bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study and Pilot Test of Activator Flooding for Heavy Oil
Authors: Zhang Jian , Wang Shanshan , Zhu Yuejun , Yang Guang , Kang Xiaodong , Wang Xudong , Zhao Wensen
Published: March 2018

To effectively develop heavy oil with apparent viscosity above 150 mPa·s in-situ, a heavy oil activator was designed and applied in the field, which can efficiently increase the viscosity of aqueous phase and the mobility of oil phase. The wettability, interfacial properties and the microscopic dispersion of oil with activator were measured using the contact angle meter and laser scanning confocal microscopy. Experimental results showed that the contact angle between activator and heavy oil was 34.67° and the oil-water interfacial tension could be reduced to 0.1 mN/m by adding activator. Furthermore, it was clearly observed that the crude oil was uniformly dispersed into small drops. For the hybrid system consisting of 660 mPa's crude oil and 1000 mg/L activator with a mixed ratio of 1:1 by volume, the flowing time measured by kinematic viscometers was reduced to 8 s compared with 340 s of single oil system. By adopting the activator flooding, laboratory experimental studies showed the recovery of heavy oil could be enhanced by 14.3% on the basis of water flooding. The change of oil-water front and distribution of saturation field confirmed that the activator had the ability to disperse heavy oil and improve the micro-displacement efficiency, and the contribution rate accounted for about 28% of the total recovery. This obvious effect has been successfully achieved in pilot test of both S Oilfield and D Oilfield. By applying activator huff and puff in S Oilfield for 14months, the total incremental oil reached 44,952 bbl tons. And using activator of 800 mg/L to exploit heavy oil with viscosity of 1170 mPa·s in-situ at 35 °C. After 3 years of injection, the cumulative incremental oil of D oilfield was larger than 120,000 bbl, which means that each ton of activator can ramp up production of 660 barrels oil.
Thermodynamics of Hydrocarbon Solvents at the Pore Scale During Hybrid Solvent-Thermal Application for Heavy-Oil Recovery
Authors: Al-Kindi Ilyas , Babadagli Tayfun
Published: March 2018

Phase behavior of fluids at capillary conditions differs from that in bulk media. Therefore, understanding the thermodynamics of solvents in confined media is essential for modeling thermal EOR applications. The Thomson equation states that pore sizes have a control on boiling points of liquids in capillary channels. As pore spaces become smaller, boiling points become lower than normal boiling temperatures of the same liquids. The target of this paper is to inspect this phenomenon by physically measuring the boiling points of several solvents and compare them with the calculated boiling temperatures for different capillary structures. Furthermore, the feasibility and accuracy of the Thomson equation is investigated to check its applicability in heavy-oil recovery modelling. To do so, Hele-Shaw cells with several gap thicknesses (0.04, 0.45, 1.02, and 12 mm) are used to measure the boiling points of heptane, heptane-decane mixture, and naphtha. Experiments are repeated for the same solvents on homogeneous and heterogeneous micromodels to observe the phase behavior in a more realistic porous medium. Finally, the effect of surface wettability on boiling temperatures is examined in Hele-Shaw and micromodel experiments.
Integrated Method for Numerical Simulation of Foam Flooding in Porous Media in the Absence and Presence of Oil
Authors: Hosseini-Nasab S. M. , Douarche F. , Nabzar L. , Simjoo M. , Bourbiaux B. , Roggero F.
Published: March 2018

This paper presents an novel integrated approach for numerical simulation of foam core-flood experiments in the absence and presence of oil. The experiments consisted of the co-injection of gas and Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate (AOS) surfactant solution into Bentheimer sandstone samples initially saturated with the surfactant solution [see (Simjoo & Zitha, 2013)]. The foam model implemented is based on a local equilibrium and describes dependency of foam mobility reduction factor using several independent functions, such as liquid saturation, foam velocity, oil saturation and capillary number. First, a series of numerical simulation was conducted to investigate the effect of surfactant concentration on pressure drop across the core for the foam flooding in the absence of oil. To this end, the dry-out and gas velocity functions in the foam model were determined from the experimental data obtained at low and high-quality regimes of foam flow at a constant injection velocity. Next, pressure drop profiles of foam flooding at two different surfactant concentrations were modelled to determine the parameters of the surfactant-dependent function in the foam model. The simulation results fit the experimental data of pressure drops very well. Then, the numerical simulations investigated the oil displacement, by foam where the main goal was to determine the foam model parameters dedicated to the oil saturation-dependent function. The pressure drop across the core, oil-cut, and oil recovery factor were modelled, and an excellent match was obtained between the pressure profile and the oil recovery obtained numerically compared with those obtained from the corresponding core-flood experiments.
Adaptation to climate change and variability: a case of direct seeded rice in Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Kakumanu Krishna Reddy , Kotapati Gurava Reddy , Nagothu Udaya Sekhar , Kuppanan Palanisami , Kallam Suresh Reddy
Published: March 2018

