bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF USE OF HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE IN PARADOXICAL TUBERCULOSIS-IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION INFLAMMATORY SYNDROME IN HIV-INFECTED PATIENTS.
Authors: A Pramod Kumar , G Parthasarathi , Sn Mothi , Ap Sudheer , Swamy Vht , Rama Sri
Published: February 2018

Objective: Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is an inflammatory reaction in HIV-infected patients after initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) resulting from restored immunity to specific infectious or non-infectious antigens. The most common condition where IRIS has been reported is tuberculosis (TB). Various mechanisms have been proposed and studied to account for the immune regulatory role of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). This study is done to identify clinical outcome in HIV-TB patients with IRIS after given with HCQ.Methods: An uncontrolled longitudinal study was conducted among HIV-infected patients with TB initiated on ART and developed IRIS between July 2013 and June 2015 in a South Indian HIV care hospital.Results: A total of 40 patients have developed IRIS with mean age of 35.87 years and 77.5 % of them were males. At the time of IRIS occurrence, the mean body mass index was found to be 19.17 kg/m2 and CD4 count was 200 cells/mm3. The time duration took to get improvement in majority of the patients was 4–12 weeks.Conclusion: There was definite improvement seen in patients who received HCQ in TB-IRIS condition.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LENS OPACITIES AND COLOR DISCRIMINATION ABILITY IN CATARACT PATIENTS
Authors: Solahuddin Alie , Theodorus Theodorus , Ariani Dian
Published: February 2018

Objective: To determine the relationship between lens opacities and color discrimination ability in cataract patients at the Special Eye Hospital in Palembang.Methods: A case study was undertaken in January to March 2017 at the Special Eye Hospital in Palembang. There were 80 cataract patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The relationship between lens opacities and color discrimination ability was analyzed using Spearman rho correlation test using SPSS version 18.0.Results: About 51.2% out of 80 cataract patients, most patients were diagnosed with nucleotide cataract with the majority degree of opacities is Grade III (50%). Average of total error score was 51.425±51, 441 (range 0-312). The correlation test results showed a significant weak positive correlation between lens opacities and color discrimination ability (r=0.376; p=0.001; n=80) where the percentage of effect of lens opacities to color discrimination ability was only 7.9% (R2=0.079).Conclusion: There was a significant weak positive correlation between lens opacities and color discrimination ability.
PHYLOGENETIC CHARATERIZATION OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES ISOLATED FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES IN IRAQ
Authors: Yousif Maitham Ghaly , Al-shamari Ataa Khalil
Published: February 2018

Objective: The main goal of the current study was to isolate and detect the phylogenetic characterization of Listeria monocytogenes isolate from clinical and non-clinical specimens.Methods: L. monocytogenes was isolated from 353 samples including: (94) Vaginal swabs, (81) piece of placenta, (51) frozen chicken, (69) soft cheese, and (58) frozen red meat samples using the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for the detection of virulence gene hlyA followed by DNA sequence analysis for this gene.Results: A total of 13 isolates of L. monocytogenes were isolated from 2 (2.1%) vaginal swabs, 4 (4.9%) piece placenta, 2 (3.9%) frozen chicken, 3 (4.3%) frozen soft cheese, and 2 (3.4%) frozen red meat samples, and hlyA gene was detected in 100% of L. monocytogenes isolates.Conclusion: All the isolates tested positive for hlyA gene, so this is important role in the study of the L. monocytogenes infection and its pathogenicity. The phylogenetic analysis showed a clear convergence in the L. monocytogenes isolates from chicken, red meat, and soft cheese 70%, while there is a marked difference in isolates of L. monocytogenes isolated from placenta and vaginal swabs.
KEY FACTORS FOR SUSTAINABLE RATIONAL USE OF MEDICINE PROGRAM IN GUNUNGKIDUL AND SLEMAN DISTRICTS, INDONESIA
Authors: H Sunartono , Ys Prabandari , H Kusnanto , S Suryawati
Published: February 2018

Objective: Many of the rational use of medicines (RUM) interventions have been proven effective in improving medicine use, but the impacts were usually not sustainable for longer period of time. Gunungkidul and Sleman Districts of Indonesia have succeeded in implementing RUM program for more than two decades. This is considered rare, and therefore, it is important to identify factors contributing to the success. Methods: This is a single case study with non-experimental exploratory design. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected integratively to obtain information concerning the indicators and the process of RUM implementation. Quantitative data were collected in reference to the World Health Organization (WHO) 1993 RUM indicators, including average number of medicines per prescription (polypharmacy), percentage of patients receiving antibiotics, and percentage of patients receiving injections. Qualitative data were analyzed descriptively and were arranged chronologically in respective to each district. Results: Implementation of RUM in the two districts has successfully lasted up to 20 years. The annual medicine use indicators from 1994 to 2014 in Gunungkidul District show that polypharmacy decreased from 4.2 to 2.89, percentage patients receiving injections declined from 68.05% to 0%, and percentage of patients receiving antibiotics improved from 52.1% to 24.1%. The same indicators in Sleman District show that, between 1998 and 2014, polypharmacy remained stable at 3, percentage of patients receiving injections declined from 4.9% to 0.18%, and percentage of patients receiving antibiotics improved from 44.31% to 20%. Culturization of RUM program is the main key for sustainable impacts. Another important key is the high commitment of health policymakers to implement the principles of evidence-based treatment. Conclusions: The culturization of RUM program followed by continuous monitoring and evaluation by district health managers were the key factors to maintain the impact of the intervention.
ASSOCIATION OF SELECTED RISK FACTORS OF CORONARY HEART DISEASE WITH LIPID PROFILE
Authors: Sahu Trilochan , Patnaik Lipilekha , Rao E Venkata , Ray Subhashree , Panigrahi Sandeep Kumar
Published: February 2018

