bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Algoritmo de programación para la encriptación de dos sistemas de Lorenz por el método de Pecora y Carroll utilizando matlab
Authors: Miranda Casasola Fredy , Vega Cano Gaby Yolanda , Ruíz Vega Nancy
Published: January 2018

En un mundo donde, la información, el conocimiento y la seguridad es importante, es necesario cuidar estos aspectos mediante la seguridad informática.

En este trabajo se presenta el desarrollo de un algoritmo de programación utilizado en una estrategia de encriptación de dos sistemas de Lorenz por el método de Pecora y Carroll utilizando encriptado caótico aditivo, para transmitir información segura mediante simulaciones numéricas en Matlab.

El esquema de comunicación se basa en dos sistemas caóticos de Lorenz acoplados unidireccionalmente: uno como sistema maestro y otro como esclavo. Se mostrarán gráficas en tiempo y fase de los resultados obtenidos en la comunicación segura.
Bibliografía para la materia de Proyectos de Ingeniería en Computación de la Licenciatura en Ing. en Computación
Authors: Ruiz Vega Nancy
Published: January 2018

Se sugiere bibliografía para identificar herramientas de gestión y seguimiento de Proyectos de  Ingeniería en Computación que permitan identificar ciclos de vida, herramientas para la planificación de actividades, gestión de  riesgos, control y gestión de documentación técnica y para el usuario final.
Ranking del desempeño de la mujer en la ciencia en una Universidad Mexicana
Authors: Bolaños Rodríguez Ernesto , Pérez Rojas Aurora , Vega Cano Gaby Yolanda
Published: January 2018

En este trabajo se emplea el método de ranking, a través de la elaboración de una metodología propia, como una técnica que permite ser utilizada para ordenar el mérito de las mujeres que realizan investigación en una universidad mexicana y su interrelación con las demás actividades que desempeñan, así como llevar a cabo también una clasificación con el fin de valorar la productividad de las mismas.

Se obtiene como resultado la necesidad de establecer una medición del cumplimiento de las tareas de este personal, proveerlo de información que le permita mejorar su desempeño pasado; superar sus debilidades y consolidar sus fortalezas, así como lograr posicionarse ante la comunidad universitaria.
Políticas óptimas en el ámbito operativo de la planeación de la producción y el desempeño financiero
Authors: Garrido López Lázaro Jaime , Molina Ruiz Héctor Daniel , Almazán Vega Gabriel , Reyes González Ismael
Published: January 2018

El presente Trabajo tiene por objeto, a través de Inteligencia de Negocios,  crear un enfoque conjunto entre los aspectos financieros y operativos de una organización para la toma de decisiones, lo cual conlleva a crear un modelo de optimización a través de la interrelación de los mencionados criterios para lograr minimizar costos considerando los diferentes elementos que cada área toma para la planeación, así como la forma en que trabajan las empresas industriales de la región Tepeji-Tula.Esta investigación en desarrollo, considera que la conjunción o correlación óptima entre los criterios para la planeación de la producción y las necesidades financieras permitirá a las empresas armonizar los criterios utilizados en ambas áreas, teniendo como resultado la  minimización sus costos.Se analizarán los procesos de planeación de las empresas industriales de la región Tepeji-Tula con la finalidad de buscar la optimización de la planeación utilizando para ello indicadores financieros y operativos, software de programación lineal y la metodología necesaria para lograr este fin.En el presente trabajo se muestran los avances en la elección del software de programación lineal que permite la optimización de las variables de la planeación y primordialmente se muestran los resultados en la realización de pruebas y los obtenidos al utilizar y combinar diferentes programas de “software libre” que permiten manejar el número de variables requerido.
El análisis FODA como herramienta estratégica para analizar la pertinencia de programas educativos
Authors: García Vargas Ma. de Lourdes Elena
Published: January 2018

La herramienta estratégica FODA, basada en el análisis interno (fortalezas y debilidades) y externo (oportunidades y amenazas) de una organización, permite evaluar los programas educativos Las variables, originalmente propuestas para el sector empresarial, son compatibles con las variables de la oferta académica, enfocada en ofrecer a los estudiantes un conocimiento amplio y sólido, con una gran capacidad para el ejercicio profesional así como para entender y afrontar retos.
Evaluación de la medición del desempeño a través del índice de correlación en una PYME Textil
Authors: Molina Ruiz Héctor Daniel , Reyes González Ismael , Almazán Vega Gabriel , Hernández Mendoza Jorge Martín
Published: January 2018

La dinámica del mundo ha cambiado, el ambiente de mercado actual es más complejo y competitivo, debido a esta situación, las organizaciones necesitan adaptarse, sin perder de vista la continuidad del control de sus procesos. El presente documento muestra la evaluación cuantitativa orientada al campo de la estadística (cálculo de correlaciones), al interior de una Pequeña y Mediana Empresa (PyME), del sector textil.
El patrimonio intangible mexicano
Authors: Rojas García Jesús , García Vargas Ma. de Lourdes Elena
Published: January 2018

