bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Outcome of Arthroscopic Remplissage as Augmentation During Arthroscopic Bankart Repair for Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability
Authors: Miyamoto Ryosuke , Yamamoto Atsushi , Shitara Hitoshi , Ichinose Tsuyoshi , Shimoyama Daisuke , Sasaki Tsuyoshi , Hamano Noritaka , Kobayashi Tsutomu , Osawa Toshihisa , Takagishi Kenji
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

We aimed to assess functional outcomes and postoperative recurrence rate associated with the remplissage procedure used for bone augmentation with Bankart repair in patients with Hill-Sachs lesions after shoulder dislocation.

Methods:

Preoperative computed tomography was performed to check for bony Bankart lesions,calculate the bone defect rate, and estimate the risk for re-dislocation. Functional and clinical scores were assessed preoperatively and at three months, six months, and one year postoperatively.

Results:

Between 2011 and 2014, 18 patients (17 male; age at surgery, 29.0±10.4 years; 18 affected shoulders) underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair with arthroscopic remplissage (remplissage group), and 18 sex- and age-matched controls underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair alone (control group). The incidence of bony Bankart lesion and glenoid bone defect was significantly higher in the remplissage group. No complications, re-dislocation, or re-subluxation was noted during or after the operation. Postoperatively, the range of motion and muscular weakness alleviated with time, and the clinical scores improved significantly from the preoperative values. However, the remplissage group showed significantly restricted shoulder flexion, abduction, internal rotation and external rotation even at one year postoperatively. Compared to the control group, the remplissage group showed significantly lower Rowe scores preoperatively, and both Rowe scores and University of California-Los Angeles scale scores remained significantly lower throughout the one-year follow-up.

Conclusion:

Despite some restriction of external rotation, remplissage leads to better clinical scores and no recurrence, providing a valid means of augmentation for Bankart repair in high-risk patients with engaged Hill-Sachs lesion.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF ORODISPERSIBLE TABLETS OF A MODEL ANTI-HYPERTENSIVE DRUG
Authors: Hiremath S. P. , Makanapur Chidambar
Published: November 2017

Objective: The rationale of the current work was to formulate and evaluate orodispersible tablets by direct compression technique with a vision to augment patient compliance and rapid onset of action.Methods: Nine orodispersible formulations of propranolol were formulated by direct compression method using sodium starch glycolate, crospovidone and croscarmellose sodium as the super disintegrants. The prepared formulations were evaluated for wetting time, drug content, in vitro disintegration time, dispersion time, dissolution time and also projected to kinetic treatment to know the pattern of drug release. Further, the discovered promising formulation was subjected to stability studies.Results: Based on the results obtained, formulation F9 containing6 mg of croscarmellose sodium exhibited good wetting time, dispersion time, and disintegration time and drug release compared to orodispersible tablets prepared with other super disintegrants. The stability studies piloted as per International Conference on Harmonisation guidelines on the promising formulationF9disclosedno significant changes in the colour (white), drug content (94.87±0.141 mg), hardness (2.93±0.18 kg/cm2), disintegration time (17.11±0.089 s), and drug release after 4 w. After 60 s, the percentage drug release of F9 was found to be 98.52 % and 96.30 % after 1 and 4 w, respectively.Conclusion: Orodispersible tablets of propranolol hydrochloride were formulated successfully by employing direct compression technique. From the investigation, it can be reasonably concluded that F9 batch orodispersible tablets of propranolol with 6 mg of crospovidone exhibited maximum cumulative drug release in 60 s.
POTENTIAL ANTI-TUMOR AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF SIX MISTLETOE PLANTS IN THE FAMILY VISCACEAE PRESENT IN WESTERN GHATS, INDIA
Authors: Kuttan Ramadasan , G. Sivamurthy R. , Kuttan Girija
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo find out the cytotoxicity, anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activities of six species of plants belongs to Viscaeceae family available in Western Ghats (India).MethodsIn vitro cytotoxicity of Viscum extracts was studied by trypan blue exclusion method and MTT assay using various cell lines. Anti-tumor activity was determined using Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) and Dalton’s lymphoma ascites (DLA) cells in mice. Anti-inflammatory activities of Viscum extracts were studied using carrageenan and dextran induced mouse paw edema models in mice.ResultsAll six Viscaeceae plant extracts studied were cytotoxic towards transformed cell lines like DLA and EAC as well as to MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and SKBR3 cell lines. V.orientale, V.nepalense and V.ramosissimum, V.trilobatum were cytotoxic towards normal cells while V.angulatum and V.capitellatum were found to be nontoxic. Excepting V.angulatum all the other species selected here showed toxicity to animals. Administration of nontoxic concentration of extracts of Viscaeceae plants significantly (P<0.001) increased the lifespan of ascites tumor bearing animals and reduced DLA cells induced solid tumor development. All these plants except V.capitallatum and V.trilobatum showed significant (P<0.001) anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan and dextran models and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.ConclusionOut of six species studied four species of Viscum species studied were cytotoxic to tumour cells and inhibited tumour development. Of the six species studied V. angulatum was non-toxic to animals and showed maximum efficiency as an antitumour agent. These plants showed significant anti-inflammatory activity and reduced inflammatory markers.
VALIDATED SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC METHOD TO DETERMINE VARDENAFIL AND SILDENAFIL IN PHARMACEUTICAL FORMS USING POTASSIUM IODIDE AND POTASSIUM IODATE
Authors: Sakur Amir Alhaj , Affas Shaza
Published: November 2017

