bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Patient Satisfaction with Pharmaceutical Community Services in R. Macedonia
Authors: Sterjev Zoran , Vlaco Bogdan , Kapedanovska Nestorovska Aleksandra , Naumoska Zorica , Grozdanova Aleksandra , Suturkova Ljubica
Published: March 2019

Measuring and analyzing patients’ satisfaction with pharmacist’s consultation is a relatively new development which is enforced by the new demands of society. High number of variables, such as their state of health, socio-demographic variables (age, sex, and cultural level), characteristics of their healthcare provider (affective care, quantity of information, technical expertise, etc), or waiting time are related to patients’ satisfaction. At present, in R.Macedonia, there are 834 community pharmacies, which accounts for pharmacy vs. population ratio of 1:2500. The pharmacies are situated in 8 different regions (the Vardar region, Pelagonia, North-East, South-West, Polog, East
and South East). The present cross-sectional descriptive study based on interview data was carried out in order to ascertain patients’ satisfaction from their experience with the cumulative quality of pharmaceutical services. A total of 651 patients of both sexes (59,3% male and 39,1% female) were included in the study. The results from our analysis showed the influence of different factors in the process of choosing pharmacy: distance, medicines price, well-stocked with medicines, professional advice by the employees in the pharmacy, hygiene in pharmacies, the privacy they offer, waiting time, possibility for private conversation with professionals.
Trips Agreement and Pharmaceutical Inventions
Authors: Ancevska Netkovska Кaterina
Published: March 2019

Existence of contemporary, modern legal regulations in a certain segment of the national legal system, such as legal regulation of intellectual property rights is an assumption, but not a guarantee for the presence of efficient protection of these rights. The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights-TRIPS is one of the most important documents related to the trade of intellectual property rights. This Agreement is one of the most important acts on harmonization and implementation of intellectual property rights at multinational level, whereby the intellectual property is assigned a new dimension-world globalization of this field, also promoted by technology development. Medical technology is an area of huge progress of concern to all of us. Finding an optimum in intellectual property protection among short-term interests in the maximum approach and long-term interests in promoting creativity and innovation is not always easy. Trying to transfer that at international level is even harder than in national, domestic conditions. Maybe the most interesting and exciting field of activity is definitely that of pharmaceutical inventions, where tension exists between the need to determine the landmark for research and development of new pharmaceuticals and the need for allowing greater availability of the existing pharmaceuticals. The acceptance of TRIPS Agreement means a way to establish legal and economic cooperation with European Union countries and all other countries. International standards oblige Republic of Macedonia to continuously harmonize our law with international conventions in the field of intellectual property rights.
Analysis and critical review of ICH Q8, Q9 and Q10 from a generic pharmaceutical industry view point
Authors: Karanakov Ljuba , Tonic-Ribarska Jasmina , Glavas-Dodov Marija , Trajkovic-Jolevska Suzana
Published: March 2019

Generic industry aims to produce safe, efficient, built-in quality medicines that will satisfy patients’ requirements and will be competitive on the market. In this paper, assessment of the need for quality by design (QbD) and process analytical technology (PAT) implementation by generic industry was made, by analysis of the ICH Q8, Q9 and Q10 guidelines and their implementation in European regulation. The review of the guidelines indicates differences in the life cycle of a generic medicine, leading to a final conclusion in terms of generic industry. PAT provides statistical analysis and real time quality monitoring, as the basis for proactive quality management. Using QbD/PAT, quality is proved and improved throughout the entire life cycle. Better understanding of the product and processes within a defined design space leads to easier proof of built-in quality throughout the life cycle of the medicine, faster and easier regulatory evaluation, faster time to market, as well as post marketing savings regarding costs and time. Implementation of QbD/PAT as a systematic approach together with risk assessment as part of quality management system is a useful challenge to the generic industry and gives an opportunity for technological, temporal, financial and quality improvement. It was concluded that having in mind its’ own manufacturing capabilities the applicant should optimize the implementation of QbD in accordance with current good manufacturing practice guidelines. Implementation of QbD/PAT is an innovative challenge for the generic industry. Managing pharmaceutical quality system allows the top management to make right decisions at the right time.
Analytical and Solutions of Fourth Order Difference Equations
Authors: ALZUBAİDİ Marwa M. , ELSAYED Elsayed M.
Published: March 2019

In this article, we presented the solutions of the following recursive sequences\[ x_{n+1}=\frac{x_{n-2}x_{n-3}}{x_{n}(\pm1\pm x_{n-2}x_{n-3})}, \] where the initial conditions $x_{-3}\ ,x_{-2}\ ,x_{-1}$\ and $x_{0}\ $are arbitrary real numbers. Also, we studied some dynamic behavior of these equations.
A Unified Family of Generalized $q$-Hermite Apostol Type Polynomials and its Applications
Authors: KHAN Subuhi , NAHİD Tabinda
Published: March 2019

