bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EVALUATION OF TOTAL PHENOLS, TOTAL FLAVONOIDS, ANTIOXIDANT, AND ANTICANCER ACTIVITY OF MUCUNA PRURIENS SEED
Authors: K Kavitha
Published: March 2018

Objective: In recent years, herbal plants have been got more attention due to their diverse presence of phytochemicals and its biological properties. Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the major worldwide problems primarily caused by hepatitis B and C virus infection. End-stage liver cancer treatment options are limited, thus requiring expensive liver transplantation which is not available in many countries.Methods: In the present study, the Mucuna pruriens seed extract was analyzed for phytochemicals, antioxidant activity, total phenols, and total flavonoids content. The seed extract was further analyzed for its anticancer activity by culturing liver cancer cell line. The above protocols were done by standard methods.Results: The seed extract of M. pruriens revealed more number of phytochemicals in different organic solvents. 1,1- Diphenyl- 2- picrylhydrozyl scavenging activity of plant extract was more in ethanol extract (98.051±0.547) among all other solvents. The total phenols and flavonoids content in ethanol extract were 46.442±0.353 mg gallic acid equivalent/g and 2.254±0.647 mg - quercetin equivalent /g, respectively. IC50 value of 3-(4, 5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) analysis of Hep-2 cell line was 150 (μg/ml).Conclusion: The present study revealed about the phytochemical contents and antioxidant potential of M. pruriens seeds. Further, the MTT analysis proved that the seed extract was effective against cancer cells and also used to treat many diseases.
INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SERUM PENTRAXIN3 LEVEL AND ANGIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN PATIENTS WITH CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY
Authors: Heybar Habib , Assareh Ahmadreza , Jalali Sommayeh
Published: March 2018

Objective: Pentraxin3 (PTX3) is an inflammatory single-phase mononuclear polysorbate glycoprotein, synthesized by endothelial, macrophages, and mildew cells; based on reports and research findings, it is also believed to be synthesized in the tissue of atherosclerotic lesions of arterial arteries. Therefore, PTX3 can be considered as a more specific marker for atherosclerosis. The present study examines the relationship between PTX3 serum levels and coronary angiography findings.Methods: A total of 100 patients with stable cardiac status under elective coronary angiography were studied. Meanwhile, serum levels of PTX3 were measured, along with coronary angiography, in these patients. Finally, the relationship between the serum level of this marker and the severity of the angiographic findings of these individuals was compared and contrasted.Results: out of 100 patients examined in the present study, 57 subjects (57.6%) were male and 42 subjects (42.4%) were female. The mean age of participants turned out to be 53±9.16, and the mean serum level of PTX3 was 5.91±12.5. The mean serum level of PTX3 turned out to be lower in patients with normal angiography than in those with coronary artery disease (p<0.0001). Smoking and age did not affect the mean serum levels of this marker. Furthermore, a higher serum level of PTX3 was associated with a higher syntax score in the angiography (p<0.0001).Conclusion: Serum levels of PTX3 can have a predictive value in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease in patients with stable cardiovascular symptoms.
A STUDY ON EPIPHYTIC LICHENS FROM PRUNUS PERSICA
Authors: K Ramya , T Thirunalasundari
Published: March 2018

Objective: The objective of this study is to explore and identify the epiphytic lichens on the tree bark of Prunus persica from Kodaikanal area and analyze its phytochemical properties.Methods: Samples were collected from Kodaikanal area, identified by morphological and chemical constituents. Macromolecules present were quantified by DNS method, Lowry’s method, and lipid tests. The secondary metabolites present were analyzed by standard phytochemical tests and thin-layer chromatography.Results and Conclusion: It was interesting to observe that species belonging to the lichen genera - Parmotrema, Ramalina, and Usnea dominated the area. The samples have been identified and deposited in LWG herbarium, NBRI, Lucknow. As lichens form an ideal model to study the humongous secondary metabolites present in it, a preliminary investigation was performed to understand the nutritive value as well as phytochemicals present in the lichens. The results indicate that these organisms can be of potential medicinal value with Ramalina and Usnea species contributing good amount of macronutrients present in them, while qualitative analysis of phytochemicals reports all the lichens for enormous metabolites.
RENIN SINGLE-NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISM (rs5705) IN HEALTHY INDIAN POPULATION
Authors: Varakantham Varsha , Venkata Manjula , Bharatraj Dinesh Kumar
Published: March 2018

Objective: Renin gene (REN) polymorphisms are studied to understand its association with different diseases such as hypertension. The genetic variants have different frequencies in various populations. Therefore, we have established normal frequencies of rs5705 variants in healthy Indian population.Methods: The genotype and allele frequencies of rs5705 were determined in 324 healthy Indian population using real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results: Our study showed 91.7% T allele or TT genotype and 8.3% G allele or TG genotype. It is interesting to note that the minor allele (G) is found only in the form of heterozygous TG condition and the homozygous form GG was absent. These frequencies were compared with different populations.Conclusions: The significant variations found between our population and others confirm interethnic variations. Future studies may use our established genotype frequencies of rs5705 to understand the risk of diseases such as hypertension.
SALIVARY SECRETORY IMMUNOGLOBULIN A LEVEL OF CHILDREN WITH ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA IN MAINTENANCE PHASE
Authors: Rani Danar Pradipta , Budiardjo Sarworini B , Suharsini Margaretha
Published: March 2018