Farmers, researchers and policy-makers are increasingly concerned about the potential impacts of climate change. Researchers are using various climate models to assess the impacts and identifying relevant alternative adaptation strategies to mitigate climate change. In India, rice is the major cereal crop grown and is influenced due to climate change and variability, inadequate water supply, labour shortage and methane emissions from rice ecosystems. This necessitates adoption action and upscaling of key adaption strategies like direct seeded rice (DSR) using validated data from rice growing areas in India. The study used experimental data of 2010–2014 and field survey data of DSR and non-DSR farmers collected during 2014. Results show that DSR method has incurred less tillage and labour costs by eluding puddling and transplantation by labour. Large-scale adoption of DSR was observed during 2012–2015 in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. This was mainly due to the delayed monsoon and water supply, reduction in cost of cultivation, capacity building of stakeholders and their active involvement in awareness and training programmes. The study has demonstrated that integrated extension approach in technology dissemination and scaling-out through stakeholder integration is crucial. However, a mission mode framework is needed for technology upscaling at system level.
The novel PEI-modified biochars and their application for the efficient elimination of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions
Authors: Lv Zhimin , Yang Shimin , Liu Yan , Zhou Jin , Xing Lingbao , Chen Lei
Published: March 2018

In this study, the polyethyleneimine (PEI) was grafted onto the biochars from chestnut shells and nori via the cross-linking reaction. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transferred infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated that the PEI was successfully grafted on the surface of biochars. The PEI modified and pristine biochars were used as adsorbents to remove Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions as a function of pH, ionic strength, contact time and initial concentrations of Cr(VI) through batch technique. The strongly pH-dependent and ionic strength-independent of Cr(VI) sorption indicated that the sorption was mainly dominated by electrostatic interaction and inner-sphere surface complexation. The maximum sorption capacities of PEI modified chestnut shell and nori biochars were 141.42 and 222.84 mg/g, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of pristine biochars. The PEI grafted onto the biochars significantly enhanced Cr(VI) sorption capacity because PEI, which contains volumes of amine/imine groups, provided an excellent platform for Cr(VI) ions removal. In addition, the sorption–desorption experimental results indicated that the PEI modified biochars possessed a stable and recyclable performance. All these results manifested that the PEI modified biochars could be applied as environmentally friendly and efficient adsorbents for the removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater.
Cribriform Plate, Crista Galli, Olfactory Fossa and Septal Deviation
Authors: Şahan Mehmet Hamdi , Inal Mikail , Muluk Nuray Bayar , Şimşek Gökçe
Published: March 2018

Objectives: In the present study, we investigated the relationship between olfactory
fossa, cribriform plate, crista galli and nasal Septal Deviation (SD). Keros classification of olfactory
fossa was also performed.

Methods:

This study was performed retrospectively. Computerized Tomography (CT) images of
200 adult subjects were observed. Unilateral nasal Septal Deviation (SD) cases were included into
the study. On coronal CT scans, SD side and location, SD angle, cribriform plate width, olfactory
fossa depth (Keros classification) and width, area of the olfactory fossa, crista galli length, width
and pneumatization were evaluated.

Results:

Anterior and anteroposterior deviations were detected mainly. In females, 64.0% and in
males, 45.3% of the SDs were located anteriorly. In males, anteroposterior SDs (40.0%) were detected
more than females. In anteroposterior SDs, SD angle was higher than anterior SDs. With
higher SD angle, crista galli width and height decreased. Cribriform plate width, olfactory fossa
height, width and area values of contralateral side were significantly higher than those of the ipsilateral
side. For Keros classification, in male group, type 1 (53.3%) and in females, type 2 (57.6%)
was detected at ipsilateral side. For contralateral side, type 2 Keros was detected in both genders.
Complete crista galli pneumatization was observed in 4.0% and partial pneumatization was detected
in 12.0%. In 84% of the patients, there is no Crista galli pneumatization. With the presence
of pneumatized crista galli, contralateral Keros values decreased. Crista galli height and contralateral
olfactory fossa width showed positive correlation. In older patients, cribriform plate width decreased.

Conclusion:

In our study, there was no Keros type 3 olfactory fossa. In males’ contralateral side
of SD; and in females both ipsilateral and contralateral side of SD, Keros type 2 olfactory fossa
were detected. Therefore, during sinus surgery, surgeons should work carefully not to made intracranial
penetration.
Radioprotective Effects of Amifostine, L-Carnitine and Vitamin E in Preventing Early Salivary Gland Injury due to Radioactive Iodine Treatment
Authors: Torun Nese , Muratli Asli , Serim Burcu Dirlik , Ergulen Alev , Altun Gulay Durmus
Published: March 2018

Objective: Standard treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer includes total thyroidectomy
and high-dose Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RIT) for ablation of remnant thyroid tissue.
When administered systemically, RIT can cause radiation-induced damage in non-targeted normal
tissues. The aim of the present study was to compare the protective effects of amifostine (AMI), LCarnitine
(LC), and Vitamin E (EVIT) against high dose radioactive iodine treatment induced Salivary
Gland (SG) damage using SG scintigraphy and histopathological examination.

