bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coagulant residues’ influence on virus enumeration as shown in a study on virus removal using aluminium, zirconium and chitosan
Authors: Christensen Ekaterina , Myrmel Mette
Published: May 2018

Research on microorganism reduction by physicochemical water treatment is often carried out under the assumption that the microbiological enumeration techniques are not affected by the presence of coagulants. Data presented here indicate that bacteriophage enumeration by plaque assay and RT-qPCR (reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction) can be affected by these water treatment chemicals. Treatment of water samples with an alkaline protein-rich solution prior to plaque assay and optimization of RNA extraction for RT-qPCR were implemented to minimize the interference. The improved procedures were used in order to investigate reduction of three viral pathogens and the MS2 model virus in the presence of three coagulants. A conventional aluminium coagulant was compared to alternative agents (zirconium and chitosan) in a coagulation-filtration system. The highest virus reduction, i.e., 99.9–99.99%, was provided by chitosan, while aluminium and zirconium reduced virus by 99.9% in colour-rich water and by 90% in water with less colour, implying an effect of coagulant type and raw water quality on virus reduction. Although charge characteristics of viruses were associated with virus reduction, the results reveal that the MS2 phage is a suitable model for aggregation and retention of the selected pathogens.
A comparison of removal performance of volatile organic and sulfurous compounds between odour abatement systems
Authors: Shammay A. , Evanson I. , Stuetz R. M.
Published: May 2018

Three types of odour abatement systems in sewer networks in Australia were studied for 18 months to determine the removals of different compounds. Six volatile sulfurous compounds and seven volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were further investigated. All types of odour abatement systems exhibited good removal of hydrogen sulfide with the biotrickling filters (BTFs) showing the highest consistent removal. Biofilters outperformed BTFs and activated carbon (AC) filters in the removal of dimethyl mono-, di- and tri-sulfide species at the low inlet concentrations typically found. AC filters exhibited little VOC removal with no compound consistently identified as having a removal greater than 0%. Biofilters outperformed BTFs in VOC removal, yet both had high removal variability.
Removal of copper from an electroplating industrial effluent using the native and modified spirogyra
Authors: Ilyas Nimra , Ilyas Sadia , Sajjad-ur-Rahman  , Yousaf Sidra , Zia Aqsa , Sattar Sidra
Published: May 2018

In the present study, biosorption behavior of a green filamentous alga, spirogyra in its native and modified states was investigated for copper removal from an electroplating industrial effluent. For this, the effluent containing 194 mg·L−1 Cu2+ in sulfate medium was contacted with both forms of spirogyra, under the parametric variations of effluent pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and sorption temperature. The study revealed spirogyra as a prominent candidate for removing contaminant metal cation; however, at the same condition, biosorption capacity of modified biomass in gel form was higher than the native spirogyra. At the optimized condition with 6 g sorbent dosage treated to 100 mL effluent for 30 min at pH 6.0 and temperature 20 °C, the maximum 82.8% and 96.4% copper could be adsorbed by the native and modified spirogyra, respectively. The batch sorption data using native biomass followed pseudo-first-order kinetic; exhibiting the multilayer sorption mechanism via surface diffusion could be defined by the Freundlich model. In contrast, the sulfuric acid treated modified spirogyra followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and intra particle diffusion as the rate-limiting step.
Synthesis of magnetic alginate beads based on magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4) nanoparticles for removal of Sr (II) from aqueous solution: kinetic, equilibrium and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Yakout Sobhy M. , Hassan Mohamed R. , Aly Mohamed I.
Published: May 2018

Novel magnetic alginate beads (MagAlgbeads) have been developed by incorporation of magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4) in alginate beads with the aim of using them in the removal of strontium from aqueous solution. MagAlgbeads were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The adsorption of strontium onto MagAlgbeads were found to depend on pH and strontium removal increases with increasing pH until pH is 6. Strontium adsorption kinetics run through pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamically, strontium adsorption was endothermic and spontaneous. Langmuir isotherm gave good fitting for strontium removal with adsorption capacity of 505.5 mg/g. These results proved that the prepared MagAlgbeads are very efficient material for strontium adsorption.
Rede Escola de Governo (REG) do Rio Grande do Sul: formação continuada e superação do modelo gerencialista
Authors: KRUMEL Roberta da Silva , BEROLDT Leonardo
Published: May 2018

Algumas doutrinas econômicas e políticas já dominaram o cenário público no Brasil e no mundo. As reformas do Estado vêm trazendo diferentes formas de se tentar superar as crises econômicas, políticas e sociais. Nesse sentido, a Administração Pública adota diferentes modelos de gestão e diferentes maneiras de formar e capacitar seus servidores públicos para atuarem na gestão pública. As escolas de governo buscam disseminar este conhecimento em gestão pública, bem como desenvolver competências profissionais dos que compõem o Estado. Este trabalho analisa a forma adotada pela Rede Escola de Governo (REG) do Rio Grande do Sul na busca pela superação do gerencialismo. O método utilizado foi a pesquisa bibliográfica. Com esta pesquisa, percebe-se que a REG supera parcialmente o gerencialismo.
Equipamentos de segurança veicular: uma análise da legislação brasileira
Authors: WILHELM Fernanda , GARCIA Ricardo Letizia
Published: May 2018

