bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of the basic elements of the innovation-analytical platform for energy efficiency in project financing
Authors: Marchuk Tetyana , Ryzhakov Dmytro , Ryzhakova Galyna , Stetsenko Sergiy
Published: December 2017

This analytical study focuses on the financing of energy efficiency projects in Ukraine. In this article, the authors analyze the state and dynamics of the modern market of energy resources both on a global scale and within Ukraine, and it was discovered that the potential of the energy efficiency market is extremely large and interesting for different groups of bank investors. In the course of the study, it was revealed that private households and industrial enterprises are the largest energy consumers in Ukraine, which confirms the necessity of implementing a public program for financing energy efficiency projects. The study of Ukraine’s legislative framework has made it possible to clearly define the concept of energy efficiency and to highlight which projects can be considered energy-efficient. It is noted that the state actively develops and implements a policy to increase energy consumption savings both among private individuals and among producing enterprises, which is implemented at the state level by a specially created Energy Efficiency Fund. As a specific tool for analyzing energy efficiency projects, the authors suggest using benchmarking technology, which provides the opportunity to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of a specific energy saving project, as compared to the top project in the industry. As a result, in the course of the conducted analytical studies, the authors proposed a specific tool for the analysis of energy efficiency financing projects in Ukraine, which includes five priority areas for which it is necessary to build a methodology for assessing the borrower’s creditworthiness, which seeks to implement a project in the field of energy saving.
Optimal control of continuous life insurance model
Authors: Oliynyk Viktor , Zhuravka Fedir , Bolgar Tetiana , Yevtushenko Olha
Published: December 2017

The problems of mixed life insurance and insurance in the case of death are considered in the article. The actuarial present value of life insurance is found by solving a system of differential equations. The cases of both constant effective interest rates and variables, depending on the time interval, are examined. The authors used the Pontryagin maximum principle method as the most efficient one, in order to solve the problem of optimal control of the mixed life insurance value. The variable effective interest rate is considered as the control parameter. Some numerical results were given.
Coega and East London industrial development zones (IDZs): the financial and socio-economic impact of the Eastern Cape IDZs and their prospects
Authors: Mditshwa Siviwe , Hendrickse Rozenda
Published: December 2017

The aim of this article was to assess the financial and socio-economic impact of the two Industrial Development Zones (IDZs) emanating from the public-private partnerships (PPPs) arrangement in the Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipalities, located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The metropolitan municipalities, despite the introduction of PPPs, are still faced with serious socio-economic challenges such as slow economic growth, increased poverty levels, unemployment and mostly stagnant infrastructure development as a result of underfunding. In addition, metropolitan municipalities remain obliged to deliver on their constitutional mandate, which is the provision of services to communities consistent with the Municipal Financed Management Act (MFMA) and Municipal Systems Act (MSA). Municipal financial planning and management leads to the development of methods to achieve sound financial performance in municipalities in line with service delivery demands. Sound municipal financial performance enables the municipalities to provide goods and services to all citizens. The study adopted a quantitative research approach, where a structured questionnaire was administered to 50 purposely selected participants. A core finding of the study suggested that the metropolitan municipalities benefited from the IDZs PPP arrangements where project planning, development and management skills were transferred to government officials, impacting on improved service delivery. A key recommendation forwarded suggests that both the national government and metropolitan municipalities need to champion PPP procurement through the enhancement of the Municipal Public Private Partnership Implementation Framework. The study concluded that a regulation, such as the aforementioned, without a structured implementation plan, eminently jeopardizes an investor’s interest in PPP arrangements, with negative financial consequences for the state.
Innovative financing mechanisms for government to leverage private sector investment in infrastructure for sustainable development in South Africa: case study in the water sector
Authors: Seema Naran , Kibuuka Paul
Published: December 2017

The research article presents catalytic and innovative mechanisms for the use of fiscal grant funding to crowd in private sector investment for water infrastructure projects in the Republic of South Africa. Chapter Two of the South African Constitution (1996) includes a series of socio-economic rights, of which the right of access to water is one of those afforded its people, but this access is not currently provided to the entire population. The study uses a mixed methods approach, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data sequentially. The data gathered involved a non-random purposive sample of best practice from European Union-funded projects internationally, South Africa-based projects, and qualitative interviews with officials from international development finance institutions and the National Treasury. It was found that the strategic targeting of grant funding to mitigate project risks, better enabled investor confidence. Through the use of three innovative financing tools, specifically investment grants, interest rate subsidies and technical assistance, government was able to leverage further investment into projects. The research concluded that blended grants for debt financing should be a consideration in South Africa. Specifically, as the current challenges in the water sector relate to constrained financial gaps, as well as capacity and skills deficits, these could be addressed strategically and deliberately through the use of blended fiscal grants targeting innovative financing tools. To allow for blending as recommended, budget reforms in South Africa are necessary.
Trajectory of a divided river basin: law, conflict, and cooperation along Chile's Maipo River
Authors: Borgias Sophia , Bauer Carl J.
Published: December 2017

