bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Soaking Process’ Impact in Common Beans Phenolic Composition: Contribute from the Unexplored Portuguese Germplasm
Authors: Mecha Elsa , Leitão Susana T. , Carbas Bruna , Serra Ana T. , Moreira Pedro M. , Veloso Maria Manuela , Gomes Ricardo , Figueira Maria E. , Brites Carla , Vaz Patto Maria C. , Bronze Maria R.
Published: July 2019

Despite the common beans’ nutritional and phytochemical value, in Portugal its consumption decreased more than 50% in the last decade. The present study aimed to characterize phenolic composition of the Portuguese traditional varieties and corresponding soaked seed fractions (including soaking water). With such purpose, the phenolic composition (total content of soluble phenolics, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins) and in vitro antioxidant activity were evaluated in the raw whole flour of 31 Portuguese common bean varieties. The phenolic composition of the soaked fractions was respectively compared to the raw flour. Phenolic compounds’ identification and relative quantification were achieved by UPLC-TripleTOF-MS for one representative variety and their fractions. The highest phenolic content was found in colored varieties and the brown market class highlighted as the richest one. The loss of phenolic compounds to the soaking water was highly dependent on variety. The predominant phenolic compounds’ classes were flavan-3-ols (soaking water and coats), flavonols (coats), and phenolic acids (cotyledons). This characterization study showed the diversity on the phenolic composition of Portuguese varieties and the need to adjust the soaking and peeling processes to the variety (considering the possible loss of potential health promoter compounds, e.g., phenolic compounds).
Effect of Thermo-Sonication and Ultra-High Pressure on the Quality and Phenolic Profile of Mango Juice
Authors: Dars Abdul Ghani , Hu Kai , Liu Qiudou , Abbas Aqleem , Xie Bijun , Sun Zhida
Published: July 2019

Consumer demand for safe and nutritious fruit juices has led to the development of a number of food processing techniques. To compare the effect of two processing technologies, thermo-sonication (TS) and ultra-high pressure (UHP), on the quality of mango juice, fresh mango juice was treated with TS at 25, 45, 65 and 95 °C for 10 min and UHP at 400 MPa for 10 min. The phenolic profile of mango was also analyzed using the newly developed ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time of flight-mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-HRMSn) and, based on this result, the effect of TS and UHP on the phenolics of mango juice was evaluated. Both treatments had minimal effects on the oBrix, pH, and titratable acidity of mango juice. The residual activities of three enzymes (polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, and pectin methylesterase), antioxidant compounds (vitamin C, Total phenolics, mangiferin derivatives, gallotannins, and quercetin derivatives) and antioxidant activity sharply decreased with the increase in the temperature of the TS treatment. Nevertheless, the UHP treatment retained antioxidants and antioxidant activity at a high level. The UHP process is likely superior to TS in bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity preservation. Therefore, the mango juice products obtained by ultra-high-pressure processing might be more beneficial to health.
Utilization of Industrial Waste in Cement in a Marine Environment with a Tropical Climate
Authors: Chu Thi , Zheng Jinhai , Chen Da , Nguyen Thi , Elbashiry Elsafi , Tang Van
Published: July 2019

This novel study on cement paste material was conducted with the aim of keeping up with the rapid development of urban construction and contributing to the continuous improvement of building materials to overcome environmental issues. In this study, several kinds of industrial waste were used to enhance the properties of cement paste for application in a marine environment with a tropical climate, such as in Vietnam. This study focuses on evaluating the properties of cement paste containing cement replacement combining 0–30% fly ash, 0–10% silica fume, and plasticizer accounting for 0.3% and 0.4% of the binder by mass. Water demand, chloride ion and sulfate ion permeability, and microstructural properties of the cement paste were determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) and they were investigated after 28 and 56 days. The test results show that an optimum mixture could be obtained with the use of 20% fly ash, 10% silica fume (replacing Portland cement), and 0.4% plasticizer. The application of such materials to sea dikes affected by a tropical climate (characterized by heat, humidity, salty seawater, many big storms, large waves, and strong tides) was investigated for four years on the Vietnamese coast. The test results indicate that fly ash and silica fume can improve the corrosion and abrasion resistance of concrete in coastal areas with a tropical climate, such as in Vietnam.
Experimental Validation of Single- and Two-Phase Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics on Sloshing in a Prismatic Tank
Authors: Trimulyono Andi , Hashimoto Hirotada , Matsuda Akihiko
Published: July 2019

This study aimed to validate the single-phase and two-phase smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) on sloshing in a tank. There have been many studies on sloshing in tanks based on meshless particle methods, but few researchers have used a large number of particles because there is a limitation on the total number of particles when using only CPUs. Additionally, few studies have investigated the influence of air phase on tank sloshing based on two-phase SPH. In this study, a dedicated sloshing experiment was conducted at the National Research Institute of Fishing Engineering using a prismatic tank with a four-degrees-of-freedom forced oscillation machine. Three pressure gauges were used to measure local pressure near the corners of the tank. The sloshing experiment was repeated for two different filling ratios, amplitudes, and frequencies of external oscillation. Next, a GPU-accelerated three-dimensional SPH simulation of sloshing was performed using the same conditions as the experiment with a large number of particles. Lastly, two-dimensional sloshing simulations based on single-phase and two-phase SPH were carried out to determine the importance of the air phase in terms of tank sloshing. Based on systematic comparisons of the single-phase SPH, two-phase SPH, and experimental results, this paper presents a detailed discussion of the role of air-phase in terms of sloshing. The currently achievable accuracy when using SPH is demonstrated together with a few sensitivity analyses of SPH parameters.
Heparin Binding Proteins as Therapeutic Target: An Historical Account and Current Trends
Authors: Ghiselli Giancarlo
Published: July 2019

