bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytotoxicity Assay From Fractions of Hedyotis corymbosa Extract Against Breast Cancer Cell Line T47D
Authors: Andriyani Rina , Risdian Chandra , Udin Zalinar
Published: February 2018

Drug discovery for cancer medication is the most important effort that researcher do at this time. Indonesia bio diversities have possibility as a cancer medicine sources. Finding a herbal medicine for cancer treatment is a first step to find a right cancer medicine in the future. This research has already completed for the earlier another research. Some fractions of Hedyotis corymbosa extract has been analyzed using Sulforhodamine B method with UV wavelength 515 nm against T47D cell line, a human breast cancer. There are Hexane extract, Methylene chloride extract and Ethyl acetate extract, and give inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50)  of 33.45 µg/ml, 54.59 µg/ml and 52.58 µg/ml, respectively. Ethanolic extract, itself has IC50 of 61.57 µg/ml, whereas IC50 value of Cisplatinum is  9.63 µg/ml. There is a difference between the ethanolic extracts with the other fraction.Keywords: breast cancer, herbal medicine, T47D, Hedyotis corymbosa
Phytochemical Screening and Toxicological Evaluation Using Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) of Some Fractions of Prasman Leaves (Eupatorium triplinerve V) Extract
Authors: Kumala Shirly , Sapitri Dwi Windi
Published: February 2018

Prasman leaves (Eupatororium triplinerve V) was well documented to have anti cancer benefit in Indonesian traditional medicine history. However, there were no scientific studies including toxicological assessment on the plan extract. The purpose of this study was to investigate the toxicological effect of some fractions of Prasman leaves methanol extract. Phytochemical screening by the Farnsworth method on powder and some fraction of the methanol extract were conducted followed by toxicity test using the “Brine Shrimp Lethality” test (BSLT) method. In the current study results, the phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavonoid, saponin, coumarin, tannin, steroid and volatile oil. LC50 of the n-hexane fraction 238.66 µg/mL, ethyl acetate fraction 24.42 µg/mL,  and n-butanol 64.10 µg/mL.Keywords : BSLT, Toxicity test, Eupatororium triplinerve
Anticancer Evaluation of Plants from Indonesian Tropical Rain Forests
Authors: Abbas Jamilah
Published: February 2018

The anticancer activities of medicinal plants from Indonesia’s tropical rainforests were investigated against Hela cell line. Maytenfoliol from leaves of Calophyllumtetrapterum 3-epibetulinic acid from stem bark of C. tomentosum Wight and D.A-friedo-oleanan-3-on from stem bark of C. moonii showed anticancer activity. The compound 3-epibetulinic acid showed the more potent anticancer activity than maytenfoliol and D.A-friedo-oleanan-3- with thean IC50 value were 3.17 μg/mL, 4.89 μg/mL and 5.63 μg/mL, respectively.Keywords: Anticancer evaluation, Hela cell line, Calophyllumtetrapterum. C. tomentosum Wight and C. moonii
Ethanolic Extract of Papaya (Carica papaya) Leaf Exhibits Estrogenic Effects In Vivo and In Silico
Authors: Sugiyanto Raisatun Nisa , Khamsita Rahmi , Lambertus Marvin , Utomo Rohmad Yudi , Susidarti Ratna Asmah
Published: February 2018

The menopause women have the low level of estrogen in the body. The lack of estrogen changes physiological function in women’s body that affects in health condition. Carica papaya L. leaf contains flavonoid quercetin which exhibits estrogenic effect. The aim of this study is to determine the estrogenic effect of papaya leaves extract (PLE) in vivo, and in silico. Papaya leaves were extracted by ethanol 70% maceration. The in silico study were done by molecular docking between quersetin and Estrogen Receptor (ERα and ERβ) to obtain the docking score. Based on this study, docking score of quercetin was almost similar to the native ligand of ER. The in vivo study was done as follow: 36 female rats Sprague Dawley divided into six groups.  The groups are shame-ovariectomized (S-OVX), control ovariectomized (OVX), CMC-Na control (OVX+CMC-Na), positive control (OVX+Estradiol), and the PLE treatment groups dose 750 mg/kgBW (OVX+750mg/kgBW) and dose 1000 mg/kgBW (OVX+1000 mg/kgBW). Administrations of PLE were done in three weeks orally, while estradiol was administrated intraperitonially. The mammae and uterine were sliced for analysis. Based on the study, the treatment of PLE increased the number of mammae lobules and uterine weight as well as estrogen does.  In summary, PLE can be developed as a source of phytoestrogens.Keywords: Carica papaya L., phytoestrogen, estrogen receptor, mammae lobule, uterine
Reveal Cytotoxicity and Antigenotoxicity of Piper nigrum L. Ethanolic Extract and its Combination with Doxorubicin on CHO-K1 Cells
Authors: Sari Nur Fitra , Lestari Beni , Saputri Dian , Ahsani Anisa Fauzia , Santoso Ragil Anang , Sasmito Ediati , Meiyanto Edy
Published: February 2018

