bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-performance liquid chromatography fingerprints and simultaneous quantification of bioactive compounds in Salvia przewalskii Maxim
Authors: Wang Long , Jiang Yuan-Yuan , Zhang Li , Wang Tao , Yang Rui-Wu , Ding Chun-Bang , Wang Xiao-Li , Zhou Yong-Hong
Published: March 2017

A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method has been developed for the simultaneous identification and quantification of active compounds (cryptotanshinone, dihydrotanshinone I, tanshinone IIA, tanshinone I, salvianolic acid A, salvianolic acid B, protocatechuic aldehyde, and rosmarinic acid) contained in traditional Chinese folk medicine Salvia przewalskii Maxim. The herb samples (including wild, cultivated, and yin pian) from fourteen main regions were investigated. Chromatographic separation was performed on an Agilent Eclipse XDB-C18 reserved-phase column (250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 μm) using gradient elution with water-formic acid (99.9: 0.1, v/v) and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.8 mL min−1, an operating temperature of 30 °C, and a wavelength of 275 nm. Similarity analysis (SA), principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were used to analyze the data based on fingerprints. For fingerprint analysis, 27 peaks were selected as the common peaks to evaluate the similarities among different samples. The results of SA showed that the method permits to obtain desired linearity, precision, accuracy, and recovery. All samples were divided into three categories by PCA and HCA, and the concentration of the eight bioactive compounds varied significantly from different regions. It was demonstrated that chromatographic fingerprinting by HPLC combined with the simultaneous determination of eight bioactive compounds was a helpful method for the quality control of S. przewalskii.
PENDUGAAN LAJU SEDIMENTASI DAN DISPERSI LIMBAH PARTIKEL ORGANIK DARI BUDI DAYA BANDENG DALAM KERAMBA JARING APUNG DI LAUT
Authors: Rachmansyah Rachmansyah , Makmur Makmur , Kamaruddin Kamaruddin
Published: March 2017

Penelitian bertujuan untuk menduga laju sedimerrrasi rlan dispersi partikel organik yang berasal dari keramba jaring apung (KJA) bandeng di laut seluas 84 m2 ke dasar perairan sekitar KJA. Laju sedimentasi diukur dengan sediment trap yang dipasang ;rada jarak O, 25, 50, 75, dan 100 m dari KJA. Perunutan sumber sedimen di sekitar KJA dilakukan dengan analisis asam lemak pada sampel pakan dan sedimen.
PENGARUH SUHU ESTERIFIKASI TERHADAP KARAKTERISTIK KARBOKSIMETIL KITOSAN (CMCts)
Authors: Dwiyitno Dwiyitno , Basmal Jamal , Mulyasari Mulyasari
Published: March 2017

Sifat kitosan yang hanya larut dalam asam lemah menjadi kendala pada pemanfaatannya secara luas.
KELIMPAHAN DAN KOMPOSISI JENIS IKAN HASIL TANGKAPAN BUBU DI PERAIRAN GUGUSAN PULAU KELAPA KEPULAUAN SERIBU
Authors: Hartati Sri Turni , Awwaluddin Awwaluddin , Wahyuni Indar Sri
Published: March 2017

Perairan gugusan Pulau Kelapa, Kepulauan Seribu merupakan salah satu kawasan terumbu karang. Sebagian dari aktivitas penduduknya melakukan usaha penangkapan ikan dengan alat tangkap bubu. Penelitian yang dilakukan selama 5 bulan dari April sampai Oktober 2003 bertujuan untuk memperoleh data dan informasi tentang hasil tangkapan bubu, yang dipasang di terumbu karang dengan kondisi bervariasi (kondisi sedang-buruk). Penelitian dilakukan dengan cara mengikuti kegiatan nelayan bubu di 25 lokasi daerah penangkapan (fishing ground).
ANALISIS HASIL TANGKAPAN RAKANG DAN BUBU PADA PERCOBAAN PENANGKAPAN KEPITING DI PERAIRAN MANGROVE MALUKU
Authors: Edrus Lsa Nagib , Syam Amran Ronny
Published: March 2017

Percobaan penangkapan kepiting telah dilakukan di perairan bakau Teluk Kotania Seram Barat dan Teluk Kayeli Pulau Buru, Maluku. Kegiatan ini menggunakan alat tangkap rakang dan bubu. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mendapatkan data hasil tangkapan, ukuran berat, produksi, produktivitas alat tangkap, danperbandingan hasil ke dua alat tangkap tersebut. Jenis-jenis kepiting hasil tangkapan adalah kepiting kaniki (Thalmita danae), rajungan (Poftunus pelagicus), kepiting bakau merah (Scylla semta), kepiting bakau hitam (Scylla oceantba), dan kepiting bakau hijau (Scylla tranquebarica).
Professionalism in Medical Education- Perspectives of Medical Students and Faculty
Authors: Rafique Munazzah , Nuzhat Ayesha , Abdulaziz Enani Mushira
Published: March 2017

