bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Les droits humains aujourd’hui : un horizon d’universalité politique
Authors: Revault d’Allonnes Myriam
Published: April 2019

Pour dépasser la double disqualification des droits humains (importation abusive d’une universalité abstraite et extension illimitée du « droit-de-l’hommisme »), il convient, compte tenu des ambiguïtés inhérentes à leur fondation, de dégager les conditions de leur réelle effectivité politique à l’heure où ils sont récusés, dans leur principe même, par des régimes qui leur opposent la revendication d’identités substantielles (nationales, ethniques, religieuses ou culturelles). D’où la nécessité d’analyser la nature de la citoyenneté démocratique qui les rend opératoires.
Les droits de l’homme et le « pot au noir »
Authors: Delmas-Marty Mireille
Published: April 2019

En entrant dans le droit positif, les droits de l’homme révèlent non seulement des contradictions internes mais aussi des conflits externes entre les raisons pratiques qui les inspirent. Ces contradictions et conflits pourraient nous entraîner dans le « pot au noir », ce lieu mythique où les navires, pris dans les tourbillons de vents contraires, sont menacés de naufrage.
Injustice coloniale, droits humains et justice coloniale en pays kanak (Nouvelle-Calédonie)
Authors: Bensa Alban
Published: April 2019

L’exemple des Kanak de Nouvelle-Calédonie, tout premiers habitants de cet archipel du Pacifique sud arraisonné par la France en 1853, montre que la violence de la relation coloniale affecte durablement ceux qui la subissent mais aussi ceux qui l’exercent au nom de leurs intérêts sous couvert de « pacification » et de « mission civilisatrice ». Les Kanak ont opposé à l’idéologie pionnière de la conquête, à partir des années 1920, une mémoire spécifique très structurée et parfois épique. Cet article développe une réflexion sur la mise en perspective des valeurs kanak en regard des droits humains dans le monde contemporain. Comment peut-on passer de l’injustice structurelle de la colonisation à une justice qui ne serait plus « coloniale » ? Il plaide pour un examen comparatif approfondi des valeurs océaniennes dans leurs rapports avec les valeurs occidentales inspirées par la Déclaration universelle des droits de l’homme.
Les droits de l’homme, un enjeu politique de taille dans la Chine contemporaine
Authors: Béja Jean-Philippe
Published: April 2019

Les droits de l’homme sont au centre du débat politique en Chine, notamment depuis le massacre du 4 juin 1989. Le Parti communiste chinois défend une conception relativiste, tant au nom du marxisme-léninisme que de la « culture chinoise traditionnelle », que Xi Jinping cherche à réintégrer dans l’idéologie dominante. Tandis que hérauts de la « nouvelle gauche », néoconfucianistes modernes et nationalistes les dénoncent comme étrangers, un vaste mouvement populaire appuyé par des avocats et des journalistes s’en réclame. Que le mouvement de défense des droits apparu en 2003 soit actuellement au creux de la vague n’empêche pas qu’un nombre croissant de citoyens s’y réfèrent pour faire face aux abus de pouvoir des représentants du régime.
Entre contrôle et protection : ce que les technologies de l’information et de la communication font au camp de réfugiés
Authors: Macias Léa
Published: April 2019

Dans un camp de réfugiés, la communication entre les opérateurs de l’aide et les réfugiés reste un territoire peu exploré. Les nouvelles technologies viennent remodeler les enjeux de l’information dans la réponse et la production de savoirs humanitaires, renforçant un contrôle des corps et des esprits, tout en étant promues comme un moyen d’ouverture au monde de cet espace clos.
La lutte pour la reconnaissance des droits des personnes intersexuées
Authors: Saris Anne , Moron-Puech Benjamin
Published: April 2019

Cet article, sous la forme d’une entrevue effectuée entre Anne Saris, universitaire (professeure de sciences juridiques – le droit étant avant tout pris comme un objet d’analyse par le prisme des sciences sociales) et activiste (membre de l’ancienne Coalition pour les droits des femmes en situation de conflits) et Benjamin Moron-Puech, universitaire (maître de conférences) engagé dans une « lutte » pour le respect et la reconnaissance des droits des personnes intersexuées, veut explorer les stratégies et les outils mobilisés en vue de ces derniers : sont-ils de l’ordre de la partie d’échecs, avec une anticipation assez visible, ou sont-ils plutôt de l’ordre de la partie de billard, dont la linéarité est bien moins évidente à retracer ?
Imaginer l’avenir de la justice pénale internationale malgré sa régression
Authors: Hubrecht Joël
Published: April 2019

