bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors for and Clinical Relevance of Incident and Progression of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Markers in an Asian Memory Clinic Population
Authors: Gyanwali Bibek , Shaik Muhammad Amin , Tan Boon Yeow , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy , Chen Christopher , Hilal Saima
Published: January 2019

Background:

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is one of the major contributors to cognitive impairment and dementia. However, data on the incidence and progression of SVD in an Asian population are lacking.

Objective:

The present study aims to investigate the incidence, progression, associated risk factors, and clinical relevance of SVD in a memory clinic setting.

Methods:

A prospective case-control study, where 346 patients underwent repeated brain MRI with a mean interval of 24.5 months, accessing white matter hyperintensities (WMH), lacunes and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs). Severity of cognitive impairment was assessed using Clinical Dementia Rating scale and change in clinical diagnosis. Data on demographics, vascular risk factors, and clinical history were collected at baseline.

Results:

The prevalence of significant WMH (Fazekas ≥2) was 56.6% at baseline which progressed to 59.0% at follow-up. Overall prevalence of CMBs increased from 42.2% to 47.4% (9% new cases) and lacunes increased from 31.8% to 33.2% (2.1% new cases). Hypertension was associated with WMH progression (OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.99) and increasing age was associated with incident CMBs (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.08). Moreover, the use of lipid-lowering medications decreased the incidence of lacunes (OR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.61). The major risk factor for incident SVD was baseline SVD lesion load. WMH progression was associated with increased severity of cognitive impairment (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.16, 3.23).

Conclusion:

Vascular risk factors and baseline severity of SVD lesion load were associated with progression of SVD. Furthermore, WMH progression was linked with increased severity of cognitive impairment. Future studies should be aimed to slow cognitive deterioration by preventing SVD related brain damage by targeting vascular risk factors.
The Effect of Human HSP70 Administration on a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease Strongly Depends on Transgenicity and Age
Authors: Evgen’ev Michael , Bobkova Natalia , Krasnov George , Garbuz David , Funikov Sergei , Kudryavtseva Anna , Kulikov Alexei , Samokhin Alexander , Maltsev Andrey , Nesterova Inna
Published: January 2019

In humans, heat shock protein 70 is a key component of the machinery that protects neuronal cells from various stress conditions and whose production significantly declines during aging. Herein, we investigated the protective effect of sub-chronic intranasal administration of human Hsp70 on the state of neurons in the temporal cortex and areas of the hippocampus of old transgenic (Tg) 5XFAD mice (11–13 months), representing a late-onset model of hereditary Alzheimer’s disease. Quantitative analysis of the various neuronal pathologies between the two groups (Tg versus nTg) revealed maximal levels of abnormalities in the brains of aged Tg mice. Importantly, intranasal application of HSP70 had profound beneficial effects on neuron morphology in the temporal cortex and hippocampal regions when applied to the aged Tg mice but not in the case of age-matched, non-transgenic, littermate animals. Furthermore, the effect of HSP70 administration on neurons in the hippocampus and temporal cortex differed characteristically between the groups. Using RNA-Seq, we identified a lot of differentially expressed genes in the hippocampus of old Tg mice compared with those of nTg mice. Most importantly, we observed HSP70-induced upregulation of multiple genes participating in antigen processing and presentation especially the members of major histocompatibility complex (class I and II) in the brains of old 5XFAD Tg animals, suggesting that Hsp70 executes its beneficial role via activation of adaptive immunity. Overall, our data enable to conclude that Hsp70 treatment may be a safe and effective therapeutic application against Alzheimer-type neuropathologies manifested at the late stages of the disease.
Long-term harms from previous use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: A systematic review
Authors: Danborg P.B. , Valdersdorf M. , Gøtzsche P.C.
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND:

Millions of people are treated with antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). This clinical practice is based on short-term trials that have exaggerated the benefits and underestimated the harms. We also know too little about long-term harms.

AIM:

To assess harms of SSRIs and SNRIs that persist after end of drug intake.

METHODS:

Systematic review of placebo-controlled randomised trials of any length in patients with a psychiatric diagnosis and a follow-up of at least six months. Our primary outcomes were mortality, functional outcomes, quality of life and core psychiatric events. We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and checked the references for eligible articles. One researcher extracted data and another checked the data extraction.

RESULTS:

Our searches returned 9,153 unique records. We included 22 papers for 12 trials on SSRIs. Median intervention and follow-up periods were 15 and 52 weeks, respectively. Median number of randomised participants was 51; only two trials had a drop-out rate below 20%. Outcome reporting was less thorough during follow-up than for the intervention period and only two trials maintained the blind during follow-up. All authors concluded that the drugs were not beneficial in the long term. All trials reported harms outcomes selectively or did not report any. Only two trials reported on any of our primary outcomes (school attendance and number of heavy drinking days).