The historical trajectory of the Maipo River basin offers critical insights into current and future challenges in Chile's internationally famous model of water management. We highlight the legal dimensions of the trajectory, looking beyond the 1981 Water Code and water market debates to some of the underlying principles of Chilean water law that shape river management. In particular, we focus on a legal-administrative rule that splits rivers into multiple, independently managed ‘sections’ – a policy that has received little attention despite posing a prima facie contradiction to the goal of integrated water resources management. We demonstrate that, despite government officials’ insistence that this policy is merely an ‘artificial’ administrative tool, river sectioning has significant material, discursive, and socio-political consequences for water governance. We highlight three emerging issues: (1) tensions over section boundaries, (2) the institutionalisation of a ‘right to leave the river dry’, and (3) ongoing struggles to establish formal vigilance committees in the lower sections. Far from functioning as a legal simplification, river sectioning is complicated and contentious and demands more attention in policy and research. We conclude by considering possible solutions aligned with efforts to move toward more coordinated and equitable water management in this crucial basin.
Evaluating the impacts of triclosan on wastewater treatment performance during startup and acclimation
Authors: Holzem R. M. , Gardner C. M. , Gunsch C. K.
Published: December 2017

Triclosan (TCS) is a broad range antimicrobial agent used in many personal care products, which is commonly discharged to wastewater treatment facilities (WWTFs). This study examined the impact of TCS on wastewater treatment performance using laboratory bench-scale sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) coupled with anaerobic digesters. The SBRs were continuously fed synthetic wastewater amended with or without 0.68 μM TCS, with the aim of determining the effect of chronic TCS exposure as opposed to a pulse TCS addition as previously studied. Overall, the present study suggests inhibition of nitrogen removal during reactor startup. However, NH4+ removal fully rebounded after 63 days, suggesting acclimation of the associated microbial communities to TCS. An initial decrease in microbial community diversity was observed in the SBRs fed TCS as compared to the control SBRs, followed by an increase in community diversity, which coincided with the increase in NH4+ removal. Elevated levels of NO3− and NO2− were found in the reactor effluent after day 58, however, suggesting ammonia oxidizing bacteria rebounding more rapidly than nitrogen oxidizing bacteria. Similar effects on treatment efficiencies at actual WWTFs have not been widely observed, suggesting that continuous addition of TCS in their influent may have selected for TCS-resistant nitrogen oxidizing bacteria.
Improving Cooperative Performance through Human Resource Development Efforts
Authors: Martini Ida Ayu Oka , Lasmi Ni Wayan , Jaya NK , Sutrisni Ni Ketut Elly
Published: December 2017

Improving cooperative performance as one of the national and regional reconstruction teachers should be continuously carried out unlike the steps and anticipation by the many cooperatives that are bankrupt or disabled. The one aspect that needs to be improved was the aspect of Human Resources (HR) becomes manager and management of existing cooperatives. In order to realize it, the Department of Cooperatives and UMKM Bali Province has implemented various programs to improve the performance of cooperatives human resources that have been registered. The present research was conducted to measure the success level of human resource development from cooperative and relate to the cooperative performance that collected by Department of Cooperatives and UMKM during in 2016 period. The result of the document study was obtained concluded that have been done competency certification program for the manager and cooperative management, program education and training was attended by 1200 managers and cooperative management in Bali Province during in 2012 until 2016 period. Based on the programs that have been done, the Department of Cooperatives and UMKM Bali Province recorded a working realization of 218.89% or has exceeded the target set.
Economic Impacts of Craftsman Statue on Community Based Tourism Development
Authors: Pemayun A.A. Gde Putra , Maheswari A.A. Istri Agung
Published: December 2017

This study examines the "Economic Impact of Craftsmen Statue on Community Base Tourism Development in Tohpati village Klungkung Bali". The core concept of economic problems is the imbalance between unlimited human needs and the means of satisfying the needs of a limited number. Economics should not be emphasized through the point, but it should be emphasized as an approach to explain human behavior (Gary Becker). The economic system is a means used to regulate all economic activities in society whether done by the government or private in order to achieve prosperity and prosperity together. The Economic system can be divided into three namely: a First capitalist economic system that is all economic activity submitted to the market. Second, the communist economic system is all things governed by the government. The third is a mixed economic system that is a combination of the two economic systems above (capitalist and communist). Indonesia should adopt a mixed economic system because firstly, Indonesia is an emerging country, where market failures often occur due to uneven information or accessibility to transportation and communication facilities. The second is that there are still many Indonesian people are below the poverty line. Thirdly most Indonesians have businesses that are still classified into small and medium enterprises that still can not compete perfectly with a bigger business. In addition, in a mixed economic system also required the role of government in overseeing the development of the economy that runs in the country of Indonesia, in order to create prosperity in public life. To implement a mixed economic system it must be applied in a real way in the community environment so that the economic system in a country becomes smooth, balanced, and make more prosperous for all parties involved. Community Base Tourism as a model of tourism development today because community involvement including maintenance is something that must be applied. Tohpati village community adherents of the traditional economy inevitably have to deal with the values ​​of novelty in the global economic order. Economic development that takes place in a country brings impact, both positive and negative. Positive impact: increased foreign exchange earnings, expanding or accelerating business opportunities, increasing national income, increasing tax revenues, expanding employment opportunities, promoting growth in development that has natural potential. Negative impact: land prices skyrocket, in tourism centers expensive food prices, biological resources become damaged, the occurrence of urbanization. The circulation of drugs, prostitution is difficult to monitor.
Alcohol Consumption Reduction Among a Web-Based Supportive Community Using the Hello Sunday Morning Blog Platform: Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Kirkman Jessica Jane Louise , Leo Briony , Moore Jamie Christopher
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Alcohol misuse is a major social and public health issue in Australia, with an estimated cost to the community of Aus $30 billion per annum. Until recently, a major barrier in addressing this significant public health issue is the fact that the majority of individuals with alcohol use disorders and alcohol misuse are not receiving treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess whether alcohol consumption changes are associated with participation in Hello Sunday Morning’s blog platform, an online forum discussing experiences in abstaining from alcohol.

