bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Mobile Health Coaching Intervention for Controlling Hypertension: Single-Arm Pilot Pre-Post Study (Preprint)
Authors: Weerahandi Himali , Paul Soaptarshi , Quintiliani Lisa M , Chokshi Sara , Mann Devin M
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

The seminal Dietary Approaches to Stopping Hypertension (DASH) study demonstrated the effectiveness of diet to control hypertension; however, the effective implementation and dissemination of its principles have been limited.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a DASH mobile health intervention. We hypothesized that combining Bluetooth-enabled data collection, social networks, and a human coach with a smartphone DASH app (DASH Mobile) would be an effective medium for the delivery of the DASH program.

METHODS

We conducted a single-arm pilot study from August 2015 through August 2016, using a pre-post evaluation design to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a smartphone version of DASH that incorporated a human health coach. Participants were recruited both online and offline.

RESULTS

A total of 17 patients participated in this study; they had a mean age of 59 years (SD 6) and 10 (60%) were women. Participants were engaged with the app; in the 120 days of the study, the mean number of logged blood pressure measurements was 63 (SD 46), the mean number of recorded weight measurements was 52 (SD 45), and participants recorded a mean of 55 step counts (SD 36). Coaching phone calls had a high completion rate (74/102, 73%). The mean number of servings documented per patient for the dietary assessment was 709 (SD 541), and patients set a mean number of 5 (SD 2) goals. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, weight, body mass index, and step count did not significantly change over time (P>.10 for all parameters).

CONCLUSIONS

In this pilot study, we found that participants were engaged with an interactive mobile app that promoted healthy behaviors to treat hypertension. We did not find a difference in the physiological outcomes, but were underpowered to identify such changes.
RP-HPLC METHOD FOR SIMULTANEOUS ESTIMATION OF RITONAVIR, OMBITASVIR AND PARITAPREVIR IN TABLET DOSAGE FORMS AND THEIR STRESS DEGRADATION STUDIES
Authors: BAJE SYED IBRAHIM , JYOTHI B. , MADHAVI N.
Published: March 2019

Objective: The objective of the present study was to develop and validate a novel reverse phase high performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method, for simultaneous determination of ritonavir (RIT), ombitasvir (OMB) and paritaprevir (PAR) in bulk mixtures, and in tablets.

Methods: Determination of the drugs ritonavir (RIT), ombitasvir (OMB), and paritaprevir (PAR), was carried out applying Hypersil BDS C18 column (250 mm X 4.6 mm i.e., 5 µm particle size), with photodiode array detector at λmax of 254 nm. The mobile phase applied for the current study composed of two solvents, i.e. A (0.01N % w/v potassium di-hydrogen orthophosphate buffer, pH 3.0 adjusted with dilute orthophosphoric acid) and B (acetonitrile). The mobile phase was pumped at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min in the isocratic mode. The validation study with respect to specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and robustness, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) was carried out employing the ICH guidelines.

Results: Ritonavir, ombitasvir, and paritaprevir showed linearity of response between 12.5-75 μg/ml for ritonavir, 3.125-18.75 µg/ml for ombitasvir and 18.75–112.5 µg/ml for paritaprevir, with a correlation coefficient (R2) 0.999, 0.999,0.999 for RIT, OMB, and PAR respectively. The % recovery obtained was 99.82±0.14 % RIT, OMB 100.03±0.96 % and for 99.96±0.26 % PAR. The LOD and LOQ values for RIT, OMB, PAR were obtained to be 0.02, 0.019and0.02, µg/ml and 0.07, 0.06 and 0.07 µg/ml, respectively. The method also exhibits good robustness for different chromatographic conditions like wavelength, flow rate, mobile phase, and injection volume.

Conclusion: The method was successfully employed, for the quantification of RIT, OMB, and PAR, in the quality control of in-house developed tablets, and can be applied for the industrial use.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF AN ANTIMICROBIAL MUCOADHESIVE DENTAL GEL OF AZADIRACHTA INDICA AND GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA
Authors: JAIN HEMANT K. , SWAMI PRERANA N. , GUJAR K. N.
Published: March 2019

Objective: Objective of this study was to formulate and evaluate an antimicrobial mucoadhesive dental gel of herbal drugs for the prevention and treatment of dental plaque, dental caries, and periodontitis.

Methods: Azadirachta indica leaves extract was prepared with ethanol: water (80:20 v/v) and Glycyrrhiza glabra roots extract was prepared with ethanol: water (30:70 v/v). Both the extracts were evaluated for organoleptic properties, pH, phytochemical screening and total phenolic content. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) and Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) studies were performed. Antibacterial activity of the extract was done on Mueller Hinton agar media against Streptococcus mutans using the disc diffusion method. A mucoadhesive gel was prepared using carbopol 934, polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 as a bioadhesive polymer and penetration enhancer, respectively. Three gel formulations were prepared at various concentrations of carbopol 934. Dental gel formulations were evaluated for different parameters such as appearance, pH, viscosity, spreadabilty, syringeability. Optimised batch was used for further studies viz. stability study, drug content, diffusion study to determine percent cumulative release of drug from gel formulation and in vitro mucoadhesion study.