Miles de años de civilización han pasado desde el establecimiento del hombre por primera vez en territorio mesoamericano, su origen parece ser de dos tendencias especificas en cuanto a los rasgos étnicos: unos de corte oriental con ojos rasgados, mancha mongólica , ritos y organización social parecida a lo largo de donde se presentan, probablemente de origen euroasiático que cruzaron por el estrecho de Bering, otros el grupo de gruesos labios y de pelo rizado y frente más ancha los que se presentan en las zonas más cercanas al ecuador, de un probable origen étnico de la parte sur oriental de lo que ahora es Oceanía y que llegaron a América por el océano Pacifico a través de piraguas muy grandes y de navegación de isla en isla., Fueron diversas las culturas que habitaron en el territorio mexicano desde la zona del altiplano central, el Pacifico sur, toda la zona de la península de Yucatán, el actual estado de Chiapas y la Republica de Guatemala, Honduras y Parte de El salvador.Dentro de este pasado indígena que aún está vivo, del que se dice le pertenece a la nación mexicana la libre administración de sus tierras y la garantía del respeto de las mismas, sus ritos o lugares de peregrinación ya que en el caso de los indígenas Huatlecos, de Huatla de Jiménez Oaxaca y por la construcción de la presa Miguel Alemán en 1947, miles de Huatlecos perdieron muchos de sus lugares sagrados y de vivienda en las profundidades de la presa, de una fase de la luna a otra vieron cómo se creaba una laguna donde antes era su territorio sagrado, o el caso de los Wixarikas , Huachichiles y Raramuris, que enfrentan la destrucción de la zona sagrada de Wirikuta hogar del bisabuelo cola de venado, Tamatz Kauyumari, el sagrado hikuli y el lugar donde nació el sol y que se ve amenazado por el hambre de las compañías mineras canadienses, se considera su concepción con el mundo , su cosmovisión y desarrollo como parte de este patrimonio intangible, también sus representaciones pictóricas y artesanales aun cuando ahora se cuestione si este tipo de representaciones de la cultura, mal llamada cultura popular, caben dentro del criterio de Patrimonio Intangible de la sociedad mexicana.
CEO: Su Caracterización en el Marco de la Responsabilidad Social
Authors: Reyes Cruz Juan Luis , Sánchez Trujillo Magda Gabriela
Published: January 2018

El tema Responsabilidad Social Empresarial es muy estudiado, en general se aborda desde el punto de vista de las actividades a las que se dedica la empresa y su compromiso con los distintos actores de la sociedad. Este trabajo es un análisis conceptual y descriptivo de la idea del CEO o Director General como actor fundamental en el desarrollo de la Responsabilidad Social Empresarial, haciendo énfasis en la importancia de sus características personales y empresariales que puedan ser significativas y tomadas en cuenta como activo de la organización y presenta un breve análisis critico de la forma cómo ésta es asumida por dichos actores en las empresas mexicanas, el compromiso que significa asumir dicho perfil y su influencia entre los colaboradores.
Modelo de portafolio aplicado a la bolsa mexicana
Authors: Santana Gómez Miguel Rodrigo , Leyva Roberto Julio , Garrido López Lázaro Jaime
Published: January 2018

En esencia, riesgo es una medida de la incertidumbre en torno al rendimiento que ganará una inversión. Las inversiones cuyos rendimientos son más inciertos se consideran generalmente más riesgosas. El objetivo principal de los inversionistas es lograr maximizar los rendimientos minimizando los riesgos, aplicando varios modelos de optimización en Excel que permitan crear portafolios optimizados a partir de las teorías de portafolios de renta fija, de renta variable de Markowitz y la línea de mercado de capitales para determinar la composición porcentual accionaria que optimiza la prima por riesgo en el conjunto eficiente
Modelo de soporte para la asignación de los recursos humanos en el proceso productivo. Caso empresa manufacturera textil
Authors: Sánchez Trujillo Magda Gabriela , Reyes González Ismael
Published: January 2018

En este artículo se describen las principales características de un modelo de soporte a la decisión diseñado con el propósito de apoyar el proceso de asignación de recursos humanos en un proceso productivo textil. Se utilizó como herramienta el LP Solve, que posee una interfaz manejable capaz de relacionar los factores ya sea como objetivos o como restricciones, para ajustar los parámetros del modelo. El resultado es una alternativa que responde a las exigencias competitivas actuales, hecho que es de relevancia porque los recursos y capacidades de las empresas son hoy la principal fuente de ventaja competitiva, y esta opción puede ser una vía más rápida, certera y económica para acceder a ella.
Estimate The Time of Achievement of Activities of The Project Depending on the Properties of Prime Numbers.
Authors: Kaml Barraq Subhi
Published: January 2018

The most important features of our time is to compete and development in all fields of life, among the most important these fields is building and construction, although the important role that represents construction projects in real life, but it is exposed to a number of problems and most of these problems are the delay in the completion of the non-receipt of the project on schedule,The reasons for this delay were not to using  the scientific planning and review the projects like the method of networking analysis. By this paper, we tried to show new technique to estimate the time of achievement of activities of the project depending on the properties of prime numbers for fuzzy network.
Modelamiento de Glicosil hidrolasas de la familia Ustilaginaceae empleando el servidor en línea SWISS-MODEL
Authors: Flores-Sánchez Nazaret , Díaz-Godínez Gerardo , Martínez-Carrera Daniel Claudio , Díaz Rúben ,   Biotechnology of Edible, Functional and Medicinal Mushrooms, College of Postgraduates, Puebla Campus, Puebla, México.
Published: January 2018