La marginalisation de la Cour pénale internationale dans la lutte contre le terrorisme international et face à l’écrasement des révolutions démocratiques dans le monde arabe semble mettre définitivement à bas l’idéal de la Paix par le droit inauguré à Nuremberg. Pourtant, de rédempteur à transformateur, le sens de cette justice peut être reconsidéré sans perdre ses fondamentaux (sanction, prévention, réparation). En dépit de l’intensification des oppositions extérieures (de la part de grandes puissances) et des tensions internes (à l’Assemblée des États parties ou au sein de la Cour elle-même), et du manque de moyens, elle dispose de ressources internes pour améliorer son efficacité et développer de nouvelles formes de rendre justice. Le devoir d’imagination des héritiers de la justice pénale internationale n’est pas moins grand et ardu que celui de ses pionniers.
Pénaliser les violations des droits de l’homme ?
Authors: Lochak Danièle
Published: April 2019

L’objet de cette contribution est de mettre en lumière l’utilisation croissante de l’outil pénal, tant au niveau des législations nationales – ici, de la législation française – qu’au niveau international, pour protéger les droits de l’homme. On tentera de dégager les raisons de ce phénomène, ce qu’il nous dit de la sensibilité évolutive et différentielle aux droits fondamentaux – sans omettre de s’interroger en conclusion sur ses limites et ses effets pervers.
Herbally Painted Biofunctional Scaffolds with Improved Osteoinductivity for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Kashte Shivaji , Arbade Gajanan , Sharma R.K. , Kadam Sachin
Published: April 2019

In the bone tissue engineering composite scaffolds with osteogenic potential are emerging as the new tool. Here, we investigated the graphene (GP), graphene oxide (GO) andCissusquadrangularis(CQ) callus extract for their spontaneous osteoinductive potential. Electrospun poly ε-caprolactone (PCL) sheets were painted with varying combination GP, GO and CQ solutions as ink. The prepared PCL-GO, PCL-GO-CQ, PCL-GP and PCL-GP-CQ scaffolds were characterized for their physical, mechanical and biological properties. Addition of GO, GP, GO-CQ and GP-CQ to PCL enhanced roughness, wettability, Yield strength and tensile strength, biocompatibility .significantly. Presence of GO and CQ in PCL-GO-CQ scaffolds, while GP and CQ in PCL-GP-CQ scaffolds showed synergistic effect on the biocompatibility, Cell attachment,cell proliferation of human umbilical Wharton’s jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) and their differentiation into osteoblasts by 21stday in culture without osteogenic differentiation media or any growth factors. Same is confirmed by the Alizarin red S staining and Von kossa staining. The combination of PCL-GO-CQ scaffold prepared by novel paint method was found to be the most potential in bone tissue engineering.
Assessment of the risk factors associated with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Sudan: a case-control study
Authors: Elduma Adel Hussein , Mansournia Mohammad  Ali , Foroushani Abbas  Rahimi , Ali Hamdan Mustafa Hamdan , Elegail Asrar M A Salam , Elsony Asma , Holakouie-Naieni Kourosh
Published: April 2019

OBJECTIVES: The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a major challenge for the global control of tuberculosis (TB). The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with MDR-TB in Sudan.METHODS: This case-control study was conducted from May 2017 to February 2019. Patients newly diagnosed with MDR-TB were selected as cases, and controls were selected from TB patients who responded to first-line anti-TB drugs. A questionnaire was designed and used to collect data from study participants. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between risk factors and MDR-TB infection. The best multivariate model was selected based on the likelihood ratio test.RESULTS: A total of 430 cases and 860 controls were selected for this study. A history of previous TB treatment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 54.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 30.48 to 98.69) was strongly associated with MDR-TB infection. We identified interruption of TB treatment (aOR, 7.62; 95% CI, 3.16 to 18.34), contact with MDR-TB patients (aOR, 5.40; 95% CI, 2.69 to 10.74), lower body weight (aOR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.91), and water pipe smoking (aOR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.73 to 6.04) as factors associated with MDR-TB infection.CONCLUSIONS: Previous TB treatment and interruption of TB treatment were found to be the main predictors of MDR-TB. Additionally, this study found that contact with MDR-TB patients and water pipe smoking were associated with MDR-TB infection in Sudan. More efforts are required to decrease the rate of treatment interruption, to strengthen patients’ adherence to treatment, and to reduce contact with MDR-TB patients.
A perda do efeito V2 na história do espanhol europeu
Authors: Pinto Carlos Felipe
Published: April 2019

Diversos trabalhos em diversas perspectivas teóricas indicaram que a ordem de constituintes do espanhol antigo era diferente da ordem do espanhol atual, o que levou os pesquisadores, no quadro da gramática gerativa, a considerarem o espanhol antigo uma gramática V2. Neste artigo, proponho uma discussão sobre como a mudança gramatical de uma gramática V2 para uma gramática não V2 acontece na história do espanhol, considerando os pressupostos dos estudos diacrônicos no quadro gerativista que consideram a aquisição da linguagem o lugar central da mudança linguística.
Responsiveness of Capital Market on the Output of Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria
Authors: Ubesie Madubuko Cyril , Ude Matthew Emeziem
Published: April 2019