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. BackgroundAddressing professionalism in medical education is challenging. Increasing attention has been focused on developing professionalism in medical school graduates. The culture of faculty and the behaviors of medical graduates are often incongruent with professionalism.ObjectiveTo assess awareness of medical students and faculty about professionalism and suggest strategies for developing professionalism.MethodsValidated questionnaire about professionalism was used. Medical students (n=57) and Faculty (n=50) attending Faculty of Medicine (FOM) King Fahad Medical City Riyadh were included in study.ResultsAmong personnel characteristics, the most highly ranked items were honesty (faculty: 47(94%); students: 35(61.4%) adhering to ethics (faculty: 42(84%); students: 36(63.2%), and reliability in patient care (faculty: 42(84%); students: 35(61.4%).For the interaction with patients category, in highly ranked item was respect for patient (faculty: 44(88%); students: 38(66.7%).Regarding social responsibility, for students highly ranked items was improving access to health care (student: 31(54.4%) whereas faculty designated improving access to health care (faculty 31(62%) more important. With respect to strategies to improve professionalism, the highest ranked strategy across faculty was including in evaluation 29 (58%), while in students individual mentoring 28 (49.1%) was highly ranked strategy for developing professionalism.ConclusionThe difference in attitudes towards professionalism among students and faculty suggests unification of vision of both. Including in evaluation is better strategy for developing professionalism.
Determinação da densidade de empacotamento de sistemas granulares compostos a partir da areia normal do IPT: comparação entre modelos de otimização de distribuição granulométrica e composições aleatórias
Authors: Londero C. , Lenz L. A. , Santos Í. M. R. dos , Klein N. S.
Published: March 2017

Resumo O empacotamento de partículas em concretos e argamassas adquire cada dia mais importância no âmbito técnico, uma vez que muitas das propriedades dos materiais compósitos são influenciadas pelo índice de vazios e concentração de sólidos. Este trabalho teve o objetivo de comparar a densidade de empacotamento de agregados miúdos, cujas curvas granulométricas foram obtidas pelo uso de diferentes modelos de empacotamento de partículas. A areia normal brasileira, fornecida pelo IPT, foi utilizada para verificação experimental dos resultados teóricos obtidos pelo uso dos modelos. As densidades de empacotamento das curvas granulométricas foram calculadas através do modelo de empacotamento CPM (do inglês, compressible packing model). A máxima densidade de empacotamento foi buscada pelo uso de modelos de empacotamento que resultam em uma curva granulométrica ideal, fazendo-se valer de ensaios preliminares que indicavam uma maior densidade de empacotamento na fração grossa da areia, de 1,2 mm. Desta forma, além das curvas granulométricas ideais, fez-se também um estudo com composições aleatórias onde houve aumento progressivo de 5% na fração grossa da areia com a devida compensação nas frações mais finas. Utilizou-se, como referência, a curva granulométrica que representa a média dos limites inferior e superior da zona ótima recomendada pela norma NBR 7211. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que é possível aumentar a densidade de empacotamento através do uso de modelos de empacotamento de partículas e composições aleatórias, com relação à curva média da norma. Esse aumento foi da ordem de 2% e 5% para as densidades de empacotamento real e virtual, respectivamente. A verificação experimental dos resultados teóricos demonstrou que o modelo CPM infravalorou a densidade de empacotamento em aproximadamente 10%.
A comparison of verbal person marking across Tupian languages
Authors: Birchall Joshua
Published: March 2017

Abstract: This paper explores the diachrony of the verbal person marking system across the large and structurally diverse Tupian language family. I argue that the historical development of these different patterns are best informed by analyzing their synchronic distributions with regard to the current evolutionary hypotheses on the family. I apply a parsimony reconstruction model across the topology of two different classifications and compare the results with what is known from traditional historical linguistic work. This study is able to provide support for previous claims about the family and also generates a number of additional hypotheses about the intermediate stages of development of these patterns.
Shaft resistance of bored piles socketed in Malaysian granite
Authors: Raja Shoib Raja Shahrom Nizam Shah , Rashid Ahmad Safuan A. , Armaghani Danial Jahed
Published: March 2017

In this paper, an attempt is made to demonstrate the applicability of previously published models for granite formations in Malaysia. A programme of field testing was conducted to measure the axial response of bored piles, with a total of seven bored piles of diameter 1000–1500 mm constructed in decomposed granite, using techniques including the advancing of temporary casing and drilling slurry composed of bentonite fluids. These bored piles were subjected to static load testing in order to verify their integrity and performance, with the results of these load tests evaluated here. It was assumed that the strength of the soil was fully mobilised by the static loading test. The results revealed that the method proposed by Horvath and Kenny provided the best prediction of rock shaft resistance for decomposed granite. Based on the results obtained, it can be deduced that the proposed models based on sedimentary rocks are applicable to decomposed granite and that maximum rock shaft resistance can mobilise up to 1850 kPa in material of rock quality designation >60%.
Prognostic Value of Serum Biomarkers of Autoimmunity for Recurrence of IgA Nephropathy after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Berthoux Francois , Suzuki Hitoshi , Mohey Hesham , Maillard Nicolas , Mariat Christophe , Novak Jan , Julian Bruce A.
Published: March 2017