METHODS

The study reports on Hello Sunday Morning participants who signed up for a 3-month period of abstinence from November 2009 to November 2016. The sample comprised 1917 participants (female: 1227/1917, 64.01%; male: 690/1917, 35.99%). Main outcome measures were Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores, mood, program engagement metrics, and slip-ups.

RESULTS

Individuals who reported hazardous (preprogram AUDIT mean 11.92, SD 2.25) and harmful consumption levels (preprogram AUDIT mean 17.52, SD 1.08) and who engaged in the Hello Sunday Morning program reported a significant decrease in alcohol consumption, moving to lower risk consumption levels (hazardous, mean 7.59, SD 5.70 and harmful, mean 10.38, SD 7.43), 4 months following program commencement (P<.001). Those who reported high-risk or dependent consumption levels experienced the biggest reduction (preprogram mean 25.38, SD 4.20), moving to risky consumption (mean 15.83, SD 11.11), 4 months following program commencement (P<.001). These reductions in risk were maintained by participants in each group, 7 months following program commencement. Furthermore, those who engaged in the program more (as defined by more sign-ins, blogs posted, check-ins completed, and engagement with the community through likes and following) had lower alcohol consumption. Finally, those who experienced more slip-ups had lower alcohol consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

Participation in an online forum can support long-term behavior change in individuals wishing to change their drinking behavior. Importantly, reductions in AUDIT scores appeared larger for those drinking at high-risk and hazardous levels before program commencement. This has promising implications for future models of alcohol reduction treatment, as online forums are an anonymous, accessible, and cost-effective alternative or adjunct to treatment-as-usual. Further research is needed into the specific mechanisms of change within a Web-based supportive community, as well as the role of specific mood states in predicting risky drinking behavior.
Social Media Landscape of the Tertiary Referral Hospitals in China: An Observational Descriptive Study (Preprint)
Authors: Zhang Wei , Deng Zhaohua , Evans Richard , Xiang Fei , Ye Qing , Zeng Runxi
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Social media has penetrated all walks of life. Chinese Healthcare Institutions are increasingly utilizing social media to connect with their patients for better health service delivery. Current research has focused heavily on the use of social media in developed countries, with few exploring its usage in the context of developing countries, such as China. This study examines China’s best hospitals, as recognized by The National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of the People’s Republic of China, mapping out the landscape of current social media usage by hospitals when engaging with patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine China’s best hospitals, as recognized by The National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of the People’s Republic of China, and to map out the landscape of current social media usage by hospitals when engaging with patients.

METHODS

We examined the best 705 hospitals in China, collecting and analyzing their usage of popular Chinese social media applications, Sina Weibo and WeChat. Specific data included: (1) hospital characteristics (i.e. established time, number of beds, hospital type, regions/localities) and (2) status of social media usage on two of the most popular local social media platforms in China (i.e. initiated time, number of followers and number of tweets or posts). We further used a logistic regression model to test the association between hospital characteristics and social media adoption.

RESULTS

A total of 537 (76.17%) tertiary-referral hospitals have created official accounts on either Sina Weibo or WeChat. Of these, WeChat is more popular than Sina Weibo. In addition, our study suggests that larger and newer hospitals with greater resources are more likely to adopt social media, while hospital type and affiliation to universities are not significant predictors of social media adoption among hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that hospitals are more inclined to use WeChat. The move by hospitals from Sina Weibo to WeChat means that patients are seen to be not satisfied by mere communication and now place more value on health services delivery. For the future, a long journey still lies ahead for hospitals in running their official social media accounts.
Feasibility of a Proactive Text Messaging Intervention for Smokers in Community Health Centers: Pilot Study (Preprint)
Authors: Kruse Gina , Kelley Jennifer HK , Chase Karen , Rigotti Nancy A
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Few smokers receive evidence-based cessation services during primary care visits.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the feasibility of a proactive text messaging program for primary care patients who smoke.

METHODS

We used electronic health records to identify smokers who had a mobile phone number listed from two community health centers in Massachusetts. Between March 2014 and June 2015, patients were screened by their primary care physician and then sent a proactive text message inviting them to enroll by texting back. Patients who opted in were asked about their readiness to quit. The text message program included messages from the QuitNowTXT library and novel content for smokers who were not ready to quit.