Methods:

Forty adult guinea pigs were studied. Twenty guinea pigs receive 555-660 MBq
131Iodine intraperitoneally (IP) to ablate the thyroid and impair the parenchymal function of the
SGs. The animals were divided into eight groups as follows: (1) Group 1 (control): 1 mL IP PS
(physiological saline); (2) Group 2: single dose of 200 mg/kg IP AMI one hour prior to 1 mL IP
PS; (3) Group 3: 200 mg/kg IP LC and 1 mL IP PS for 10 days; (4) Group 4: 40 mg/kg intramuscular
(IM) EVITand 1 mL IP PS for 10 days; (5) Group 5: IP RIT after premedication; (6) Group 6:
Single dose of 200 mg/kg IP AMI one hour prior to RIT and IP RIT after premedication; (7) Group
7: IP RIT after premedication and 200 mg/kg IP LC for 10 days starting one day before RIT; and
(8) Group 8: IP RIT after premedication and 40 mg/kg IM EVIT for 10 days starting one day before
RIT. Scintigraphy was performed 1 month after treatment. SGs were examined by light microscopy
and a histopathological scoring system was used to assess the degree of SG damage.

Results:

There were significant differences in the body weight and thyroid hormone levels between
the groups after treatment.

Conclusion:

The individual use of AMI, LC and EVIT for radioprotection yield different levels of
protection against radioactive iodine treatment injury in SGs; however, none of the agents could
provide absolute protection at the doses administered in this experimental model.
Development and Validation of a Pre-Column Derivatization HPLC Method for the Assay of Amikacin Sulfate in Pure and Parenteral Dos age Forms
Authors: Usmani Muneeba , Ahmed Sofia , Ali Sheraz Muhammad , Ahmad Iqbal
Published: March 2018

Background:

Amikacin sulfate (AMK) belongs to the class of aminoglycoside antibiotics. It
is effective against the infections caused by Gram-negative and positive bacteria. AMK lacks a chromophore
group in its structure and, therefore, it does not absorb light in the 200-800 nm region which
makes it a difficult molecule to analyze by UV detector using high performance liquid chromatography
(HPLC).

Objective:

This study has been carried out to develop and validate a relatively simple, accurate, precise,
rapid, economical, and stability-indicating pre-column derivatization HPLC method for the determination
of AMK in pure and parenteral dosage forms.

Methods:

The stock solution of AMK was derivatized prior to its analysis. The mobile phase used for
the analysis was acetonitrile and water in the ratio of 50:50 (v/v) at pH 6.0. The method has been validated
according to the guideline of International Council for Harmonization (ICH) and different parameters
such as linearity, range, accuracy, precision, sensitivity, robustness, solution stability, specificity
and system suitability have been studied. AMK was subjected to stress degradation studies including
thermolysis, humidity exposure, acid-base hydrolysis, and oxidation in order to determine the specificity
of the test method.

Results:

The retention time of AMK has been found to be 4.7 min. The results indicated that the method
is linear in the concentration range of 12.5-125% and possesses high accuracy (99.88±0.42%), precision
((<1.2%) and robustness (<0.5%). The obtained results are compared statistically with a reference
method.

Conclusion:

It was observed that the stress degradation studies do not affect the accuracy of the
method. Hence the proposed method can be used for the assay of AMK and its parenteral dosage form.
Simultaneous Determination of Six Components in Jingzhiguanxin Tablet by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Jiang Hui , Fu Lianhao , Wang Yu , Wang Shaozhi , Zhang Xiaoxu , Zhang Xijie , Liu Xiaohong
Published: March 2018

Background:

Jingzhiguanxin (JZGX) tablet, a traditional Chinese prescription, is commonly used for treating coronary heart disease and angina pectoris in the clinic. There are six active components (Danshensu (DSS), Protocatechuic aldehyde (PD), Paeoniflorin (PF), Ferulic acid (FA), Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) and Tanshinone IIA (TA)) in JZGX tablet.  Objective: In this paper, a simple and reliable method was used for simultaneous determining the six active components by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD).

Methods:

These six active components were separated on an Agilent Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C18 column (150 mmx4.6 mm, 5 µm) at 30 °C. Acetonitrile (A), methanol (B) and 0.5% H3PO4 aqueous solution (C) were used as mobile phase for gradient elution. The flow rate was 1 mL/min and the detection wavelengths were set at 280 nm for DSS, PD and Sal B, 230 nm for PF, 320 nm for FA and 270 nm for TA, respectively.

Results:

All of the six components showed good linearity regressions (r2≥0.9997) in the detected concentration range. The recovery rates and coefficient of variation (CV) for all analytes were 98.66%- 100.18% and 0.75%-1.89%, respectively. This method was successfully applied to simultaneously determine the six components in JZGX tablet from different batches and manufacturers.

Conclusion:

The validated method can be used in routine quality control analysis of JZGX tablet without any interference.
68Ga-labeled HBED-CC Variant of uPAR Targeting Peptide AE105 Compared with 68Ga-NODAGA-AE105
Authors: Vats Kusum , Sharma Rohit , Sarma Haladhar D. , Satpati Drishty , Dash Ashutosh
Published: March 2018

Aims: The urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptors (uPAR) over-expressed on tumor cells and
their invasive microenvironment are clinically significant molecular targets for cancer research. uPARexpressing
cancerous lesions can be suitably identified and their progression can be monitored with radiolabeled
uPAR targeted imaging probes. Hence this study aimed at preparing and evaluating two 68Ga-labeled AE105
peptide conjugates, 68Ga-NODAGA-AE105 and 68Ga-HBED-CC-AE105 as uPAR PET-probes.

