bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pattern of Integrated System of Smallholder Beef Cattle Central in Tegal Regency
Authors: Gunawan Aji , Sodiq Akhmad , Muatip Krismiwati , Andri Setianto Novie
Published: March 2019

Purpose of this research is to focus on importance of knowing the activities of smallholder enterprise systems, types and trends in the patterns of integrated systems adopted, the impact of implementing integrated systems and the implications for sustainability of livestock systems. This research also emphasize the importance of opportunities in enhancing and increasing livestock productivity and increasing production in smallholder farms and developing the easiest formulation of strategies for sustainable livestock systems. A qualitative method using Soft System Methodology (SSM) from System Thinking was chosen to visualize the activities of smallholder enterprise systems and the pattern of integrated systems are presented descriptively. The next study method of quantitative is used to determine the impact of livestock productivity on each applied integrated systems presented comparatively. Soft System Methodology succeed to visualize smallholder enterprise systems at the level of individual and community level of farmer. Farmer’s group activity  influence the pattern of integrated systems that impacted on beef cattle’s productivity. The ICLFS pattern promotes a way of optimally utilizing agroecosystems and it has potential and become candidate system that be able in enhancing and increasing productivity, increasing livestock production and farmer's income, and realize beef self-sufficiency.
Relationship Between Dairy Cattle Farming Motivation and Farmer’s Attitude Towards Portable Milking Machine
Authors: Haryadi Fransiskus Trisakti , Adiarto Adiarto , Rohman Asmaul Fauzi Latif Fatkhur
Published: March 2019

The research was a case study for dairy cattle farmers being the members of Sarono Makmur Cooperative at Cangkringan District, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta. The objectives of the research were (1) to explore dairy cattle farming motivation based on multidimensional approach, and (2) to analyze the relationship between the dimensions of dairy cattle farming motivation and the attitude of farmers towards the using of portable milking machine. 63 dairy cattle farmers, selected by purposive random sampling, participated in the research. Data were collected using survey method by interviewing the farmers based on the questionnaire already prepared. Spearman correlation was used to analyze the data. The results showed that most of farmers had high dairy cattle farming motivation including ease of farming management (95.24%), family labor utilization (93.65%), economic motives(92.06%),safety motives (92.06%), and land utilization (84.13%). As well as the attitudes, most of farmers (92.06%) had positive attitudes towards portable milking machine utilization. There were positive significant relationship between attitude and family labor utilization (P<0.05), safety in farming (P<0.05), economic motives (P<0.10), and land utilization (P<0.10). The conclusion of the research was that the high motives of family labor utilization, safety, economic, and land utilization to encourage the farmers raising dairy cattle, the high positive attitude of farmers towards the utilization of portable milking machine.
Infant Mortality in the United States, 1915-2017: Large Social Inequalities have Persisted for Over a Century
Authors: Singh Gopal K. , Yu Stella M.
Published: March 2019

Objectives. We examined trends in racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic disparities in age- and cause-specific infant mortality in the United States during 1915-2017.

Methods. Log-linear regression and inequality indices were used to analyze temporal infant mortality data from the National Vital Statistics System and the National Linked Birth/Infant Death files according to maternal and infant characteristics.

Results. During 1915-2017, the infant mortality rate (IMR) declined dramatically overall and for black and white infants; however, black/white disparities in mortality generally increased through 2000. Racial disparities were greater in post-neonatal mortality than neonatal mortality. Detailed racial/ethnic comparisons show an approximately five-fold difference in IMR, ranging from a low of 2.3 infant deaths per 1,000 live births for Chinese infants to a high of 8.5 for American Indian/Alaska Natives and 11.2 for black infants. Infant mortality from major causes of death showed a downward trend during the past 5 decades although there was a recent upturn in mortality from prematurity/low birthweight and unintentional injury. In 2016, black infants had 2.5-2.8 times higher risk of mortality from perinatal conditions, sudden infant death syndrome, influenza/pneumonia, and unintentional injuries, and 1.3 times higher risk of mortality from birth defects compared to white infants. Educational disparities in infant mortality widened between 1986 and 2016; mothers with less than a high school education in 2016 experienced 2.4, 1.9, and 3.7 times higher risk of infant, neonatal, and post-neonatal mortality than those with a college degree. Geographic disparities were marked and widened across regions, with states in the Southeast region having higher IMRs.

Conclusions and Global Health Implications. Social inequalities in infant mortality have persisted and remained marked, with the disadvantaged ethnic and socioeconomic groups and geographic areas experiencing substantially increased risks of mortality despite the declining trend in mortality over time. Widening social inequalities in infant mortality are a major factor contributing to the worsening international standing of the United States.

