bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro and in vivo antidermatophytic activity of the dichloromethane-methanol (1:1 v/v) extract from the stem bark of Polyscias fulva Hiern (Araliaceae)
Authors: Njateng Guy Sedar Singor , Gatsing Donatien , Mouokeu Raymond Simplice , Lunga Paul Keilah , Kuiate Jules-Roger
Published: May 2013

Background

During the last decades, the number of people suffering from dermatophytoses has seriously increased, mainly due to the development of resistant strains of microorganisms to a range of formally efficient antibiotics. Polyscias fulva, a medium size tree which grows in the West Region of Cameroon is traditionally used for local application against dermatoses and orally against venereal infections. The dichloromethane-methanol (1:1 v/v) extract from the stem bark of Polyscias fulva was evaluated for its in vitro and in vivo antifungal activities.

Methods

The plant extract was prepared by maceration of its stem bark powder in CH2Cl2-MeOH (1:1 v/v). The extract obtained was successively partitioned in hexane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. Phytochemical screening was performed using standard methods. In vitro antidermatophytic activity was assayed by the well diffusion and broth microdilution methods. The degree of dermal irritation of the crude extract was determined in guinea pigs using the occluded dermal irritation test method. The in vivo antidermatophytic activity of the extract-oil formulation (1.25, 2.5 and 5% w/w concentrations) was evaluated using Trichophyton mentagrophytes- induced dermatophytosis in a guinea pigs model.

Results

Phytochemical screening indicated that, the crude extract, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and residue fractions contain in general saponins, tannins, alkaloids, anthraquinones and phenols while the hexane fraction contains only alkaloids. The ethyl-acetate, n-butanol and residue fractions displayed higher antifungal activities (MIC = 0.125-0.5 mg.mL-1) against eight dermatophytes as compared to the crude extract (MIC = 0.5-1 mg.mL-1). This latter appeared to have slight perceptible erythema effects on guinea pigs as the primary irritation index (PII) was calculated to be 0.54. In vivo, the antidermatophytic activities of the extract-oil formulations were dose-dependent. Griseofulvin-oil 5% at 0.01 g/kg and formulated extract-oil (5%) at 0.1 g/kg eradicated the microbial infection after thirteen and fourteen days of daily treatment respectively.

Conclusions

The results of preclinical in vitro and in vivo evaluations indicate that the extract-oil formulation at 5% may constitute an alternative means to alleviate fungal infections caused by dermatophytes.
Protocol: does sodium nitrite administration reduce ischaemia-reperfusion injury in patients presenting with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction? Nitrites in acute myocardial infarction (NIAMI)
Authors: Siddiqi Nishat , Bruce Margaret , Neil Christopher J , Jagpal Baljit , Maclennon Graeme , Cotton Seonaidh C , Papadopoulo Sofia A , Bunce Nicholas , Lim Pitt , Schwarz Konstantin , Singh Satnam , Hildick-Smith David , Horowitz John D , Madhani Melanie , Boon Nicholas , Kaski Juan-Carlos , Dawson Dana , Frenneaux Michael P
Published: May 2013

Background

Whilst advances in reperfusion therapies have reduced early mortality from acute myocardial infarction, heart failure remains a common complication, and may develop very early or long after the acute event. Reperfusion itself leads to further tissue damage, a process described as ischaemia-reperfusion-injury (IRI), which contributes up to 50% of the final infarct size. In experimental models nitrite administration potently protects against IRI in several organs, including the heart. In the current study we investigate whether intravenous sodium nitrite administration immediately prior to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction will reduce myocardial infarct size. This is a phase II, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded and multicentre trial.

Methods and outcomes

The aim of this trial is to determine whether a 5 minute systemic injection of sodium nitrite, administered immediately before opening of the infarct related artery, results in significant reduction of IRI in patients with first acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (MI). The primary clinical end point is the difference in infarct size between sodium nitrite and placebo groups measured using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) performed at 6–8 days following the AMI and corrected for area at risk (AAR) using the endocardial surface area technique. Secondary end points include (i) plasma creatine kinase and Troponin I measured in blood samples taken pre-injection of the study medication and over the following 72 hours; (ii) infarct size at six months; (iii) Infarct size corrected for AAR measured at 6–8 days using T2 weighted triple inversion recovery (T2-W SPAIR or STIR) CMR imaging; (iv) Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction measured by CMR at 6–8 days and six months following injection of the study medication; and (v) LV end systolic volume index at 6–8 days and six months.

Funding, ethics and regulatory approvals

This study is funded by a grant from the UK Medical Research Council. This protocol is approved by the Scotland A Research Ethics Committee and has also received clinical trial authorisation from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) (EudraCT number: 2010-023571-26).

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01388504 and Current Controlled Trials: ISRCTN57596739
Existence of solutions for integro-differential equations of fractional order with nonlocal three-point fractional boundary conditions
Authors: Agarwal Ravi P , Ntouyas Sotiris K , Ahmad Bashir , Alhothuali Mohammed S
Published: May 2013

In this paper, we study the existence of solutions for Riemann-Liouville type integro-differential equations of fractional order

α
∈
(
2
,
3
]

with nonlocal three-point fractional boundary conditions via Sadovskii’s fixed point theorem for condensing maps. An illustrative example is also presented.