Os números mostrados pela acidentalidade no Brasil e no mundo são impactantes. Os efeitos dessa violência extrapolam o âmbito do trânsito, interferindo em todos os campos da vida social, com perdas na qualidade de vida da população. Ao longo do tempo houve uma mudança de mentalidade no modo como são enfrentados os acidentes e estruturadas as medidas para preveni-los, a partir do emprego de estratégias sistemáticas e combinadas no intuito de desviar o foco até então centrado no usuário. Nessa linha, o objetivo deste trabalho consiste em verificar os esforços legais realizados no Brasil em relação à segurança veicular. A pesquisa pode ser definida como hipotético-dedutivo e parte de uma abordagem qualitativa, especificamente a modalidade de pesquisa documental. Verificou-se que é tardia a exigência da legislação brasileira no que tange à instalação de mecanismos de segurança nos veículos brasileiros quando comparado a outros países. É necessário o envolvimento de diferentes atores da sociedade na elaboração de diretrizes mais modernas e comprometidas com a prevenção de acidentes para a frota de veículos brasileiros.
Recent Advances on Glioblastoma Multiforme and Nano-drug Carriers: A Review
Authors: Liao Wang , Fan Shengnuo , Zheng Yuqiu , Liao Shaowei , Xiong Ying , Li Yi , Liu Jun
Published: May 2018

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most frequent glioma with a poor prognosis.
The mainstay treatment for GBM is chemotherapy, but the average survival of GBM remains
unsatisfactory due to therapeutic resistance. Poor permeability restricted by the Blood
Brain Barrier (BBB) and the presence of Glioblastoma Stem Cells (GSCs) remain as two
problems for chemotherapy. Recently, nanocarriers have attracted much attention in the research
of GBM, owing to their advantages in self-assembly, biosafety, release controllability,
and BBB penetrability, making them promising candidates for GBM treatment. This article
aims to review the biologic signatures of BBB and GSCs, as well as the new development of
nano-drug delivery systems to facilitate our understanding of targeted treatment for GBM.
A Systematic Review on Donepezil-based Derivatives as Potential Cholinesterase Inhibitors for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Korabecny Jan , Spilovska Katarina , Mezeiova Eva , Benek Ondrej , Juza Radomir , Kaping Daniel , Soukup Ondrej
Published: May 2018

:

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a multifactorial progressive neurodegenerative disorder
characterized by memory loss, disorientation, and gradual deterioration of intellectual capacity.
Its etiology has not been elucidated yet. To date, only one therapeutic approach has
been approved for the treatment of AD. The pharmacotherapy of AD has relied on noncompetitive
N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist - memantine, and acetylcholinesterase
(AChE) inhibitors (AChEIs) - tacrine, donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine.
Donepezil was able to ameliorate the symptoms related to AD mainly via AChE, but also
through reduction of β-amyloid burden. This review presents the overview of donepezilrelated
compounds as potential anti-AD drugs developed on the basis of cholinergic hypothesis
to act as solely AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitors.
Tuber Lectins with Potentially Exploitable Bioactivities
Authors: Cheung Randy Chi Fai , Wong Jack Ho , Ng Tzi Bun , Naude Ryno , Rolka Krzysztof , Tse Ryan , Tse Tak Fu , Chan Helen , Sze Stephen Cho Wing
Published: May 2018

Lectins are a group of proteins or glycoproteins with various potentially exploitable
bioactivities and have been capturing more interest recently. They have been isolated and reported
from various tissues of a diversity of plant species. Tubers are modified and enlarged
plant structures derived from stems or roots that are used for nutrient storage and asexual reproduction.
A number of plants such as yam, taro and potato are grown for their edible tubers,
and lectins are found to be one of the major storage proteins. These lectins exhibit potent bioactivities
encompassing mitogenic, antitumor, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, antioxidative,
hypoglycemic, insecticidal and nematicidal activities. They are potential resources for
development into functional or healthy foods and targets for food protein researchers.
Synthesis, Characterization, Free-radical Scavenging Capacity and Antioxidant Activity of Novel Series of Hydrazone, 1,3,4-oxadiazole and 1,2,4- triazole Derived from 3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole
Authors: Karrouchi Khalid , Fettach Saad , Radi Smaail , Yousfi El bekkaye , Taoufik Jamal , Mabkhot Yahia Nasser , Alterary Seham , Faouzi My El Abbes , Ansar Muhammed
Published: May 2018

Background:

Pyrazole is an important class of heterocyclic compound, has been shown
to exhibit diverse biological and pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer,
antioxidant, etc.

Methods:

In this study, a series of novel 3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole derivatives containing hydrazine
4a-l have been synthesized via the reaction of the 2-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)acetohydrazide.
All synthesized compounds have been tested for their in vitro antioxidant activities via utilization of
1,1-biphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) as a free radical scavenging reagent.

Results:

The data reported herein indicates that compound 4k showed potential radical scavenging
capacity and compounds 4f and 4g exhibited best activity for the iron binding while comparing with
positive controls.

Conclusion:

Good activity was noted for some compounds. In particular, compound 4k showed the
highest antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 22.79 ± 3.64 and 1.35 ± 0.66 μg/mL in the DPPH
and ABTS tests, respectively.
Graphitization Behavior of Single Crystal Diamond for the Application in Nano-Metric Cutting
Authors: Bai Qingshun , Wang Zhiguo , Guo Yongbo , Chen Jiaxuan , Shang Yuanjiang
Published: May 2018

Background:

Graphitization behavior of diamond has received an increasing interest
in nanoscale machining of some hard and brittle materials. Diamond has always been an important
and excellent tool material in cutting area. However, the graphitization of the diamond
tool is inevitable when it was used in special conditions. It is indicated that the graphitization of
diamond crystal has great influence on the wear resistance of diamond cutting tool. The graphitization
behavior needs to be investigated extensively in nanoscale with an atomic view. Molecular
dynamics simulation provides a useful tool for understanding of the graphitization mechanism
of diamond. The investigation on graphitization behavior of single crystal diamond can
also provide a useful reference for the application of diamond cutting tool.