Key words: Infant Mortality • Cause of Death • Race/Ethnicity • Socioeconomic Status • Geographic • Inequality • Trend • United States

 

Copyright © 2019 Singh and Yu. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Effectiveness of A Community Level Maternal Health Intervention in Improving Uptake of Postnatal Care in Migori County, Kenya
Authors: Gitonga Moses M. , Ngure Kenneth K. , Echoka Elizabeth E.
Published: March 2019

Background: Provision of a continuum of care during pregnancy, delivery, and the postnatal period results in reduced maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Complications and lack of skilled postnatal care has consequences for mothers and babies. We examined to what extent a community level integrated maternal health intervention contributed to improvements in uptake of skilled care after delivery by pregnant women. 
Methods: An Ex post quasi-experimental design was applied. Among 590 reproductive-aged women, we assessed the effectiveness of a community level integrated maternal health intervention and predictors of uptake of postnatal care. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted.  
Results: About three fifths (64%) of the women reported having sought postnatal care services at the health facility within six (6) weeks. Women in the intervention arm were 3.3 times more likely to take up postnatal care at a health facility (AOR= 3.31[95% CI 1.245 to 8.804] p=0.016). Women referred to the health facility for postnatal care by Community Health Workers (CHWs) were 2.72 times more likely to take up the services (AOR= 2.72[95% CI 1.05 to 7.07] p=0.039) than those not referred by CHWs. Distance to health facility (61%) was the major barrier, while some mothers did not feel the need for postnatal care (11%). 
Conclusion and Implications for Translation: Routine health education by trained providers at community level health facilities, coupled with enhanced CHWs' involvement can improve uptake of postnatal care. Ignorance and accessibility challenges are some barriers to the uptake of postnatal care.
Key words: • Community • Maternal • Health • Intervention • Postnatal-Care • Kenya • MAISHA • Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) • Community Health Workers (CHWs)
 
© 2019 Gitonga et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Estructura espacial de los centros financieros offshore en Europa
Authors: Cela Juan Carlos Fernández
Published: March 2019

Se ha analizado para toda Europa la red espacial de conexiones societarias internacionales filtradas en los denominados papeles de Panamá. Esto ha permitido conocer la morfología espacial de la estructura financiera de evasión de capital desde Europa a paraísos fiscales de todo el mundo. También permite elaborar una cartografía de flujos de capital financiero en Europa que identifica sus puntos de origen, tránsito y destino. El resultado revela la existencia de diferentes espacios financieros en el interior del continente, así como territorios fuera de Europa que se encuentran bajo el control geopolítico de la UE, y que constituyen nodos críticos como destino final del capital. El más importante con diferencia pertenece a los restos del imperio colonial inglés. Se trata  de un espacio utilizado por Reino Unido para establecer una red financiera mundial que tiene su epicentro en la City y su destino final en las Islas Vírgenes Británicas.
Depression in the nursing home: a cluster-randomized study to probe the effectiveness of a novel case management approach to improve treatment (the DAVOS project)
Authors: Tesky Valentina Antonia , Schall Arthur , Schulze Ulrike , Stangier Ulrich , Oswald Frank , Knopf Monika , König Jochem , Blettner Maria , Arens Elisabeth , Pantel Johannes
Published: March 2019

Background

Depression is the second most common psychiatric illness in old people. Up to 30% of nursing home residents suffer from minor or major depression. Although depressive disorders in old age can be improved and even cured with adequate therapy, they often go unnoticed in nursing home residents and remain untreated. This highlights a striking deficit in health care and might results not only in lower quality of life among those concerned but also in poor physical functioning, premature mortality and increased hospitalization rates.

Methods

The aim of the interdisciplinary research project DAVOS is to implement an innovative and stepped structural case management program to improve depression treatment in nursing home residents by a modularized intervention and to assess it in terms of its effectiveness. Intervention modules are in line with recommendations given by the German national treatment guidelines for depression (S3 guidelines). Ten nursing homes in Frankfurt, Germany, will participate in the project which aims to recruit a study population of N = 380. Persons (>60 years) that live in a nursing home, have no medical diagnosis of dementia and can provide their informed consent to participate are eligible for inclusion in the study. Residents with a clinical diagnosis of dementia, alcohol or substance related disorders or other serious psychiatric illnesses will be excluded. DAVOS is a controlled cluster-randomized study that employs a stepped-wedge design.

Discussion

Our main hypothesis is that the implementation of the intervention will lead to a decline in the prevalence of depression and a reduction in depression symptoms among the home residents. In addition, we expect the intervention to have a positive impact on secondary outcomes such as level of functioning, quality of life and social participation. The project’s results can make an important contribution towards improving the health care of nursing home residents suffering from late-life depression.
Genetic basis for prediction of responsiveness to dietary plant sterol intervention (GenePredict-PS): a study protocol for a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized two-period crossover study
Authors: Shamloo Maryam , Granger Matthew J , Trautwein Elke A , House James D , MacKay Dylan
Published: March 2019

