bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arquitetura sociológica
Authors: Holanda Frederico De
Published: January 2017

A arquitetura é mais comumente considerada como ofício, arte ou técnica. O texto a considera também como ciência que aborda os lugares sob um olhar específico, não afeito a outras disciplinas. Examinam-se modalidades de conhecimento e sugere-se que houve uma mudança paradigmática no campo, nas últimas décadas. A mudança resgata o pensamento teórico-reflexivo. O fortalecimento da arquitetura como disciplina científica não anula; pelo contrário, fortalece a interdisciplinaridade no trato das questões relativas aos lugares produzidos ou usufruídos pelas pessoas: enfatizam-se contribuições de autores oriundos de outros campos disciplinares, que olham os lugares do ponto de vista morfológico. Explora-se a arquitetura como variável independente: uma vez pronta, afeta as pessoas em vários aspectos, entre eles os sociológicos, resumíveis nas seguintes perguntas: a configuração da forma-espaço (vazios, cheios e suas relações) implica maneiras desejáveis de indivíduos e grupos (classes sociais, gênero, gerações etc.) localizarem-se nos lugares e de moverem-se por eles, e conseqüentemente condições desejadas para encontros e esquivanças interpessoais e para visibilidade do outro? O tipo, quantidade e localização relativa das atividades implicam desejáveis padrões de utilização dos lugares, no espaço e no tempo?Palavras-chave: relações arquitetura/sociedade, arquitetura como ciência humana, arquitetura sociológica. Abstract: Architecture is more common considered a craft, an art, a technique. The text considers as well a science which approaches places under a specific point of view, which is not akin to the one of other disciplines. I examine modalities of knowledge and I suggest that there has been a paradigmatic change in the field in the last decades. The change rescues reflexive-theoretical knowledge. To assert architecture as a scientific discipline does not deny, on the contrary, it strengthens interdisciplinarity in dealing with questions related to places produced or appropriated by people: I emphasise contributions of authors coming from other disciplinary fields, who look at places from the morphological point of view. I explore architecture as an independent variable: once ready, it affects people in various ways, among them the sociological way. The latte way may be summarized by mean of the following questions: does formal-spatial configuration (voids, solids, their relationships) imply desirable ways of individuals and groups (social classes, genders, generations etc.) localize themselves in places and move along them, and consequently desirable conditions for interpersonal encounters and avoidances and for the visibility of other? The type, quantity and relative localization of activities imply desirable patterns of utilization of places, in space and time?Keywords: relationships architecture/society; architecture as human science; sociological architecture.
Apontamentos sobre a Maré: uma compreensão
Authors: Souza Maria Julieta Nunes de
Published: January 2017

Em quadro marcado pelo fim da política de erradicação de favelas e permanência de moradores em assentamentos de baixa renda localizados em áreas próximas e disputadas dos centros urbanos das grandes cidades do país, aprimoram-se estratégias espaciais para lidar com estas desconfortantes proximidades. Este texto pretende explorar formas espaciais e dispositivos arquitetônicos e territoriais consolidados em nossa realidade, que tratam da incômoda presença de bolsões de pobreza inseridos em importantes áreas das cidades. Traduzem-se em mecanismos de afastamento, invisibilização, distanciamento, confinamento e isolamento dessas áreas em relação aos bairros vizinhos. A sistematização destes padrões apontados pela literatura envolvendo realidades de outras cidades se deu a partir da observação das relações do bairro da Maré (Rio de Janeiro) com suas áreas de entorno, a partir de aportes microfísicos durante os anos de expansão, reformulando seu papel e importância no contexto da cidade.Palavras-chave: favelas; áreas periféricas; segregação espacial; projetos urbanos. Abstract: In picture marked for the end of politics of eradication of slums and the permanence of inhabitants in low rate areas placed very close to desired urban areas of big cities in the country, space strategies are improved to deal with these uncomfortable proximities. This text intends to explore the space forms and territorial devices consolidated in our reality, which deal with the inconvenient presence of large amount of poverty inserted in important sections of the city. It is translated in mechanisms of separation, invisibility, distance, confinement and isolation of these patterns, mentioned by the literature concerning the realities of other cities, started from the observation of the relationship of the Maré District (Rio de Janeiro) with the areas around, in the explicitness of the microphysical contributes added all along the years in which the region has grown and reformulated its role and importance in the context of the city. Keywords: slums; peripheral areas; spatial segregation; urban projects.
Quatro histórias de terras perdidas: modernização agrária e privatização de campos comuns em Minas Gerais
Authors: Ribeiro Eduardo Magalhães , Galizoni Flávia Maria
Published: January 2017

Este artigo analisa histórias de privatização de terras comuns em quatro regiões de Minas Gerais. Ele reúne resultados de várias pesquisas e descreve o uso e as normas costumeiras que regulavam o acesso a terra, as dinâmicas da privatização e as circunstâncias que influíram para que um mesmo processo revelasse efeitos distintos nessas áreas transformadas.Palavras-chave: cerrado; agricultura familiar; modernização agrária; agronegócio; Minas Gerais. Abstract: This article analyzes the privatization history of common land in four regions of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Integrating results from various researches, it describes the customary land use and productive norms that changed the dominion of these lands, the dynamics of privatization and the circumstances that influenced the same process to present distinct effects in these transformed areas. Keywords: cerrado (brazilian steppe); family agriculture; agri-modernization; agri-business; Minas Gerais.
Informalidad y regularización del suelo urbano en América Latina: algunas reflexiones
Authors: Clichevsky Nora
Published: January 2017