The intended objective of this paper is to introduce a new class of generalized $q$-Hermite based Apostol type polynomials by combining the $q$-Hermite polynomials and a unified family of $q$-Apostol-type polynomials. The generating function, series definition and several explicit representations for these polynomials are established. The $q$-Hermite-Apostol Bernoulli, $q$-Hermite-Apostol Euler and $q$-Hermite-Apostol Genocchi polynomials are studied as special members of this family and corresponding relations for these polynomials are obtained.
On Signomial Constrained Optimal Control Problems
Authors: TREANTA Savin
Published: March 2019

In this paper, using the notions of variational differential system, adjoint differential system and modified Legendrian duality, we formulate and prove necessary optimality conditions in signomial constrained optimal control problems.
APLIKASI MODEL ALTMAN Z”-SCORE PADA PERUSAHAAN-PERUSAHAAN AGRIKULTUR DI BURSA EFEK INDONESIA (PERIODE 2010-2017)
Authors: Pekerti Vinko Satrio , Yovita Lenni
Published: March 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengaplikasikan salah satu model prediksi kebangkrutan bernama Altman Z-Score, khususnya model yang dapat digunakan untuk mengukur financial distress dari perusahaan-perusahaan non-manufaktur (Z”-Score), pada perusahaan-perusahaan yang masuk di dalam Indeks Saham Agrikultur di Bursa Efek Indonesia. Sampel yang digunakan di dalam penelitian ini berjumlah delapan perusahaan dengan menggunakan purposive sampling method. Laporan keuangan tahunan perusahaan dari tahun 2010 sampai 2017 merupakan jenis data sekunder yang digunakan di penelitian ini.Analisa deskriptif kuantitatif digunakan untuk mendiskusikan hasil perhitungan Z”-Score masing-masing perusahaan sampel di setiap tahun observasinya. Diharapkan bahwa hasil penelitian ini dapat memberikan gambaran dan solusi bagi pihak manajemen perusahaan untuk memperbaiki kondisi keuangan di perusahaan yang dikelolanya. Di sisi lain, hasil penelitian ini juga diharapkan dapat bermanfaat bagi para investor sebagai salah satu alat pengambilan keputusan untuk menempatkan dana investasinya pada perusahaan yang tepat.Kata Kunci: Altman Z-Score; Kebangkrutan; Investasi
The Psychoanalytic Languages: On the Intimate Rivalry of Michael Balint and D.W. Winnicott
Authors: Bar-Haim Shaul
Published: March 2019

This article presents and discusses a two-decades-long correspondence between Michael Balint and D.W. Winnicott. Alongside closeness and friendship, the letters reveal tensions, disagreement and even rivalry between these two figures on three main levels: personal, cultural and theoretical. The debate can be framed around the question of whether or not the British School of psychoanalysis that emerged in the 1950s – and in which Winnicott and Balint were arguably the most senior figures – was a continuation of the psychoanalytic tradition that developed before World War II by Sandor Ferenczi and the Budapest School. The article argues, however, that there is another meta-theoretical level to the debate between the two: they passionately try to define what psychoanalytic language is, and disagree about its real nature.
Romantic Poetry and Victorian Nonsense Poetry: Some Directions of Travel
Authors: Swaab Peter
Published: March 2019

This essay explores links between Victorian nonsense poetry and poetry of the Romantic period, with a focus on narratives of quest, voyaging and escape. It discusses brief instances from various writers of the two periods and moves on to a more developed comparison between Wordsworth and Edward Lear, centring on ‘The Blind Highland Boy’. The comparison between periods leads to an argument that self-critique and scepticism were quite robustly in place from the start in the Romantic period, and that obstacles to sense could at times be experienced not just as perplexity but as enjoyment shared with an audience. It also points to a further appreciation of some of the less canonical works by the most canonical writers, and suggests a tradition in which Romantic aspiration was often coolly linked to a sense of absurdity.
Perceived Physical Barriers to Maternal Health Seeking Behavior among Rural Women: The Case of Raya-Alamata District, Southern Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Abadi Mesele Hayelom
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Maternal health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being of the mother; it is a resource for everyday life of the mother. It encompasses the health care dimensions of family planning, preconception, prenatal, and postnatal care in order to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. The use of antenatal, delivery and postnatal care services can be accessed through the number and timing of ANC visits, proportion of births delivered in health centers, attendants during delivery and antenatal care and number of postnatal visits. Health care services during pregnancy and after delivery are important for the survival and wellbeing of both the mother and the infant. Objective: The overall objective of this study is to investigate the perceived physical barriers to maternal health seeking behavior of rural women in Raya Alamata district. Methods: The researcher employed mixed research methods (both qualitative and quantitative). The study populations were reproductive women in the age category of 15-49. In doing so, a sample of 359 reproductive women was selected from three ‘Tabias’ by using simple random sampling techniques. The qualitative data analyzed using thematic analysis whereas the quantitative data analyzed using descriptive statistics. Result: Based on the finding this study, the majority of the respondents 31% were found between the age category of 25- 34 years, 87.5% were married, 93.6% belongs to Tigrian ethnic groups, 71.6% are followers of orthodox Christian, 60.7% were illiterate; and the majority 44.7% of the respondents earned an average monthly income of 501-1000 birr. Rural women also travelled 3.87 km, 5 km, 10 km and 6.4 km in average to get maternal health services from health posts, health centers, hospitals and private clinics respectively. Moreover, long distance and lack of transportation, inequitable distribution of health facilities, inconvenient topography and weather related problems were the major barriers for rural women to get maternal health services. These perceived physical barriers have affected the treatment seeking behavior of rural women especially throughout pregnancy, delivery and postnatal stages. Conclusion: The findings of this study give much emphasis into the perceived physical barriers to maternal health seeking behavior among rural women. The physical barriers restrained rural women from getting antenatal, delivery and postnatal care services which led to pregnancy complications, home delivery, and post-delivery problems which resulted in maternal morbidity and mortality.
Novel approaches towards composite restoration of anterior teeth: a series of three case reports
Authors: Sai Sahithi Golla Meenakshi , Garlapati Roopadevi , Kosaraju Deepathi , Vaddi Durga Susmitha
Published: March 2019