Objective: To develop and validate simple, sensitive, precise and free of organic solvents method for the determination of sildenafil (SIL) and vardenafil (VAR) in bulk and pharmaceutical formulation.Methods: The method is based on the reaction of studied drugs with a mixture of potassium iodide and potassium iodate in an aqueous medium at (25±2 °C) to form yellow coloured triiodide ions (I3-) within 45 min. The reaction is followed spectrophotometrically by measuring the absorbance at 288, 351 nm and 285, 351 nm for sildenafil and vardenafil respectively.Results: The effects of analytical parameters on the reported systems were investigated. Beer's law of SIL was obeyed in the range of (0.4-12) μg ml-1and (0.6-16) μg ml-1. Molar absorptivity was found to be (67.659 ×103) lmol/cmand (37.955×103) lmol/cm at 288 nm, 351 nm respectively. Beer's law of VAR was obeyed in the range of (0.2-13) μg/mland (0.5-40) μg/ml. Moreover, molar absorptivity’s were found to be (68.719 ×103) l mol-1 cm-1and (26.691×103) l mol-1 cm-1 at 285 nm, 351 nm respectively.Conclusion: The proposed method has been applied to determine the components in dosage forms with an average recovery of 98.15% to 103.45% and the results have been found in good agreement with those results obtained by the reference methods.
PURIFICATION AND MOLECULAR WEIGHT DETERMINATION OF KERATINASE ISOLATED FROM STREPTOMYCES MALAYSIENSIS
Authors: Pavani M. , Girijasankar G. , Mallika K. , Sagar G. Vidhya
Published: November 2017

Objective: The aim of the present study was to purify and determine the molecular weight of keratinase isolated from Streptomyces malaysiensis.Methods: For that purpose purification was done using ammonium sulphate and Sephadex-LH 100 column chromatography. Further, the fractions were pooled and subjected to molecular weight determination using sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).Results: The obtained results showed keratinase with 47.57% recovery, 3.5-fold purification and an estimated molecular mass of 27,000 Da. Keratinase showed an optimal activity at 60 οC and pH 8. Keratinase activity of the purified product was assayed with feather powder as a substrate. The isolated strain was identified as Streptomyces malaysiensis based on phylogenetic tree analysis. The strain isolated from termite mound soil showed the highest keratinase activity, which could be considered a microorganism of environmental origin.Conclusion: The production of keratinase on simple media with feathers as sole source allowing its production from the cheap substrate and a commercial production with low production cost. Stability in the presence of detergents, surfactants and solvents make this keratinase extremely useful for a biotechnological process involving keratin.
GENOME-WIDE PREDICTION OF HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS SPECIFIC T-CELL EPITOPES USING A COMBINATION OF MATRIX BASED COMPUTATIONAL TOOLS
Authors: Mohan Manikandan , Sundar Krishnan
Published: November 2017

Objective: To predict the immunogenic epitopes from human papillomavirus (HPV) virus using matrix based computational tools.Methods: In the present study, three matrix based algorithms, SYFPETHI, BIMAS and RANKPEP were used to predict the cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes of HPV 16 and 18. The ability of the peptides to bind HLA A_0201, a most common allele, was evaluated using these algorithms. High scoring peptides were considered as potential binders.Results: Evaluation of HPV 16 proteome resulted in the prediction of 249 peptides as potential binders. Out of these only 25 peptides were predicted as binders by all three algorithms. Analysis of HPV 18 predicted 215 peptides, as potential binders. Among the 215 peptides only 20 peptides were predicted as binders by all three algorithms.Conclusion: The efficacy of these peptides in inducing a stronger immune response needs to be tested using in vitro and in vivo assays. The identified epitopes could be used in designing a novel epitope vaccine for HPV.
NANOEMULSION GEL OF NUTRACEUTICAL CO-ENZYME Q10 AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO CONVENTIONAL TOPICAL DELIVERY SYSTEM TO ENHANCE SKIN PERMEABILITY AND ANTI-WRINKLE EFFICIENCY
Authors: El- Leithy Eman S. , Makky Amna M. , Khattab Abeer M. , Hussein Doaa G.
Published: November 2017