Objective: The objective of this research is to investigate the differences in salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels between children with gingivitis who have acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and are in the maintenance phase of chemotherapy and the levels in healthy children with gingivitis.Methods: This study used cross-sectional and laboratory observation methods with 19 ALL children and 19 healthy children who all had mild gingivitis. Two mL of saliva were collected and stored at −200°C. Then, salivary sIgA levels were measured using the ELISA method.Results: The results indicate an insignificant difference (p>0.05) in salivary sIgA levels between the ALL children in the maintenance phase with the level of 21.38 (7.23–107.26) and 37.26 (11.24–135.63) for the healthy children.Conclusion: There is no significant difference in salivary sIgA levels between the ALL children in the maintenance phase and the healthy children.
CHRONIC UNPREDICTABLE STRESS-INDUCED BEHAVIORAL AND ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL ALTERATIONS AND ITS AMELIORATIVE EFFECT BY MYRICETIN MICROEMULSION
Authors: G Sakthivel , Karunya M Deva , P Prajisha , Cs Keerthipriya , R Ravindran
Published: March 2018

Objective: The present study is designed to investigate the effects of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) on electrophysiological and behavioral alterations in male Wistar albino rats and its ameliorating effect by myricetin-microemulsion (MYR-ME).Materials and Methods: Adult Wistar male albino rats were exposed to CUS for 21 days and treated with MYR-ME (10 mg/kg) for 21 days by oral administration. All the experimental animals were tested for anxiety and cognitive behavior by open-field behavior, light/dark test, eight-arm radial maze, spontaneous alteration T-maze, novel object recognition test, plasma corticosterone level, and electrophysiological activity.Results: The rats which were exposed to CUS showed memory impairment, increased anxiety, decreased novel explorations, deleterious effect on decision-making, increased corticosterone level, increased brain wave frequency and amplitude, and also heart rate. Whereas, CUS with MYR-ME-treated group showed a protective effect against CUS-induced behavioral alterations, electrophysiological activity, and corticosterone levels, which is characterized by the enhancement of cognitive function, decreased anxiety and improved decision-making, novel exploration, decreased corticosterone, and electrophysiological activity.Conclusion: From the present study, it is shown that MYR-ME may act as a potential anxiolytic and nootropic compound against CUS-induced alterations.
ASSESSMENT OF INHALERS TECHNIQUE PROPER USE FOR PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC RESPIRATORY DISEASES IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CLINICS IN BABYLON CITY
Authors: Shammer Noor Hassan , Salih Baay Ali
Published: March 2018

Objective: Although the inhalers are the preferred method of medications delivery, evidences suggest that many patients are unable to use their inhalers effectively due to improper technique so patients must know the right way of their inhaler use. The aim of the study is to assess the patient’s ability to use their inhalers properly, identify the most common error made, assess the benefit of single education session, compare the property of the use between the primary and secondary clinics patients, determine which type of the inhaler devices is associated with more errors, and to identify the association between the inhaler technique and the disease control.Methods: Non-randomized interventional study was done on 100 inhaler users of three inhaler types (metered-dose inhaler [p MDI], Turbuhaler, or Handihaler) for chronic respiratory diseases. Inhaler technique was evaluated by a scoring system before and after single session of training.Results: It had been shown that the current education about inhalers techniques was not sufficient. The response to single session of education was higher with high level of education, urban area, and specialized respiratory center. Better disease control with the better score. After training, the younger patients have higher score.Conclusion: We conclude that we need to stress on the most reported defect, metered-dose inhaler had the lowest mean score; therefore, it needs more training. Furthermore, single class of training can be beneficial but need follow-up to see if this effect can be maintained.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SEVERITY OF ILLNESS IN PATIENTS WITH DENGUE FEVER IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN SOUTHERN INDIA
Authors: Pereira Melissa Sherrel , Udyavara Kudru Chandrashekar , Nair Sreedharan , Thunga Girish , Kunhikatta Vijayanarayana , Guddattu Vasudeva
Published: March 2018