Anterior tooth fractures are the most prevalent dental injuries. Most commonly involved teeth are maxillary central incisors. These fractures not only result in impaired aesthetics but also result in loss of function and phonetics. Apart from this, another major problem affecting aesthetics is midline diastema. In order to restore them, newer techniques should be considered along with conventional technique. Two cases with uncomplicated maxillary anterior teeth fractures were selected and another case with midline diastema was selected. Three different approaches were used for, restoring the fractured teeth and midline diastema closure. Key Words: Composite, Fractured Teeth, Midline Diastema, Template
El Diagrama Circular en Terapia de Pareja: Un mapa relacional para guiar el proceso terapéutico
Authors: Montesano Adrian
Published: March 2019

En el presente texto se describe de manera pormenorizada una de las técnicas más versátiles para la formulación de caso y la intervención en la terapia de pareja: El diagrama circular. Esta es una herramienta que permite mapear los patrones de construcción interpersonal e incidir sobre los ciclos de interacción que mantienen/ disuelven los problemas por los que consultan las parejas. Con el objetivo de retratar esta tecnología de forma amplia, el texto se divide en dos bloques diferenciados. En el primero se presenta una guía breve de formulación de casos desde el modelo sistémico, la cual sirve de marco conceptual para el segundo bloque centrado en la descripción del diagrama. En este, primero se explica qué es el diagrama circular y se especifica, paso a paso, cómo se construye, detallando cada uno de sus niveles (acción, significado y modelos relacionales), así como la forma de construirlo en el contexto de la entrevista terapéutica. Además, se presentan dos ejemplos clínicos para proporcionar al lector una idea más precisa de la utilidad del diagrama en la formulación clínica. Después, se comentan los beneficios de su uso en el contexto de la terapia de pareja como herramienta focalizada en patrones de construcción interpersonal. Finalmente, se perfilan algunas estrategias básicas para la intervención terapéutica a través del diagrama.
A Framework for Telescope Schedulers: With Applications to the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope
Authors: Naghib Elahesadat , Yoachim Peter , Vanderbei Robert J. , Connolly Andrew J. , Jones R. Lynne
Published: March 2019

How ground-based telescopes schedule their observations in response to different variables can significantly impact their efficiency. Namely, competing science priorities and constraints, variations in the weather, and the visibility of a particular part of the sky are some of the determining variables. In this paper we introduce the Feature-based telescope scheduler, which is an automated, decision-making algorithm. It offers controllability of the behavior, adjustability of the mission, and quick recoverability from interruptions for large ground-based telescopes. By framing the Feature-based telescope scheduler in the context of a coherent mathematical model, the functionality and performance of the algorithm are simple to interpret. Consequently, adapting this scheduler for a broad range of ground-based instruments is straightforward. This paper presents a generic version of the Feature-based scheduler, with minimal manual tailoring. We demonstrate its potential and flexibility to serve as a foundation for schedulers of the ground-based instruments. In addition, a modified version of the Feature-based scheduler for the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) is introduced and compared to the previous LSST schedulers.
Orbital Period Variation of KIC 10544976: Applegate Mechanism versus Light Travel Time Effect
Authors: Almeida L. A. , de Almeida L. , Damineli A. , Rodrigues C. V. , Castro M. , Lopes C. E. Ferreira , Jablonski F. , do Nascimento J.-D. , Pereira M. G.
Published: March 2019

In recent years, several close post-common-envelope eclipsing binaries have been found to show cyclic eclipse timing variations (ETVs). This effect is usually interpreted either as the gravitational interaction among circumbinary bodies and the host binary—known as the light travel time (LTT) effect—or as the quadrupole moment variations in one magnetic active component—known as the Applegate mechanism. In this study, we present an analysis of the ETV and the magnetic cycle of the close binary KIC 10544976. This system is composed of a white dwarf and a red dwarf in a short orbital period (0.35 days) and was monitored by ground-based telescopes between 2005 and 2017 and by the Kepler satellite between 2009 and 2013. Using the Kepler data, we derived the magnetic cycle of the red dwarf by two ways: the rate and energy of flares and the variability due to spots. Both methods resulted in a cycle of ∼600 days, which is in agreement with magnetic cycles measured for single low-mass stars. The orbital period of KIC 10544976 shows only one long-term variation which can be fitted by an LTT effect with period of ∼16.8 yr. Hence, one possible explanation for the ETVs is the presence of a circumbinary body with a minimal mass of ∼13.4 M
Jup. In the particular scenario of coplanarity between the external body and the inner binary, the third body mass is also ∼13.4 M
Jup. In this case, the circumbinary planet must either have survived the evolution of the host binary or have been formed as a consequence of its evolution.
A GeV–TeV Measurement of the Extragalactic Background Light
Authors: Desai A. , Helgason K. , Ajello M. , Paliya V. , Domínguez A. , Finke J. , Hartmann D.
Published: March 2019