Results: Rf value of nimbin and glycyrrhizin in TLC study, were found to be 0.08 and 0.56, respectively. RP-HPLC method was developed for estimation of active constituents present in both extracts using mobile phase acetonitrile: water [containing 0.1 % v/v glacial Acetic acid (GAA)]: methanol in the ratio of 30:60:10 at the flow rate of 0.8 ml/min. Rt of active constituents from both drug extracts was found to be 3.119 and 4.15 min, respectively. 2.5 % w/v of Azadirachta indica leaves extract showed a good zone of inhibition (10.66±0.577 mm) near to chlorhexidine (11.33±0.5773 mm). 1 % of Glycyrrhiza glabra roots extract exhibit antibacterial activity (9±1 mm) and masks the bitter taste of formulation. Batch (F2) was selected on the basis of viscosity, spreadabilty and syringeability. The optimised batch was found to be stable and has 83 % and 80.3 % of drug content. Percent cumulative releases of the drug from gel formulation during the diffusion study were found to be 87.52 % and 85.43 %. Adhesive force and adhesiveness were found to be 11.90 g and 0.92 millijoule, respectively during mucoadhesion study.

Conclusion: The evaluation parameters of optimized batch indicate the prepared dental gel is mucoadhesive, stable, good delivery drug system containing antimicrobial agents for prevention of plaque formation, dental caries and periodontitis.
NIOSOMES AS AN EMERGING FORMULATION TOOL FOR DRUG DELIVERY-A REVIEW
Authors: S. SARASWATHI T. , M MOTHILAL , K. JAGANATHAN M.
Published: March 2019

Nonionic surfactant based vesicles which are uni/multilamellar in structures are called niosomes. These vesicles contains an aqueous interior surrounded by one or more amphiphilic bilayer membrane forming surfactant which separates them from the bulk solution, and are also called as supramolecular aggregates. Niosomes, being an efficient drug delivery system, investigations are carried out to utilize this system to treat various disorders, to promote improved patient compliance, lesser side effects, reduction in dose, lesser dosage frequency, and higher amount of the drug at the particular site so as to lessen an excessive contact with the whole body. The Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic profile of Niosomal drug delivery system vary for various entrapped drugs. Drugs that are successful in the mitigation or treatment of CNS disorders should cross the BBB to reach the brain, as BBB seems to be an obstacle for a large number of drugs, including CNS active drugs. This article compiles recent techniques for the preparation and characterization of niosomes, the effect of formulation variables on its physicochemical properties and discussed about its effective applications in drug delivery.
ENHANCEMENT OF DISSOLUTION CHARACTERISTICS OF CLOPIDOGREL BISULPHATE BY PRONIOSOMES
Authors: MAZYED EMAN A. , ZAKARIA SHERIN
Published: March 2019

Objective: The present investigation aims to formulate and evaluate proniosomes of clopidogrel bisulphate for improving its dissolution characteristics.

Methods: The slurry method was used for the preparation of proniosomes of clopidogrel using cholesterol, sorbitan monostearate (Span 60) and maltodextrin as a carrier. Clopidogrel proniosomes were evaluated for their entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug release. The best formula (F1) that achieved maximum drug release was further evaluated by measurement of the angle of repose, morphological examination, determination of vesicle size, determination of zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential thermal analysis. The in vivo behavior of the selected proniosomal formula (F1) was studied by measuring the antiplatelet activity in adult male mice.

Results: The entrapment efficiency of clopidogrel proniosomes was in the range of 83.04±1.99 to 90.14±0.30. % drug released from proniosomal formulations was in the range of 79.73±0.35 to 97.70±1.10 % within 4 h. Clopidogrel proniosomes significantly enhanced the in vitro release of clopidogrel compared with the plain drug that achieved 61.77±2.22 % drug release. F1 significantly (p ≤ 0.001) increased the bleeding time and bleeding volume and significantly (p ≤ 0.05) prolonged prothrombin time and decreased prothrombin activity and increased the international normalized ratio (INR) compared to plain clopidogrel.

Conclusion: The present investigation introduced proniosomes as a promising carrier for clopidogrel that could enhance its dissolution and pharmacological effect.
OPTIMIZATION AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF THE RELEASE OF CLASS II DRUG FROM ITS NANOCUBOSOMAL DISPERSION
Authors: Al-sakini Sadeq Jaafar , Maraie Nidhal Khazaal
Published: March 2019

Objective: This work involves investigation and evaluation of the factors that affect the preparation and the release of the model class II drug (erythromycin) to optimize the efficiency of its prepared nanocubosomal dispersion to give very fast initial burst effect within the first hour that can continue for further two hours.

Methods: The work involved preparation of ten formulas of cubosomal dispersion by emulsifying different concentrations of glyceryl monooleate (GMO) (lipid content)/surfactant mixtures which were nano-sized and characterized morphologically by Transmission electronic microscopic (TEM), zeta potential, particle size, polydispersity index (pdI), pH, entrapment efficiency, conductivity test, dilution test and in vitro drug release.

Results: The selected nanocubosomal formula (F1) showed pH (7.41), particle size (315.05 nm), pdI (0.194), zeta potential (-30.852), entrapment efficiency (91%) and gave a 70% drug release within the first hour of the in vitro test and continued until it gave 96.3% drug release with further 2 h.