Background: Functional food ingredients and natural health products have been demonstrated to reduce disease risk and thereby help to lower health care costs across populations at risk for chronic or degenerative diseases. However, typically a wide range of inter-individual variability exists in response across individuals to nutritional and natural health product bioactives, such as plant sterols (PS). This study aims to determine and utilize information on associations between genosets and the degree of responsiveness to dietary PS intervention, with a long-term objective of developing genetic tests to predict response to PS.
Methods: This clinical trial is designed as a double blind, placebo controlled, randomized two-period crossover study. 64 eligible participants with the specific a priori-determined single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with responsiveness to PS will consume PS or a placebo treatment for two 4-week periods. The PS treatment consists of two daily single portions of margarine, each providing1 g PS during the PS period (2.0 g/day of PS in total). The placebo will be an identical margarine containing no added PS. LDL-C responsiveness to controlled administration of PS will be investigated as the primary outcome and the associations between inter-individual genoset variabilities and response to PS consumption will be determined.
Discussion: This research will provide further insight into whether the associations between previously identified SNPs and the response of LDL-C to PS consumption can be used in a predictive manner. It will also provide insight into the complexities of undertaking a nutrigenetic trial with prospective recruitment based on genotype.
Trial registration: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT02765516).
Keywords: Plant sterols, Cholesterol, Genetic, SNPs, Prediction
Diagnosis of keratoconus in a young male after the hint of electrophysiological test: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Yan weiming , Wang Yupeng , Chen Yanjing , Chen Meizhu
Published: March 2019

Background: Keratoconus (KCN) is a bilateral and usually asymmetrical disease in which the ectatic cornea becomes conical. Diagnosis of unimproved visual acuity (VA) as KCN might sometimes be missed out due to lack of consideration. However, combination of the electrophysiology test and other common ophthalmological examinations could help to locate the lesion for the unimproved VA and realize the possibility of the existence of KCN, which could be diagnosed via corneal topography. The purpose of this report is to describe the diagnosis process of a case of KCN after the hint of lesion location by electrophysiological tests.
Case presentation: A 23-year-old young male presented to our ophthalmology clinic complaining of decreased visual acuity in the left eye for 5 months. Clinical evaluation showed best corrected visual acuity of 1.0 OD, and 0.06 OS. The dilated fundus examination revealed no specific abnormality. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) of macular revealed no obvious change on macular and the thickness of peripapillary nerve fiber layer on both eyes. No leakage of fluorecein was found under Fluorescein angiogram (FFA) of both eyes. Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) did not showed abnormality. The full-field electroretinogram (ffERG) revealed no obvious changes of amplitudes in all responses. Pattern visual evoked potentials (PVEP) detected a reduced amplitude and delayed phase in P100-wave in both eyes. The amplitude and latency of P2-wave in Flash VEP (FVEP) were comparable in both eyes and were within normative ranges. Corneal topography was finally performed and KCN was diagnosed with the presence of asymmetrical bowtie pattern in both eyes, which was worse in the OS.
Conclusions: The hint of lesion location by electrophysiological studies (ffERG, PVEP and FVEP) could be of favor to diagnose the conditions with unimproved VA, such as KCN. Consideration of KCN should be suspected in patients with unimproved VA and significant irregular stigmatism, while no obvious lesion exists in other parts of the eye.
A model of consumer buying behavior in relation to eco-intelligent products in catering
Authors: G. Legeza Darya , A. Brunner Thomas , K. Kerimova Yukilay , V. Kulish Tatyana , S. Konovalenko Anastasia
Published: March 2019

Growing negative changes cause a deterioration in food quality, which makes people select organic and eco-intelligent food. The aim of the article is to analyze various types of customer behavior using an example of a local catering company that offers eco-intelligent food. The company’s brand operates two catering stores located in different parts of an urban city. The interview of existing and potential customers was conducted within 1,000-meter radius of store locations at peak hours (7:30–10:00 am and 12:00–2:30 pm). The model of consumer behavior is centered on the main principle of deciding to buy eco-intelligent food. The data suggest that customers are looking for additional necessary services, which are vital for eco-intelligent products and expanded selection according to the store’s format. Both the time of the ordering processing and the ability to order a personalized meal have the main influence on customers’ decision. Large selection of eco culinary products in the stores attracts local residents to visit one of these stores at least once a week. An essential feature of a culinary store offering eco-intelligent food is high-quality prepared food. The study recommends expanding promotional programs to give consumers additional knowledge about the advantages of organic nutrition. The prevalent consumer model describes a woman under 40 years old who visits a store at least once a week for lunch and prefers a comfortable environment and a diverse selection of quality eco-food.
An analysis of the factors which influence dysfunctional auditor behavior
Authors: Sidik Tjan Juliyanty , Ganis Sukoharsono Eko , Fuad Rahman Aulia , Subekti Imam
Published: March 2019

This research aims at testing the influence of performance evaluation of efficiency focus, performance evaluation of quality focus and task complexity on dysfunctional auditor behavior (DAB), the influence of task complexity (TC) on turnover intention (TI) and the influence of task complexity on dysfunctional auditor behavior (DAB), which is mediated by turnover intention. This research is conducted to auditors of Public Accountant Offices (PAO) in cities in Jakarta, East Java, South Sulawesi and Bali using 262 respondents as its sample and PLS-SEM analysis. The results of this research indicate that the performance evaluation of efficiency focus and task complexity has a positive influence on DAB, and the performance evaluation of quality focus has a negative influence on DAB. Furthermore, task complexity has a positive influence on turnover intention and turnover intention also partially mediates the influence of task complexity on DAB. This research is interesting, since the idea of developing the variable performance evaluation of efficiency focus by adding the ratcheting budget indicator proves that the testing of performance evaluation of increasingly higher efficiency focus increases DAB and the idea of including the variable of turnover intention proves that it can mediate the influence of task complexity on DAB.
A mediator-free whole-cell electrochemical biosensing system for sensitive assessment of heavy metal toxicity in water
Authors: Yang Yuan , Fang Zhen , Yu Yang-Yang , Wang Yan-Zhai , Naraginti Saraschandra , Yong Yang-Chun
Published: March 2019