En este trabajo se realizó la búsqueda de 20 secuencias proteicas de la familia Ustilaginaceae en la base de datos de NCBI para su posterior modelamiento. El modelamiento de estas proteínas utilizando el servidor en línea SWISS-MODEL permitió apreciar las regiones conservadas en 17 proteínas a través de la presencia de estructuras secundarias como α-hélices y hojas-β, sin embargo tres de ellas no presentaron similitud estructural con el resto de las proteínas. Se sugiere realizar estudios sobre la composición de los aminoácidos del sitio activo y sobre la región del péptido señal, así como llevar a cabo un análisis filogenético de las proteínas con mayor similitud.
PENGEMBANGAN PETUNJUK PRAKTIKUM BIOLOGI DAN INSTRUMEN PENILAIAN KINERJA PRAKTIKUM BERBASIS MODEL PEMBELAJARAN KOOPERATIF DAN EFEKTIVITASNYA TERHADAP KEMAMPUAN BERPIKIR KRITIS SISWA SMA/MA KELAS XI
Authors: Rahmadani St. , - Jamaluddin , Zulkifli Lalu
Published: January 2018

The aims of this study were: 1) to develop a biology practical guidance based on TGT cooperative models equipped with practical performance assessment instrument; 2) to determine the characteristics and suitability of products than have been developed; 3) to know it’s effectiveness in critical  thinking abilities on biology subject of students in class XI. Product development process in this study by following Borg and Gall’s Development. The result of the expert validation by 3 validators showed that each of  the average score in biology practical guidance based on TGT and practical performance assessment instrument were 4,41 and 4,48 and categorized as “very good”. Limited testing conducted on 10 students with high, medium, and low ability. The result of limited testing showed that each of percentage score average in biology practical guidance based on TGT and practical performance assessment instrument were 82,67% and 83,33% and categorized as “very good”. Field trial testing using a pre-test post-test control group design. The data of critical  thinking abilities are tested in this study consist of 5 indicator skills:  (1) formulate the problem; (2) recognize the existence of a logical relationship between issues; (3) collect and collate information; (4) asses and evaluate the statement of facts; (5) Make some conclude were needed. Data analysis were performed  using two independent sample test formula by SPSS 20 for windows. The analysis showed that the critical  thinking abilities for indicator 1, 2, 3, and 5 of experimental group different from the control group, while the fourth indicator not different. Data analysis equipped with calculation of the value of n-gain to determine  the effectiveness of learning by using product that have been developed. The result of the data analysis showed that the value of n-gain in experimental groupis equal to 0,71 and categorized as “high”.
SKRINING FITOKIMIA DARI EKSTRAK BUAH BUNCIS (Phaseolus vulgaris L) DALAM SEDIAAN SERBUK
Authors: Nugrahani Rizki , Andayani Yayuk , Hakim Aliefman
Published: January 2018

research on the phytochemical screening of extracts of fruit powder beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L). The aims study was determine the content of chemical compound in extract beans that had undergone a process of heating at high temperature and has been stored in a specified time. Classified of chemical compounds would be included flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, saponins, tannins, steroids and triterpenoids. Results of phytochemical screening showed bean extract contains the chemical compound class of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, saponins, steroids and triterpenoids. Keyword: Phytochemic al screening, bean fruit extracts
Anaemia Association with Intestinal Parasitic Infection in Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital
Authors: Sapkota Laxmi , Maharjan Mahendra
Published: January 2018

Anaemia is the common problem during pregnancy in developing countries like Nepal.  A total of 200 stool samples for parasitic infection and their haemoglobin level data were collected from the pregnant women visiting TUTH. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection and anaemic rate among pregnant women was found to be 35% and 50%. Among 100 anaemic pregnant women 58 women were infected with intestinal parasites. The association of anaemia with intestinal parasitic infection was statistically significant (P > 0.05). The most dominant parasite among anaemic pregnant women was A. lumbricoides followed by H. nana. Total five different types of intestinal parasites were identified in this study. Among them A. lumbricoides (30.5%), H. nana 6(3%), E. histolytica 5(2.5%), T. trichiura 2(%) and S. stercoralis 2(1%) respectively. Pregnant women with single parasitic infection were found to be 64(32%) and multiple infection were 6(3%). Intensity of parasitic infection found to be 17(8.8%), 34 (17.0%) and 17 (9.5%) for light, moderate and heavy infection. 