Conclusion: this work succeeded in preparing optimized cubosomal dispersion for erythromycin using different GMO/poloxamer 407 percent. The optimum formula gave an immediate release of the model drug (erythromycin) and it was ready to be incorporated in any suitable dosage form to give fast onset of action.
FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT AND STATISTICAL OPTIMIZATION OF A BILAYER TABLET OF BOSENTAN MONOHYDRATE AND SILDENAFIL CITRATE IN MANAGEMENT OF PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: DIGHE PEARL PIRES , TANK H. M.
Published: March 2019

Objective: The current study aims at fabrication of an oral bilayer matrix tablet of bosentan monohydrate and sildenafil citrate; the optimisation of their in vitro release and characterization, thereby reducing the side effects associated with bosentan, reducing dosing frequency and increasing patient compliance in the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Methods: Methocel K4M Premium DC2, a directly compressible HPMC grade was used as the sustained release polymer. Pregelatinised starch is used as a diluent and release modifier and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) as a solubiliser. The blends of both layers were prepared, evaluated for precompression characteristics and compressed by direct compression. The compressed bilayer tablets were evaluated for their hardness, weight variation, friability, content uniformity and swelling index. The principle objective was to assess the influence of the above variables on in vitro drug release of Bosentan using a 23 factorial design. Responses are measured as drug release at 2h (Q2), 6h (Q6) and 10h (Q10).

Results: HPMC and pregelatinized starch form a synergistic gel thereby controlling drug release of bosentan for a 12 hour period. Batch BS09 consisting of 40 mg HPMC, 30 mg Pregeletinized starch and 5 mg SLS showed adequate controlled release for a 12 h period. Immediate release layer of sildenafil citrate showed optimum drug release of 102.96% within 30 min.

Conclusion: Bilayer tablet of bosentan and sildenafil is an ideal combination for patients failing monotherapy in pulmonary arterial hypertension.
CHARACTERIZATION OF HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE PRODUCED FROM α-CELLULOSE BETUNG BAMBOO (DENDROCALAMUS ASPER) AND IT’S APPLICATION IN TABLET FORMULATION
Authors: Suryadi Herman , . Harmita , Akbar Muhammad Herpi , Lestari Pingkan , Lestari Pingkan
Published: March 2019

Objective: This study aimed to obtain the physicochemical properties of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) powder from α-cellulose Betung bamboo and its characteristics in tablet formulation.

Methods: HPC was prepared by hydroxypropylation of α-cellulose using 25% (w/v) sodium hydroxide and 10 ml propylene oxide (based on 1 g α-cellulose) at 70 °C for 3 h. HPC of Betung bamboo (HPC BB) was characterized using fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, particle size analyzer (PSA), x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and compared to HPC grade SL (HPC SL) as the reference. Then, HPC BB was used as a binder in tablet formulation by direct compression method and the resulted tablets were evaluated. The tablets evaluation including weight and size uniformity, hardness, friability and disintegration time.

Results: The results showed HPC BB powder was yellowish white, odorless and tasteless, pH 7.49, residue on ignition 0.68%, hydroxypropoxy groups content 54.75%, average particle size 37.39 μm, loss on drying 1.09%, and moisture content 3.34%. Flow properties of powder fulfilled the requirements based on literature. Infrared spectrum and diffraction pattern of HPC BB were relatively similar to HPC SL. The tablets have average weight 403.495 mg, diameter 12.16 mm, thickness 3.11 mm, hardness 4.11 KPa, friability 2.04% and disintegration time 24.88 s.

Conclusion: Based on the comparison of powder characteristics and tablets evaluation, HPC BB has a great potential in tablet formulation which showed similar characteristics to reference.
THE OPTIMIZATION OF HPLC FOR QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF ACID ORANGE 7 AND SUDAN II IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS USING BOX BEHNKEN DESIGN
Authors: PURBA NOVALINA BR , ROHMAN ABDUL , MARTONO SUDIBYO
Published: March 2019

Objective: The objective of this study was to optimize high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the determination of acid orange 7 (AO7) and sudan II (SII) in blusher product based on response surface methodology using box behnken design (BBD) approach.

Methods: Some factors responsible for HPLC separation including column temperature, mobile phase composition, flow rate were optimized using BBD. The responses evaluated were peak area, retention time, and tailing factor. AO7 and SII in blusher product has different properties, therefore both analytes were analysed using C18 column (Thermo Synergy Gold 250 mm x 4.6 mm i.d.,5 µm) using Shimadzu LC 20AD chromatograph equipped with photo-diode array (PDA) detector at 300-650 nm. The mobile phase used was acetonitrile-water (1:1 v/v), and acetonitrile composition was optimized at 35-50% for separation AO7 (ACN1), and 80-90% for SII (ACN2), delivered at the flow rate of 0.9–1 ml/min, using column temperature at 30-40 °C.

Results: BBD showed that separation of AO7 was influenced by the concentration of ACN1, flow rate and column temperature. These factors affected retention time, peak area, and tailing factor with peak area was the most significant. Tailing factor was not significantly affected by each factor, and retention time was slightly effected. Otherwise, Sudan II was affected by all these factors except ACN1. The optimal condition obtained based BBD was ACN1 43%, ACN2 90%, the flow rate of 0.9 ml/min and a column temperature of 40 °C.