Capital market provides the necessary lubricant that keeps turning the wheel of the economy. It does not only provide the funds required for investment but also efficiently allocates these funds to projects of best returns to investors. This study empirically examined the responsiveness of capital market on productivity (Output) of manufacturing firms in Nigeria (1990 – 2016). Specifically, the study examined the impact of Market capitalization, Total listed equities and All Share Index on the productivity (Output) of manufacturing firms in Nigeria. Annual time series data obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) statistical bulletin, 2016 edition was utilized. The study adopted the ex-post facto research design and employed the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bound test approach. The findings revealed that capital market indices of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (proxy by MCAP, TLE, and ASI) have long-run significant influence on the productivity of manufacturing firms in Nigeria. Based on these findings, it was recommended among others that there is need to restore confidence to the market by regulatory authorities through ensuring transparency and fair trading transaction and dealings in the stock exchange which in turn will help to improve economic growth in Nigeria; also that the private sector should be encouraged to invest in capital market to boost productivity (Output) and improve the growth of Nigerian economy.
Improving nursing student cultural competence: Comparing simulation to case-based learning
Authors: Chung SeonYoon , Jarvill Melissa
Published: April 2019

Background: Cultural competence encompasses knowledge, skills, and comfort in caring for patients from diverse cultures and is a core competency in providing patient-centered care. Simulation provides an opportunity to expose students to diverse cultures. Case-based learning has been effective in improving nursing student communication and problem-solving skills, but no research describes its use in cultural education. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of simulation to case-based learning on nursing students’ perceived cultural competence, awareness, and sensitivity.Methods: Eighty baccalaureate nursing students were randomly assigned to a simulation experience or case-based learning exercise. The Cultural Competence Assessment Survey was used to measure perceived cultural competence, awareness, and sensitivity. Results: Both simulation and case-based learning improved nursing student perceived cultural awareness and sensitivity. Case-based learning improved perceived cultural competence.Conclusions: Integration of cultural learning opportunities into nursing education provides a foundation for continued development of cultural competence.
Plastic hinge location in columns of steel frames subjected to seismic actions
Authors: Peng Brian H. H. , MacRae Gregory A. , Walpole Warren R. , Moss Peter , Dhakal Rajesh , Clifton Charles
Published: April 2019

Several steel structure standards around the world contain an equation to encourage any column flexural yielding during earthquake shaking to occur at the column ends, rather than along the column length. The accuracy of these equations and their applicability to columns of both moment frames and braced frames are examined in this paper. It is shown, using an analytical procedure developed from first principles considering the reduction in member stiffness from axial force due to geometric and material nonlinearity, that the existing code equations are conservative. Less conservative empirical equations are developed based on the analysis results. It is found that these equations are applicable to frames with a braced connection, rather than a moment connection into the column. Time-history analysis of eccentrically-braced frames with inverted V-bracing, where the active link occurs at the centre of the beam, is carried out. The likely column end moment ratio needed for the new equations is determined. The analysis also shows that yielding often did not occur in the bottom story columns during earthquake excitations. A simple check is proposed to relate the axial force limit and the design drift to flexural yielding of columns which can be used in conjunction with the proposed equations.
Empirical models for predicting lateral spreading and evaluation using New Zealand data
Authors: Zhang Jian , Beetham Dick , Dellow Grant , Zhao John X. , McVerry Graeme H.
Published: April 2019

A New empirical model has been developed for predicting liquefaction-induced lateral spreading displacement and is a function of response spectral displacements and geotechnical parameters. Different from the earlier model of Zhang and Zhao (2005), the application of which was limited to Japan and California, the new model can potentially be applied anywhere if ground shaking can be estimated (by using local strong-motion attenuation relations). The new model is applied in New Zealand where the response spectral displacement is estimated using New Zealand strong-motion attenuation relations (McVerry et al. 2006). The accuracy of the new model is evaluated by comparing predicted lateral displacements with those which have been measured from aerial photos or the width of ground cracks at the Landing Road bridge, the James Street loop, the Whakatane Pony Club and the Edgecumbe road and rail bridges sites after the 1987 Edgecumbe earthquake. Results show that most predicted errors (defined as the ratio of the difference between the measured and predicted lateral displacements to the measured one) from the new model are less than 40%. When compared with earlier models (Youd et al. 2002, Zhang and Zhao 2005), the new model provides the lowest mean errors.
Improving seismic performance
Authors: Kelly Trevor E.
Published: April 2019

Structural engineers typically improve the seismic performance of deficient structures by adding strengthening elements to the structural system, which also add stiffness to the structure. However, as performance based design becomes more common practice, the focus is on the total performance of not only the structural system but the building components and contents. A stiffer and stronger building will generally be subjected to lower drifts but higher floor accelerations than a weaker and/or more flexible building. Reduced drift related damage may be accompanied by increased damage to components and contents which are sensitive to accelerations.