Materials and Methods:

In this paper, a molecular dynamics (MD) diamond crystal model is
built to examine the graphitization behavior of diamond under various conditions. The sixfold
ring method was employed to identify the structural characteristics of graphite and diamond.
The effects of temperature and crystal orientation on the graphitization of diamond have been
revealed. Considering the effect of temperature, the anisotropy of diamond graphitization
against various crystal planes is presented and discussed carefully. The nano-metric cutting
model of diamond tool evaluated by the sixfold ring method also proves the graphitization
mechanisms in atomic view.

Results:

Results indicate that the sixfold ring method is a reliable method to evaluate the graphitization
behavior of diamond crystal. There exists a critical temperature of the graphitization of
diamond. The results also show that {111} plane is more easy to get graphitization as compared
with other crystal planes. However, {100} plane of diamond model presents the highest antigraphitization
property.

Conclusion:

The obtained results have provided the in-depth understanding on the wear of diamond
tool in nano-metric machining and underpin the development of diamond cutting tool.
Genetic Diversity and Genetic Differentiation of Rheum palmatum by Chloroplast matK Sequences
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqin , Lin Na , Chen Liping , Zhang Zunjing , Lei Houxing , Wei Shengli , Liu Chunsheng
Published: May 2018

Background:

Rheum palmatum is a medically important plant in the Polygonaceae family. Its wild resources have been declining due to over-exploitation. It is important and urgent to investigate the genetic diversity for the conservation of R. palmatum.

Methods:

The Chloroplast DNA matK sequences were used to assess genetic diversity among and within populations in this species. The genetic diversity index was calculated by Dnasp, PERMUT and Arlequin 3.0 software, and a Neighbor-Joining (NJ)-tree was constructed by MEGA 5.0 software.

Results:

Nine haplotypes were obtained based on the matK sequence analysis in fifteen populations. We found a relatively high genetic diversity in species level (Hd = 0.7414), and the genetic diversity among populations (FST = 0.81582) was higher than that within populations (FSC = 0.69526) according to the AMOVA analysis. The genetic distance between populations ranged from 0 to 0.0044, which within populations ranged from 0 to 0.001761. There was a significant correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance (r = 0.601, P < 0.001) according to the SPSS analysis.

Conclusion:

The genetic diversity among populations was higher than that within populations due to geographic isolation and decline in gene flow among populations. This study is significant for further studies concerned with efficient collection and preservation of wild resource of R. palmatum.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Leaf Extract
Authors: Ng Hooi Chien , Khe Cheng Seong , Yau Xin Hui , Liu Wei Wen , Aziz Azizan
Published: May 2018

Background:

Owing to their remarkable chemical, physical and biological properties, silver nanoparticles have been widely used in water purification, electronics, bio-sensing, clothing, food industry, paint and medical devices. Various approaches, such as using harsh reducing and stabilising agents for reverse micelle and thermal decomposition, were proposed for silver nanoparticle production. However, these methods are not eco-friendly. Thus, the aim of this paper is to synthesise silver nanoparticles through a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach.

Materials and Methods:

A green approach was presented for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. This approach involved the treatment of silver nitrate and hibiscus leaf extract, which acts as reducing and capping agent. The synthesis was performed at room temperature. The resulting silver nanoparticles were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.

Results:

Spherical, rod-like, hexagonal and triangular silver nanoparticles were obtained through the proposed synthesis method. The crystalline nature of each nanoparticle was revealed by XRD and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The average spherical size of the silver nanoparticles produced in this route was 44.3 nm. The obtained FTIR band at 1622 cm-1 corresponded to the C=O stretch in the amine I group, which is commonly found in protein. Thus, the protein was believed to serve as capping agent that was responsible for the stabilisation of silver nanoparticles.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, silver nanoparticles had been successfully synthesised using hibiscus leaf extract and a plausible formation mechanism of silver nanoparticles was proposed.
Nasopharyngeal Airway Versus Laryngeal Mask Airway During Diagnostic Flexible Fiber-Optic Bronchoscope in Children
Authors: Shoukry Aktham Adel , Sharaf Amr Gaber Sayed
Published: May 2018

Background:

Pediatric fibreoptic diagnostic bronchoscope under general anesthesia using Supraglottic devices as Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) and nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) are one of the variable techniques used for patient’s ventilation during this procedure.

Objective:

We studied the effect of both devices on hypoxemia, the duration of the procedure, recovery time and the overall propofol consumption.

Methods:

Ninety patients of both sexes, aged 5-10 years, American society of Anesthesiology class I & II scheduled for diagnostic fibreoptic bronchoscope under general anesthesia were divided randomly into two equal groups; LMA group & NPA group, during the procedure: heart rate, non invasive blood pressure, peripheral arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2), arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PaCO2), time of procedure, recovery time and total dose of propofol were measured and compared for each patient in both groups.