RESULTS

Among 949 eligible smokers, 88 (9.3%) enrolled after receiving a single proactive text message. Compared with those who did not enroll, enrollees were more often female (54/88, 61% vs 413/861, 48.0%, P=.02), but otherwise did not differ in age, race, insurance status, or comorbidities. In all, 28% (19/67) of enrollees reported they were not ready to quit in the next 30 days, 61% (41/67) were ready to quit, and 11% (7/67) already quit. The median time in the program was 9 days (interquartile range 2-32 days). Of current smokers, 25% (15/60) sent one or more keyword requests to the server. These did not differ by readiness to quit.

CONCLUSIONS

A proactively delivered text messaging program targeting primary care patients who smoke was feasible and engaged both smokers ready to quit and those not ready to quit. This method shows promise as part of a population health model for addressing tobacco use outside of the primary care office.
STRUCTURE CHARACTERIZATION AND EVALUATION POTENTIAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL EXTRACTS FROM PHELLINUS LINTEUS AGAINST SKIN INFECTIOUS PATHOGENS, STAPHYLOCOCCUS EPIDERMIDIS ATCC12228 AND PROPIONIBACTERIUM ACNES DMST14916
Authors: Techaoei Surachai , Eakwaropas Pattaranut , Jarmkom Khemjira , Khobjai Warachate
Published: December 2017

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of Phellinus linteus against skin infectious pathogens, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC12228 and Propionibacterium acnes DMST 14916.Methods: Fungal fruiting bodies were extracted with 95% ethanol and ethyl acetate, and then, vaporized. The antimicrobial activities were determined by the disc diffusion method against Propionibacterium acnes DMST 14916 and Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC12228 skin infectious pathogens. A minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for those crude extracts were determined. Finally, the chemical profile of crude extract was determined by using thin layer chromatography and GC-MS.Results: The result demonstrated that the ethanolic extraction had more active fractions with an MIC of 0.5 mg/ml against the growth of Propionibacterium acnes DMST 14916 and Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC12228 and also showed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MBC) at a concentration of 1.0 mg/ml, while ethyl acetate-based solvents failed to develop on TLC according to Retention factor (Rf) values of 0.71-0.76. The GC-MS was applied to investigate the chemical profile of crude extract of Phellinus linteus, revealing a component of hexadecanoic acid and 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid.Conclusion: Phellinus linteus fruiting body extracts have great potential as antimicrobial compounds against Propionibacterium acnes DMST 14916 and Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC12228. Thus, they can be used in the treatment of infectious diseases caused by bacterial pathogens.
A METHOD FOR DETERMINING 1,4-BENZOTHIAZINE DERIVATIVES IN RAT PLASMA BY HPLC AND ITS APPLICATION TO A PHARMACOKINETIC STUDY
Authors: Rai Amit , Raj Vinit , Singh Ashok K. , Keshari Amit K. , Saha Sudipta
Published: December 2017

Objective: The objective of the study was to develop, optimize and validate of a new reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for the determining 1,4-benzothiazine derivatives (AR13 and AR15) in a biological sample of rat plasma. The 1,4-benzothiazine derivatives are produced by the synthetic reactions.Methods: RP-HPLC separation was performed using an ODS-2 Hypersil column with gradient elution mobile phase consisting of water-acetonitrile for AR13 and AR15 (1:9 v/v, 3:7 v/v) at room temperature 1 ml/min flow rate, and interfaced with photodiode array detector (PDA) detector, 233 nm, 235 nm respectively.Results: A linear response was obtained between (range from 0.100-10.00 mg/ml) AR13 and (range from 0.096–9.88 mg/ml) AR15 with correlation coefficient 0.999 and 0.998. The linearity range of both AR13 and AR15 was 101.65±1.5 and 98.78±1.7.Conclusion: It was concluded that the method was simple, accurate, sensitive, accurate and reproducible and has been successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of AR13 and AR15 in rat plasma.
EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT PROFILE AND PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF SOME HERB-SUPPLEMENTED BLACK TEA INFUSIONS
Authors: Chakrabarti Gargi , Bhattacharjee Sanchita , Bhattacharyya Sauryya
Published: December 2017

Objective: The present study was designed to adjudicate the change in contents of phytochemicals and in vitro antioxidant potential of tea infusions supplemented with herbs.Methods: The phytochemical screening of tea infusions with or without supplemented herbs was done along with their antioxidant capacities using some common in vitro assays. Infusions were prepared by soaking tea leaves and subsequent herbs in boiled water for 10 minutes.Results: ABTS radical scavenging ability did not improve after herb supplementation of the infusions, although DPPH radical scavenging ability improved in some samples, especially in ginger tea. This proves that less polar phytochemicals are supplemented mostly when herbs are added in the tea infusions. Tannin contents were mostly preserved except for the ginger tea. Most prominent effect was observed in their hydroxyl radical scavenging abilities, which commensurate with the lipid peroxidation inhibitory activities of the supplemented infusions.  Conclusion: Present study provides firm evidence to support that an augmenting effect exists between black tea and some supplemented herbs, when infusions were prepared with the both.
CALLUS INDUCTION, PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDIES AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF DECALEPIS ARAYALPATHRA (JOSEPH AND CHANDRAS) VENTER
Authors: Raveesha H. R. , Ashalatha K. S.
Published: December 2017