Este artigo mostra as dificuldades de acesso ao solo por parte da população urbana pobre da América Latina e os resultados da implementação de Programas de regularização, que procuram solucionar a situação da população que mora de maneira informal nas cidades e áreas metropolitanas. Tais Programas têm surgido a partir da existência da irregularidade/ilegalidade/informalidade nas formas de ocupação do solo e de construção do habitat urbano. Compõem o artigo uma introdução, um capítulo sobre a informalidade urbana, outro sobre as políticas de regularização, tanto de propriedades quanto de melhoramento de bairros e, finalmente, reflexões sobre a implementação dessas políticas e seu impacto sobre a população objeto de sua aplicação.Palavras-chave: informalidade urbana; regularização urbana; legalização dominial; melhoramento de bairros. Abstract: This article discusses the difficulties of land access of poor urban population in Latin America and the results of the implementation of regulation Programs which tend to solve the situation of the population that inhabits informally in the cities and Latin American metropolitan areas. These Programs have started from the existence of irregularity/ illegality/ informality on land occupation and the construction of the urban habitat. The article consists of an introduction, a section on the urban informal act, other about the regulation policies, as per tenant purposes as improvement of neighborhoods and finally reflections on the implementation of such policies and the impacts on the population that are objective of them.Keywords: urban informality; urban regulation; legalization; improvement of neighborhoods.
A Outorga Onerosa do Direito de Construir após o Estatuto da Cidade: um panorama de implementação nos municípios brasileiros
Authors: Cymbalista Renato , Pollini Paula , Cobra Patrícia , Santoro Paula
Published: January 2017

O presente artigo discute o alcance da implementação do instrumento urbanístico da Outorga Onerosa do Direito de Construir (ou Solo Criado) pelos municípios brasileiros, tendo como base a “Pesquisa de Informações Básicas Municipais” do IBGE, dos anos de 2001 e de 2005, e a contextualiza dentro do novo marco legal urbano, o Estatuto da Cidade (Lei Federal n.10.257/2001) e do processo de elaboração e revisão dos Planos Diretores Participativos que ocorreram no início do século XXI nos municípios brasileiros. Por um lado, o artigo identifica um significativo aumento na recorrência do uso da Outorga Onerosa do Direito de Construir nos municípios brasileiros após o Estatuto da Cidade, mas, por outro, aponta para uma relativa fragilidade na implementação do instrumento, principalmente em municípios com população menor.Palavras-chave: Outorga Onerosa do Direito de Construir; solo criado; reforma urbana; instrumentos urbanísticos; Plano Diretor. Abstract: The article discusses the implementation of the instrument of the selling of building rights (Outorga Onerosa do Direito de Construir) in Brazilian municipalities, based on data from IBGE (Brazilian agency for statistics), and in the context of the new urban regulation, The “Estatuto da Cidade” – Federal Law 10.257/2001 – and under the recent wave of municipal master plans, that were mandatory for Brazilian municipalities with population over 20.000 inhabitants, due to be enforced until October 2006. The article identifies a significant increase in the presence of the instrument of the selling of building rights in Brazilin municipalities, but on the other hand points to difficulties in the real implementation of the instrument, mostly in municipalities with smaller population. Keywords: the selling of building rights; urban reform; land regulation; master plan.
Pelo espaço: uma nova política da espacialidade
Authors: Santos Gislene
Published: January 2017

Pelo espaço: uma nova política da espacialidadeDoreen Massey,Rio de Janeiro: Bertrand Brasil, 2008.
Tempos, idéias e lugares: o ensino do Planejamento Urbano e Regional no Brasil
Authors: Piquet Rosélia Perissé da Silva , Ribeiro Ana Clara Torres
Published: January 2017

O artigo resgata, de forma sintética, mudanças observadas no perfil dos cursos de pós-graduação em planejamento urbano e regional no Brasil frente a transformações na economia e no sistema nacional de planejamento. O tema é tratado segundo uma periodização que destaca idéias-mestras de quatro fases do debate nacional sobre planejamento, incluindo seus vínculos com leituras do território: década de 1950 e início da década de 1960 (planejamento para a mudança e relevância da questão do desenvolvimento); década de 1970 e início da década de 1980 (planejamento tecnocrático e controle da escala nacional); décadas de 1980 e 1990 (predomínio da gestão e centralidade atribuída às forças do mercado); tendências atuais (retorno à questão do desenvolvimento e crescente preocupação com o planejamento de longo prazo).Palavras-chave: pós-graduação; planejamento; desenvolvimento; sistema urbano; região. Abstract: This article brings, synthetically, the changes observed in the profile of postgraduate courses on Urban and Regional Planning in Brazil in face to the transformations in the economy and in the national planning system. The subject is organized under periods which highlights the master ideas of four phases of the national debate on planning, including its bonds to territorial interpretation: the 50´s decade and beginning of the 60’s decade (planning to the changing and relevance of the development question); 70’s decade and beginning of the 80’s decade (technocratic planning and control of the national scale); 80’s decade and 90’s (predominance of the management and centrality attributed to the forces of the market); current tendencies (return to the development question and growing concern with the long-term planning).Keywords: graduate courses; planning; development; urban system; region.
Ordinary cities: between modernity and development
Authors: Rezende Vera F.
Published: January 2017