Results:

Hypoxemia & desaturation incidence was more in LMA group than NPA group with high significant difference (p-value 0.005). Also the duration of procedure, recovery time in PACU, and total dose of propofol consumed were significantly less in the NPA group (p< 0.001). With no difference in hemodynamic status and PaCO2.

Conclusion:

The use of NPA as supraglottic ventilating device for children undergoing diagnostic flexible fibreoptic bronchoscopy is considered a good alternative for shortening the bronchoscopy time with less incidence of hypoxemia and better recovery time compared to LMA.
Expertise Modulates Students’ Perception of Pain From a Self-Perspective: Quasi-Experimental Study (Preprint)
Authors: Said Yekta-Michael Sareh , Schueppen Andre , Gaebler Arnim Johannes , Ellrich Jens , Koten Jan Willem
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Perception of stimuli presented in a virtual dentistry environment affects regions of the brain that are related to pain perception.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether neural correlates of virtual pain perception are affected by education in dentistry.

METHODS

In this functional magnetic resonance imaging study, a sample of 20 dental students and 20 age-matched controls viewed and listened to video clips presenting a dental treatment from the first‐person perspective. An anxiety questionnaire was used to assess the level of dental anxiety. Neural correlates of pain perception were investigated through classic general linear model analysis and in-house classification methods.

RESULTS

Dental students and naïve controls exhibited similar anxiety levels for invasive stimuli. Invasive dentistry scenes evoked a less affective component of pain in dental students compared with naïve controls (P<.001). Reduced affective pain perception went along with suppressed brain activity in pain matrix regions including the insula, anterior cingulate cortex, and basal ganglia. Furthermore, a substantial reduction of brain activity was observed in motor-related regions, particularly the supplementary motor area, premotor cortex, and basal ganglia. Within this context, a classifier analysis based on neural activity in the nucleus lentiformis could identify dental students and controls on the individual subject level in 85% of the cases (34 out of 40 participants, sensitivity=90%, specificity=80%).

CONCLUSIONS

Virtual dental treatment activates pain-related brain regions in controls. By contrast, dental students suppress affective and motor-related aspects of pain. We speculate that dental students learn to control motoric aspects of pain perception during their education because it is a prerequisite for the professional manual treatment of patients. We discuss that a specific set of learning mechanisms might affect perceived self-efficacy of dental students, which in turn might reduce their affective component of pain perception.
Análise e avaliação ao funcionamento dos clusters em Portugal reconhecidos pelo QREN
Authors: Martins Braga Ascensão Maria , Natário Maria Manuela Santos , Antunes Ferreira Carla Alexandra
Published: May 2018

O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar os clusters de Portugal reconhecidos pelo Programa Operacional Fatores de Competitividade, no âmbito do Quadro de Referência Estratégica Nacional, entre 2007-13. Pretende-se através do estudo de indicadores que constituem medidas de concentração geográfica, bem como, da aplicação de um Questionário, analisar se os oito clusters reconhecidos, prefiguram, funcionam com as características necessárias para a classificação de cluster. Conclui-se que dois clusters funcionam com características de cluster e dois clusters apresentam ligações de interação/cooperação significativas. Conclui-se, ainda, que apenas um cluster está a funcionar na sua plenitude enquanto cluster.
Acute Kidney Injury and Risk of Heart Failure and Atherosclerotic Events
Authors: Go Alan S. , Hsu Chi-yuan , Yang Jingrong , Tan Thida C. , Zheng Sijie , Ordonez Juan D. , Liu Kathleen D.
Published: May 2018

Background and objectives

AKI in the hospital is common and is associated with excess mortality. We examined whether AKI is also independently associated with a higher risk of different cardiovascular events in the first year after discharge.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We conducted a retrospective analysis of a cohort between 2006 and 2013 with follow-up through 2014, within Kaiser Permanente Northern California. We identified all adults admitted to 21 hospitals who had one or more in-hospital serum creatinine test result and survived to discharge. Occurrence of AKI was on the basis of Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes diagnostic criteria. Potential confounders were identified from comprehensive inpatient and outpatient, laboratory, and pharmacy electronic medical records. During the 365 days after discharge, we ascertained occurrence of heart failure, acute coronary syndromes, peripheral artery disease, and ischemic stroke events from electronic medical records.

Results

Among a matched cohort of 146,941 hospitalized adults, 31,245 experienced AKI. At 365 days postdischarge, AKI was independently associated with higher rates of the composite outcome of hospitalization for heart failure and atherosclerotic events (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.18; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.13 to 1.25) even after adjustment for demographics, comorbidities, preadmission eGFR and proteinuria, heart failure and sepsis complicating the hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, length of stay, and predicted in-hospital mortality. This was driven by an excess risk of subsequent heart failure (aHR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.33 to 1.56), whereas there was no significant association with follow-up atherosclerotic events (aHR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.12).