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), one of the most popular Indonesian spices has been reported to possess various therapeutic effects. The aim of this study is to evaluate the cytotoxicity and antigenotoxicity of black pepper ethanolic extract (BPE) and its combination with doxorubicin (Dox) on CHO-K1 cells. Based on thin layer chromatographyanalysis, BPE contained piperine.Under MTT assay, BPE showed cytotoxic effect with the IC50 value of 68 μg/mL and performed synergism in combination with Dox. In vitro micronucleus test using Giemsa staining revealed that BPE did not cause morphological changes qualitatively on CHO-K1 cells at concentration of 8.5 μg/mL, whereas using flow cytometry analysis showed that BPE could decrease the number of micronucleus (MN) formation induced by doxorubicin. In addition, BPE reduced the ROS level on the CHO-K1 cells which observed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) intracellular assay. The decrease in ROS level indicated that the antioxidant activity of BPE contribute to the antigenotoxicity. Furthermore, molecular docking performed that piperine interacted with DNA Topoisomerase II with docking score of -80.68. Overall,BPE performed cytotoxic effect in single treatment, increased the cytotoxicity and reduced the genotoxicity of doxorubicin. Thus, BPE has potential to be developed further as co-chemotherapeutic and antigenotoxic agent.Keywords: Cytotoxic, genotoxic, Piper nigrum L., CHO-K1, micronucleus
Examination of the effects of some variables in internal control and organizational stress management via multiple regression on perception of risk and uncertainty
Authors: Bilgen İlknur , Yaşar Hikmet , Şeker Mustafa , Büyüksivaslıoğlu Nuh Mehmet
Published: February 2018

Internal control is an essential element of successful and effective management. Internal control which plays a role as a proactive and integral element in organizations’ adapting to changing and changes also plays an important role in the realization of organizational strategy. In some cases, change brings risks along with uncertainties.  One of the most effective tools against the stress occurring in cases where the risks and change cannot be managed is, without doubt, internal control practices.  Risk management practices are dealt with within the scope of internal control. Risk management is directly related to perception of risks and uncertainties of the employees and the organization. The effect of some variables on the perception of risk and uncertainty has been investigated since the risks and uncertainties in the organizations are constantly in interaction with stress and internal control applications. The study was conducted face to face by asking 348 entrepreneurs operating on the textile industry to fill in the survey form in Kayseri in Turkey.  The effects of total work experience, age, gender and strength on perception of risk and uncertainty have been determined.
Comparative Evaluation of Effect of Nano-hydroxyapatite and 8% Arginine Containing Toothpastes in Managing Dentin Hypersensitivity: Double Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Anand Suresh , Rejula Fathima , Sam Joseph V G , Christaline Ramakrishnan , Nair Mali G , Dinakaran Shiji
Published: February 2018

Purpose: This double blind randomized clinical trial was conducted with the purpose of evaluating the effects of Nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste as compared to 8% Arginine containing toothpaste in the management of Dentin hypersensitivity (DH). Method and materials: Patients (30 in each group) suffering from DH and eliciting a VAS score higher than 2 in air blast and tactile test were randomly allocated (block randomization) into either a group 1 (arginine toothpaste) or group 2 (nHA toothpaste). The primary outcome evaluated was the reduction of DH as measured by the electrical stimulus reading on the digital pulp tester. Current required for eliciting a VAS score of 2 was recorded before application of dentifrice. 1 cm of toothpaste was then expressed on the tooth surface for two minutes in each group and rinsed off. The electrical stimulus required to elicit a VAS score of 2 was recorded after 5 minutes, 1 week and 4 weeks. Results: The desensitizing paste containing arginine provided a statistically significant reduction in DH and so did the paste containing nHA. Mean increase in amperage value (reduction in DH) was higher for nHA based than the arginine containing dentifrice. This difference was not statistically significant showing that both toothpastes are equally effective. Conclusions: The findings of the present study encourage the use of Nano-hydroxyapatite and arginine containing dentifrice as an effective desensitizing agent providing relief from symptoms 5 minutes after application and after 1 and 4 weeks.
Amyand’s Hernia: an Up-to-Date Review of the Literature
Authors: Patoulias Dimitrios , Kalogirou Maria , Patoulias Ioannis
Published: February 2018

Amyand’s hernia is defined as an inguinal hernia, containing the appendix within the hernia sac. Incidence of this rare condition rises up to 1% (0.19–1.7%) of all inguinal hernia cases. Inflammation of the appendix within the inguinal sac is even rarer, as it corresponds to 0.1% (0.07–0.13%) of all Amyand’s hernia cases. After a comprehensive review of the limited relevant literature, we aim through this review study to describe the pathophysiology of inflammation of the appendix – contained in the hernia sac – and present the latest data about the diagnostic approach and surgical treatment of Amyand’s hernia.
Linde Type A and nano magnetite/NaA zeolites: cytotoxicity and doxorubicin loading efficiency
Authors: Divband B. , Rashidi M. R. , Khatamian M. , Kazemi Eslamian G. R. , Gharehaghaji N. , Dabaghi Tabriz F.
Published: February 2018