A bioelectrochemical sensing system (BES) based on electroactive bacteria (EAB) has been used as a new and promising tool for water toxicity assessment. However, most EAB can reduce heavy metals, which usually results in low toxicity response. Herein, a starvation pre-incubation strategy was developed which successfully avoided the metal reduction during the toxicity sensing period. By integrating this starvation pre-incubation procedure with the amperometric BES, a sensitive, robust and mediator-free biosensing method for heavy metal toxicity assessment was developed. Under the optimized conditions, the IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) values for Cu2+, Ni2+, Cd2+, and Cr6+ obtained were 0.35, 3.49, 6.52, 2.48 mg L−1, respectively. The measurement with real water samples also suggested this method was reliable for practical application. This work demonstrates that it is feasible to use EAB for heavy metal toxicity assessment and provides a new tool for water toxicity warning.
Stereotype of crafty statistics: content, causes and consequences
Authors: Karmanov Mikhail V.
Published: March 2019

The purpose of the study: to consider comprehensively the stereotype of crafty statistics, a phenomenon widely spread in Russia in recent years. It implies that any officially published data supplied by ROSSTAT (Federal State Statistics Service) are not only inadequate and unrealistic, but also deliberately distorted. The paper scrutinizes the content, reasons and possible consequences of crafty statistics.

Materials and methods. The paper attempts to unveil the genesis of the stereotype of crafty statistics as a response of civil society to sluggish efforts of government officials and politicians of different levels and ranks to stop declaring slogans and get down to real actions directed at improving living conditions and standards of the broad sectors of the populations. The paper suggests multiple reasons to explore the genesis of the stereotype of crafty statistics, which include complexity of methodology of statistical calculations, overwhelming average indicators, subjectivism in selecting indicators to describe socio-economic situation, data interpretation problems and others.

Results. The conducted analysis revealed that it is due to overlay of the above factors that predetermines not only the mass character but also the resilience of this stereotype. Also, low statistical literacy of representatives of various segments of ordinary Russians, representatives of mass media, administration bodies of different level and political beau monde contribute to this phenomenon. The study describes possible negative consequences of the further development of this stereotype leading to serious damage to the government image, which the broad sectors of the population consider the initiator of this statistics, reflecting the improvement of the situation or actions in this direction.

Conclusion. The paper reveals risks of any social stereotypes and stereotype of crafty statistics in particular thriving on the lack of trust from the population to any statistics data and turning it into an established negative trend of total distrust to any actions, projects and programs of the current government.
Methodological Approaches to Evaluate Fetal Drug Exposure
Authors: Bouazza Naïm , Foissac Frantz , Hirt Déborah , Urien Saïk , Benaboud Sihem , Lui Gabrielle , Treluyer Jean-Marc
Published: March 2019

Background:

Drug prescriptions are usual during pregnancy, however, women and their fetuses still remain an orphan population with regard to drugs efficacy and safety. Most xenobiotics diffuse through the placenta and some of them can alter fetus development resulting in structural abnormalities, growth or functional deficiencies.

Methods:

To summarize the different methodologies developed towards the prediction of fetal drug exposure.

Results:

Neonatal cord blood concentration is the most specific measurement of the transplacental drug transfer at the end of pregnancy. Using the cord blood and mother drug concentrations altogether, drug exchanges between the mother and fetus can be modeled and quantified via a population pharmacokinetic analysis. Thereafter, it is possible to estimate the fetus exposure and the fetus-to-mother exposure ratio. However, the prediction of placental transfer before any administration to pregnant women is desirable. Animal studies remain difficult to interpret due to structural and functional inter-species placenta differences. The ex-vivo perfusion of the human placental cotyledon is the method of reference to study the human placental transfer of drugs because it is thought to mimic the functional placental tissue. However, extrapolation of data to in vivo situation remains difficult. Some research groups have extensively worked on physiologically based models (PBPK) to predict fetal drug exposure and showed very encouraging results.