Objective: Denguefeveris one of the important tropical disease of public health significance caused by flavivirus. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Identification of factors associated with severity of dengue can improve the prognosis of the disease.This study tried toassess the factors associated with severity of dengue.Methods: A record based study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital setting in southern India. A total of 550 case files were reviewed to ascertain demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters among confirmed cases of dengue. The severity of dengue was categorized using WHO 2009 classification.Results: Of 550 records reviewed, 449 (81.6%) were classified as non-severe dengue and 101 (18.4%) as severe dengue. Factors associated with severe dengue on univariate analysis were: gender, backache, skin rash, nausea and vomiting, abdominal distension, haemorrhage, breathlessness, oliguria, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, ascites, leukopenia, hypoproteinemia, and elevated serum alanine transaminase (ALT) >63 IU/L.On multivariate analysis,haemorrhage (OR=11.75, 95%; CI=6.38-21.62), oliguria (OR=4.01, 95%; CI=1.32-12.15), ascites (OR=2.68, 95%; CI=1.19-6.01), ALT>63 IU/L (OR=1.77, 95%; CI=1.01-3.1) and hypoproteinemia (OR=5.57, 95%; CI=2.82-10.98) were found to have significant association with the development of severe dengue.Conclusion: This study indicates thatwhen dengue patients present with bleeding episodes, ascites, oliguria,raised ALT and low serum protein levels, clinicians should be alert to the appearance of severe complications. Early identification of these factors will help clinicians to recognise the severity of dengue illness and enable them to implement appropriate interventions.
BERRIES SUPPLEMENTATION MODULATES BODY WEIGHT AND METABOLIC DETERIORATIONS IN OBESE RATS
Authors: K El Baz Farouk , Aly Hanan F , Abd-alla Howaida I
Published: March 2018

Objective: The aim of the present work is to investigate the potential of purple (Morus rubra [MR]) and white (Morus alba [MA]) berry supplementation to modulate body weight (BW) and metabolic deteriorations in obese Wistar male rats.Methods: Seventy rats weighing 150.00±10 g (mean±standard deviation) were used; the rats were randomly divided into seven groups of 10 rats each. Obesity was induced by feeding animals high-fat diet (HFD), for 6 consecutive weeks then treated with the purple (MR) and white (MA) berry ethanol extracts for 6 weeks in a dose 300 mg/Kg BW. BW gain, food intake fecal fat content, food consumptions were determined. The fats and organs such as liver, kidney, and heart were also weighed. Lipid profiles included triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as liverenzymes; alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GGT), and leptin were also determined.Results: Treatment of obese rats with white and purple berries showed significant reduction in BW reached to 23.68% with MR and 21.19% with MA berries compared to Orlistat (31.16%). Liver weight, visceral fat, and liver enzyme activities were also markedly ameliorated. In addition, lipid profile biomarkers were improved on treated obese rats with both Morus species. In addition, increase in fecal fat (250.73% and 256.25%, for MR and MA, respectively) was noticed while blood glucose, insulin, leptin levels, and pancreatic lipase activity was improved. In addition, supplementing obese rats with both Morus species extract significantly increase food intake reached 33.33% and 36.66%, for MR and MA, respectively.Conclusion: The ameliorating effect of both Morus extracts may be attributed to polyphenolic rich compounds which have antioxidant properties, suppressed lipid synthesis in hepatic tissue and inhibited pancreatic lipase activity which consequently recommended using as a promising anti-obesity agents.
DESIGN AND STATISTICAL OPTIMIZATION OF A BILAYERED TABLET OF METOPROLOL SUCCINATE SUSTAINED RELEASE AND ATORVASTATIN CALCIUM IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ONCE A DAY FORMULATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTENSION
Authors: Dighe Pearl Pires , Hm Tank
Published: March 2018

Objective: The current study involves the fabrication of oral bilayer matrix designs of a combination of two drugs, metoprolol succinate and atorvastatin calcium, the optimization of their in vitro release and characterization using the design expert software. Metoprolol succinate, a β1- selective adrenergic receptor blocking agent, is used in the management of hypertension has a half-life of approximately 4–5 h; thus, there is the need to use extended-release formulation for prolonged action. Atorvastatin is a hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, an antilipidemic, used to lower blood cholesterol. The rationale for this fixed-dose combination is to coadminister two drugs acting by different mechanisms of action together, reduce dosing frequency, and increase patient compliance.Methods: A 32 factorial design was selected to analyze the effect of critical factors, polymer concentration of Kollidon sustained release (SR), and Eudragit RS and their interaction on the in vitro release of the SR part containing metoprolol succinate. The drug release at 2 h (Q2), 8 h (Q8), and 20 h (Q20) was taken as responses. The blends of both layers were prepared, evaluated for precompression characteristics, and compressed by direct compression. The compressed bilayer tablets were evaluated for their hardness, weight variation, friability, content uniformity, diameter, and in vitro release.Result and Conclusion: The release profile indicates Higuchi’s kinetics. Contour and surface response plots show significant interaction among the formulation variables. Formulation MS06 containing 70 mg Kollidon SR and 10 mg Eurdragit RS was found to be the optimized formulation, controlling the drug release for a 24 h period.
ANTI-ULCER ACTIVITY OF AFRICAN LEAVES (VERNONIA AMYGDALINA DEL.) ETHANOL EXTRACT ON MALE RAT
Authors: Wahyudi Wahyudi , Suwarso Edy , Nainggolan Marline
Published: March 2018