MSC:34A08, 34B10, 34B15.
Highly sensitive serological methods for detecting tomato yellow leaf curl virus in tomato plants and whiteflies
Authors: Xie Yan , Jiao Xiaoyang , Zhou Xueping , Liu Huan , Ni Yuequn , Wu Jianxiang
Published: May 2013

Background

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is a member of the genus Begomovirus in the family Geminiviridae, which causes severe losses in tomato production in tropic and subtropic regions.

Methods

The purified TYLCV virions were used as the immunogen to produce monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) using the hybridoma technology. MAb-based dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (dot-ELISA) and direct tissue blot immunoassay (DTBIA) were developed for sensitive, simple, and rapid detection of TYLCV in field tomato and whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) samples collected from TYLCV prevalent provinces in China.

Results

Using the hybridoma technology, six murine MAbs (1C4, 8D10, 6E3, 2F2, 3F4 and 4G3) against TYLCV were prepared. Using the MAb 1C4, dot-ELISA and DTBIA were then established for detecting TYLCV in field tomato and whitefly samples collected from TYLCV prevalent provinces in China. The dot-ELISA could detect TYLCV in infected tissue crude extract diluted at 1:5,120 (w/v, g mL-1), and in viruliferous whitefly homogenate diluted at 1:128 (individual whitefly/μL), respectively. Field tomato samples (n=487) and whitefly samples (n=110) from TYLCV prevalent districts in China were screened for the presence of TYLCV using the two developed methods, and the results were further confirmed by PCR and nucleotide sequencing. The survey revealed that TYLCV is widespread on tomato plants in Zhejiang, Shandong and Henan provinces in China.

Conclusions

The developed dot-ELISA is very suitable for the routine detection of TYLCV in field tomato and whitefly samples, and the DTBIA is more suitable for the routine detection of TYLCV in large-scale tomato plant samples collected from TYLCV prevalent areas.
Engineering cyanobacteria to improve photosynthetic production of alka(e)nes
Authors: Wang Weihua , Liu Xufeng , Lu Xuefeng
Published: May 2013

Background

Cyanobacteria can utilize solar energy and convert carbon dioxide into biofuel molecules in one single biological system. Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 is a model cyanobacterium for basic and applied research. Alkanes are the major constituents of gasoline, diesel and jet fuels. A two-step alkane biosynthetic pathway was identified in cyanobacteria recently. It opens a door to achieve photosynthetic production of alka(e)nes with high efficiency by genetically engineering cyanobacteria.

Results

A series of Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 mutant strains have been constructed and confirmed. Overexpression of both acyl-acyl carrier protein reductase and aldehyde-deformylating oxygenase from several cyanobacteria strains led to a doubled alka(e)ne production. Redirecting the carbon flux to acyl- ACP can provide larger precursor pool for further conversion to alka(e)nes. In combination with the overexpression of alkane biosynthetic genes, alka(e)ne production was significantly improved in these engineered strains. Alka(e)ne content in a Synechocystis mutant harboring alkane biosynthetic genes over-expressed in both slr0168 and slr1556 gene loci (LX56) was 1.3% of cell dry weight, which was enhanced by 8.3 times compared with wildtype strain (0.14% of cell dry weight) cultivated in shake flasks. Both LX56 mutant and the wildtype strain were cultivated in column photo-bioreactors, and the alka(e)ne production in LX56 mutant was 26 mg/L (1.1% of cell dry weight), which was enhanced by 8 times compared with wildtype strain (0.13% of cell dry weight).

Conclusions

The extent of alka(e)ne production could correlate positively with the expression level of alkane biosynthetic genes. Redirecting the carbon flux to acyl-ACP and overexpressing alkane biosynthetic genes simultaneously can enhance alka(e)ne production in cyanobacteria effectively.
Local concepts of anemia-related illnesses and public health implications in the Taabo health demographic surveillance system, Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Kouadio M’Bra KD , Righetti Aurélie A , Abé Noël N , Wegmüller Rita , Weiss Mitchell G , N’Goran Eliézer K , Utzinger Jürg
Published: May 2013

Background

A 14-month prospective longitudinal study conducted in the Taabo health demographic surveillance system (HDSS), south-central Côte d’Ivoire, revealed high prevalence of anemia in different population groups in three types of settings (i.e., small town, village, and hamlet). Demographic parameters and several variables related to parasitic infections, micronutrient status, and inflammation were significantly associated with higher odds of anemia. However, cultural concepts and knowledge of various anemia-related illnesses and their relation with people’s behaviors have not been investigated.

Methods

Sixteen focus group discussions and six key informant interviews were performed with village authorities, health workers, and traditional healers. Questionnaires were administrated to 200 school-aged children and 115 young women. Of these individuals, 206 participated in the preceding longitudinal study, whereas the remaining 109 people were not exposed to prior research, but had similar age and sex profiles. Mean prominence of participants’ responses was compared between groups of participants and across study settings.