The polyanionic nature and the ability to interact with proteins with different affinities are properties of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) that determine their biological function. In designing drugs affecting the interaction of proteins with GAGs the challenge has been to generate agents with high binding specificity. The example to emulated has been a heparin-derived pentasaccharide that binds to antithrombin-III with high affinity. However, the portability of this model to other biological situations is questioned on several accounts. Because of their structural flexibility, oligosaccharides with different sulfation and uronic acid conformation can display the same binding proficiency to different proteins and produce comparable biological effects. This circumstance represents a formidable obstacle to the design of drugs based on the heparin scaffold. The conceptual framework discussed in this article is that through a direct intervention on the heparin-binding functionality of proteins is possible to achieve a high degree of action specificity. This objective is currently pursued through two strategies. The first makes use of small molecules for which in the text we provide examples from past and present literature concerning angiogenic factors and enzymes. The second approach entails the mutagenesis of the GAG-binding site of proteins as a means to generate a new class of biologics of therapeutic interest.
Arctium lappa Extract Suppresses Inflammation and Inhibits Melanoma Progression
Authors: Nascimento Bruno A. C. , Gardinassi Luiz G. , Silveira Inaê M. G. , Gallucci Marília G. , Tomé Mariana A. , Oliveira Júlia Fernanda D. , Moreira Mirella R. A. , Meirelles Alyne F. G. , Faccioli Lúcia H. , Tefé-Silva Cristiane , Zoccal Karina F.
Published: July 2019

Background: Arctium lappa has been used as popular medicinal herb and health supplement in Chinese societies. Bioactive components from A. lappa have attracted the attention of researchers due to their promising therapeutic effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of A. lappa hydroalcoholic extract (Alhe) during different models of inflammation, in vivo. Methods: The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated through the air pouch model. For this, mice received an inflammatory stimulus with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and were later injected with Alhe. To assess anti-tumoral activity, the animals were inoculated with B16F10 cells and injected with Alhe every 5 days, along the course of 30 days. Controls were submitted to the same conditions and injected with the vehicle. Peritoneal or air pouch fluids were collected to evaluate leukocyte counting or cellular activation via quantification of cytokines and nitric oxide. Results: Alhe injection reduced the neutrophil influx and production of inflammatory mediators in inflammatory foci after LPS or tumor challenges. Furthermore, Alhe injection reduced tumor growth and enhanced mice survival. Conclusions: Collectively, these data suggest that Alhe regulates immune cell migration and activation, which correlates with favorable outcome in mouse models of acute inflammation and melanoma progression.
Gaseous Ozonation to Reduce Aflatoxins Levels and Microbial Contamination in Corn Grits
Authors: Porto Yuri Duarte , Trombete Felipe Machado , Freitas-Silva Otniel , de Castro Izabela Miranda , Direito Gloria Maria , Ascheri José Luis Ramirez
Published: July 2019

Corn is one of the most cultivated cereals in Brazil. However, its grains are constantly exposed to contamination by mycotoxins. Corn grits are used by the food industry to produce a large variety of corn products such as canjiquinha, a cultural food easily purchased by the Brazilian consumer at low prices. Some studies have demonstrated high contamination of this product by aflatoxins (AFs), representing a potential risk of exposure due to such a contamination. In this study, the efficacy of gaseous ozonation was evaluated on the levels of aflatoxins and on the microbial contamination of corn grits. The application of gaseous ozone was tested in different combinations of exposure time, ozone concentration, and canjiquinha mass. After the ozonation treatment, samples were collected for aflatoxin and microbiological analyses. Aflatoxins were evaluated using a high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FD) system using pre-column derivatization, and the microbiological analyses were carried out for toxin-producer fungi and mesophilic bacteria. After ozone detoxification, results showed reductions up to 57% in aflatoxin levels. Total fungal count was reduced around 3.0 cycles log CFU g−1 and total mesophilic counts were reduced to non-detectable levels. These results demonstrated that ozonation is an effective alternative for reducing aflatoxin and microbial contamination in products like canjiquinha, thereby improving food safety.
Retrospective Analysis of Archived Pyrazinamide Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Isolates from Uganda—Evidence of Interspecies Transmission
Authors: Wanzala Sylvia I. , Nakavuma Jesca , Travis Dominic , Kia Praiscillia , Ogwang Sam , Waters Wade Ray , Thacker Tyler , Johnson Timothy , Hadi Syeda Anum , Sreevatsan Srinand
Published: July 2019