Objective: The objectives of this study is to assess the association of selected risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) with lipid profile.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during May 2013–April 2014 among 350 subjects of 25–64 years selected by systematic random sampling. Data on sociodemographic and medical and personal history along with anthropometric measurements were collected through house-to-house visit. Blood sample was analyzed for fasting blood sugar and lipid profile.Results: In this study, 38.58% belong to the age group of 25–35 years and 58% were female. Majority (45.43%) of the participants belonged to lower socioeconomic status, followed by the middle (40.57%) and upper class (14%). It was observed that total cholesterol was significantly associated with blood sugar (p=0.0008), blood pressure (p=0.001), and body mass index (BMI) (p=0.018). There was no significant association among the risk factors of CHD such as smoking and alcohol with total cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein level was significantly associated with BMI (p=0.0001) and blood sugar (p=0.003). There was a significant association among the risk factors for CHD such as smoking (p=0.002), alcohol, (p=0.017) blood sugar (p=0.004), and BMI (p=0.014) with triglyceride level.Conclusion: It was concluded from this study that various risk factors for CHD were associated with lipid abnormalities. Hence, a community-based education in this regard is of paramount importance.
SCREENING FOR THE HOMOZYGOUS C.144DELC MUTATION IN AURKC GENE IN ALGERIAN INFERTILE MEN
Authors: Mohamed Larbi Rezgoune , Djalila Chellat , Noureddine Abadi , Dalila Satta
Published: February 2018

Objective: Male infertility is a major health problem worldwide. Despite recent advances, the etiopathogenesis of spermatogenic failure remains largely uncertain. Aurora kinases, a family of serine/threonine kinases, consisting of Aurora A (AURKA), Aurora B (AURKB), and Aurora C (AURKC), are essential kinases for cell division through regulating mitosis and meiosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of c.144delC mutation in AURKC gene in infertile Algerian patients with abnormal sperm parameters.Methods: In this study, 40 infertile men with impaired spermatogenesis (Azoospermia “AZOs,”” oligoasthenoteratospermia “OATs,”” Asthenospermia “ASTs”) were recruited from Ibn Rochd clinic and Ibn Sina Laboratory, between 2008 and 2014. All men were of Algerian origin. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood. The third exon of the AURKC gene was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Then, PCR products were sequenced using the big dye V1.1 terminator cycle sequencing in forward and reverse directions, and the results of sequenced segments were analyzed.Results: Sequencing of the third exon of AURKC gene revealed the absence of c144delC mutation in all of the 40 patients screened.Conclusion: Our data indicate that the AURKC c.144delC mutation must be investigated in infertile men with Macrozoospermia.
NEW COMBINATION SUPPOSITORIES OF LORNOXICAM AND ALOIN FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Authors: Saeed Ashti M H , Alaayedi Maryam H , Alshohani Athmar Dh H
Published: February 2018

Objective: The objective of our current work is to formulate, optimize and evaluate new combination rectal suppositories as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis that contains both lornoxicam and aloin. Both are strong anti-inflammatory agents, and a combination of both may have synergistic effect as an anti-inflammatory treatment.Methods: Rectal suppositories containing 8 mg lornoxicam and 200 mg aloin were formulated by heat fusion method. Different combinations of different molecular weights of polyethylene glycol (PEG) were used for the formulated suppositories. The formulated suppositories were evaluated for their visual appearance, weight variation, hardness, friability, disintegration time, melting temperature, and drug content uniformity.Results: All the formulations prepared were within the required limits for USP. When the release study was performed, both drugs were released from all the formulations prepared. However, formulation F7 which is composed of PEG 400 30.88% (w/w): PEG 4000 46.32% (w/w) was superior to other formulations in which more than 80% of both drugs loaded were released after 35 min. The presence of both drugs in the same suppository did not affect their release.Conclusion: A new combination suppositories have been obtained where the two combined drugs were released fast without interference with each other release. The proposed new combination has the potential to be used as a strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory treatment compared to using lornoxicam or aloin alone.
ENERGY-BASED PHARMACOPHORE MODELING, VIRTUAL SCREENING, AND MOLECULAR DYNAMICS TO IDENTIFY POTENTIAL INHIBITORS FOR GLYCOGEN SYNTHASE KINASE 3 BETA
Authors: Jb Sheema , Hopper Waheeta
Published: February 2018