Conclusion: BBD can be used to get optimum condition for analysis of AO7 and SII in blusher product.
AN EFFECT OF CARDIOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY IN VARIOUS MEDICINAL PLANTS–A REVIEW
Authors: R. VIJAYA NIRMALA , R. ABINAYA
Published: March 2019

Siddha system of medicines is known for its herbal in origin. Herbal plays a major role in treating acute and chronic diseases. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is the life-threatening disease that contributes a leading cause of death day by day across the world. A change in lifestyle modification is the one of the risks of CVDs. This review paper attempts to facilitate the cardioprotective activity by providing different types of medicinal plants and its botanical distribution, description, chemical constituents and pharmacological activity. Few important herbs will protect the human being from CVDs and gives health and quality of life. In this paper, the authors explores the effect of cardioprotective activity in medicinal plants as follows, Terminalia chebula (Kadukkai), Piper longum (Thippili), Zingiber officinale (Inji), Tinospora cordifolia (Seenthil), Asparagus racemosus (Thanneervitan), Embelia ribes

(Vaaivilangam), Andrographis paniculata (Nilavembu), Nelumbo nucifera (Thaamarai), Allium sativum (Vellaipoondu), Bauhinia variegata (Mantharai).
The diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive fetal RhD genotyping by using cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma
Authors: AKURUT Cisem , SİLAN Fatma , YALCİNTEPE Sinem , OZDEMİR Ozturk
Published: March 2019

Introduction: The non-invasive prenatal diagnosis of the fetus RhD genotype in RhD incompatibility has a crucial role in the prevention of increased anti-D immunoglobulin therapy for haemolytic diseases in pregnant women carrying RhD negative fetus. It was aimed to detect fetal RhD genotyping by using maternal circulating cell-free DNA in the current study.Methods: Maternal blood samples were collected in different trimester of pregnancies (12-40 weeks) in 12 D-negative mothers. Cell-free fetal DNA was extracted from 2 ml of maternal plasma by an conventional DNA isolation technique (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) and real-time PCR was performed for genotyping target RhD exons 7 and 10 and GLO genes. Postnatal serological evaluations were performed and the results were confirmed.Results: 6 cases (50 %) were determined D positive and 6 cases (50 %) were determined D negative. All results were also confirmed after birth serologically. Conclusions: In conclusion, the current results showed us the non-invasive target RhD genotyping from cell free fetal DNA from maternal plasma samples have a diagnostic accuracy in RhD incompatibility pregnancies.
USOS E CONSUMOS NO/DO COTIDIANO ESCOLAR: uma conversa sobre práticas, currículos e livros didáticos
Authors: Gonçalves Rafael Marques
Published: March 2019

O presente trabalho é fruto de uma pesquisa que buscou sentir e compreender o cotidiano escolar em sua potência, desenvolvida por meio de encontros e conversas com professoras que pensamfazem suas redes de conhecimentos, práticas e políticas em seus cotidianos escolares. O recorte apresentado neste texto narra uma conversa entra professoras da educação básica sobre escolha de livro didático e como este instrumento interfere e se (im)põem em suas práticas cotidianas. Ao questionarem a maneira como os livros didáticos são produzidos e expostos para escolha, através das conversas com as professoras, podemos evidenciar uma necessária e, ainda invisibilizada, interferência dos sujeitos praticantes do cotidiano escolar sobre a produção, elaboração, realização, circulação e consumo/uso desse material no cotidiano escolar. Assim, apostamos que tais aspectos levantados pelas professoras contribuem para discutirmos o escopo de alternativas políticaspráticas possíveis para combater os discursos que atacam de forma exacerbada a legitimidade do espaçotempo escolar e a atuação docente.
A CONSTRUÇÃO DO CURRÍCULO NO PROGRAMA ESCOLA ZÉ PEÃO
Authors: Silva Eduardo Jorge Lopes Da , Batista Neto José
Published: March 2019

Este artigo propõe uma reflexão sobre o discurso da construção do currículo no Programa Escola Zé Peão (PEZP). Com mais de duas décadas e meia de existência, o PEZP é uma experiência de extensão, no campo da educação de jovens e adultos, com a formação de professores-alfabetizadores vinculados às licenciaturas da UFPB. Para o PEZP, o currículo é uma construção cotidiana que leva em consideração o acúmulo da experiência do fazer pedagógico e os interesses de aprendizagem dos operários-educandos. Trata-se de um recorte de pesquisa de doutoramento, de abordagem qualitativa. Faz análise documental, a partir da perspectiva de Análise Arqueológica do Discurso de Michel Foucault (2000). O currículo que orienta as atividades do PEZP visa à construção de sujeitos crítico-participativos (IRELAND et al., 1998). Os programas que o PEZP oferece (Alfabetização na Primeira Laje e Tijolo Sobre Tijolo), aliados às atividades escolares, objetivam ampliar a visão de mundo do educando-operário para além do ambiente do trabalho, no sentido de possibilitar a experimentação/vivência de outros contextos socioculturais a que não teve acesso. O discurso da construção do currículo no PEZP sinaliza para uma relação de diálogo com a teoria crítica e pós-crítica do currículo, e com os princípios da Educação Popular, especialmente sob as influências das ideias freirianas. Nesse diálogo, constroem-se as temáticas sociais que norteiam os conteúdos curriculares escolares.Palavras-chave: Currículo. Programa Escola Zé Peão. Discurso. Educação Popular.
ESCOLA CIDADÃ INTEGRAL: proposições curriculares para jovens do Ensino Médio
Authors: Rodrigues Ana Cláudia Silva
Published: March 2019

O objeto do presente estudo se refere ao modelo de educação integral implementado no estado da Paraíba no ano de 2016. O objetivo geral consistiu em analisar como as ações do Programa de Educação Integral em três escolas, no estado da Paraíba, nos anos 2016 e 2017, contribuíram para a formação integral dos alunos. A abordagem escolhida para o desenvolvimento da pesquisa foi a qualitativa. Como método, utilizou-se documentos como fonte de dados, mais precisamente, o Projeto Político Pedagógico e os Planos de Ação das escolas investigadas, localizadas em 3 municípios de regiões distintas do referido estado. A pesquisa ocorreu em duas etapas: na primeira, procedeu-se com a análise dos Cadernos de Formação do Modelo Escola da Escolha, que foram distribuídos como orientadores do programa; na segunda, analisou-se um dos projetos pedagógicos das escolas participantes e três Planos de Ação elaborados para o ano de 2017. Ao término da investigação, concluiu-se que, para contribuir efetivamente para a elaboração dos projetos de vida de seus estudantes, o modelo Escola Cidadã de Tempo Integral necessita de ajustes metodológicos, para, a partir de então, materializar uma educação integral e de tempo integral.
Senectute, potestas, auctoritas...
Authors: Filippi María Cristina , Echenique Laura Matilde
Published: March 2019