The contribution of Mycobacterium bovis to the proportion of tuberculosis cases in humans is unknown. A retrospective study was undertaken on archived Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) isolates from a reference laboratory in Uganda to identify the prevalence of human M. bovis infection. A total of 5676 isolates maintained in this repository were queried and 136 isolates were identified as pyrazinamide resistant, a hallmark phenotype of M. bovis. Of these, 1.5% (n = 2) isolates were confirmed as M. bovis by using regions of difference PCR analysis. The overall size of whole genome sequences (WGSs) of these two M. bovis isolates were ~4.272 Mb (M. bovis Bz_31150 isolated from a captive chimpanzee) and 4.17 Mb (M. bovis B2_7505 from a human patient), respectively. Alignment of these genomes against 15 MTBC genome sequences revealed 7248 single nucleotide polumorphisms (SNPs). Theses SNPs were used for phylogenetic analysis that indicated a strong relationship between M. bovis and the chimpanzee isolate (Bz_31150) while the other M. bovis genome from the human patient (B2_7505) analyzed did not cluster with any M. bovis or M. tuberculosis strains. WGS analysis also revealed multidrug resistance genotypes; these genomes revealed pncA mutations at positions H57D in Bz_31150 and B2_7505. Phenotypically, B2_7505 was an extensively drug-resistant strain and this was confirmed by the presence of mutations in the major resistance-associated proteins for all anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs, including isoniazid (KatG (S315T) and InhA (S94A)), fluoroquinolones (S95T), streptomycin (rrs (R309C)), and rifampin (D435Y, a rare but disputed mutation in rpoB). The presence of these mutations exclusively in the human M. bovis isolate suggested that these occurred after transmission from cattle. Genome analysis in this study identified M. bovis in humans and great apes, suggesting possible transmission from domesticated ruminants in the area due to a dynamic and changing interface, which has created opportunity for exposure and transmission.
Characterization of a Cis-Prenyltransferase from Lilium longiflorum Anther
Authors: Yao Jyun-Yu , Teng Kuo-Hsun , Liu Ming-Che , Wang Co-Shine , Liang Po-Huang
Published: July 2019

A group of prenyltransferases catalyze chain elongation of farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) to designated lengths via consecutive condensation reactions with specific numbers of isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP). cis-Prenyltransferases, which catalyze cis-double bond formation during IPP condensation, usually synthesize long-chain products as lipid carriers to mediate peptidoglycan biosynthesis in prokaryotes and protein glycosylation in eukaryotes. Unlike only one or two cis-prenyltransferases in bacteria, yeast, and animals, plants have several cis-prenyltransferases and their functions are less understood. As reported here, a cis-prenyltransferase from Lilium longiflorum anther, named LLA66, was expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and characterized to produce C40/C45 products without the capability to restore the growth defect from Rer2-deletion, although it was phylogenetically categorized as a long-chain enzyme. Our studies suggest that evolutional mutations may occur in the plant cis-prenyltransferase to convert it into a shorter-chain enzyme.
Downscaling of Industrial Turbo-Distillation to Laboratory Turbo-Clevenger for Extraction of Essential Oils. Application of Concepts of Green Analytical Chemistry
Authors: Périno Sandrine , Chemat-Djenni Zoubida , Petitcolas Emmanuel , Giniès Christian , Chemat Farid
Published: July 2019

In the effort of innovation towards green analytical chemistry concepts and considering the six principles of green extraction, the industrial turbodistillation process was downscaled into a laboratory apparatus turbo-Clevenger (TC) for the extraction of essential oils. Turbodistillation is used as an industrial purpose for the extraction of essential oils from hard matrixes such as wood, barks, seeds. In this work, a TC and the conventional technique of hydrodistillation (HD, Clevenger apparatus) are used for the extraction of essential oils from three spices with hard structures (Illicium verum, Schinus terebinthifolius, and Cinnamomum cassia) and are compared. This study shows that the essential oils extracted by TC in 30 min were quantitatively (yield and kinetics profile) and qualitatively (aromatic profile) similar to those obtained using conventional hydrodistillation in 3 h. This process, which gave a reduced extraction time, was perfectly adapted to the extraction of hard matrixes.
Allelochemicals and Signaling Chemicals in Plants
Authors: Kong Chui-Hua , Xuan Tran Dang , Khanh Tran Dang , Tran Hoang-Dung , Trung Nguyen Thanh
Published: July 2019

Plants abound with active ingredients. Among these natural constituents, allelochemicals and signaling chemicals that are released into the environments play important roles in regulating the interactions between plants and other organisms. Allelochemicals participate in the defense of plants against microbial attack, herbivore predation, and/or competition with other plants, most notably in allelopathy, which affects the establishment of competing plants. Allelochemicals could be leads for new pesticide discovery efforts. Signaling chemicals are involved in plant neighbor detection or pest identification, and they induce the production and release of plant defensive metabolites. Through the signaling chemicals, plants can either detect or identify competitors, herbivores, or pathogens, and respond by increasing defensive metabolites levels, providing an advantage for their own growth. The plant-organism interactions that are mediated by allelochemicals and signaling chemicals take place both aboveground and belowground. In the case of aboveground interactions, mediated air-borne chemicals are well established. Belowground interactions, particularly in the context of soil-borne chemicals driving signaling interactions, are largely unknown, due to the complexity of plant-soil interactions. The lack of effective and reliable methods of identification and clarification their mode of actions is one of the greatest challenges with soil-borne allelochemicals and signaling chemicals. Recent developments in methodological strategies aim at the quality, quantity, and spatiotemporal dynamics of soil-borne chemicals. This review outlines recent research regarding plant-derived allelochemicals and signaling chemicals, as well as their roles in agricultural pest management. The effort represents a mechanistically exhaustive view of plant-organism interactions that are mediated by allelochemicals and signaling chemicals and provides more realistic insights into potential implications and applications in sustainable agriculture.
Melatonin Protects Band 3 Protein in Human Erythrocytes against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Morabito Rossana , Remigante Alessia , Marino Angela
Published: July 2019