Objective: Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) is one of the main targets for wound healing activity. Our objective is to identify novel inhibitors for GSK3β using in silico approach.Methods: Grid-based molecular docking, energy-based pharmacophore (e-pharmacophore) modeling, and molecular dynamics (MD) studies were performed for phytocompounds with GSK3β and compared with standard drugs using Schrodinger software.Results: The glide scores and the molecular interactions of the phytocompounds were well comparable to the standard drugs. The MD was performed for the target bound to the best scoring ligand, entagenic acid. The pharmacophore features of this docked complex were modeled as e-pharmacophore. The constructed e-pharmacophore model was screened against phytocompounds retrieved from literature to identify the ligands with similar pharmacophore features.Conclusion: The glide scores of fukinolic acid, cimicifugic acid, and linarin were −10.99, −8.28, and −7.25 kcal/mol, respectively. The further 50 nanoseconds MD study determined the stability of GSK3β-linarin complex. Nitrofurazone and sulfathiazole drugs can lead to systemic side effects. Hence, it is concluded that linarin could be a potent wound healing compound against GSK3β.
PRESCRIPTION AUDITING IN REGARD WITH THE PRESCRIPTION PATTERNS IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL
Authors: Naveen A , B Ramesh , Teki Siwani
Published: February 2018

Objective: The study was undertaken to know the prescription patterns and to evaluate the rationality of prescriptions in regard with different parameters in a tertiary care teaching hospital.Methods: This project was a non-interventional, cross-sectional, and observational study conducted at GIMSR Hospital after obtaining permission from Institutional Ethics Committee. A total of 500 prescription forms of the patients who visited the Outpatient Departments of GIMSR hospital, (GITAM University, Visakhapatnam) were recorded and evaluated for different parameters in consonance with the World Health Organization prescribing indicators. Results were analyzed and tabulated using simple statistical measures such as percentages and averages.Results: We collected the data of 500 prescription forms of the patients who visited the hospital during July–August months of the year-2017. In this study, we observed that a total of 1127 drugs were prescribed. Therefore, average number of drugs prescribed per patient was found to be 2.25. Results of prescription profile of the patients results are as follows, drugs prescribed by generic names only in 7.98 % of cases, fixed-dose combinations were used in 15.7%% cases, more than one antibiotic was prescribed in 04% cases, and 87% prescriptions were legible, 73% of prescriptions with complete diagnosis, and only 65.5% prescriptions were complete in terms of dose, route, strength, and frequency and dosage forms.Conclusion: Our study suggests that there is an immense scope of improvement in prescription patterns in the hospital. Majority of drugs (92.07%) were prescribed by the branded names, hence, there is an urgent need for prescription of drugs by generic names. Other parameters such as complete diagnosis and legibility of prescriptions need to be improved.
INTEGRATING STRUCTURE AND LIGAND-BASED APPROACHES FOR MODELLING THE HISTONE DEACETYLASE INHIBITION ACTIVITY OF HYDROXAMIC ACID DERIVATIVES
Authors: Pham-the Hai , Le-thi-thu Huong
Published: February 2018

Objective: Structure and ligand-based drug design approaches have be been integrated to accurately predict the inhibition activity of hydroxamic acid (HA) derivatives against the histone deacetylase-2 enzyme (HDAC2).Methods: The “active conformations” of the ligands in the binding site of the enzyme were determined by docking assays. More than 1000 0–3 dimensional molecular descriptors included in Dragon package were calculated and utilized for developing quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models through a multiple linear regression approach coupled with the genetic algorithm (GA-MLR).Results: The final model obtained showed suitable robustness and stability, with low correlation between descriptors and good predictive power. QSAR model was then used for screening bioactivity from a series of 36 novel HAs and found five candidates with very good bioactivity (half maximal inhibitory concentration<0.1 μM). Docking experiment revealed the binding mode of these compounds into the active site of HDAC2. Drug-likeness and toxicity profiles of the compounds were checked through chemoinformatics tools.Conclusion: The results from this study can lead to rational design and synthesis of highly selective and potent HDAC2 inhibitors.
CHEMICAL HAZARDS IN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY: AN OVERVIEW
Authors: Agarwal Princy , Goyal Anju , Vaishnav Rajat
Published: February 2018

The pharmaceutical industry is a vital component of health-care systems all over the world engaged in discovery, development, manufacture, and marketing of medicines for human as well as animal health. Pharmaceutical industries also have many environmental problems, like the other chemical industries. The pharmaceutical industry is based primarily on the scientific formulation, research, and development of drugs, that is, helpful in the prevention or treatment of diseases and disorders. The manufacturing of APIs and formulation processes involves the use of various chemicals which includes various corrosive and irritant agents such as acids, bases, oxidizing and reducing agents, solvents, and many more which can be found sometimes at very high concentrations and are hazardous to health of persons performing the various processes during manufacturing and formulation of API and medicines. The effective management of the chemical risks linked to the handling of these agents is mandatory for the safety of the workers in the industry, ethically and also legally as per the rules and guidelines of various acts regulating the functioning of the pharma industry. This article provides a comprehensive review of various chemical hazards generally encountered by the pharmaceutical industry, its management and regulation in India.
IS TUBERCULOSIS A FAMILIAL COMMUNICABLE DISEASE? HIGH TIME TO STRENGTHEN CONTACT SCREENING
Authors: Jain Timsi , Jd Raja , Jd Raja , Dutta Ruma , Dutta Ruma , P Sivaprakasam , P Sivaprakasam , D Jayashri , D Jayashri , Parasuraman Gomathy , Parasuraman Gomathy , Mohan Yogesh , Mohan Yogesh
Published: February 2018