Method:

The peptide conjugates, HBED-CC-AE105-NH2 and NODAGA-AE105-NH2 were manually synthesized
by standard Fmoc solid phase strategy and subsequently radiolabeled with 68Ga eluted from a commercial
68Ge/68Ga generator. In vitro cell studies for the two radiotracers were performed with uPAR positive U87MG
cells. Biodistribution studies were carried out in mouse xenografts with the subcutaneously induced U87MG
tumor.

Results:

The two radiotracers, 68Ga-NODAGA-AE105 and 68Ga-HBED-CC-AE105 that were prepared in >95%
radiochemical yield and >96% radiochemical purity, exhibited excellent in vitro stability. In vivo evaluation
studies revealed higher uptake of 68Ga-HBED-CC-AE105 in U87MG tumor as compared to 68Ga-NODAGAAE105;
however, increased lipophilicity of 68Ga-HBED-CC-AE105 resulted in slower clearance from blood and
other non-target organs. The uPAR specificity of the two radiotracers was ascertained by significant (p<0.05)
reduction in the tumor uptake with a co-injected blocking dose of unlabeled AE-105 peptide.

Conclusion:

Amongst the two radiotracers studied, the neutral 68Ga-NODAGA-AE105 with more hydrophilic
chelator exhibited faster clearance from non-target organs. The conjugation of HBED-CC chelator (less hydrophilic)
resulted in negatively charged 68Ga-HBED-CC-AE105 which was observed to have high retention in
blood that decreased target to non-target ratios.
Single-chain Fv Antibodies for Targeting Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Chia Kin Yen , Ng Khuen Yen , Koh Rhun Yian , Chye Soi Moi
Published: March 2018

Background & Objective:

Protein misfolding and aggregation have been considered the
common pathological hallmarks for a number of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s
disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Huntington’s disease (HD). These abnormal proteins aggregates
damage mitochondria and induce oxidative stress, resulting in neuronal cell death. Prolonged
neuronal damage activates microglia and astrocytes, development of inflammation reaction and further
promotes neurodegeneration. Thus, elimination of abnormal protein aggregates without eliciting any
adverse effects are the main treatment strategies. To overcome this, recent studies have deployed single-
chain fragment variable antibodies (scFvs) to target the pathological protein aggregates, such as
amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides, α-synuclein (α-syn) and Huntingtin (Htt). To date scFv has been effective
at inhibiting abnormal protein aggregates formation in both in vitro and in vivo model system of AD,
PD and HD.

Conclusion:

Currently active research is still ongoing to improve the scFv gene delivery technology,
to further enhance brain penetration, intracellular stability, solubility and efficacy of scFv intrabody.
Physiological and Morphological Principles Underpinning Recruitment of the Cerebellar Reserve
Authors: Kakei Shinji , Ishikawa Takahiro , Lee Jongho , Honda Takeru , Hoffman Donna S.
Published: March 2018

Background:

In order to optimize outcomes of novel therapies for cerebellar ataxias (CAs),
it is desirable to start these therapies while declined functions are restorable: i.e. while the so-called
cerebellar reserve remains.

Objective:

In this mini-review, we tried to define and discuss the cerebellar reserve from physiological
and morphological points of view.

Method:

The cerebellar neuron circuitry is designed to generate spatiotemporally organized outputs, regardless
of the region. Therefore, the cerebellar reserve may be defined as a mechanism to restore its
proper input-output organization of the cerebellar neuron circuitry, when it is damaged. Then, the following
four components are essential for recruitment of the cerebellar reserve: operational local neuron circuitry;
proper combination of mossy fiber inputs to be integrated; climbing fiber inputs to instruct favorable
reorganization of the integration; deep cerebellar nuclei to generate reorganized outputs.

Results:

We discussed three topics related to these resources, 1) principles of generating organized
cerebellar outputs, 2) redundant mossy fiber inputs to the cerebellum, 3) plasticity of the cerebellar
neuron circuitry.

Conclusion:

To make most of the cerebellar reserve, it is desirable to start any intervention as early as
possible when the cerebellar cell loss is minimal or even negligible. Therefore, an ideal future therapy
for degenerative cerebellar diseases should start before consuming the cerebellar reserve at all. In the
meantime, our real challenge is to establish a reliable method to identify the decrease in the cerebellar
reserve as early as possible.
Properties of wood from 7-year-old Cedrela odorata trees of two different populations growing in agroforestry systems with Theobroma cacao
Authors: Rigg-Aguilar Priscilla , Moya Roque Róger
Published: March 2018

This study evaluated the properties of juvenile wood from 7-year-old Cedrela odorata trees in two populations with the same provenance and planted in an agroforestry system with Theobroma cacao (cacao). The morphological characteristics (diameter at breast height; heartwood, sapwood, bark, and pith percentages; and eccentricity of pith), physical properties (shrinkage, green moisture content, green density, and specific gravity) and mechanical properties (modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) in bending, compression stress, Janka hardness, tension stress and shear stress) were determined between two populations. The variation of the physical properties and morphological characteristics at different tree heights was also evaluated. The results showed that there were differences in both populations in terms of bark, pith, volumetric shrinkage, green moisture content, green density, MOR and MOE in bending, longitudinal compression and perpendicular tension. The results showed that population 2 presents better characteristics of growth and quality of wood for structural and furniture uses; hence, this population planted in agroforestry systems has good plantation conditions and wood quality.
Earthquake Resistant Residential Neighborhood in China: Examination of vulnerability in outdoor spaces
Authors: Ma Xue , Ohno Ryuzo
Published: March 2018