En el presente trabajo nos ocuparemos de la Vejez, la última edad del hombre en Roma en las distintas épocas políticas desde la Monarquía pasando por la República hasta comienzos del Imperio, el enfoque dado es sobre todo recoger las ideas de poetas, historiadores, moralistas, filósofos y literatos, para luego describir la situación jurídica de los Adultos Mayores en nuestra legislación.    Palabras Clave: Vejez- Potestad- Adulto Mayor.
Relationship between time perspective and time management behaviours
Authors: Bajec Bostjan
Published: March 2019

This study explores the relationship between various time perspectives (Past-positive, Presenthedonistic, Future, Past-negative, and Present-fatalistic) and time management behaviours (Setting goals and priorities, Scheduling and planning, Preference for organisation, and Perceived control of time) in order to determine whether time perspective is an indicator of time management behaviours and whether it predicts time management behaviours beyond the Big Five personality traits. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses of data from 645 employed persons were performed. It showed that Future, Present-hedonistic, and Pastnegative perspectives predict Setting of goals and priorities and Scheduling and planning; Present-fatalistic, Future, and Present-hedonistic perspectives predict Preference for organisation, and Present-fatalistic perspective predicts Perceived control of time beyond the Big Five personality factors.
Early Detection of Hypoglycemia in Type 1 Diabetes Using Heart Rate Variability Measured by a Wearable Device
Authors: Olde Bekkink Marleen , Koeneman Mats , de Galan Bastiaan E. , Bredie Sebastian J.
Published: March 2019

OBJECTIVE

Changes in heart rate variability (HRV) occur at the initiation of hypoglycemia due to sympathetic nervous system activity. We investigated the use of HRV detection by a wearable device as an early alert for hypoglycemia.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This proof-of-principle study included 23 patients with type 1 diabetes (14 women, mean age 42 ± 11 years). Patients wore a VitalConnect HealthPatch for 5 days. Hypoglycemia was defined as glucose ≤70 mg/dL (≤3.9 mmol/L) by fingerstick measurement. HRV was analyzed in standardized periods before the hypoglycemic event.

RESULTS

Sixty-six hypoglycemic events were recorded. Hypoglycemia caused a typical HRV pattern in 36 (55%) of the hypoglycemic events. Eighteen events (27%) showed an atypical pattern. Ten events were unclassified (15%), and two did not display a change in HRV (3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypoglycemia causes early changes in HRV that can be detected by a wearable device. Measuring real-time HRV seems promising for early hypoglycemia detection.
Experimental and Finite Element Methods Prediction of 3D Printed Material Mechanical Properties with Various Porosity
Authors: ALABOODİ Abdulaziz
Published: March 2019

In
this article, elastic modulus and yield strength of models with specific
geometry are evaluated. Experimental and theoretical studies were carried out.
Produced models were subjected to compression test under one press and analysis
(FEA) in ANSYS program. The results were used to determine the most suitable
porosity in terms of strength, ductility, and weight loss. The results were
used to assess the percentage of proper porosity that protects the force,
ductility and weight reduction. Durability, elastic and plastic module yield
decreased with increasing porosity. The most important change occurred in the
elastic modulus.
FUNGI DETERMINED IN ANKARA UNIVERSITY TANDOĞAN CAMPUS AREA (ANKARA-TURKEY)
Authors: AKATA İlgaz , ALTUNTAŞ Deniz , KABAKTEPE Şanlı
Published: March 2019

The current study is based on fungi and infected
host plant samples collected from Ankara University Tandoğan Campus (Ankara)
between 2017 and 2019. As a result of the field and laboratory studies, 148
fungal species were identified. With the addition of formerly recorded 14
species in the study area, a total of 162 species belonging to 87 genera, 49
families, and 17 orders were listed.
Análise das ocorrências de violência sexual contra mulheres atendidas em um serviço de referência
Authors: Sousa Marlon Marcelo Maciel , Silva Naldiana Cerqueira
Published: March 2019

Objetivo: Analisar as ocorrências de violência sexual contra mulheres atendidas em um serviço de referência em Teresina, Piauí. Métodos: Estudo descritivo com abordagem quantitativa, retrospectivo, realizado no Serviço de Atendimento à Mulher Vítima de Violência Sexual, referência na capital do estado. A população foi definida por todas as ocorrências de violência sexual entre janeiro e dezembro de 2016, na cidade de Teresina, sendo incluídas todas as mulheres que relataram agressão sexual e foram registradas no serviço; e excluídos os casos em que não houve comprovação de violência sexual. As variáveis foram coletadas seguindo um formulário elaborado pelos autores e após aprovação da pesquisa pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Foi aplicada estatística descritiva aos dados coletados e comparados com a literatura científica. Resultados: Foram atendidas 484 mulheres, sendo que 235 casos ocorreram na cidade de Teresina e desses, 146 foram caracterizados como violência sexual. As vítimas eram jovens, entre 10 e 19 anos (61%), com menos de 8 anos de estudo (74%), em sua maioria estudantes (78,1%), além de não possuírem parceiro fixo (41,1%). Os atos de violência ocorreram no ambiente domiciliar (63,9%), no turno diurno (38,2%), com agressor conhecido (85%) e único (82,5%), que utilizou força física (47,5%). Conclusão: As ocorrências de violência sexual se deram em mulheres em situação de vulnerabilidade: jovens, com pouco estudo, desempregadas, sem parceiro fixo; sendo os atos praticados em ambiente residencial, durante o dia, por agressor único, conhecido e que utilizou força física para consumar a agressão.
Prevalência de intercorrências relacionadas à amamentação em puérperas
Authors: Almeida Janie Maria , Martins Ana Cristina Vieira , Amaral Daniela Moreira do , Batista Héllen Pereira , Almeida Luís Carlos Ferreira de
Published: March 2019