Objective: The object of our investigation was to develop and characterize nanoemulsion gel (NEG) as transdermal delivery systems for the poorly water soluble drug, Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10), to improve its solubility and skin permeability and thus improving its anti-wrinkle efficiency.Methods: An optimized nanoemulsion (NE) formula was chosen according to its particle size and stability and converted into nanoemulsion gel using different gelling agents, including; carbopol 934 (1%), xanthan gum (2%) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose(NaCMC) (2%). Drug loaded nanoemulsion gels were characterized for particle size, zeta potential, viscosity and rheological behavior, conductivity, spreadability, drug content and permeation studies using Franz diffusion cell.Results: NEG containing 10% w/v isopropyl myristate (IPM) as oil, 60% w/v tween 80 and transcutol HP as surfactant/co-surfactant mixture (S/CoS), 30%w/v water, 2%w/v drug, and 1% w/v carbopol 934 as gelling gent was concluded as an optimized NEG formula. It exhibited pH, viscosity, drug content, particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index(PDI) and spreadability, as 5.4±0.011, 27588±2034.34 cps,101.51±0.93%,120.5±1.19 nm,-29.8±1.46, 0.273 and 6.16±0.28 cm, respectively. Also, it showed significantly higher cumulative amount of drug permeated through dialysis membrane (281.71±0.97μg/cm2) and through rat skin (20.73±2.5 μg/cm2) than the other formulae and marketed formulation (P<0.001). In addition, its permeability parameters like drug flux (Jss), enhancement ratio (Er) and permeability coefficient (Kp) exhibited the highest values; 12.79µg/cm2/h, 95.92×10-4 cm2/h and 57.35, respectively for in vitro permeation study and 0.968µg/cm2/h, 7.26×10-4 cm2/h and 1.183, respectively for ex-vivo permeation study.Further histopathological evaluation test showed that CoQ10 NEG has a good anti-wrinkle efficacy compared to the conventional topical dosage form.Conclusion: These results judged NEG to be a promising alternative carrier for topical delivery of CoQ10 to enhance its solubility, skin permeability and thus anti-wrinkle efficiency.
NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF ARTOCARPUS LAKOOCHA EXTRACT AND OXYRESVERATROL AGAINST HYDROGEN PEROXIDE-INDUCED TOXICITY IN SH-SY5Y CELLS
Authors: . Hasriadi , Wong-on Matusorn , Lapphanichayakool Phakhamon , Limpeanchob Nanteetip
Published: November 2017

Objective: Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb. is a traditional medical plant native to Southeast Asia and used as a dried aqueous extract so-called puag haad. Its role (and its major ingredient, oxyresveratrol) as an antioxidant neuroprotectant were explored.Methods: Differentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells in 96-well plates were challenged with 200 µM H2O2 for 4 h and either Trolox (100 µM), oxyresveratrol (5-100 µM), or puag haad (1.2-25 µg/ml) applied 2 h before H2O2 or for 20 h after H2O2 washout. Cell viability, mitochondrial function, intracellular ROS, and lipid peroxidation were assessed.Results: Continuous presence of both H2O2 and antioxidant reduced mitochondrial function by ~50% but only by 30% with antioxidant. Sustained 24 h H2O2 showed no recoveries with antioxidants. Cell viability was modestly restored when antioxidants accompanied H2O2 for 4 h and both washed for another 20 h, but little recovery of mitochondrial function even though antioxidants removed ROS and prevent lipid peroxidation. Antioxidants added for 20 h after H2O2 marginally improve mitochondria and modestly restore cell viability, but lipid peroxidation was completely reversed.Conclusion: These results show that mitochondrial protection was illusive, yet both tested compounds, puag haad and oxyresveratrol, improved cell viability and especially ROS levels and lipid peroxidation. The potency oxyresveratrol on the redox-sensitive expression of antioxidant enzymes and its pharmacokinetics suggests that oral puag haad could provide effective protection in transient neurodegenerative disease.
CYTOTOXICITY EVALUATION OF TITANIUM AND ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES ON HUMAN CELL LINES
Authors: Gandamalla Durgaiah , Lingabathula Harikiran , Yellu Narsimha Reddy
Published: November 2017

Objective: In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of titanium dioxide, 20 nm (TNP 20) and zinc oxide, 20 nm (ZNP 20) nanoparticles (NP) were tested on different types of human skin (HaCat), lung (A549), liver (Hep G2) and colon (Caco-2) cell cultures in relevance to human risk assessmentMethods: The different concentrations of test TNP 20 and ZNP 20 1-300 µg/ml were exposed to determine the cell viability reduction on four human cell lines after 48 h post exposure using 3-(4, 5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT). The mitochondrial membrane activities of the viable cells were determined with intensity of formazon formation by interpreting ELISA absorbance values at 470 nm.Results: The percent of cytotoxicity was determined by comparing percentage of cell viability reduction of test with that of control. The ZNP 20 produced higher cytotoxicity at the doses 100 (p<0.05) and 300 (p<0.001) µg/ml significantly on tested four human skin (HaCaT), lung (A549), liver (Hep G2) and colon (Caco-2) cells compared to TNP 20. The tested NP induced lesser cytotoxicity at lower concentrations with 1 and 3µg/ml in all the tested four cell lines. The induced cytotoxicity was an indicator for increased intracellular reactive oxygen species which further cause’s major cell damage and cell death.Conclusion: The tested NP were induced greater cytotoxicity in the colon, Liver, lung and skin cells at higher concentrations 100 and 300 µg/ml significantly. The cytotoxicity order of TNP 20 and ZNP 20 at the highest dose (300µg/ml) were concluded as Caco-2>Hep G2>A549>HaCaT for 48 h post exposed cells.
PRAKTIK BENTUK BANTEN PRAYASCITA DI KOTA DENPASAR
Authors: Sukiani Ni Ketut
Published: November 2017