This paper examines two common forms of hardware used to strengthen existing buildings, buckling restrained braces (BRB) and viscous damping devices (VDD). Both types of device augment the existing structural system, rather than replace it. A series of nonlinear analyses is used to quantify the performance of two prototype frame buildings strengthened with each type of device. It is shown that equivalent structural performance, in terms of overall deformations, can be achieved with both types of device, and generally for lower cost by BRBs if only moderate levels of drift reduction are required. However, when the total building performance is examined the VDDs provide additional benefits in the form of reduced floor accelerations. The benefits of this may besufficient to warrant the higher cost solution.
Adequacy of existing house foundations for resisting earthquakes
Authors: Irvine J. D. , Thomas Geoff C.
Published: April 2019

The past performance of foundations in earthquakes for timber dwellings prompted a practical investigation into the adequacy of existing sub-floor bracing, connection capacity and the overall adherence to NZS3604:1999. Using information gathered from a sample of 80 Wellington dwellings and by using the results from an Earthquake Loss modeller, it was found that the cost of upgrading “at risk” foundations is almost 30 times less expensive than the complete cost of rebuilding dwellings. Potential damage mitigation saves around 5 times the calculated total damage costs. This saving has the potential to reduce temporary shelter costs and other large unknown costs of post-earthquake rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Impacts of surface fault rupture on residential structures during the 2016 Mw 7.8 Kaikōura earthquake, New Zealand
Authors: Van Dissen Russ J. , Stahl Timothy , King Andrew , Pettinga Jarg R. , Fenton Clark , Little Timothy A. , Litchfield Nicola J. , Stirling Mark W. , Langridge Robert M. , Nicol Andrew , Kearse Jesse , Barrell David J. A. , Villamor Pillar
Published: April 2019

Areas that experience permanent ground deformation in earthquakes (e.g., surface fault rupture, slope failure, and/or liquefaction) typically sustain greater damage and loss compared to areas that experience strong ground shaking alone. The 2016 Mw 7.8 Kaikōura earthquake generated ≥220 km of surface fault rupture. The amount and style of surface rupture deformation varied considerably, ranging from centimetre-scale distributed folding to metre-scale discrete rupture. About a dozen buildings – mainly residential (or residential-type) structures comprising single-storey timber-framed houses, barns and wool sheds with lightweight roofing material – were directly impacted by surface fault rupture with the severity of damage correlating with both local discrete fault displacement and local strain. However, none of these buildings collapsed. This included a house built directly atop a discrete rupture that experienced ~10 m of lateral offset. The foundation and flooring system of this structure allowed decoupling of much of the ground deformation from the superstructure thus preventing collapse. Nevertheless, buildings directly impacted by surface faulting suffered greater damage than comparable structures immediately outside the zone of surface rupture deformation. From a life-safety standpoint, all these buildings performed satisfactorily and provide insight into construction styles that could be employed to facilitate non-collapse performance resulting from surface fault rupture and, in certain instances, even post-event functionality.
Seismic response of torsionally irregular single story structures
Authors: Au Eu Ving , MacRae Gregory , Pettinga Didier , Deam Bruce , Sadashiva Vinod , Soleimankhani Hossein
Published: April 2019

Impulse ground motions are applied to single story structures with different in-plane wall strength and stiffness, rotational inertia, and out-of-plane wall stiffness to obtain the dynamic response considering torsion. A simple hand method to evaluate the impulse response is developed. It is shown that the median increase in response of the critical component considering torsion from many earthquake records is similar to that from impulse records. Using this information, a simple design methodology is proposed which enables the likely earthquake response of critical elements considering torsion to be obtained from building analyses not considering torsion. A design example is also provided.
A Study of Amir’s Psychological Change in The Kite Runner
Authors: Kai-fu Chen
Published: April 2019

The Kite Runner is a representative novel by Afghan-American writer Khaled Hosseini. In this novel, Hassan’s loyalty moved countless readers while Amir’s betrayal shocked and even angered many readers. In the researcher’s view, all behaviors of the protagonist, Amir, such as his betrayal, guilt and redemption, are closely related to his psychological changes. From mistrust to doubt, guilt to inferiority, self-accusation to role confusion, and from being willing to love to devotion, different psychological states lead to different emotional needs and behaviors. Admittedly, the whole psychological process is actually a journey of growth for Amir. By employing Erikson’s psycho-social development theory to analyze Amir’s psychological change in different stages, this paper aims to reveal Amir’s inner world so that we can have a better understanding of the reasons for Amir’s sin and cowardice.
Investigating the Social Functions of Code-Switching in Amarbail by Umera Ahmed
Authors: Naseem Aisha , Khushi Qamar , Qasim Hafiz Muhammad
Published: April 2019