The beneficial effect of Melatonin (Mel), recognized as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound, has been already proven to prevent oxidative stress-induced damage associated to lipid peroxidation. As previous studies modeled the impact of oxidative stress on Band 3 protein, an anion exchanger that is essential to erythrocytes homeostasis, by applying H2O2 at not hemolytic concentrations and not producing lipid peroxidation, the aim of the present work was to evaluate the possible antioxidant effect of pharmacological doses of Mel on Band 3 protein anion exchange capability. The experiments have been performed on human erythrocytes exposed to 300 μM H2O2-induced oxidative stress. To this end, oxidative damage has been verified by monitoring the rate constant for SO4= uptake through Band 3 protein. Expression levels of this protein Mel doses lower than 100 µM have also been excluded due to lipid peroxidation, Band 3 protein expression levels, and cell shape alterations, confirming a pro-oxidant action of Mel at certain doses. On the other hand, 100 µM Mel, not provoking lipid peroxidation, restored the rate constant for SO4= uptake, Band 3 protein expression levels, and H2O2-induced cell shape alterations. Such an effect was confirmed by abolishing the endogenous erythrocytes antioxidant system. Therefore, the present findings show the antioxidant power of Mel at pharmacological concentrations in an in vitro model of oxidative stress not associated to lipid peroxidation, thereby confirming Band 3 protein anion exchange capability measurement as a suitable model to prove the beneficial effect of Mel and support the use of this compound in oxidative stress-related diseases affecting Band 3 protein.
Aquaphotomics—From Innovative Knowledge to Integrative Platform in Science and Technology
Authors: Muncan Jelena , Tsenkova Roumiana
Published: July 2019

Aquaphotomics is a young scientific discipline based on innovative knowledge of water molecular network, which as an intrinsic part of every aqueous system is being shaped by all of its components and the properties of the environment. With a high capacity for hydrogen bonding, water molecules are extremely sensitive to any changes the system undergoes. In highly aqueous systems—especially biological—water is the most abundant molecule. Minute changes in system elements or surroundings affect multitude of water molecules, causing rearrangements of water molecular network. Using light of various frequencies as a probe, the specifics of water structure can be extracted from the water spectrum, indirectly providing information about all the internal and external elements influencing the system. The water spectral pattern hence becomes an integrative descriptor of the system state. Aquaphotomics and the new knowledge of water originated from the field of near infrared spectroscopy. This technique resulted in significant findings about water structure-function relationships in various systems contributing to a better understanding of basic life phenomena. From this foundation, aquaphotomics started integration with other disciplines into systematized science from which a variety of applications ensued. This review will present the basics of this emerging science and its technological potential.
Effect of Surfactant Concentrations on Physicochemical Properties and Functionality of Curcumin Nanoemulsions Under Conditions Relevant to Commercial Utilization
Authors: Chuacharoen Thanida , Prasongsuk Sehanat , Sabliov Cristina M.
Published: July 2019

Surfactants are used to stabilize nanoemulsions by protecting their physical stability and preventing deterioration of the entrapped bioactive during processing and storage. The effect of surfactant concentration on physical-chemical properties of nanoemulsions with entrapped curcumin, relevant to commercial applications, was addressed in this research. Furthermore, the functionality of nanoemulsified curcumin in terms of lipid oxidation inhibition was determined. Protection against varying pH and thermal treatments was more significant in the nanoemulsions at the elevated surfactant level, but at these high concentrations, the surface charges of the emulsions dramatically decreased under sodium salt addition, which may result in instability over time. Nanoemulsions showed the potential to inhibit malondialdehyde (MDA) formulation by protecting the entrapped curcumin and enhance its antioxidant activity when added to milk. The fortified milk with added curcumin systems had a yellow color compared to the control. The results of the study are critical in choosing the surfactant concentration needed to stabilize emulsified curcumin, and to protect the entrapped curcumin under specific conditions of use to support the utilization of curcumin nanoemulsions as a food additive in different commercial products.
Combined Ensemble Docking and Machine Learning in Identification of Therapeutic Agents with Potential Inhibitory Effect on Human CES1
Authors: Briand Eliane , Thomsen Ragnar , Linnet Kristian , Rasmussen Henrik Berg , Brunak Søren , Taboureau Olivier
Published: July 2019