[Title: The form of Banten Prayascita at Denpasar City] In the implementation of Hindu traditional reigious ceremonies in Bali, they are many types and forms of bantens are used. This causes the people’s lack understanding of the correct form of the banten. Especially on Prayascita banten, where this banten has various forms. This study aims to deepen the knowledge of the forms of Prayascita banten used in the conduct of religious ceremonies by Hindu people, thus will let people know the right form of banten Prayascita. In this research, the data source obtained by doing literature review and interviews to interviewees who are experts in religion as well as experts in making the banten itself. This research uses qualitative research methods through a qualitative approach that spend more focuses on the integrity of a cultural phenomenon. Banten Prayascita is one of many kinds of banten which has a very important function and always used in every implementation of Hindu traditional religious ceremony. There are various forms of Prayascita banten used in Hindu ceremonies. The most common forms of Prayascita banten are banten Prayascita biasa, banten Prayascita sakti, and banten Prayascita luwih.
Maori Prophetic Movements as Sites of Political Resistance: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Rangiwai Byron
Published: November 2017

This article will argue that Māori prophetic movements were sites of political resistance where Māori prophets resisted colonisation and developed syncretic theologies that gave their followers a sense of hope within a tumultuous colonial environment. The movements of four Māori prophets will be discussed in chronological order: Te Atua Wera and the Nākahi movement; Te Ua Haumēne and the Pai Mārire or Hauhau movement; Te Kooti’s Ringatū movement; and Rua Kēnana and the Iharaira movement. This article will critically analyse these Māori prophetic movements as sites of religious and political resistance to show how Māori prophets challenged colonisation and land loss.
DEVELOPMENT OF METHODS FOR PROVIDING ACCURATE PIPELINE ROUTINGCONSIDERING THE TOLERANCES OF THE PIPE STRUCTURAL DIMENSIONS ARISING IN THEIR MANUFACTURING USING DESIGN DRAWINGS
Authors: Ngo Gia Viet  , Vo Trung Quang , Sakhno Konstantin Nickolaevich
Published: November 2017

The articie consider the problem of increasing technological efficiency of the pipelines of ship systems at the design stage. The ways of manufacturing and assembling the ship pipelines without measuring in situ have been presented. There has been done the analysis of standardized deviations controlled in the process of pipe manufacturing according to the drawings. The article reveals the reasons making inappropriate the technology of manufacturing pipes according to the project documentation by the method of bending. The reasons of deviation development and amount of deflection from structural dimensions that arise during the pipe manufacturing have been determined.
ENERGY SYSTEMS OF MARINE DIESEL POWER PLANTS: SUBSTANTIATION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR RELABILITY
Authors: Borovikova Irina Anatolievna
Published: November 2017

The article touches upon reliability issues of energy management systems (EMS) of marine power plants in emergency situations caused by disturbance of the working media consumption and their subsequent recovery. The mathematical model of processes allows to determine the nature of changes in temperature and pressure of water and lube oil in EMS systems. The requirements to the characteristics of automatic control systems of the marine power plant have been formulated. Basic provisions of the reliability theory are followed by presentation of methods of calculating reliability indices of complex technical systems. The article presents the results of the study of non-stationary modes and reliability indices. Reasonable requirements for automated control systems were obtained through the analysis of working environments and of equipment operating in non-stationary modes, non-exceedance of safety limits of marine power plant operation being taken as the admissibility criterion. Besides, there are possible special modes resulted from emergency situations caused by the power plant equipment failure. Hence, for operation and design of the analyses it is important to study changes of working media in the circulation systems, which resulted from the failure of the pumps. Basic circuit of lubrication and cooling systems of the ship diesel power plants has been approved as recommended by the company "MAN B&W" for slow speed diesel engines standard series MC. Among the recommended schemes there was approved the scheme of the main engine with an autonomous cooling circuit. Schematic diagram of energy systems of a diesel power plant has been made under recommendations of the engine developer. Specifications of the component parts of the ship diesel power plant have been taken as standard for manufactured machinery. A low running L90MC-C four-cylinder main engine manufactured by "MAN B&W" was chosen as a research sample. A mathematical model, as applied to the given problem, consists of 10 algebraic equations for nonsteady working media consumption and 18 differential equations for nonsteady heat transfer in heat exchangers, as well as equations for transport delay in the lubrication systems of internal combustion engines.
THE FEASIBILITY STUDY OF APPLICATION OF COMBINED CYCLE GAS TURBINE UNITS ON BOARD SHIPS OF THE RUSSIAN FLEET
Authors: Rodionov Nikolay Georgievich , Korotkov Vitaly Vladimirovich , Tomashov Evgeny Ivanovich
Published: November 2017

The article studies the possibility of application combined-cycle gas turbine plants (CCGT) in the Russian Navy. A review of numerous publications allows to infer that the essential increase of ship power plant (SPP) efficiency (10-15%) can be reached by using combine-cycle gas turbine plants. It should be noted that the greatest effect on CCGT performance makes the level of technological sophistication of gas-turbine units (GTU), in particular, the gas temperature achieved before the turbine. The possibility of creating marine CCGT in Russia is being explored. The article contains examples of the use of GTUs on board foreign ships. Close attention is drawn to the advanced techniques used to increase CCGT efficiency. There have been presented calculations of the approved scheme of CCGT, which demonstrate the advantages of using CCGTs.
INFLUENCE OF LUBRICANT QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF TRIBOLOGICAL SYSTEMS
Authors: Assenova Emilia , Kandeva M , Majstorović Vidosav
Published: November 2017