CONCLUSION:

The randomised trials currently available cannot be used to investigate persistent harms of antidepressants.
POPULATION-BASED ESTIMATES OF COMMUNITY-BASED ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS (ADRS) IN THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA
Authors: Almubark Rasha A. , Alshammari Thamir M. , Alqahtani Amani S. , BinDhim Nasser F.
Published: January 2019

Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) represent important preventable causes of mortality, morbidity, hospitalization and increased healthcare costs. Traditionally, ADRs are studied in a clinical setting, but it is also important to estimate rates of ADRs in the community. The current study aimed to estimate population-based rates of ADRs in the community in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted via registered pharmacists at community pharmacies across the 13 regions of KSA. The data were collected on an electronic online platform and included questions about participants’ demographics, health characteristics, experience with ADRs within the last 12 months and assess their knowledge about Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) reporting system.

Results: Data collection was conducted between June and August 2018. Data from 5,228 surveys was analyzed. After weighting, the national annual rate of ADRs was estimated to be 28.00% (95% confidence interval 26.10% -30.00%). Of the respondents reporting an ADR, 371 (30.26%) reported that they were aware of the SFDA reporting system. Those who indicated they were aware, were asked if they had ever filed a report in the system; 53 (14.29%) said they had made a report.

Conclusion: The results of this population-based estimates of community-based ADRs nationally in KSA showed that more than one quarter of the population had experienced ADR in the last 12 months. Future study is needed to better understand why these rates are higher in some regions than others, and what is needed to prevent high rates in subgroups such as women and those with chronic diseases.
The National Banking Crisis in Applied Early Warning System (EWS)
Authors: W Nadia Sasri
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this research is the research and development of the industrial sector's economy to the agricultural sector, as well as the influence of agricultural and industrial sectors on economic growth in Indonesia. The data used is time series data, 1960-2015. The method used in this research is Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). From the estimation results, it is concluded that the economic growth rate and the industrial sector negatively affect the agricultural sector, it can be said that the increasing economic growth achieved in Indonesia has increased the industrial sector and lower the agricultural sector. While the results of research that the agricultural sector negatively affect the economic growth while the industrial sector positively affects economic growth, in the sense that the agricultural sector has a bad contribution in economic growth in Indonesia.
Analysis of Some Factors Affecting Interest Rate Deposits And Savings At Umu Bank In East Java
Authors: Hendro P Moch Aditya , Sri Setiawati Ririt Iriani
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this study is to find out how many factors affect the rate of deposits and savings at commercial banks in East Java. This study uses secondary data for 15 years since 2001-2015 by using multiple linear regression analysis to determine the effect simultaneously and partially from Inflation variable, Gross Regional Domestic Product, Total Money Supply, Return On Assets to variable Interest Rate Deposit Rate And Savings as dependent variable. The results showed that simultaneously all the independent variables (X) affect the level of Deposits and savings. Partially variable of GRDP, JUB, ROA have an effect on significantly to deposit and saving interest rate while Inflation variable has no significant effect.
STUDI EMPIRIS KETERKAITAN PERDAGANGAN INTERNASIONAL DENGAN KUALITAS LINGKUNGAN MENGGUNAKAN CROSS-COUNTRIES DATA
Authors: Fibrianto Erwin Puji
Published: January 2019

Kualitas lingkungan merupakan sumber kehidupan dan pusat sumberdaya. Berbagai aktivitas ekonomi telah mempengaruhi kualitas lingkungan termasuk perdagangan internasional. Perdagangan internasional yang merupakan salah satu penggerak perekonomian sebuah negara selain menyumbangkan sejumlah pendapatan ternyata juga  berpengaruh pada kualitas lingkungan negara tersebut.

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui keterkaitan antara perdagangan internasional dengan kualitas lingkungan dimana model analisis yang digunakan adalah regresi linier berganda dengan metode pangkat terkecil (Ordinary Least Square). Variabel-variabel yang digunakan untuk menangkap keterkaitan tersebut diantaranya kualitas lingkungan yang diwakili dengan Environmental Performance Index (EPI), intensitas perdagangan, scale effect, technique effect, composition effect, serta satu variabel dummy atas tingkat pendapatan negara. Selain itu data yang digunakan dalam penelitian berupa data cross section satu periode antar negara.

Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perdagangan internasional berdampak positif pada kualitas lingkungan yang dibuktikan dengan nilai positif pada scale effect dan composition effect sedangkan technique effect tidak signifikan. Untuk variabel intensitas perdagangan dan dummy atas tingkat pendapatan negara juga bernilai positif.
IMPLEMENTASI KOLABORASI MODEL PENTAHELIX DALAM RANGKA MENGEMBANGKAN POTENSI PARIWISATA DI JAWA TIMUR SERTA MENINGKATKAN PEREKONOMIAN DOMESTIK
Authors: Aribowo Handy , Wirapraja Alexander , Putra Yudithia Dian
Published: January 2019

