF-MS/MS
Authors: Shi Qingxin , Zhang Qiongguang , Xiang Xingliang , Tian Ji , Xie Yun , Jin Shuna , Yuan En , Huang Rongzeng , Song Chengwu
Published: February 2019

Background:

The decoction of Alisma orientale is used as a traditional medicine for the
treatment of hyperlipidemia in China with a long clinical history. The present study undertook a detailed
investigation to compare the hypolipidemic effect and chemical composition of two extracts of
Alisma orientale prepared by boiling water and organic reagent, respectively.

Methods:

The hyperlipidemic mice were induced by administration of a High-Fat Diet (HFD) for one
month. The body weight of mice and the serum Cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
(HDL-C), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were determined. Meanwhile, the chemical constituents of
the extracts were characterized using liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry
(LC-QTOF-MS/MS).

Results:

The better hypolipidemic effect was observed in mice administered with the decoction compared
to that of methanol extract. In addition, the liver protective effects were confirmed by the photographs
stained with oil red lipid stain. As for the chemical constituents in the extracts, twenty major
components were identified or characterized using LC-QTOF-MS/MS. Among them, eight oligopeptides
were characterized for the first time and proved to only exist in the decoction of Alisma orientale.

Conclusion:

It is reasonable to assume that the oligopeptides may partially contribute to the hypolipidemic
effect of Alisma orientale. The structural characterization procedures also provide a suitable
method to analyze oligopeptide analogues in plant samples.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Conducting Polymers Involving Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Golgovici Florentina , Anicai Liana , Florea Andreea , Visan Teodor
Published: February 2019

Background:

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) represent a new generation of ionic liquids which are widely promoted as “green solvents”. They are gaining widespread application in materials chemistry and electrochemistry. DESs are defined as eutectic mixtures of quaternary ammonium salt with a hydrogen bond donor in certain molar ratios. Their use as solvents for electrochemical synthesis of conducting polymers could influence the polymer properties and reduce their economic cost.

Objective:

This review presents the most recent results regarding the electropolymerization of common conductive polymers involving choline chloride based ionic liquids. New findings from our laboratory on the electrochemical growth of conductive polymers are also discussed.

Methods:

The electrochemical polymerization mechanisms during synthesis of polypyrrole (PPy), polyaniline (PANI) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) using various formulations of DESs are reviewed, as well as their characteristics, mainly from surface morphology view point.

Results:

Some general information related to the preparation and characterization of DESs is also presented, followed by an overview of the recent advances in the field of electropolymerization using DESs.

Conclusion:

Electropolymerization of conducting polymers involving DESs represents an attractive route of synthesis due to their compositional flexibility which makes possible the preparation of unlimited formulations further influencing the polymer morphology and properties. The use of these inexpensive eutectic mixtures has a large potential to contribute to the development of more sustainable technological processes meeting many of the required features characteristic to the green chemistry.
Gold Nanoparticles-based Bio-Sensing Methods for Tumor-related Biomedical Applications in Bodily Fluids
Authors: Li Lingling , Han Bing , Wang Ying , Shi Hai , Zhao Jing , Li Genxi
Published: February 2019

Background:

Cancer is one of most dangerous diseases that seriously threaten human
health, while tumor biomarkers provide important information for clinical diagnosis and treatment of
cancers. Given the low abundance of tumor biomarkers in the bodily fluids at the early stage of cancers,
it is particularly important to develop bio sensing methods for accurate measurement of tumor
biomarkers with high sensitivity.

Objective:

Nowadays, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) that have remarkable physical and chemical properties
are extensively used in the design of biosensing strategies. In this context, we mainly review
the research progress of AuNPs-based biosensing methods for tumor-related biomedical applications
in bodily fluids in recent years.

Results:

Optical, electrochemical and mass spectrometric biosensing methods using AuNPs are
widely used for excellent performances in the assay of tumor biomarkers.