Introdução: O aleitamento materno (AM) é uma estratégia de promoção da saúde e requer compreensão dos determinantes associados à sua interrupção. Objetivos: Determinar a prevalência de intercorrências relacionadas à amamentação em puérperas de maternidade filantrópica do interior de São Paulo associando-as com as variáveis sociodemográficas e clínico-obstétricas. Método: Estudo exploratório descritivo realizado no período de maio a setembro de 2011. Aplicado questionário às puérperas em duas etapas, durante a internação, e realizado contato telefônico após 15 dias para acompanhamento da amamentação. Resultados: Das 123 puérperas pesquisadas, 29 apresentaram intercorrências mamárias, com prevalência de 23,5%, e na segunda etapa 23,6% das mães referiram aparecimento de fissuras. Os resultados para as variáveis sociodemográficas e clínico-obstétricas não apresentaram significância estatística com as intercorrências mamárias, exceto para horas de vida do recém-nascido (RN) no momento da entrevista, quantidade de mamadas observadas e pigmentação do mamilo. Conclusão: As intercorrências mamárias encontradas indicaram prevalência de 23,5% com predomínio de trauma nos mamilos.
Sentimentos vivenciados pelos adolescentes portadores de diabetes mellitus tipo 1
Authors: Conte Aline Falsetti , Jeneral Ruth Bernarda Riveros
Published: March 2019

Introdução: Alguns estudos revelam que, no período de descoberta do diagnóstico, o adolescente não conta com a expectativa de uma experiência desconhecida, como a condição de portador de doença crônica. Assim, é comum que sua reação envolva sentimentos de medo, angústia, depressão e apatia, considerando-se, ainda, o risco de mudanças na rotina. Por isso, é importante o profissional de saúde estar apto a lidar com esses fatores psicossociais do adolescente portador de diabetes mellitus tipo 1. Objetivo: Identificar os sentimentos surgidos nos adolescentes ao serem diagnosticados como portadores de diabetes mellitus tipo 1. Método: Tratou-se de uma pesquisa descritiva com análise qualitativa que incluiu 12 adolescentes na faixa etária de 13 a 19 anos, de ambos os sexos, sendo 6 do sexo feminino e 6 do sexo masculino, portadores da diabetes mellitus tipo 1, realizada no Ambulatório de Endocrinologia Pediátrica do Hospital Regional de Sorocaba. Consistiu em uma entrevista gravada em áudio com a questão norteadora. Para análise dos dados foi utilizada a técnica do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Resultados: Surgiram 12 sentimentos, sendo que os de maior destaque foram o de convivência e de conformidade com o diagnóstico, bem como o de dúvida quanto à doença, à dieta correta e ao medicamento, sendo que 10 dos entrevistados demonstraram algum tipo de dúvida já no momento do diagnóstico. Conclusão: Ao se descobrir diabético, o adolescente ainda apresenta muitas incertezas, visto que não são trabalhadas questões acerca das doenças crônicas com a população dessa faixa etária, fase em que ele experimenta, além da dúvida, sentimentos como a ira, a revolta, a vergonha, o que pode levar à negligência e, consequentemente, ao insucesso do tratamento.
Improving Space-Time-Frequency MIMO-OFDM with ICI Self-Cancellation Scheme using Least Square Error Estimator
Authors: Ibrahim Nur Farahiah , Abu Bakar Zahari , Idris Azlina
Published: March 2019

Channel estimation techniques for Multiple-input Multiple-output Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) based on comb type pilot arrangement with least-square error (LSE) estimator was investigated with space-time-frequency (STF) diversity implementation. The frequency offset in OFDM effected its performance. This was mitigated with the implementation of the presented inter-carrier interference self-cancellation (ICI-SC) techniques and different space-time subcarrier mapping. STF block coding in the system exploits the spatial, temporal and frequency diversity to improve performance. Estimated channel was fed into a decoder which combined the STF decoding together with the estimated channel coefficients using LSE estimator for equalization. The performance of the system was compared by measuring the symbol error rate with a PSK-16 and PSK-32. The results show that subcarrier mapping together with ICI-SC were able to increase the system performance. Introduction of channel estimation was also able to estimate the channel coefficient at only 5dB difference with a perfectly known channel.
Characterization and Purification of Protease Extracted from Two Maturity Stages of ‘Noni’ (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit
Authors: Ismail Normah , Abd Razak Nurulain
Published: March 2019