Conclusion:

PBPK models appeared to be a very promising tool in order to predict fetal drug exposure in-silico. However, these models mainly picture the end of pregnancy and knowledge regarding both, development of the placental permeability and transporters is strongly needed.
Therapeutic Potential of Pigment Epithelium-derived Factor in Cancer
Authors: Yamagishi Sho-ichi , Koga Yoshinori , Sotokawauchi Ami , Hashizume Naoki , Fukahori Suguru , Matsui Takanori , Yagi Minoru
Published: March 2019

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is one of the serine protease inhibitors with multifunctional properties, which is produced by various types of organs and tissues. There is an accumulating body of evidence that PEDF plays an important role in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Indeed, PEDF not only works as an endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis, but also suppresses oxidative stress, inflammatory and thrombotic reactions in cell culture systems, animal models, and humans. Furthermore, we, along with others, have found that PEDF inhibits proliferation of, and induces apoptotic cell death in, numerous kinds of tumors. In addition, circulating as well as tumor expression levels of PEDF have been inversely associated with tumor growth and metastasis. These observations suggest that supplementation of PEDF proteins and/or enhancement of endogenous PEDF expression could be a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancer. Therefore, in this paper, we review the effects of PEDF on diverse types of cancer, and discuss its therapeutic perspectives.
Thrombolytic Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Past and Future
Authors: Shibata Keita , Hashimoto Terumasa , Miyazaki Takuro , Miyazaki Akira , Nobe Koji
Published: March 2019

Background:

Thromboembolic ischemic stroke, which is mainly caused by hypertension, as well as plasma dyslipidemia, arterial fibrillation and diabetes, is a leading cause of death in the US and other countries. Numerous clinical trials for thrombolytic drugs, which aimed to pharmacologically dissolve thrombi, were conducted in the 1950s, when the first thrombolytic therapy was performed.

Methods:

In this study, we summarize the pathophysiologic features of ischemic stroke, and the history of thrombolytic therapy, and discuss the recent progress that has been made in the ongoing development of thrombolytic drugs.

Conclusion:

Thrombolytic therapy is sometimes accompanied by harmful hemorrhagic insults; accordingly, a window of time wherein therapy can safely be performed has been established for this approach. Several basic and clinical studies are ongoing to develop next-generation thrombolytic drugs to expand the time window
Domain-based Comparative Analysis of Bacterial Proteomes: Uniqueness, Interactions, and the Dark Matter
Authors: Wang Liang , Yang Jianye , Xu Yaping , Piao Xue , Lv Jichang
Published: March 2019

Background:

Proteins may have none, single, double, or multiple domains, while a single
domain may appear in multiple proteins. Their distribution patterns may have impacts on bacterial
physiology and lifestyle.

Objective:

This study aims to understand how domains are distributed and duplicated in bacterial proteomes,
in order to better understand bacterial physiology and lifestyles.

Methods:

In this study, we used 16712 Hidden Markov Models to screen 944 bacterial reference proteomes
versus a threshold E-value<0.001. The number of non-redundant domains and duplication
rates of redundant domains for each species were calculated. The unique domains, if any, were also
identified for each species. In addition, the properties of no-domain proteins were investigated in
terms of physicochemical properties.

Results:

The increasing number of non-redundant domains for a bacterial proteome follows the trend
of an asymptotic function. The domain duplication rate is positively correlated with proteome size and
increases more rapidly. The high percentage of single-domain proteins is more associated with small
proteome size. For each proteome, unique domains were also obtained. Moreover, no-domain proteins
show differences with the other three groups for several physicochemical properties analysed in this
study.

Conclusion:

The study confirmed that a low domain duplication rate and a high percentage of singledomain
proteins are more likely to be associated with bacterial host-dependent or restricted nicheadapted
lifestyle. In addition, the unique lifestyle and physiology were revealed based on the analysis
of species-specific domains and core domain interactions or co-occurrences.
Molecular Aspects of Melatonin Treatment in Tinnitus: A Review
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Azam , Kamrava Seyed Kamran , Moore Brian C.J. , Reiter Russel J. , Ghaznavi Habib , Kamali Mahboobeh , Mehrzadi Saeed
Published: March 2019

Tinnitus is a hearing disorder characterized by the perception of sound without external acoustic stimuli, which is caused by damage to the auditory system in response to excessive levels of noise, ototoxic agents and aging. Neural plasticity, oxidative/nitrosative stress and apoptosis play important roles in the pathogenesis of tinnitus. The expression of neural plasticity related to excessive glutamatergic neurotransmission leads to generation of abnormal sound in one's ears or head. Furthermore, hyperactivation and over-expression of NMDA receptors in response to excessive release of glutamate contribute to the calcium overload in the primary auditory neurons and subsequent cytotoxicity. Reactive oxygen/nitrogen species are endogenously produced by different type of cochlear cells under pathological conditions, which cause direct damage to the intracellular components and apoptotic cell death. Cochlear hair-cell death contributes to the progressive deafferentation of auditory neurons, which consequently leads to the aberrant activity in several parts of the auditory pathway. Therefore, targeting neural plasticity, oxidative/nitrosative stress, apoptosis and autophagy may ameliorate tinnitus. Melatonin is an endogenously produced indoleamine synchronizing circadian and circannual rhythms. Based on laboratory studies indicating the protective effect of melatonin against cochlear damage induced by acoustic trauma and ototoxic agents, and also clinical studies reporting the ability of melatonin to minimize the severity of tinnitus, melatonin is suggested to be a treatment option for the patient with tinnitus. Herein, we describe the ameliorative effect of melatonin on tinnitus, focusing on neural plasticity, oxidative/nitrosative stress, apoptotsis and autophagy.
Development of Validated Stability Indicating HPTLC Method for the Estimation of Teriflunomide in Bulk and Tablet Dosage Form
Authors: Karmankar Snehal , Tajne M.
Published: March 2019

Background:

Teriflunomide is an immunosuppressive agent. Immunosuppressive agents are
drugs that inhibit or prevent activity of immune system. Teriflunomide was investigated as a medication
for multiple sclerosis (MS). Various studies have reported the HPLC, UPLC, LC/MS methods for the
estimation of teriflunomide. However, till date stability indicating HPTLC analysis method has not been
reported for the estimation of teriflunomide in bulk and tablet dosage form.