Results

Local concepts of anemia-related illnesses referred to its perceived causes based on two logical frameworks – biomedical and sociocultural – although a clear distinction was often blurred. We found few differences in knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors across study settings and between participants who were exposed to prior research and newly recruited ones. Malaria und nutritional issues as understood and managed by the population differed from definitions and recommendations provided by the health system. Malaria was not acknowledged as an exclusive mosquito-transmitted disease and participants referred to the quantity, rather than the quality, of food when talking about nutritional issues.

Conclusions

Local concepts and ideas about anemia have public health implications, inasmuch as they are related to people’s attitudes, risk-related and help-seeking behaviors, which in turn might affect their health status. Local terminology and beliefs about anemia and malaria should be carefully considered when developing health intervention and education programs. The similarity in knowledge about anemia-related illnesses and associated behaviors, regardless of study setting and prior exposure to research, suggests that a uniform communication strategy may be used to develop education programs and awareness campaigns aimed at the prevention and control of anemia in south-central Côte d’Ivoire.
Pilot educational program to enhance empowering patient education of school-age children with diabetes
Authors: Kelo Marjatta , Eriksson Elina , Eriksson Ilse
Published: May 2013

Background

Nurses have a crucial role in patient education of children with type 1 diabetes, but they often exhibit lack of knowledge of the patient education process. This study aimed to describe an educational program to enhance empowering patient education process for the blood glucose monitoring education of school-age children and nurses’ perceptions of using empowering techniques.

Methods

An empowering patient education process for the diabetes education of school-age children was developed. The researcher collected nurse’s perceptions of managing the educational program by semi-structured interviews. Ten nurses carried out the diabetes education, and 8 of them participated in the interview. Three nurses implemented the diabetes education twice and were interviewed twice. The data consisted of 11 descriptions of the blood glucose monitoring education. The interviewer analyzed the data deductively and inductively by content analysis.

Results

Nurses described successful managing of the empowering patient education process. The need assessment consisted of using multiple methods and clarifying the capabilities and challenges of children and their parents. Planning manifested itself in adequate preparation and multiple objectives stated together with the family. Implementation comprised the relevant content, and the use of suitable teaching materials and methods. Evaluation was performed with various methods and documented accurately. Nurses also faced some challenges related to management and leadership, ambivalence with traditional and empowering patient education, and families’ overall situation.

Conclusion

An example of developing evidence-based patient education program is presented, but besides education other factors supporting changes in work practices should be considered in further development.
Hypermetrical Schemas, Metrical Orientation, and Cognitive-Linguistic Paradigms
Authors: Ito John Paul
Published: May 2013

This article extends existing approaches to hypermeter by introducing schemas that make measure-by-measure correlations between grouping units and hypermeasures. These schemas offer an account of how listeners track hypermeter through irregularities and discontinuities. In order to ground these schemas in a cognitive, listener-oriented framework, the article also introduces the concept of metrical orientation. Metrical orientation involves heard measures, measures that are organizationally similar to notated measures but that may differ from the notated measures of the score with respect to both period and phase. The downbeats of these heard measures are the hyperbeats that relate to one another by means of the hypermetrical schemas. Metrical orientation is top-down and schema driven; it thus complements low-level, bottom-up cognitive accounts of meter.

The hypermetrical schemas can give analyses considerable flexibility, but this flexibility presents challenges to rule systems and in particular to Lerdahl and Jackendoff’s Metrical Well-Formedness Rules. Two paradigms from cognitive linguistics are used to address this: radial structuring as a way of organizing prototype categories, and approaches to well-formedness that have also been used in examining the interpenetration of syntax and semantics. These concepts function together to provide an alternative to rule systems that is both rigorous and flexible.
What Can Be Done To Improve Struggling High Schools?
Authors: Cullen Julie Berry , Levitt Steven D , Robertson Erin , Sadoff Sally
Published: May 2013

In spite of decades of well-intentioned efforts targeted at struggling high schools, outcomes today are little improved. A handful of innovative programs have achieved great success on a small scale, but more generally, the economic futures of the students at the bottom of the human capital distribution remain dismal. In our view, expanding access to educational options that focus on life skills and work experience, as opposed to a focus on traditional definitions of academic success, represents the most cost-effective, broadly implementable source of improvements for this group.
Economics versus Politics: Pitfalls of Policy Advice
Authors: Acemoglu Daron , Robinson James A
Published: May 2013

The standard approach to policy making and advice in economics implicitly or explicitly ignores politics and political economy and maintains that if possible, any market failure should be rapidly removed. This essay explains why this conclusion may be incorrect; because it ignores politics, this approach is oblivious to the impact of the removal of market failures on future political equilibria and economic efficiency, which can be deleterious. We first outline a simple framework for the study of the impact of current economic policies on future political equilibria—and indirectly on future economic outcomes. We then illustrate the mechanisms through which such impacts might operate using a series of examples. The main message is that sound economic policy should be based on a careful analysis of political economy and should factor in its influence on future political equilibria.
Moore's Law versus Murphy's Law: Algorithmic Trading and Its Discontents
Authors: Kirilenko Andrei A , Lo Andrew W
Published: May 2013