Ordinary cities: between modernity and developmentJennifer Robinson,New York: Routledge, 2006.
NED characteristics, board structure and management turnover in the Netherlands in times of financial distress: a theoretical and empirical survey
Authors: Santen Bernard , Soppe Aloy
Published: January 2017

This paper examines the relationship between corporate governance characteristics and corporate financial distress. There are two main theoretical factors of interest: the structure of the monitoring process, and the personal characteristics of non-executive directors (NEDs). The first approach is basically agency-theory oriented, and emphasises relationships that complicate proper control, such as dependents on the board (Jensen, 1993). The second approach refers to the resource dependency theory, which focuses on the quality of the director(s) involved (Hillman and Dalziel (2003). The relevant relationships are tested on a newly built database consisting of 52 listed companies in the Netherlands that became financially distressed in the period from 1993 to 2003 and a control sample of 167 listed companies. We collected data on NEDs such as age, education, dependency, other board positions (and chairmanships), workload, and the number of executive and non-executive board members. A positive relationship with financial distress was found to exist if the average workload of NEDs on the board was high, or if there was a foreigner on the board. If one of the NEDs has inside knowledge, this is negatively related to financial distress. As a final conclusion, the hypothesis originating in resource dependency theory, which is that the human characteristics of NEDs are important in avoiding financial distress, cannot be rejected with regard to the Netherlands as examined in the period from 1993 to 2003.
The claims handling process of motor vehicle insurance
Authors: Steenkamp Melandri , Mostert Frederik J. , Mostert Jan Hendrik
Published: January 2017

This paper focuses on the claims handling process of motor vehicle insurance where a number of factors are considered by insurers. Some of the claims handling factors may be more important than others when insurers are assessing the claims submitted by the policyholders. The responding insurers also identify important problem areas in the claims handling process, and solutions that alleviate the different problems should be welcomed by the insurers. The empirical study is based on the perceptions of the leading South African short-term insurers, who represent 82.6% of the total gross premiums written for motor vehicle insurance in 2006. The objective of this research embodies the improvement of financial decision-making by insurers when occupied in the claims handling process of motor vehicle insurance.
Application of stakeholder theory to corporate environmental disclosures
Authors: Kent Pamela , Chan Christopher
Published: January 2017

Ullmann’s (1985) three-dimensional model of social responsibility disclosure is tested to determine whether it can be operationalized to help explain the quantity and quality of environmental disclosures in Australian annual reports. The stakeholder power dimension of Ullmann’s framework is significant in explaining environmental disclosures while content of the mission statement and existence or otherwise of environmental or social responsibility committees also find strong statistically significant support in the results. Ullmanns’ stakeholder theory has previously been applied to explain social disclosures in general (Roberts, 1992) and is an important theory because it introduces a measure of strategy. The current paper demonstrates how this theory can be applied to a specific social disclosure using variables that are idiosyncratically applicable to the types of disclosures.
Nilai-Nilai Karakter dalam Kurikulum Humanistik di FITK IAIN Surakarta
Authors: Maslamah Maslamah
Published: January 2017

This research was conducted to find the values of the character in curriculum based Humanistic. Humanistic curriculum is a model curriculum with emphasis on student-centered learning. By way of this curriculum, educationcan return to its original role and function, which is to increase human dignity and. The catagory ofthis research is leterary and took place in FITK (Faculty of Education), IAIN (State Islamic Institut). The data of research were handouts and reference books that used by lecturers of humanistic-based subjects. The results of this research are: 1) the majority of the subject materials based on humanistic in FITK contains muchcharacter values, such as: love peace, tolerance, empathy, solidarity, asceticism, sincere and so on; 3) in addition, character values are also internalized through a learning process; 3) The values of character that nothing comes from the teachings of Islam, philosophy and civilization of community.Keywords: Character Values, Humanistic Curriculum.
Multinational Group Audits: Problems Faced in Practice and Opportunities for Research
Authors: Sunderland Dan , Trompeter Gregory M.
Published: January 2017

This paper discusses problems faced in conducting global group audits. We present background discussion on group audits, including the relationships between the global group entity, the group engagement team, components, and the component auditors. Discussion is framed around group audit problems that were highlighted in an IAASB-sponsored review of ISA 600 regarding group audits and the use of component auditors. We also consider additional problems related to internal controls in the global group audit setting. Throughout the paper, we highlight specific issues, review related research, and offer opportunities for future research. Our intent is to (1) highlight issues that practitioners face on a regular basis in the conduct of global group audits, and (2) identify relevant research that could lead to a more substantive and meaningful dialogue between practice and the academic auditing community.
The resilience of the high school student’s post-disaster in west Sumatra Indonesia based on gender
Authors: Taufik Taufik , Ifdil Ifdil
Published: January 2017