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a highly communicable disease and represents a serious public health problem. In the absence of active case detection and early diagnosis among close contacts of a known TB patient, the family members are at high risk of developing the disease and are the potential source of spread of the disease in the community. Here, we discuss a case of pulmonary TB which stresses on the importance and urgent need for screening all household contacts and for early diagnosis and treatment of all cases and susceptible contacts.
EFFECTS OF A PROBIOTIC MILK DRINK ON SALIVARY TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR-ALPHA IN CHILDREN WITH ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA IN THE INDUCTION PHASE
Authors: Pariaputra Jennifer Surja , Budiardjo Sarworini Bagio , Suharsini Margaretha
Published: February 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the short-term use of a probiotic milk drink on salivary tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) during the induction phase of chemotherapy.Methods: A randomized, case-controlled clinical trial was carried out. The samples of the study were collected from 11 children with ALL and 11 healthy children as the control. Both groups received a probiotic milk drink. The probiotic milk drink contained Lactobacillus casei (6.5×109 colony forming unit/mL). The subjects were instructed to rinse 5 mL of probiotic milk drink for 30 s over the course of 2 weeks. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from patients at baseline and 1 and 2 weeks after rinsing with the probiotic milk drink. The levels of TNF-α were determined using a human TNF-α enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.Results: The salivary TNF-α levels in the experimental group decreased but not to a statistically significant degree (p>0.05) when comparing the baseline with weeks 1 and 2 after rinsing. There was a significant decrease of salivary TNF-α levels in the control group (p<0.05) when comparing the baseline with 1 and 2 weeks after rinsing. The concentration of salivary TNF-α in the experimental group was higher than in the control group (p<0.05).Conclusion: This study demonstrates the effect of a short-term intake of a probiotic milk drink on children with ALL during the induction phase of chemotherapy. The results show a reduction of salivary TNF-α after taking the probiotic milk drink after 1 week and 2 weeks, although the results were not statistically significant.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MATERNAL SERUM VITAMIN D AND EARLY PREGNANCY SPONTANEOUS ABORTION IN IRAQI WOMEN
Authors: Mohammed Ashwaq Kadhim , Alqani Vian Hussam Almansi
Published: February 2018

Objective: This study was aimed to estimate the Vitamin D serum concentration in a cohort of women with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortion.Methods: The current cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Diwaniya maternity and child teaching hospital, Al-Diwaniya province, Iraq. Data collection, lab work, and procedures related to the study extended from August 2016 to August 2017. The study enrolled 42 women of childbearing age who have a history of spontaneous early pregnancy loss. From each woman, a venous sample was obtained and sent to a lab to assess serum Vitamin D concentrations using standard routine biochemical methods.Results: Assessment of mean maternal serum Vitamin D concentration revealed that the mean was 21.48±11.82 (ng/ml) and the range was from 5 to 50 (ng/ml). The number of women with low serum Vitamin D (<20 ng/ml) was 25 (approximately 60%), the results also revealed a highly negative correlation was obtained between number of abortions and maternal serum Vitamin D (r=−0.717, p<0.001) and that the value or R2 was 0.514 which indicated that the level of Vitamin D alone can act as an independent predictor to explain 51.4% of spontaneous abortions in the participating women.Conclusion: Vitamin D level is a strong predictor of pregnancy loss in early pregnancy, and that correction of Vitamin D status among Iraqi pregnant ladies may substantially reduce the frequency of spontaneous abortion.
Promoting Documentation of Suicidality in a Family Medicine Residency Clinic
Authors: Sherman Michelle D. , Justesen Kathryn , Okocha Eneniziaogochukwu A.
Published: February 2018

Background and Objectives: Careful assessment of depression and suicidality are important given their prevalence and consequences for quality of life. Our study evaluated the impact of an educational intervention in a family medicine residency clinic on rates of provider documentation regarding suicidality.
Methods: We offered two brief workshops to our clinic staff and created two standardized charting templates to empower and educate providers. One template used with the patient during the clinic visit elicited key factors (eg, plan, intent, barriers) and offered treatment plan options. The second template included supportive text and resources to include in the after-visit summary. A chart review was completed, examining 350 patient records in which the patient reported thoughts of death or suicide in the preceding 2 weeks on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 ([PHQ-9], 150 over a 5-month baseline period, 150 in months 1 through 4 immediately following the workshops and template development, and 50 at follow-up months 7 through 8 following the intervention). We examined use of the templates and changes in rates of documentation of suicidality.
Results: Rates of provider documentation of suicidality for patients who had expressed suicidal ideation on the PHQ-9 increased significantly from 57% at baseline to 78% in the postintervention phase; the rise persisted at follow-up. Rates of use of the assessment template were 58% (postintervention) and 49% (follow-up). Anecdotal provider feedback reflected appreciation of the templates for assessing and documenting challenging issues.
Conclusions: Brief educational interventions were associated with improved rates of provider documentation of suicidality. The longer-term impact of the workshops and templates warrant further investigation.
Effect of organic substances on iron-release kinetics in a calcareous soil after basil harvesting
Authors: Safarzadeh Sedigheh , Kasmaei Sadegh , Ahmad Abadi
Published: February 2018