A prognostic biomarker for IgA nephropathy (IgAN) recurrence after renal transplant is lacking. We followed 96 consecutive first renal transplant recipients with native kidney IgAN (79 men; 92 deceased donors; mean age =48.1 years) on calcineurin inhibitor–based immunosuppression over 10 years for death, allograft failure, and clinicopathologic recurrence (CPR; clinically evident and biopsy-proven). Using time-dependent Cox regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves, we assessed prognostic significance of levels of galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1; autoantigen) and Gd-IgA1–specific IgG and IgA autoantibodies in serum obtained at time of transplant or native-kidney IgAN diagnosis (30 patients only). Overall, 13 patients died, 34 kidneys failed (17 due to CPR), and 34 patients developed CPR after a mean interval of 5.8 years. Compared with healthy controls (n=30), patients had significantly elevated serum Gd-IgA1 levels at diagnosis and transplant, but levels did not associate with any outcome. Patients also had significantly elevated levels of normalized (but not total) serum Gd-IgA1–specific IgG autoantibodies at diagnosis and transplant, and the level at transplant associated with higher risk of CPR (relative risk, 2.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.26 to 5.71; P=0.01; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.51 to 0.74; P=0.05). Normalized Gd-IgA1–specific IgG autoantibody level remained an independent risk factor for CPR in multivariate analysis. Serum Gd-IgA1–specific IgA autoantibody level did not change between diagnosis and transplant or predict outcome. This study emphasizes post-transplant prognostic value of normalized serum IgG antiglycan autoantibody level in patients with IgAN.
An Analysis of Tourism Policy Research Under Different Government Regimes Using Network Text Analysis: Focusing on the Policy Research of the Korean Cultural & Tourism Institute
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Park Kyung Yeol
Published: March 2017

This study comparatively and analytically examines the relationship among the keywords of tourism policy research under different policy regimes. It then visualizes the results to clearly identify the features of each regime. This study analyzes 369 research programs throughout 1993 to 2015 by the KCTI. Using Network Text Analysis, this study identifies semantic meanings and relative influences among keywords, and structurally analyzes the role of specific keywords. As a result, even though the entire research constitutes one network, the sub-networks in both large and small have not been clearly formed yet. The results show that the features of the tourism policies under different policy regimes are reflected in the research. The network centrality of the keywords ‘institutional improvement,’ ‘statute’ and ‘tourism industry’ appear to be high in the research. These results show a similar form of policy research conducted repetitively by each government. On the other hand, it implies that Korea’s tourism policy research has a mid to long term direction and continuous research is being produced. The research has not been implemented in policies but rather focuses on supporting the government policy.
A Diagnosis and Impact Model Analysis of Perceived Consumption Value and Selected Attributes of Cruise Tourism by Baby Boomers: Focused on Lifestyle Cluster Types
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Rhee Chong-Ryeo , Lee Hyung-Ryong
Published: March 2017

Since their peak in 2015, newly retired baby boomers are estimated to be the core market for future cruise tourism on the basis of their high personal income. Using this assumption as a starting point, this study examined the lifestyles, consumption value, and selected cruise tourism attributes of samples from the baby boom generation. The results are as follows: 1) Perceived consumer value of Baby boomers is significantly different in clusters according to the type of personal lifestyle. However, detailed consumption value order to recognize clusters about the type of perceptual factors were the same for the social, functional and emotional value order. 2) Cabin service levels and supplementary services such as cruise tourism selected attributes, were all different depending on the type of lifestyle clusters in response to cruise facility management systems. 3) It was found that baby boomers perceive the value of consumption with functional, social and emotional values in order when purchasing cruise tourism goods. Furthermore, all consumption values affect the cruise control system facilities, cabin service levels and supplementary services system respectively according to cruise tourism selected attributes.
Structural Relationships among On-line Community Participation, Brand Love and Visit Intention According to the Involvement of “Korean Wave” Contents: The Case of the Taekwondo Community
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Choi Jin-Sung , Hyun Sung-Hyup
Published: March 2017

Recently, the Korean wave craze has boosted variables of Korean cultural content and this wave is a major part of Korean culture. The purpose of this study is to investigate the involvement of the Korean wave in online community participation, Korean brand love, and the intention to visit. To this end, a survey study was conducted usin Online taekwondo Community members focused on the typical Korean content of ‘taekwondo’. We setup a structural model to utilize the survey results and to prove the following hypothesis: People who have positive involvement in the Korean wave engage in more favorable online community participation, have more Korean brand love, and intend to visit more often. Results show that involvement in the Korean wave leads to online community participation, which in turn improves Korean brand love. It is also found that online community participation and Korean brand love positively affect the intention to visit Korea. The commitment of the community also plays a significant moderating role between online community participation and Korean brand love. This study also proposed suggestions for future research.
Sport Spectator Behavior as a Moral Issue in College Sport
Authors: Rudd Andy
Published: March 2017

AbstractFan abuse continues to be a serious problem in American college athletics. However, despite the magnitude of this problem, fan abuse has not received the same level of concern (i.e., promotion of sportsmanship and fair play) as “winning-at-all-costs” perpetrated by athletic participants. In response, the author argues that perhaps many in the sport milieu do not consider fan behavior as a moral issue (i.e., actions that are harmful to others) and therefore unworthy of more serious consideration. As a result, the purpose of this study was to explore the types of spectator abuse inflicted upon college athletes as well as assessing the emotional impact. The results of this study showed that college athletes do indeed experience a variety of insults and harassment. However, findings also indicated that athletes are generally emotionally unaffected by the abuse. The contradictory nature of this finding is discussed
VOCABULARY EXPANSION AND WORD COMPREHENSION FORMATION TO THE FIRST GRADE CHILDREN WITH INSUFFICIENT DEVELOPMENT OF THE LANGUAGE SYSTEM FOR ACQUIRING THE MATHEMATICS
Authors: Šķirmante Madara
Published: March 2017