China is a seismic active country. We suffered a large number of fatalities by earthquake damage. A great deal of requirements on disaster mitigation has been putting forward and which is becoming a hot topic in the society. This paper focuses on the safety situation of residential environment in Chinese cities, tries to examine the vulnerabilities for earthquake disaster mitigation. We chose the city of Tianjin as target area applying for the detail analysis. An evaluation was interpreted into suggestions and advices on planning and management.
Fear of Crime in Residential Areas
Authors: Md Sakip Siti Rasidah , Abdullah Aldrin , Mohd Salleh Mohd Najib
Published: March 2018

Physical environmental elements such as gated elements are believed to have an effect towards the reduction of fear of crime in residential neighbourhoods. In Malaysia, the typical form of residence is that involving gated individual houses, while residences without gated elements are relatively a new development concept. Therefore, a survey on fear of crime among residents in housing areas with gated and non-gated residences was conducted in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor and Precinct 9B, Putrajaya. This research discovered that respondents inhabiting a gated residential area exhibit a higher fear of crime level (M=5.84, SD=1.23) when compared to respondents living in a non-gated residential area (M=3.85, SD=1.66).
Interior Design of Workplace and Performance Relationship: Private sector corporations in Egypt
Authors: Mahmoud Ali El-Zeiny Rasha
Published: March 2018

In today's competitive business environment, corporations can no longer afford to waste the potential of their workforce. There are important factors in the employee's workplace that influence significantly their level of motivation and performance. The main objective of the study is to understand the relationship between the employees' performance and their physical work environment. The private sector corporations of Egypt have been chosen as the population for the study. The results of the study show that office design has a substantial impact on employees' performance.
The Use of Multi-Sensor for Illegal Human Settlement Detection
Authors: Asmat Arnis , S.Z Zamzami , S Mansor
Published: March 2018

The paper presents preliminary results of legal and illegal settlement extraction in Pulau Gaya, Sabah using high resolution Quickbird and SPOT- 5 multi-spectral imageries using automated house detection techniques. The technique developed is spatial-based using tree counting approach. From the results, edge to edge of the house features was found to be precisely separated and can be delineated between houses that are less than 2m distance. Results show that the technique able to delineate legal houses from Quickbird image more than SPOT-5. Differing results would be due to different spatial and spectral resolutions of images.
Clinical Waste Management in Malaysia
Authors: Omar Dasimah , Nazli Siti Nurshahida , Karuppannan Subramaniam
Published: March 2018

The research is a cross-sectional comparative study carried out to determine the variations and similarities in the activities of clinical waste management practices within three district hospitals located in Johor, Perak and Kelantan. Using physical observation, administered questionnaire and interview questions, sectional data within each hospital were collated and analysed by employing Microsoft Excel and relevant statistical analysis tools like ANOVA. The results showed similarities in many areas, confirming that similar activities take place within the hospitals and variations in other areas confirming that many factors both external and internal affect the clinical waste management and other activities within the hospitals. Studies revealed many deficiencies in the management mostly weaknesses in segregation process.
Connection between Residential Product Price and Preferences: A study in Jakarta Metropolitan Region
Authors: Rahadi R. Aswin , Wiryono Sudarso Kaderi , Koesrindartoto Deddy P. , Syamwil Indra Budiman
Published: March 2018

As part of an ongoing research about value determinant factors for residential product pricing in Jakarta Metropolitan Region, this paper will analyze reasoning behind price allocation for residential products. It will also try to produce a certain pricing approach to measure the level of residential product price uniqueness. Preliminary findings from literature review analysis suggested that planned community (gated) concept, security and prestige helps to determine consumer preferences to purchase a specific residential product, while from interview analysis with property developer suggested additional factors of design, accessibility, facilities and brand also influenced the price of the product.
Reinventing Management Education- Search for a Paradigm
Authors: Pathak Pramod
Published: March 2018

Management education has come a long way as far as its existence concerned. However, doubts today are being raised about its impact, its efficacy and its utility. Recent write ups in popular US media including the prestigious the New York Times suggests that questions are now being raised about validity of the curriculum. Exposes about unfair practices and unethical behavior at the work place in growing number in recent times are pointers to the reality that review of the Management education paradigm is called for now. What is being taught needs to be evaluated and what is being not taught needs to be pondered over. The present article is a review paper based on the discussions and deliberations that are on regarding the state of Management education and what we in India need to mull over.
Dynamic Relationships among Crude oil price, exchange rate and BSE Sensex
Authors: Kumar Roshan , Gupta Manisha
Published: March 2018

The study examined Dynamic relationship among crude oil prices, exchange rates and stock prices in India for the duration January 2006 to December 2016 using daily data. The research work include the testing for a unit root test in time series data, then it testing the number of co-integrating vectors in the system. In the next step we use the johansen co integration test to examine the relationship among variables. At the last Granger causality test is used to estimating the direction of causality among the variables
Renewable Energy – A Tool to Lighten Up India
Authors: Vats Saroj
Published: March 2018