Desorption of iron from soil is important for evaluating the availability and toxicity of soil Fe in agriculture. The aim of this investigation was to study the effect of organic substances (cow and sheep manures and vermicompost) on Fe release from a calcareous soil and determine the best models for the description of the Fe desorption kinetics. Organic substances were added to soils at the rate of 3 %. Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) seeds were sown in each pot and pots were kept at 24?25?C at about field capacity for 90 days. After 90 days, plants were harvested and soil samples were used for Fe desorption analysis. Seven kinetic models were evaluated to describe the rate of Fe desorption in soil extracted with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA). Results showed that Fe release from soil samples increased with time. Release of Fe was rapid at first and then became slower. Iron release in the organic substances treatments was higher than in the unamended soil and the two-constant rate, parabolic diffusion and simple Elovich models were the best equations for the description of Fe release from soils.
Pengolahan Alat Ungkap Masalah (AUM) dengan Menggunakan Komputer Bagi Konselor
Authors: Ifdil Ifdil , Ilyas Asmidir
Published: February 2018

Kehadiran teknologi informasi dewasa ini memberikan tantangan bagi para konselor untuk ikut berperan serta dan menguasainya. Sehingga tidak menutup kemungkinan penyelenggaraan konseling tidak hanya dilakukan secara face-face dalam satu ruang tertutup, namun bisa dilakukan melalui format jarak jauh. Konselor menggunakan media informasi sebagai alat bantu dalam menjalankan tugasnya, yang selanjutnya dikenal dengan istilah Pelayanan e-konseling. Wujud nyata aplikasi dari e-konseling adalah dengan bermunculannya pelayanan konseling secara online, melalui situs-situs penyedia layanan konseling online, atau yang lebih sederhana konseling yang dilakukan melalui telpon, hand phone dan/atau melalui email pribadi dan beberapa program aplikasi untuk chatting seperti skype, yahoo Mesegger dan sebagainya. Juga pemanfaatan program aplikasi lainnya yang mendukung penyelenggaraan tugas para konselor, seperti lahirnya program aplikasi pengolahan Alat Ungkap Masalah (AUM). Konselor sekolah selama ini melakukan pengadministrasian AUM dan melakukan pengolahan secara manual, sehingga memakan tenaga yang besar dan waktu yang tidak efisien. Untuk membantu para konselor akhirnya Tim Pengembang Instrumen atas izin tim pengusun instrument AUM berinisiatif untuk mengembangkan sebuah program aplikasi AUM dengan basis program Microsoft Acces, Teknologi e-konseling pada program ini memungkinkan menampilkan lebih banyak lagi informasi berkenaan dengan masalah-masalah responden, dalam hal ini terutama siswa yang nantinya dapat dijadikan alat bantu bagi konselor dalam menjalankan tugas profesionalnya. Kegiatan pelatihan ini merupakan pelatihan serupa yang juga sudah dilakukan di kabupaten/kota lain di propinsi Sumatera Barat, dan dalam perencanaannya akan dilakukan pada semua kabupaten/kota yang ada di Sumatera Barat, sehingga pengetahuan dan penguasaan ketrampilan dapat ditingkatkan.
Vibrations of Circular Plates Resting on Elastic Foundation with Elastically Restrained Edge Against Translation
Authors: Rao L.B. , Rao C.K.
Published: February 2018

The present paper deals with exact solutions for the free vibration characteristics of thin circular plates resting on Winkler-type elastic foundation based on the classical plate theory elastically restrained against translation. Parametric investigations are carried out for estimating the influence of edge restraint against translation and stiffness of the elastic foundation on the natural frequencies of circular plates. The elastic edge restraint against translation and the presence of elastic foundation has been found to have a profound influence on vibration characteristics of the circular plate undergoing free transverse vibrations. Computations are carried out for natural frequencies of vibrations for varying values of translational stiffness ratio and stiffness parameter of Winkler-type foundation. Results are presented for twelve modes of vibration both in tabular and graphical form for use in the design. Extensive data is tabulated so that pertinent conclusions can be arrived at on the influence of translational edge restraint and the foundation stiffness ratio of the Winkler foundation on the natural frequencies of uniform isotropic circular plates.
Simulation-optimization Model for Design of Water Distribution System using Ant Based Algorithms
Authors: R. Moeini R. , S.A.M. Moulaei S.A.M.
Published: February 2018

In this paper, the Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm (ACOA) is applied to solve Water Distribution System design optimization problem proposing two different methods. Considering pipe diameters as decision variables of the problem, Ant System and Max-Min Ant System, referred to ACOA1 and ACOA2 respectively, are applied to determine pipe diameters. In proposed methods, the ant-based models are interfaced with EPANET as simulator for the hydraulic analysis. Three benchmark test examples are solved with proposed methods and the results are presented and compared with those obtained with other existing methods. The results show the capability of the proposed methods to optimally solve the design optimization problem in which best results are obtained with ACOA2 in comparison with other available results. Furthermore, the results show the superiority of the proposed ACOA2 over than the ACOA1 in which the trade-off between the two contradictory search characteristic of exploration and exploitation is managed better by using Max-Min Ant System.
Editorial
Authors: Fabris Hans Heinz
Published: February 2018

Editorial zu 1-2/1986
Editorial
Authors: Hummel Roman
Published: February 2018

Editorial zu 4/1986
Editorial
Authors: Signitzer Benno
Published: February 2018

Editorial zu 2/1987
Editorial
Authors: Renger Rudolf
Published: February 2018

Editorial zu 4/1987
Editorial
Authors: Duchkowitsch Wolfgang , Haas Hannes , Hausjell Fritz
Published: February 2018