Different cation-exchanged (K+, Na+ & Ca2+) nano-zeolites withi magnetite nanocomposites were synthesized and their suitability for drug loading was studied. Nanocomposites with different Fe3O4 contents were synthesized by adding magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles to the zeolite crystallization solution. The zeolite and its nanocomposites had high surface areas and enough adsorption capacity to load and release sufficient amounts of the chemotherapeutic doxorubicin. None or the zeolites or nanocomposites showed toxicity to SKBr3 or MCF-7 cancer cells. However, DOX@zeolite inhibits cell growth more than the non-encapsulated drug. Thus zeolites and their magnetite nanocomposites show potential as biocompatible medical devices.
New phosphorus biofertilizers from renewable raw materials in the aspect of cadmium and lead contents in soil and plants
Authors: Jastrzębska Magdalena , Saeid Agnieszka , Kostrzewska Marta K. , Baśladyńska Sylwia
Published: February 2018

Recycling phosphorus from waste for fertilization purposes appears to be an alternative for non-renewable sources and a solution for managing harmful products of civilisation. Fertilizers from secondary raw materials are considered to be safe to the environment. This study presents an assessment of the effects of five new biofertilizers made from sewage sludge ash and/or animal bones on the content of cadmium and lead in the soil, in wheat grains and straw (test plant), in the mass of the the accompanying weeds and in the post-harvest residues. Biofertilizers were produced in the form of suspension or granules and activated using Bacillus megaterium or Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans bacteria. They were tested in four field experiments. The Cd and Pb contents of the soil and plant material were determined using the ICP-MS technique. Similar to superphosphate, new biofertilizers showed no change in the Cd and Pb contents of the soil and plants biomass when applied at amounts up to 80 kg; P2O5 ha−1. Both Cd and Pb in the soil and plants occurred naturally, and the amounts were within the acceptable standards. Biofertilizers from renewable raw materials, with low toxic element contents, are not thought to pose a hazard to the soil and plants when applied in reasonable amounts. They can be a substitute for conventional phosphorus fertilizers.
Outcomes of mitochondrial derived diseases: a single-center experience
Authors: Erdol Sahin , Saglam Halil
Published: February 2018

Background:

The purpose of this study is to help elucidate which part of the mitochondria is causing a problem through anamnesis, physical examination, and routine biochemical tests in the event of a suspected mitochondrial disease case.

Methods:

The data were obtained retrospectively from the medical records of 75 cases; the mitochondrial-derived disease (MDD) cases were observed in our center from 2011 to 2017.

Results:

The most commonly observed MDDs were oxidative phosphorylation disorders at 44%, followed by fatty acid oxidation disorder at 40%, pyruvate metabolism disorder at 12%, and ketone metabolism disorder at 4%, respectively. The most common clinical presentation at the time of referral to the hospital was metabolic acidosis (20%), and the most common symptom was respiratory distress (24%). There were abnormal findings in 84.3% of the cases subjected to cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with the most common being hyperintensity in the bilateral basal ganglia (49.0%).

Conclusions:

Anamnesis, physical examination, and simple laboratory data could provide some important clues in assessing MDD. Blood gas should definitely be measured in cases with respiratory symptoms, particularly if they have a history of consanguineous marriage or a sibling suffering from a similar disease. If metabolic acidosis exists in the blood gas, MDDs should absolutely be included in the differential diagnosis. Furthermore, ophthalmic and cardiac assessment and cranial MRI will also reveal significant data for diagnosing MDDs.
Language contact and functional expansion in Tetun Dili: The evolution of a new press register
Authors: Williams-van Klinken Catharina , Hajek John
Published: February 2018

Tetun Dili, an Austronesian language spoken in East Timor, was until 1999 primarily an oral language of intercultural communication. Since the 1999 vote on independence from Indonesia, Tetun Dili has become the dominant language of public life, including the government, education and the media, as well as becoming an official language alongside Portuguese, a former colonial language. The rapidly evolving press register of Tetun shows significant impact from language contact. Portuguese influence is seen primarily in extensive lexical borrowing, brought in by the Portuguese-educated elite as well as by translators and writers. Indonesian influence is seen in several calques for expressing anaphora, brought in by Indonesian-educated writers, and an adversative passive. Other new constructions, including a more general passive and final quote margins, have come about through the combined influence of Portuguese, Indonesian and English, the last as a source language for much literal translation into Tetun. Some discourse features of press Tetun, such as high information density and events being told out of chronological order, are the results of international journalistic style. While a rapid evolution of new written registers is not uncommon, the East Timor situation is unique in its combination of contact languages, and the significant number of grammatical innovations.
The future and promise of flat optics: a personal perspective
Authors: Capasso Federico
Published: February 2018

Metasurfaces enable the redesign of optical components into thin, planar and multifunctional elements, promising a major reduction in footprint and system complexity as well as the introduction of new optical functions. The planarity of flat optics will lead to the unification of semiconductor manufacturing and lens-making, where the planar technology to manufacture computer chips will be adapted to make CMOS-compatible metasurface-based optical components, ranging from metalenses to novel polarization optics, areas where I foresee the greatest technological and scientific impact.
Zur Beschreibung des Alkinoos-Palasts (Od. 7,84‒132)
Authors: Xian Ruobing
Published: February 2018

