68 research outputs found
Antibacterial, antioxidant activity and chemical composition of some medicinal plants from Albania.
No full textThe antibacterial activity of six Albanian plants were studied. Essential oils of: Juniperus communis, Laurus nobilis, Lavandula angustifolia, Myrtus communis, Origanum vulgare and Salvia officinalis were tested in-vitro against three selected Gram negative and Gram positive microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 and Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, by the agar diffusion method.
The essential oil of oregano demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity, against Staphylococcus aureus, followed by Lavandula angustifolia and Juniperus communis essential oils. Essential oil of oregano demonstrated the highest antimicrobial activity, against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. P.aeruginosa was resistant against all investigated essential oils except Origanum vulgare. The essential oil of oregano demonstrated the highest antimicrobial activity, against Escherichia coli, followed by Salvia officinalis.
The essential oils of Origanum vulgare, from three different locations in Albania, were chemically characterized by GC/FID. Carvacrol was the main component. The second major constituent was thymol and the third one was p-cymene. The other main constituents were caryophyllene, limonene and γ-terpinene.
A rapid evaluation for antioxidants of Origanum vulgare essential oil, using TLC screening methods, showed that carvacrol and thymol and other component have interesting radical scavenging property
A Cholinergic Synaptically Triggered Event Participates in the Generation of Persistent Activity Necessary for Eye Fixation
No full textAn exciting topic regarding integrative properties of the nervous system is how transient motor commands or brief sensory stimuli are able to evoke persistent neuronal changes, mainly as a sustained, tonic action potential firing. A persisting firing seems to be necessary for postural maintenance after a previous movement. We have studied in vitro and in vivo the generation of the persistent neuronal activity responsible for eye fixation after spontaneous eye movements. Rat sagittal brainstem slices were used for the intracellular recording of prepositus hypoglossi (PH) neurons and their synaptic activation from nearby paramedian pontine reticular formation (PPRF) neurons. Single electrical pulses applied to the PPRF showed a monosynaptic glutamatergic projection on PH neurons, acting on AMPA-kainate receptors. Train stimulation of the PPRF area evoked a sustained depolarization of PH neurons exceeding (by hundreds of milliseconds) stimulus duration. Both duration and amplitude of this sustained depolarization were linearly related to train frequency. The train-evoked sustained depolarization was the result of interaction between glutamatergic excitatory burst neurons and cholinergic mesopontine reticular fibers projecting onto PH neurons, because it was prevented by slice superfusion with cholinergic antagonists and mimicked by cholinergic agonists. As expected, microinjections of cholinergic antagonists in the PH nucleus of alert behaving cats evoked a gaze-holding deficit consisting of a re-centering drift of the eye after each saccade. These findings suggest that a slow, cholinergic, synaptically triggered event participates in the generation of persistent activity characteristic of PH neurons carrying eye position signals
Akamaro k’Indirimbo mu Gutoza Kuvuga Neza no Kunguka Amuga mu Rubumbambaga Nyarwanda: Urungano n’Igipimo cy’Urukundo za Rugamba Cyprien
No full text“Akamaro k’indirimbo mu gutoza kuvuga neza no kunguka amagambo mu rubumbabaga nyarwanda: Urungano n’igipimo cy’urukundo za Rugamba Cyprien” (The Impact of Songs in Teaching the Art of Speaking Well and Acquiring Vocabulary in Rwandan Society: Urungano and igipimo cy’urukundo by Rugamba Cyprien) is a study guided by the general objective of evaluating the contribution of songs in teaching effective public speaking and enriching vocabulary within the Rwandan community. To achieve the set objectives, we selected two literary works by Rugamba Cyprien: Urungano and igipimo cy’urukundo. The methodology used to analyze these works was based on a literary criticism approach known as ijoranyandiko. Following the selection of the case studies, we applied different methods—namely umunozo, ikeshamvugo, isesengurangingo, and isesengurantego—to support our literary analysis and help us reach our goals. Through the analysis, we found that these songs promote values such as love, peace, and harmonious living within Rwandan society. The results of our study confirmed that the objectives were successfully met. Indeed, Rugamba Cyprien significantly contributed to fostering a culture of love, peace, and tolerance among Rwandans. This is clearly reflected in both songs, where the author emphasizes that love is fundamental to human relationships. One of the recommendations drawn from our findings is that students should form clubs dedicated to promoting Cyprien Rugamba’s literary works within Rwandan society