When the first bulb was invented by Edison, the dream was to make people free from holding petrol lamps, to give them a freedom to utilize night, to give players a chance to play in beautiful night with no worries of dawn. Gramjyoti yojna of Government of India also having same motives. India also need not only renewable energy, clean energy but high amount of energy. Still 70,000 villages are living in dark. Villagers and students have to sacrifice nights. Wind, hydro and solar energy are the key to clean renewable energy targets. Indo-china both the countries are fighting for development due to huge population inferences and the competition is neck to neck. launch of prime minister’s ambitious plan of “make in India” is showing glimpse of the courage and dream – solar trains, solar parks, solar lamps etc.., needs appropriate and with full facilities of infrastructure as well and energy as a major production component.. The Jawaharlal Nehru Solar Mission is a major initiative step for encouraging the production of solar energy. The Government of India and the State Governments promoting ecologically sustainable growth through renewable energy. It will help not only in fighting the challenges of climate change as well as helps in enlighten the life of rural India too. The positive possibilities of doing business in India and the growing interest of companies are noticeable in Business Claimant Survey 2015-16. Changes in the perception of companies in India providing stable, predictable business environment are steps to take. This paper discusses about cost of renewable energy, production technique, establishment knowhow, importance of solar energy (particularly for India), economic and environmental benefits, issues and prospects of solar energy and Governmental efforts
Predicting Stock Market: An Approach with Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Srivastava Abhishek , Sengupta Indrani
Published: March 2018

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has advanced impressively since inventors began tampering with its potential. Many believe that the next great use for AI technology will be in the field of financial market speculation. Technology can be used either to make our lives better or make money. The stock exchange market is the most volatile and most dynamic of all. Special care has to be exercised in buying and selling of stocks from different companies or businesses. The probability of losing the stocks and acquiring benefits through the stocks are fifty-fifty. Volatility of the stock market jumbles up a trader’s nervous system making it difficult to understand or thin rationally. Artificial Intelligence is supposed to be a predictive model that looks at more than technical patterns of trading. It has the ability to identify financial features of companies (e.g. price to earnings ratio, long term (business loans) that will make money in the long run. This requires capabilities from different areas of study and massive computational power which is why it is only prevalent in recent years. This paper tries to attempt of coming up with a basis and prediction using Artificial Intelligence in identifying trading pattern relations which appropriately inter relates with High Frequency Stock Trading based on pre-set criteria
Implementation Tells Us More Beyond Pooled Estimates: Secondary Analysis of a Multicountry mHealth Trial to Reduce Blood Pressure (Preprint)
Authors: Carrillo-Larco Rodrigo M , Jiwani Safia S , Diez-Canseco Francisco , Kanter Rebecca , Beratarrechea Andrea , Irazola Vilma , Ramirez-Zea Manuel , Rubinstein Adolfo , Martinez Homero , Miranda J Jaime ,   GISMAL Group
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

The uptake of an intervention aimed at improving health-related lifestyles may be influenced by the participant’s stage of readiness to change behaviors.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted secondary analysis of the Grupo de Investigación en Salud Móvil en América Latina (GISMAL) trial according to levels of uptake of intervention (dose-response) to explore outcomes by country, in order to verify the consistency of the trial’s pooled results, and by each participant’s stage of readiness to change a given lifestyle at baseline. The rationale for this secondary analysis is motivated by the original design of the GISMAL study that was independently powered for the primary outcome—blood pressure—for each country.

METHODS

We conducted a secondary analysis of a mobile health (mHealth) multicountry trial conducted in Argentina, Guatemala, and Peru. The intervention consisted of monthly motivational phone calls by a trained nutritionist and weekly tailored text messages (short message service), over a 12-month period, aimed to enact change on 4 health-related behaviors: salt added to foods when cooking, consumption of high-fat and high-sugar foods, consumption of fruits or vegetables, and practice of physical activity. Results were stratified by country and by participants’ stage of readiness to change (precontemplation or contemplation; preparation or action; or maintenance) at baseline. Exposure (intervention uptake) was the level of intervention (<50%, 50%-74%, and ≥75%) received by the participant in terms of phone calls. Linear regressions were performed to model the outcomes of interest, presented as standardized mean values of the following: blood pressure, body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, physical activity, and the 4 health-related behaviors.

RESULTS

For each outcome of interest, considering the intervention uptake, the magnitude and direction of the intervention effect differed by country and by participants’ stage of readiness to change at baseline. Among those in the high intervention uptake category, reductions in systolic blood pressure were only achieved in Peru, whereas fruit and vegetable consumption also showed reductions among those who were at the maintenance stage at baseline in Argentina and Guatemala.

CONCLUSIONS

Designing interventions oriented toward improving health-related lifestyle behaviors may benefit from recognizing baseline readiness to change and issues in implementation uptake.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01295216; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01295216 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/72tMF0B7B).
Development of the Multidimensional Readiness and Enablement Index for Health Technology (READHY) Tool to Measure Individuals’ Health Technology Readiness: Initial Testing in a Cancer Rehabilitation Setting (Preprint)
Authors: Kayser Lars , Rossen Sine , Karnoe Astrid , Elsworth Gerald , Vibe-Petersen Jette , Christensen Jesper Frank , Ried-Larsen Mathias , Osborne Richard H
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

The increasing digitization of health care services with enhanced access to fast internet connections, along with wide use of smartphones, offers the opportunity to get health advice or treatment remotely. For service providers, it is important to consider how consumers can take full advantage of available services and how this can create an enabling environment. However, it is important to consider the digital context and the attributes of current and future users, such as their readiness (ie, knowledge, skills, and attitudes, including trust and motivation).