The title of the master’s work is „Vocabulary expansion and word comprehension formation to the first grade children with insufficient development of the language system for acquiring the mathematics”. The aim of the master’s work is to analyze theory and to gather methods of vocabulary expansion and word comprehension formation to children with insufficient development of the language system and to test usefulness of methodological material made by master’s work author. The master’s work contains the theory of development and characteristics of the first grade children with insufficient development of the language system, there are methods of vocabulary expansion described and there are words that are indispensable for acquiring the mathematics detected in master’s work. The master’s work also contains methodological material for vocabulary expansion and word comprehension formation to the first grade children with insufficient development of the language system for acquiring the mathematics made by master’s work author. There was proved usefulness of methodological material made by author by making pedagogical work. Material can be used by speech therapists at speech therapy classes and teacher of mathematics at lessons of math, in the second chapter of master’s work. The master’s work consists of 157 pages, 25 pictures, 7 tables, 73 information sources, 1 appendix.
THE INTEGRATION OF THE ELEMENTS OF BIONICS INTO LEARNING CONTENT OF NATURE STUDIES IN PRIMARY SCHOOL
Authors: Dzerviniks Janis , Ārgule Alise
Published: March 2017

The problem of the research: there is rather small proportion of pupils with high nature studies results in Latvia, and it continues to decrease. That is evaluated as a negative factor of national economy future development. The aim of the research: to research connection between elements of bionics and learning content of primary school, and to analyze its significance for nature studies learning process improvement and facilitation of primary school children cognitive action. To achieve the aim of the research, the authors researched the learning content of the nature studies and the role of bionics in improvement of primary school nature study learning process. Authors was clarified the opinion of the primary school teachers about the integration of the elements of bionics into nature studies learning process for facilitation of primary school children cognitive action.
3D scanning of the painting for the purpose of performing a measurement of deformations of the wooden panel painting support
Authors: Lewandowski Marcin , Kubik Hubert , Gębarski Krzysztof
Published: March 2017

The person ordering the research was Mr. Andrzej Cichy of the Faculty of Wood Technology at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. The painting was made available from his private collection. The aim of the research conducted by SMARTTECH was to study the impact of changes in humidity on the deformation of a wooden panel painting support.
Smart Library for Smart Cities
Authors: Tripathi Sneha , Singh Manendra Kumar , Tripathi Aditya
Published: March 2017

Recent initiative by Government of India to develop Smart Cities has set forth a cycle of socio-economic growth and development to improve the quality of life. The focus is on to tap digital and information technology for the sustainable and inclusive development of the society. Public libraries play a crucial role in the promotion of sustainable development of a democratic society. They are capable of responding to various information needs of the community and, thus, could be evolved as a knowledge convergence center. Availability of advanced ICT tools such as smart phones and cloud computing have enabled libraries to enhance their services and improve outreach. This paper attempts to conceptualize a model for a smart library information system that utilizes the smart features of the recent technological tools for the enhancement of library services. The model proposes a shared architecture for wider availability of information resources and a system to support multi-tenants and gather people's knowledge for the development of the society at large. The study also indicates the necessity of the smart library information system for a prosperous India.
Maternal and foetal outcome in elective versus emergency caesarean sections
Authors: Gurunule Amit A. , Warke Himangi S.
Published: March 2017

Background: Caesarean delivery is defined as the birth of the foetus through an incision in the abdominal wall (i.e. laparotomy) and the uterine wall (hysterotomy). The purpose was to analyze the maternal and foetal outcome in elective versus emergency caesarean sections retrospectively in a tertiary care centre and to analyze the indications of elective versus emergency caesarean sections.Methods: A retrospective observational study of the cases undergoing caesarean sections in KEM hospital, Mumbai, India was carried out during the period of September 2013 to September 2015. Maternal and foetal outcome was studied. The data was collected and analyzed from the maternal medical records. The neonatology records were also examined.Results: Out of the 600 selected patients, 300 patients in each group of elective and emergency caesarean section were studied. The usual indications of emergency caesarean sections were foetal distress, followed by meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) and cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD). The most frequent indicator for elective lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) was patient with previous LSCS not willing for vaginal birth, followed by breech presentation and previous multiple LSCS. There was a significant difference seen in the occurrence of fever, urinary tract infections and wound infections in the two groups. These were more common in the emergency caesarean section group. Significant difference was also seen in the incidence of postpartum haemorrhage in the two groups, which was more in the elective caesarean section group.Conclusions: The maternal morbidity, intra operative and postoperative complications were more in the emergency LSCS group as compared to patients who underwent elective LSCS.
Institutional experience of surgical management of intramedullary spinal cord tumours
Authors: Singh Naik B. D. Bharath , Prasad Kadali Satyavara , Thota Phaneeswar , B. V. S. Raman
Published: March 2017