Financial markets have undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades due to advances in technology. These advances include faster and cheaper computers, greater connectivity among market participants, and perhaps most important of all, more sophisticated trading algorithms. The benefits of such financial technology are evident: lower transactions costs, faster executions, and greater volume of trades. However, like any technology, trading technology has unintended consequences. In this paper, we review key innovations in trading technology starting with portfolio optimization in the 1950s and ending with high-frequency trading in the late 2000s, as well as opportunities, challenges, and economic incentives that accompanied these developments. We also discuss potential threats to financial stability created or facilitated by algorithmic trading and propose “Financial Regulation 2.0,” a set of design principles for bringing the current financial regulatory framework into the Digital Age.
Verificação de Vantagem Competitiva em Empresas Brasileiras de Tecnologia com Base no Modelo de Pedras Angulares de Peteraf
Authors: Bueno de Camargo Alvaro Antonio , Zilber Moisés Ari
Published: May 2013

Sem vantagem competitiva nenhuma empresa consegue sobreviver ou obter lucros acima do normal. A visão baseada em recursos sustenta que as empresas são capazes de obter resultados acima do normal se tiverem recursos superiores, cuja imitação ou transferência para empresas concorrentes seja complexa. Com essa visão em mente, Peteraf (1993) desenvolveu um modelo conceitual denominado de Pedras Angulares da Vantagem Competitiva, que explica os pilares que sustentam a vantagem competitiva de uma empresa. O presente artigo de pesquisa qualitativa e exploratória busca verificar indícios de vantagem competitiva em empresas brasileiras de tecnologia segundo o modelo conceitual proposto por essa autora.
Estudo do Comportamento de Compra dos Graduandos em Administração do CEFET-MG
Authors: De Muylder Cristiana Fernandes , La Falce Jefferson Lopes , Alves Cintia Rabelo
Published: May 2013

O presente estudo teve como objetivo geral analisar o comportamento de compra online e a relação com a compra presencial dos alunos de Administração do Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica de Minas Gerais. Para atendimento deste objetivo utilizou-se uma pesquisa descritiva de natureza quantitativa, adotando um questionário estruturado para o levantamento de dados, o qual foi aplicado a 191 estudantes da Instituição. A análise de dados foi feita por meio de análise estatística da frequência dos comportamentos de compra, pelos testes t, de Kolmogorov-Smirnov e correlação. Os principais resultados indicam que os participantes têm mais propensão a poupar nas duas formas de compra consideradas, não apresentaram tendência a comportamento compulsivo e impulsivo em compras e preferem comprar pelo meio tradicional em relação ao online.
Evidências Empíricas da Influência da Taxa Média de Juros Sobre o Mercado Acionário Brasileiro
Authors: Hersen Amarildo , Lima Luciano Ferreira de , Lima Jandir Ferrera de
Published: May 2013

Esse artigo analisa e quantifica a influência da taxa média de juros sobre o mercado acionário, mais especificamente sobre o preço das ações negociadas na BM&F Bovespa S.A. A análise se  fundamenta na teoria dos ciclos e o método estatístico utilizado foi o modelo de regressão linear. Os resultados apontam que o parâmetro correspondente à taxa SELIC apresenta sinal negativo, ou seja, à medida que se eleva a taxa SELIC, o Índice Bovespa, em média, diminui. Conclui-se que, para cada 1% (um por cento) de aumento na taxa SELIC, o Índice Bovespa cai, aproximadamente 3.940 pontos.
A Influência da Gestão de Projetos de P&D em Universidades Públicas na Definição do Modelo de um Escritório de Gerenciamento de Projetos
Authors: Moutinho José da Assunção , Kniess Claudia Terezinha , Rabechini Junior Roque
Published: May 2013

As universidades públicas brasileiras vêm desempenhando um papel cada vez mais expressivo no processo de inovação tecnológica do país. Esta responsabilidade implica na busca por recursos financeiros externos com o objetivo de desenvolver projetos de P&D. Contudo, estas instituições carecem de estrutura formal de gestão de projetos visando garantir o sucesso destes empreendimentos. Neste contexto, o artigo discute como o ambiente público de P&D pode influenciar a definição e classificação do modelo de um Escritório de Gerenciamento de Projeto. Utilizando a estratégia de estudo de caso, a investigação contou com entrevistas dos pesquisadores do laboratório e como fonte documental, acesso a relatórios dos projetos concluídos. O estudo levou à conclusão que o modelo de escritório adotado possui características híbridas, sendo diretamente influenciado pelas peculiaridades do ambiente e que além de gerenciar os projetos, o Escritório também é responsável pelo cumprimento de aspectos legais, específicos para fomentos à pesquisa com recursos públicos.
Tocantins: O Crescimento e o Desenvolvimento Econômico Regional com a Criação do Novo Estado
Authors: Borges Cejana Marques , Santos Moacir José , Vieira Edson Trajano
Published: May 2013