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the anti-ulcer activity of African leaves (Vernonia amygdalina Del.) ethanol extract on male rat.Methods: African leaf powder was extracted used ethanol 96% by percolation, then made into a suspension preparation used 0.5% Na-CMC with 3 dose variations (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg). Further tested its effectiveness in healing peptic ulcer in gastric-induced rats using acetosal dose 800 mg/kg with oral administration every day until surgery at 3, 8, and 14. Observations include macroscopic (number and index of ulcer) and microscopic (histopathological test).Results: A significant healing of ulcer was observed. The extract 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg group showed significant (p<0.05) reduction in number and index of ulcer as compared to the negative control. The most effective dose is 200 mg/kg because it has the greatest ability to reduce the number and index of ulcers and has the fastest recovery day.Conclusion: Results of this study indicated that African leaves (V. amygdalina Del.) ethanol extract has potential anti-ulcer activity.
HOSPITAL DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT: THE CASE OF URMIA HOSPITALS
Authors: Faghisolouk Farshad , Khani Jazani Reza , Sohrabizadeh Sanaz
Published: March 2018

Objective: This study has been conducted with the aim of assessing the risk management category and its status in hospital from the perspective of senior managers in Urmia hospitals considering the existing scientific gap and the importance of the issue for the health system and society.Methods: This cross-sectional research was conducted in all 12 hospitals in Urmia. Participants in the research included 37 senior hospital managers. Data gathering instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire with Likert scale. Content validity and reliability of the tool (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient) have been also measured in a similar study. This tool has been designed in two parts: Demographic specifications and items (44 questions). Kolmogorov-Smirnov, ANOVA one-way, independent t-test, and Spearman tests were used in SPSS 20 software for statistical analysis.Results: The average of total score of all risk management components was equal to 3.0445, which is in moderate level. According to ANOVA one-way test, there was no significant relationship between the organizational status of managers and their education level with any of the risk management components. Furthermore, it was specified using independent t-test, there is no statistically significant relationship between gender and risk management components. It was specified using Pearson correlation test; there is a statistically significant relationship between gender and education level as well as individual’s organizational status (p-value: 0.001).Conclusion: Studied hospitals have suffered from the lack of risk management. There is not enough knowledge in this regard among senior hospital managers, and therefore, due to the importance of this issue, needed policies and programs should be provided to all hospital managers and needed supporting and education should be provided in regard to the implementation of risk management measures.
BLACK TURMERIC DATABASE: A DATABASE OF NATURAL COMPOUNDS FROM CURCUMA CAESIA ROXB.
Authors: S Mukunthan K , B Balaji , Tn Patrl
Published: March 2018

Objective: Most species have their trademark metabolites or a class of chemicals that are generally disseminated inside the genus variety. Secondary metabolites from the black turmeric are predominantly camphor, terpenes, lactones, alkaloids, and phenols classification. A database was constructed with the predicted absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, and toxicity, druglikeliness, and physiochemical properties of the exclusive black turmeric 103 compounds. Methods: The interface has been designed using Microsoft Structured Query Language platform, keeping in mind the ease of use for a researcher. To support this, the entire set of chemicals and their properties was uploaded in database. Database is used as it is very efficient and supports multiple users at the same time.Results: Black turmeric database gives complete data of compounds by means of 4 segments. Physiochemical, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, druglikeliness, and molecular information are displayed with chemical structure.Conclusion: We solidly believe that the information from this database are the sources to infer novel pharmaceutical chemical compounds for medication.
PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFICACY OF TRICHODESMA INDICUM (LINN) R. BR., IN FOLK MEDICINE – AN UPDATED REVIEW
Authors: Mangai S Alarmal
Published: March 2018

The medicinal knowledge of herbal plants plays a predominant role in finding new sources of drugs in pharmaceutics. The plant Trichodesma indicum (Linn) R. Br. is a significant constituent of Boraginaceae family with prominent records in conventional folk medicine. The diverse uses of the entire plant parts are being widely studied by in vitro and in vivo experimental methods. The present work is aspired to provide a biological evaluation of the plant that has been explored so far on various parts of the plant such as roots, leaves, and seeds. It also aims to provide a scientific support to the medicinal properties of the various phytoconstituents that are isolated from the plant. Hence, the present review is a comprehensive literature analysis of chemistry, ethanol-pharmacology and the therapeutic uses of T. indicum.
PORPHYSOMES-A PARADIGM SHIFT IN TARGETED DRUG DELIVERY
Authors: Menon Revathy B. , S. Lakshmi V. , U. Aiswarya M. , Raju Keerthana , Nair Sreeja C.
Published: March 2018

A novel drug delivery system is the one that ensures optimum dose at the right time, at the right location. Porphysomes are among those drug delivery systems. Porphysomes are a means of vesicular drug delivery systems. They are liposome-like structures composed completely of porphyrin lipid. The porphysomes encapsulates the active medicament in vesicular structure. They are having an aqueous core which can be loaded with the medicament. They have the capacity to destroy the disease tissues. They absorb the heat in the near infrared region and release this heat to destroy the diseased tissues. Porphysomes are having immense applications in the field of positron-electron therapy (PET), photoacoustic imaging, photothermal therapy etc. This review article discusses regarding the Porphysome-the drug delivery system, its advantages and disadvantages, composition, method of preparation, applications and various aspects related to the porphysomal drug delivery.
APPLICATION OF RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY IN OPTIMIZATION OF PACLITAXEL LIPOSOMES PREPARED BY THIN FILM HYDRATION TECHNIQUE
Authors: Tatode Amol A. , Patil Arun T. , Umekar Milind J.
Published: March 2018