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate how the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire (eHLQ) combined with selected dimensions from the Health Education Impact Questionnaire (heiQ) and the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) can be used together as an instrument to characterize an individual’s level of health technology readiness and explore how the generated data can be used to create health technology readiness profiles of potential users of health technologies and digital health services.

METHODS

We administered the instrument and sociodemographic questions to a population of 305 patients with a recent cancer diagnosis referred to rehabilitation in a setting that plans to introduce various technologies to assist the individuals. We evaluated properties of the Readiness and Enablement Index for Health Technology (READHY) instrument using confirmatory factor analysis, convergent and discriminant validity analysis, and exploratory factor analysis. To identify different health technology readiness profiles in the population, we further analyzed the data using hierarchical and k-means cluster analysis.

RESULTS

The confirmatory factor analysis found a suitable fit for the 13 factors with only 1 cross-loading of 1 item between 2 dimensions. The convergent and discriminant validity analysis revealed many factor correlations, suggesting that, in this population, a more parsimonious model might be achieved. Exploratory factor analysis pointed to 5 to 6 constructs based on aggregates of the existing dimensions. The results were not satisfactory, so we performed an 8-factor confirmatory factor analysis, resulting in a good fit with only 1 item cross-loading between 2 dimensions. Cluster analysis showed that data from the READHY instrument can be clustered to create meaningful health technology readiness profiles of users.

CONCLUSIONS

The 13 dimensions from heiQ, HLQ, and eHLQ can be used in combination to describe a user’s health technology readiness level and degree of enablement. Further studies in other populations are needed to understand whether the associations between dimensions are consistent and the number of dimensions can be reduced.
QUANTITATIVE STRUCTURE–PHARMACOKINETICS MODELING OF THE UNBOUND CLEARANCE FOR NEUTRAL DRUGS
Authors: Zhivkova Zvetanka
Published: March 2018

Objective: Prediction of pharmacokinetic behaviour of new candidate drugs is an important step in drug design. Clearance is a key pharmacokinetic parameter, controlling drug exposure in the body. It depends on numerous factors and is frequently restricted by plasma protein binding. The study is focused on the development of quantitative structure-pharmacokinetic relationship (QSPkR) for the unbound clearance (CLu) of neutral drugs.Methods: The dataset consisted of 117 neutral drugs, divided into training set (n = 94) and external test set (n = 23). Chemical structures were encoded by 113 theoretical descriptors. Genetic algorithm and step-wise multiple linear regression were applied for model development. The model was evaluated by cross-validation in the training set and external test set.Results: Significant, predictive and interpretable QSPkR model was developed with explained variance r2 = 0.617, cross-validated correlation coefficient q2LOO-CV = 0.554, external test set predictive coefficient r2pred = 0.656, and root mean square error in prediction RMSEP = 1.89. The model was able to predict CLu for 56% of the drugs in the external test set within the 2-fold error of experimental values.Conclusion: The model reveals the main molecular features governing CLu of neutral drugs. CLu is favoured by lipophilicity, the presence of fused aromatic rings, ester groups, dihydropyridine moieties and nine-member ring systems, while polarity, molecular size and strong electron withdrawing atoms and groups as substituents in aromatic rings affect negatively CL
LOCALIZATION AND ORIENTATION OF METHOXY FLAVONOIDS IN DPPC BILAYERS: EFFECT ON THEIR ANTI-PROLIFERATIVE ACTIVITY
Authors: Sinha Ragini , Joshi Urmila J. , Joshi Akshada , Govil Girjesh
Published: March 2018

Objective: Flavones and flavonols are an important class of naturally occurring flavonoids. They are well known for their pharmacological activity. This activity is associated with the ability of flavones and flavonols to influence membrane–dependent processes. In this paper, we have reported localization, orientation and interaction, of four synthesized flavone/flavonols with 1, 2–dipalmitoyl–sn–glycero–3–phosphocholine (DPPC) bilayers. These are compared with standard flavone; chrysin (CHY) and flavonol Quercetin (QUE).Methods: The molecules studied are 4ʹ–methoxy flavone (MF), 3ʹ,4ʹ–dimethoxyflavone (DMF), 4ʹ–methoxyflavonol (MF–ol) and 3ʹ,4ʹ–dimethoxyflavonol (DMF–ol). The techniques used are Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and multi–nuclear NMR.Results: Highest binding to lipid bilayers is shown by DMF, followed by QUE. Based on DSC studies it is seen, that maximum interaction of MF and DMF, takes place with the hydrophobic core of lipid bilayers. DMF–ol shows formation of a heterogeneous system at higher concentrations. The 1H NMR spectra of unilamellar vesicles of DPPC, incorporated with MF, DMF and MF–ol shows significant interaction of these compounds with the alkyl chain of the hydrophobic core. MF, DMF and MF–ol acquire parallel orientation in bilayers with the B–ring pointing towards hydrophobic core, while DMF–ol acquire mixed orientation. This may be ascribed to the presence of two methoxy and one hydroxyl group on the B–ring of DMF–ol which hinders its partitioning inside the hydrophobic core of lipid bilayer. Multi–lamellar vesicles (MLV) of DPPC incorporated with flavones, show maximum increase in Chemical Shift Anisotropy in 31P spectrum of DMF. This is followed by MF. DSC.Conclusion: NMR and binding studies indicate that DMF is partitioned deeply inside the hydrophobic core, while MF, MF–ol and DMF–ol are mostly located in the vicinity of sn–glycero region. Therefore, we conclude that DMF which penetrates deepest inside the hydrophobic core also shows the highest anti–proliferative activity against K562 and MCF–7 cancer cell lines. Its activity is also better than CHY.
TOXICITY OF ATRAZINE AND RELATED TO TESTICULAR, TISSUE DAMAGING ENZYME LEVELS IN POECILIA SPHENOPS
Authors: Vasanth S. , Bupesh G. , Vijayakumar T. Siva , Subramanian P. , Ramasamy P.
Published: March 2018