Conclusions

AKI is independently associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events, especially heart failure, after hospital discharge.
Qualidade da carne de ovinos de diferentes pesos e condição sexual
Authors: Gois Glayciane , Sena Campos Fleming , Santos Pessoa Rosa Maria , Ferreira da Silva Anderson Antônio , De Sousa Ferreira Joyanne Mirelle , Gomes da Silva Matias Alex , Melo de Sá Marquim Ferraz Nogueira George Henrique , Nascimento Santos Regiane
Published: May 2018

The intensification of the sheep meat production system is influenced by management techniques such as castration, is aiming to obtain a product of better sensory and nutritional quality, which is desired by the consumer market, providing greater profitability to the producer. Castration technique is a known method beneficial to the quality of meat produced by young animals, improving fat deposit (degree of completion). On the other hand some authors cite that castration inhibits growth, leading to less weight gain of the animals, especially when it occurs in younger age with animals. It is appropriate to study the influence of production factors such as castration on meat quality, since their knowledge, will allow an improvement in it.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF SOLID DISPERSION OF TADALAFIL
Authors: Sharma Pravin Kumar , Sharma Pankaj Kumar , Darwhekar Gajanan N , Shrivastava Birendra
Published: May 2018

Tadalafil is used for the treatment of the erectile dysfunction (ED) and pulmonary arterial hypertension. It is having low aqueous solubility thus it shows poor bioavailability of about 28% by after oral administration. To improve its solubility and dissolution profile solid dispersions (SDPs) of Tadalafil was prepared by physical mixing and solvent evaporation method using polyvinyl pyrollidone-K30 (PVP-30) as a hydrophilic polymeric carrier in different proportions with respect to drug (drug to polymer ratio 1:1 to 1:5). Drug and polymer compatibility studies were performed using FTIR study. The best suitable ratio and method was selected on the basis of enhanced aqueous solubility of drugs. Further selected SDPs were evaluated for various parameters like DSC analysis, percentage yield, percent drug content, saturation solubility, percent drug dissolution and stability studies. FTIR study indicated no incompatibility between Tadalafil and PVP-K30. SDPs prepared with drug to polymer ratio 1:3 and solvent evaporation method was found to be best as they shown significant increased (up to 10 fold) in aqueous solubility in comparison with that of others. DSC study also suggested the depression in the crystalline nature of Tadalafil. Selected SDPs exhibited good stability up to 3 months at 25 ± 2°C /60 ± 5% RH. Based on the results it can be concluded that, SDPs shown remarkable increase in the aqueous solubility and dissolution of Tadalafil and it may improve oral bioavailability of drug as compared with plain drug.
CURRENT REGULATION OF MEDICAL GASES IN INDIA AND FUTURE ASPECTS
Authors: Soni Navdha N , Maheshwari Dilip G
Published: May 2018

Generally medical gases are administered or supplied directly to the patients. They should be manufactured and transferred with the highest quality possible as per standards and limits decided by the different regulatory authorities. In India medical gases are regulated by Ministry of Commerce and Industry and  central drug standard control organization. Along with these various act are available for better regulation that are Explosives act 1884, Gas cylinder rules 2004, Drugs and Cosmetics Act and specifications of medical gases are given in Indian pharmacopoeias. Various facilities and requirements for the manufacturing and regulation of medical gases are covered. In spite of all the regulations, there are reports of problems associates with medical gas manufacturing and uses. What are steps should be taken for the solution of these problems.
Tax Reform and Tax Experts
Authors: Slemrod Joel
Published: May 2018

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), passed in 2017, represents the most comprehensive revision of the U.S. income tax since the Tax Reform Act of 1986 (TRA86). Although the TCJA shares many features with TRA86—corporate tax rate cuts, increasing the standard deduction, cutting back on deductions—it sharply differs in that it is neither revenue neutral nor distributionally neutral, both aspects of which are troubling in light of the large long-run federal fiscal imbalance and rising income inequality. Regardless of one's normative evaluation, the TCJA provides scores of natural experiments that can inform us about the consequences of tax changes on a wide range of economic behaviors.
The impact of neurological disorders on hospital admissions for children and young people: a routine health data study
Authors: Jarvis Stuart William , Livingston John , Childs Anne-Marie , Fraser Lorna
Published: May 2018

Introduction
Neurological conditions are a major and increasing cause of hospitalisation among children andyoung people, but little is known about the impact of neurological conditions on hospital services inEngland, nor the factors that influence length of stay and bed days per year.
Objectives
To quantify the hospital usage in children and young people related to neurological conditions, trendsover time and variation by ethnicity and deprivation status.
Methods
An ICD10 coding framework identified a cohort of individuals aged 0-19 years with neurologicalconditions from linked routinely collected healthcare data from England (The Hospital EpisodeStatistics Admitted Patient Care dataset), from 1 April 2003 to 31 March 2015. Linked outpatientand accident and emergency data were used to supplement missing demographic data. Length of stayand bed days per year per person were calculated. These were separately modelled using randomintercept multivariable negative binomial regressions with gender, age, ethnic group, diagnosticgroup, region of residence and deprivation category as predictors.
Results
524,442 individuals were identified over the study period, increasing from 49,928 in 2003/04 to102,840 in 2014/15. Neurological conditions account for 8.8% of inpatient bed days in the 0-14year old age group. Length of stay and bed days per year vary primarily by age group – e.g. Under1 year olds had 1.85 times (95%CI 1.83-1.86%) longer stays and over double (2.36 times, 95%CI2.34-2.37 times) the number of bed days per person per year compared to 5 to 9 year olds – andmain diagnostic group, with smaller variations by ethnic group, deprivation and region.
Conclusions
Neurological conditions in children and young people have a significant and increasing impact on theNHS in England. Falls in length of stay and bed days per person are more than offset by increasingnumbers of children and young people with neurological diagnoses. Variations in length of stay andbed days per year by diagnostic group, ethnic group, age group, deprivation category and regionshould be taken into account in resource planning.
Kouluterveydenhuollon suunnitelmallisuus ja yhtenäinen taso kouluterveydenhuollon toimintaohjelmien valossa
Authors: Frantsi-Lankia Marjut , Kivimäki Hanne , Wiss Kirsi , Saaristo Vesa , Ståhl Timo , Rimpelä Arja
Published: May 2018