O presente artigo tem como objetivo verificar se a criação do estado do Tocantins promoveu o crescimento econômico associado ao desenvolvimento econômico regional. A criação do Tocantins provocou a intensificação do recorrente debate sobre a criação de novas unidades federativas. A metodologia aplicada para investigar a correlação entre a criação de uma nova unidade federativa e o desenvolvimento econômico fundamentou-se na análise dos dados captados mediante a construção de séries históricas tendo como índices e indicadores pertinentes aos estados limítrofes: Pará, Mato Grosso, Goiás, Maranhão, Piauí e Bahia. Observa-se que o Tocantins apresentou dados econômicos e sociais melhores em comparação ao antigo norte goiano e aos estados limítrofes. Portanto, a nova divisão territorial realizada foi positiva por resultar em crescimento econômico, de renda per capita e a melhoria nos indicadores de desenvolvimento que compõe o IDH e IFDM em comparação ao antigo norte goiano que originou o estado do Tocantins.
Atratividade em Clusters Comerciais: Um Estudo Comparativo de Dois Clusters da Cidade de São Paulo
Authors: Telles Renato , Siqueira João Paulo Lara , Donaire Denis , Gaspar Marcos Antonio
Published: May 2013

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo a identificação de atributos relacionados à atratividade de clientes em clusters comerciais, na percepção de consumidores. Partindo-se da atratividade de clientes para lojas, desenvolveu-se um construto de avaliação de atratividade de clientes para clusters comerciais. Por meio de estudo descritivo-quantitativo junto a 240 consumidores em dois reconhecidos clusters comerciais, utilizando-se a técnica de PLS-PM (Partial Least Squares Path Modeling), avaliou-se a relação entre a atratividade de clientes (variável reflexiva) e as dimensões do mix varejista de clusters comerciais (variáveis latentes), a partir do tratamento de indicadores de efeitos observáveis. Como principais resultados, observou-se que: (1) atratividade está associada significativamente às variáveis latentes, sugerindo robustez do modelo; (2) condições de compra e preços são dimensões com maior associação à atratividade de clientes, embora lojas, produtos e atendimento apresentem relevância; e (3) localização apresentou-se como dimensão menos correlacionada à atratividade de clientes para ambos os clusters.
Uma Análise da Pesquisa Sobre Educação à Distância nos Periódicos Brasileiros de Administração (2002 – 2011)
Authors: Cavalcanti Júnior Henrique Sérgio Barros , Ferraz Isabela Neves
Published: May 2013

A temática da Educação a Distância (EAD) ganha cada vez mais espaço dentro das pesquisas na área das ciências sociais e humanas. Sendo assim, o presente trabalho se baseia na investigação de periódicos brasileiros de administração para compreender como a EAD tem sido estudada na área. Como forma de delimitar a coleta de dados, os artigos levantados para análise foram publicados em periódicos de QUALIS A2, B1 e B2, entre 2002 e 2011. Após a análise dos dados, obtidos por meio de uma leitura crítica dos artigos encontrados, podem ser feitas as seguintes constatações: há uma forte predominância de trabalhos empíricos, que por sua vez estão inseridos dentro do paradigma funcionalista; concomitantemente, há uma maior utilização da abordagem qualitativa, dentro da qual a estratégia de investigação preponderante é o estudo de caso; por fim, apura-se que a entrevista constitui-se na técnica de coleta de dados mais empregada.
Graphs of bounded variation, existence and local boundedness of non-parametric minimal surfaces in Heisenberg groups
Authors: Serra Cassano Francesco , Vittone Davide
Published: May 2013

In the setting of the sub-Riemannian Heisenberg group ℍ
n
, we introduce and study the classes of t- and intrinsic graphs of bounded variation. For both notions we prove the existence of non-parametric area-minimizing surfaces, i.e., of graphs with the least possible area among those with the same boundary. For minimal graphs we also prove a local boundedness result which is sharp at least in the case of t-graphs in ℍ1.
Isolation and bioassay screening of fungal endophytes from North Atlantic marine macroalgae
Authors: Flewelling Andrew J. , Johnson John A. , Gray Christopher A.
Published: May 2013

Endophytic fungi of marine macroalgae and the bioactive chemicals they produce have not been widely explored or documented. In this study, fungal endophytes were isolated from four species of brown, three species of red, and two species of green marine algae collected from the Shetland Islands, UK. Sixty-four distinct endophytes were isolated, 36 of which were identified to the genus or species level, with the highest diversity of isolable fungi being obtained from the green algae. Extracts of fungal tissue and spent nutrient broth were prepared from each isolate and screened for bioactivity. Antimicrobial and larvicidal assays revealed that the extracts from 24 endophytes showed antifungal activity, 25 displayed activity against Gram-positive bacteria, 20 showed activity against Gram-negative bacteria, and 11 showed larvicidal activity.
Isocyanate-treated cellulose pulp and its effect on the alkali resistance and performance of fiber cement composites
Authors: Tonoli Gustavo Henrique Denzin , Mendes Rafael F. , Siqueira Gilberto , Bras Julien , Belgacem Mohamed N. , Savastano Holmer
Published: May 2013