Objective: The aim of the present study was designed for the induction of callus from leaf explants of Decalepis arayalpathra (D. arayalpathra) and to analyse their phytochemical constituents and antibacterial activity.Methods: The explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentration of 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D) and later subcultured to the combination of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The phytochemical constituents were analysed in the different solvent extracts using standard methods. Antibacterial activity of the different solvent extracts was carried out using agar well diffusion method against reference standards. Results: Callus induction was observed on MS medium supplemented with different concentration and combination of auxins and cytokinins. Maximum callus induction was noticed on media supplemented with 2, 4-D (2 mg/l) and BAP (1 mg/l)+NAA (0.5 mg/l) respectively. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, steroids and terpenoids, glycosides, coumarins and quinone etc. All the solvent extracts showed varying degree of antibacterial activities against the bacterial strains (Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas fluorescence and Staphylococcus aureus). The maximum antibacterial activity of leaf was observed in aqueous (Klebsiella pneumoniae, 19.00±1.00) and methanolic extract (Klebsiella pneumoniae, 18.33±1.15). Whereas petroleum ether extract of the callus showed maximum inhibition (Bacillus subtilis, 17.00±1.00) compare to other extracts.Conclusion: The study revealed the presence of secondary metabolites in the leaf and callus extracts of D. arayalpathra. The methanolic extracts possess higher antibacterial activity compared to other solvent extracts. However, further studies have to be carried out for the isolation and identification of antimicrobial compounds against pathogens.
ESTIMATION OF ETONOGESTREL IN HUMAN PLASMA BY USING LC–ESI–MS/MS METHOD
Authors: Velamakanni Satish Ramanatham , Padala Venkateswarlu
Published: December 2017

Objective: The aspiration of the present study was to develop simple, robust and reliable liquid chromatography/electro spray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) (Agilent Technologies) assay method for the quantification of etonogestrel in human serum by using etonogestrel d6 as internal standard (IS).Methods: An easy Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE) sample processing method was used to extract etonogestrel from plasma and chromatographic method was developed with run time 3.5min with linear calibration curve ranges from 50-3604 pg/mL for both etonogestrel and etonogestrel d6 and chromatographic method validated by determining carryover test, sensitivity, matrix effect, linearity, precision, accuracy, recovery, dilution integrity and stability. The developed method was used for pharmacokinetic study of 75mcg desogestrel tablet formulation under fasting condition in healthy females.Results: The validation showed the developed method was accurate with the results of validated parameters were met acceptance criteria as per Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. The validated method successfully was used for pharmacokinetic study of 75mcg desogestrel tablet in healthy females and quantified the amount of etonogestrel and IS.Conclusion: The developed method for etonogestrel in human plasma has been validated and used in pharmacokinetic studies.
UTILIZATION OF EOSIN DYE AS AN ION PAIRING AGENT FOR DETERMINATION OF PHARMACEUTICALS: A BRIEF REVIEW
Authors: Rahman Habibur
Published: December 2017

Globally, dyes are widely used in the pharmaceutical, food, textile, cosmetics, plastics, leather, paint, ink and paper industries. Eosin is an acidic orange-pink dye and has very strong staining properties. Haematoxylin and eosin Y (H&E) combination is the most common staining and primary diagnostic technique in histo-pathological laboratories. This review mainly discussed the utility of eosin dye in quality control laboratories as an ion pairing agent for drug analysis. Eosin Y is one the most common ion pairing agent and its mono and di anionic forms of eosin Y are capable of interacting with many drug molecules to form colored/fluorescent binary or ternary complexes that can be analyzed with or without extraction by spectrofluorimetry and/or spectrophotometry. Quenching fluorescence and advantages of spectrofluorimetry over spectrophotometry were also discussed. Fluorescence detection greatly enhances the sensitivity and providing a sensitive and relatively inexpensive instrumental method of analysis using eosin Y for various important drugs in pure, commercial dosage forms and biological fluids
ASSESSMENT OF DRUG RELATED PROBLEMS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC DISEASES IN THE GENERAL MEDICINE UNITS OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Authors: Wincent Mannu Meria , Potrilingam D. , V. Anagha , Jacob Sajith Chacko , G. Andhuvan
Published: December 2017

Objective: Patients with chronic diseases are more prone to develop drug-related problems (DRPs), which can further worsen their quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine factors and medications associated with DRPs in patients with chronic disease.Methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted for a duration of 6 mo in the in-patients of general medicine department of PSG Hospital, Coimbatore. DRPs were identified, assessed and recorded as per pharmaceutical care network Europe (PCNE) V5.01 criteria. Chi-square and correlation test were used to analyze the data for identifying factors associated with DRPs.Results: A total of 137 patients were enrolled for the study, of which 66 patients developed DRPs. The most prevalent DRP was found to be drug choice problem. The major causes of DRPs were found to be drug and dose selection. Antidiabetic drugs were found to be more associated with drug-related problems. The incidence of drug-related problems was high in patients aged between 50 to 59 y. Association between gender, length of hospital stays and polypharmacy with DRPs was found to be statistically significant. 58.33% of the total drug-related problems were completely solved and 19.05% were partially solved.Conclusion: The incidence of DRPs in the General Medicine department of the hospital was high. The use of an appropriate tool such as PCNE may assist pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to systematically identify, categorize and report drug-related problems.
IN VITRO ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF SELECTED UNDERUTILIZED PLANTS AND CYTOTOXIC PROPERTY OF TERMINALIA CATAPPA
Authors: Thikshani Somarathna , Gas Premakumara , Mohammad Akbarsha A. , Balamuthu Kadalmani , Nimsha Weerakkody Sevwandika
Published: December 2017