The paper treats the description of the palace of Alcinous (Od. 7,84–132), with two goals. Firstly, the use of the present tense (103–131) in the description, which has been found problematic by critics since Friedländer (1851), is elucidated by drawing on the evidence of the scholia and on Rijksbaron’s narratological interpretation. Secondly, I argue that the entire description is of importance for the narrative structure of the epic in that it exhibits complex points of contact with other passages of the epic and thus has a thematic function, which corresponds to the threefold division of the description: the feast in the palace (84‒102), the activities of the maids (103‒111) and the fruitfulness of the garden (112‒132). The whole description of the palace, with its thematic connections, invites the recipient to understand the epic in its ‘spatial form’.
Rethinking the Relationship Between Public Regulation and Private Litigation: Evidence from Securities Class Action in China
Authors: Huang Robin Hui
Published: February 2018

China has a civil procedure for collective litigation, which is dubbed Chinese-style class action, as it differs from the U.S.-style class action in some important ways. Using securities class action as a case study, this Article empirically examines both the quantity and quality of reported cases in China. It shows that the number of cases is much lower than expected, but the percentage of recovery is significantly higher than that in the United States. Based on this, the Article casts doubt on the popular belief that China should adopt the U.S.-style class action, and sheds light on the much-debated issue concerning the relationship between public and private enforcement of securities law. The Article also discusses the future prospects of securities class action in China in light of some recent developments which may provide its functional equivalents, including the regulator-brokered compensation fund and public interest group litigation.
Prefrontal θ-Burst Stimulation Disrupts the Organizing Influence of Active Short-Term Retrieval on Episodic Memory
Authors: Marin Bianca M. , VanHaerents Stephen A. , Voss Joel L. , Bridge Donna J.
Published: February 2018

Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is thought to organize items in working memory and this organizational role may also influence long-term memory. To causally test this hypothesized role of DLPFC in long-term memory formation, we used θ-burst noninvasive stimulation (TBS) to modulate DLPFC involvement in a memory task that assessed the influence of active short-term retrieval on later memory. Human subjects viewed three objects on a grid and then either actively retrieved or passively restudied one object’s location after a brief delay. Long-term memory for the other objects was assessed after a delay to evaluate the beneficial role of active short-term retrieval on subsequent memory for the entire set of object locations. We found that DLPFC TBS had no significant effects on short-term memory. In contrast, DLPFC TBS impaired long-term memory selectively in the active-retrieval condition but not in the passive-restudy condition. These findings are consistent with the hypothesized contribution of DLPFC to the organizational processes operative during active short-term retrieval that influence long-term memory, although other regions that were not stimulated could provide similar contributions. Notably, active-retrieval and passive-restudy conditions were intermixed, and therefore nonspecific influences of stimulation were well controlled. These results suggest that DLPFC is causally involved in organizing event information during active retrieval to support coherent long-term memory formation.
Negative Indefinites in the history of Portuguese : the case of nemigalha
Authors: Pinto Clara
Published: February 2018

This paper focuses on negative indefinites in Portuguese, paying particular attention to nemigalha, a negative indefinite that disappeared from the language around the 16th century. We claim that nemigalha originates from the reanalysis of the negative particle nem and the minimizer migalha in an early stage of the language, starting as a weak negative polarity item and then becoming a strong negative polarity item, in the sense of Martins (1997, 2000). It is well known that minimizers can grammaticalize into intrinsically negative items, being good candidates to undergo the Jespersen Cycle (Jespersen 1917). Although that was not the case of nemigalha, it completed all the grammaticalization stages proposed by Garzonio & Poletto (2008, 2009), losing all the properties of a common noun and being able to stand alone as the only negative marker in preverbal position. The comparison between nemigalha and the negative indefinite nada shows that both items exhibited similar behaviour and occurred in identical contexts, probably acting as competing items until nemigalha’s disappearance. Furthermore, a few examples from the 16th century suggest that nemigalha might have become a more functional item, participating as a negation marker in presuppositional contexts (cf. Larrivée 2010 and Hansen 2013).
Nós e a gente no português brasileiro: concordâncias e discordâncias
Authors: Pereira Scherre Maria Marta , Yacovenco Lilian Coutinho , Naro Anthony Julius
Published: February 2018

Discutimos neste artigo o encaixamento linguístico da variação e mudança dos pronomes nós e a gente no português brasileiro. Analisamos as construções nós com o morfema plural –mos (nós moramos/nós morávamos), concordância plural; nós sem o morfema de plural –mos (nós mora/nós morou/nós morava), não concordância; a gente sem o morfema plural –mos (a gente mora/a gente morou/ /a gente morava), concordância singular. Análises conjuntas destas construções permitem entender dinâmicas sociolinguísticas da implementação de a gente no sistema pronominal do português brasileiro. Ancorados na Teoria da Variação e Mudança (Weinreich, Labov & Herzog 1968) e nas propostas de Naro, Görski & Fernandes (1999), remodeladas por Naro et al (2016) e Scherre et al (2014), reanalisamos 774 dados da fala da Baixada Cuiabana (Estado do Mato Grosso, Centro-Oeste), variedade com traços característicos nítidos, e 1517 dados da fala de Vitória (capital do Espírito Santo, Sudeste), variedade sem traços característicos nítidos. Verificamos que a Baixada Cuiabana favorece nós e Vitória expande a gente. Ambas privilegiam nós com –mos no pretérito perfeito. A Baixada Cuiabana usa mais nós sem –mos no imperfeito e no presente de forma igual à do pretérito. Para evitar nós sem –mos, Vitória usa mais a gente sem –mos no imperfeito e no presente. Mais usos de nós falamos, a gente falava e a gente fala seguem fluxos de mais concordância em áreas urbanas (Naro & Scherre 2014). Os fatos observados revelam variação linguística ordenada e apontam resolução intuitiva de conflitos sociolinguísticos associados à concordância verbal variável.
Enfraquecimento do /S/ em coda silábica em dados do sul do Amazonas (Brasil)
Authors: Galvão Maia Edson
Published: February 2018