The impact of grafted surface of cellulose fibers on the mechanical and physical properties of fiber-cement composites (FCC) has been investigated. The grafting was performed with n-octadecyl isocyanate [i.e., with an aliphatic isocyanate (AI)], with the intention to protect the cellulose fiber from alkali degradation in the cement matrix. The chemical changes, observed by contact angle measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, showed a higher hydrophobic character of AI-treated fibers. The strength of FCC was tested during 28 days of curing treatment. The extracted AI-treated fibers contributed to higher specific energy and final specific deflection after accelerated aging cycles in comparison with the reference composites reinforced with untreated fibers. The higher values of limit of proportionality and modulus of elasticity for composites with AI-treated fibers are an evidence of the densification of the fiber-matrix transition zone. The modulus of rupture values were higher for composites with AI-treated and Soxhlet-extracted fibers after 200 soak and dry aging cycles. In comparison with the reference, AI-treated fibers decreased the water absorption and the apparent porosity of the FCC. The modification of fibers could be a new strategy to improve the performance and stability of cement products reinforced with natural fibers.
Omega-3 fatty acid for the treatment and remission of Crohn’s disease
Authors: Swan Katharine , Allen Pat J.
Published: May 2013

Abstract: This integrative literature review focused on the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for the treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD). A systematic review of studies investigating the use of omega-3 in individuals with CD was performed. OVID MEDLINE, the Cochrane Database, and CINAHL were searched for pertinent research. Experiments were limited to double-blind placebo controlled trials. Five studies observing CD relapse rates and three studies examining biochemical changes were evaluated. The studies reviewed show contradicting information regarding the efficacy of omega-3 for CD. While some studies have shown supplementation with omega-3 results in sustained remission from disease, other studies concluded no correlation between omega-3 supplementation and improved remission rates. Studies investigating biochemical variables suggest favorable changes in immunological milieu, including modifications of lipid profiles and cytokine production. The studies reviewed are adversely limited by low number of participants, short duration of study and other significant deficits. Limited data remain available and current literature indicated mixed conclusions regarding the efficacy of omega-3 for treatment of CD. Further large-scale studies of longer duration are necessary.
Phytochemical screening and toxicity studies on the methanol extract of the seeds of moringa oleifera
Authors: Ajibade Temitayo Olabisi , Arowolo Ruben , Olayemi Funsho Olakitike
Published: May 2013

Abstract: The seeds of Moringa oleifera were collected, air-dried, pulverized, and subjected to cold extraction with methanol. The methanol extract was screened phytochemically for its chemical components and used for acute and sub-acute toxicity studies in rats. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, terpenes, alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, and cardiac glycosides but the absence of anthraquinones. Although signs of acute toxicity were observed at a dose of 4,000 mg kg−
1 in the acute toxicity test, and mortality was recorded at 5,000 mg kg−
1, no adverse effect was observed at concentrations lower than 3,000 mg kg−
1. The median lethal dose of the extract in rat was 3,873 mg kg−
1. Sub-acute administration of the seed extract caused significant (p<0.05) increase in the levels of alanine and aspartate transferases (ALT and AST), and significant (p<0.05) decrease in weight of experimental rats, at 1,600 mg kg−
1. The study concludes that the extract of seeds of M. oleifera is safe both for medicinal and nutritional uses.
Aloe vera gel protects liver from oxidative stress-induced damage in experimental rat model
Authors: Nahar Taslima , Uddin Borhan , Hossain Shahdat , Sikder Abdul Mannan , Ahmed Sohel
Published: May 2013

Abstract: Aloe vera is a semi-tropical plant of Liliaceae family which has a wide range of applications in traditional medicine. In the present study, we sought to investigate the heptaoprotective potential of Aloe vera gel as a diet supplement. To achieve this goal, we have designed in vitro and in vivo experimental models of chemical-induced liver damage using male Sprague–Dawley rat. In the in vitro model, its effect was evaluated on Fenton’s reaction-induced liver lipid peroxidation. Co-incubation with gel significantly reduced the generation of liver lipid peroxide (LPO). Next, to see the similar effect in vivo, gel was orally administered to rats once daily for 21 successive days. Following 1 hour of the last administration of gel, rats were treated with intra-peritoneal injection of CCl4. Dietary gel showed significant hepatoprotection against CCl4-induced damage as evident by restoration of liver LPO, serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin towards near normal. The beneficial effects were pronounced with the doses used (400 and 800 mg/kg body weight). Besides, we did not observe any significant drop in serum albumin, globulin as well as total protein levels of gel-administered rats. Histopathology of the liver tissue further supported the biochemical findings confirming the hepatoprotective potential of dietary gel.
Use of Antihypotensive Therapies in Extremely Preterm Infants
Authors: Batton Beau , Li Lei , Newman Nancy S. , Das Abhik , Watterberg Kristi L. , Yoder Bradley A. , Faix Roger G. , Laughon Matthew M. , Stoll Barbara J. , Van Meurs Krisa P. , Carlo Waldemar A. , Poindexter Brenda B. , Bell Edward F. , Sánchez Pablo J. , Ehrenkranz Richard A. , Goldberg Ronald N. , Laptook Abbot R. , Kennedy Kathleen A. , Frantz Ivan D. , Shankaran Seetha , Schibler Kurt , Higgins Rosemary D. , Walsh Michele C. ,   for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development Neonatal Research Network
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the relationships among blood pressure (BP) values, antihypotensive therapies, and in-hospital outcomes to identify a BP threshold below which antihypotensive therapies may be beneficial.