This research is aimed at identifying the level of resilience of high school students post-disaster in West Sumatera. This research is descriptive quantitative, with the total sample of 1143 students by using simple random sampling technique. The instrument used is TIRI. The data are analyzed descriptively with the analysis of the level of resilience in percentage, using SPSS version 20.00. The Result of the research reveals that the condition of the students’ resilience is high. The result showed that in general male students are at high category and female students are also at high categoryn of resilience, still there are significant differences of the students’ resilience based on gender. The research suggests more efforts are needed to improve the condition of the students’ resilience on certain aspects to be more optimal.
Media in guidance and counseling services: a tool and innovation for school counselor
Authors: Alhadi Said , Supriyanto Agus , Dina Devita Ayu Mei
Published: January 2017

Guidance and counseling services is an element of education that aims to support the achievement of the objectives of education. Guidance and counseling can prevent students experience problems and may even alleviate student of his problems. One of the efforts that need to be done to improve the effectiveness of guidance and counseling services is the development of media guidance and counseling. Media guidance and counseling can make different colors of guidance and counseling services so that the interests of students increase when following the guidance and counseling services. Used media must be relevant with the objectives/ competency of the guidance and counseling and relevant with material guidance and counseling services. Media in guidance and counseling services plays an important role in the implementation of guidance and counseling so that student can better understand, understand, and internalize the material guidance and counseling services to the student.
Release of Cyclooxygenase-2 and Lipoxin A4 from Blood Leukocytes in Aspirin-exacerbated Respiratory Disease
Authors: Rozsasi Ajnacska , Heinemann Akos , Keck Tilman
Published: January 2017

Background

The release of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and lipoxin A4 (LXA4) from blood mononuclear cells in patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is only partially understood.

Objective

To investigate the presence of COX-2 and LXA4 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) derived from patients with AERD and with nasal polyps (NP) (designated as the AERD-NP group), patients with NP without AERD (the NP group), and healthy controls without sinus disease (the control group).

Methods

Blood was taken from 14 patients in the AERD-NP group, 6 patients in the NP group, and 8 healthy subjects in the control group. After culturing of human PBMC, the presence of COX-2 protein and LXA4 (ELISA) was detected in the supernatant, and the results were compared among the groups.

Results

COX-2 and LXA4 were detectable after culturing of PBMC in all patients in the AERD-NP and NP groups and in the control subjects. COX-2 was highest in the patients in the AERD-NP group, but the difference was not significant compared with patients with non-AERD polyp and with the control subjects. LXA4 was also highest in the AERD-NP group, but the difference was also not significant compared with the patients who were non-AERD polyp and the control subjects.

Conclusion

Neither the release of COX-2 or LXA4 was different between the patients with AERD and with NPs, the patients without AERD and with NPs, and the healthy control group. The release of these proteins in AERD needs further investigation.
National molecular surveillance of recently acquired HIV infections in Germany, 2013 to 2014
Authors: Hauser Andrea , Hofmann Alexandra , Hanke Kirsten , Bremer Viviane , Bartmeyer Barbara , Kuecherer Claudia , Bannert Norbert
Published: January 2017

To enable an up-to-date molecular analysis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) genotypes circulating in Germany we have established a surveillance system based on recently acquired HIV infections. New HIV infections are reported to the Robert Koch Institute as a statutory duty for anonymous notification. In 2013 and 2014, a dried serum spot (DSS) sample was received from 6,371 newly diagnosed HIV-cases; their analysis suggested that 1,797 samples originated from a recent infection. Of these, 809 were successfully genotyped in the pol region to identify transmitted drug resistance (TDR) mutations and to determine the HIV-1 subtype. Total TDR was 10.8%, comprising 4.3% with mono-resistance to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), 2.6% to non-NRTIs, 3.0% to protease inhibitors and 0.6% and 0.2%, respectively, with dual- and triple-class resistances. HIV-1 subtype B was most prevalent with 77.0%. Non-B infections were identified more often in men and women with heterosexual transmission compared with intravenous drug users or men who have sex with men (79% and 76%, 33%, 12%; all p < 0.05). Non-B subtypes were also more frequently found in patients originating from countries other than Germany (46% vs 14%; p < 0.05) and in patients infected outside of Germany (63% vs 14%; p < 0.05).
Experimental transmission of Zika virus by mosquitoes from central Europe
Authors: Heitmann Anna , Jansen Stephanie , Lühken Renke , Leggewie Mayke , Badusche Marlis , Pluskota Björn , Becker Norbert , Vapalahti Olli , Schmidt-Chanasit Jonas , Tannich Egbert
Published: January 2017