Journal of Advanced College of Engineering and Management, Vol. 3, 2017, Page: 41-47
A Study of Unethical Practices in the Construction Industry and Potential Preventive Measures
Authors: Shah R K , Alotaibi M
Published: January 2018

The conflict of interest amongst the professionals like client and contractor project managers, site engineers, quantity surveyors and designers/architects play crucial roles for the unethical practices and consequently these practices have adverse impact on the product quality, faith of clients and investors’ confidence in the construction industry. Hence, this research is aimed at examining the common forms of unethical practices among professionals in the construction industry as well as uncovering the factors that have encouraged these practices. This study depends on the questionnaire survey amongst professionals of the construction industry. The survey is conducted to recognise the view of key stakeholders from different perspectives of the affected parties on the concept of business ethics in the building and construction industry, which has key contribution on the national economic growth of the developing countries. The survey concludes that untimely legal action including changing project manager’s responsibility and delays in payment processes are key ethical practices from owner/client aspect, while contractor’s unethical practices are under bidding, bid cutting and shopping, bid rigging and over billing. But from the consultant aspect; lack of supervision, poor monitoring and taking bribes under different pretend are found to be the encouraging factors for unethical conducts in the construction industry. It is also found that accepting the bribes, gifts and conflicts of interest are the most common forms of unethical practices. The findings from the study are expected to help as an important eye opener to policy makers and regulatory agencies in detecting and preventing unethical practices. In conclusion, avoiding the conflict of interest and promoting the ethic codes to professionals will help to restore the investor and people confidence, faith of the clients and improve the quality of buildings and infrastructures. The study recommends that promoting awareness regarding the values of ethical behaviour at different forum and ensuring the effective punishment for unethical activities at different stages of project life cycle might reduce the unethical practices in the construction industry.

Journal of Advanced College of Engineering and Management, Vol. 3, 2017,  Page: 55-77
Study of Institutional Solar Photovoltaic System and Its Optimization in Design
Authors: Ranabhat Ramesh , Khadka Sundar Bahadur
Published: January 2018

Energy is one of the important necessities of the society and basic for sustainable development. It is derived from the different fuel resources which are grouped into different categories based on the fuel characteristics, monetization, resources availability, dependency etc. Total annual energy consumption of our country Nepal is 401 Million GJ (WECS 2010). Till date, around 12% population has access to electricity through renewable energy sources. Around 23 MW of electricity has been generated from micro hydro schemes, 12 MW from solar PV system, less than 20 KW from wind energy etc. In this context most of the rural area is not connected with the national Grid line and the rural area people are using the solar home system (SHS) for the lighting purpose where people can have lights for nearly 4 hours. However in Urban area people have alternative power backup. People in the urban area were used Inverter based power backup intensively and in the office Diesel Generator was used in most of the places during load-shedding period. Government of Nepal with the support from the Donor Agencies is providing subsidies to the SHS for rural household as well as the ISPS for the institutional purpose. Various companies install ISPS in the rural area annually but the most of the system is nonfunctional after a couple of years of installation.  This study is focused to perform a comprehensive study on determining the size of the various components used in institutional solar photo-voltaic system (ISPS), point out the system design error in the previously installed system and proposed a sustainable approach of designing ISPS.

Journal of Advanced College of Engineering and Management, Vol. 3, 2017, Page: 93-102
Two-stage synthesis of ultrafine powder of chromium carbide
Authors: Nikolaenko Irina , Antipina Svetlana , Shveikin Gennadii
Published: January 2018

A new method for the synthesis of ultrafine powder of chromium carbide is proposed, which combines liquid-phase precipitation on a carbon support and low-temperature microwave heat treatment in argon flow. The whole spectrum of the intermediate compounds obtained during thermolysis, reduction and carbonization of chromium precursors to the final product Cr3C2 is presented. The structure, morphology, particle size distribution, as well as the phase composition and the specific surface area values of the produced chromium compounds are shown.
Alzheimer’s Disease rs11767557 Variant Regulates EPHA1 Gene Expression Specifically in Human Whole Blood
Authors: Liu Guiyou , Zhang Yan , Wang Longcai , Xu Jianyong , Chen Xiaoyun , Bao Yunjuan , Hu Yang , Jin Shuilin , Tian Rui , Bai Weiyang , Zhou Wenyang , Wang Tao , Han Zhifa , Zong Jian , Jiang Qinghua
Published: January 2018

Large-scale genome-wide association studies have reported EPHA1 rs11767557 variant to be associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk in the European population. However, it is still unclear how this variant functionally contributes to the underlying disease pathogenesis. The rs11767557 variant is located approximately 3 kb upstream of EPHA1 gene. We think that rs11767557 may modify the expression of nearby genes such as EPHA1 and further cause AD risk. Until now, the potential association between rs11767557 and the expression of nearby genes has not been reported in previous studies. Here, we evaluate the potential expression association between rs11767557 and EPHA1 using multiple large-scale eQTLs datasets in human brain tissues and the whole blood. The results show that rs11767557 variant could significantly regulate EPHA1 gene expression specifically in human whole blood. These findings may further provide important supplementary information about the regulating mechanisms of rs11767557 variant in AD risk.
In Vivo Visualization of Tau Accumulation, Microglial Activation, and Brain Atrophy in a Mouse Model of Tauopathy rTg4510
Authors: Ishikawa Ai , Tokunaga Masaki , Maeda Jun , Minamihisamatsu Takeharu , Shimojo Masafumi , Takuwa Hiroyuki , Ono Maiko , Ni Ruiqing , Hirano Shigeki , Kuwabara Satoshi , Ji Bin , Zhang Ming-Rong , Aoki Ichio , Suhara Tetsuya , Higuchi Makoto , Sahara Naruhiko
Published: January 2018

Background:

Tau imaging using PET is a promising tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of tau-related neurodegenerative disorders, but the relationship among PET-detectable tau, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration is not yet fully understood.