Background: Intramedullary spinal cord tumors are rare entity accounting for only 5-6% of all central nervous system tumors. Much literature is not available regarding these tumors owing to their rarity. Present study includes 24 cases of intramedullary spinal cord tumors with pain and progressive weakness. Radiological evaluation showed various intramedullary lesions like ependymoma, astrocytoma, epidermoid etc. spreading over various levels of spinal cord like cervicomedullary, cervicodorsal and dorsal cords.Methods: The study included all the cases admitted with intramedullary spinal cord tumors in neurosurgery ward in King George hospital, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India during a period of three years from 2014 to 2016. Clinical profile of the patients was analyzed for the clinical presentation, age and sex distribution, histopathological study, pre-and postoperative neurological status, complications and functional outcome. All the patients are followed for a period of 6months to 3years.Results: Of the 24 cases, most common age group was second (7 patients) and third (7 patients) decades which is upto 29.16% each.  Males (16 patients) are more affected than females in 66.66%. Ependymoma is the most common tumor seen in 41.66% (10 patients) followed by astrocytoma in 33.33% (8 patients). The surgical technique, extent of resection, pre and postoperative neurological status and functional outcome are discussed.Conclusions: Intramedullary tumours occur commonly among males in the 2nd to 4th decades. Among the intramedullary tumours ependymoma from the commonest lesion subtypes. Most common location is cervical cord segment. Ependymomas have a good plane of cleavage and are thus amenable to radical excision. Patients with good Mc Cormicks grade in pre-operative stage are more amenable for total or near total excision. Prognostic factors affecting outcome are the preoperative neurological status, the plane of cleavage, the extent of resection, the nature and subtype of the lesion. With the improvement in microsurgical techniques and novel adjunctive like MRI, CUSA and intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, surgery for intramedullary lesions can be carried out with acceptable morbidity and mortality.
Aetiological factor for chronic suppurative otitis media: a retrospective study
Authors: Darad Hardik , Sinha Mohit
Published: March 2017

Background: Otitis media (OM) refers to a group of complex infectious and inflammatory diseases affecting the middle ear. The present study was conducted to understand the various aetiological factors in chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) and also to take into possible hereditary factors.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in 150 patients who had visited or were admitted at department of otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Shree Sayaji General (SSG) Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat. Detailed history regarding the illness was taken then clinical examination was carried out on the patient in a systemic manner, otoscopic examination, tuning fork test and pure tone audiometry was done. All the findings are noted in proforma. Means of both groups were compared by independent student t-test.  

Results: Most of the patients were in lower socioeconomic class (59.33) and lower middle class (40.67). Fifty out of the 150 chronic suppuurative Otitis Media patients, had a history of discharge for more than 10 years of duration. DNS and septal spur was found as positive finding in 49 patients of CSOM. X-ray of mastoid Schuller’s view was done in 87 patients, out of which 62 patients X-ray showed sclerosis of mastoid air cells, 16 cases showed partly pneumatization of mastoid air cells.

Conclusions: Chronic otitis media is an important cause of morbidity in very large group of Indian population. Between 20-40 years of age septal pathology was main aetiological factor for CSOM.
Interleukin‐12 Induces Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor‐Kappa B Ligand Expression by Human Periodontal Ligament Cells
Authors: Issaranggun Na Ayuthaya Benjar , Everts Vincent , Pavasant Prasit
Published: March 2017

Background: Increased level of proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)‐12 correlates with the severity of periodontitis. Yet, a possible role of IL‐12 in periodontal disease has not been clarified. The aim of this study is to investigate whether IL‐12 affects expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) ligand (RANKL), a potent osteoclast‐stimulating factor, by human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells.

Methods: To determine the effect of IL‐12, hPDL cells were incubated with recombinant human IL‐12 (p70) in a dose‐ (0 to 10 ng/mL) and time‐dependent manner. Expression of RANKL was evaluated at mRNA and protein levels. Underlying signaling pathways of IL‐12 were determined by using specific inhibitors.

Results: Under the influence of IL‐12, hPDL cells expressed significantly higher levels of RANKL. Expression was mediated by signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 and NF‐κB signaling pathways. Conditioned medium of IL‐12–incubated cells proved to contain molecule(s) that induced RANKL expression. Addition of suramin (G protein–coupled receptor inhibitor) and ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (calcium chelator) suggested existence of intermediate molecule(s) that could activate heterotrimeric G protein signaling in a calcium‐dependent pathway.

Conclusions: Expression of RANKL by hPDL cells significantly increased after IL‐12 treatment. Therefore, this study supports a close interrelationship between immune and skeletal systems and suggests an osteolytic role of IL‐12 in pathogenesis of periodontal disease.
A Robust Diffusion Estimation Algorithm with Self-adjusting Step-size in WSNs
Authors: Chen Feng , Ye Qing , Shao Xiaodan , Duan Shukai
Published: March 2017

In wireless sensor networks (WSNs), each sensor node can estimate the global parameter from the local data in distributed manner. This paper proposed a robust diffusion estimation algorithm based on minimum error entropy criterion with self-adjusting step-size, which are referred to as diffusion MEE-SAS (DMEE-SAS) algorithm. The DMEE-SAS algorithm has fast speed of convergence and is robust against non-Gaussian noise in the measurements. The detailed performance analysis of the DMEE-SAS algorithm is performed. By combining the DMEE-SAS with diffusion minimum error entropy (DMEE) algorithms, an Improving DMEE-SAS algorithm is proposed, in non-stationary environment where tracking is very important. The Improving DMEE-SAS algorithm can avoid insensitivity of the DMEE-SAS algorithm due to the small effective step-size near the optimal estimator, and obtain a fast convergence speed. Numerical simulations are given to verify the effectiveness and advantages of these proposed algorithms.
Shelf Life of Trichoderma Harzianum an Antagonist in Different Oil Based Formulations
Authors: V. Ahamedemujtaba , Kulkarni Shripad
Published: March 2017