Objective:

Objective of the present work was to develop and validate stability indicating high performance
thin layer chromatography method for the determination of teriflunomide in bulk and tablet dosage
form.

Methods:

Chromatography was performed on aluminium plates coated with silica gel 60F254 using toluene,
methanol and acetic acid (7.5: 2.5: 0.05 v/v/v) as mobile phase. Densitometric analysis was performed
at 254 nm. The method was validated with different parameters such as linearity, precision,
accuracy, specificity, robustness, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ). The RF value
of teriflunomide was 0.56 ± 0.03. The method is sensitive (limit of quantification 17.83 ng/band),
precise (RSD ≤ 1.34%), accurate (drug recovery 98.49–99.53 %), and linear over the range 100–600
ng/band (r2 0.998).

Results:

Degradation products were found in stress conditions did not interfere with the detection of
teriflunomide; therefore, the proposed technique can be considered stability-indicating. Teriflunomide
did not degrade under alkaline hydrolysis, thermal and photolytic conditions but showed degradation
under acid hydrolysis and oxidation with about 14.5 and 13.8 % decompositions respectively.

Conclusion:

The developed method was satisfactorily applied for the analysis of pharmaceutical preparations
and proved to be specific and accurate for quality control of the cited drugs in their tablet dosage
form.
DEDALO: Application of Structural Health Monitoring Systems on UHTC Structures
Authors: Latini V. , Striano V. , Monteverde F. , Rendina I. , Parolini C.
Published: March 2019

In aerospace applications the development of a reliable method of structural health monitoring (SHM) is one of
the most important keys in maintaining the integrity and safety of structures, preventing catastrophic failure.

The research program DEDALO aims at developing a real size UHTC-based prototype with a complex shape equipped
with a SHM system for damage detection.

A multidisciplinary approach has been adopted involving mechanical design, materials science, manufacturing processes
and development of optical devices to detect strain and temperature on the as-produced UHTC articles. Former activities
merged into the manufacturing of a prototype hot structure supplied with optical sensing nodes to perform a functional
test at high temperature. This communication describes the preliminary findings of the project. A series of ZrB-SiC based
compositions was studied adjusting type, concentration and granulometry of reinforcing phases and additives to further
identify the optimal composition for the hot structure. The pressureless sintering technique was selected privileging a
near-net-shape approach to reduce the manufacturing costs.

A SHM system was developed using commercial high temperature Fiber optic Bragg Grating (FBG), for thermal
monitoring, and custom silica-sapphire fiber optic strain sensor, based on Fabry-Pèrot configuration, allowing
simultaneous and real time measurement of temperature and structural loads applied on the structure under investigation.

A ceramic flexible structure was developed to ease sensor installation procedure on complex shape test articles. The fiber
optic sensors interrogation system was developed based on a tunable laser source.

Thermal and mechanical tests showed sensor robustness at high temperature and 0,6 µε as accuracy on strain measurement
0 togliere up to 800°C. Tile-shaped hot structures were manufactured, equipped with the prototype Structural Health
Monitoring System (SHMS) and functionally tested at high temperature. The project will undergo a second iterative loop
which foresees investigation on the final test article: a ZrB2-SiC based composite hollow tip.
Особенности характеристик устойчивых к полевым повреждениям структур кремний-сверхтонкий окисел-поликремний
Authors: Гольдман Е.И. , Левашов С.А , Чучева Г.В.
Published: March 2019

AbstractResults of studying the features of the current–voltage ( I – V ) and capacitance–voltage characteristics of field-resistant silicon–ultrathin oxide–polysilicon structures are presented. It turns out that the total recharging of localized electron states and minority carriers concentrated near the substrate–insulator interface, which occurs with a variation in the field voltage, is an order of magnitude higher than that of samples susceptible to damage by the field stress effect. The tunneling I – V characteristic is significantly asymmetric; notably, the current flowing from the field electrode into the silicon substrate is several orders of magnitude lower when compared with the current flowing from silicon to polysilicon at identical external voltages dropping across the insulating layer. To explain this asymmetry, it is assumed that a potential barrier in the transition layer from polysilicon to oxide, which separates the semiconductor electrode and substrate, has a height of ~1 eV and therefore always hinders electrical transport; for reverse currents, this barrier stops limiting the conductivity as soon as the tunneling level becomes higher than it.
Electrical Characterization of Hybrid Halide Perovskites Based Heteroj unction Device -=SUP=-*-=/SUP=-
Authors: Chaudhary Jyoti , Choudhary Shaily , Mohan Singh Negi Chandra , Gupta Saral K. , Singh Verma Ajay
Published: March 2019