Mosquitoes collected in Germany in 2016, including Culex pipiens pipiens biotype pipiens, Culex torrentium and Aedes albopictus, as well as Culex pipiens pipiens biotype molestus (in colony since 2011) were experimentally infected with Zika virus (ZIKV) at 18 °C or 27 °C. None of the Culex taxa showed vector competence for ZIKV. In contrast, Aedes albopictus were susceptible for ZIKV but only at 27 °C, with transmission rates similar to an Aedes aegypti laboratory colony tested in parallel.
Solitary fibrous tumors of the spine: a pediatric case report with a comprehensive review of the literature
Authors: Albert Gregory W. , Gokden Murat
Published: January 2017

Solitary fibrous tumors of the spine are rare lesions. Their description in the literature is limited to case reports and small case series. While generally benign lesions, they can recur and occasionally occur as malignancies. Here the authors present the case of a 10-year-old boy, the youngest patient and first preadolescent reported thus far, with this condition. In addition, they perform a comprehensive review of all previously published cases of spinal solitary fibrous tumors.
Comparison of prognostic indices in patients who undergo melanoma brain metastasis radiosurgery
Authors: Kano Hideyuki , Morales-Restrepo Alejandro , Iyer Aditya , Weiner Gregory M. , Mousavi Seyed H. , Kirkwood John M. , Tarhini Ahmad A. , Flickinger John C. , Lunsford L. Dade
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to use 4 prognostic indices to compare survival times of patients who underwent Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to treat melanoma brain metastases.

METHODS

The authors analyzed 422 consecutive patients (1440 brain metastases) who underwent Gamma Knife SRS. The median total brain tumor volume was 4.7 cm3 (range 0.3–69.3 cm3), and the median number of metastases was 2 (range 1–32). One hundred thirty-two patients underwent whole-brain radiation therapy. Survival times were compared using recursive partitioning analysis (RPA), the Score Index for Radiosurgery (SIR), the Basic Score for Brain Metastases (BSBM), and the Diagnosis-Specific Graded Prognostic Assessment (DS-GPA).

RESULTS

The overall survival times after SRS were compared. With the RPA index, survival times were 2.6 months (Class III, n = 27), 5.5 months (Class II, n = 348), and 13.0 months (Class I, n = 47). With the DS-GPA index, survival times were 2.8 months (Scores 0–1, n = 67), 4.2 months (Scores 1.5–2.0, n = 143), 6.6 months (Scores 2.5–3.0, n = 111), and 9.4 months (Scores 3.5–4.0, n = 101). With the SIR, survival times were 3.2 months (Scores 0–3, n = 56), 5.8 months (Scores 4–7, n = 319), and 12.7 months (Scores 8–10, n = 47). With the BSBM index, survival times were 2.6 months (BSBM0, n = 47), 5.4 months (BSBM1, n = 282), 11.0 months (BSBM2, n = 86), and 8.8 months (BSBM3, n = 7). The DS-GPA index was the most balanced by case numbers in each class and provided the overall best prognostic index for overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The DS-GPA index proved most balanced and predictive of survival for patients with melanoma who underwent SRS as part of management for brain metastases. Patients whose DS-GPA score was ≥ 2.5 had predictably improved survival times after SRS.
Treatment of chronic subdural hematomas with subdural evacuating port system placement in the intensive care unit: evolution of practice and comparison with bur hole evacuation in the operating room
Authors: Flint Alexander C. , Chan Sheila L. , Rao Vivek A. , Efron Allen D. , Kalani Maziyar A. , Sheridan William F.
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to evaluate a multiyear experience with subdural evacuating port system (SEPS) placement for chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) in the intensive care unit at a tertiary neurosurgical center and to compare SEPS placement with bur hole evacuation in the operating room.

METHODS

All cases of cSDH evacuation were captured over a 7-year period at a tertiary neurosurgical center within an integrated health care delivery system. The authors compared the performance characteristics of SEPS and bur hole placement with respect to recurrence rates, change in recurrence rates over time, complications, length of stay, discharge disposition, and mortality rates.

RESULTS

A total of 371 SEPS cases and 659 bur hole cases were performed (n = 1030). The use of bedside SEPS placement for cSDH treatment increased over the 7-year period, from 14% to 80% of cases. Reoperation within 6 months was higher for the SEPS (15.6%) than for bur hole drainage (9.1%) across the full 7-year period (p = 0.002). This observed overall difference was due to a higher rate of reoperation during the same hospitalization (7.0% for SEPS vs 3.2% for bur hole; p = 0.008). Over time, as the SEPS procedure became more common and modifications of the SEPS technique were introduced, the rate of in-hospital reoperation after SEPS decreased to 3.3% (p = 0.02 for trend), and the difference between SEPS and bur hole recurrence was no longer significant (p = 0.70). Complications were uncommon and were similar between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall performance characteristics of bedside SEPS and bur hole drainage in the operating room were similar. Modifications to the SEPS technique over time were associated with a reduced reoperation rate.
Assessment of Water Quality by RSM and ANP: A Case Study in Tripura, India
Authors: Roy Ritabrata , Majumder Mrinmoy , Barman Rabindra Nath
Published: January 2017