Jawa Timur selaku salah satu provinsi terbesar di Indonesia dianugerahi keindahan alam yang luar biasa,  memiliki beragam potensi pariwisata keindahan alam yang menarik. Jawa Timur juga memiliki kekayaan keragaman budaya, mulai dari bahasa hingga kuliner. Penelitian ini dilakukan dalam rangka untuk melihat bagaimana implementasi kolaborasi model Penta Helix untuk meningkatkan potensi pariwisata di Jawa Timur Adapun metodologi dalam penelitian ini menggunakan penelitian studi kasus, informan dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 5 orang yang terdiri atas pebisnis, pemerintah, komunitas, akademisi dan media yang mewakili model Penta Helix.  Hasil penelitian ini antara lain Industri pariwisata sebagai penghasil devisa terbesar, sering kurang optimal dalam menggerakkan sektor perekonomian dimana kurang berkembangnya industri pariwisata di daerah yang sering mengalami kendala karena kurangnya koordinasi di antara berbagai elemen-elemen. Dalam pengelolaan dan pengembangan pariwisata, diperlukan suatu kordinasi dan kolaborasi antara pihak pemerintah, pelaku bisnis pariwisata, komunitas, akademisi, serta media, disebut dengan kolaborasi Pentahelix dalam mengembangkan potensi wisata.
Por medio de un sistema informático en las escuelas de conducción
Authors: Velasteguí López Efraín , Bravo Córdova Brayan
Published: January 2019

En el presente ensayo se va a tratar un tema importante para las autoescuelas o escuelas de conducción como para la informática y otras especialidades ya que implica un ámbito muy importante en lo tránsito-vial, en sistemas y la recopilación de información que será útil en el caso de certificar a un nuevo conductor o chofer. Se busca que en todas las autoescuelas se certifiquen a alumnos que aseguren una mejor circulación vehicular, brinden un buen servicio (en el caso de los choferes), seguro y eficiente, y reducir considerablemente los accidentes de tránsito, que en estos tiempos ha aumentado desmesuradamente. La gestión mediante un sistema informático en las autoescuelas, es lo que conlleva a llevar un buen registro y control de los alumnos, ya que, existe un número que son certificados, sin conocimiento alguno, ya sea por actos injustificables como son: sobornos, trampas, hurto, entre otros., llegando incluso a ocupar cargos que pueden involucrar a otras vidas. En este tema se va a mencionar asuntos esenciales que serán vitales para proyectar la idea que se ha planteado para reducir estos trágicos casos, que ya va llevando a más personas en este año. Cada tema es investigado y analizado de diferentes autores, páginas web, revistas, diarios o libros citados, con el fin de que este ensayo sea justificado, los mismos que llevan información necesaria para la ingeniería de sistemas, que también implicara en lo profesional. Para finalizar se dejará las debidas conclusiones que parezcan más oportunas para la práctica del tema.
Herramientas de calidad total y la competitividad: caso sector carrocero de la provincia de Tungurahua.
Authors: Navarrete Fonseca Mario Fernando , Pilamunga Yanzapanta Evelin Silvana , Néstor Santiago Silva Ramos
Published: January 2019

La procuración de las empresas carroceras en el Ecuador en cuanto al manejo de herramientas de calidad es latente, pues del uso de ellas depende mucho si son competitivas en el mercado local e internacional. Lo que se busco es indagar de qué manera las herramientas de calidad total se relacionan con la medición de la competitividad productiva en el sector carrocero de la provincia de Tungurahua. El estudio tuvo métodos teóricos y empíricos, el enfoque fue cuantitativo. El diseño exploratorio, descriptivo y correlacional; la población de estudio 112 persona 96 clientes internos. La técnica para la recolección de datos la encuesta cuyo instrumento (cuestionario) estaba constituido por 23 ítems.  Los resultados de mayor impacto fueron: que las herramientas de calidad total se relacionan con la competitividad productiva en el sector carrocero de la provincia de Tungurahua con un promedio de 0,850, solo el 24% de las empresas cuentan con la certificación ISO, de la cantidad total de empresas carroceras Tungurahua ocupa un 65% de participación, para contratar al personal no son tomadas en cuenta las competencias necesarias y no existe programas de reducción de costos en la producción. Fue conveniente elaborar la metodología para aplicación de herramientas de calidad.
Awareness Level of Cervical Cancer among Rural Women Attending Manikgonj 250-Bedded District Hospital, Manikgonj
Authors: Rahman Farzana , Bhattacharjee Avisak
Published: January 2019

Background: Cervical cancer is a typically slow-growing cancer that may not have symptoms, but can be early diagnosed by Pap smear and Visual Inspection of Cervix with Acetic Acid (VIA). The burden of the disease is increasing in developing countries day by day due to the ascending trend of transmissible diseases such as HIV and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

Objective: The main aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness regarding cervical cancer among the women attending outpatient department of Manikgonj 250-bedded district hospital, Manikgonj.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted among the women attending the OPD of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department of Manikgonj 250-bedded district hospital from June, 2017 to October, 2017. The respondents were selected by random sampling. A pre-structured, interview-based data collection sheet was prepared, which was used as a research tool. Data were collected by interview of the patients and then data were gathered, decorated and tabulated after data cleaning and edition. Then the results were presented in tabular and figure forms. As it is a descriptive type of cross-sectional study p value determination was not required to see the level of significance.