The extragalactic background light (EBL) can be probed via the absorption imprint it leaves in the spectra of gamma-ray sources (

). We recently developed a dedicated technique to reconstruct the EBL, and its evolution with redshift, from γ-ray optical depth data using a large sample of blazars detected by the Fermi Large Area Telescope. Here, we extend this data set to the TeV regime using ground-based Cherenkov observations of 38 blazars and report the first homogeneous measurement of the EBL spectral intensity covering the ultraviolet to infrared wavelengths (∼0.1–100 μm). A minimal EBL throughout the wavelength range with respect to integrated galaxy light is found, allowing little additional unresolved emission from faint or truly diffuse populations setting an upper limit of ≲4 nW m−2 sr−1 at 1.4 μm. In particular, the cosmic optical background at z = 0 is found to be

. This work lays the foundation for accurate gamma-ray measurements of the EBL across its whole spectral range using a combination of GeV and TeV data.
Chevreuxiopsis franki gen. n., sp. n. (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Thoriellidae) from the deep sea southwest of Tasmania
Authors: Halfter Svenja , Coleman Charles Oliver
Published: March 2019

A new amphipod species and genus, Chevreuxiopsisfranki, found in a pelagic sediment trap southwest of Tasmania is described. The new species can be recognized by its unique antenna 2, which consists of a narrow peduncle, and a 4-articulate flagellum, which has a massively developed, article 1, large, posteriorly drawn out articles 2 and 3, and an elongate lanceolate 4th article. The pereopod 1 basis surrounds large maxillipedal plates. Pereopod 3 to 6 are equipped with subchelate propodus dactylus arrangements. The bases of pereopods 5–7 are narrow.
Correlates of Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults With Physical Functional Limitations: A Cross-Sectional Study in China
Authors: Ning Hongting , Harrison Tracie C. , Zhao Yinan , Hu Hengyu , Chen Huijing , Liao Lulu , Yu Renhe , Wu Shuang , Feng Hui
Published: March 2019

The current study sought to determine the prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among older adults with physical functional limitations in China. A total of 2,410 older adults (age ≥60 years) were enrolled. Depressive symptoms and physical function were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living, respectively. Univariate logistic regression and stepwise multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. The mean score for depressive symptoms was 5.45 (
SD
= 5.49), with a prevalence of 27% (95% confidence interval [25.2, 28.8]). Risk factors for depressive symptoms included female gender, rural residence, being a farmer before age 60, history of chronic disease, self-reported poor health status, complete dependence, stressful life events over the past 3 months, insufficient emotional and material support, and low social participation over the past 1 month and feeling depressed about it. However, individuals older than 80 with high educational levels and hobbies showed a relatively low prevalence of depressive symptoms compared to their counterparts. This study confirms the necessity to screen for depressive symptoms in older adults, particularly those with physical functional limitations. The information can be used to identify and reduce related risk factors of depressive symptoms for vulnerable older adults.

[Res Gerontol Nurs. 2019; 12(3):133–146.]
Creating Shared Meaning: Communication Between Nurses and Physicians in Nursing Homes
Authors: Owen Donna C. , Ashcraft Alyce S.
Published: March 2019

The current study sought to obtain pilot data from a Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation (SBAR) communication intervention focused on the shared meaning construct of the sensemaking model and explore shared meaning in communication between nursing home (NH) nurses and physicians. The study design was an exploratory sequential mixed method with a pre/post quasi-experiment. Grounded theory was used to collect and analyze nurse and physician interviews and medical records. The Pathway to Shared Meaning model illustrating distinct processes supported use of the sensemaking model for understanding nurse–physician communication. Quantitative changes in communication were not significant. Shared meaning and training in SBAR for communication can be used to strengthen the design and use of structured communication in NHs.

Targets:

Nurses and physicians providing direct care in NHs.

Intervention Description:

Stories describing nurse–physician sharing of resident information using SBAR.

Mechanism of Action:

Mutual understanding of one another's perspective enhances communication.

Outcome:

Communication openness and satisfaction.