The present study attempts to investigate the social functions performed by English code-switching in an Urdu novel, Amarbail, written by Umera Ahmad. The focus of the study is to examine how the societal norms and patterns of a contextual society are externalized in the selected novel through code-switching phenomenon. The study has a pragmatic stylistic focus and qualitative method has been utilized to describe the social functions of code-switching in the selected novel. The data have been selected by employing handpick non-random sampling and insights have been taken mainly from Myers-Scotton, and Albakray and Hancock for the analysis of data. The results reveal that the code-switching is a deliberate literary device exploited by the author to show the sociolinguistic norms of the target society. The main social functions performed by English code-switching in Amarbail are i) depiction of power relations, ii) construction of fluid identities, iii) acculturation and iv) maintaining class difference. The study concludes that code-switching in a literary text is a multipurpose phenomenon which not only symbolizes the societal norms of its contextual society but also displays the writer’s artistic and creative aptitude. It is hoped that the bilingual writers and researchers would find results of this analysis opportune and beneficial.
The Discourse Analysis of Psychological Factors Influencing Interest Contention in Business Dispute Settlement: A Perspective of Discourse Information Theory
Authors: Guo Tingting
Published: April 2019

Interest contention which constitutes the kernel of business dispute settlement is one of the major issues to explore in the studies of business dispute and it structures the whole process of business dispute settlement from beginning to end. Under the influence of various factors, litigants with differing interest orientations and interest demands could make good use of a number of information resources for the purpose of communicating, defending and fighting for the interests of their own. The psychological factors in the context influence the distribution of discourse information resources in the interest contention in business dispute settlement. In view of this, the present study focuses on the discourse analysis of psychological factors influencing the interest contention in business dispute settlement at the stage of litigation from the perspective of Discourse Information Theory (DIT) (Du, 2007, 2013, 2015). It can be found that participants can utilize the psychological factors such as the intentions, consensus changes, and information sharing categories to affect interest contention in business dispute settlement.
English Language Speaking Skill Issues in an EMP Context: Causes and Solutions
Authors: Abugohar Mohammed Abdulgalil , Al-Hnifat Ma’in Ateyah , Al-Smadi Omar Ali , Rashid Radzuwan Ab , Yunus Kamariah
Published: April 2019

A good start in researching on language teaching and learning issues is to first analyse target learners’ actual performance and their needs. This mixed-methods 2-cycle study is aimed to analyse medical-college students’ language needs through two instruments—a self-rated report and a guided focus group. Out of the main four language skills (speaking, reading, listening, and writing), Cycle 1 aimed at exploring the most trouble-provoking skill for EMP students through a 7-item rating report with a sample of 45 participants. Based on the results of Cycle 1 which labelled speaking as the most problematic language skill for the target learners, Cycle 2 proceeded with 9 interviewees to narrow the study focus on the factors contributing to the inefficiency of speaking skills among EMP learners, discussing solutions from the learners’ perspectives. Pedagogically, this research helps practitioners innovate and integrate new techniques in language teaching and learning to overcome the issue of students’ speaking performance that has been deemed below expectations.
Synthesis and characterization of a novel non-enzymatic glucose biosensor based on polyaniline/zinc oxide/multi-walled carbon nanotube ternary nanocomposite
Authors: Mohajeri Soha , Dolati Abolghassem , Yazdanbakhsh Khashayar
Published: April 2019

Novel polyaniline/zinc oxide/multi-walled carbon nanotube (PANI/ZnO/MWCNT) ternary nanocomposite was fabricated as a non-enzymatic glucose biosensor. Thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process was employed to synthesize vertically aligned MWCNTs on stainless steel substrates coated by Co catalyst nanoparticles. In order to fabricate sensitive and reliable MWCNT-based biosensors, nanotubes density and alignment were adjusted by varying the CVD reaction time and cobalt sulfate concentration. The fabricated nanotubes were modified by ZnO particles through the potentiostatic electrodeposition technique. Optimal electrodeposition potential, electrodeposition time, and electrolyte concentration values were determined. The optimized ZnO/MWCNT nanocomposite was reinforced by polyaniline (PANI) nanofibers through the potential cycling technique, and the morphology, elemental composition, and phase structure of the fabricated nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The sensing mechanism of the PANI/ZnO/MWCNT electrode for the electrochemical detection of glucose was investigated, and the limit of detection and sensitivity values of the designed sensor were determined. The fast response time of the ternary nanocomposite-based sensor as well as its satisfactory stability and reproducibility, makes it a promising candidate for non-enzymatic detection of glucose in biomedical, environmental, and industrial applications.
Cell-based Screening For Identification Of The Novel Vanadium Complexes With Multidirectional Activity Relative To The Cells And The Mechanisms Associated With Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Kazek Grzegorz , Głuch-Lutwin Monika , Mordyl Barbara , Menaszek Elżbieta , Szklarzewicz Janusz , Gryboś Ryszard , Papież Monika
Published: April 2019

In this study, 110 newly synthesized vanadium complexes from different structural groups were screened in three cell-based models representing the main target tissues for anti-diabetic drugs. In glucose utilization in C2C12 myocyte experiments, 93% of vanadium complexes were shown to have equal or greater activity than bis(maltolato)oxovanadium(IV) (BMOV), the methyl analog of bis(ethylmaltolato)oxovanadium(IV) (BEOV) which has been tested in clinical trials. Moreover, 49% and 50% of these complexes were shown to have equal or greater activity than BMOV in lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and insulin secretion in RINm5F beta cell experiments, respectively. These results were the basis for the selection of compounds for the subsequent steps in the characterization of anti-diabetic properties. This study provides strong support for the application of screening cell-based assays with a phenotypic approach for the discovery of novel anti-diabetic drugs from the vanadium complex class. This is especially desirable due to the multiple and not fully defined mechanisms of action vanadium compounds.
Analytical Method of Multi-Mycotoxins in Table-Ready Foods for a Total Diet Study Using Stable Isotope Dilution Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Lee Youngsun , Kim Jung Hee , You Da-Jung , Kim Cho-Il , Lee Jee-Yeon , Park Hyun-Mee
Published: April 2019