METHODS:

Prospective observational study of infants 230/7 to 266/7 weeks’ gestational age. Hourly BP values and antihypotensive therapy use in the first 24 hours were recorded. Low BP was investigated by using 15 definitions. Outcomes were examined by using regression analysis controlling for gestational age, the number of low BP values, and illness severity.

RESULTS:

Of 367 infants enrolled, 203 (55%) received at least 1 antihypotensive therapy. Treated infants were more likely to have low BP by any definition (P < .001), but for the 15 definitions of low BP investigated, therapy was not prescribed to 3% to 49% of infants with low BP and, paradoxically, was administered to 28% to 41% of infants without low BP. Treated infants were more likely than untreated infants to develop severe retinopathy of prematurity (15% vs 8%, P = .03) or severe intraventricular hemorrhage (22% vs 11%, P < .01) and less likely to survive (67% vs 78%, P = .02). However, with regression analysis, there were no significant differences between groups in survival or in-hospital morbidity rates.

CONCLUSIONS:

Factors other than BP contributed to the decision to use antihypotensive therapies. Infant outcomes were not improved with antihypotensive therapy for any of the 15 definitions of low BP investigated.
Farm practices for food safety: an emerging threat to floodplain and riparian ecosystems
Authors: Gennet Sasha , Howard Jeanette , Langholz Jeff , Andrews Kathryn , Reynolds Mark D , Morrison Scott A
Published: May 2013

Floodplain and riparian ecosystems are noteworthy for their biodiversity conservation value as well as for their widespread conversion to agriculture. Recent evidence indicates that the conversion of remaining habitat may be accelerating because of a new threat: on‐farm practices meant to promote food safety. Nationwide, US fruit and vegetable farmers report being pressured by commercial produce buyers to engage in land‐use practices that are not conducive to wildlife and habitat conservation, in a scientifically questionable attempt to reduce food‐borne illness risk. We measured the extent of impacts from some of these practices in a leading produce‐growing region of California. Over a 5‐year period following an outbreak of toxic Escherichia coli from spinach, a crop grown extensively in the region, 13.3% of remaining riparian habitat was eliminated or degraded. If these practices were implemented statewide, across all crops, up to 40% of riparian habitat and 45% of wetlands in some counties would be affected. This study highlights the importance of managing farms for both food safety and ecological health through the use of an evidence‐based, adaptive management approach. Ongoing biodiversity loss and global integration of the food supply make these findings relevant wherever produce is grown.
The Japanese Model of Knowledge Management
Authors: Gierszewska Grażyna
Published: May 2013

The effectiveness of Japanese management methodologies is making them increasingly popular with business organisations all over the world. This paper aims to present one of the least known knowledge management theories: the knowledge creation model by I. Nonaka and H. Takeuchi. In their approach to the theory of organisational learning and knowledge creation, Nonaka and Takeuchi propose a categorisation of knowledge into tacit and explicit (formal) knowledge and explore the relationships between knowledge production, transfer and application; they also address the issue of applying existing and creating new knowledge. Presented SECI model captures the conversion of tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge in four steps: Socialisation, Externalisation, Combination and Internalisation. The paper examines case studies that illustrate the practical application of the processes.
What is Innovativeness: Literature Review
Authors: Nasierowski Wojciech , Arcelus Francisco J.
Published: May 2013

For decades what has been heated are debates on topics such as: which country is the most competitive? What is the best country to live in?. However, it may be disputable whether results of these debates have practical outcomes. It is arguable whether is it clear what constructs are in fact discussed, how to measure their level, and how to draw conclusions from such studies. This paper addresses aspects relevant to innovativeness - interpretation, measurement, accuracy and practicality. This paper shows that despite of very abundant literature on the subject, the prime tangible effect deals with various rankings of countries for public relations purpose rather than it provides a policy setting directions.
Cloud Business Intelligence for Smes Consortium
Authors: Rostek Katarzyna , Wiśniewski Michał , Kucharska Agnieszka
Published: May 2013