AbstractHerein, we have measured the mobility of Hole’s for the configuration FTO/TiO_2/CH_3NH_3PbBr_3/PEDOT:PSS/Al by the SCLC regime. The current–voltage ( I – V ) characteristics of the CH_3NH_3PbBr_3 perovskite based device shows the rectifying behavior as Schottky diode. Different parameters of the proposed device such as saturation current, ideality factor, barrier height have been taken out from I – V characteristics. The highest Hole’s mobility from TiO_2 thin film through the perovskite and PEDOT:PSS film to the top aluminum electrode has of order 1.59 × 10^–4 cm^2 V^–1 s^–1. Moreover, the proposed device shows the TFSCLC regime at lower voltage while, at higher voltages it shows the TCLC regime. In addition to this, some important parameters like junction resistance, capacitance and carrier lifetime of device can be measured by the spectroscopy analysis of impedance.
Получение пористого кремния путем спекания нанопорошка
Authors: Астрова Е.В. , Воронков В.Б. , Нащекин А.В. , Парфеньева А.В. , Ложкина Д.А. , Томкович М.В. , Кукушкина Ю.А.
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe technique of the electrochemical and photoelectrochemical etching of single-crystal silicon wafers commonly used to fabricate macroporous silicon layers is inefficient and costly. An alternative method for forming bulk macroporous silicon is the high-temperature sintering of Si powder. The process of nanopowder sintering preliminarily subjected to dry cold compression (without binding additives) is investigated. The properties of the sintered material, including its microstructure, density, and electrical conductivity, are studied at different annealing temperature and time. Techniques for changing the porosity of the sintered samples and for determining of the interior surface area are discussed.
Теплоемкость твердых растворов системы Er-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-Ge-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-O_7- Er-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-Sn-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-O-=SUB=-7-=/SUB=- в области 350-1000 K
Authors: Денисова Л.Т. , Иртюго Л.А. , Белецкий В.В. , Белоусова Н.В. , Денисов В.М.
Published: March 2019

AbstractEr_2Ge_2O_7–Er_2Sn_2O_7 solid solutions have been obtained using solid-state synthesis by burning the stoichiometric mixtures of the initial oxides in air in the temperature range of 1273–1473 K. The effects of temperature and solid solution composition on the specific heat have been examined by differential scanning calorimetry. The Er_2Ge_2O_7 thermodynamic functions have been calculated.
Фотолюминесценция аморфного SiO-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-, подвергнутого имплантации ионов Ar-=SUP=-+-=/SUP=-
Authors: Щербаков И.П. , Чмель А.Е.
Published: March 2019

AbstractImplantation of ions into amorphous silicon dioxide ( a -SiO_2) is widely used in microelectronics (mainly, using Si ions) and in the production of light-guiding components of optical fibers (Ge, P, B ions). All of these elements interact with the matrix oxygen, so the point defects that occur during implantation are not only the result of the displacement of the silicon–oxygen frame atoms from their equilibrium positions, but also reflect the specific chemical interaction in the material. In this study, inert argon ions were implanted into silicon dioxide plates, which excluded chemical reactions. It is demonstrated using photoluminescence (PL) that the highest concentration of point defects in the damaged silicate network belongs to neutral oxygen vacancies (NOVs). The concentration of these and some other induced defects increased with an increase in fluence up to 5 × 10^15 Ar^+/cm^2, and, with a further increase in dose, the concentration dropped due to annealing of defects in the layer heated by the introduction of ions. The NOV defects appeared in the photoluminescence spectrum in the form of doublets, that is, pairs of bands belonging to the same optical transition. The appearance of doublets is explained by the dependence of the optical transition energy on the localization of identical point defects in zones of different distortions of the matrix structure.
Динамические пространственно-временные структуры на поверхности нагруженных твердых тел
Authors: Хон Ю.А. , Zapolsky H. , Каминский П.П. , Слядников Е.Е.
Published: March 2019

AbstractA model and a method are proposed to explain the origin and main specific features of the dynamic patterns of different types, which were previously observed on the free surface of solids under load in experiments. It is shown that the pattern is formed due to the dynamic instability of the flat surface of the solid under load. This instability develops at the relaxation mechanism caused by the dynamic atomic displacements due to a change in the interatomic interaction during the electron-density redistribution.
Рассеяние электронов дефектами малого радиуса и сопротивление графена
Authors: Фирсова Н.Е. , Ктиторов С.А.
Published: March 2019

AbstractElectron scattering by short-range defects in planar monolayer graphene is considered. This interaction is approximated by the delta-like potential concentrated on a circumference with a small radius, which provides the suppression of nonphysical shortwave modes. The contribution of this scattering to the graphene resistance is analyzed. The obtained results agree well with the experiment on suspended annealed monolayer graphene. This makes it possible to determine parameters of the approximating potential based on experimental data about the graphene resistivity, which is important for applications.
Temperature dependent Raman Spectroscopic Study of the Fe doped La-=SUB=-0.67-=/SUB=-Sr-=SUB=-0.33-=/SUB=-MnO-=SUB=-3-=/SUB=- Prepared Using Ball Milling Method
Authors: Astik Nidhi , Jha Prafulla K. , Sathe Vasant
Published: March 2019