Assessment of water quality is essential to check suitability of water for use in various purposes. Indexing is a practical and concise way of representing the overall quality of water. Many such indexing methods are available with different goal and purpose. For indexing purpose importance of different Water Quality Parameters needs to be determined first. In the present study, importance of Water Quality Parameters were determined on the basis of important criteria like potential hazards, cost of mitigation, utilization scope and popularity among the researchers. The importance of criteria were determined by Response Surface Methodology (RSM), whereas the scoring of importance was performed by Analytic Network Process (ANP). For validation of the proposed index, a case study was performed by water quality data of different water bodies in Tripura, India. The proposed Water Quality Index of the sample water bodies were then compared with the Water Quality Indices of National Sanitation Foundation (NSF WQI). Results indicate that the proposed index is very close to NSF WQI. Thus the proposed index seems to be successful in expressing the overall quality of water.
Study of Nitrate Removal from the Water by Using Eichhornia crassipes
Authors: Asrari Elham , Avatefinezhad Goltab
Published: January 2017

Conserving water resources and protecting them from the pollution are of high importance in natural cycle of our life. Nitrate, as one of the important sources of water pollution, is a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems, and due to its high solubility, its extraction from the water is a costly process. Providing a reliable, low cost and fast method is necessary for eliminating pollution. This study tried to determine the refining potential and capacity of Eichhornia crassipes for removing nitrate from the water. Factors such as initial concentration of nitrate, contact time, absorbent mass, pH and the presence of other competing ions such as sulfate on nitrate absorption have been studied. The results showed that the best efficiency of nitrate removal, more than 99%, in the optimum condition (the retention time of 30 hours, absorbent dose three plants (15 stems) and pH = 6.4) occurred. In addition, the efficiency of nitrate removal in the presence of sulfate ions did not reduce. By increasing the initial nitrate concentration, from 30 to 150 mg/L, there was no significant change in removal efficiency. Actually, by increasing absorbent mass, removal time increased from 67.96% to 100%. The process of nitrate absorption followed Langmuir isotherm ( R2 = 1). However, the results showed that Eichhornia crassipes, a promising plant with great functionality, can be used as a refiner for removing nitrate and it is a simple, efficient and low cost method.
Bioremediation of Herbicide Atrazine by Fungal sp. Aspergillus alliaceus Strain JAV1 Isolated from Paddy Field Soil in Vellore
Authors: Gajendiran Anudurga , Vijayavenkatesan Vinothini , Abraham Jayanthi
Published: January 2017

The herbicide atrazine (2-Chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine) is widely used on crops such as maize, sugarcane, corn, pineapple and sorghum. Although atrazine is an effective herbicide, the persistence of this herbicide leads to contamination of soil, groundwater and surface water. This work presents the laboratory studies on the degradation of atrazine. Atrazine degrading fungal strain JAV1 was isolated from paddy field. The molecular characterization based on 18S rRNA sequence revealed the strain JAV1 as Aspergillus alliaceus. The strain was able to degrade atrazine at the concentration of 1500 mgL-1 and their complete degradation was seen on sixth day of incubation by strain JAV1. The results were confirmed with the help of sophisticated instruments such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
A Study on the Water Absorption Efficiency of Porous Silica Gel Prepared from Rice Husk Ash
Authors: Parida U. , Bastia T.K. , Kar B.B.
Published: January 2017

In the present study, an attempt has been made to prepare porous silica gel from rice husk ash and use it as a water absorption medium. In the process, raw rice husk was calcined at an elevated temperature and turned into ash. The ash sample was characterized and then treated with concentrated alkali medium to using dielectric heating in microwave. The product thus obtained is sodium silicate, which when treated with concentrated sulphuric acid leads to the formation of silica gel. The process parameters are optimized and the gel thus obtained was subjected to the water absorption study and results are represented.
Comprehensive Screening for Disease Risk Variants in Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Genes in African Americans Identifies Novel PSEN Variants
Authors: N’Songo Aurelie , Carrasquillo Minerva M. , Wang Xue , Nguyen Thuy , Asmann Yan , Younkin Steven G. , Allen Mariet , Duara Ranjan , Custo Maria T. Greig , Graff-Radford Neill , Ertekin-Taner Nilüfer
Published: January 2017

We conducted a comprehensive screening of rare coding variants in an African American cohort to identify novel pathogenic mutations within the early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD) genes ( APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2) in this understudied population. Whole-exome sequencing of 238 African American subjects identified 6 rare missense variants within the EOAD genes, which were observed in AD cases but never among controls. These variants were analyzed in an independent cohort of 300 African American subjects in which PSEN2:NM_000447:exon5:c.T331C:p.Phe111Leu and PSEN1-minilin rs777923890 variants were again not observed, indicating that these novel rare variants, may contribute to AD risk in this population.
How Do We Recognise Problems?
Authors: Wasser Audrey
Published: January 2017

This article approaches Gilles Deleuze's notion of problems through a series of thinkers Deleuze draws on in developing this notion: Heidegger, Plato, Kant, Bergson and Nietzsche. Taking these thinkers as its guide, it sketches six broad characteristics that accompany an investment in problems, ultimately arguing that problems are attained through the activity of critique. It echoes Deleuze's essay ‘How Do We Recognise Structuralism?’ by asking: for whom do problems exist? What does Deleuze recognise in those who recognise problems? And what do those who recognise problems make visible for us?
Rice Cultivation and Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Review and Conceptual Framework with Reference to Ghana
Authors: Boateng Kofi , Obeng George , Mensah Ebenezer
Published: January 2017