[Res Gerontol Nurs. 2019; 12(3):121–132.]
Climate Change 101: How Everyday Activities Contribute to the Ever-Growing Issue
Authors: Driga Anna Maria , Drigas Athanasios S.
Published: March 2019

This article aims at an in-depth analysis of the relation of certain activities and services in daily life to the growth of climate change. Climate change is one of the most characteristic occurrences of the modern world, if not the most. It is a byproduct of the greenhouse effect, which is a natural phenomenon necessary for sustaining life on the planet. However, human activities have heavily contributed to the rise of an unbalanced amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, causing the anthropogenic aspect of climate change. Despite the doubts on the human influence on climate change, there is indisputable scientific proof to verify it. The consequences of climate change appear to be very severe, both for the environment and humans themselves, while they are expected to escalate in the future. It is widely known that the industrial revolution is the landmark of anthropogenic climate change. But despite the industry’s influence being common knowledge, what are the everyday actions of each individual or household that are key contributors to the phenomenon? 
 Transportation is one of the most harmful everyday activities, especially aviation due to emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels used to power the vehicles. Surprisingly, the food industry is also a sector very high in emissions, mostly due to emissions from livestock production. Another cause is deforestation stemming from multiple factors, a very important one being paper production. While trees absorb carbon dioxide, when cut, they emit it back into the atmosphere, resulting in further emissions. Especially damaging is water overuse, due to the disruption of the water cycle. Furthermore, the burning of fossil fuels for general use (e.g. heating) and specifically for electricity is a big contributor in greenhouse emissions. Certain gardening activities can also contribute in the emissions. Lastly, waste is very damaging to the atmosphere. The decomposition of waste is responsible for emitting significant quantities of CO2 and methane. The need to combat climate change is very pressuring. While individual changes in lifestyle are very vital, bigger changes need to be implemented in order to effectively mitigate climate change.
Improving Software Development Process using Data Traceability Management
Authors: Rahmaoui Othmane , Souali Kamal , Ouzzif Mohammad
Published: March 2019

Today traceability is a buzz word and it used in several domains like healthcare, food industry and transportation sectors. In Information Technology, traceability plays a very important role and it can be defined in various ways, depending on the environment and process under consideration. In this paper we are presenting just an idea of a new approach to improve the software development process with the traceability management in order to implement and test the method to show the benefits of using it.
Transportation Problem of LPP Involving Probability Density Function
Authors: Hussain Mohammad Rashid , Qayyum Mohammed , Hussain Mohammad Equebal
Published: March 2019

In Linear Programming Problem (LPP), Transportation Problem (TP) is an application which is used to optimize through the probability density function of statistical approach. The main objective of this paper is to reduce complexity in Maximization problem of LPP, by fulfilling the relation between the objective function and constraints with the largest value.  Here, we used non-negative integer and complex number of linear combination of form xmeλx. It has been decided with reasonably great probability, decision region, fundamental probabilities and Laplace Transform (LT).  To obtain proposed results we applied probability density function over transportation problem. According to our proposed method we implemented mathematical model through the probability density function of statistical tools. Categorically, probability density function is an approach in our proposed method to obtain the feasible solution of transportation problem, which perform better than the existing methods.
SOSYAL MEDYA VE SENDİKALAR: FACEBOOK ETKİNLİK ANALİZİ
Authors: SEVGİ Hüseyin
Published: March 2019

Sosyal medya, henüz çok kısa bir geçmişi olan, internet tabanlı iletişim platformlarınınoluşturduğu ağlar olarak tanımlanmaktadır. Kısa geçmişine rağmen bugün dünyada üçmilyardan fazla kişi aktif olarak sosyal medya platformlarını kullanmaktadır. Kablosuzinternet erişiminin ve taşınabilir akıllı cihazların yaygınlık kazanmasıyla birlikte sosyal medya sıradanbir iletişim ağı olmanın ötesine geçmiştir. Çok sayıda insanın kullandığı bu ağlar zamanla mikroya da makro iktidar merkezlerine karşı birer örgütlenme alanı olarak kullanılmaya başlanmıştır. Budurumun en çarpıcı örnekleri 2011 ile 2014 yılları arasında ortaya çıkan toplumsal protesto hareketleridir.Arap ülkelerinde başlayan, daha sonra ABD’de ve Avrupa’nın birçok ülkesinde ortaya çıkanbu toplumsal hareketlerin ortak özelliği, sosyal medyayı bir örgütlenme aracı olarak kullanmalarıdır.Toplumsal hareketler tarafından örgütlenme aracı olarak kullanılan sosyal medya, işçi sınıfı ve sendikalaraçısından da öğrenilmesi gereken yeni bir zemin olarak değerlendirilmektedir. Bu bağlamdasosyal medyanın etkin kullanımı, sendikaların geniş kitlelere ulaşmasına ve toplumsal meşruiyetiniyeniden sağlamasına fırsat yaratabilecek dinamikleri içinde barındırmaktadır.
Preparation and Characterization of Carbon Nanospheres Using Sugar as a Precursor
Authors: Ibrahim Suriani , Qi Lee , Rozali Shaifulazuar , Ghazali Nik Nazri Nik , Zaharinie Tuan Zahari Tuan , Sabri Mohd Faizul Mohd
Published: March 2019