Estudos variacionistas apontam que o fonema /S/ em contexto de coda silábica apresenta grande variação no português brasileiro. A variante alveolar tem ocupado posição de destaque na maioria das regiões do país, ao lado da variante alveopalatal, também bastante difundida. Porém, registram-se ainda o enfraquecimento da consoante, que passa a se realizar como glotal, e até mesmo o apagamento da coda. Tais variantes são geralmente atribuídas à fala de pessoas com pouca instrução, de classes baixas ou de regiões menos desenvolvidas. Em pesquisa dialetológica realizada em três municípios do sul do Amazonas – Boca do Acre, Lábrea e Tapauá – observou-se a variante glotal em mais de 12% dos dados coletados, porém notou-se que o enfraquecimento se dá em determinados contextos, principalmente anterior a uma consoante lateral, nasal ou africada (desligar [deɦliˈɡah], mesmo [ˈmeɦmʊ] e leste [ˈlɛhtʃ]). Essa pesquisa considerou as respostas ao Questionário Fonético-fonológico que tratam exclusivamente do fonema /S/ em coda silábica. Foram investigados 18 informantes de ambos os sexos e de três faixas etárias diferentes. Quanto ao enfraquecimento do fonema pesquisado, notou-se que está relacionado aos estudos da sonoridade. Observou-se que quanto mais sonoro o segmento seguinte mais enfraquecido se torna o fonema em estudo, tendendo à realização glotal e quanto menos sonoro o segmento seguinte mais aparente o fonema em estudo, privilegiando, para este caso, a variante alveopalatal. Com exceção da localidade, as variáveis sociais consideradas mostraram-se irrelevantes para a investigação deste fenômeno. Todavia, é notória a relevância da variável linguística contexto subsequente para a realização do /S/ em coda silábica nas localidades investigadas.
Synthesis and Surface Activities of a Silicone Based Ester Quaternary Amine and Optimization of Synthesis Conditions by Response Surface Method
Authors: Cheng Zheng  , Wuhuan Huang  , Peng Chen  , Taoyan Mao  , Jing Lin  , Qiming Yu
Published: February 2018

A novel silicone based ester quaternary ammonium salt (Si-QAS) was synthesized by conjugation of γ-chloropropyl methyl dimethoxysilane and distearic ester of methyldiethanolamine. The chemical structure of the Si-QAS was characterized by using FTIR and 1H NMR. Physicochemical properties of the compound were further investigated and the results showed that the critical micelle concentration of the esterquat was 2.36×10-4 mol.L-1, the corresponding surface tension γCMC was 24.25 mN.m-1, and the standard Gibbs free energy of formation for micellization and adsorption were -30.64 kJ.mol-1 and -56.87 kJ.mol-1, respectively. A mathematical model based on the method of response surface was also established to optimize the conditions of the synthesis process. Microwave power was found to have the strongest effect on synthesis progress and the optimal synthesis conditions were microwave power at 600 W for 20.89 min with a solvent amount of 9.24 g.
Editorial
Authors: Gomero Gonzáles Nicko Alberto
Published: February 2018

La ciencia se fortalece y avanza a través de la producción de conocimiento científico que se genera a través de la investigación y que permite generar soluciones para resolver problemas estructurales de la sociedad, tales como las asimetrías sociales, la ausencia de transparencia financiera de las entidades públicas, el desempleo, la corrupción, una distribución inadecuada de los recursos, empresas ineficientes, y entidades gubernamentales que no cumplen eficientemente con el rol de administrar y controlar los recursos del estado base para el desarrollo económico y social de nuestra sociedad.
El control interno y la competitividad en la Empresa Eléctrica Regional del Sur S.A. de Ecuador
Authors: Morales Espinosa Judith María
Published: February 2018