Objective: The present investigation was aimed to optimize the formula of paclitaxel-loaded liposomes (PTL) by using the application of response surface methodology (RSM).Methods: Paclitaxel-loaded liposome (PTL) was optimized by response surface methodology based on two parameters, namely, percent entrapment efficiency (% EE) and percent in vitro drug release at 12 h (% DR). The liposome formula was prepared using 32 factorial design, and the selected independent variables were, phospholipid (phospholipon 90G) and cholesterol (CH) concentrations. Nine formulas of paclitaxel-loaded liposome were prepared by thin film hydration technique (THF). The entrapment efficiency, in vitro release studies and drug content, were evaluated using on UV-visible spectrophotometer at λmax-230 nm. The developed PTL formulation vesicle morphology, particle size, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential (ζ) were evaluated by Motic digital microscope and Malvern zetasizer respectively.Results: Using response surface methodology the estimated coefficient values obtained for independent variables in the regression equations, exhibited that the phospholipid (PL90G) and cholesterol (CH) molar concentration was observed to be highly influencing variables in optimizing % EE (86.67±0.67) and % DR (63.49±1.21). In the prediction of % EE and % DR values, the percent relative errors (PRE) was found to be low (–0.290%) and (0.058%) respectively. This suggests that design-developed model was found to be suitable for PTL formulations and thus, validate the model.Conclusion: Experimental results show that the observed responses were in close agreement with the predicted values and this demonstrates the reliability of the RSM in an optimization of % EE and % DR in paclitaxel liposomal (PTL) formulations.
DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF NOVEL RP-HPLC METHOD FOR SIMULTANEOUS ESTIMATION OF GABAPENTIN AND AMITRIPTYLINE HYDROCHLORIDE IN BULK AND PHARMACEUTICAL DOSAGE FORMS
Authors: Shaikh Sultana Gani Mohd , Jain Vandana
Published: March 2018

Objective: To develop a novel, accurate, precise and linear reverse phase high performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method for simultaneous quantitative estimation of gabapentin and amitriptyline hydrochloride in gabantip-at tablet and validate as per international conference on harmonization (ICH) guidelines and to perform the force degradation studies using the developed method.Methods: In the present work, good chromatographic separation was achieved isocratically using a shim-pack HPLC C18 column (4.6 x 250 mm, 5μm) and mobile phase consisting of 0.05 M potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate pH 2.1 adjusted with orthophosphoric acid and acetonitrile in the ratio (55:45), at flow rate 1 ml/min and column temperature (25 °C). The effluents obtained were monitored at 221 nm with the UV-visible detector.Results: The retention time of gabapentin and amitriptyline hydrochloride was found to be 1.959 min and 4.221 min respectively. The linearity of gabapentin was found in the range of 720-1680 ppm and that for amitriptyline hydrochloride was found to be 24-56 ppm. The correlation coefficient for gabapentin and amitriptyline hydrochloride were 0.999 and 0.9963 respectively. The high recovery values (98%-101%) indicate a satisfactory accuracy. The low percent relative standard deviation (% RSD) values in the precision study reveals that the method is precise.Conclusion: The developed method is novel, simple, precise, rapid, accurate and reproducible for simultaneous estimation of gabapentin and amitriptyline hydrochloride tablet dosage form. Hence the proposed method may find practical applications as a quality-control tool in the simultaneous analysis of the two drugs in combined dosage forms in quality-control laboratories.
COMM151: A PROJECT-BASED COURSE TO ENHANCE ENGINEERING STUDENTS’ COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Authors: Deveci Tanju , Nunn Roger
Published: March 2018

Engineering is a discipline that requires its practitioners to learn and use a variety of soft-skills, which include academic and non-academic written and spoken communication, inter- and intrapersonal communication skills, critical thinking ability, an ability to work in teams and an ability to analyze, interpret and synthesize interdisciplinary information from a variety of sources. However, students who pursue their engineering education in English as their second language can face formidable challenges acquiring these skills. It is our observation that such students are often only given assistance through English courses designed to improve their individual linguistic abilities. We believe that although this approach may help in the short term, it may not sufficiently cater for students’ overall needs and well-being in the long term. With this in mind, this paper describes our attempt to reduce this problem in our local context of the Petroleum Institute (PI) through a long term innovation effort.A project-based approach has been adopted to provide students with an opportunity to enhance their language skills through meaningful learning experiences that also develop professional, personal and academic skills. This approach has also allowed the university to meet ABET criteria related to communication needs of engineering students. In this paper, we give a detailed rationale for our belief that a holistic approach to developing abilities required by engineering and other students is a better option. This is followed by a description of the different components of our current curriculum that has been developed over 12 years. We describe particular activities, and discuss their merits. We also present students’ perceptions about the impact of their project-based learning experience on their language and skills development. We also outline the way the course is designed to be adaptable for unpredictable future needs in a fast developing professional and academic environment.
EXPLORING TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF 21ST CENTURY SKILLS IN TEACHING AND LEARNING IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSROOMS IN OMAN’S HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Tuzlukova Victoria , Al Busaidi Saleh , Burns Samantha , Bugon Galina
Published: March 2018