AbstractPolycrystalline samples of La_0.67Sr_0.33Mn_0.65Fe_0.35O_3 (LSMFO) were synthesized using the standard ball mill method with different calcination temperatures ranging from 800 to 1100°C for 7 h. The phase purity of these samples was confirmed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. All samples were found to have rhombohedral crystal structure with $$R\bar {3}c$$ space group. The lattice parameters, cell volume, bond angle and bond length have been obtained using the Rietveld refinement by FullProf software. The average crystallite size calculated using the Debye-Scherrer formula was found between 27 and 60 nm. Surface morphology of the prepared samples has been examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). SEM images show the formation of well-arranged grain sizes distributed from 240 to 400 nm, much larger than one estimated using the Scherrer formula. All tiny particles are highly agglomerated with the increasing temperature and porosity decreases with increasing temperature. An analysis of the frequency and peak broadening of Raman modes as a function of temperature clearly shows the significant temperature effect on the A _1 g and E _ g modes of LSMFO. The shifts and broadening of the A _1 g and E _ g modes are discussed in light of the oxygen sublattice distortion. Our study shows the reduction in distortion with increasing calcination temperature, which suggests a decrease in the JT effect.
Спектральные и структурные характеристики молибдатов (Lu-=SUB=-1-x-=/SUB=-Eu-=SUB=-x-=/SUB=-)-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-(MoO-=SUB=-4-=/SUB=-)-=SUB=-3-=/SUB=-
Authors: Шмурак С.З. , Кедров В.В. , Киселев А.П. , Фурсова Т.Н. , Зверькова И.И. , Хасанов С.С.
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe structure, the photoluminescence, and IR absorption spectra of solid solutions (Lu_1 ‒ _ x Eu_ x )_2(MoO_4)_3 have been studied over a wide range of europium concentrations (0 ≤ x ≤ 1). It has been found that there is a correlation between the structure and the spectral characteristics of these compounds. Three types of crystal phases are sequentially changed as the europium concentration increases. The photoluminescence and IR absorption spectra of the monoclinic phase with space group P 2_1/ a have been studied for the first time. The glow maximum at a resonant excitation of Eu^3+ ions is shown to be observed in the samples with orthorhombic structure Pba 2 at x ~ 0.8. The samples existing in monoclinic P 2_1/ a phase at x ~ 0.2 demonstrate the maximum luminescence intensity upon excitation in the band with the charge transfer.
Цепочки карбинофуллеренов C-=SUB=-20-=/SUB=-
Authors: Подливаев А.И. , Опенов Л.А.
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe results of computer simulation of a new one-dimensional carbon structure representing chains composed of C_20 carbinofullerenes are presented. Their binding energies are determined. Their thermal stability is studied by the method of molecular dynamics. The resistance of chains to stretching is also studied. It is shown that breaking the bond between adjacent carbinofullerene moieties in the chain is a preferred channel for thermal and deformational destruction. The ultimate strains of chains and also the temperature dependence of their lifetime until the time of decay are determined. Using different approaches, the activation energy values and the frequency factors of the decay process in the Arrhenius law are found.
Динамика начальной фазы искрового и диффузного разрядов в воздухе в промежутке острие--плоскость при различных параметрах острийного электрода
Authors: Тренькин А.А. , Алмазова К.И. , Белоногов А.Н. , Боровков В.В. , Горелов Е.В. , Морозов И.В. , Харитонов С.Ю.
Published: March 2019

AbstractDynamics of the initial stage of discharge in air is studied at atmospheric pressure in a point–plane gap at different parameters of the tip electrode and lengths of the interelectrode gap. Spark or diffuse discharges are implemented in experiments depending on the length of the interelectrode gap. Shadow photography is used to show that, for all electrodes in the experiments, the discharge channels represent multiple microchannels that develop from the tip and close the discharge gap.
Влияние ультрафиолетового облучения на деформационные свойства синдиотактического 1,2-полибутадиена: роль окисления
Authors: Лебедев Ю.А. , Кинзябулатов Р.Р. , Астанин В.В. , Гундеров Д.В.
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe studied the impact of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on stress–strain characteristics, derived from uniaxial stretching measurements, and the molecular structure (photoinduced changes) of syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadien, a polymer with thermoplastic elastomer properties. Uniaxial stretching stress–strain curves are recorded for samples subjected to UV irradiation for different times and the effects UV irradiation has on the stress–strain behavior of polymers are analyzed. Long UV irradiation is found to markedly increase the hardening of polymers: Young’s modulus and yield strength increase, while the fracture strain decreases. At the same time, we observe a sharp increase in polymer molecular weight and its considerable oxidation that particularly involves surface layers. The mechanisms of cross-linking between macromolecules and their simultaneous oxidation induced by exposure to UV light are discussed along with the role these processes play in evolution of the physical mechanical properties under UV irradiation.