Business Intelligence technology for over 20 years is the market leader in analytical processing of data. As numerous market researches demonstrate Business Intelligence has substantial affect on global competitiveness of enterprises and on the stability of their position in the market, which is particularly important in times of economic downturn. Although main users of this technology are large companies and corporations, software vendors are still looking for solutions that are also available for the SME (Small and Middle Enterprises) sector and non-profit enterprises. One option available recently is possibility to use Cloud Computing environment. The article considers the opportunities and risks posed by the organization of Cloud Business Intelligence system on the example of using it in SME sector.
Sustainable Marketing - a new Era in the Responsible Marketing Development
Authors: Seretny Marek , Seretny Aleksandra
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this paper is to draw to the attention of those involved in marketing - scientists, educators, researchers, marketers, and professionals dealing with the implementation of marketing processes - the responsibility which rests upon them in the face of rapid social change worldwide through increasing global economic turbulence, a continuously widening gap between rich and poor societies as well as the galloping degradation of the natural environment. The paper is a critical analysis and literature review of marketing covering recent studies on marketing issues in relation to the concept of sustainability. Faced with increasing criticisms of a one-dimensional profit driven approach, the marketing concept requires rebranding to address issues of sustainability. Intense strategic discussion is required concerning the need to change attitudes that promote and implement modern marketing, starting from changes in the consumption model through the creation of commercial proposals, which will positively shape the future of both market exchange and social life. Moreover, it is postulated that marketers present to consumers an attitude of active and responsible management, as well as openness and honesty in market communication. The article introduces discussion on sustainable marketing and its fundamental importance in the development of marketing theory in Poland; taking into account current debates voiced in Poland - often based on imprecise interpretation of the marketing process. There exists therefore, a need for a thorough analysis and standardisation of understanding marketing theory and consequently the introduction of new concepts and new practices into the marketing process.
Human Performance Improvement in the Health Care Organizations. Results of Empirical Study in Poland
Authors: Szczepańska Katarzyna , Wiśniewska Małgorzata
Published: May 2013

Human Performance Improvement (HPI) as well as human aspects in Quality Management (QM) has received strong attention from researches. Many studies investigate the level of health care services and their main determinants. This paper seeks the relationships between the concepts of HPI and QM. The aims are to present the HPI practices on the example of EFQM Business Excellence Model criteria. HPI criteria were measured by EFQM model in Health Care Organizations (HCO) in Poland with use of case study methodology conducted on the basis of self-assessment reports documentation. The study included all HCO which are Polish Quality Award winners in the years 2005-2010. Studied HCO belonged to public sector. Results of study: (1) showed that the rules of HPI apply to all criteria of the EFQM model in Human Resources Management range, (2) justified the role and importance of HPI in the evaluation QM in HCO. The use of the EFQM model to assessment of the quality level of HCO is helpful for implementation of aimed improvement. Building QM awareness contributes to HCO creation of the need for management mechanisms and the development of medical service personnel function which is related to HPI.
Was the STAD programme really that successful?
Authors: Norström Thor , Trolldal Björn
Published: May 2013

Aim

A community intervention programme STAD was launched in Stockholm in January 1998, which included training in responsible beverage service and stricter enforcement of existing alcohol laws. An evaluation suggested that during the first 33 months of the programme, the level of police-recorded violence dropped by a striking 29%. We propose to probe the robustness of this estimate, which is often cited as evidence of the effectiveness of these kinds of intervention. In this paper, we reanalyse the underlying data by applying alternative model specifications.

Data and Methods

We reanalysed the original data on police-recorded violence from January 1994 to September 2000 by autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) modelling. We estimated models based on raw data and seasonally differenced data; we also varied the definition of control area and applied the statistical technique of difference-in-differences modelling.

Results

The estimated intervention effects from these model specifications were all strongly significant statistically, ranging between 21% and 32%.

Conclusion

Estimates based on a variety of model specifications were generally somewhat lower than those previously reported. However, the new estimates were all strongly statistically significant and fairly uniform with regard to effect size, which suggests that the findings of a substantial impact of the STAD programme are indeed quite robust.
Phonetics Learning Anxiety – Results of a Preliminary Study
Authors: Baran-Łucarz Małgorzata
Published: May 2013

The main aim of this paper is to verify the assumption that pronunciation learning during a course of phonetics is hindered by the feeling of anxiety (Phonetics Learning Anxiety) experienced by foreign language (FL) learners studying English as their major at universities or colleges. A study carried out among 32 students of the School of English at Wroclaw University (Poland) revealed a significant negative correlation of moderate strength between the subjects’ level of Phonetics Learning Anxiety (PhLA) and their attainments on pronunciation tests (sentence, passage and word reading) conducted after a 45-hour (30x90-minute lessons) course of practical phonetics. The detrimental effect of PhLA on pronunciation learning was further supported by t-tests, in which the pronunciation of high anxiety subjects was found to be at a significantly lower level than that of low anxiety students. The Phonetics Learning Anxiety Scale, a 44-item questionnaire based on a 6-point Likert scale, designed for the purpose of the research sheds light on the nature of this peculiar type of apprehension experienced by advanced FL learners in a specific educational context (i.e. a traditional classroom, rather than a language or computer laboratory), in which the major focus is on pronunciation practice. The obtained quantitative data imply that such factors as fear of negative evaluation (represented by general oral performance apprehension and concern over pronunciation mistakes, pronunciation self-image, pronunciation self-efficacy and self-assessment) and beliefs about the nature of FL pronunciation learning are significant sources of PhLA. Anxiety about the transcription test (IPA Test Anxiety) - one of the other hypothetical determinants of PhLA - did not prove to be correlated with the general level of Phonetics Learning Anxiety.