Results: In this study mean age of 50 respondents was 24.18 ± 6.63 years. The maximum respondents (62%) were from 20−30 years age group. Out of 50 respondents 46% were married and 24% were unmarried. Among the study subjects 84% knew about cervical cancers, 28% respondents knew about the disease from uthan boithok and 26% by electronic and print media. Thirty six percent respondents knew about the risk factors of the disease, 42 (84%) heard about the disease, 60% thought that they are at self risk and 12% respondents underwent screening before. Among those (70.45%) who did not undergo screening blamed not having adequate knowledge about the risk factors. Seventy two percent of total respondents knew that district hospital is a center for screening. Fifty percent women did not have any knowledge regarding vaccination.

Conclusion: Majority respondents in this study did not know clearly about cervical cancer, specially its risk factors, vaccination, prevention and clinical profile of the disease.

J Enam Med Col 2019; 9(1): 34-40
Current Management Strategy of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Perveen Irin
Published: January 2019

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and is becoming the most common indication for liver transplant in the Western world. The disease spectrum varies from steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), advanced fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The global prevalence of NAFLD and NASH varies from 24–25% and 1.5–6.45% respectively among general population. Despite the disease burden and adverse outcome of the condition, no highly effective treatment is currently available for NAFLD. Considering its global prevalence and impact clinicians and researchers from different scientific associations worldwide tried hard to develop high-quality international guidelines to improve the management of NAFLD patients in clinical practice. This paper aims to discuss the management options for NAFLD based on five different well-known international guidelines. These guidelines agree on many points and disagree on some points. Notably these guidelines differ in determining alcohol threshold for defining NAFLD, in screening strategies in high-risk patients, the non-invasive test proposed for the diagnosis of NAFLD and advanced fibrosis in patients with NAFLD, in the follow-up protocols and, finally, in the proposed pharmacological treatment strategy.

J Enam Med Col 2019; 9(1): 46-56
In vitro Shootlets Multiplication and Callus Proliferation of Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) Plant
Authors: Bekheet SA , Reda AA , Eid SA
Published: January 2019

A protocol for in vitro multiplication and callus proliferation of jojoba was developed. Nodal segments were cultured on MS supplemented with 1 mg/l BA. For multiplication, combination of 1.5 mg/l BA + 1 mg/l IAA resulted in greater number of shootlet. While, 1 mg/l BA + NAA enhanced the height of shootlet and number of nodes. Also, the effect of adenine sulfate and TDZ on shootlets multiplication was examined. The maximum number of shootlets emergence was obtained with medium contained 30 mg/l adenine sulfate. Likewise, the used levels of TDZ specially 2 mg/l enhanced shootlets proliferation as well as length of shootlet and number of nodes. Callus induction using combinations of NAA or picloram with BA or Kn was evaluated. The maximum callus frequency was observed with 5 mg/l BA + 1 mg/l picloram followed by 5 mg/l BA + 2 mg/l picloram containing medium. It was found that fresh mass and growth value increased gradually till the third subculture.

Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 28(2): 201-214, 2018 (December)
Parametars for the evaluation of the quality of PVC containers for pharmaceutical preparations
Authors: Dimitrovska Aneta , Ugrinova Liljana , Trajkovic-Jolevska Suzana , Tanceva Slavica
Published: January 2019

An overview of the parameters for the evaluation of the quality of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) containers for pharmaceutical preparations is made. The requirements for the quality of PVC containers regulated by Ph. Eur., DIN and ISO standards differ in the prescribed parameters for physical, chemical and biological examination. Different ranges of tolerance for certain parameters also exist. The comparison of the parameters prescribed for these types of containers in Ph. Eur., DIN and ISO standards is made for a more detailed evaluation of PVC container quality.
Parameters for the evaluation of the quality of polyethylene andpolypropiylene containers and rubber stoppers for pharmaceutical preparations
Authors: Ugrinova Liljana , Dimitrovska Aneta , Trajkovic-Jolevska Suzana , Gavrilov Todor
Published: January 2019

An overview of the parameters for the evaluation of the quality of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) containers and rubber stoppers for pharmaceutical preparations is made. For the evaluation of the quality of the material in question, physical, chemical and biological examination were conducted according to the steps outlined in Ph. Eur., DIN and DIN ISO standards. The requirements for the quality of the PE and PP containers and rubber stoppers regulated by Ph. Eur., DIN and ISO standards differ in the required parameters for physical, chemical and biological examination. There also exist different ranges of tolerance for certain parameters.
Quantitative determination of glycyrrhizinic acid by square-wave voltammetry and high-pressure liquid chromatography
Authors: Dimitrovska Aneta , Mircevski Valentin , Kulevanova Svetlana
Published: January 2019

Novel adsorptive stripping square-wave voltammetric method as well as a new high-pressure liquid chromatographic method for direct determination of glycyrrhizinic acid in dosage pharmaceutical preparation, used against virus infections, have been developed. Glycyrrhizinic acid is an electrochemically active compound, which undergoes irreversible reduction on a mercury electrode surface in an aqueous medium. Its redox properties were studied thoroughly by means of square-wave voltammetry, as one of the most advanced electroanalytical technique. The voltammetric response depends mainly on the pH of the medium, composition of the supporting electrolyte, as well as the parameters of the excitement signal. It was also observed that the voltammetric properties strongly depend on the accumulation time and potential, revealing significant adsorption of glycyrrhizinic acid onto the mercury electrode surface. Upon this feature, an adsorptive stripping voltammetric method for quantitative determination of glycyrrhizinic acid was developed. A simple, sensitive and precise reversed phase HPLC method with photodiode array UV detection has also been developed, mainly for comparison and conformation of the results obtained with the voltammetric method.
Biopharmaceutical characterization of topical liposome formulations bearing 5-fluorouracil
Authors: Glavas-Dodov Marija , Fredro-Kumbaradzi Emilija , Calis Sema , Goracinova Katerina , Mladenovska Kristina , Simonoska Maja , Hincal Atila A.
Published: January 2019