Analysis of the constraint relation between ground and self-adaptive mobile mechanism of a transformable wheel-track robot
No full textTo maneuver in unstructured terrains where the ground might be soft, hard, flat or rough, a transformable wheel-track robot (NEZA-I) with a self-adaptive mobile mechanism is proposed and developed. The robot consists of a control system unit, two symmetric transformable wheel-track (TWT) units, and a rear-wheel unit. The TWT unit is the main mobile mechanism for the NEZA-I robot, with the rear-wheel unit acting as an assistant mechanism. Driven only by one servomotor, each TWT unit can efficiently select between track mode and wheel mode for optimal locomotion, autonomously switching locomotion mode and track configuration with changes in the terrain. In this paper, the mechanism structure, the self-adaptive drive system, the locomotion mode and posture of the NEZA-I robot are presented, the kinematic relation of the inside parts of the TWT unit is analysed, and the mathematic model of the constraint relation between the mobile mechanism and the ground, abbreviated to "MGCR model" is set up for the NEZA-I robot to go through some typical unstructured environments. The mechanism parameters, which influence the self-adaptability of the NEZA-I robot, are found and optimized. Basic experiments show that the mobile mechanism has the self-adaptability to navigate in unstructured terrains and has superior obstacle-negotiating performance, and that the MGCR model and the analysis method of mechanism parameters are reasonable. From a mechanism point of view, it can provide an idea for research on the adaptive control of the robot
Development of a Transformable Wheel-track Robot with Self-adaptive Ability
No full text针对非结构环境中路面软硬相间、平坦与崎岖并存的地形特征,提出并研制出一种对非结构环境具有自适应能力的轮-履复合变形移动机器人(NEZA-I).NEZA-I由控制系统单元、尾轮单元和两个相同的可变形轮-履复合(Transformable wheel-track,TWT)移动模块组成.每个TWT模块能够在一个驱动力的作用下以轮式和履带式两种运动模式在复杂路面上运动,也能根据地面约束力而改变运动模式(即"轮式-履带式互换")和调整运动姿态(即"改变履带几何形状").本文旨在介绍NEZA-I机器人的基本结构、驱动系统原理、运动模式及姿态,分析TWT模块内部构件之间运动关系,建立NEZA-I在一些典型的运动情形下移动机构与地面之间的约束关系的数学模型,探究TWT模块内部机构参数对机器人环境自适应性能的影响,优化机构参数.实验表明:NEZA-I移动机构平台具有较强的环境自适应性和越障性能,机构参数的优化结果是合理的,所建立的相关数学模型及参数的分析方法是正确的.同时也验证了NEZA-I自适应移动机构平台概念的可行性,从机构学的角度为机器人环境自适应性的研究提供一个思路
Neuroectodermal elements are part of the morphological spectrum of DICER1-associated neoplasms
No full textMany sarcomas with DICER1 pathogenic variants (PVs) exhibit a characteristic morphology, including a subepithelial layer of malignant mesenchymal cells, areas of rhabdomyoblastic differentiation and cartilaginous and/or osseous elements. We report 5 DICER1-associated neoplasms (1 moderately to poorly differentiated Sertoli Leydig cell tumour and 4 sarcomas) containing variable amounts of neuroectodermal elements. The neoplasms predominantly involved or were in close proximity to the female genital tract (ovary, uterine corpus, abdominal and pelvic cavity) and occurred in females aged 14 months to 54 years. The neuroectodermal elements were characterised by solid and tubular/rosette-like patterns and variable immunoreactivity with SALL4 and neuroendocrine markers. In some cases, the neuroectodermal component was focal while in others it was exclusive. In one case, the focal neuroectodermal component within an ovarian Sertoli Leydig cell tumour resulted in extraovarian metastasis. In reporting these cases, we suggest that neuroectodermal elements, including pure neuroectodermal tumours, are part of the morphological spectrum of DICER1-associated neoplasms. It is important that pathologists recognize that a neuroectodermal component (often admixed with other elements) may be a feature of such neoplasms. This will facilitate appropriate tumour and/or germline testing which could lead to the identification of germline DICER1 PVs (DICER1 syndrome). Three of the patients we report were subsequently shown to have a germline DICER1 PV
Cooperative Glutamatergic and Cholinergic Mechanisms Generate Short-Term Modifications of Synaptic Effectiveness in Prepositus Hypoglossi Neurons