Editorial zu 4/1988
Editorial
Authors: Luger Kurt
Published: February 2018

Editorial zu 1/1989
Development of The Banna Game Integrated ContextualLearning Instruction on Ecosystem Materials in Junior High School
Authors: Purwaningsih Retno Dwi , Suratno Suratno , Iqbal Mochammad
Published: February 2018

The implementation of the curriculum 2013 revised edition was reinstated by the government in 2016 that made all elements of the school especially teachers should adapt the learning tools used in the teaching system. Learning tools include syllabus, RPP, Textbooks, LKS, and learning media. Science learning according to the 2013 curriculum is done contextually for example by applying environment based learning by maximizing the enviromental potential that exists in the area around the school. Ecosystem is a material that must be done contextually. One of methode for teachers to improve their learning motivation and student learning outcomes is by developing a The Banna Game integrated contextual learning instruction. Game The Banna is an educational game themed Baluran National Park. This study aims to develop The Banna Game integrated contextual learning instruction on the subject of Ecosystems on Learning Motivation and Student Cognitive Learning Outcomes at SMPN 1 Asembagus Situbondo. This research is a developmental research using ASSURE model. The developmental research is carried out in Biology Education Study Program which involves several validators, Baluran National Park experts, application experts, learning device experts, learning media experts and materials experts. Test validity based on the validation assessment of the five validators to test the feasibility of the product to be used in the school. Validity test results obtained are TNB Expert 92.1%, Media Experts 89.70%, Expert Learning Tool 71.875%, Media Experts 77.083% and Expert Content 73%. Based on it shows that the level of validity of learning devices obtain valid categories and can be used in learning activities in the school.
Scientific Basis of Training of Educational Studies
Authors: Quang Huy Mai
Published: February 2018

"Improving the quality of research staff and education specialists" is one of the tasks and solutions for education and training development. It is important to train qualified researchers and educators to meet international standards. Based on comparing the curriculum of the bachelor degree in educational studiesin our country with the the curriculum in Hiroshima University - Japan, the article clarifies the basis for building curiculum ofBA in educational studies in our country.
Medida de la confianza en el estudio académico: un Informe-Resumen
Authors: Sander Paul , Sanders Lalage
Published: February 2018

Introducción. Guiado por el trabajo de Bandura sobre la auto-eficacia, este estudio trata de determinar la medida en la que las diferencias entre las expectativas de los estudiantes sobre la educación universitaria pueden ser explicadas por los diferentes niveles de confianza. Metodo. La Escala de Confianza Académica (ACS) fue diseñada y utilizada en un estudio con universitarios del primer año, para examinar diferencias en confianza entre dos grupos de estudiantes bastante diferentes. A uno de los grupos se les pasó la escala para medir su con-fianza al final del año, y, al mismo tiempo, se les pasó una Escala de Aspiración (LofAsp), para poder validar la ACS. Con los datos obtenidos, pudimos examinar mejor la ACS para buscar factores subyacentes. Resultados. En el análisis factorial de la ACS aparecieron 6 factores: (Estudio, Compren-sión, Verbalización, Clarificación, Asistencia y Notas del Estudiante). La Escala de Aspira-ción (LofAsp) proporcionó validez a la ACS. En la Escala de Aspiración, un pequeño grupo obtuvo baja puntuación en comparación con la media nacional identificada. Este grupo fue relevante en cuanto a sus puntuaciones en la ACS y en la realización académica. Las puntua-ciones de la ACS muestran una significativa disminución con el paso del tiempo. Discusión. Una comparación de las puntuaciones ACS entre los dos grupos de estudiantes sugiere que la confianza sólo puede ser responsable en una pequeña medida para las diferen-cias en las expectativas de los estudiantes sobre la educación universitaria. La disminución en las puntuaciones de la ACS indica que el rendimiento académica afecta a la ACS, no que la ACS afecta al rendimiento del estudiante. También provoca preguntas sobre la capacidad del estudiante para razonar utilizando los datos estadísticos, y sobre sus perspectivas de su rendi-miento más probable durante el curso.
THE ASSESSMENT OF THE INCIDENCE OF SKIN DISORDERS IN RUSSIAN FEDERATION IN 2003–2016
Authors: Kubanova A. A. , Kubanov A. A. , Melekhina L. E. , Bogdanova E. V.
Published: February 2018

The paper presents the analysis of the incidence and prevalence of skin disorders in general and of some skin diseases in Russian Federation in 2003–2016. Age-specific and federal district-specific profile of prevalence and incidence rates is also present.
Molecular-biological Methods of Research in Laboratory Diagnostics of Leprosy: Epidemiological Analysis, Genetic Determinants of Resistance to Antimicrobial Drugs
Authors: Obraztsova O. A.
Published: February 2018

The review of literature presents analysis of the current state of molecular biological methods for research of Mycobacterium leprae. The characteristics and feasibility of application of the methods in use for diagnostics and epidemiological monitoring of the leprosy pathogen are discussed, as well as identification of possible genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance. The present knowledge is provided of genetic characteristics of mycobacteria of the above type, which enable to lay the foundations for development of methods for leprosy diagnostics, as well as also for their significant improvement.
Bullous pemphigoid. Сlinic, Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Drozhdina M. B. , Koshkin S. V.
Published: February 2018