Background: Determining the multi-mycotoxins present in table-ready foods is necessary for a total diet study. However, so far, most methods of analyzing multi-mycotoxins apply to raw foods. Therefore, a reliable method for analyzing multi-mycotoxins in table-ready foods is needed.
Objective: We developed and validated methods of multi-mycotoxin analysis that employed stable isotope dilution with LC–tandem MS (LC–MS/MS) using two representative matrices. Methods: Samples were fortified with [13C]-labeled mycotoxins as internal standards
and extracted with 50% acetonitrile in water for high-carbohydrate foods and 3% formic acid in acetonitrile for high-protein and/or high-fat foods, cleaned up with n-hexane and the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method, and followed up by LC–MS/MS.
Results: Validation of the methods was performed, and the results were as follows: the correlation coefficient, R2, was 0.99; method detection limit, 0.01–2.4 μg/kg; recoveries, 83.6–114%; precision, 0.8–10 (intraday) and 3.1–22% (interday);
interlaboratory reproducibility, ≤15%; and uncertainty, 3.5–19%error. The applicability of the methods was evaluated by analyzing table-ready foods spiked with standards. Conclusions: These methods were successfully evaluated and deemed appropriate for determining
the multi-mycotoxins in table-ready foods. Highlights: This work demonstrates that stable isotope dilution with LC–MS/MS can be effectively used to analyze multi-mycotoxins simultaneously in a total diet study.
Mycotoxin Testing Paradigm: Challenges and Opportunities for the Future
Authors: Renaud Justin B. , Miller J. David , Sumarah Mark W.
Published: April 2019

Mycotoxins are one of the great global challenges to agri-food and feed safety. Industry requires fast, reliable, and economical testing methods for the most important regulated mycotoxins to manage this problem. Climate change and changes in agricultural practice are complicating this
situation, triggering the movement of some mycotoxins into new regions, which are unprepared for their management. Modern LC–tandem MS (LC–MS/MS) instruments have addressed this analytical challenge, but such instruments are expensive and require highly qualified personnel and
dedicated facilities. As a result of these limitations, traditional LC–MS/MS is not amenable for use on farms or at small to midsized processing facilities, such as a grain elevator. To address the need for on-site rapid testing, the mycotoxin community has focused on antibody-based
and spectrophotometric approaches. The development of innovative technologies such as miniaturized MS would allow for the acquisition of more information on mixtures of toxins present in a sample at costs comparable to those of the existing rapid methods such as ELISA. The capital costs are
higher, but it would reduce per-sample testing costs and time requirements and provide better value for money while maintaining the accuracy and selectivity achieved in a laboratory setting. In this article, we review the available techniques and contrast them in the context of three main
criteria: method performance, speed of analysis, and cost. We define the integration of these three parameters as the “mycotoxin testing paradigm.”
A microfluidic approach for sequential assembly of siRNA polyplexes with defined structure – activity relationship
Authors: Loy Dominik M , Klein Philipp M , Krzysztoń Rafał , Lächelt Ulrich , Rädler Joachim O , Wagner Ernst
Published: April 2019

Therapeutic nucleic acids provide versatile treatment options for hereditary or acquired diseases. Ionic complexes with basic polymers are frequently used to facilitate nucleic acid’s transport to intracellular target sites. Usually, these polyplexes are prepared manually by mixing two components: polyanionic nucleic acids and polycations. However, parameters such as internal structure, size, polydispersity and surface charge of the complexes sensitively affect pharmaceutical efficiency. Hence a controlled assembly is of paramount importance in order to ensure high product quality. In the current study, we present a microfluidic platform for controlled, sequential formulation of polyplexes. We use oligo-amidoamines (termed ‘oligomers’) with precise molecular weight and defined structure due to their solid phase supported synthesis. The assembly of the polyplexes was performed in a microfluidic chip in two steps employing a design of two successive Y junctions: first, siRNA and core oligomers were assembled into core polyplexes. These core oligomers possess compacting, stabilizing, and endosomal escape mediating motifs. Second, new functional motifs were mixed to the core particles and integrated into the core polyplex. The iterative assembly formed multi-component polyplexes in a highly controlled manner and enabled us to investigate structure - function relationships. We chose nanoparticle shielding PEG and cell targeting folic acid (termed ‘PEG-ligands’) as functional components. The PEG-ligands were coupled to lipid anchor oligomers via strain promoted azide – alkyne click chemistry. The lipid anchors feature four cholanic acids for inserting various PEG-ligands into the core polyplex by non-covalent hydrophobic interactions. These core - lipid anchor - PEG-ligand polyplexes containing folate as cell binding ligand were used to determine the optimal PEG-ligand length for transfecting folate receptor-expressing KB cells in vitro. We found that polyplexes with 20 mol % PEG-ligands (relative to ncore oligomer) showed optimal siRNA mediated gene knock-down when containing defined polyethylene glycol (PEG) domains of in sum 24 and 36 ethylene oxide (EO) repetitions. These results confirm that transfection efficiency depends on the linker length and stoichiometry and are consistent with previous findings using core - PEG-ligand polyplexes formed by click modification of azide-containing core polyplexes with DBCO-PEG-ligand. Hence successive microfluidic assembly might be a potentially powerful route to create defined multi-component polyplexes with reduced batch-to-batch variability.
Search for receptors in immune cells that bind cancer cell antigens and their activation in silent cases
Authors: Ng Wenfa
Published: April 2019