Trichoderma is a promising candidate for the biological control of plant pathogenic fungi. While planning the application of antagonistic Trichoderma strains for the purposes of biological control, it is very important to consider the environmental parameters affecting the bio-control agents in the soil. A series of abiotic and biotic environmental parameters has an influence on the bio-control efficacy of Trichoderma. The major bottleneck of bio-pesticides is the shelf life and inconsistent performance. In order to overcome this problem, the present study the liquid formulation was used to increase the shelf life of Trichoderma. Oils like Canole oil, paraffin oil, soya bean oil, Neem oil and Glycerol and their combination of paraffin oil and glycerol, paraffin oil and Soya bean oil, Canola oil and Glycerol, and Paraffin oil and Neem oil were used, among which Canola oil + Glycerol based formulation and Paraffin oil based formulation with 3.00 x 104 Cfu/ml and 2.00 X 104 Cfu/ml viable conidia showed extended shelf life of twelve months of storage.
A Review of the Similarities and Differences in the Perspectives on Caste Adopted by Louis Dumont and B.R. Ambedkar
Authors: Churiyana Priya Bharti
Published: March 2017

Dumont's perspective on caste system was primarily concerned with the ideology of the caste system. His understanding of caste lays emphasis on attributes of caste that is why his approach is called attributional approach to the caste system. For him caste is set of relationships of economic, political and kinship systems, sustained by certain values which are mostly religious in nature. Hierarchy in modern western sense has been replaced by the term social stratification which itself proves to be hindrance in the understanding of the peculiarities of caste system in India. Caste is not a form of social stratification, the ideology of caste system is directly contradicted to egalitarian theory of west. Dumont argues that if caste is a social stratification than caste and social class are phenomena of same nature, (2) that hierarchy is incomprehensible, (3) that in the Indian system the separation and the interdependence of groups are subordinated to this sort of obscure or shamefaced hierarchy (hierarchy itself is shame faced) caste is a limiting case of social class in modern sense of the term.
Responsabilidad social de las Pymes en el marco del posconflicto, como soporte para la inclusión laboral de la población reinsertada
Authors: Sepúlveda Romero María Elsy , Moreno Martínez Edna Piedad , Tovar Mesa Julián Eduardo , Franco Villalba Jairo Andrés , Villarraga Tole Cindy Lizeth
Published: March 2017

RESUMEN Un gran porcentaje del tejido empresarial en Colombia son las PyMEs, donde la responsabilidad social tarda en llegar, muchas veces por desconocimiento, otras por no realizar determinadas tareas de otra forma y en otras ocasiones lo que hacen no se comunica. Objetivos: Establecer la responsabilidad social de las PyMEs en el marco del posconflicto; determinar si las éstas conocen las políticas gubernamentales que incentivan a las empresas en la generación de empleo para la población reinsertada y precisar si cuentan con políticas de RSE. Métodos: La investigación es de tipo cuantitativo descriptivo, la población objeto de estudio son 20 microempresas ubicadas en la ciudad de Bogotá, se seleccionó como instrumento de recolección de datos; una encuesta, en la que se plantearon seis preguntas cerradas. ABSTRACT  A large percentage of the business sector in Colombia are the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), where social responsibility is usually delayed, often due to unawareness, or for not performing certain tasks differently, and sometimes what they do is just not communicated. Goals: to establish the social responsibility of SMEs in the context of post-conflict; to determine if SMEs know the government policies that encourage companies to generate employment for the population who have been reintegrated into society, and to indicate whether SMEs have Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies. Methods: this research is of the quantitative descriptive type, the study population is 20 micro-enterprises located in Bogotá, and a survey with six closed questions was selected as the instrument for data collection. RÉSUMÉLes PME colombiennes représentent un large pourcentage du tissu entrepreneurial national mais leur sens de la responsabilité sociale tarde à se mettre en place, souvent par ignorance des procédures, mais aussi car ce qu’elles mettent en place n’est pas toujours porté à la connaissance du grand public. Objectifs: Établir la responsabilité sociale des PME dans le cadre de l’après-conflit; déterminer si les PME connaissent les politiques gouvernementales facilitant aux entreprises la création d’emploi spécifiques à la population réintégrée à la société civile et enfin savoir si les PME disposent de politiques efficaces de responsabilité sociale et entrepreneuriale.RESUMO
Genetic Progress in Grain Yield and Physiological Traits in Chinese Wheat Cultivars of Southern Yellow and Huai Valley since 1950
Authors: Gao Fengmei , Ma Dongyun , Yin Guihong , Rasheed Awais , Dong Yan , Xiao Yonggui , Xia Xianchun , Wu Xiaoxia , He Zhonghu
Published: March 2017