The human carboxylesterase 1 (CES1), responsible for the biotransformation of many diverse therapeutic agents, may contribute to the occurrence of adverse drug reactions and therapeutic failure through drug interactions. The present study is designed to address the issue of potential drug interactions resulting from the inhibition of CES1. Based on an ensemble of 10 crystal structures complexed with different ligands and a set of 294 known CES1 ligands, we used docking (Autodock Vina) and machine learning methodologies (LDA, QDA and multilayer perceptron), considering the different energy terms from the scoring function to assess the best combination to enable the identification of CES1 inhibitors. The protocol was then applied on a library of 1114 FDA-approved drugs and eight drugs were selected for in vitro CES1 inhibition. An inhibition effect was observed for diltiazem (IC50 = 13.9 µM). Three others drugs (benztropine, iloprost and treprostinil), exhibited a weak CES1 inhibitory effects with IC50 values of 298.2 µM, 366.8 µM and 391.6 µM respectively. In conclusion, the binding site of CES1 is relatively flexible and can adapt its conformation to different types of ligands. Combining ensemble docking and machine learning approaches improves the prediction of CES1 inhibitors compared to a docking study using only one crystal structure.
Genus Periploca (Apocynaceae): A Review of Its Classification, Phytochemistry, Biological Activities and Toxicology
Authors: Huang Mingjin , Shen Shoumao , Luo Chunli , Ren Yan
Published: July 2019

The genus Periploca belongs to the family Apocynaceae, which is composed of approximately ten species of plants according to incomplete statistics. Most of these plants serve as folk medicines with a long history, especially Periploca sepium and Periploca forrestii. The botanical classifications, chemical constituents, biological activities and toxicities of the genus Periploca were summarized in the literature from 1897 to early 2019. Though the botanical classification of this genus is controversial, these species are well-known to be rich sources of diverse and complex natural products—above all, cardiac steroids and C21 pregnane steroids with special structures and obvious pharmacological activities. The various crude extracts and 314 isolated metabolites from this genus have attracted much attention in intensive biological studies, indicating that they are equipped with cardiotonic, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, antitumor, antimicrobial, antioxidant, insecticidal and other properties. It is noteworthy that some cardiac glycosides showed hepatotoxicity and cardiotoxicity at certain doses. Therefore, in view of the medical and agricultural value of the genus Periploca, in-depth investigations of the pharmacology in vivo, the mechanisms of biological actions, and the pharmacokinetics of the active ingredients should be carried out in the future. Moreover, in order to ensure the safety of clinical medication, the potential toxicities of cardiac glycosides or other compounds should also be paid attention. This systematic review provides an important reference base for applied research on pharmaceuticals and pesticides from this genus.
Nonlocal Buckling Analysis of Composite Curved Beams Reinforced with Functionally Graded Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Karami Behrouz , Janghorban Maziar , Shahsavari Davood , Dimitri Rossana , Tornabene Francesco
Published: July 2019

This work deals with the size-dependent buckling response of functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) (FG-CNTRC) curved beams based on a higher-order shear deformation beam theory in conjunction with the Eringen Nonlocal Differential Model (ENDM). The material properties were estimated using the rule of mixtures. The Hamiltonian principle was employed to derive the governing equations of the problem which were, in turn, solved via the Galerkin method to obtain the critical buckling load of FG-CNTRC curved beams with different boundary conditions. A detailed parametric study was carried out to investigate the influence of the nonlocal parameter, CNTs volume fraction, opening angle, slenderness ratio, and boundary conditions on the mechanical buckling characteristics of FG-CNTRC curved beams. A large parametric investigation was performed on the mechanical buckling behavior of FG-CNTRC curved beams, which included different CNT distribution schemes, as useful for design purposes in many practical engineering applications.
The Effects of Corporate Green Efforts for Sustainability: An Event Study Approach
Authors: Noh Yonghwi
Published: July 2019

This study investigates the long-term effects of corporate green efforts on the financial performances of the US public firms by using the ISO 14001 certification. Based on the natural resource based view, the rigorous event study was employed using 174 US public firms on NYSE (New York Stock Exchange) and NASDAQ (National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations) to analyze the pre and post abnormal performances of the certification during the 1996–2010 period. The results indicate that ROI and Tobins’s Q showed the immediate positive response after the firms’ applying for the certification, implying that the market accepts the announcement of ISO 14001 as a positive signal. Asset turnover also showed positive abnormal performances for the short and long term. The results imply that the corporate green efforts are beneficial to the firm by improving sales and profitability, while the capital market does not clearly respond to these efforts in the long run.
Nanoparticle Vaccines for Inducing HIV-1 Neutralizing Antibodies
Authors: Brinkkemper Mitch , Sliepen Kwinten
Published: July 2019

The enormous sequence diversity between human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) strains poses a major roadblock for generating a broadly protective vaccine. Many experimental HIV-1 vaccine efforts are therefore aimed at eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) that are capable of neutralizing the majority of circulating HIV-1 strains. The envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimer on the viral membrane is the sole target of bNAbs and the key component of vaccination approaches aimed at eliciting bNAbs. Multimeric presentation of Env on nanoparticles often plays a critical role in these strategies. Here, we will discuss the different aspects of nanoparticles in Env vaccination, including recent insights in immunological processes underlying their perceived advantages, the different nanoparticle platforms and the various immunogenicity studies that employed nanoparticles to improve (neutralizing) antibody responses against Env.
Fundamentals of the Warburg Effect in Cancer
Authors: Zhang Pi Xian , Xing Ya Qi , Niu Yong Dong
Published: July 2019