The article describes modern views on the predisposing factors, features, immunological changes and link with the histocompatibility antigens HLA, the role of circulating autoantibodies, cytokines, chemokines, matrix metalloproteinases and BP180 (BPAg2) и BP230 (BPAg1), those role in the pathogenesis of the bullous pemphigoid and their correlation with the activity of pathological process in patients with bullous pemphigoid. Described experimental model of the disease in animals, modern medications and methods of treatment of this disease.
Ultrasonic Patterns of Benign Skin Formations
Authors: Bizunova M. A. , Krinitsyna Yu. M. , Onipchenko V. V. , Nedvigina E. S. , Taganov A. V. , Sergeeva I. G.
Published: February 2018

Objective: to reveal ultrasonic features of of epithelial, dermal and vascular benign skin formations. Materials and methods. An ultrasonic study of 50 acantholytic nevuses, 50 acrochordons and 30 hemangiomas, which have an unambiguous clinical and dermatoscopic pattern and do not require differential diagnosis, was carried out. For the comparative evaluation of ultrasonic thickness and density of skin the ratio of scan indices in the lesion area relative to the indices in the adjacent healthy area of the skin was introduced. Results. On the scans of acantholytic nevus the formations that rose above the skin surface, with a nonuniform thickened, hyperechoic epidermis were visualized, in which hypoechoic round-shaped patches occur. A hypoechoic acoustic shadow was determined under the epidermis. On the scans of acrochordons the formations on a narrow base, which were located above the skin surface were visualized. In the region of formations, a discontinuous contour of epidermis with predominantly hyperechogenic areas was determined. Within the formations, the structure of the dermis is heterogeneous with the alternation of normoechoic and hypoechoic areas. Beneath the formation an epidermis structurally similar to the healthy skin epidermis is determined on the level of skin surface under which hypoechoic zone is visualized, which is an acoustic shadow. On the scans of hemangiomas the formations were visualized that rose above the skin surface, with a distinct lateral delimitation from the surrounding tissues. In the area of formations, the epidermis is non-uniformly thickened than healthy skin, hyperechoic round-shaped areas are visualized. Non-uniformly hypoechoic irregulary-shaped regions were determined in the dermis. Conclusion. All examined formations differ from healthy skin by increasing the thickness of the epidermis and dermis, as well as strengthening the overall acoustic solidity of the epidermis and decreasing the acoustic solidity of the dermis. The introduction of the ratio into practice makes it possible to quantify these changes. Moreover, each formation has a peculiar ultrasonic characteristic, allowing the use of pattern analysis for differential diagnosis between epithelial, dermal and vascular forms of benign skin formations.
Tungiasis. A Case of Diagnosis of Tropical Dermatosis
Authors: Azam V. V. , Chikin V. V. , Borlakov I. A.
Published: February 2018

A case of tungiasis is presented — infestation with Tunga penetrans of a man who was on vacation in Peru, with eruptions localized on toes I and V of the both feet. For treatment of the patient, the parasites were surgically removed out of the lesions, whereupon the lesions were treated with antiseptics.
Borsa İstanbul Sektör Endeksleri İle Döviz Kurları Arasındaki İlişkilerin İncelenmesi: ARDL Modeli
Authors: EYÜBOĞLU Sinem , EYÜBOĞLU Kemal
Published: February 2018

Döviz kurları, başta ihracat ve
ithalat işlemleri yoğun olan şirketler olmak üzere tüm şirketlerin karar alma
ve uygulama süreçlerine etki eden önemli faktörlerdendir. İlaveten şirketlerin
döviz kuru duyarlılıkları, faaliyet gösterdikleri sektöre göre de şekillenmektedir.
Bu açıdan döviz kuru etkisinin incelenmesinde şirketlerin içinde bulundukları
sektörün özellikleri de büyük önem taşımaktadır. Bu çalışmada ise 03/01/2011-26/05/2016 dönemi için Borsa
İstanbul endeksleri ile döviz kurları arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu doğrultuda çalışmada BIST
100 Endeksi ve 23 sektöre ait hisse senedi endeksleri ile Dolar/TL ve Euro/TL döviz
kurlarına ilişkin günlük veriler kullanılmıştır. Farklı seviyelerde durağan olduğu belirlenen seriler arasındaki uzun
dönem ilişki ise ARDL modeli ile araştırılmıştır. Yapılan analiz sonucunda çalışmada
yer alan 24 endeksten sadece BIST Tekstil Deri endeksi ile Euro/TL döviz kuru
arasında, Dolar/TL kuru ile ise BIST Tekstil Deri, Ticaret ve Teknoloji
endeksleri arasında uzun dönem ilişki olduğunu göstermiştir. İlaveten döviz
kurları ile 3 endeks arasında kısa dönemde negatif, uzun dönemde ise pozitif
bir ilişki olduğu belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca
Toda-Yamamoto nedensellik testi sonucunda Borsa İstanbul endekslerinde daha çok
geleneksel teorinin geçerli olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
Workfunction of Al-Doped ZnO Films Deposited by Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Gordon Peter George , Bacic Goran , Lopinski Gregory P. , Barry Sean Thomas
Published: February 2018