Objective: This study aimed at determining the antibacterial activity of the underutilized plants of Sri Lanka, “Kottamba” (Terminalia catappa), “Purpurata” (Alpinia purpurata) and “Harankaha” (Curcuma zedoaria), against food-borne pathogens. Chemical composition and in vitro cytotxicity of the most active antibacterial plant extract(s) were examined.Methods: Crude rhizome extracts were obtained for all plants whereas in respect of T. catappa, the red pericarp of the fruit was used. The antibacterial activity was determined using the agar disc diffusion and broth dilution assays. Total phenol content, Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometry analysis and cytotoxicity assay were conducted only with the plant which showed the most effective antibacterial activity.Results: T. catappa extract showed significantly (p<0.05) high DIZ (19.6±0.47 mm) against S. aureus 113. A. purpurata showed DIZ (16.3±0.94, 15.0±1.00, 14.3±0.57 mm) against L. monocytogenes V7 (1/2a), S. aureus 25925 and S. aureus MSSASS 25D. The MIC of T. catappa ethanol extract was 10 mg/ml, while MBC was 80 mg/ml for S. aureus 113. The phenolic content of T. catappa ethanol extract was 81.54±1.28 mg GAE/g dry sample and the major compound (31.86 %) was 2, 5-Furandione, 3 methyl. The No-Observed Adverse Effect Concentration (NOAEC) of this extract for COS7 cells was 100 µg/ml whereas for 3T3 it was 300 µg/ml. This indicates that the extract is cytotoxic only at a very high concentration, suggesting that at lower concentrations the extract could be used as a food preservative.Conclusion: The results indicate that T. catappa has potential antibacterial activity as a safe bio-preservative.
ADAPTATION OF DIABETES KNOWLEDGE QUESTIONNAIRE FOR SOUTH ASIAN COUNTRIES CONTEXT
Authors: Dussa Kanchana Narsingrao , Sahay Rakesh Kumar , Sundararajan Parimalakrishnan , Vishnuvardhanarao Mendu
Published: December 2017

Objective: To adapt diabetes knowledge questionnaire (DKQ) which would be suitable for assessing diabetes knowledge of subjects with type 1 and type 2 diabetes of the South Asian region.Methods: For content validation of DKQ, Delphi survey of 111 opinion leaders was conducted during the South Asian Federation of Endocrine Societies (SAFES) summit in Hyderabad. The participants are endocrinologists, diabetologists, physicians, primary care physicians and researchers from India, Srilanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan. Participants were asked to indicate their opinion on each of the 15 questions of DKQ as whether to include it in modified DKQ on five points Likert’s scale. Participants were also requested to provide their critical comments for modification, opinion, and applicability of DKQ. The consensus was considered to be reached when 67% of participants indicated agree or strongly agree, comments regarding modification, opinion, and applicability of DKQ. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics with IBM SPSS 19.0 version.Results: Final resultant modified DKQ comprises 13 multiple choice questions common in subjects with type-1 and type-2 diabetes, eg. blood glucose levels, diet, exercise, lifestyle, treatment, self-monitoring of blood glucose, sick day, complications, annual medical checkups; 4 multiple choice questions for subjects taking oral medication and/ or insulin only, eg. monitoring, hypoglycemia, traveling precautions, precautions for adverse drug / drug-drug reactions and 1 multiple choice question (sick day) for subjects with type 1 diabetes only.Conclusion: Modified DKQ can be utilized for evaluating diabetes knowledge outcome of subjects with diabetes of the South Asian region. Rigorous re-validation of modified DKQ will be carried out.
HYDRAZIDE SCHIFF BASES OF ACETYLACETONATE METAL COMPLEXES: SYNTHESIS, SPECTROSCOPIC AND BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Authors: Dikio Charity W. , Ejidike Ikechukwu P. , Mtunzi Fanyana M. , Klink Michael J. , Dikio Ezekiel D.
Published: December 2017