Objective:

We aimed to elucidate sequential changes in tau accumulation, neuroinflammation, and brain atrophy by PET and MRI in a tauopathy mouse model.

Methods:

rTg4510 transgenic (tg) mice expressing P301L mutated tau and non-tg mice were examined with brain MRI and PET imaging (analyzed numbers: tg = 17, non-tg = 13; age 2.5∼14 months). As PET probes, [11C]PBB3 (Pyridinyl-Butadienyl-Benzothiazole 3) and [11C]AC-5216 were used to visualize tau pathology and 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO) neuroinflammation. Tau pathology and microglia activation were subsequently analyzed by histochemistry.

Results:

PET studies revealed age-dependent increases in [11C]PBB3 and [11C]AC-5216 signals, which were correlated with age-dependent volume reduction in the forebrain on MRI. However, the increase in [11C]PBB3 signals reached a plateau at age 7 months, and therefore its significant correlation with [11C]AC-5216 disappeared after age 7 months. In contrast, [11C]AC-5216 showed a strong correlation with both age and volume reduction until age 14 months. Histochemical analyses confirmed the relevance of pathological tau accumulation and elevated TSPO immunoreactivity in putative microglia.

Conclusion:

Our results showed that tau accumulation is associated with neuroinflammation and brain atrophy in a tauopathy mouse model. The time-course of the [11C]PBB3- and TSPO-PET finding suggests that tau deposition triggers progressive neuroinflammation, and the sequential changes can be evaluated in vivo in mouse brains.
Traffic Flow Analysis and Solutions to Ease Traffic Flow at Unsignalized Taxila Intersection
Authors: Farooq Danish , Akram Tayyab
Published: January 2018

Transportation system of a city affects all aspects of its citizen’s economic and personal activities. At a general level, the traffic problem considered as a situation of mismatch between supply (i.e., roads and their capacity) and demands (i.e., travel needs). The city administrators have tried to balance it by creating infrastructures (e.g., new roads, expanding capacity, under pass) or policy changes (e.g., banning heavy traffic movement during peak or day hours). Major problems that motorists are facing on highways intersection are congestion, accidents, and costs. Too many automobiles, trucks, buses, bicycles, and pedestrians are attempting to use the same space to reach their destiny. N-5 (major highway in Pakistan) passes through Taxila where at some intersection extreme traffic congestion sets in. Transportation problems are evident at some locations with complex roadway geometrics. So a traffic study is to be conducted to quantify the extent of transportation problems. This study aims to gain information and understanding about traffic system through the derivation of traffic information from traffic data, and then to apply this information in the assessment of the performance of traffic systems and their interaction with land use activities. This research is an effort to provide suggestion and recommendations to enforce an efficient traffic flow system.
Patient selection in major upper abdominal surgery for cancer in octogenarians
Authors: Pullen Lara C.
Published: January 2018

Key Points

The overall rates of major upper abdominal cancer resections in octogenarians have increased over time.

The number of major liver and pancreatic resections for cancer in this demographic has more than doubled from 2001 to 2011.

This trend may be the result of an emboldened surgical approach within the context of increasingly favorable inpatient mortality rates from elective surgeries of the pancreas and liver.
Thyroid Functional Status in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Hossain Md Mosharruf , Shah Kabiruzzaman , Begum Nasrin , Ahmed Parvez , Islam AKM Monoarul , Chowdhury Nurul Islam
Published: January 2018

Objectives: This study was done to find out the effect of chronic kidney disease on thyroid functional status. Kidneys normally play an important role in the metabolism, degradation and excretion of thyroid hormones. Therefore, impairment in kidney function leads to disturbed thyroid physiology. All levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis may be involved, including alterations in hormone production, distribution, and excretion. As a result, abnormalities in thyroid function tests are common in chronic kidney disease (CKD).Materials And Methods: A total of 100 patients suffering from different stages of chronic kidney disease were included for this study during the period of January 2010 to December 2010 at the Centre for Nuclear Medicine & Ultrasound, Rajshahi, Bangladesh.Results: This study showed high prevalence of primary hypothyroidism (11%), low T3 syndrome (45%) and subclinical hypothyroidism (5%) in chronic kidney disease patients. Furthermore, there is an increasing trend of decreased thyroid functional status along with decrease of estimated GFR (eGFR).Conclusions: Chronic kidney disease impairs thyroid functional status in different ways. Thyroid functional status evaluation is recommended in each and every patient of CKD. That can reduce the morbidity and mortality rate of CKD patients as well as reduce the social burden and health expenditure.Bangladesh J. Nuclear Med. 18(2): 141-144, July 2015
Assessment of Breast Doses in Mammography Screening
Authors: Maimani Abdulrauf , Kinsara Abdulraheem Abdulrahman , Taayeb Badar Al , Molla Nurul Islam
Published: January 2018

Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD-100H) were in use for the assessment of average glandular dose to breast in mammography screening with GE machine, King Abdul Aziz University Hospital for 45 mm breast compressed thickness, 26 kVp, 100 mAs and Mo/Mo target/filter combination. Reader’s calibration factor for the TLDs was generated with the same exposure parameters using RadCal mammo ionization chamber as reference. The calibration factor was reproduced within 3% standard deviation. Several sets of selected TLD-100H placing in different configurations were exposed to X-ray beam under identical exposure condition as it was used for generation of calibration factor. The entrance surface doses were calculated by using the measured net TL-response and the calibration factor. Thereafter, the average glandular doses (AGD) were calculated. The measured average entrance surface dose (AGD) at the reference position (6 cm laterally centered from the chest edge wall) was 7.704 mGy with less than 2% standard deviation. The calculated average glandular dose to the breast at the reference location has been found to be 1.429 ± 0.037 mGy.Bangladesh J. Nuclear Med. 18(2): 161-167, July 2015
A Comprehensive Evaluation of Peripheral Analgesic and Antipyretic Activities of Divalent Metal Complexes of Indomethacin
Authors: Sukul Abhijit , Chowdhury Sabiha , Poddar Saikat Kumar , Saha Sajal Kumar , Rahman SM Abdur
Published: January 2018

Comparative peripheral analgesic and antipyretic activities of copper, zinc, cobalt and manganese complexes of indomethacin were studied. Peripheral analgesic effect of the complexes was evaluated by following acetic acid-induced writhing inhibition method in mice whereas antipyretic activity was assessed by Brewer’s yeastinduced pyrexia in rat model. At 10- and 20-mg/kg doses, the zinc-indomethacin complex produced significant writhing inhibition (p<0.001) by 67.35% and 77.55% whereas cobalt-indomethacin showed writhing inhibition by 61.22% and 64.63% in a dose dependent manner respectively, which were prominent compared to that of standard indomethacin (61.90% and 72.27% inhibition respectively). Moreover, the zinc-indomethacin complex exerted significant antipyretic activity at both 10- and 20-mg/kg dose by reducing body temperature from 100.38°F to 97.8°F (4th hour) and 100.36°F to 98.21°F (4th hour), respectively that were comparable to standard paracetamol. From this study, it can be said that, with further pharmacological and toxicological profiling of the zinc and cobalt complex of indomethacin, it may pave the way of discovering new drug entity.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 16(2): 173-178, 2017 (December)
Phytochemical Screening and GC-MS Chemical Profiling of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Seed and Stem of Anethum sowa Linn.
Authors: Mansur Muhammad Abdullah Al , Siddiqi M Mahboob Ali , Akbor Md Ahedul , Saha Koushik
Published: January 2018

Tahe phytochemical constituents from the ethyl acetate extracts of seed and stem of Anethum sowa were identified by qualitative and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Qualitative analyses exhibited the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, carbohydrate, steroids and terpenoids in both extracts. In GC-MS analysis of A. sowa 6 notable peaks (3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,9-Octahydro-2H-benzocyclohepten-2-one, 2,2,4,6,7-Pentamethyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro quinoline, 5-Ethyl-2-methyl-pyridin-4-amine, 2-(2-Furyl) pyridine, 9-Ethyl 9-borabicyclo-[3.3.1]- nonane and 7-Methylenebicyclo-[4.2.0]-octane) and 5 significant peaks (3-Cyclopentyl-1-propyne, 2,2,4,6,7- Pentamethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline,3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,9-Octahydro-2H-benzocyclohepten-2-one, 1,5-Naphthy-ridin- 2-amine and Octahydro-4,7-methano-5H-inden-5-one) with comparatively higher peak area (%) among 26 and 23 compounds were detected from the ethyl acetate extract of stem and seed respectively. The study encapsulates the information regarding the phytochemical constituents present in the extracts which may have pharmacological importance.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 16(2): 187-194, 2017 (December)
Integrated Aero–Vibroacoustics: The Design Verification Process of Vega-C Launcher
Authors: Bianco Davide , Adamo Francesco , Barbarino Mattia , Vitiello Pasquale , Bartoccini Daniele , Federico Luigi , Citarella Roberto
Published: January 2018

The verification of a space launcher at the design level is a complex issue because of (i) the lack of a detailed modeling capability of the acoustic pressure produced by the rocket; and (ii) the difficulties in applying deterministic methods to the large-scale metallic structures. In this paper, an innovative integrated design verification process is described, based on the bridging between a new semiempirical jet noise model and a hybrid finite-element method/statistical energy analysis (FEM/SEA) approach for calculating the acceleration produced at the payload and equipment level within the structure, vibrating under the external acoustic forcing field. The result is a verification method allowing for accurate prediction of the vibroacoustics in the launcher interior, using limited computational resources and without resorting to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) data. Some examples concerning the Vega-C launcher design are shown.
Effectiveness of Oral Hygiene Instructions Given in Computer-Assisted Format versus a Self-Care Instructor
Authors: Williams Kristin , Mithani Sara , Sadeghi Ghazal , Palomo Leena
Published: January 2018