This paper addresses the need to ensure that higher education is suitably adapted to equip students with effective skills, which are regarded key requirements for a successful professional career in the 21st century, and draws attention to the importance of these skills. In more detail, it reports on the result of a study conducted across higher education providers in the Sultanate of Oman that focused on teachers’ critical thinking skills’ conceptual knowledge and understanding; their views and perception of critical thinking in relation to the English language classroom; and the teaching and professional development of critical thinking. Findings reveal that teachers perceive the importance of employing critical thinking skills in their teaching, yet they lack support in their implementation. Both at an institutional level and in terms of professional development, there is scope for improving how critical thinking is incorporated in English language classrooms, instructional approaches and teaching materials.
Evaluasi Proyek pembangunan Sosial Pada Kelompok Masyarakat Kawasan Hutan Mbeliling, Kab. Manggarai Barat, NTT
Authors: Firdaus Firdaus
Published: March 2018

Social development concept has evolved over the last decades, especially post-criticism of physical development oriented. The social development are more social-oriented and prioritizing people through participatory approaches. This asrticle discusses the evaluation of a Community as social development project in the Mbleliling forest area, West Manggarai. The community group founded by multi-stakeholders called Forum Masyarakat Peduli Kawasan Mbeliling (FPKM) is intended to social development around the forest area. After one year, the forum has been evaluated on a large multistakeholder meeting. The evaluation results show that the forum has not been able to answer the multistakeholder expectations against its founders. The problem of funding and coordinating are the main factors causing the inability of the forum to carry out the institution's mandate.Pasca kritik pembangunan berorientasi fisik berkembang beberapa dekade terakhir, berkembang konsep pembangunan sosial yang lebih berorientasi pada aspek sosial dan mengutamakan manusia melalui pendekatan partisipatif. Artikel membahas evaluasi terhadap proyek pembangunan sosial melalui kelompok masyarakat di kawasan hutan Mbeliling, Manggarai Barat. Kelompok masyarakat yang dibentuk oleh multifihak yang bernama Forum Masyarakat Peduli Kawasan Mbeliling (FPKM) tersebut ditujukan untuk pembangunan sosial kemasyarakatan di sekitar kawasan hutan. Setelah satu tahun didirikan, dilakukan evalusi terhadap keberadaan forum. Hasil evalusi menunjukkan bahwa keberadaan kelompok belum mampu menjawab ekspektasi multistakeholder terhadap pendirinya. Katiadaan dana dan sulitnya berkoordinasi menjadi faktor penyebab utama ketidakmampuan forum menjalankan mandat lembaga.
Local Strongmen At The Village Level: The Conflict Of The Demolition Of The First Raja Brawijaya ‘Petilasan’ At Sudimoro Village, Jombang
Authors: Huda Mirojul , Yunas Novy Setia
Published: March 2018

Having been enacted since 2014, the Act No. 6/2014 has given a spirit and a huge authority to the villages in developing their potential resources. Unfortunately, those special authorities have not been fcollowed by the leadership’s capacity of the village’s head. This paper attempts to analyze the rise of local actors so-called local strongmen at the village level. This study uses Sidel (1999) perspective on how to seek local strongmen in local area at Sudimoro Village, Megaluh District in Jombang Regency. In case, the head of Sudimoro village produces a despotic action by unloading and dredging the historical land where there was a petilasan from King of Majapahit, well-known as Raja Brawijaya 1. Then, this action eventually triggered a conflict in the middle of its society and has been solved after the hall of cultural heritage of the government of Jombang Regency has intervened. This paper concluded that the high of authority and power would potentially rise the new local strongmen at the village level. Therefore, the existence of the principle of recognition and subsidiarity owned by the village is only used by a few local elites for their interests without any accountability and accessibility for the society.
Upaya Keluarga Dalam Penyembuhan Pasien Penyakit Jiwa; Studi Pada Pasien Penyakit Jiwa di RSJ HB. Sa’anin Padang
Authors: Melia Yenni
Published: March 2018