Objective: The study was focused on the synthesis and spectroscopic studies of metal acetylacetonates and their complexes using bidentate Schiff-base ligands (NO), evaluation of their in-vitro antibacterial potentials against pathogenic microorganism.Methods: Acetylacetonate salts of Cobalt(II), Manganese(II) and Magnesium(II) were prepared by reacting their metal hydroxides with acetylacetone. The metal complexes of N'-{(E)-[4-(diethylamino)-2-hydroxyphenyl]methylidene}-4-nitrobenzohydrazide (HL1), N'-{(E)-[4-(diethylamino)-2-hydroxyphenyl]methylidene}-4-methoxybenzohydrazide (HL2) obtained from the condensation reaction of 4-(diethylamino)-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde and 4-nitrobenzohydrazide/ or 4-methoxybenzohydrazide. The synthesized compounds were characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), proton and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The compounds were screened for their antimicrobial properties against a list of Gram-positive bacterial strains.Results: The FT-IR spectra revealed that the Schiff bases acts as bidentate chelating ligand via nitrogen of the azomethine and phenolic oxygen atoms. NMR reveal the presence of azomethine (HC=N) and aromatic hydrogens at expected chemical shifts confirming the formation of the Schiff base ligands. Thermal decomposition behaviour was studied by thermogravimetry revealing stability up to 260 °C. The compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial potentials against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. The manganese acetylacetonato(N'-{(E)-[4-(diethylamino)-2-hydroxyphenyl]methylidene}-4-methoxybenzohydrazide: Mn(acac)(L2) exhibited antimicrobial activities against both Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 398.0 μg/mL.Conclusion: The prepared compounds showed no inhibition against the selected pathogenic microorganisms except for Mn(acac)(L2) Standard antibacterial compounds: ampicillin and ciprofloxacin were used as positive control. The antibacterial activity of the compound depends on the kind of substituent on the benzo hydrazide rings at the para position, thereby suggesting the compound as promising chemotherapeutic agents for further structural optimization.
A PROSPECTIVE CLINICALTRIAL OF AMLODIPINE IN COMPARISON TO PERINDOPRIL
Authors: Das Suprava , Thuwin Myat Thu , G. Sherly Deborah , . Lubnashirin , Kabir Mohammad Shahjahan , Chigurupati Sridevi
Published: December 2017

Objective: The objective of this research was to perform a prospective clinical trial to compare antihypertensive effects of amlodipine and perindopril in hypertensive patients.Methods: In our study, we compared antihypertensive effects of well tolerated and commonly used antihypertensive drugs, amlodipine and perindopril. There were 81 hypertensive patients of both sexes over 40 y of age without other diseases included in this prospective clinical trial. Forty (40) patients were treated with amlodipine (5 mg/day) and forty-one (41) patients were treated with perindopril (4 mg/day). After one month of taking both drugs, blood pressure was measured in the supine position with a standard mercury sphygmomanometer in the morning.Results: Amlodipine and perindopril groups were having almost similar characteristics at the beginning of the study. There was significantly decrease insystolic blood pressure (sBP) throughout the study period in the amlodipine group (p≤ 0.05) but not in the perindopril group. The efficacy of amlodipine over perindopril on systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure (dBP) was significant (p≤ 0.001 for sBP and p≤ 0.05 for dBP).Conclusion: It may be concluded that the antihypertensive efficacy of amlodipine was superior when compared to perindopril.
STARZ-DRP: A STRUCTURED FRAMEWORK FOR TEACHING COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS TO COUNSEL SELF-CARE CUSTOMERS
Authors: Nordin Nazri , Hassali Mohamed Azmi , Sarriff Azmi
Published: December 2017

Objective: Aim of this study is to take a look at the community pharmacists’ (CPs) self-rating confidence of advocating self-care customers using before and after attending a STARZ-DRP training workshop.Methods: CPs (n=231) in the state of Penang had been invited via e-mail to engage in a STARZ-DRP training workshop. CPs had been trained to assess individual features and analyse the facts and figures before formulating a triage action plan. A self-administered questionnaire to evaluate CPs’ self-confidence to performing self-care counselling had been handed out before and after the workshop.Results: Twenty CPs (8.7%) had responded to the invitation via e-mail. It was noted that CPs’ self-rating confidence to performing self-care counselling making use of STARZ-DRP as a framework were improved in all domains reflected in the questionnaire. Among significant improvements (p<0.05) noted were making triage decision, consistently assessing individual features, and identifying actual or potential origins of the medical problem.Conclusion: CPs’ self-confidence to performing self-care counselling making use of STARZ-DRP as a framework to advocate self-care customers is enhanced after turning up at the training workshop. It reflects the future use of STARZ-DRP as a potential framework to help out CPs to formulate a triage action plan for self-care customers.
PREPARATION OF PLANT MUCILAGE CLARIFICANTS AND THEIR EFFECT ON JAGGERY PROCESSING OF SUGARCANE VARIETY Co 86032
Authors: Chikkappaiah Lava , M A Harish Nayaka , . Mahadevaiah , G. M. Prashanth Kumar
Published: December 2017