Protease was extracted from two maturity stages of noni fruits (Morinda citrifolia L.), unripe (stage 1) and ripe (stage 5). The crude extract was partially purified by acetone precipitation method followed by dialysis, gel filtration chromatography and freeze drying. Protein concentrations, proteolytic activity, molecular weight distribution, pH stability, temperature stability and storage efficiency of the resulting protease were evaluated. The unripe and ripe noni fruit contains 0.65 and 0.35% protein, respectively. Molecular weight of the proteases from both stages ranged approximately between 3 to 28 kDa based on the SDS-PAGE results. The optimum activity were at pH 7s and 6, temperatures of 40 and 50°C, respectively for proteases obtained from the unripe and ripe fruit. Analysis from the freeze dried protease indicated that protease from ripe noni fruits had higher protein concentration and specific activity compared to those from unripe fruit. However, it is more sensitive to pH and temperature and less stable during storage as it shows lower proteolytic activity compared to protease from unripe fruit. Based on its high proteolytic activity reaching up to 70.31 U/mg and storage stability (30% lost of activity), noni fruit could be an alternative source of plant protease.
Natural and anthropogenic conditions of water level fluctuations in lakes – Lake Powidzkie case study (Central-Western Poland)
Authors: Nowak Bogumił M. , Ptak Mariusz
Published: March 2019

The article presents the analysis of water level fluctuations in Lake Powidzkie in the years 1961–2015. The study shows a considerable decrease in mean water levels in the aforementioned multiannual period, averaging 9 cmꞏdecade−1. Such a situation is caused by natural as well as anthropogenic factors, co-determining water relations in the study area. The natural factors include the amount and distribution of precipitation, increase in air temperature and evaporation size, unfavourable relations between the lake and catchment or hydrogeological conditions. Anthropogenic factors particularly include long-term transformations of the natural environment in the region, currently associated with meliorations accompanying the nearby opencast brown coal mines and exploitation of groundwaters for municipal purposes. Water shortages occurring during dry periods were shown not to be compensated in the study area in humid years. This is particularly related to the regional lowering of the aquifer remaining in close relations with Lake Powidzkie. Counteracting the unfavourable hydrological situation is done through hydrotechnical infrastructure which partially limits water outflow from the lake through damming.
Morphological characteristics and lithological conditions of the spring-heads in the Knyszyńska Primeval Forest
Authors: Micun Krzysztof , Roj-Rojewski Sławomir
Published: March 2019

The aim of the study was to determine the morphological characteristics of selected spring-heads in the Knyszyńska Primeval Forest and to identify lithological conditions in areas where groundwater flows to the surface. During the study, detailed bed level measurements of the spring-head areas were conducted. Lidar laser data obtained from the Central Department of Geodetic and Cartographic Documentation in Warsaw were also used for the analysis of morphometry. Based on the data, the detailed contour maps were created in the Surfer 12 programme and the basic parameters of the morphometry of the studied springs were determined. To detect lithological conditions, granulometric analyses were conducted and the filtration coefficient of aquifers in the individual spring-heads was calculated using Hazen and USBSC empirical models. Due to the morphological situation, the examined objects were classified as sub-slope and riverbank spring-heads. In terms of shape, spring-head alcoves are classified as basin-shaped, bowl-shaped and spindle-shaped alcoves. Different morphological processes prevail in each of these types. Basin-shaped alcoves are formed mainly by lateral erosion, bowlshaped alcoves by seepage erosion, landsliding and accumulation in the bottom, spindle-shaped alcoves by seepage erosion, headward erosion, breaking and collapsing. In the investigated outflows of groundwater aquifers are sands and glacifluvial sands with gravel of varying grain size. The lithological variation of aquifers in the spring-heads, directly affects the rate of groundwater filtration in different parts of the alcoves, which in turn leads to different morphogenetic processes and results in changes in the morphology of the spring-head alcoves.
Water supply performance evaluation of the public service of drinking water Case study: East of Algeria
Authors: Boutebba Khereddine , Bouamrane Ali , Ganaoui Nawel , Bouziane Mohamed T.
Published: March 2019

This article presents the results of a survey using a questionnaire conducted in Algeria, to evaluate the quality of public drinking water service, and at the same time the level of dissatisfaction / satisfaction of the subscribers. A statistical analysis of the data has been conducted on a representative sample of general population to identify weaknesses and strengths related to the current state of water management. The assessment of the quality of service, and the quality of water, as well as the price of water under the influence of the geographical distribution of the population was also studied.

The results of the statistical analyses show a wide variability regarding the level of dissatisfaction/satisfaction of the subscribers. In order to simplify the interpretation, we gathered the results in the form of classes and groups in such way that the cities appear on GIS mapping software, with their inhabitants’ degree of satisfaction.
Predicting water erosion in arid lands using the GIS-based RUSLE model: A case study of Bedour catchment, central Tunisia
Authors: Bedoui Chokri
Published: March 2019

This study was conducted with a view to quantifying soil erosion in arid lands of Tunisia. To do this, we have opted to use the RUSLE model based on geographic information systems. By collecting data on rainfall, soils, vegetation, slopes and conservation practices separately as a layer and determining the pixel values for each of these factors, a quantified assessment of erosion in the basin is obtained. The data superposition and computing, following the model equations and protocol, allowed us to know the spatialized water erosion values at the pixel level. For the whole catchment, the study showed values oscillating between 0 and 163 Mgꞏha−1ꞏyear−1 with an average annual rate of 3 Mgꞏha−1ꞏyear−1. With such a low R (rainfall erosivity) factor (between 21.43 and 21.88 MJꞏmmꞏha–1ꞏh–1ꞏyear–1) itself related to low monthly and annual rainfall amounts, the region experiences locally very high annual erosion rates. Soil protection through conservation practices has saved the basin from even higher erosion. While plains cultivated and equipped with contour benches often suffer from low rates of erosion (less than 2 Mg·ha–1·year–1), unused slopes are neglected without protection, resulting in significantly high rates of erosion.
Hydro-chemical and microbiological characterization of Lower Cretaceous waters in a semi-arid zone Beni-Ounif syncline, South-West of Algeria
Authors: Merzougui Fatima Zahra , Makhloufi Ahmed , Merzougui Touhami
Published: March 2019