Equipment quality and reliability improvement, and reducing environmental pollution trough tribological understanding are of the key challenges facing tribology and especially green tribology today. The paper deals with a question of huge importance in the application of tribology, namely the impact of lubricants and additives on tribological systems characteristics. Consideration is giv en to the influence of quality improvement of lubricants on the equipment reliability and life extending, as well as on the search for safety solutions to ecological tasks. An illustration of the current development of lubricants and additives is done by t he study of the oil-soluble metal-plating composite additive Valena studied in the Tribology Laboratories of the Faculty of Industrial Engineering at the Technical University Sofia and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of Belgrade University.
USING QUALITY TOOLS FOR PROCESS DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT; CASE STUDY ON CYLINDER MANUFACTURING
Authors: Eniko Peter , Sokovic Mirko , Kramar Davorin
Published: November 2017

This paper addresses the study of piston bore machining. Within the framework of an experimental investigation single and combined effects, and related reproducibility, of such parameters on bore geometry and surface finish were investigated. Experiment planning and process modelling were performed by design of experiments (DOE) methodology. The experimental part was carried out in regular production which is affected by non-productive operations that influence product quality. Based on the reaming process state of the art review and previous industrial experiences feed rate and spin dle speed were identified as key productive operation factors in achieving bore cylindricity and surface roughness. Non-productive operations, such as clamping, washing and degreasing of the workpiece that negatively impacted results, were identified during experimental work with SEM analysis and pattern recognition in SPC control chart. Negative impacts of non -productive operations were minimized with corrective actions. Regression analyses gives models for both responses under consideration, namely bore cylindricity and surface roughness, and are at adequate confidence level respectively. Experiments conducting, analysis and corrective actions are included in optimization strategy model which is schematically shown and interpreted in discussion.
THE ANALYSIS OF QUALITY ASPECTS IN DEVELOPMENT OF COMPETITIVENESS OF DOMESTIC HOTEL ENTERPRISES
Authors: Bogetić Srđan , Đorđević Dejan , Ćoćkalo Dragan , Bešić Cariša
Published: November 2017

In the environment characterised by global market changes, hotel enterprises have to adjust in order to survive on the market and satisfy their end users. One of the biggest challenges faced by hotel enterprises today is the increasing market segmentation and the emergence of new market niches, aimed at the so -called »millennials«, young clients born between 1980 and 2000, who comprise the largest group of smart phone users. Domestic hotel enterprises have succeeded in embracing new market trends and accommodating to the end users’ requirements in this way. For an accelerated growth of the hotel industry, apart from the presence of certai n international hotel chains, development of congress tourism, which has proven to hold a good potential for domestic hotel industry, is also important. However, in order to increase the competitiveness level, domestic hotel enterprises have to solve two problems, and those are traffic infrastructure and raising the level of hotel management by introducing the ISO management standards
THE ROLE OF DIGITAL MEDIA IN THE CREATION OF HIGH QUALITY PRODUCTS
Authors: Bubanja Iva
Published: November 2017

This paper analyzed the changes in the process of creating high -quality products that occurred after the introduction of information -communication technolo gies and the Internet in the enterprises. Internet offeres advantages connected with the possibility of further company development and with the possibility for the high quality products to find their way to target consumer groups quickly and easily. Speci al emphasis will be given to the role of online advertising and social media in the promotion of such products. With the use of digital technologies enterprises have the ability to do business more competitive and to contribute to the growth of the nationa l economy.
MATURITY MODEL OF INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Authors: Komadinić Velimir R , Majstorović Vidosav D
Published: November 2017

In today's conditions, linking individual standardized management systems into one integrated management system (IMS) is the ultimate task. IMS, as a method for effective and efficient management of the organization, can work on different qualitative levels, and at different levels of maturity. Researching models of maturity of the organization, process maturity, level of excellence and using analogy with these models, this paper will define the IMS maturity model. It will describe each of the five levels of the maturity model IMS. For the definition of certain levels of the IMS maturity model ISO 9004 and ISO 10014 were used, as well as the author's experience in design and implementation of integrated management systems.
QUALITY, SPEED, RELIABILITY, FLEXIBILITY AND COST OF PRODUCTS: THE CYPRUS CASE STUDY IN THE PAST AND TODAY
Authors: Angeli Ioannis , Odysseos Despina
Published: November 2017