Rice is an essential crop in Ghana. Several aspects of rice have been studied to increase its production; however, the environmental aspects, including impact on climate change, have not been studied well. There is therefore a gap in knowledge, and hence the need for continuous research. By accessing academic portals, such as Springer Open, InTech Open, Elsevier, and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology’s offline campus library, 61 academic publications including peer reviewed journals, books, working papers, reports, etc. were critically reviewed. It was found that there is a lack of data on how paddy rice production systems affect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly emissions estimation, geographical location, and crops. Regarding GHG emission estimation, the review identified the use of emission factors calibrated using temperate conditions which do not suit tropical conditions. On location, most research on rice GHG emissions have been carried out in Asia with little input from Africa. In regard to crops, there is paucity of in-situ emissions data from paddy fields in Ghana. Drawing on the review, a conceptual framework is developed using Ghana as reference point to guide the discussion on fertilizer application, water management rice cultivars, and soil for future development of adaptation strategies for rice emission reduction.
Dirac Landau Level Spectroscopy in Pb1−xSnxSe and Pb1−xSnxTe across the Topological Phase Transition: A Review
Authors: Phuphachong Thanyanan , Assaf Badih , Volobuev Valentine , Bauer Günther , Springholz Gunther , De Vaulchier Louis-Anne , Guldner Yves
Published: January 2017

Topological crystalline insulators (TCIs) are topological materials that have Dirac surface states occurring at crystalline symmetric points in the Brillouin zone. This topological state has been experimentally shown to occur in the lead–tin salts Pb1−xSnxSe and Pb1−xSnxTe. More recent works also took interest in studying the topological phase transition from trivial to non-trivial topology that occurs in such materials as a function of increasing Sn content. A peculiar property of these materials is the fact that their bulk bands disperse following a massive Dirac dispersion that is linear at low energies above the energy gap. This makes Pb1−xSnxSe and Pb1−xSnxTe ideal platforms to simultaneously study 3D and 2D Dirac physics. In this review, we will go over infrared magneto-optical studies of the Landau level dispersion of Pb1−xSnxSe and Pb1−xSnxTe for both the bulk and surface bands and summarize work that has been done on this matter. We will review recent work on probing the topological phase transition in TCI. We will finally present our views on prospects and open questions that have yet to be addressed in magneto-optical spectroscopy studies on Pb1-xSnxSe and Pb1−xSnxTe.
Managing Ethical Dilemmas in End-Stage Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Low James , Ho Esther
Published: January 2017

Neurodegenerative diseases are chronic, progressive and incurable illnesses that ultimately lead to death. The patient deteriorates inexorably towards the terminal phase of the disease when he becomes mentally and physically incapacitated. This article discusses the many ethical and moral dilemmas faced by the clinician and family members as they care for patients with neurodegenerative illnesses approaching the end of life. Topics discussed will include steps on how to assess mental capacity and decision-making capability, advance care planning, withholding and/or withdrawing treatment, food refusal, the do-not-resuscitate order and euthanasia. An approach to ethical decision-making incorporating Jonsen’s 4-topic approach will also be discussed briefly.
Human Liver Sinusoid on a Chip for Hepatitis B Virus Replication Study
Authors: Kang Young , Rawat Siddhartha , Duchemin Nicholas , Bouchard Michael , Noh Moses
Published: January 2017

We have developed a miniature human liver (liver-sinusoid-on-a-chip) model using a dual microchannel separated by a porous membrane. Primary human hepatocytes and immortalized bovine aortic endothelial cells were co-cultured on opposite sides of a microporous membrane in a dual microchannel with continuous perfusion. Primary human hepatocytes in this system retained their polygonal morphology for up to 26 days, while hepatocytes cultured in the absence of bovine aortic endothelial cells lost their morphology within a week. In order to demonstrate the utility of our human-liver-sinusoid-on-a-chip, human hepatocytes in this system were directly infected by Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). Expression of the HBV core antigen was detected in human hepatocytes in the microchannel system. HBV replication, measured by the presence of cell-secreted HBV DNA, was also detected. Importantly, HBV is hepatotropic, and expression of HBV RNA transcripts is dependent upon expression of hepatocyte-specific factors. Moreover, HBV infection requires expression of the human-hepatocyte-specific HBV cell surface receptor. Therefore, the ability to detect HBV replication and Hepatitis B core Antigen (HBcAg) expression in our microfluidic platform confirmed that hepatocyte differentiation and functions were retained throughout the time course of our studies. We believe that our human-liver-sinusoid-on-a-chip could have many applications in liver-related research and drug development.
Characterization of Collagen Peptides in Elaphuri Davidiani Cornu Aqueous Extract with Proliferative Activity on Osteoblasts Using Nano-Liquid Chromatography in Tandem with Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhai Yanjuan , Zhu Zhenhua , Zhu Yue , Qian Dawei , Liu Rui , Peng Yunru , Ding Yuhua , Ouyang Zhen , Duan Jin-ao
Published: January 2017