Liposome dispersions and liposome gel formulations for topical administration were evaluated as modified release delivery systems for 5-fluorouracil. Drug substance has been entrapped in the internal aqueous compartment of liposomes during the preparation. The concentration of 5-fluorouracil in the hydration medium was varied and the effect on the liposome characteristics was considered. Liposome gel formulations were prepared by incorporation of liophylized liposomes into a structured vehicle of chitosan. The decrease of the amount of aqueous phase bearing total drug quantity (drug/aqueous phase ratio from 1:100, 1:60, 1:40) led to an increase of the percentage of liposome-entrapped drug, and decreased percentage of drug release, while particle size analysis showed no changes in vesicle size. Liposome gel formulations showed initially a higher drug release rate in comparision with liposome dispersions, which could be related to the release of “free” 5-fluorouracil, leaked from liposomes due to the process of liophylization. This was followed by slower release (after 1.5 hour) as a result of the influence of the viscosity of the gel matrix.
HPLC identification and determination of myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol and total flavonoids in herbal drugs
Authors: Kulevanova Svetlana , Stefova Marina , Kadifkova Panovska Tatjana , Stafilov Trajce
Published: January 2019

A new and rapid HPLC method for identification and determination of myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol and total flavonoids in ten herbal drugs of Macedonian origin is presented. Preparation of samples (Uvae ursi folim, Pruni spinosae flos, Sambuci flos, Betulae folim, Primulae flos, Herniariae herba, Centaurii herba, Tiliae flos, Robiniae pseudoacaciae flos, Bursae pastoris herba) included hydrolysis of glycosides and extraction of total aglycones with ethyl acetate. HPLC analysis with UV-diode array detection was carried out on RP C18 column, using 5% acetic acid and acetonitrile in agradient elution mode and column temperature of 30 o C. The monitoring of the elution is performed in the whole UV-range and the acquisition of data for quantitative analysis at 367 nm. Screening of the extracts showed presence of quercetin in nine, kaempferol in seven and myricetin in only one sample. The quantitative analysis showed that the content of quercetin ranged from 0.026-0.506 % (m/m), while for kaempferol it was from traces to 1.246 %. Uvaeursi folium and Pruni spinosae flos were rich in content of quercetin (0.482 % and 0.506 %, respectively), while Pruni spinosae flos and Robiniae pseudoaccaciae flos contained the highest amounts of kaempferol (1.246 % and 0.892 %, respectively). Myricetin was identified and determined only in Betulae folium (0.102 %). The content of total flavonoids in the investigated samples expressed in terms of quercetin ranged from 0.040 to 1.680 %. The proposed HPLC method is convenient for use in routine analysis of myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol, as well as for estimation of total flavonoids content in herbal drugs.
Validation of the method for determination of microbiological purity of the Caffetin® tablets
Authors: Todorovic Dragi , Sokolovska Ana , Babunovska Hristina
Published: January 2019

A validation of the method for determination of the microbiological purity of Caffetin® tablets has been done. For this purpose the test microorganisms: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger from the collection ATCC have been used. A non-specific nutritious medium for aerobic microorganisms and specific nutritious media for adequate test microorganisms: ENDO, Cetrimid, Baird-Parker and Sabouraud nutritious agar medium have been used. The method was performed in two modes: a direct inoculation into a nutritious medium and a membrane filtration. At the same time, a Challenge test was as well used the test of counting the growing colonies (CFU/ml). A calculation of the factor has been done, which represents relationship between growing microorganisms of the inoculated nutritious medium with and without adding to the examined preparation, as a criterion for acceptance of the achieved analytical results. The achieved values for the factor as a criterion for acceptance have shown satisfying values. It can be concluded that this method can be used for determination of the microbiological purity of Caffetin® tablets.
CLUSTERING KESETIAAN PELANGGAN DENGAN MODEL RFM (RECENCY, FREQUENCY, MONETARY) DAN K-MEANS
Authors: Sandi Tommi Alfian Armawan , Raharjo Mugi , Putra Jordy Lasmana , Ridwan Ridwan
Published: January 2019