Cyprus joined the European Union (EU) ten years ago opening the gates to common market. Cyprus citizens and businesses are now living in a highly competitive business environment. There are many benefits of Cyprus joining the EU and removing any barriers from the free movements of goods like larger variety of products and services, more choices, opening into international markets and the increase of antagonism which lead to the reduction, in some cases of prices, and better products. So the main targets of the Cypriot companies were to adapt their way of doing business and to be able to face the challenges of the new antagonistic environment. However, the big question is up to what point they managed to meet the new internationally accepted targets? So the main purpose of this joined research work is to investigate the importance, within time, the behaviour of the Cyprus enterprises, in Mechanical products and goods in the island of Cyprus. Through a national survey, using an accepted sampling plan, the opinions of the customers/consumers as well importers and manufacturers were investigated. A questionnaire consisting of 22 questions, was used to investigate the importance of the five main targets or business performance parameters, quality, speed, reliability, flexibility and cost of products. The two groups of respondents (consumers and suppliers) were asked to evaluate the 5 business performance targets ten years ago (before joining EU) and today in the view of the new data of globalization and Cyprus becoming a member of the EU. In detail there was an attempt to find the degree of changes - improvements or the opposite, in achieving the 5 importance targets in the last decade. Many conclusions were revealed, such as, in which areas there was improvement and by how much, the agreements or disagreements between the two groups of respondents, which is the most important parameter now according to customers and many others. The methodology adopted is very useful to companies that they decide to follow the road of continuous improvement and identify customer views and expectations.
Clinically Important Considerations with the Use of Oral Doxycycline
Authors: Del Rosso James
Published: November 2017

Tetracyclines are the most commonly prescribed oral antibiotics in dermatology. They are used to treat both cutaneous infections and non-infectious inflammatory disorders, the latter often with chronic therapy. Doxycycline may be favored by some dermatologists over minocycline due to a lower risk of certain adverse reactions, especially some with systemic manifestations. The major adverse events that are more common with doxycycline are gastrointestinal side effects, including pill esophagitis, and phototoxicity. This article reviews practical tips when prescribing oral doxycycline, emphasizing suggestions to optimize therapeutic success and reduce untoward reactions.
BREVE ANÁLISE DA LEI DE “REPATRIAÇÃO” BRASILEIRA À LUZ DAS INFLUÊNCIAS INTERNACIONAIS E INTERESSES NACIONAIS
Authors: Almeida Letícia Da Silva , Carvalho Menezes De Castro Raquel
Published: November 2017

Este trabalho científico tem por objetivo principal analisar Lei de “Repatriação” que instituiu o Regime Especial de Regularização Cambial e Tributária - RERCT, estabelecendo procedimento para regularização de bens e ativos não declarados no exterior, com anistia tributária e criminal. Busca-se evidenciar as suas influências internacionais, seguindo tendência mundial, e os interesses nacionais relacionados ao Regime, notadamente, o arrecadatório. Utilizou-se da pesquisa bibliográfica e do método jurídico-dedutivo, partindo-se de uma perspectiva macro para uma concepção microanalítica acerca da temática ora em estudo e, por fim, como procedimento técnico a análise da questão, teórica e interpretativa.
Thickness Dependence of Switching Behavior in Ferroelectric BiFeO3 Thin Films: A Phase-Field Simulation
Authors: Cao Guoping , Huang Houbing , Ma Xingqiao
Published: November 2017

A phase-field approach to the analysis of the thickness effects in electric-field-induced domain switching in BiFeO3 thin films has been formulated. Time evolutions of domain switching percentage for films with different thicknesses were explored to reveal the primary switching path and its dependence on film thickness. In addition, hysteresis loop for these films were calculated to obtain their coercive fields. Results show a nonlinear thickness dependence of coercive field for ultrathin films. A parametric study of the interactions between film thickness, coercive field, current-voltage (I-V) response, and polarization switching behavior is herein discussed, which could provide physical insights into materials engineering.
Atmospheric Attenuation Correction Based on a Constant Reference for High-Precision Infrared Radiometry
Authors: Huang Zhiguo , Yin Limei , Wang Jianli , Li Hongzhuang
Published: November 2017

Infrared (IR) radiometry technology is an important method for characterizing the IR signature of targets, such as aircrafts or rockets. However, the received signal of targets could be reduced by a combination of atmospheric molecule absorption and aerosol scattering. Therefore, atmospheric correction is a requisite step for obtaining the real radiance of targets. Conventionally, the atmospheric transmittance and the air path radiance are calculated by an atmospheric radiative transfer calculation software. In this paper, an improved IR radiometric method based on constant reference correction of atmospheric attenuation is proposed. The basic principle and procedure of this method are introduced, and then the linear model of high-speed calibration in consideration of the integration time is employed and confirmed, which is then applicable in various complex conditions. To eliminate stochastic errors, radiometric experiments were conducted for multiple integration times. Finally, several experiments were performed on a mid-wave IR system with Φ600 mm aperture. The radiometry results indicate that the radiation inversion precision of the novel method is 4.78–4.89%, while the precision of the conventional method is 10.86–13.81%.
Numerical Characterisation of Active Drag and Lift Control for a Circular Cylinder in Cross-Flow
Authors: McDonald Philip , Persoons Tim
Published: November 2017