Al-doped ZnO (AZO) is a promising earth-abundant alternative to Sn-doped In2O3 (ITO) as an n-type transparent conductor for electronic and photovoltaic devices; AZO is also more straightforward to deposit by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The workfunction of this material is particularly important for the design of optoelectronic devices. We have deposited AZO films with resistivities as low as 1.1 x 10-3 Ωcm by ALD using the industry-standard precursors trimethylaluminum (TMA), diethylzinc (DEZ), and water at 200◦C. These films were transparent and their elemental compositions showed reasonable agreement with the pulse program ratios. The workfunction of these films was measured using a scanning Kelvin Probe (sKP) to investigate the role of aluminum concentration. In addition, the workfunction of AZO films prepared by two different ALD recipes were compared: a “surface” recipe wherein the TMA was pulsed at the top of each repeating AZO stack, and a interlamellar recipe where the TMA pulse was introduced halfway through the stack. As aluminum doping increases, the surface recipe produces films with a consistently higher workfunction as compared to the interlamellar recipe. The resistivity of the surface recipe films show a minimum at a 1:16 Al:Zn atomic ratio and using an interlamellar recipe, minimum resistivity was seen at 1:19. The film thicknesses were characterized by ellipsometry, chemical composition by EDX, and resistivity by four-point probe.
Protein-Ligand Binding Enthalpies from Near-Millisecond Simulations: Analysis of a Preorganization Paradox
Authors: Li Amanda , Gilson Michael
Published: February 2018

Calorimetric studies of protein-ligand binding often yield thermodynamic data that are difficult to explain in physical terms. Today, explicit solvent molecular dynamics simulations are fast enough that we can begin to use them to look for explanations of such thermodynamic puzzles. Additionally, when such simulations generate results that do not agree well with experiment, this may motivate further development of computational methods and force fields. Here, we apply near-millisecond duration simulations to compute and analyze the binding of four peptidic ligands with the Grb2 SH2 domain, focusing on relative binding enthalpies. The ligands fall into matched pairs, which differ only in the presence or absence of a conformationally constraining bond, which preorganizes two of the ligands for binding. Prior experimental work had revealed, unexpectedly, that binding of the constrained ligands is favored enthalpically, rather than entropically, relative to their flexible

analogs. However, the present calculations yield the opposite trend. On further analysis, the computed relative binding enthalpies are found to be small balances of much larger underlying differences in the mean energies of structural components, such as the ligand and the binding site residues. As a consequence, the deviations from experiment in the relative binding enthalpies represent small differences between these large numbers. We also computed first order estimates of changes in configurational entropy on binding. These suggest that the more rigid constrained ligands reduce the entropy of binding site residues more than their flexible analogs do. The implications of these calculations for the use of simulations to understand the thermodynamics of molecular recognition, and for the computational analysis of binding thermodynamics, are discussed.
Biodegradable 3D Printed Polymer Microneedles for Transdermal Drug Delivery
Authors: Luzuriaga Michael A. , Berry Danielle R. , Reagan John C. , Smaldone Ronald A. , Gassensmith Jeremiah J.
Published: February 2018

Biodegradable polymer microneedle (MN) arrays are an emerging class of transdermal drug delivery devices that promise a painless and sanitary alternative to syringes; however, prototyping bespoke needle architectures is expensive and requires production of new master templates. Here, we present a new microfabrication technique for MNs using fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing using polylactic acid, an FDA approved, renewable, biodegradable, thermoplastic material. We show how this natural degradability can be exploited to overcome a key challenge of FDM 3D printing, in particular the low resolution of these printers. We improved the feature size of the printed parts significantly by developing a post fabrication chemical etching protocol, which allowed us to access tip sizes as small as 1 μm. With 3D modeling software, various MN shapes were designed and printed rapidly with custom needle density, length, and shape. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that our method resulted in needle tip sizes in the range of 1 – 55 µm, which could successfully penetrate and break off into porcine skin. We have also shown that these MNs have comparable mechanical strengths to currently fabricated MNs and we further demonstrated how the swellability of PLA can be exploited to load small molecule drugs and how its degradability in skin can release those small molecules over time.
A (IN)DIFERENÇA ENTRE PRINCÍPIOS E REGRAS: REPENSANDO A TEORIA DOS PRINCÍPIOS COM AULIS AARNIO
Authors: Magalhães Frederico
Published: February 2018

O presente artigo tem por objetivo questionar o dogma estabelecido pela teoria dos princípios de que as normas se distinguem em regras e princípios. Adota a metodologia jurídico-compreensiva para iniciar uma revisão bibliográfica e de análise de conteúdo das teses que enfrentam a problemática da normatividade dos princípios. A seguir, analisa as críticas à teoria da norma de Kelsen, ao modelo de aplicação normativa do Direito Nazista, relacionando-o com o modelo de princípios da Jurisprudência dos Valores. Depois, reflete sobre teses fracas e fortes da distinção entre princípios e regras e conclui, explicitando a compreensão de que não há distinção significativa entre tais normas, com fundamento na construção teórica do professor finlandês Aulis Aarnio.O presente artigo tem por objetivo questionar o dogma estabelecido pela teoria dos princípios de que as normas se distinguem em regras e princípios. Adota a metodologia jurídico-compreensiva para iniciar uma revisão bibliográfica e de análise de conteúdo das teses que enfrentam a problemática da normatividade dos princípios. A seguir, analisa as críticas à teoria da norma de Kelsen, ao modelo de aplicação normativa do Direito Nazista, relacionando-o com o modelo de princípios da Jurisprudência dos Valores. Depois, reflete sobre teses fracas e fortes da distinção entre princípios e regras e conclui, explicitando a compreensão de que não há distinção significativa entre tais normas, com fundamento na construção teórica do professor finlandês Aulis Aarnio.