La tesis titulada “Control Interno y Competitividad en la Empresa Eléctrica Regional del Sur” S.A., Ecuador, período 2012-2014”, permitió afrontar los problemas encontrados en la empresa, en relación con la falta de control en el sector de la Gestión Operativa. Con el fin de ser competitivos y cumplir con sus obligaciones como un buen servicio al cliente, hemos aplicado la metodología de la investigación científica. Hemos utilizado la encuesta como una técnica para recopilar información directamente del público y de los trabajadores, así como de expertos profesionales que tienen una relación directa o indirecta con la empresa. La tesis se desarrolló con la recopilación de información y datos de diferentes especialistas que contribuyeron a consolidar el desarrollo de las variables: Problemas de implementación de control interno y competitividad en EERSSA, ubicada en la Ciudad de Loja en Ecuador. La técnica de encuesta con doce (12) preguntas permitió obtener datos. La información permitió la tabulación y trabajo en la formulación gráfica, con sus respectivas interpretaciones; La hipótesis se llevó a cabo para determinar las conclusiones y recomendaciones. Finalmente, se determinó que la implementación del control interno influye positivamente en la rentabilidad de la empresa.
Tecnologías de la información y gestión de calidad para fortalecer la educación cívica ciudadana
Authors: Velarde Guevara Jannet Yajaira
Published: February 2018

El artículo desarrolla un tema de interés para académicos e investigadores como es el de las tecnologías de la información y comunicación así como la gestión de calidad. El tema central es el uso que hacen las instituciones públicas de las tecnologías de la información y comunicación, y cómo estas rigen su desarrollo a través de procesos de calidad. La metodología utilizada comprende el conjunto de aspectos operativos que se tienen en cuenta para realizar el estudio. En esta investigación científica han predominado tres métodos básicos: Inducción, análisis y síntesis. Las principales conclusiones que aquí se presentan, demuestran primero la importancia que tiene hoy en día el uso de las tecnologías de la información y comunicación, y como estos pueden ayudar a procesos y procedimientos establecidos en distintas organizaciones; la gestión de calidad es necesaria porque te permite medir la efectividad e impacto que tienen las tecnologías de la información en pobladores del distrito de Ate en Lima metropolitana, y como se puede replicar en distintos lugares del país. Este artículo es producto del trabajo de maestría del autor, sobre el uso que le dan las instituciones públicas a las tecnologías de la información y comunicación, así como la gestión de calidad que debe estar implícita en sus procesos.
English language learning through a Facebook group: activities for developing oral skills
Authors: Barbosa Cláudia
Published: February 2018

Social Networking Sites (SNSs), though not initially designed for educational purposes, have long had a presence in educational contexts. In particular, the potential of Facebook (FB) and its Closed Group feature as a tool for language learning has been analyzed by several studies, although most seem to limit their scope to the use of Facebook for developing reading and writing skills. This paper attempts to investigate potential complementary activities that can be performed in connection with a Facebook Closed Group, using freely accessible tools, to assist with the development of oral skills in an English learning setting at the primary school level. Selected tools have been assessed, tested, and integrated into a Facebook closed group, in the scope of the topic “English-speaking countries”.
Learning English in the elderly: an analysis of motivational factors and language learning strategies
Authors: Garcia Vítor Romário Monticelli
Published: February 2018

This study investigates motivational factors and language learning strategies involved in the process of learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in the elderly. The taxonomy of strategies developed by Oxford (1990) is adopted, as well as discussions on motivation in language learning. Twenty-five (25) elderly students participated in this research. Three instruments were administered for data collection, (i) a placement test; (ii) a background questionnaire; (iii) and a translated version of the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL), proposed by Oxford (1990). Results identified 11 strategies used more frequently, most of them metacognitive strategies. Results also show that learning English, travelling, and socializing are motivational factors in this group. This paper may contribute to researchers and to English teachers and elderly students by shedding some light on features of EFL learning in the elderly regarding language strategies and motivational aspects.
Iranian EFL teachers' beliefs about how to Teach English Grammar
Authors: Janfeshan Kamran -
Published: February 2018

The main purpose of this study is to investigate Iranian English teachers' beliefs about how to teach English grammar. For this purpose,forty-three teachers, eighteen females and twenty-five maleteachers from Kermanshah, Iran, participated in this study. To gather data in the studies about teacher beliefs, MacDonald Badger & White, (2001) questionnaire was used (TBQ). The questionnaire used for this study contained close-ended sections that required teachers to respond to statements on a five point Likert scale- as well as open-ended questions that invited teachers to describe or comment on the issue in details. Findingsof the study indicated the extent to whichsome of these teachers’ beliefs became an influential factor in their teaching and actually their stated pedagogical decisions. Consistent with the findings from previous research studies, this study indicates that teachers do possess a vast array of complex beliefs about pedagogical issues (e.g. importance of grammar) including beliefs about students (e.g. their ability to understandgrammar) and classroom practices (i.e. approaches to grammar teaching). It was clear from the teachers’ responses to thequestionnairethat their pedagogic beliefs represented an interconnected system in which some beliefs were central. These core beliefs were seen to influence other lessstrongly held beliefs. One strong core belief that almost all teachers shared was that grammar instruction was not only necessary but it should form a substantial part of the curriculum. Grammar was regarded by the teachers as a declarative set of facts to be learnt. Moreover, grammar instruction was seen to entail the explanation of grammar rules.
Português como língua de acolhimento na Lomba do Pinheiro: relatos de práticas pedagógicas
Authors: Andrighetti Graziela Hoerbe , Perna Cristina Becker Lopes , Porto Martha Machado
Published: February 2018