As the fundamental energy unit of most cells, the ATP generated from glucose is vital to maintain biological processes such as the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids. However, a common feature of cancer cells is an altered metabolism with increased glucose uptake and the fermentation of glucose to lactate even in the presence of normal mitochondria. This phenomenon is known as the ‘Warburg effect’ (now termed aerobic glycolysis). One simple explanation for this effect is that it permits cells to more easily produce energy to support rapid growth. It can also help to meet the biosynthetic requirements for pyruvate as a major building block. As a well-known metabolic hallmark of cancer cells, the role of the Warburg effect in oncology is a newly-emerging area of growing interest. In this perspective, we provide some new understanding of these mechanisms based on recent progress in research on cancer metabolism. The better understanding of these mechanisms will support the development of new therapeutic strategies that take into account tumor nutrition and energy metabolism.
Penerapan Metode Pembelajaran Kooperatif Tipe Think-Pair-Share Untuk Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Siswa Kelas XI MIA.2 SMA Negeri 3 Model Takalar (Studi pada Materi Pokok Larutan Asam-Basa)
Authors: Hardyanti Arki Andi Khaerunnisa , Auliah Army , Dini Iwan
Published: July 2019

ABSTRAKPenelitian tindakan kelas (PTK) ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui cara menerapkan langkah-langkah metode pembelajaran kooperatif tipe TPS sehingga dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa kelas XI MIA.2 SMA Negeri 3 Model Takalar. Empat tahapan PTK, yaitu (1) perencanaan, (2) pelaksanaan, (3) pengamatan, dan (4) refleksi. Penelitian ini dilakukan sebanyak dua siklus. Data hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa metode pembelajaran tipe TPS dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa Kelas XI MIA.2 SMA Negeri 3 Model Takalar yang terdiri dari 7 langkah yaitu: (1) menjelaskan tujuan pembelajaran dan mengaitkan materi pembelajaran dengan materi sebelumnya; (2) memberikan masalah kepada siswa secara tertulis yang diselesaikan secara individual dengan memberikan Time Of Think selama 15 menit; (3) mengelompokkan siswa secara berkelompok secara sejajar yang kemudian mendiskusikan hasil pemikiran individualnya secara silang; (4) membagikan hasil diskusi kelompok kepada kelompok lain dengan mempresentasekan secara singkat; (5) memberikan tes kepada siswa berupa soal essay yang dikerjakan oleh siswa seara individual untuk menguji kemampuan yang dimilikinya; (6) memberikan reward dalam bentuk pujian kepada setiap siswa yang memiliki nilai tertinggi; dan (7) meminta siswa untuk menyimpulkan hasil pembelajaran sesuai dengan tujuan pembelajaran. Hasil belajar siswa siklus I yaitu 62.13% tidak mencapai ketuntasan. Hasil belajar siswa siklus II yaitu 87.06% mencapai ketuntasan.Kata kunci: TPS, Hasil belajar, Asam basa ABSTRACTThis classroom action research aims to know how to apply the cooperative learning method of TPS type to enhance the student’s achievement of the class XI MIA.2 SMA Negeri 3 Model Takalar. There are four stage of CAR, (1) planning, (2) action, (3) observation and (4) reflection. The research was done in two cycle. The result showed that TPS learning method could enhance the student’s achievement of class XI MIA.2 SMA Negeri 3 Model Takalar, there are 7 steps are: (1) explain the learning purpose and linking the learning materials with that have been studied previously; (2) giving problem to the student who solved individually by providing the time of think for 15 minutes; (3) Grouping students in parallel and share the results of discussions within the group as a cross; (4) share the group discussion result to the other group by short presentation; (5) provided the test to the students in the form of essay is done by individually to test its capabilities; (6) given the reward in the form of compliment to every student who has the highest score; dan (7) asked the student to summarize the learning result according to the learning purpose. The student’s achievement for cycle I is 62.13% incomplete. The student’s achievement for cycle II is 87.06% complete.Keywords: TPS, Student’s achievement, Acid-base.
Identification of formalin and borax on tuna in Ngemplak market Tulungagung regency
Authors: Lathifah Qurrotu A’yunin , Turista Dora Dayu Rahma , Azizah Ludfiana , Khulaifi Ahmad Erfan
Published: July 2019

Misuse of formalin and borax is still common, including processing and preserving fish. Therefore, this study aims to identify the presence of formalin and borax in tuna on the market Ngemplak, Tulungagung regency. The samples used in this study were fresh tuna in the Ngemplak market originating from the beaches of Prigi, Sine, Tambakrejo, Popoh and Sidem. The samples were tested qualitatively using the colorimetric method by Schryver reagent for formalin and curcumin paper for borax. The results obtained in this study, from the five tuna samples not detected contained formalin and borax which were marked by no change in color in the test. Tuna sold in the Ngemplak market Tulungagung regency negatively contains formalin and borax, making it safe for consumption. It is hoped that the relevant office will carry out routine checks on the misuse of food additives, especially preservatives circulating in the community and the public should always be careful in choosing safe food.
ANTINOMY AND PARADOX IN ST. AUGUSTINE’S “CONFESSIONS” AND THE “SHIMMERING CONCEPT” OF L. WITTGENSTEIN
Authors: Vinokurov Vladimir , Vorontsova Marina
Published: July 2019