Understanding the key characteristics associated with genetic gains achieved through breeding is essential for improving yield‐limiting factors and designing future breeding strategies in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars. The objective of the present study was to investigate the genetic progress in yield‐related and physiological traits in cultivars released from 1950 to 2012 for irrigated conditions in the southern Yellow and Huai Valleys Winter Wheat Zone. Field trials including 26 leading cultivars from 1950 to the present time were conducted at Zhengzhou and Zhoukou in Henan Province, during the 2013–2014 and 2014–2015 cropping seasons, providing data from four environments. Grain yield (GY) was significantly increased by the linear rate of 57.5 kg ha−1 yr−1 or 0.70% (R2 = 0.66, P < 0.01) and significantly correlated with increased thousand‐kernel weight (TKW) (r = 0.48, P < 0.05), spike number m−2 (r = 0.44, P < 0.05), kernels m−2 (r = 0.56, P < 0.01), aboveground biomass (AGBM) (r = 0.80, P < 0.01), harvest index (HI) (r = 0.84, P < 0.01), water‐soluble carbohydrate at 10 d postanthesis (WSC‐10) (r = 0.80, P < 0.01), and reduced plant height (PH) (r = −0.85, P < 0.01). There was no significant change in kernel number per spike, heading date, normalized difference in vegetation index at anthesis and at 10 d postanthesis, leaf area index at anthesis and at 10 d postanthesis, and canopy temperature depression at anthesis during the past 60 yr. Soil plant analysis development (SPAD) estimates of chlorophyll content at 10 d postanthesis (Chl‐10) increased with year of release and were significantly correlated with GY (r = 0.69, P < 0.01), PH (r = −0.76, P < 0.01), AGBM (r = 0.52, P < 0.01), HI (r = 0.71, P < 0.01), and WSC‐10 (r = 0.73, P < 0.01). Cultivars conferring Rht‐D1b and Rht‐D1b + Rht8c showed increased GY, TKW, AGBM, HI, WSC‐10, and Chl‐10. Stem water solubility content can be used as a selection criterion for further improving yield potential.
Notes on Citrullus spp.: Pollen Morphology, C Values, and Interspecific Hybridizations with the Gemsbok Cucumber
Authors: Jarret Robert L. , Bauchan Gary R. , Oswald W. Wyatt , Arumuganathan Kathiravetpillai , Shields John P.
Published: March 2017

Scanning electron and light microscopy were used to examine pollen of the currently recognized species (and forms) within the genus Citrullus (Cucurbitaceae). Materials examined included: C. lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai, the citron (C. amarus Schrad.), the egusi [C. mucosospermus (Fursa) Fursa], C. colocynthis (L.) Schrad., C. rehmii De Winter, C. ecirrhosus Cogn., and the gemsbok cucumber [C. naudinianus (Sond.) Hook. f.]—also referred to in the literature as Acanthosicyos naudinianus (Sond.) C. Jeffrey. Pollen of all species were similar in shape differing slightly in their polar (P) and equatorial (E) axes and P/E. In general, all were characterized as prolate and tricolpate with a small polar area and reticulate ornamentation. Flow cytometry revealed C values for the taxa examined as ranging from 0.8 to 1.04 pg DNA per 2C nuclei. A mutant affecting pollen ornamentation was identified in PI 482261, a C. amarus citron from Zimbabwe. Pollen ornamentation on PI 482261 was rugulate. An examination of 15 additional accessions from neighboring areas in Zimbabwe revealed a second rugulate type in PI 482312, while the remaining 14 C. amarus accessions were reticulate. Successful hybridizations were made between C. colocynthis (PI 652554) and C. naudinianus (GRIF 14032), and between C. rehmii (PI 670011) and C. naudinianus (GRIF 14032). The F1 hybrids of both crosses were extremely vigorous and exhibited some characteristics (i.e., branching and storage root formation) associated with the male parent. Other characteristics such as tendril length and shape, and leaf size and shape, were intermediate between the parents. To date, the interspecific F1 hybrids have produced only shrunken (nonviable) pollen.
A smartphone camera for the structure from motion reconstruction for measuring soil surface variations and soil loss due to erosion
Authors: Vinci A. , Todisco F. , Brigante R. , Mannocchi F. , Radicioni F.
Published: March 2017

The suitability of a smartphone camera for the structure from motion (SfM) reconstruction for monitoring variations in soil surface characteristics and soil loss originated by a low intensity erosive event was evaluated. Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) was used to validate the SfM model. Two surveys of the soil surface, one before and one after the rainfall event, were carried out for SfM and TLS. The point clouds obtained by the SfM were compared to the TLS point clouds (used as reference). From the point clouds, digital elevation models (DEMs) (0.01 m × 0.01 m) were obtained. The differences of the DEMs (DoDs) obtained from the two surveys for SfM and TLS were compared. To assess the uncertainty of the DEMs, from the DoDs the minimum level of detection was derived. The soil loss was evaluated from DoDs (for SfM and TLS, respectively) considering negative values as erosion and positive values as deposition. The SfM appears appropriate and sensitive for detecting small soil surface variations induced by low erosive events. The SfM estimated correctly the measured soil loss, while TLS underestimated 26%. Further studies could be carried out to consolidate these first results.
Differential intra-specific stemflow funnelling efficiencies of Caragana korshinskii within arid desert ecosystems
Authors: Zhang Ya-feng , Wang Xin-ping , Hu Rui , Pan Yan-xia
Published: March 2017