Kouluterveydenhuollon tulee olla suunnitelmallista, laadukasta ja tasoltaan yhtenäistä.  Vuonna 2009  annettu asetus velvoittaa kuntia tekemään yhtenäisen toimintaohjelman lasten ja nuorten ehkäiseville terveyspalveluille. Tutkimuksessa arvioidaan kouluterveydenhuollon suunnitelmallisuutta ja yhtenäistä tasoa toimintaohjelmien avulla. Vertailukelpoista arviointia varten kehitimme toimintaohjelmamittarin. Mittari ja arvioinnin tulos kuvataan artikkelissa. Aluehallintovirastotkeräsivät toimintaohjelmat alueensa terveyskeskuksista 2011–2012 (N= 136, 87%).  Arviointiin kehitettiin mittari, joka koostuu 38:sta säädöksiin perustuvasta indikaattorista. Nämä ryhmiteltiin seitsemään ulottuvuuteen (sitoutuminen, johtaminen, yhteistyö, voimavarat, laajat terveystarkastukset,muut terveystarkastukset ja terveysneuvonta, erityinen tuki). Mittarin maksimipisteet olivat 76. Toimintaohjelmien kouluterveydenhuoltoa koskevat osat arvioitiin mittarin avulla. Toimintaohjelmien kokonaispisteet vaihtelivat välillä 0–70 (0–92 % maksimista). Keskiarvo oli 39.6 (52 %). Seitsemästä ulottuvuudesta matalimmat pisteet sai voimavarat (2,7/8 pistettä) ja korkeimmat muut terveystarkastukset ja terveysneuvonta (7,3/12 pistettä). Suurten terveyskeskusten toimintaohjelmat saivat korkeammat pisteet (46,5) kuin pienempien (29,5). Ensimmäiset asetuksen mukaiset toimintaohjelmat olivat vaihtelevia ja niiden suunnittelussa todettiin puutteita. Kehitetyn mittarin avulla kouluterveydenhuoltoa voidaan arvioida vertailukelpoisesti yli koko maan. Nyt raportoidut tulokset toimivat perustasona kouluterveydenhuollon seurannassa. Mittaria voidaan soveltaa myös muille alueille ja hyödyntää kouluterveydenhuollon kehittämisessä sosiaali- ja terveydenhuollon uudistuksen yhteydessä.
O lugar das crianças de 0 a 3 anos nas políticas educacionais no Brasil e em Portugal
Authors: Coutinho Angela Scalabrin , Tomás Catarina
Published: May 2018

Tendo como quadro teórico-metodológico de referência a sociologia da infância e a concepção de criança enquanto ator social, sujeito de direitos, o artigo tem por objetivo apresentar uma análise das políticas educacionais voltadas para as crianças de 0 a 3 anos no Brasil e em Portugal, com a perspectiva de identificar o lugar que ocupam nas agendas de discussão no campo da educação nesses países, sobretudo a partir dos anos 80 até à atualidade. A análise centrar-se-á em documentos oficiais – legislação e recomendações – que deliberam sobre o direito à educação e que orientam as práticas educacionais com as crianças menores de três de anos, e que possibilitam identificar os principais vetores dessas políticas, indicando suas potencialidades e limites.
La relación bullying-deserción escolar en bachilleratos rurales
Authors: Ruíz-Ramírez Rosalva , García-Cué José Luis , Ruíz Martínez Fortunato , Ruíz Martínez Alejandro
Published: May 2018

La investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar la deserción escolar ocasionada por el bullying de discentes de tres bachilleratos rurales en el municipio de El Fuerte, Sinaloa, México. En el estudio se emplearon entrevistas semiestructuradas y un cuestionario. La población de estudio estuvo conformada por 35 desertores y 10 docentes de la unidad académica San Blas, de la Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa y sus extensiones. Los resultados mostraron que 77% de la población desertora fue víctima de algún tipo de bullying durante su estancia en la preparatoria. Las principales agresiones fueron burlas por el bajo rendimiento académico o por provenir de localidades indígenas. La mayoría de los desertores pertenece a comunidades con alto predominio indígena y habita en comunidades con marginación media o alta.
Escala de diagnóstico de las relaciones familia-escuela: análisis psicométrico
Authors: Ramírez-García Antonia , Anguita-López Victoriano , Casas-del Rosal José Carlos
Published: May 2018

Familia y Escuela son los dos principales agentes socializadores responsables de la educación de los niños. Con el objeto de profundizar en el conocimiento de ambas instituciones y las necesarias relaciones entre éstas se propone la Escala de Diagnóstico de las Relaciones Familia-Escuela (DIREFAES); en el presente estudio se hace un análisis psicométrico de la escala en una muestra de 1,276 familias cordobesas (España). El análisis estadístico de los ítems constata su poder discriminante y el análisis factorial demuestra la validez teórica de los componentes. Se identifican 13 factores coincidentes en un alto grado con las ocho dimensiones resultantes del análisis teórico y normativo y la participación de un grupo de expertos. Por último, a través del empleo del alfa de Cronbach se confirma la fiabilidad de la herramienta tanto en su conjunto (.951) como en las diferentes dimensiones (excepto una, el resto es superior a .817).
Violencia escolar en Michoacán y Nuevo León, un diagnóstico situado para promover escuelas seguras en educación básica
Authors: Reyes-Angona Sergio , Gudiño Paredes Sandra , Fernández-Cárdenas Juan Manuel
Published: May 2018