Synthetic jet actuators have shown promise to control drag and lift for a bluff body in cross-flow. Using unsteady RANS CFD modelling, a significant modification of the drag coefficient for a circular cylinder in cross-flow at R e = 3900 is achieved by varying the actuation frequency. The variation in actuation frequency corresponds to a range in Stokes number of 2.4 < S t o < 6.4. The trends in drag coefficient modification largely agree with the findings of past publications, achieving a maximum drag reduction at S t o = 4.9 for a fixed jet Reynolds number of the synthetic jet of R e U ¯ o = 12. A decrease in the adverse pressure gradient near the jet orifice correlated with a momentum increase in the viscous sublayer and stronger vortical structures at the rear of the cylinder. In these same conditions, a decrease in turbulence intensity was observed in the far field wake, which is a relevant finding in the context of wind and tidal turbine arrays.
Regional Impact Assessment of Monsoon Variability on Wind Power Availability and Optimization in Asia
Authors: Abolude Akintayo , Zhou Wen , Leung Yu
Published: November 2017

Recent developments have emphasized the global impacts of climate change and have renewed commitments in renewable energy and energy meteorology. Wind energy depends largely on prevailing meteorological conditions on both local and large scales, thus, wind power optimization should aid its assessment and development. This study uses ERA-Interim daily data from 1979 to 2014 to investigate the impact of the East Asian Monsoon on wind power in Asia. Wind power increase in the Bay of Bengal region as wind vectors strengthened from winter (DJF, December-January-February) to summer (JJA, June-July-August), while the predominant direction shifted to southwesterly. The influence of the South China Sea on South East Asia resulted in increased wind power that peaked in winter. Probability distribution functions for four sub-regions revealed higher probabilities of relatively lower wind speeds in JJA, except for the South East region, where most probable wind speeds were reached in winter. The capacity factor also varied by region and by season. Power generation was lowest in JJA for all the regions except the South West. The South East region also had the highest power generated over the domain. This variation of wind power impacts the amount of energy that must be supplied by non-wind sources, termed Demand Net Wind (DNW). Knowledge of DNW fluctuations thus becomes an important consideration for optimization of power plants, grid networking and reliability, and energy markets.
The Dynamics of Arrivals of Maine Migratory Breeding Birds: Results from a 24-Year Study
Authors: Wilson W.
Published: November 2017

This citizen-science project is the first systematic study of patterns of spring migration of Maine migratory birds. A comparison of arrival data from the Maine Ornithological Society from 1899–1911 with the modern data (1994–2017) collected for this study indicated that most species are now not arriving earlier, contrary to the predictions of earlier arrivals in the face of global warming. Arrival was synchronous across the lower two-thirds of the state for most species, although some species showed delayed arrivals along the northeastern coast compared to southern coastal areas. Only thirteen of 81 species are now arriving earlier and seven arriving later. Using quantile regression analysis with three levels of tau, the effect of year, temperature-departure from mean monthly temperature and the North Atlantic Oscillation Index were weak. Most species did not respond to any of these explanatory variables using the modern data. Leaf-gleaners showed the strongest responses. Only four species showed increasing abundance in recent years, an effect that influences detectability and hence could confound interpretation of changes in arrival date.
Mechanically Reinforced Catechol-Containing Hydrogels with Improved Tissue Gluing Performance
Authors: Feng Jun , Ton Xuan-Anh , Zhao Shifang , Paez Julieta , Del Campo Aránzazu
Published: November 2017

In situ forming hydrogels with catechol groups as tissue reactive functionalities are interesting bioinspired materials for tissue adhesion. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)–catechol tissue glues have been intensively investigated for this purpose. Different cross-linking mechanisms (oxidative or metal complexation) and cross-linking conditions (pH, oxidant concentration, etc.) have been studied in order to optimize the curing kinetics and final cross-linking degree of the system. However, reported systems still show limited mechanical stability, as expected from a PEG network, and this fact limits their potential application to load bearing tissues. Here, we describe mechanically reinforced PEG–catechol adhesives showing excellent and tunable cohesive properties and adhesive performance to tissue in the presence of blood. We used collagen/PEG mixtures, eventually filled with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. The composite hydrogels show far better mechanical performance than the individual components. It is noteworthy that the adhesion strength measured on skin covered with blood was >40 kPa, largely surpassing (>6 fold) the performance of cyanoacrylate, fibrin, and PEG–catechol systems. Moreover, the mechanical and interfacial properties could be easily tuned by slight changes in the composition of the glue to adapt them to the particular properties of the tissue. The reported adhesive compositions can tune and improve cohesive and adhesive properties of PEG–catechol-based tissue glues for load-bearing surgery applications.
An Electrochemical Enzyme Biosensor for 3-Hydroxybutyrate Detection Using Screen-Printed Electrodes Modified by Reduced Graphene Oxide and Thionine
Authors: Martínez-García Gonzalo , Pérez-Julián Elena , Agüí Lourdes , Cabré Naomí , Joven Jorge , Yáñez-Sedeño Paloma , Pingarrón José Manuel
Published: November 2017