Bisnis merupakan kegiatan yang tidak pernah berhenti, segala sesuatu yang menjadi peluang usaha pun dapat dijadikan bisnis yang menjanjikan kepada pelaku bisnis, semakin maju dan berkembangnya dunia usaha, membuat sebagian dari pebisnis gulung tikar, banyak faktor yang membuat mereka kesusahan dalam mempertahankan bisnisnya, diantaranya adalah pelanggan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan pelanggan potensial dan loyal kepada pelaku usaha, pelanggan yang potensial ditentukan dengan segmentasi pelanggan. Model RFM (Recency, Frequency, Monetary) digunakan untuk mencari atribut yang cocok untuk segementasi pelangan dan melalukan klastering menggunakan algoritma K-Means, model yang di keluarkan oleh K-Means pelanggan yang potensial memiliki nilai frekuensi yang besar. Menggunakan Davies bouldin index untuk membantu tingkat akurasi pada data klister.
A Review on the Control of the Mechanical Properties of Ankle Foot Orthosis for Gait Assistance
Authors: Adiputra Dimas , Nazmi Nurhazimah , Bahiuddin Irfan , Ubaidillah Ubaidillah , Imaduddin Fitrian , Abdul Rahman Mohd Azizi , Mazlan Saiful Amri , Zamzuri Hairi
Published: January 2019

In the past decade, advanced technologies in robotics have been explored to enhance the rehabilitation of post-stroke patients. Previous works have shown that gait assistance for post-stroke patients can be provided through the use of robotics technology in ancillary equipment, such as Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO). An AFO is usually used to assist patients with spasticity or foot drop problems. There are several types of AFOs, depending on the flexibility of the joint, such as rigid, flexible rigid, and articulated AFOs. A rigid AFO has a fixed joint, and a flexible rigid AFO has a more flexible joint, while the articulated AFO has a freely rotating ankle joint, where the mechanical properties of the AFO are more controllable compared to the other two types of AFOs. This paper reviews the control of the mechanical properties of existing AFOs for gait assistance in post-stroke patients. Several aspects that affect the control of the mechanical properties of an AFO, such as the controller input, number of gait phases, controller output reference, and controller performance evaluation are discussed and compared. Thus, this paper will be of interest to AFO researchers or developers who would like to design their own AFOs with the most suitable mechanical properties based on their application. The controller input and the number of gait phases are discussed first. Then, the discussion moves forward to the methods of estimating the controller output reference, which is the main focus of this study. Based on the estimation method, the gait control strategies can be classified into subject-oriented estimations and phase-oriented estimations. Finally, suggestions for future studies are addressed, one of which is the application of the adaptive controller output reference to maximize the benefits of the AFO to users.
Space Charge Effect and Resistance Switching in Doped Monocrystalline Silicones
Authors: Jin Xin , Wang Hai , Feng Caixin
Published: January 2019

In this work, we report the nonlinear carriers’ transport in n-doped monocrystalline silicone with millimeter-scale length. Ohm, effective trap filling, and Mott–Gurney regimes are distinguished from the current–voltage (I–V) curve. Two critical voltages are identified for the lower and upper limitations of an effective trap-filling regime. Meanwhile, the electrode spacing, temperature, and magnetic field dependence of the two critical voltages are demonstrated experimentally. In particular, we propose that the effective trap-filling process is irreversible under electric field. It is observed that the hysteresis of I–V curve initiates from the effective trap-filling regime and extends to the Mott–Gurney regime, forming the resistance-switching loop. In addition, the temperature dependence and the magnetic field dependence of the resistance-switching loop are reported. The above observations may shed light on dopants engineering on carrier dynamics in a space charge regime and further advance resistance-switching devices technology.
Survival Research Laboratories: A Dystopian Industrial Performance Art
Authors: Ballet Nicolas
Published: January 2019

This paper examines the leading role played by the American mechanical performance group Survival Research Laboratories (SRL) within the field of machine art during the late 1970s and early 1980s, and as organized under the headings of (a) destruction/survival; (b) the cyborg as a symbol of human/machine interpenetration; and (c) biomechanical sexuality. As a manifestation of the era’s “industrial” culture, moreover, the work of SRL artists Mark Pauline and Eric Werner was often conceived in collaboration with industrial musicians like Monte Cazazza and Graeme Revell, and all of whom shared a common interest in the same influences. One such influence was the novel Crash by English author J. G. Ballard, and which in turn revealed the ultimate direction in which all of these artists sensed society to be heading: towards a world in which sex itself has fallen under the mechanical demiurge.
Liver Kinase B1—A Potential Therapeutic Target in Hormone-Sensitive Breast Cancer in Older Women
Authors: Syed Binafsha Manzoor , Green Andrew R , Morgan David A L , Ellis Ian O , Cheung Kwok-Leung
Published: January 2019