No full textTo maintain horizontal eye position on a visual target after a saccade, extraocular motoneurons need a persistent (tonic) neural activity, called "eye-position signal," generated by prepositus hypoglossi (PH) neurons. We have shown previously in vitro and in vivo that this neural activity depends, among others mechanisms, on the interplay of glutamatergic transmission and cholinergic synaptically triggered depolarization. Here, we used rat sagittal brainstem slices, including PH nucleus and paramedian pontine reticular formation (PPRF). We made intracellular recordings of PH neurons and studied their synaptic activation from PPRF neurons. Train stimulation of the PPRF area evoked a cholinergic-sustained depolarization of PH neurons that outlasted the stimulus. EPSPs evoked in PH neurons by single pulses applied to the PPRF presented a short-term potentiation (STP) after train stimulation. APV (an NMDA-receptor blocker) or chelerythrine (a protein kinase-C inhibitor) had no effect on the sustained depolarization, but they did block the evoked STP, whereas pirenzepine (an M1 muscarinic antagonist) blocked both the sustained depolarization and the STP of PH neurons. Thus, electrical stimulation of the PPRF area activates both glutamatergic and cholinergic axons terminating in the PH nucleus, the latter producing a sustained depolarization probably involved in the genesis of the persistent neural activity required for eye fixation. M1-receptor activation seems to evoke a STP of PH neurons via NMDA receptors. Such STP could be needed for the stabilization of the neural network involved in the generation of position signals necessary for eye fixation after a saccade
Management implications of new business models in the written media (print&online)
No full textMethodology: The paper is based on empirical research on some media companies print and online in Albania. The research includes interviews, literature on the field, observations in the market by author and some media measurements companies in Tirana; time of searching: January-April 2014; media selected: broadsheet newspapers&online, Panorama, Shqiptarja.com, Shqip. Some of the main results of the research are: a. The business model of written media is transforming. - Supplier model of content: content is provided free of charge through social media and other browsers aside from traditional model through purchase or creation by reporters. -Preparation, selection and packaging of content has been improved continuously. There are ongoing preparations and publication of content, its selection is adapted for different distribution channels accessible by customers through various communication tools. -The distribution channels are transformed. Print product still stands as one of the most important package, but there is the progressive substitution of single copy distribution market with the Internet. b. Revenue models: -Freemium model has failed. There are not in filed any case of profit by content selling. -Single copy sales and subscriptions and advertising model in print are reinforced with advertising online model. - Some of the print media have decrease printing costs as a result of increased revenue through increasing of selling online advertisings. c. News room was adapted to accomplish the new distribution channels of content. Strength of customer access to content through comments, share and like. Open journalism is in field, also. The above topic belongs to researches related to the forth axis of ICCMS: Albanian media between traditional and new media. It is supposed thee “The analysis through Economics of the daily newspaper industry” represents a contribution to improving the management methods of the written media adapted with new media business models
THE INFLUENCE OF THE GREEN CAMPUS PROGRAM ON STUDENTS' ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY BEHAVIOR
No full textKeywords:
Eco-Friendly
Behavior, Green
Campus,
Sustainability
*Corresponding Author
This study examines the impact of the green campus program at
higher education institutions on students' environmentally friendly
behavior and its contribution to sustainable development on campus
and in surrounding communities. The green campus initiative
addresses global environmental concerns by promoting responsible
policies and behaviors. A quantitative approach was used, with data
analysis conducted using Orange Data Mining software. The sample
comprised 500 respondents from various study programs at the
Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, including environmental
ambassador students at the State Islamic University of Raden Intan
Lampung. Results showed positive perceptions of waste
management facilities (mean = 4.04; SD = 0.9) and environmentally
friendly transportation (mean = 3.68; SD = 1.03). However, pro
environmental behavior remained uneven, influenced by personal
and institutional factors. The study recommends enhancing
environmental education and support facilities to improve the
program’s effectiveness. These findings offer strategic insights for
other institutions implementing green campus initiatives
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