Conclusion:

The existing methods demonstrate high clinical value, while challenges and expectation
of biosensing method in tumor-related biomedical application are also discussed.
Effect of Solvents on Phytochemicals Content and Antioxidant Activity of Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: Uddin Pk Moyen , Talukder Rabiul I. , Sarkar Mohammad K. I. , Rahman Tasnia , Pervin Rumana , Rahman Matiar , Zenat Elina A. , Akther Lima
Published: February 2019

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to assess the induction of solvents on the total phenol and flavonoid content and also the antioxidant activity of Ganoderma lucidum extracts.

Materials & Methods:

In this study, two concentrations (100% and 75%) of diethyl ether, ethanol, butanol, chloroform, and acetone were used as extractants of Ganoderma lucidum. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were measured by spectrophotometric methods and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Free radical scavenging assay was used for the investigation of antioxidant activity.

Results & Discussion:

Extractants significantly affected the % yield of extract, the quantity of phenol and flavonoids and antioxidant activity of Ganoderma lucidum mushroom. The highest extraction yield, around 38%, was achieved by 75% acetone, followed by 100% acetone (about 36%) and 75% chloroform (approximate 21%). Hydro-acetone extract exhibited the most significant antioxidative properties (EC50 value; 645.55 µg/mL) comprised of a higher total of phenol content. In conclusion, the total phenol content encouraged the antioxidative potential of Ganoderma lucidum mushroom.

Conclusion:

These findings indicate that the selective extraction of Ganoderma lucidum shows significant biological activities.
Evaluation of Skin Permeability of Resveratrol Loaded Liposomes and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers using a Skin Mimic Artificial Membrane (skin-PAMPA)
Authors: Casamonti Marta , Piazzini Vieri , Bilia Anna Rita , Bergonzi Maria Camilla
Published: February 2019

Background:

The skin-PAMPA test is a quick and relatively deep tool in the early stages of drug discovery and formulation of dermal and transdermal delivery systems.

Objective:

This study focused on the application of the skin-PAMPA test to evaluate the permeation of Resveratrol (RSV) and also of two formulations, Liposomes (LP) and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC), prepared to improve RSV topical delivery.

Methods:

LP and NLC were physically and chemically characterized. Stability and in vitro release studies were also assessed in different pH media. The release results were applied to define the kinetic and mechanism of RSV release from the LP and NLC formulations. In vitro permeability was estimated through the skin-PAMPA and the antioxidant capacity was evaluated by DPPH test.

Results:

Nanoparticles have a spherical shape, dimensions suitable for skin application, and narrow size distribution. Encapsulation efficiency was 96.5% ± 2.1 for LP and 86.0% ± 2.4 for NLC. The formulations increased RSV solubility. Nanoparticles showed excellent physical and chemical stability during storage at 4°C for two months. In vitro release studies were performed at pH 5.5 and 7.4. The nanoparticles achieved a prolonged release of RSV. Skin-PAMPA proved an increased cutaneous permeability of RSV when loaded into LP or NLC. Both formulations maintained the antioxidant capacity of RSV, as evidenced by DPPH test.

Conclusion:

LP and NLC could be applied as drug delivery systems suitable for the topical delivery of the RSV. Skin-PAMPA has proved to be an effective tool for studying the permeability not only of the RSV but also of its formulations.
In silico Defining the Repeat-containing Proteins in the Acinetobacter baumannii Proteome, a Great Reservoir of Templates for Synthetic Biology
Authors: Rahbar Mohammad Reza , Zarei Mahboubeh , Nezafat Navid , Negahdaripour Manica , Ghasemi Younes
Published: February 2019

Background:

Acinetobacter baumannii is an important nosocomial pathogen with
great ability to resist antibiotics. Tandem repeat proteins, abundant in prokaryotic proteomes,
attract attention due to their role in virulence and various biological processes. Defining repeat-
containing proteins may pave the way to find novel therapeutic targets as well as vaccine
candidate and give pieces of evidence of mechanisms of evolution and adaptation of organisms
to various environmental conditions.