The aim is to show the disintegration of a personality by analyzing the fragment of “Confession” by St Augustine. It allows us to come from the phenomenological description of personality transformation process to means of psychological defense. By solving the questions of love St Augustine uses hidden rhetorical constructions, which reflect his emotional processes in the most adequate way. They should be analyzed and clarified.

The rhetorical aspect of this transformation can be reconstructed from that part of “Confession” where Augustine describes his Carthage impressions. He suffers psychological chaos: he “ran into love”, “loving love”. Augustine finally summarizes these impressions by saying “I loved not yet, yet I loved to love”. Thesis becomes antithesis and that is the circle.

Wittgenstein wrote in “Tractatus Logico-philosophicus” (1922), that “a function cannot be its own argument”.

In “Remarks on the Foundations of Mathematics” (1942) Wittgenstein returns to this topic. For the description of this contradiction Wittgenstein proposes a kind of function:”F (F), where F (ξ) = – ξ (ξ)”. It is “a shimmering concept”.

Contradiction is part of logical symbolism, but topologically, the figures of contradictions, which use Augustine and Wittgenstein, are different. They describe a variety of psychological processes.

The figures of contradictions by St Augustine are the paradox in time. The figures of contradictions by L. Wittgenstein are the antinomy in space.
SKILLS TO BOOST INNOVATION - IN THE CONTEXT OF PUBLIC POLICIES
Authors: Sousa Maria José
Published: July 2019

Innovation public policy has a vital role in influencing the competitive capacity of companies and is strongly associated with their ability to innovate and the way they are organized. As important as the technological and the organization of work is the social dimension, namely, involvement, participation, and commitment of the workforce, as these are, par excellence, factors that contribute to creating added value and differentiation for companies. In this sense, the concept of innovation depends on an integrated vision between the human dimension and the other multiple dimensions that innovation can assume. Public policies besides the goal of creating a more modern and competitive business and industrial context, also are focused on the development of the workforce, not only in digital skills but also in workplace skills. This type of skills contributes to creating a more innovative context and a culture of innovation. This article goal is to make a global overview of the innovation concept and innovation skills. Also, explicitly, the research aimed to identify the critical skills and disruptive digital skills in the sphere of innovative public policies. To this end, a literature review was conducted, and an online survey explored the main critical skills for the future and the disruptive digital skills contributing to the definition and implementation of public innovation policies.
Percepciones sobre contaminación ambiental y actitudes en estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Casa Manuela , Cusi Luz , Vilca Lino
Published: July 2019

El ser humano posee percepciones, que son el proceso de organización e interpretación de impresiones sensoriales con el propósito de dar significado. La percepción ambiental implica un proceso de reconocer el ambiente a través de los sentidos, el cual interviene las actitudes, que son sentimientos favorables o desfavorables que la población posee hacia las peculiaridades del ambiente. De esta manera, el objetivo de la investigación fue determinar las percepciones sobre contaminación y las actitudes ambientales en los estudiantes del pre grado de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación de la Universidad Nacional del Altiplano, Puno. Estudio que fue realizado durante el año académico 2013. La metodología utilizada fue de tipo no experimental con diseño descriptivo correlacional, con datos cuantitativos y cualitativos, se tomó como población a 778 estudiantes y la muestra del estudio estuvo conformado por 113 estudiantes, quienes han sido seleccionados mediante el muestreo no probabilístico, a quienes se aplicó el test de percepciones de contaminación ambiental y una escala de actitudes de tipo Likert. Los resultados de esta investigación muestran una influencia positiva de acuerdo al diseño estadístico de chi cuadrada que fue 62,534 entre las variables de percepciones sobre contaminación ambiental y las actitudes de los estudiantes. Se concluye que existe una relación positiva entre la percepción ambiental con las actitudes ambientales de los estudiantes del pre grado de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación, el cual permite que los estudiantes universitarios tengan una alta responsabilidad en el cambio de actitudes hacia una sociedad sustentable.
THE INFLUENCE OF EFFICACY ON METACOGNITION AWARENESS AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN THE ISLAND ZONE
Authors: Entoh Haidi , Abdullah @ Jerry Mohd. Khairuddin
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study is to determine the strength of the efficacy influences, which includes three dimensions: students’ involvement, teaching strategies, and classroom management on metacognition awareness among teachers that working in primary schools in the Island Zone of North Sabah. Using a quantitative approach, this study is based on an ‘ex post facto’ study design. The data were collected through a questionnaire instrument by using the "Teachers’ Sense Of Efficacy (TSES) and "Metacognitive Awareness Inventory for Teacher" (MAIT). Through the purposive sampling design, a total of 151 teachers that teaching at 14 primary schools in the island zone was involved in this study. Descriptive and inference statistics were used to analyze the data and to present the findings of the study. The data were analyzed by using Multiple Regression Analysis. The findings show that the level of teachers’ efficacy (M = 7.45, SD = .86) and teachers' metacognition awareness (M = 4.11, SD = .40) are at a high and positive level. The results of the multiple regression analysis showed that only one dimension of the constructs of the teachers’ efficacy: teaching strategies (β = .591, t = 5.655, p <.05) found to be able to contribute significant predictor value to teacher metacognition awareness and thus reject the null hypothesis. Research implications have also been discussed.
USE OF BUCK METHOD MATHEMATICS PROBLEM SOLVING
Authors: Kumarasamy Mahaletchumy
Published: July 2019