Background: This randomized, single-blinded, controlled study compares the effectiveness of two modes of delivering the same set of oral hygiene instructions: those loaded on a computer-assisted teaching format versus those given personally by a self-care instructor. Methods: 60 participants with mild to moderate periodontitis were randomized to either the computer-teaching format or the self-care instructor. Plaque score and bleeding indices were assessed at baseline and at 4 week re-evaluation to compare the instructional modalities. Results: At baseline, there was no difference in the parameters between the two groups. At re-evaluation, all parameters were significantly improved compared to baseline; however, there was no difference between any parameters in the computer group versus the instructor. Plaque score was significantly different between younger and older participants, such that participants under 50 years old had lower plaque scores when they received instructions using the computer format (72.5 ± 12.6 vs. 87.2 ± 10.4; p < 0.001). Additionally, in those under-50 year olds, plaque scores were significantly better in the group using the computer format (87.2 ± 10.4 vs. 78.3 ± 15.6; p = 0.03). Conclusion: Computer teaching formats and self-care instructors are both effective means of communicating oral hygiene instructions. Computer-assisted instruction format effectiveness may amplify as the population ages. Applications of computer formats teaching oral hygiene instructions and cost effectiveness comparison studies warrant significant future investigation.
Machine Learning-Based App for Self-Evaluation of Teacher-Specific Instructional Style and Tools
Authors: Duzhin Fedor , Gustafsson Anders
Published: January 2018

Course instructors need to assess the efficacy of their teaching methods, but experiments in education are seldom politically, administratively, or ethically feasible. Quasi-experimental tools, on the other hand, are often problematic, as they are typically too complicated to be of widespread use to educators and may suffer from selection bias occurring due to confounding variables such as students’ prior knowledge. We developed a machine learning algorithm that accounts for students’ prior knowledge. Our algorithm is based on symbolic regression that uses non-experimental data on previous scores collected by the university as input. It can predict 60–70 percent of variation in students’ exam scores. Applying our algorithm to evaluate the impact of teaching methods in an ordinary differential equations class, we found that clickers were a more effective teaching strategy as compared to traditional handwritten homework; however, online homework with immediate feedback was found to be even more effective than clickers. The novelty of our findings is in the method (machine learning-based analysis of non-experimental data) and in the fact that we compare the effectiveness of clickers and handwritten homework in teaching undergraduate mathematics. Evaluating the methods used in a calculus class, we found that active team work seemed to be more beneficial for students than individual work. Our algorithm has been integrated into an app that we are sharing with the educational community, so it can be used by practitioners without advanced methodological training.
Could Proteomics Become a Future Useful Tool to Shed Light on the Mechanisms of Rare Neurodegenerative Disorders?
Authors: Cagnone Maddalena , Bardoni Anna , Iadarola Paolo , Viglio Simona
Published: January 2018

Very often the clinical features of rare neurodegenerative disorders overlap with those of other, more common clinical disturbances. As a consequence, not only the true incidence of these disorders is underestimated, but many patients also experience a significant delay before a definitive diagnosis. Under this scenario, it appears clear that any accurate tool producing information about the pathological mechanisms of these disorders would offer a novel context for their precise identification by strongly enhancing the interpretation of symptoms. With the advent of proteomics, detection and identification of proteins in different organs/tissues, aimed at understanding whether they represent an attractive tool for monitoring alterations in these districts, has become an area of increasing interest. The aim of this report is to provide an overview of the most recent applications of proteomics as a new strategy for identifying biomarkers with a clinical utility for the investigation of rare neurodegenerative disorders.
Preliminary Analyses Showed Short-Term Mental Health Improvements after a Single-Day Manager Training
Authors: Boysen Elena , Schiller Birgitta , Mörtl Kathrin , Gündel Harald , Hölzer Michael
Published: January 2018

Psychosocial working conditions attract more and more attention when it comes to mental health in the workplace. Trying to support managers to deal with their own as well as their employees’ psychological risk factors, we conducted a specific manager training. Within this investigation, we wanted to learn about the training’s effects and acceptance. A single-day manager training was provided in a large industrial company in Germany. The participants were asked to fill out questionnaires regarding their own physical and mental health condition as well as their working situation. Questionnaires were distributed at baseline, 3-month, and 12-month follow-up. At this point of time the investigation is still ongoing. The current article focuses on short-term preliminary effects. Analyses only included participants that already completed baseline and three months follow-up. Preliminary results from three-month follow-up survey (n = 33, nmale = 30, Mage = 47.5) indicated positive changes in the manager’s mental health condition measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire for depression (PHQ-9: Mt1 = 3.82, Mt2 = 3.15). Training managers about common mental disorders and risk factors at the workplace within a single-day workshop seems to promote positive effects on their own mental health. Especially working with the managers on their own early stress symptoms might have been an important element.
CRP Genotypes Predict Increased Risk to Co-Present with Low Vitamin D and Elevated CRP in a Group of Healthy Black South African Women
Authors: Myburgh Pieter , Towers G. , Kruger Iolanthé , Nienaber-Rousseau Cornelie
Published: January 2018

Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations are independently associated with adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although an inverse association between these factors has been described, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We postulate that environment–gene interactions, through which 25(OH)D interacts with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the CRP gene, modulate CRP; that certain CRP genotypes predispose individuals to a co-phenotype of low 25(OH)D and elevated CRP concentrations; and that this co-phenotype is associated with higher CVD risk. Twelve CRP SNPs were genotyped, and both 25(OH)D and CRP were quantified, in 505 black South African women. Alarmingly, 66% and 60% of the women presented with deficient/insufficient 25(OH)D and elevated CRP concentrations, respectively. CRP concentrations were higher in individuals with lower 25(OH)D concentrations. However, no 25(OH)D–CRP genotype interactions were evident. Several genotypes were associated with an altered risk of presenting with the co-phenotype, indicating a genetic predisposition. Women presenting with this co-phenotype had higher blood pressure and increased anthropometric measures, which may predispose them to develop CVD. We recommend increasing vitamin D fortification and supplementation efforts to reduce inflammation among black women with vitamin D deficiency, thereby possibly curbing diseases contingent on the co-phenotype described here.
In Silico Analysis of the Association Relationship between Neuroprotection and Flavors of Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on the mGluRs
Authors: Zhang Xu , Qiao Liansheng , Chen Yankun , Zhao Bowen , Gu Yu , Huo Xiaoqian , Zhang Yanling , Li Gongyu
Published: January 2018

The metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are known as both synaptic receptors and taste receptors. This feature is highly similar to the Property and Flavor theory of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which has the pharmacological effect and flavor. In this study, six ligand based pharmacophore (LBP) models, seven homology modeling models, and fourteen molecular docking models of mGluRs were built based on orthosteric and allosteric sites to screening potential compounds from Traditional Chinese Medicine Database (TCMD). Based on the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China, TCMs of compounds and their flavors were traced and listed. According to the tracing result, we found that the TCMs of the compounds which bound to orthosteric sites of mGluRs are highly correlated to a sweet flavor, while the allosteric site corresponds to a bitter flavor. Meanwhile, the pharmacological effects of TCMs with highly frequent flavors were further analyzed. We found that those TCMs play a neuroprotective role through the efficiencies of detumescence, promoting blood circulation, analgesic effect, and so on. This study provides a guide for developing new neuroprotective drugs from TCMs which target mGluRs. Moreover, it is the first study to present a novel approach to discuss the association relationship between flavor and the neuroprotective mechanism of TCM based on mGluRs.
Biodistribution and Clearance of Stable Superparamagnetic Maghemite Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Mice Following Intraperitoneal Administration
Authors: Pham Binh , Colvin Emily , Pham Nguyen , Kim Byung , Fuller Emily , Moon Elizabeth , Barbey Raphael , Yuen Samuel , Rickman Barry , Bryce Nicole , Bickley Stephanie , Tanudji Marcel , Jones Stephen , Howell Viive , Hawkett Brian
Published: January 2018

Nanomedicine is an emerging field with great potential in disease theranostics. We generated sterically stabilized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (s-SPIONs) with average core diameters of 10 and 25 nm and determined the in vivo biodistribution and clearance profiles. Healthy nude mice underwent an intraperitoneal injection of these s-SPIONs at a dose of 90 mg Fe/kg body weight. Tissue iron biodistribution was monitored by atomic absorption spectroscopy and Prussian blue staining. Histopathological examination was performed to assess tissue toxicity. The 10 nm s-SPIONs resulted in higher tissue-iron levels, whereas the 25 nm s-SPIONs peaked earlier and cleared faster. Increased iron levels were detected in all organs and body fluids tested except for the brain, with notable increases in the liver, spleen, and the omentum. The tissue-iron returned to control or near control levels within 7 days post-injection, except in the omentum, which had the largest and most variable accumulation of s-SPIONs. No obvious tissue changes were noted although an influx of macrophages was observed in several tissues suggesting their involvement in s-SPION sequestration and clearance. These results demonstrate that the s-SPIONs do not degrade or aggregate in vivo and intraperitoneal administration is well tolerated, with a broad and transient biodistribution. In an ovarian tumor model, s-SPIONs were shown to accumulate in the tumors, highlighting their potential use as a chemotherapy delivery agent.
Peptide-Mediated Liposome Fusion: The Effect of Anchor Positioning
Authors: Crone Niek , Minnee Dirk , Kros Alexander , Boyle Aimee
Published: January 2018

A minimal model system for membrane fusion, comprising two complementary peptides dubbed “E” and “K” joined to a cholesterol anchor via a polyethyleneglycol spacer, has previously been developed in our group. This system promotes the fusion of large unilamellar vesicles and facilitates liposome-cell fusion both in vitro and in vivo. Whilst several aspects of the system have previously been investigated to provide an insight as to how fusion is facilitated, anchor positioning has not yet been considered. In this study, the effects of placing the anchor at either the N-terminus or in the center of the peptide are investigated using a combination of circular dichroism spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and fluorescence assays. It was discovered that anchoring the “K” peptide in the center of the sequence had no effect on its structure, its ability to interact with membranes, or its ability to promote fusion, whereas anchoring the ‘E’ peptide in the middle of the sequence dramatically decreases fusion efficiency. We postulate that anchoring the ‘E’ peptide in the middle of the sequence disrupts its ability to form homodimers with peptides on the same membrane, leading to aggregation and content leakage.