Objective:

In the present study, we employed bioinformatics tools to define repeatcontaining
proteins within A. baumannii proteome for emphasizing the existence of natural
sources for synthesizing novel therapeutic and diagnosis material.

Results:

We defined various kinds of repeat modules in a number of proteins and compared
the abundance of these proteins in some closely related species. No significant difference
was observed in the count of repeat-containing proteins in different species. But the existence
of some important virulence factors is mentionable in our screening.

Conclusion:

Repeat containing proteins are important biological determinants of A. baumannii
and are well worth researching for finding drug targets and vaccine candidates. These
proteins can be served as a template for designing and synthesizing peptides for therapeutic
and diagnostic approaches.
Analysis and Synthesis of A Human Prakriti Identification System Based on Soft Computing Techniques
Authors: Madaan Vishu , Goyal Anjali
Published: February 2019

Background:

The research done on the side effects of modern medicines motivates us to bring Ayurveda
back in our modern lifestyle. All allopathic medicines are artificially created and the chemicals used are
designed in such a way that they only cure the problem on the surface. This paper will discuss the how can
we retain our health for longer time.

Objective:

Building a trained and intelligent decision making system that can categorize any health or unhealthy
human being into a suitable category of human prakriti dosha.

Methods:

Proposed adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system is trained using hybrid learning technique. Grid
Partitioning method is used for membership functions. Total 28 parameters that identify human prakriti are
reduced to 7 effective components to get maximum accuracy of results. System is trained with data of 346
healthy individuals to avoid biasing in the result.

Results:

The resulting system can answer to any individual about his prakriti dosha, based on its output one
can make changes in his lifestyle to avoid the effect of diseases in future. System is obtained with 94.23%
accuracy for identifying prakriti dosha.

Conclusion:

Building an ANFIS system trained with 346 individuals has shown the improved performance.
Consideration of 28 input parameters have actually enhanced the robustness of the system aimed to
identify human prakriti dosha.
Biomedical Nano Tools: A Potential New Paradigm for Immunoassays and Immune Detection
Authors: Debnath Nitai , Das Sumistha
Published: February 2019

Immunoassays are microwell and solid phase based antigen-antibody (Ag/Ab) interactions majorly dependent on immune complex or lattice formation. Most of these assays are aimed at the detection of very minute amount of antigen or antibody. Such biochemical reactions are bound to identify not only the target biomolecule (immunoassay) but also clinically important pathogens (immune detection) because of their remarkable simplicity, specificity and sensitivity. But the existing technology suffers from certain difficulties like affinity and avidity of antigen and antibody, vigorous washing methods, chances of false positive interactions, appropriate probe selection and dependence on carcinogenic (as substrate) or hazardous radioisotopes. An urgent need is being felt to ensure more specific, powerful and versatile platform for robust detection of immune reactions. In this scenario, application of nanomaterials in immunoassays may pave a new horizon for immune based detection. Optically active nanomaterial dependent detection reduces the chance of false positive results as well as chromogen or radioisotope dependence and time and cost incurred for those. In this perspective, the immense potential of biomedical nanodevices in immunoassays is summarized in this article. Moreover, application of gold nanoparticles in all types of biosensor (electrochemical, optical, surface enhanced Raman scattering based and engineered) is also discussed as a specific tool in nano immunosensors.
Conflation of Crime and Terror
Authors: Vancouver CASIS
Published: February 2019

This briefing note summarizes the presentation given by Commander Jason Kelshall, examining contemporary security concerns through the lens of his experience in the Navy of Trinidad and Tobago. The presentation took place at the Canadian Association for Security and Intelligence Studies’ (CASIS) first annual security conference on November 16th, 2018. The conference included both practitioners and academics, speaking to a variety of security concerns relevant to Canada.