Background: The role of liver kinase B1 (LKB1), a serine/threonine kinase, has been described in the development of PeutzJagher’s syndrome, where a proportion (~45%) of patients have developed breast cancer in their lifetime. Cell line studies have linked LKB1 with oestrogen receptors (ER) and with the Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway for energy metabolism. However, limited studies have investigated protein expression of LKB1 in tumour tissues and its intracellular relationships. This study aimed to investigate the intracellular molecular relationships of LKB1 in older women with early operable primary breast cancer and its correlation with long-term clinical outcome. Methods: Between 1973 and 2010, a consecutive series of 1758 older (≥70 years) women with T0-2N0-1M0 breast carcinoma were managed in a dedicated facility. Of these, 813 patients underwent primary surgery, and 575 had good quality tumour samples available for tissue microarray construction. LKB1 was assessed in 407 cases by indirect immunohistochemistry (IHC). Tumours with 30% or more of cells with cytoplasmic LKB1 expression were considered positive. LKB1 expression was compared with tumour size, histological grade, axillary lymph node stage, ER, PgR, EGFR, HER2, HER3, HER4, BRCA1&2, p53, Ki67, Bcl2, Muc1, E-Cadherin, CD44, basal (CK5, CK5/6, CK14 and CK17) and luminal (CK7/8, CK18 and CK19) cytokeratins, MDM2 and MDM4, and correlated with long-term clinical outcome. Results: Positive LKB1 expression was seen in 318 (78.1%) patients, and was significantly associated with high tumour grade, high Ki67, over-expression of HER2, VEGF, HER4, BRCA2, MDM2 and negative expression of CD44 (p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation with tumour size, axillary lymph node status, ER, PgR, p53, basal or luminal cytokeratins, Bcl2, Muc1, EGFR, HER3, MDM4, E-cadherin and BRCA1. LKB1 did not show any significant influence on survival in the overall population; however, in those patients receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy for ER positive tumours, those with positive LKB1 had significantly better 5-year breast cancer specific survival when compared to those without such expression (93% versus 74%, p = 0.03). Conclusion: LKB1 expression has shown association with poor prognostic factors in older women with breast cancer. However, LKB1 expression appears to be associated with better survival outcome among those patients receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy. Further research is required to explore its potential role as a therapeutic target.
Significance of Coronary Revascularization for Coronary-Artery Obstructive Lesions Due to Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Kitamura Soichiro , Tsuda Etsuko
Published: January 2019

As an acquired ischemic heart disease in childhood, coronary-artery disease caused by Kawasaki disease (KD) has been known worldwide since the mid-1970s. KD patients who develop coronary-artery obstructive disease often need revascularization some time in their life. Coronary-artery revascularization for KD coronary lesions can be done with the surgical coronary-artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. However, the characteristics of coronary-arterial lesions caused by KD significantly differ from atherosclerotic coronary disease in adults. Therefore, it is much more difficult to determine the optimal time and selection of a coronary-artery revascularization procedure for KD sequelae. CABG using the internal thoracic artery has been accepted as a very useful and beneficial procedure since the mid-1980s, even in small children. Although the use of PCI in the late period can be effective in some adolescent and adult patients, the small vessel size and severe coronary-artery calcification are often limiting factors for its use in children. Therefore, CABG is a better approach for severe leftanterior descending artery and multiple-vessel disease in children and adolescents with KD coronary sequelae. Good coronary revascularization can improve the long-term outcomes of patients with severe KD complications.
Peculiarities of Long-Term Changes in Air Temperatures Near the Ground Surface in the Central Baltic Coastal Area
Authors: Eensaar Agu
Published: January 2019

The peculiarities of the long-term change of the annual and monthly average air temperatures until 2017 in five cities of the coastal area of the Central Baltic region—Stockholm, Tallinn, Riga, Helsinki, and Saint Petersburg—were studied. The anomalies of the annual and monthly average air temperatures in relation to the average characteristics 1961–1990 were analyzed. The trends in the air temperature changes during 1980–2017, which come to 0.5 °C per ten years, have been found in the cities of the Central Baltic coastal area. The average air temperature in the Central Baltic cities has grown faster than the global and northern hemisphere. For the longer period of 1850–2017, the average annual rise of air temperature was within the range of 0.1 °C per ten years. The rise in temperature in different months is different, and the rise of the of the average temperature in the summer period has not occurred (at a significance level of 0.05). With the analysis of the frequency distributions of the average annual air temperatures and Welch’s t-test, it is demonstrated that the air temperature (at a significance level of 0.05) has risen in all the months only in Saint Petersburg during 1901–2017 in comparison to the 19th century. There has been no reliable rise of the air temperature during the century in February and from June to September in Riga, from June to October in Helsinki, from June to September in Stockholm, and in August and September in Tallinn. It was found that the average air temperature trends have a certain annual course. The air temperature has risen most in March and April, reaching 0.09 °C (Stockholm, Tallinn) up to 0.23 °C (Saint Petersburg) per ten years. From June to September, the rise of air temperature is considerably lower, remaining below 0.04 °C per ten years. The changes in air temperature are small during the summer and mid-winter; the air temperature has significantly risen in autumn and spring.
Simulation of the Process of Obtaining Nanoparticles by Thermal Decomposition
Authors: Kuzmicheva Anastasiya , Kosushkin Victor , Kozhitov Leo
Published: January 2019

In this work, the possibility of modeling the process of thermal decomposition in the COMSOL Multiphysics program for the preparation of nanoparticles of metals and their alloys was determined. To identify the most suitable pyrolysis medium, two environments are presented: a water solution and ethanol.
Hyperdiverse Macrofauna Communities Associated with a Common Sponge, Stylissa carteri, Shift across Ecological Gradients in the Central Red Sea
Authors: Kandler Nora M. , Wooster Michael K. , Leray Matthieu , Knowlton Nancy , de Voogd Nicole J. , Paulay Gustav , Berumen Michael L.
Published: January 2019