A carbon nanosphere has been used in various applications such as supercapacitors, lithium batteries, fuel cells and catalyst carriers due to their outstanding properties. The precursors commonly used to synthesize carbon nanospheres are methane, polymer and alginate solution. These precursors come from fossil fuels which are non-renewable resources where future access is limited. Hence, alternatives of renewable natural resources to develop carbon-based precursors should be studied. The aim of this work is to study properties of carbon nanospheres synthesized from sugar by using chemical reduction method. The surface morphology of mesoporous carbon nanospheres were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and the expected elemental composition by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The FESEM images showed carbon nanospheres having irregular spherical nanostructures with a range of diameter from 84.04 – 834.86 nm. The formation of carbon nanospheres with highly carbon content can be observed from EDX spectrum.
Hydroxyapatite Electro Discharge Coating of Zr-Based Bulk Metallic Glass for Potential Orthopedic Application
Authors: Aliyu Abdul'azeez Abdu , Abdul-Rani Ahmad Majdi , Ginta Turnad Lenggo , Rao T.V.V.L.N , Axinte Eugen , Ali Sadaqat , Ramli Muhammad
Published: March 2019

In the past, Electro Discharge Machining (EDM) process was well known in cutting extremely hard materials and fabricating complex shapes. Recently, EDM process has been hybridized to not only shape, but also coats the surface of workpiece material. In this study, the deposition of hard carbide and calcium-based oxides on the Zr-based bulk metallic glass (BMG) using hydroxyapatite mixed electro discharge coating (HAm-EDC) have been investigated. The aim is to enhance the biocompatibility and cell adhesion of the BMG as a potential implant. The chemical composition, morphology and thickness of the coated surface were characterized through Optical Microscope, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Major hydroxyapatite elemental composition (Ca, P, O), carbides (ZrC, TiC) and oxides (ZrO, CaZrO3) were formed on the treated BMG surface. A coating of about 23 µm thick was achieved. The addition of hydroxyapatite powder in the dielectric fluid enhances the Zr-based BMG surface quality by reducing the surface cracks and the crater size.
Oil-Water Phase Inversion in the Horizontal Section of Upstream 90° Bend during Gas-Oil-Water Three-Phase Flow
Authors: Yaqub Muhammad Waqas , Pendyala Rajashekhar , Rusli Risza
Published: March 2019

The gas, oil and water co-current flow in pipes either flow in separate layers or in the form of a mixture. Other than gas, the liquid mixtures are common during the transportation of oil. In liquid mixtures, one liquid acts as a continuous phase and the other liquid dispersed in it. The phase inversion in three-phase flow majorly depends on the superficial velocity of individual phases, the volume fraction of liquid phases in total liquid and the internal diameter of the pipe. Pipe bends and fittings are commonly used in pipe networks for the diversion and distribution of flow. The 90° elbow bends are commonly used in such systems, where they change the flow direction from horizontal to vertical and vice versa. For the case of horizontal to upward vertical flow, the bend offers restriction to the flow compared to the straight pipe. Therefore, the process of phase inversion gets effected upstream 90° bend. In the current work, the phase inversion process during three-phase horizontal flow upstream 90° bend has been studied. The internal diameter of the pipe was 0.1524 m and the bend radius to diameter ratio (r/d) was 1. The range of superficial velocities are 0.5-5, 0.08-0.4, and 0.08-0.4 for oil-gas and water respectively. The continuous liquid phase and its effect on pressure drop have been studied at various oil to liquid volume ratios (fo). The results show the different oil-water relationships and the liquid holdup occurred due to the bend.
A Novel Tool Path Strategy for Modelling Complicated Perpendicular Curved Movements
Authors: Meyghani Bahman , Awang Mokhtar
Published: March 2019

Curved surfaces have been widely used in engineering applications such as friction stir welding (FSW), 5 axis CNC machining, and other processes. Therefore, the development of the finite element modelling of the complicated geometries has created a need to determine efficient tool paths. Previous finite element models modelled the single point movement of the tool. However, in industrial applications such as aerospace, mould and die, etc. the movement of the tool is complex. Proper determination of the tool path can lead to substantial savings of the process time, improvement of the workpiece surface quality and the improvement of the tool life, thereby leading to overall cost reduction and higher productivity. This paper presents a new approach for the determination of efficient tool paths in finite element modelling by using ABAQUS® software. VDISP user defined subroutine is used in order to define the complex curved movement of the tool. The results indicate that the method is appropriate for modelling of the tool path, and the tool always has a perpendicular position to the surface. Therefore, the method can be suitable for increasing the application of the finite element modelling in various industries.
Short Review on Conductive Polymer Composites as Functional Materials
Authors: Nynaru Venkatachalapathi , Jayamani Elammaran , Srinivasulu M. , Han Eugene Chin Wei , bin Bakri Muhammad Khusairy
Published: March 2019