La complejidad del fenómeno de la violencia escolar requiere programas orientados a mejorar de manera integral el ambiente de convivencia. En este estudio se presenta un diagnóstico exploratorio de la convivencia en diez escuelas de dos estados de la República Mexicana: Michoacán y Nuevo León. Se combina el análisis cuantitativo de un cuestionario diagnóstico de la violencia aplicado a 1,950 alumnos con el análisis cualitativo de 50 entrevistas a profundidad realizadas a alumnos, docentes y directores de los planteles. Los resultados permiten entender el fenómeno de forma situada, reconocer formas de violencia no visibilizadas y fundamentar modelos de intervención futuros bajo una orientación más participativa.
Gestión de la convivencia escolar en educación básica: percepción de los padres
Authors: Mendoza González Brenda , Barrera Baca Alfredo
Published: May 2018

El objetivo de esta investigación –descriptiva con diseño transversal– fue conocer la percepción de los padres de familia respecto a las estrategias para atender episodios del comportamiento agresivo entre estudiantes y la atención que reciben los jóvenes por parte de la institución escolar. Participaron 150 padres de familia de 50 escuelas públicas de educación básica, quienes contestaron el instrumento “Cuestionario Gestión en la Convivencia Escolar”; los resultados identifican dos grupos de padres en relación con la atención de la escuela, los Satisfechos (57%) y los Insatisfechos (43%), estos últimos refieren no haber sido notificados por escrito cuando su hijo se involucra en un conflicto y no invitados a talleres dirigidos para padres con el objetivo de recibir información y aprender estrategias para mejorar la convivencia escolar desde el contexto familiar.
New Approach for Bio-Economic Integrated Management in Sheep Growth
Authors: Udrea Lavinia
Published: May 2018

A rising of sheep flocks represents one of the economical procedure imposed to be solved every one year, in the generations’ succession, through a judicious organizing of a complex reproduction activity, of breeding, of exploiting, of improvement and economical analyzing. A consequence of unspecified disease of this specie is the morbidity and the losses, generated by the infringement breeding exploiting conditions, adding the parasitical diseases, especially these linked to the lawns. This work suggests to be a radiography of the actions connected to breeding and exploiting the sheep on family farm conditions. The scientific management of production process is supposed to know the results of the activiyies of the assembly factors, which influence in a positive or a negative way the economic efficiency level, regarding the irrational leading of all the actions made to obtain a maximum economic efficiency.
Fecal microbiota transplantation in recurrent Clostridium difficile infection: the first prospective study of 30 patients in Romania
Authors: Mihaela Laszlo , Pascu Oliviu , Leucuta Daniel-Corneliu , Andreica Vasile
Published: May 2018

Introduction: The infection with Clostridium difficile has increased in incidence worldwide and it raises many problems with regard to therapy, resistance to treatment and especially recurrence. Recurrence is frequent in patients treated for Clostridium difficile infection, requiring vancomycin by mouth, with limited alternatives. The literature shows that one of the most efficient treatment methods in Clostridium difficile infection is the transplantation of gut microbiota, also known as fecal microbiota transplantation. Aim: We present our results following FMT performed in patients with recurrent Clostridium difficile infection, and propose a simple and effective protocol for fecal microbiota transplantation. Study design: The study was prospective. The phases of the FMT procedure: assessment of patient eligibility, patient’s consent, identification and screening of donors, discontinuation of antibiotics (vancomycin, metronidazole) 3 days prior to the procedure. Methods: Between 2013 and 2015, FMT was performed in 30 patients with recurrent Clostridium difficile infection, by direct infusion of extensively processed donor fecal matter via colonoscopy. We followed up the patients for 12 months. Results: Immediate post-transplantation outcome in what concerns stool frequency during the follow-up period (7 days) was encouraging in 93.33% of patients. The donors were healthy individuals (53% 1st degree relatives), previously screened for possible infections and infestations. This result was sustained at 6-month and 12-month follow-up. Post-transplantation recurrence occurred in 6.67% (2 patients), which responded well to treatment and did not require a new vancomycin course. Conclusions: Fecal microbiota transplantation via colonoscopy is effective, safe, easy to perform, it yields lasting results and is therefore a good option for recurrent or treatment-resistant Clostridium difficile infection.
Phenotypic and molecular identification of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae - challenges in diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Főldes Annamária , Bilca Doina-Veronica , Székely Edit
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Infections due to carbapenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CPCRE) are an emerging global public health threat. The purpose of this study was to investigate phenotypic and genotypic features of CP-CRE strains isolated from hospitalized patients. Material and methods: Between 1st of January - 1st of July 2017, in the Department of Microbiology, “Dr. Constantin Opriş” County Emergency Hospital Baia Mare, Romania, 1110 strains of Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from bronchial secretions, urine, wounds and blood cultures. Bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed by conventional methods, Vitek 2 Compact and M.I.C.E. strips. We analysed all Enterobacteriaceae strains non-susceptible to carbapenems according to CLSI 2017 criteria. The modified Hodge test (MHT), the modified carbapenem inactivation method (mCIM) and the combination disks test (KPC, MBL, OXA-48 Confirm kit, Rosco Diagnostica) were used for phenotypic confirmation, whereas a multiplex PCR assay for genes blaKPC, blaNDM and blaOXA-48 was used for genetic confirmation. Results: 19 non-duplicate strains isolated from 16 patients were phenotypically identified as CP-CRE: Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=14), Escherichia coli (n=2), Providencia stuartii (n=2) and Serratia marcescens (n=1). Most strains were isolated from bronchial secretions (n=9). The carbapenem-hydrolizing enzymes were identified by the combination disks test as: KPC (n=9), OXA-48-like (n=5) and MBL (n=5). Molecular confirmation was performed in 18 phenotypically positive isolates with 100% concordant results with mCIM and combination disks test. Discrepant results were noticed with the MHT in case of 4 NDM-producers confirmed by PCR. All CP-CRE strains were resistant to all tested cephems. Three out of 9 K. pneumoniae strains tested against colistin were found resistant. Conclusions: The most common carbapenemase detected was KPC. Therapeutic options were limited in all positive cases. Rapid and reliable detection of CP-CRE is critical for preventing the spread of these pathogens
Natural Fibers and Biopolymers Characterization: A Future Potential Composite Material
Authors: Lalit Ranakoti , Mayank Pokhriyal , Ankur Kumar
Published: May 2018