The current international migratory flows bring a new reality to many Brazilian cities and point to the need for actions that allow the integration of the migratory population in our society. Understanding the offer of courses aimed at teaching the Portuguese language as an instrument of reception policy for immigrants and refugees, and aware of the demands for specific didactic materials aimed at teaching Portuguese as an Additional Language (hereinafter PAL) that meet this new reality in Brazil, we share in this article our classroom experiences with the teaching of Portuguese to a group of 30 Haitians, seeking to contribute to reflections about the teaching of Portuguese in this specific context. To do so, we describe the decisions taken along the course regarding the classes and didactic materials used, taking into account the profile of the students and the context in which they were inserted. Based on our reports, we hope to collaborate with teachers who are involved in the teaching of Portuguese for Immigrants and Refugeesin Brazilian contexts in which the migratory flow is a reality.
A Curative-Intent Trimodality Approach for Isolated Abdominal Nodal Metastases in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Update of a Single-Institutional Experience
Authors: Johnson Benny , Jin Zhaohui , Haddock Michael G. , Hallemeier Christopher L. , Martenson James A. , Smoot Rory L. , Larson David W. , Dozois Eric J. , Nagorney David M. , Grothey Axel
Published: February 2018

Background

The purpose of this study was to define survival rates in patients with isolated advanced abdominal nodal metastases secondary to colorectal cancer (CRC), treated with curative-intent trimodality therapy.

Materials and Methods

Sixty-five patients received trimodality therapy, defined as chemotherapy delivered with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) followed by lymphadenectomy and intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT). Infusional 5-fluorouracil was the most common radiosensitizer used (63%, 41 patients). The median dose of EBRT was 50 Gy, and the median dose of IORT was 12.5 Gy. We evaluated time to distant metastasis, toxicities, local failure within the EBRT field, recurrence within the IORT field, and survival.

Results

Fifty-two percent of patients were male; patients’ median age was 50.5 years. All patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score ≤1. Twenty-nine patients had right-sided colon cancer, 22 had left-sided colon cancer, and 14 had rectal primaries. The median time from initial CRC diagnosis to development of abdominal nodal metastatic disease was 20.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 21.2–40.8 months). Seventy-eight percent (51 patients) had para-aortic nodal metastases, 15% (10 patients) had mesenteric nodal metastases, and 6% (4 patients) had both. With a median follow-up of 77.6 months, the median overall survival and 5-year estimated survival rate were 55.4 months (95% CI, 47.2–80.9 months) and 45%, respectively. The median progression-free survival was 19.3 months (95% CI, 16.5–32.8 months). Twenty-six (40%) patients never developed distant disease. The outcome was not affected by disease sidedness or rectal primary. Treatment was well tolerated without grade 3 or 4 toxicities.

Conclusion

Trimodality therapy produces sustainable long-term survival in selected patients with metastatic CRC presenting with isolated retroperitoneal or mesenteric nodal relapse.

Implications for Practice

This article reports a unique trimodality approach incorporating external beam radiotherapy with radiosensitizing chemotherapy, surgical resection, and intraoperative radiotherapy provides durable survival benefit with significant curative potential for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who present with isolated abdominal nodal (mesenteric and/or retroperitoneal) recurrence.
Panobinostat and Multiple Myeloma in 2018
Authors: Yee Andrew J. , Raje Noopur S.
Published: February 2018

FDA and EMA approval of panobinostat offers an additional therapeutic option for multiple myeloma; however, adoption of panobinostat has been limited by its adverse event profile. Trials are ongoing to optimize the dosing of panobinostat and to identify its best partners, in order to fully realize the potential of this drug class.
Application of building information modelling for reinforcement waste minimisation
Authors: Chidambaram Saminathan
Published: February 2018

The primary objective of this paper is to explain how successful implementation of building information model/modelling (BIM) can contribute to the reduction of waste in construction projects. Traditional construction processes include highly wasteful activities due to lack of automation and innovation. This paper discusses how reinforcement information can be efficiently managed through BIM to maximise coordination between project parties and using three-dimensional digital models at the site for fabrication and construction. The digital reinforcement modelling process is gaining momentum due to a great number of value additions to achieve potential savings at all stages of the project. This paper also focuses on collaboration, such as integrated project delivery to streamline the project processes and workflows to achieve greater efficiency, and de-risking the construction processes. These BIM approaches can reduce, reuse, recycle and manage the wastes generated during construction through a robust clash-resolution process, data-rich modelling, detailing and prefabrication strategies. The key benefits of BIM are to ensure 100% buildability and provide cost-effective solutions through modern approaches such as value engineering and early contractor involvement. The digital fabrication process can be used to automate the reinforcement fabrication process by establishing a link between the fabrication system and BIM models.
Renal Interstitial Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor-β Cells Support Proximal Tubular Regeneration
Authors: Schiessl Ina Maria , Grill Alexandra , Fremter Katharina , Steppan Dominik , Hellmuth Maj-Kristina , Castrop Hayo
Published: February 2018

Background

The kidney is considered to be a structurally stable organ with limited baseline cellular turnover. Nevertheless, single cells must be constantly replaced to conserve the functional integrity of the organ. PDGF chain B (PDGF-BB) signaling through fibroblast PDGF receptor-β (PDGFRβ) contributes to interstitial-epithelial cell communication and facilitates regenerative functions in several organs. However, the potential role of interstitial cells in renal tubular regeneration has not been examined.