Conductive polymer composites start to gain its attention towards many industries. Widely, it is used in producing electrical components such as microchips and semiconductor electronics. Most of the highly conductive polymer composites are used to produce solar panels, which convert thermal energy into electrical energy to generate electricity. It can also diffuse heat faster to avoid overheating of components that can cause degradation of the composites in the component. Thus, this short review describes the various effects that affect the thermal conductivity of natural fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites with additions of metallic filler. The outcome of this short review helps identify the important keys that influence the conductive polymer composites as functional materials.
The Effect of Bismuth on Intermetallics Growth between Lead-Free Solders and Electroless Nickel Immersion Silver (ENIMAG) Surface Finish
Authors: Zolhafizi Jaidi , Azlina Saliza
Published: March 2019

Surface finish is coating layer plated on a bare copper board of printed circuit board (PCB). Among PCB surface finishes, Electroless Nickel/Immersion Gold (ENIG) finish is a top choice among electronic packaging manufacturer due to its excellent properties for PCB. However, the use of gold element in ENIG is very high cost and the black pad issue have not been resolved. Thus, by introducing an Electroless Nickel/Immersion Silver (ENImAg) as alternative surface finish hopefully can reduce the cost and offer better properties. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of bismuth on interfacial reaction during reflow soldering between Sn-2.5Ag (SA25), Sn-3.4Ag-4.8Bi (SAB3448) and ENIMAG surface finish. Solder balls with sizes of 500μm diameters were used. The characteristics of intermetallic compound (IMC) were analyzed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscope and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX). After reflow soldering, the result revealed that only the irregular circle-shape of (Cu,Ni)6Sn5 IMC layer was formed at the interface and change to an irregular rod-like shape meanwhile the irregular needle-shape (Ni,Cu)3Sn4 was appeared after aging treatment. The result also indicated that, the grain size and thickness of IMC for SAB3448 is smaller and thinner compared to the SA25. The IMC thickness is proportional to the aging duration and IMC morphology for both solder are became thicker, larger and coarser after isothermal aging. No bismuth particle has been detected on SAB3448 solder during top surface examination. In addition, the Bi has been observed can reduce the grain size and the growth rate of IMC. Keywords: ENIMAG, reflow soldering, lead-free solder, intermetallic compound, bismuth
Extraction of Biological Apatite from Cow Bone at Different Calcination Temperatures: A Comparative Study
Authors: Bano Nazia , Abu Bakar Sharifah Adzila Syed , Jikan Suzi Salwah , Basri Hatijah , Kanasan Nanthini
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study is to extract natural hydroxyapatite (HAP) from cow bone. The hydrothermal method followed by calcination treatment at different temperatures is used in this current research. Cow bone has the potential for producing hydroxyapatite, a chief component present in bone and teeth of vertebrates. HAP is an excellent material used in bone restoration and tissue regeneration. Characterizations of the cow bone natural HAP powder were done by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). TGA data revealed that biological apatite is thermally stable at 1100°C. XRD data showed that the extracted HAP is, highly crystalline and hexagonal crystal structure having a crystallite size in the range of 10-83 nm. The extracted HAP material is found to be thermally stable up to 1300°C.
Effect of Erbium Addition on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Aluminium Alloy
Authors: Ahmad Rosli , Wahab N.A. , Hasan S. , Harun Z. , Rahman M.M. , Shahizan N.R.
Published: March 2019

The effect of rare earth metal erbium (Er) modification on the microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminium alloys (A380) were investigated using Optical Microscope (OM), Scanning Electronic Microscope (SEM) attached with Electron Dispersive Scanning (EDS), Vicker’s hardness test and Ultimate Tensile Test (UTS). The results show that the addition of Er reduces the size of the silicon particle and improve mechanical properties of the aluminium alloy. In addition, by adding 0.1 wt. % of Er, the mean area (μm2) and aspect ratio value decreased. The coarse plate like existed in the unmodified alloy transformed into fine particle and short rod. The mechanical properties were investigated by using tensile test and Vicker’s hardness test. The ultimate tensile strength test shows that the tensile and the elongation increased 1.32 % and 9.1 % with 0.1 wt. % Er content of the aluminium alloys, respectively. The hardness improved from the addition of 0.1% Er aluminium A380 alloy.
Farm products’ direct sale in accordance with national and EC Regulations
Authors: Micheli Massimo Renato , Rossi Alfredo , Rossi Giovanni , Rosamilia Alfonso , Guidi Emanuele
Published: March 2019