The article analyses the water quality of the Lower Cretaceous aquifer in the Beni-Ounif syncline. To this end, 42 samples were taken for physico-chemical analysis and 28 for microbiological analysis in March, May and October 2017 from 14 sampling points. The results of physico-chemical analysis were processed by multi-variety statistical analysis methods: principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) coupled to hydro chemical methods: Piper diagram.

The PCA allowed us to explore the connections between physico-chemical parameters and similarities between samples and to identify the most appropriate physico-chemical elements to describe water quality.

The HCA allowed us to classify the sampling points according to the similarity between them and thus reduce them for the next follow-up analysis.

Waters of the syncline are characterized by medium to low mineralization (320 < EC < 7600 μS∙cm–1 and 200 < RS < 4020 mg∙dm−3) and hardness of between 22 and 123°f. Only 19% of the samples show NO3 concentrations exceeding the Algerian standards.

Microbiologically, the study reports the presence of bacteria: coliforms (<8 CFU∙0.1 dm−3), Streptococcus D (<1100 CFUꞏ0.1 dm–3), Clostridium sulphito-reducer of vegetative form (<90 CFUꞏ0.02 dm–3) and sporulate (<4 CFUꞏ0.02 dm–3), total aerobic mesophilic flora at 22°C (<462 CFUꞏ0.001 dm–3) and at 37°C (<403 CFUꞏ0.001 dm–3). It must be noted that no presence of thermo-tolerant coliforms is observed.
Modelling the impact of design rainfall on the urban drainage system by Storm Water Management Model
Authors: Laouacheria Fares , Kechida Said , Chabi Moncef
Published: March 2019

Flood modelling is an effective way to manage the stormwater network in cities. It aims to understand and predict the behaviour of stormwater network so that it can test and evaluate effective solutions to structural and operational problems. So simulation modelling stays a preoccupation for building a successful hydraulic modelling in urban areas. This study investigates the impact of the design rainfall on the hydraulic modelling results for the Azzaba stormwater network located in the North-East of Algeria by using the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM). Four scenarios of design rainfall events were compared for 10, 25 and 50-year return periods, where we used double triangle and composite curves for the design rainfall event definition. The results show the impact of the choice of design rainfall on the behaviour of the stormwater network, from which the results of simulation by the double triangle method for the short durations represents a great risk on the probability that the stromwater network can overflow and flood the city, with a difference in peak discharge estimated at 62.97% and 58.94% for 2 h and 3 h events compared to the peak discharge simulated by the composite rainfall method.
The effects of the flood of October 2008 on the water quality in the M’zab valley, Algeria
Authors: Bouamer Kheira , Remini Boualem , Habi Mohamed , Rezzag Khaled
Published: March 2019

With a flow estimated at 1200 m3∙s−1 and a height of 8 m downstream, the flood that occurred on October 10, 2008 spread along the M’zab River over a length of more than 180 km. Material and human damage is visible, but its effects on the quality of the waters of the alluvial layer remain unknown: this is the purpose of this paper. Samples of groundwater were taken during the period 2005–2012 in 4 oases of the valley. Physicochemical analyses were performed using molecular and flame spectroscopic methods and also volumetric methods on water samples. The results obtained were interpreted using histograms and hydrochemical diagrams, such as the Avignon software (L.H.A) (version 4, 2008). Low effect of flood on the water quality of the alluvial aquifer was manifested by concentrations of magnesium sulphate and calcium chloride. On the other hand, there is an accumulation of salts infiltrated by sewage except for the zone of Bouchen. The diagrams show that there is an improvement in water quality in this area.
Cervical blood flow velocity values in patients with unilateral intracranial aneurysm: Preliminary results
Authors: TEKİN Engin , PEHLİVAN Murat , KİTİŞ Ömer
Published: March 2019

Aim: Brain aneurysm is a balloon
shaped dilatation of brain vessels as a result of attenuation of the vessel
walls. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between blood
flow velocities in the right and left arterial vessels in an unruptured
aneurysm and healthy group, and to investigate whether this analysis can help
early diagnosis of aneurysm.Methods: Four aneurysm
patients (four female, mean age 57.25 ± 0.75 years) and four healthy subjects (two
female, 2 male male, mean age 36.35 ± 6.19 years) were included in the study.
Blood flow velocity values ​​of right and left internal carotid arteries,
vertebral artery and right and left internal jugular veins were obtained during
a cardiac cycle with phase contrast technique. Spearman's correlation analysis
was applied to flow velocity values. Statistically significant blood flow
similarities between right and left brain were investigated.Results: In the aneurysm group, there
was a significant difference between right and left cervical arterial blood
flow velocity values (p=0.001). Spearman correlation coefficient values between
right and left arterial blood flow velocity values and right and left side
arteriovenous blood flow velocity values were lower in the aneurysm group
compared to the control group however, there was no statistical significance
(p≥0.05 for all).

Conclusion:  The difference between the right and left
arterial blood flow velocities obtained in the aneurysm group and the low
correlation values may be useful in early diagnosis of aneurysm.