Methods

In mice with fluorescent protein expression in renal tubular cells and PDGFRβ-positive interstitial cells, we ablated single tubular cells by high laser exposure. We then used serial intravital multiphoton microscopy with subsequent three-dimensional reconstruction and ex vivo histology to evaluate the cellular and molecular processes involved in tubular regeneration.

Results

Single-tubular cell ablation caused the migration and division of dedifferentiated tubular epithelial cells that preceded tubular regeneration. Moreover, tubular cell ablation caused immediate calcium responses in adjacent PDGFRβ-positive interstitial cells and the rapid migration thereof toward the injury. These PDGFRβ-positive cells enclosed the injured epithelium before the onset of tubular cell dedifferentiation, and the later withdrawal of these PDGFRβ-positive cells correlated with signs of tubular cell redifferentiation. Intraperitoneal administration of trapidil to block PDGFRβ impeded PDGFRβ-positive cell migration to the tubular injury site and compromised the recovery of tubular function.

Conclusions

Ablated tubular cells are exclusively replaced by resident tubular cell proliferation in a process dependent on PDGFRβ-mediated communication between the renal interstitium and the tubular system.
Qualitative types of cosmological evolution in hydrodynamic models with barotropic equation of state
Authors:   Astronomical Observatory, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, Dylda S. S. , Zhdanov V. I. ,   Astronomical Observatory, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: February 2018

We study solutions of the Friedmann equations in case of the homogeneous isotropic Universe filled with a perfect fluid. The main points concern the monotony properties of the solutions, the possibility to extend the solutions on all times and occurrence of singularities. We present a qualitative classification of all possible solutions in case of the general smooth barotropic equation of state of the fluid, provided the speed of sound is finite. The list of possible scenarios includes analogues of the "Big Rip" in the future and/or in the past as well as singularity free solutions and oscillating Universes. Extensions of the results to the multicomponent fluids are discussed.
Transforming Higher Education through Organizational Meditation: A Story of the Executive Learning Series on Equity & Empowerment
Authors: Balajee Sonali Sangeeta , Todd Joshua
Published: February 2018

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are frequently on the lips of higher education professionals yet we struggle to infuse these concepts throughout the academy as evidenced in challenges recruiting faculty of color, graduating students of color, and hostile environments reported by students. The authors posit that this is because, to date, most efforts focus on transactional engagements like training and recruitment to achieve racial equity when what is also needed are transformational strategies that fundamentally shift how higher education is envisioned. This article describes the Executive Learning Series on Equity & Empowerment (ELSEE), which works not to just promote these values but to embody them and transform the academy (and those within it) through a deeper set of interventions, emphasizing the integration of holistic health, spirit based practice, mindfulness, and other practices of decolonization.
Equity-Minded Faculty Development: An Intersectional Identity-Conscious Community of Practice Model for Faculty Learning
Authors: Costino Kimberly
Published: February 2018

Equity-minded institutional transformation requires robust faculty learning.  Research has shown that the single most important factor in student success is faculty interaction.  Positive, supportive, and empowering faculty interaction is particularly important to the success of female students, poor and working class students, and students of color, but most faculty are not prepared to offer the kind of support that has been shown to be most effective for marginalized students.  If institutions are serious about equity and about transformation, then they are obligated to provide professional development that will support the learning necessary for faculty to fulfill these important roles and to support faculty financially or by buying their time to participate in it.  An effective way to do this is to align such professional development with the urgent needs of the campus and their related campus-wide initiatives.  This article describes a community of practice model of identity-conscious professional development that engages faculty in a scholarly approach to the science of learning and evidence-based teaching and curriculum development while at the same time insistently and consistently incorporating critical reflection on and exploration of how systems of power and oppression impact learning. We believe this faculty engagement is key to transforming our institution into a more equitable and inclusive learning environment for students and faculty alike.
Equity, Inclusion, and Beyond: Today’s Urban Chief Diversity Officer
Authors: Hancock Merodie
Published: February 2018

This paper, based primarily on the author’s perspective as president of SUNY Empire State College, will explore the need for and means of leveraging the chief diversity officer’s role in creating an equitable and inclusive environment within the distributed world that is Empire State College’s “campus” and, specifically, within SUNY Empire’s urban environments. Empire State College fills a unique role in today’s higher-education landscape. It was founded in 1971 by Ernest Boyer, then the chancellor of the State University of New York, to make education accessible outside the confines of traditional curricular and delivery structures, and to better meet the needs of New Yorkers with locations, academic programming, and student services responsive to diverse communities and learners. Today, Empire State College continues to embrace and fulfill that mission, with individualized education as its cornerstone and nearly 18,000 undergraduate and graduate students in 34 academic centers around the state of New York, in several countries overseas and online around the world. The vast majority of its undergraduate students have attended at least one previous institution, are employed, and are likely to have family and dependent-care obligations. The college is purposefully nonresidential, designed to be where our students live and work. Students can choose structured or individualized academic programs, depending on discipline, and have the options of classroom-based, online, or independent study, as well as weekend residencies, or a hybrid of education delivery via these modes.