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the toxic effects of Atrazine (ATZ) on the enzyme levels in Poecilia sphenops.Methods: The cytosolic testicular enzyme and tissue-damaging enzyme activity were measured in Poecilia sphenops was exposed to 3 sub-lethal concentrations (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/l) of atrazine for 100days and control was also maintained. The toxic effects of ATZ to Poecilia sphenops were assessed through testicular marker enzyme, tissue-damaging enzyme level.Results: The activities of testicular functional enzyme ALP, ACP, SDH, LDH, G6PDH and tissue-damaging the activities of glutamate oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamate pyruvic transaminase (GPT) activity levels were altered in treated groups compared with that of the control.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that atrazine induces tissue damage in terms of enhanced enzyme activity and testicular enzyme activity in Poecilia sphenops. Atrazine has toxicity to the reproductive system in Poecilia sphenops.
ANTI CANCER STUDIES OF SELECTIVE MANNICH BASES BY IN SILICO METHOD
Authors: Muruganandam L. , R. Maheswari
Published: March 2018

Objective: To evaluate the anticancer activities of selective Mannich bases by in silico methods.Methods: X-ray crystallographic structure of Estrogen receptor protein (PDB ID 2YAT) was downloaded from the protein data bank (PDB) and is docked with the target Mannich bases using Accelyrs Discovery Studio client version 2.5 software.Results: Based on the in silico analysis results of the target compounds with standard drug tamoxifen, the best-docked compound is identified and its anticancer activity is confirmed by using in vitro MTS analysis using Raju and Jurkat cell lines.Conclusion: The mannich base compound N-[(Diphenylamino) methyl] acetamide showed fourfold higher activity than standard drug tamoxifen, may be used to overcome the drug resistance of Estrogen receptor protein.
BIOLOGICAL INFLUENCE OF METHENAMINE SILVER ON BROILERS
Authors: Plotnikov Evgenii , Plotnikov Vladimir
Published: March 2018

Objective: Important trend in the global agribusiness is restrictions of antibiotics content in meat and poultry products. Widespread of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms leads to huge losses of the effectiveness of the drugs. The aim of the present work was an investigation of the biological activity of antibacterial complex–silver methenamine poultry farming.Methods: The study of biochemical and hematological indices of blood we performed one day after single and course of oral drug administration on broilers Ross 308. Evaluation of biological action in industrial poultry farming was carried out on a group of 30 thousand broilers after a course of oral administration.Results: revealed the silver complex (in form of water solution) has no toxic effects on blood parameters. It was shown the positive influence on survival and productivity of broilers.Conclusion: Methenamine silver has certain potential as prospect drug and food additive.
PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SOME SELECTED VARIETIES OF PIPER BETLE L.
Authors: Begam K. Mydeen Fathima , Ravichandran P. , Manimekalai V.
Published: March 2018

Objective: To Analyse the major phytochemical components in selected varieties of P. betle leaves using GC-MS.Methods: P. betle leaves were shade dried and pulverized to powder in a mechanical grinder. The powder was successively extracted with ethanol (40-60 °C). The extracts were concentrated under reduced pressure in a rotary evaporator. The ethanolic extracts of the plant leaves were used for GC-MS analysis.Results: In the present study ten chemicals were identified and compared from the P. betle varieties, the major component being Eugenol, which is responsible for the flavour and aroma of the leaves.Conclusion: Variety Karpoori possesses the highest content of Eugenol and could be used as a promising variety in the pharmaceutical industry. The components of essential oil can also serve as a determinant to distinguish different varieties of betle vine cultivars.
NEEDLE-FREE INJECTION SYSTEM
Authors: Dukare M. V. , Saudagar R. B.
Published: March 2018

Needle free injection system are to introduce the various medicines into patients without piercing the skin with a conventional needle. Needle-free technology offers the many benefit of reducing patient concern about the use of needle. Needle free injection is the very effective injections a wide range of drugs and bioequivalent to syringe and needle. It results in less pain, and is strongly preferred by patients. Additional benefits include very fast injection compared with conventional needles and no needle disposal issues. Not only benefit of the pharmaceutical industry to the increasing product sales, it has the added potential to increase compliance with dosage regimens and improved outcomes. Today, they are a steadily developing technology that promises to make the administration of medicine more efficient and less painful.