Now days, green composite materials are now gaining popularity for the various industrial applications. It is a combination of naturally occurring reinforcement like jute, sisal, flax, hemp, and kenaf; and matrix materials like biopolymers or bio resins which have been derived from starch, and vegetable oils. It is becoming more desirable due to its properties like biodegradability, renewability and environment friendly. The present paper presents the various natural fibers and their combinations with biopolymers. The paper also reflects the key issue related to hydrophilic nature of natural fibers and their remedies for a good fiber and bio polymer adhesion. Furthermore the strategy used and major attributes of the green composite are also discussed.
Neural Networks - A Way to Increase the Fuel Efficiency of Vehicles
Authors: Milesich Tomáš , Danko Ján , Bucha Jozef
Published: May 2018

This paper deals with the possibility of creating a vehicle model using a hierarchy of neural networks. Based on this model, it is possible to build an optimization cycle that looks for parameters which are influencing the driving of vehicles along given path. The given path must include a driving through the town, out of town and along the highway section, so the test track contains the greatest number of driving modes. Data for neural network are obtained from the CAN bus and the GPS sensor. Based on the built model and given route it is looking for such route drive, where it eventually came that the development of fuel consumption is lower than in unoptimized drive.
Press-Fit Evaluation and Study of Displacement in Temperature Changes
Authors: Šlesar Peter , Jančo Roland
Published: May 2018

The article is devoted to bearing analysis, which has a specific shape. The outer ring is the body directly and the inner ring is the case. To determine optimal radial clearance or overlap are used the thermal / structural analysis. The article is logically divided into two parts. In the first analysis, was monitored the impact of the press-fit of the case into the body. In the second analysis, there are presented attained results in graphical outputs of displacements in the orbits at different operating temperatures. At the end of the article were evaluated and researched individual effects on bearing deformation.
ANALISIS DOSIS RADIASI YANG DITERIMA ANAK DALAM KEGIATAN RADIODIAGNOSTIK FOTO THORAK PADA BEBERAPA RUMAH SAKIT DI KOTA PADANG
Authors: Milvita Dian
Published: May 2018

Telah dilakukan penelitian mengenai analisis dosis radiasi yang diterima anak melalui kegiatan radiodiagnostik foto thorak pada beberapa rumah sakit di kota Padang. Penelitian dilakukan pada anak berusia 0 tahun sampai 15 tahun sebanyak 60 orang menggunakan dosimeter termoluminesensi-100 (TLD-100). Dari hasil analisis hubungan antara massa/berat badan pasien (kg) dan dosis radiasi (mGy) untuk ketiga rumah sakit terlihat bahwa kegiatan radiodiagnostik foto thorak pada tiga rumah sakit kurang memperhatikan kondisi fisik (massa) pasien. Hubungan tegangan alat (KVp) dan dosis radiasi permukaan yang dihasilkan (mGy) belum memenuhi jaminan kualitas untuk ketiga rumah sakit. Secara umum, dosis permukaan yang diterima pasien untuk semua kelompok umur jauh di atas dosis standar yang ditetapkan UNSCEAR. Pada rumah sakit A kisaran dosis radiasi permukaannya adalah 0,8 kali sampai 24 kali standar dosis UNSCEAR. Pada rumah sakit B kisaran dosis radiasi permukaannya adalah 1,2 kali sampai 8,5 kali standar dosis UNSCEAR. Sedangkan pada rumah sakit C kisaran dosis radiasi permukaannya adalah 1,2 kali sampai 11,7 kali standar dosis UNSCEAR.
PENENTUAN POLA SUBDUKSI LEMPENG INDO-AUSTRALIA DI SUMATERA BARAT PADA SEGMEN IRISAN VERTIKAL
Authors: Budiman Arif
Published: May 2018

Penentuan pola subduksi di Sumatera Barat diperoleh dari pengeplotan data gempa bumi dengan berbagai variasi kedalaman sumber gempa pada segmen irisan vertikal sejajar trench. Dalam kurun waktu 1900 sampai 2005 tercatat sebanyak 659 data gempa dengan magnitudo â‰¥ 4 SR. Hasil analisis menunjukkan pola subduksi pada segmen A-Aâ€™, D-Dâ€™, F-Fâ€™ dan G-Gâ€™ tergolong landai dibandingkan segmen B-Bâ€™, C-Câ€™ dan E-Eâ€™.