Madness is a symptom of a disease caused by psychiatric symptoms. Many factors become the cause of insanity, therefore need many approaches in healing. The process of healing the family involvement factor is an important factor. This study discusses family efforts to support the cure of psychiatric patients at psychiatric hospital of Prof. HB. Sa’anin. The research was conducted by qualitative method by following the steps suggested by Miles and Huberman. Data were collected using observation techniques, interviews and documentation studies. The informant consists of the main informant, the family of the mental illness patient and the supporting informant, the hospital officer. The results reveal the efforts provided by the family in the healing of mental illness patients, among others, by providing motivation to return to normal conditions. Another factor that causes healing is the economic and educational factor of family members. What is unique is that ethnic role factors have an effect on patient healing. Strategies that can be done to involve the family in healing is to establish mutual communication and the resignation nature of family members. Gila adalah gejala penyakit yang disbabkan oleh gejala kejiwaan. Banyak faktor yang menjadi penyebab kegilaan, oleh karena itu perlu banyak pendekatan dalam penyembuhannya. Dalam proses penyembuhan tersebut faktor keterlibatan keluarga adalah faktor penting dalam proses penyembuhan. Studi ini membahas tentang upaya keluarga dalam mendukung penyembuhan pasien sakit jiwa di rumah sakti jiwa Prof. HB. Sa’anin. Penelitian dilakukan dengan metode kulitatif dengan mengikuti langkah-langkah yang disarankan Miles dan Huberman. Data dikumpulkan dengan menggunakan teknik observasi, wawancara dan studi dokumentasi. Informan penelitian terdiri dari informan utama, yaitu keluarga pasien penyakit jiwa dan informan pendukung, yaitu petugas rumah sakit. Hasil penelitian mengungkapkan upaya yang diberikan oleh keluarga dalam penyembuhan pasien penyakit jiwa antara lain dengan memberikan motivasi untuk kembali ke kondisi normal. Faktor lain yang menjadi penyebab kesembuhan adalah faktor ekonomi dan pendidikan anggota keluarga. Yang unik adalah, faktor peran etnis ikut berpengaruh dalam upaya penyembuhan pasien. Strategi yang dapat dilakukan untuk melibatkan keluarga dalam penyembuhan adalah dengan menjalin komunikasi timbal balik dengan sesama anggota keluarga dan sifat pasrah anggota keluarga.
The Analysis of Local Potential in BUM Desa Empowering in Desa Lembengan, Kecamatan Ledokombo, East Java
Authors: Hastuti Dwi , Chilmy Nurwahdatul
Published: March 2018

This research examines to know empowerment effort by local government. It focuses on social capital in society and new local potentials. This study use descriptive qualitative research. This research uses some data collection techniques such as observation, in depth interview, and documentation. Data are conducted through stages such as (1) data reduction, (2) presentation of data, (3) conclusion. The results through these stages can be credible. Then data triangulation technique is used during validation. This research result shows that empowerment of BUM Desa still less successful. In progress and implementation, BUM Desa in Lembengan in 2010-2017 has not contributed to local governance income significantly. This research finds the weak role of social capital of society such as commitment, trust, norm, social network to support BUM Desa empowerment in Lembengan. There are some BUM Desa business partners as new local potential that can be developed such as brick industry, petulo cracker industry, and tobacco industry.
The Analysis of Electronic Journal Utilization In Learning Process: Technology Acceptance Model And Information System Success
Authors: Zaky Achmad , Naufal Muhammad
Published: March 2018

This study aims to observe the behavior of electronic journal (e-journal) among bachelor students of the Universitas Brawijaya by Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Information System Success (ISS) as theoretical framework. The research samples are all bachelor students who have used e-journal in their learning process. The respondents are selected by convenience sampling method. The data are collected through survey and analyzed by Partial Least Square (PLS) with SmartPLS 3. The result of the study reveals that user satisfaction and intention to use have significant effect on actual use of e-journal among bachelor students at the Universitas Brawijaya. Those variables affect the actual use because they have been formed by other variables such as information quality, perceived easiness, perceived usefulness, and attitude towards behavior. Furthermore, information quality has significant influence on user satisfaction, while perceived usefulness and perceived usefulness do not have direct effect on the intention to use. The implication of this study is relevant for educators to recognize the reason factors to use e-journal in the learning process.
Refining Traditional and Modern: A Literary Study of Indonesian Sufism and Neo-Sufism from Pesantren
Authors: Wahyuni Yuyun Sri
Published: March 2018

Scholars have predicted that Sufism and other forms of traditional Islamic practices would disappear as modernity comes into society. Considering this view on religion and the modern, based on the literary study, this paper examines the historical development of Islam, Sufism, and pesantren in Indonesia, or previously known as Nusantara. Sufi preachers, known as walisongo, brought Islam to Indonesia and in a very short of time brought most of Indonesians into voluntary conversions. After walisongo, Indonesian ulama carried the dakwah Islamiyah through different Sufi networks and pesantrens. In the modern era, Sufism and other means of traditional practices face the challenges of disappearance and then transform themselves into neo-Sufism. The discussions in this paper show how Sufism, through its various ways, mingle with the different era in Indonesia and reshape the meaning of traditional and modern in Indonesia.Â Keywords:Islam Indonesia, Sufism, and pesantren,
Tolerance as the Essential Key for Javanese Society in Preserving the Traditional Cultures
Authors: Akhda Najmu Tsaqib
Published: March 2018

The close relationship between Java and syncretism invites many questions regarding the historical and cultural backgrounds of these two elements. This paper attempts to find out the form of relationship made by the Javanese society and the practice of syncretism. Some literary reviews are presented in portraying the connection of the Javanese society, especially the practices related to Islam, and the practice of syncretism. It is found out that tolerance is the essential key in accommodating Javanese society and syncretism. Indeed, the era of globalization and modernization is one of the challenges in preserving Javanese traditional cultures.Â Keywords:Syncretism, Javanese-culture, Tolerance
The Development of Religious Concepts among Muslim Student in Yogyakarta
Authors: Maizida Karlina
Published: March 2018