Primary production has always been considered the weak link in the entire food production chain (from farm to fork) and, due also to the grave health and food emergencies that have taken place over the years (BSE, dioxin, avian flu etc.), greater attention has been focused on the production stage, together with the need to regain the consumers’ faith. To preserve and support small farms in a local setting and, consistent with the aims of flexibility and respecting the main requisites contained in the EC Regulations (No. 852/2004; No. 853/2004) (European Commission, 2004; 2004a), production is allowed for tastingadministration on the premises and the processing and sales of agricultural products produced exclusively on the farm, such as: fresh meat from poultry and rabbits and small farmed wild animals; processed meats obtained from animals raised on the farm and from hunting; fishing and aquaculture products; raw milk for direct human consumption and dairy products; eggs, honey, fruit and vegetables, woodland products; jams and preserved fruit, flours, vegetable preserves, wild above ground and underground mushrooms; dried fruits, fruit juices, cereals, syrups; oil, wine, bread and baked products. This possibility is reserved for individual farmers or co-operatives, registered in the company register according to Article 8 of the Law 29th December 1993 No. 580 (Italian Republic, 1993); who may sell directly inside and outside farm, products coming mainly from the respective farms, observing the current regulations regarding health and hygiene. All this should provide an instrument for rural and competitive development for the entire European agricultural production chain strongly influenced by the marketing conditions imposed by the mass retailing groups on their own suppliers. Not least is the possibility of creating work and occupation and adequately counteracting the phenomenon of the depopulation of the countryside, encouraging the return to agricultural activities on the part of young people; and, consequently, a form of safeguarding the environment by reducing the costs linked to hydro-geological instability and soil maintenance. This trend, together with the national directions, may represent a support even for small local farms which, taking advantage of simplified procedures consistent with the objectives of flexibility of the community Regulations (EC) (No. 852/2004; No. 853/2004) (European Commission, 2004; 2004a), may take part in the promotion of agricultural markets managed directly by the farmers as sales points for local products (farmers’ markets), so as to guarantee a fairer price and consolidate the territorial link between production and consumption (short distribution chain or short circuit). Without, of course, renouncing the necessary prerequisites for placing any food on the market: health-hygiene; traceability; health and well-being of the animals; safeguarding of the environment and the plants.
Outcome of total hip and knee arthroplasty in HIV-infected patients: A systematic review
Authors: O'Neill Shane C. , Queally Joseph M. , Hickey Anne , Mulhall Kevin J.
Published: March 2019

Significant advances in the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) have occurred in recent times, with life expectancy now approaching the normal population. Therefore, patients with HIV will increasingly be undergoing joint replacement in the future, however concerns remain regarding the complications and outcome in this patient cohort. The aim was to assess the outcome of total hip and knee arthroplasty in HIV-infected patients. A systematic search of the literature using MOOSE reporting guidelines was performed to assess the outcome of hip and knee arthroplasty in HIV-infected patients. The primary outcome was infection. Secondary outcome was all-cause revision. The search yielded 552 results, of which 19 met the inclusion criteria, comprising 5.819.412 joint replacements. The overall quality of the studies was poor with significant heterogeneity between the studies. Infection and revision appeared to be more likely to occur in HIV positive patients compared to HIV negative patients. A subgroup analysis of four studies revealed a risk ratio of 3.31 and 2.25 for increase in infection and revision respectively in HIV positive patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates an increased risk of infection and revision in HIV infected patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty. However, these findings are based on poor quality evidence in a limited number of studies and need to be interpreted with caution. Further research should concentrate on large, well-designed, prospective studies, that control for co-morbidities and employ standardised outcome measures to allow for direct comparison.
A motivation for banks in emerging economies to adapt agency ratings when assessing corporate credit
Authors: Verster Tanja , De Jongh Riaan , Greenberg Simon , Fourie Erika , De Wet Dries
Published: March 2019

Background: This article considers whether South African banks should utilise the credit ratings provided by US-based credit rating agencies when assessing the creditworthiness of corporate borrowers.Aim: A review is conducted of the relevant literature and specifically the methodologies used by the credit rating agencies for ranking corporates in emerging markets.Setting: The three largest international credit rating agencies are Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Investor Services, and Standard and Poor’s. These agencies’ credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign, financial and other public entities and the securities and obligations they issue. The analytical frameworks used to produce these ratings are referred to as credit rating methodologies.Method: A review of Moody’s ratings for South African corporate entities was undertaken to examine claims of a sovereign ceiling influencing the external ratings obtained by these institutions in emerging markets.Results: Only 14 of the 200 global South African ratings pierced the sovereign ceiling.Conclusion: The study concludes that the use of unmodified external ratings by banks to assess a corporate borrower should be discouraged. High-level suggestions are provided on how the methodologies and data used by the external agencies may rather be used to arrive at more suitable internal ratings.
Tackling Immunotherapy Resistance: Developing Rational Combinations of Immunotherapy and Targeted Drugs
Authors: Cojocaru Elena , Scaranti Mariana , Minchom Anna
Published: March 2019

Mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapies are multiple and complex with components intrinsic to the tumor cell and within the immune microenvironment. We review evidence of the interaction of tumor cell signaling pathways with immune pathways and the role this plays in de novo and acquired resistance. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation and effects on T-cell function are discussed. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway activation (including PTEN loss of function) correlates with T-cell inhibition and immunotherapy resistance. Wnt signaling has been implicated in T-cell function suppression. Key evidence from preclinical models exists for the role of these signaling pathways and is described. Clinical evidence is less advanced though correlation of mutations in key nodes with immune resistance provides a limited clinical correlation. Serial biomarker analysis in patients receiving targeted drugs has been attempted with notable examples including BRAF inhibition in melanoma patients resulting in dynamic changes in programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Drug combinations aim to overcome mechanisms of resistance, and recent years have seen numerous combinations of targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors proposed. However, clear biological rationale and thoughtful trial designs with a translational focus are required to allow such combinations to achieve their full potential.