Objective: The aim of the study was to prepare jaggery from sugarcane variety Co86032 using plants mucilage as clarificants and to determine the effect of plant mucilage on jaggery processing.Methods: Production of jaggery using five plant clarificants namely Aloe vera, Flax seeds, Fenugreek, Purslane and Malabar spinach at three different concentrations i.e., 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.4% of raw sugarcane juice and the jaggery prepared without any clarificants serves as control. During production, the processing parameters such as quantity of scum removed, total time taken for processing and jaggery yield was determined.Results: It was found that the jaggery prepared using plant mucilage at concentration of 0.4% found superior when compared to 0.2%, 0.1% and control respectively. Aloe vera at 0.4% removed maximum scum (4.07%), taken minimum processing time (72.33 min) and recorded maximum jaggery yield (10.92 kg). The efficacy of Aloe vera as mucilage clarificants in jaggery production was followed by fenugreek, flax seeds, purslane and Malabar spinach in the order respectively.Conclusion: The application of plants mucilage as clarificants in the jaggery production removed significant level of scum, reduced processing time and improved yield of jaggery. Therefore the selected plant mucilages can be used as clarificants in the jaggery production and can be considered as potential alternative to chemical clarificants.
INVESTIGATION OF CYTOSTATIC ACTIVITY OF THE METHENAMINE SILVER IN VITRO AND IN VIVO
Authors: Plotnikov Evgenii , Plotnikov Vladimir
Published: December 2017

Background: Developing of novel pharmaceutic agents is an actual topic for chemotherapy. Heavy metals possess a significant cytotoxic properties and some of them are widly introduced in medical practice, e.g. cisplatin.Aim and Objective of this study was to investigate the cytostatic effects of prospective silver-based preparation on viral bovine leukemia model in vivo and lymphoblast cells in vitro.Material and Methods: Silver salt of methenamine was suggested as prospective substance and tested was tested on black-motley cattle with bovine leukemia to reveal influence on hematological parameters. Preparation was applied in form of 0.5% solution in different doses and was administered as single intravenous injection. Blood parameters were determined by triple hematological monitoring. Investigation of cytostatic activity was conducted on the leukemic cells of HUT-102 line in Vitro in concentration range of 0.03-3.0 mg/ml.Results: The results showed normalization of blood parameters in dose-dependent manner after intravenous injection of methenamine silver salt. It was revealed a pronounced inhibitory effect of silver-based drug on the leukemic cells both in vitro and in vivo. Control blood test one month after experimental therapy confirmed the stability of the achieved results.Conclusion: The tested drug showed a moderate cytostatic effect. Methenamine silver nitrate can be considered as prospective pharmacological agent. Bovine leukemia was shown as a convenient model for the development of new treatment of blood diseases. Continuation of the work is of interest for both veterinary and medical pharmacotherapy.Keywords: methenamine silver nitrate, HUT 102 cells; lymphocytes, leucosis, cytostatic activity, bovine leukemia, silver hexamethylenetetramine.
THE INFLUENCE OF VISCOELASTICITY ON VELOCITY-DEPENDENT RESTITUTIONS IN THE OBLIQUE IMPACT OF SPHERES
Authors: Willert Emanuel , Kusche Stephan , Popov Valentin L.
Published: December 2017

We analyse the oblique impact of linear-viscoelastic spheres by numerical models based on the Method of Dimensionality Reduction and the Boundary Element Method. Thereby we assume quasi-stationarity, the validity of the half-space hypothesis, short impact times and Amontons-Coulomb friction with a constant coefficient for both static and kinetic friction. As under these assumptions both methods are equivalent, their results differ only within the margin of a numerical error. The solution of the impact problem written in proper dimensionless variables will only depend on the two parameters necessary to describe the elastic problem and a sufficient set of variables to describe the influence of viscoelastic material behaviour; in the case of a standard solid this corresponds to two additional variables. The full solution of the impact problem is finally determined by comprehensive parameter studies and partly approximated by simple analytic expressions.
PENERAPAN METODE PERMAINAN DADU EJAAN UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KETERAMPILAN MENULIS KARANGAN SEDERHANA BAGI SISWA KELAS 2 SEMESTER II SDN MOJOLANGU 3 KOTA MALANG TAHUN 2012-2013
Authors: Veronika Ari
Published: December 2017

Abstrak : Kemampuan menulis tidak dapat diperoleh secara alamiah, tetapi melalui proses belajar mengajar. Menulis merupakan kegiatan yang sifatnya  berkelanjutan sehingga pembelajarannya pun perlu dilakukan secara berkesinambungan sejak Sekolah Dasar. Ketika anak meninggalkan dunia egosentris pada tahap operasi konkret, mereka mulai mengetahui bahwa beberapa benda dapat dikenali sedang lainnya tidak. Anak-anak kelas dua jarang menghawatirkan tulisan mereka, sebab mereka memberikan semua perhatian untuk menikmati aktivitas menulis dan bukannya mencari reaksi pembaca atau kesalahan ejaan. Penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian tindakan kelas, adapun subyek penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas II di SDN Mojolangu 3 yang terdiri dari 41 siswa. Respon siswa terhadap metode permainan dadu ejaan sangat baik, siswa merasa senang dan bersemangat apabila dalam proses belajar bahasa Indonesia menggunakan permainan dadu ejaan. Pembelajaran menggunakan metode permainan dadu ejaan dapat dijadikan alternatif bagi guru untuk diterapkan dalam pembelajaran bahasa Indonesia di kelas karena dapat memotivasi siswa untuk lebih aktif dan kreatif dalam belajar bahasa Indonesia terutama pada materi menulis karangan sederhana, slogan dan poster. Kata Kunci: Media Dadu Ejaan, Ketrampilan Menulis.