Sponges act as important microhabitats in the marine environment and promote biodiversity by harboring a wide variety of macrofauna, but little is known about the magnitude and patterns of diversity of sponge-associated communities. This study uses DNA barcoding to examine the macrofaunal communities associated with Stylissa carteri in the central Saudi Arabian Red Sea, an understudied ecosystem with high biodiversity and endemism. In total, 146 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were distinguished from 938 successfully-sequenced macrofauna individuals from 99 sponges. A significant difference was found in the macrofaunal community composition of S. carteri along a cross-shelf gradient using OTU abundance (Bray–Curtis dissimilarity index), with more amphipods associated with offshore sponges and more brittle stars and fishes associated with inshore sponges. The abundance of S. carteri also showed a gradient, increasing with proximity to shore. However, no significant differences in macrofaunal community composition or total macrofauna abundance were observed between exposed and sheltered sides of the reefs and there was no significant change in total macrofauna abundance along the inshore–offshore gradient. As climate change and ocean acidification continue to impact coral reef ecosystems, understanding the ecology of sponges and their role as microhabitats may become more important for understanding their full ramifications for biodiversity.
Special Issue on Astrophysics & Geophysics: Research and Applications
Authors: Srećković Vladimir , Nina Aleksandra
Published: January 2019

The earth’s layers and space are media permanently exposed to the influences of numerous perturbations characterized by time- and space-dependent intensity. For this reason, the detection of astrophysical and terrestrial events and their influences, as well as the development and application of various models, must be based on observational data. The aim of this Special Issue, “Astrophysics & Geophysics: Research and Applications” in Data, is to engage a wide community of scientists to reorganize and expand current knowledge in this field. This Special Issue contains five articles, which include a wide range of topics such as big data in astrophysics and geophysics, data processing, visualization and acquisition, Earth observational data, remote sensing, etc. We hope that the topic of this Special Issue of Data will be of continued interest and we look forward to seeing progress in this field.
Microstructure and Room Temperature Mechanical Properties of Different 3 and 4 Element Medium Entropy Alloys from HfNbTaTiZr System
Authors: Zýka Jiří , Málek Jaroslav , Veselý Jaroslav , Lukáč František , Čížek Jakub , Kuriplach Jan , Melikhova Oksana
Published: January 2019

Refractory high entropy alloys (HEA) are promising materials for high temperature applications. This work presents investigations of the room temperature tensile mechanical properties of selected 3 and 4 elements medium entropy alloys (MEA) derived from the HfNbTaTiZr system. Tensile testing was combined with fractographic and microstructure analysis, using scanning electron microscope (SEM), wavelength dispersive spectroscope (WDS) and X-Ray powder diffraction (XRD). The 5 element HEA alloy HfNbTaTiZr exhibits the best combination of strength and elongation while 4 and 3 element MEAs have lower strength. Some of them are ductile, some of them brittle, depending on microstructure. Simultaneous presence of Ta and Zr in the alloy resulted in a significant reduction of ductility caused by reduction of the BCC phase content. Precipitation of Ta rich particles on grain boundaries reduces further the maximum elongation to failure down to zero values.
A Method for Detecting Dynamic Mutation of Complex Systems Using Improved Information Entropy
Authors: Ju Bin , Zhang Haijiao , Liu Yongbin , Pan Donghui , Zheng Ping , Xu Lanbing , Li Guoli
Published: January 2019

In this study, a nonlinear analysis method called improved information entropy (IIE) is proposed on the basis of constructing a special probability mass function for the normalized analysis of Shannon entropy for a time series. The definition is directly applied to several typical time series, and the characteristic of IIE is analyzed. This method can distinguish different kinds of signals and reflects the complexity of one-dimensional time series of high sensitivity to the changes in signal. Thus, the method is applied to the fault diagnosis of a rolling bearing. Experimental results show that the method can effectively extract the sensitive characteristics of the bearing running state and has fast operation time and minimal parameter requirements.
Natural Convection and Irreversibility Evaluation in a Cubic Cavity with Partial Opening in Both Top and Bottom Sides
Authors: Oztop Hakan F. , A. Almeshaal Mohammed , Kolsi Lioua , Rashidi Mohammed Mehdi , E. Ali Mohamed
Published: January 2019

A numerical study on natural convection in a cubical cavity with partial top and bottom openings is performed in this paper. One of the vertical walls of the cavity has higher temperature than that of the opposite one; the remaining walls are insulated perfectly. Three-dimensional simulations of governing equations have been performed using a finite volume technique. The results are presented for different parameters such as opening length and Rayleigh number. It is observed that heat transfer rate and fluid flow can be controlled via opening ratio size and Rayleigh number.
Complex Valued Risk Diversification
Authors: Uchiyama Yusuke , Kadoya Takanori , Nakagawa Kei
Published: January 2019

Risk diversification is one of the dominant concerns for portfolio managers. Various portfolio constructions have been proposed to minimize the risk of the portfolio under some constraints, including expected returns. We propose a portfolio construction method that incorporates the complex valued principal component analysis into the risk diversification portfolio construction. The proposed method was verified to outperform the conventional risk parity and risk diversification portfolio constructions.