Stemflow is known as a highly localized point input of rainwater and solutes around tree/shrub bases where roots are concentrated, thus having considerable effects on hydrology and biogeochemistry of vegetated ecosystems. Stemflow shows a pronounced inter-specific variation due to morphological differences among species, while the intra-specific variation of stemflow has been poorly explored. We systematically examined the effects of shrub morphological metrics on intra-specific funnelling efficiencies by quantifying the stemflow of nine shrubs of Caragana korshinskii within a water-limited arid desert ecosystem of northern China. Stemflow volume was used to compare the absolute amount of stemflow generated by shrubs of varying size, and funnelling ratio was used to assess their funnelling efficiencies. Both rainfall depth and shrub morphological metrics significantly affected stemflow volume, while funnelling ratio was more associated with shrub morphology. Under the same rainfall condition, smaller shrubs produced lower volumes of stemflow, while gaining access to rainfall via higher funnelling ratio than larger shrubs. Our findings highlight a large variation in funnelling efficiency among individual shrubs within the same species, and in particular, smaller shrubs might profit more from sporadic small rainfall events than larger shrubs.
Photocatalytic Decolorization Study of Methyl Orange by TiO2–Chitosan Nanocomposites
Authors: Fajriati Imelda , Mudasir Mudasir , Wahyuni Endang Tri
Published: March 2017

The photocatalytic decolorization of methyl orange (MO) by TiO2-chitosan nanocomposite has been studied. This study was started by synthesizing TiO2-chitosan nanocomposites using sol-gel method with various concentrations of Titanium(IV) isopropoxide (TTIP) as the TiO2 precursor. The structure, surface morphology, thermal and optical property of TiO2-chitosan nanocomposite were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infra red (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and diffuse reflectance ultra violet (DRUV) spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2-chitosan nanocomposite was evaluated by photocatalytic decolorization of methyl orange as a model pollutant. The results indicate that the particle size of TiO2 increases with increasing ofthe concentration of TTIP, in which TiO2 with smallest particle size exhibit the highest photocatalytic activity. The highest photocatalytic decolorization was obtained at 5 h of contact time, initial concentration of MO at 20 ppm and at solution pH of 4. Using these conditions, over 90% of MO was able to be decolorized using 0.02 g of TiO2-chitosan nanocomposite under UV light irradiation. The TiO2-chitosan nanocomposite could be reused, which meant that the TiO2-chitosan nanocomposites can be developed as an effective and economical photocatalyst to decolorize or treat dye in wastewater.
Simulation of Pollutant Gas Dispersion on Case Study of Lontar 3 Coal Fired Power Plant in Addition into 1 x 660 MW Capacity in Kemiri, Tangerang District, Banten Province
Authors: Sugiharto Eko , Natsir Taufik Abdillah , Rozaq Abdul
Published: March 2017

Air quality simulation has been performed for additional capacity of Banten 1 x 600 MW Coal Fired Power Plant toward air quality degradation in its surrounding environment. The simulation was based on pollutant gas dispersion calculated using Gaussian Plume equation. The research has involved climate secondary data on Cengkareng climatology Station for last 10 years. Besides, the primary data has also been taken in 7 point sampling locations to determine initial ambient air quality of existing 1 x 600 MW Coal Fired Power Plant. The data of existing 1 x 600 MW coal fired power plant has been taken from Adipala Steam Power Plant while the gas pollutant dispersion simulation has been done well using Gaussian Plume equation. The result showed that gas emission for NO2, and TSP parameter in all scenarios and SO2 gas parameter in several scenarios were exceeding the Threshold Limit Value. Thus, a technology is needed to minimize produced emission gas. The increase of gas pollutant in all sampling locations was not significantly increasing and those gas pollutants were not generally exceeding the Threshold Limit Value permitted by the government regulation.
Oxidation and Acetylation of Ursolic and Oleanolic Acids Isolated from Fragraea fragrans fruits; Antiproliferation of P388 Leukemia Cells
Authors: Basir Dasril , Julinar Julinar , Agustriana Eva , Untari Budi
Published: March 2017

An interesting natural product chemistry aspect of Fragraea fragrans is that their fruits are richness with ursolic acid and its isomer oleanolic acid (3.05% of dried powder). As our continuous work on these inseparable structural isomeric triterpenes, this paper reports that 51.0% of inseparable 3-oxo-ursolic[3-oxo-oleanolic] acids and 48.6% of inseparable 3-acethyl-ursolic [3-acethyl-oleanolic] acids have already been made from those triterpenes as starting materials of the oxidized and acetylated compounds and evaluated their activity against P388 leukemia cells. The activity of 3-oxo-ursolic [3-oxo-oleanolic] acids with IC50 = 18.6 µg/mL exhibited three-fold more potent against P388 leukemia cell proliferations compared to ursolic [oleanolic] acids with IC50 = 53.5 µg/mL; while the 3-acethyl-ursolic [3-acethyl-oleanolic] acids with IC50 = 37.9 µg/mL showed two-fold more potent then their parent triterpenes (IC50 = 53.5 µg/mL) in the inhibition of P388 leukemia cell growth.
Major Anthocyanin Pigments in the Ficus padana Fruits: HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS Identification and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Syukri Daimon , Darwis Djaswir , Santoni Adlis
Published: March 2017

The anthocyanins in Ficus padana were extracted and identified by using high-performance liquid chromatography/diode array detection and electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS). The individual anthocyanins were identified by comparing between their mass spectral data and published data. The first compound (peak 1) was identify as a pelargonidin 3-(6”-p-coumarylglucoside)-5-(4”’-Malonylglucoside) and the second compound was identify as a pelargonidin 3-(6’’-Malonylglucoside). The second one is a major compound that taking up to 91% of the total anthocyanin content in F. padana extract. The antioxidant activity was determined with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays and results showed that extract possessed high antioxidant capacity.