A biosensor for 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-HB) involving immobilization of the enzyme 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase onto a screen-printed carbon electrode modified with reduced graphene oxide (GO) and thionine (THI) is reported here. After addition of 3-hydroxybutyrate or the sample in the presence of NAD+ cofactor, the generated NADH could be detected amperometrically at 0.0 V vs. Ag pseudo reference electrode. Under the optimized experimental conditions, a calibration plot for 3-HB was constructed showing a wide linear range between 0.010 and 0.400 mM 3-HB which covers the clinically relevant levels for diluted serum samples. In addition, a limit of detection of 1.0 µM, much lower than that reported using other biosensors, was achieved. The analytical usefulness of the developed biosensor was demonstrated via application to spiked serum samples.
Review on SERS of Bacteria
Authors: Mosier-Boss Pamela
Published: November 2017

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has been widely used for chemical detection. Moreover, the inherent richness of the spectral data has made SERS attractive for use in detecting biological materials, including bacteria. This review discusses methods that have been used to obtain SERS spectra of bacteria. The kinds of SERS substrates employed to obtain SERS spectra are discussed as well as how bacteria interact with silver and gold nanoparticles. The roll of capping agents on Ag/Au NPs in obtaining SERS spectra is examined as well as the interpretation of the spectral data.
Multi-Directional Seismic Assessment of Historical Masonry Buildings by Means of Macro-Element Modelling: Application to a Building Damaged during the L’Aquila Earthquake (Italy)
Authors: Cannizzaro Francesco , Pantò Bartolomeo , Lepidi Marco , Caddemi Salvatore , Caliò Ivo
Published: November 2017

The experience of the recent earthquakes in Italy caused a shocking impact in terms of loss of human life and damage in buildings. In particular, when it comes to ancient constructions, their cultural and historical value overlaps with the economic and social one. Among the historical structures, churches have been the object of several studies which identified the main characteristics of the seismic response and the most probable collapse mechanisms. More rarely, academic studies have been devoted to ancient palaces, since they often exhibit irregular and complicated arrangement of the resisting elements, which makes their response very difficult to predict. In this paper, a palace located in L’Aquila, severely damaged by the seismic event of 2009 is the object of an accurate study. A historical reconstruction of the past strengthening interventions as well as a detailed geometric relief is performed to implement detailed numerical models of the structure. Both global and local models are considered and static nonlinear analyses are performed considering the influence of the input direction on the seismic vulnerability of the building. The damage pattern predicted by the numerical models is compared with that observed after the earthquake. The seismic vulnerability assessments are performed in terms of ultimate peak ground acceleration (PGA) using capacity curves and the Italian code spectrum. The results are compared in terms of ultimate ductility demand evaluated performing nonlinear dynamic analyses considering the actual registered seismic input of L’Aquila earthquake.
Current and Prospective Protein Biomarkers of Lung Cancer
Authors: Zamay Tatiana , Zamay Galina , Kolovskaya Olga , Zukov Ruslan , Petrova Marina , Gargaun Ana , Berezovski Maxim , Kichkailo Anna
Published: November 2017

Lung cancer is a malignant lung tumor with various histological variants that arise from different cell types, such as bronchial epithelium, bronchioles, alveoli, or bronchial mucous glands. The clinical course and treatment efficacy of lung cancer depends on the histological variant of the tumor. Therefore, accurate identification of the histological type of cancer and respective protein biomarkers is crucial for adequate therapy. Due to the great diversity in the molecular-biological features of lung cancer histological types, detection is impossible without knowledge of the nature and origin of malignant cells, which release certain protein biomarkers into the bloodstream. To date, different panels of biomarkers are used for screening. Unfortunately, a uniform serum biomarker composition capable of distinguishing lung cancer types is yet to be discovered. As such, histological analyses of tumor biopsies and immunohistochemistry are the most frequently used methods for establishing correct diagnoses. Here, we discuss the recent advances in conventional and prospective aptamer based strategies for biomarker discovery. Aptamers like artificial antibodies can serve as molecular recognition elements for isolation detection and search of novel tumor-associated markers. Here we will describe how these small synthetic single stranded oligonucleotides can be used for lung cancer biomarker discovery and utilized for accurate diagnosis and targeted therapy. Furthermore, we describe the most frequently used in-clinic and novel lung cancer biomarkers, which suggest to have the ability of differentiating between histological types of lung cancer and defining metastasis rate.
Effect of Microstructure on the Thermal Conductivity of Plasma Sprayed Y2O3 Stabilized Zirconia (8% YSZ)
Authors: Hu Ningning , Khan Matiullah , Wang Yongzhe , Song Xuemei , Lin Chucheng , Chang Chengkang , Zeng Yi
Published: November 2017

In this paper, the effect of microstructure on the thermal conductivity of plasma-sprayed Y2O3 stabilized ZrO2 (YSZ) thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) is investigated. Nine freestanding samples deposited on aluminum alloys are studied. Cross-section morphology such as pores, cracks, m-phase content, grain boundary density of the coated samples are examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD). Multiple linear regressions are used to develop quantitative models that describe the relationship between the particle parameters, m-phase content and features of the microstructure such as porosity, crack-porosity, and the length density of small and big angle-cracks. Moreover, the relationship between the microstructure and thermal conductivity is investigated. Results reveal that the thermal conductivity of the coating is mainly determined by the microstructure and grain boundary density at room temperature (25 °C), and by the length density of big-angle-crack, monoclinic phase content and grain boundary density at high temperature (1200 °C).