The immune checkpoint plays an important role in keeping immune cells in check for protecting tissues and organs from attack by the body’s own immune system. Similar concepts also apply in how cancer cells managed to fool immune cells through the surface display of particular antigens that mimic those exhibited by normal body cells. Specifically, cancer cells display antigens that bind to receptors on immune cells that subsequently prevent an attack on the cancer cells. Such binding between cancer antigens and immune cell receptors can be prevented through the use of checkpoint inhibitors antibodies specific for particular receptors on immune cells; thereby, unleashing immune cells to mount an immune response against cancer cells. While demonstrating good remissions in many patients where tumours shrunk substantially after administration of checkpoint inhibitors, cases exist where an overactivated immune system cause harm to organs and tissues culminating in multiple organ failure. Analysis of such toxicity effects of checkpoint inhibitors revealed that generic nature of targeted immune receptor plays a pivotal role in determining extent of side effects. Specifically, if the target immune receptor participates in checkpoints that prevent immune cells from attacking host cells, unleashing such receptors in cancer therapy may have untoward effects on patient’s health. Hence, the goal should be the selection of immune cell receptor specific to cancer cell antigens and which does not bind antigens or ligands displayed by the body’s cells. Such receptors would provide ideal targets for the development of checkpoint inhibitor antibodies for unleashing immune cells against cancer cells. To search for non-generic receptors that bind cancer cell antigens only, a combined computational and experimental approach could be used where ensemble of surface antigens on cancer cells and available receptors on immune cells could be profiled by biochemical assays. Downstream purification of ligands and receptors would provide for both structural elucidation and amino acid sequencing useful for bioinformatic search of homologous sequences. Knowledge of the antigens’ and receptors’ structures and amino acid sequence would subsequently serve as inputs to computational algorithms that models molecular docking events between receptor and antigen. This paves the way for heterologous expression of putative ligand and receptor in cell lines cultured in co-culture format for assessing binding between ligand and receptor, and more importantly, its physiological effects. Ability of immune receptor to bind to ligands on normal cells could also be assessed. Similar co-culture studies could be conducted with cancer cells and different immune cell types to check for reproducibility of observed effect in cell lines. Finally, antibodies could be raised for candidate receptors whose inhibition would not result in systemic attack of immune cells on host cells.
Theoretical Orientation for Readability Assessment in Bengali Language of Extension Literatures Related to Farming
Authors: Saha Saikat , Basu Debabrata , Sarkar Sukamal
Published: April 2019

Readability of a text generally refers to how well a reader can comprehend the content of a text, through reading. Readability is closely related to the understandability of the messages. Extension education is an applied behavioural science. Its main purpose is to bring about desirable changes in human behaviour usually through different strategies and programme of change and by applying the latest scientiﬁc and technological innovations where extension messages are sent largely through text. In Bengali language, only a few works on readability is found but their study is restricted to broad range of documents like newspaper article, short stories, interviews, and blogs to philosophical articles but there is no such research done on readability of Bengali extension literatures targeting the farming community. So, there is a need for studying on readability of Bengali extension literature for promotion of agricultural education. Assessment of readability of Bengali extension literatures is an imperative task for promotion of agriculture education among the millions of farmers who speaks and read in Bengali language across this subcontinent and Bangladesh with a view that the text messages become more understandable to the target audience. In this context the present theoretical orientation had been prepared with the objectives to measure the readability of Extension literatures in Bengali Language related to farming. Apart from that the analytical tools or procedures used in readability assessment of a Bengali text associated with farming extension literature were also summarized.
Organizational Maturity and Evaluation of DILEEP Projects: The Case of PARBUF-MPC in Kiblawan, Davao Del Sur
Authors: Pepino Leo Ariel A. , Balacy Garnette Mae V.
Published: April 2019

Aims: This study intends to explore Pasig Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries and Upland Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PARBUF-MPC) organizational maturity and its implications to the implementation of the Dole Integrated Livelihood Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) projects in terms of the dimensions project management, financial management, organizational management, technical assistance and beneficiaries’ well-being.