This study aims to examine the religious development of Muslim children through their opinions about religion as well as their experience. It is intended to explore their understanding of some religious concepts and the factors influencing their understanding. The main participants of this study are six children in one of the religious private modernist schools in Yogyakarta from the first until the sixth grades (their ages are around 7-12 year old). The researcher expects that the children religious concept develops in accordance with the cognitive development theory. Moreover, since all participants are Muslim, it is expected that there is a different nuance from the previous research which particularly discusses the concept of God. If social environment takes an account of children religious concept, the researcher expects to find out which aspect is more dominant: the aspect of family or the aspect of the school. The results showed that the childrenâ€™s religious concept grows as something inseparable from the rest of the childrenâ€™s development, from concrete to more abstract knowledge, from simple to more complicated view. The social environment, particularly religious instruction at school, plays a central role in the childrenâ€™s religious concept.Â KeywordsChildren, Religious concept, Cognitive development, Islamic school
Pub Culture: State Authority and Alternate Religiosity in Indonesian Pesisir
Authors: Zahra Fathimatuz
Published: March 2018

The image changing of Pati from a religious city to a pub culture city has ensued for fifteen years. Thus, the efforts of restoring the condition will not be easy. Previously, the pubs were used as family pubs. However, nowadays, the number of the pubs has increased. Violence was often used by some religious organizations to solve the problem. Nevertheless, this effort did not give any significant effects. In this article, the religiosity of pub culture is formulized. The result of this study is expected to be one of the concrete solutions for restoring the image of Pati.Â KeywordsReligiosity, Pub-culture, Culture
The first coronation churches of medieval Serbia
Authors: Kalic Jovanka
Published: March 2018

The medieval ceremony of coronation as a rule took place in the most
important church of a realm. The sites of the coronation of Serbian rulers
before the establishment of the Zica monastery church as the coronation
church of Serbian kings in the first half of the thirteenth century have not
been reliably identified so far. Based on the surviving medieval sources and
the archaeological record, this paper provides background information about
the titles of Serbian rulers prior to the creation of the Nemanjic state, and
proposes that Stefan, son of the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty, was crowned
king (1217) in the church of St Peter in Ras.
Alone of all her sex? The Dutch Jeanne Merkus and the hitherto hidden other viragos in the Balkans during the great eastern crisis (1875-1878)
Authors: Grémaux René
Published: March 2018

This paper deals with the question as to whether the well-reported Dutch
volunteer warrior Jeanne Merkus was indeed the sole female fighter at the
time of the anti-Ottoman rebellions and the wars in the Balkan Peninsula from
1875 to 1878, when the Great Eastern Crisis raged. While this rich outlandish
lady - who has only recently earned her official biography - attracted much
attention from the contemporary press, and later often surfaced in memoirs of
sorts as well, her few female colleagues, mainly home-grown and of modest
background, went mostly unnoticed by the general public. This first attempt
at settling the score of undeserved neglect sets out to establish the
individual stories from the hard-to-find pieces of information in old
newspapers and non-fiction literature. The existence of five other cases of
actual fighting females could be proved, yet four of them were, unlike Miss
Merkus, in male disguise. Moreover, a larger number of females trying to
engage militarily on the battlefield have been discovered, some passing as
males, some not.
A beleaguered church the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Independent State of Croatia (NDH) 1941-1945
Authors: Stojanovic Aleksandar
Published: March 2018

In the Independent State of Croatia (NDH) from its establishment only days
after the German attack on Yugoslavia in early April 1941 until its fall in
May 1945 a genocide took place. The ultimate goal of the extreme ideology of
the Ustasha regime was a new Croatian state cleansed of other ethnic groups,
particularly the Serbs, Jews and Roma. The Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC),
historically a mainstay of Serbian national identity, culture and tradition,
was among its first targets. Most Serbian Orthodox churches and monasteries
were demolished, heavily damaged or appropriated by the Roman Catholic Church
or the state. More than 170 Serbian priests were killed and tortured by the
Ustasha, and even more were exiled to occupied Serbia. The regime led by Ante
Pavelic introduced numerous laws and regulations depriving the SPC of not
only its property and spiritual jurisdiction but even of its right to
existence. When mass killings stirred up a large-scale rebellion, a more
political and seemingly non-violent approach was introduced: the Croatian
regime unilaterally and non-canonically founded the so-called Croatian
Orthodox Church in order to bring the forced assimilation of Serbs to
completion. This paper provides an overview of the ordeal of the Serbian
Orthodox Church in the NDH, based on the scholarly literature and documentary
sources of Serbian, German and Croatian origin. It looks at legislation,
propaganda, the killings and torture of Orthodox clergy and the destruction
of church property, including medieval holy relics. The scale and viciousness
of some atrocities will be looked at based on unused or less known sources,
namely the statements of Serbian refugees recorded during the war by the SPC
and the Commissariat for Refugees in Serbia, and documents from the Political
Archive of the Third Reich Ministry of Foreign Affairs.