First documented in Shennong Bencao Jing (about 200 B.C.–200 A.D.), Elaphuri Davidiani Cornu (EDC) has been recorded for its effects in strengthening bones and balancing other aspects of overall health for approximately 2000 years. In the present study, our aim was to investigate which are the components of the active EDC fraction by a peptidomic strategy. We explored the extent to which EDC increases the proliferation of osteoblasts by measuring the elevations in osteonectin and type I collagen mRNA levels and characterized it using nano-flow liquid chromatography in tandem with orbitrap mass spectrometry. In total, 272 peptide sequences from collagens were determined. “Hot regions” in parent proteins determined by peptide heat maps which indicated that amino acid sequences in the regions might undergo proteolysis easily and generate peptides. Among the identified peptides, 90.2% were hydrophilic, and the molecular weight of 97.1% of identified peptides was lower than 2000 Da. According to these results, EDC collagen-derived peptides were easily analyzed and identified. Moreover, this methodology is feasible to characterize the active peptides matrices originated from collagen hydrolysates or some other animal horn- derived TCMs.
In Vitro DNA-Binding, Anti-Oxidant and Anticancer Activity of Indole-2-Carboxylic Acid Dinuclear Copper(II) Complexes
Authors: Wang Xiangcong , Yan Maocai , Wang Qibao , Wang Huannan , Wang Zhengyang , Zhao Jiayi , Li Jing , Zhang Zhen
Published: January 2017

Indole-2-carboxylic acid copper complex (ICA-Cu) was successfully prepared and characterized through elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis, 1H-NMR, TG analysis, and molar conductance, and its molecular formula was [Cu2(C9H6O2N)4(H2O)2]·2H2O. The binding ability of ICA-Cu to calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was examined by fluorescence spectrometry and the viscosity method. The results indicated that, upon the addition of increasing amounts of CT-DNA, the excitation and emission intensity of ICA-Cu decreased obviously and the excitation spectra shifted towards a long wavelength. ICA-Cu could displace ethidium bromide (EB) from the EB-DNA system, making the fluorescence intensity of the EB-DNA system decrease sharply; the quenching constant KSV value was 3.99 × 104 M−1. The emission intensity of the ICA-Cu-DNA system was nearly constant, along with the addition of Na+ in a series of concentrations. The fluorescence of the complex could be protected after the complex interacted with DNA. A viscosity measurement further supported the result that the ICA-Cu complex may interact with DNA in an intercalative binding mode. The antioxidant activities of ICA-Cu were evaluated by a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, a hydroxyl radical (OH) scavenging assay, and a 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) assay. The ICA-Cu exhibited the highest inhibitory effects on the ABTS radical (94% inhibition at 60 µM), followed by OH and DPPH radicals (the degrees of inhibition being 71% and 56%, respectively). The in vitro cytotoxicity activity of ICA-Cu against two human breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, was investigated by 3-[4,5-dimethyltiazol2-yl]-2.5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and cellular morphological analysis. The results showed that, upon increasing the concentration of ICA-Cu, an increase was observed in growth-inhibitory activity and the inhibition percentage were greater than 90% at 20 µM in both cell lines. Also, cellular morphological changes in the two cell lines agreed with the cytotoxicity results.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of a New Series of Biphenyl/Bibenzyl Derivatives Functioning as Dual Inhibitors of Acetylcholinesterase and Butyrylcholinesterase
Authors: Wang Dong-mei , Feng Bo , Fu Hui , Liu Ai-lin , Wang Lin , Du Guan-hua , Wu Song
Published: January 2017

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia in adults, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the brain characterized by loss of memory and steady deterioration of cognition. Here, a series of symmetrical molecules containing biphenyl/bibenzyl scaffolds (12–36) were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their ability to inhibit both acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). A biological evaluation showed that most of these biphenyl derivatives were potent AChE and BuChE inhibitors. Among them, compound 15 displayed the greatest ability to inhibit BuChE (IC50 = 0.74 µM) and was also a good AChE inhibitor (IC50 = 1.18 µM). Compound 19 was not only a potent AChE inhibitor (IC50 = 0.096 µM), but also a mild BuChE inhibitor (IC50 =1.25 µM). Overall, these results suggested that compound 19 may be a promising agent in the treatment of AD.
Euro Banknote Recognition System for Blind People
Authors: Dunai Dunai Larisa , Chillarón Pérez Mónica , Peris-Fajarnés Guillermo , Lengua Lengua Ismael
Published: January 2017

This paper presents the development of a portable system with the aim of allowing blind people to detect and recognize Euro banknotes. The developed device is based on a Raspberry Pi electronic instrument and a Raspberry Pi camera, Pi NoIR (No Infrared filter) dotted with additional infrared light, which is embedded into a pair of sunglasses that permit blind and visually impaired people to independently handle Euro banknotes, especially when receiving their cash back when shopping. The banknote detection is based on the modified Viola and Jones algorithms, while the banknote value recognition relies on the Speed Up Robust Features (SURF) technique. The accuracies of banknote detection and banknote value recognition are 84% and 97.5%, respectively.