Study Design: This study is anchored on the organizational maturity model which reflects a framework that defines maturity as an aggregate of incremental capabilities prerequisite to effective organizational project management. Using the convergent mixed methods research design, quantitative and qualitative data strands were collected and analyzed to achieve the objectives of the study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Pasig, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur for the period Jan 2017 to December 2018. Data were gathered from 119 member beneficiaries of PARBUF-MPC.

Methodology: Organizational maturity was measured using a 35-item, 5-point scale-type instrument, while project implementation was diagnosed using a survey with some close-ended items. These were administered to 119 members of the cooperative who were also beneficiaries of the DILEEP projects particularly on hog raising, banana chips making and rubber cultivation. The quantitative responses were gathered and analyzed using averages and frequency. The qualitative data consist of responses to open-ended questions and were analyzed to reveal themes from beneficiaries’ experiences on the project implementation and management.

Results: Results indicate the cooperative’s level of organizational maturity obtained an overall mean of 3.62. This level of organizational maturity is verbally described as predictable, which means that the organization’s defined processes are performed consistently in practice, with defined control limits to achieve its goals. Project implementation on the other hand was identified by the respondents to be established under project management, financial management and technical assistance while organizational management was described as not established. Qualitative remarks of the responses also revealed particular themes under each dimension of project implementation. The responses were processed and classified into two themes which are the positive and the negative feedbacks. Beneficiaries’ well-being as the fifth dimension of project implementation revealed themes like women empowerment and improvement in the quality of lives.

Conclusion: Essentially, the gaps in the implementation in the projects like banana chips making, hog raising and rubber cultivation were identified.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities and Role of Capability Approach in Agribusiness: Evidence from Sri Lanka
Authors: Sachitra K. M. V.
Published: April 2019

Development of agribusiness sector entrepreneurship is one of the critical pathways to obtain high economic growth, poverty reduction and environmental protection in developing countries. Gaps remain towards understanding the entrepreneurial behaviour in agribusiness in developing countries. This is driven for research opportunity to underlies the formation of farmers’ entrepreneurial behaviour, with a particular focus on the development of farm entrepreneurship in developing context. Drawing upon the capability approach, the study examines what capabilities influence to explore opportunities and implement them into action and how those identified capabilities influence entrepreneurship growth in agribusiness sector in Sri Lanka. The study adopted an inductive qualitative case study approach to gathering data from the farmers. The analysis produced 17 actions denoted by the selected farmers. These 17 actions were then related to 04 pillars of capabilities conceptualized by literature; organizational learning, communication, sharing and exchanging knowledge and technological capabilities. Drawing upon the capability approach to explore capabilities that require to pursue and develop entrepreneurial opportunities, this study is offered a new perspective on entrepreneurship theory. The study was the cross-sectional and it was only about three cases, signifying a need to include other agribusiness sectors for further contextualizing the results.
Effects of Organic Amendments on Growth, Establishment and Yield of Cacao (Theobroma cacao L) in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Babatunde Adejobi Kayode , Samuel Agele , Peter Aiyelari Olaiya
Published: April 2019

Low soil fertility is a major problem of growth and establishment of cacao seedlings, as well as the yield on the field. However, cacao (Theobroma cacao L) is characterized by high nutrient demand particularly N, P, K, Ca and Mg, during establishment. In this study, the manurial potentials of some organic wastes and their effects on growth, development and yield of cacao in Ibadan and Owena soils of Southwestern Nigeria were investigated. The experiments in Ibadan and Owena were Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replicates. Fertilizers were: Goat Dung (GD), Sunshine Organic and Organo-Mineral Fertilizers (OF and OMF) and NPK 15:15:15 at 0, 200, 400 and 600 kg/ha. The fertilizers were applied to treatment plots one month after cacao seedlings were transplanted using ring method (July, 2011). Four hundred and thirty two (432) plantain suckers were planted at 3 x 3 m spacing as shade crop while 432 cacao seedlings (F3 Amazon) were also transplanted at 3 x 3 m respectively at each experimental site. Top soil samples were analysed with standard methodologies. Data were collected monthly on cacao growth parameters such as plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves and number of branches, commencing at 3 months after transplanting (MAT). The experiments were monitored for 36 months (144 weeks after planting of cacao). Survival count was carried out 12 MAT. Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significant means were separated by Tukey’s HSD (P < 0.05) test. Cacao seedlings grown under 600 kg/ha OF application had 100 and 95 percent survival count at Ibadan and Owena respectively. All fertilizer types and rates at Ibadan and Owena significantly increased cacao seedlings height, number of leaves, stem diameter and number of branches, relative to the control plots at 3, 4, 5, 15, 16 and 17 MAT. Goat dung applied at 600 kg/ha gave the highest number of flowers, cherelles and pods at 24 and 36 MAT at Owena. However, there were no yield parameters recorded for Ibadan experiment at 24 and 36 MAT.