Problem-solving is a mathematical skill that must be mastered by every student. This study uses the BUCK method to enhanced students skills in solving Fraction word problems for Year 5 pupil. This study was conducted on 4 respondents from a Tamil national school in Negeri Sembilan. Problem-solving questions are given and analyzed quantitatively. The findings showed that respondents did not understand the meanings and the questions and failed to determine the correct operation. The results of the study showed that BUCK method can improve the skill of pupils solving mathematical problems systematically.
MEASURING THE SKILLS OF LEADERSHIP AND INSTRUCTIONAL COACHES FOR SCHOOLS TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMME
Authors: Idris Jeffri
Published: July 2019

The study aims to determine the levels of coaching skills among the school transformation coaches. They are specially selected mainly to assist school leaders and teachers in transforming the schools and students towards excellence. The objectives of this study are first, to assess the levels of listening and questioning skills, and second, to identify the extent of the related skills being used. There are five listening sub-skills and five questioning sub-skills identified for the purpose of this study. It comprises 43 participants selected from 110 coaches who have been involved since the program started in 2016. The study uses quantitative and qualitative approaches. The participants are required to carry out a coaching simulation session. Each of them is given 20 minutes to conduct the session and 10 minutes for the feedback session. They are assessed by two certified coaches for each session. A checklist form and grading form are used as instruments. There are four levels of competency to identify the participants’ listening and questioning skills known as Ineffective (1), Developing (2), Skilled (3) and Excellent (4). The results of the study found that most of the participants are at the ‘Skilled’ level for both listening and questioning skills. The former was at the Mean level of 3.33 and the latter was at 3.58. Further analyses for listening component skill find that the sub-skill of ‘making conclusion’ is used by most of the participants and the sub-skill of ‘using decision-making tools’ is the least used. For questioning skill component, the sub-skill of ‘using appropriate open and closed questions’ is the most used and the sub-skill of ‘creating awareness for decision-making improvement’ is the least used. It can be concluded that the participants’ have good skills in listening and questioning for coaching. It is suggested that they need to further develop their skills in helping their coaches to make the decision using appropriate tools and for improvement.
EXPLORING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT IN RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS: DIFFERENCE BASED ON DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS
Authors: Mohamad Mua’azam
Published: July 2019

In line with Malaysia's aspiration to be a center of educational excellence in the region, the National Education System has implemented an education reform program as a platform to meet the continuing quality improvement needs at all levels of educational institutions. Hence, this study aims to examine the continuous quality improvement practices in religious schools that have gained public attention lately. Cross-sectional survey method was applied in the data collection process. The instrument used consists of two parts, namely Demographic Section and Continuous Quality Improvement Climate questionnaires. A total of 478 respondents comprising senior religious teachers in Kelantan were involved in the study. Stratified random sampling methods were used in the sample selection process. The findings show that religious schools adopt high-quality continuous improvements in all dimensions. However, there are significant differences based on demographic and dimension aspects. Therefore, school development factors and elements in continuous quality improvement practices should be properly addressed by stakeholders in every level of educational management.
Sosyal-Çevre Bağlamında Kentte Gündelik Yaşam Estetiği, Sanatçıların Gözünden Kuzguncuk Semti
Authors: DURSUN Necla , ATMACA CAN Aynur
Published: July 2019

Kentleri oluşturan mahalleler tarih boyunca hem mimari hem de sosyal açıdan önemli bir yere sahip olmuştur. Yapısal ve mekânsal olarak kendisine has özellikler taşıyan mahalleler birçok açıdan tarihe ışık tutmaktadır. Bazı mahalleler ise özellikli halini her dönem korumaktadır. İstanbul Üsküdar ilçesinebağlı Kuzguncuk semti bu tür mahallelerdendir. Kamusal alanda sanatla iç içe olan Kuzguncuk’ta sanat müzeden-galeriden çıkarak sokağa, caddeye, meydana eklenmiş; gündelik yaşama dahil olmuştur.Sakinleri ile etkileşim halindeki semtte sanatın bireye ulaşması hayal olmaktan çıkarak gereceğe dönüşmüştür. Çalışma bu çerçevede atölye ve ikamet adresi olarak seçimlerini Kuzguncuk’tan yana kullanan sanatçıların gözünden semt tarihine, sahip olduğu zenginliklere, sanatçıların semte kattıklarıile insan ve mekân etkileşimi bağlamında semti incelemektir.