bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PANORAMA DO RADIOAMADORISMO BRASILEIRO NA ATUALIDADE: um estudo participante
Authors: Franco Carlos Fernando Martins
Published: August 2017

O radioamadorismo é uma atividade atualmente de passatempo. No Brasil, cerca de trinta mil pessoas participam das atividades promovidas por essa comunidade de entusiastas. O que é? Como é praticada na atualidade? Quais as principais atividades? Este ensaio é resultado de uma pesquisa participante de um ano que visou traçar um perfil da comunicação via rádio no país, seu panorama e algumas perspectivas. Desta forma, concluiu que existe vida para além da internet. Muitos dos recursos utilizados na rede mundial de computadores também foram fruto de entusiastas da tecnologia e de experimentações informais.
CURADORIA COLABORATIVA: uma experiência digital do Museu da Pessoa
Authors: Worcman Karen , Henriques Rosali Maria Nunes
Published: August 2017

O Museu da Pessoa é um museu digital de histórias de vida. Fundado em São Paulo em 1991, desenvolveu ferramentas para permitir que suas atividades museológicas – registrar, organizar e disseminar histórias de vida – fossem cada vez mais colaborativas. Recentemente, o Museu da Pessoa desenvolveu uma ferramenta – “Monte sua coleção” − para possibilitar que qualquer pessoa seja um curador de seu próprio acervo. Usando tecnologia de fácil acesso ao público em geral, como a internet, o “Monte sua coleção” permite que os membros da comunidade desenvolvam suas próprias coleções. O projeto tem como objetivo promover maior participação e conscientização do público, de forma a democratizar, cada vez mais, a produção e o uso das histórias de vida, tornando-as parte da memória social.
CLIO ENTRE A DIGITAL HISTORY E A STORIOGRAFIA DIGITALE: a oficina historiográfica de Anita Lucchesi e suas contribuições à história digital no Brasil
Authors: Soares Fagno da Silva
Published: August 2017

Entrevista realizada em 22 de março de 2017, com a historiadora Anita Lucchesi, pesquisadora filiada ao Centre for Contemporary and Digital History [C²DH – www.c2dh.lu] vínculada a Universidade do Luxemburgo. E também pesquisadora do Grupo de Estudos do Tempo Presente da Universidade Federal de Sergipe [GET-UFS] e do Laboratório de História Digital da Universidade de Luxemburgo. Integra a Rede Brasileira de História Pública [RBHP], à Federação Internacional de História Pública [IFPH] e ao Conselho Nacional de História Pública [EUA/NCPH].
HISTÓRIA DIGITAL, SOCIOLOGIA DIGITAL E HUMANIDADES DIGITAIS: Algumas questões metodológicas
Authors: Telles Helyom Viana
Published: August 2017

O artigo discute o conceito de Digital e a constituição do campo das Humanidades Digitais, destacando alguns problemas específicos inerentes à Sociologia, Antropologia e Historiografia. O artigo explicita a polêmica em torno do conceito de digital e pontua algumas questões metodológicas relevantes para a construção da objetividade científica no uso dos métodos digitais no campo da Historiografia e das Humanidades Digitais.
Determinants of the Sustainability and Growth of Construction Contractors
Authors: Windapo Abimbola
Published: August 2017

The focus of research has mainly been on the life cycle approach to project development, while limited attention has been given to the ageing construction companies that make all these activities/processes happen. This paper examines the organisational factors determining the sustainability and growth of building and civil engineering contractors in South Africa. The paper explores whether there are specific organisational factors that aid the sustainable development and growth of contractors in the South African construction industry. The paper analyses data gathered from face-to-face interviews conducted with four established and twelve upgraded and successful building and civil engineering contractors listed on the Construction Industry Development Board’s (cidb) Register of Contractors. The aim of the study is to identify the organisational factors critical for sustainable contractor development and growth in South Africa. The study found that organizational factors responsible for the sustainable development and growth of construction contractors include the size of the founding team members, management capabilities, strategic decisions made by founders/leaders and the ability of the company to constantly evolve, adapt and respond effectively to threats/challenges whenever they surface, amongst other findings. Capacity to generalise the results of the study to the large cidb registered contractor group is limited by the smallness of the sample size. Future research should make use of a larger sample size to obtain more general findings. The results of the study imply that the founding team size, experience, entrepreneurial and managerial capabilities, capacities and organisational structures that enable the efficient response of companies to external and internal challenges are key components of the definable arrangements that will support the sustainability and growth of construction organisations. The paper is of value to government departments and agencies such as the cidb and contracting firms in the construction industry.
The Role of Entrepreneurial Strategies and Innovation in the Sustainable Growth and Success of a South African Construction Company
Authors: Windapo Abimbola
Published: August 2017

The study examines how the South African construction industry can nurture an entrepreneur and a large successful entrepreneurial construction company, even though the founder had no formal education and the company was founded during the Apartheid era. The question of whether entrepreneurs are born or are made is based on the age-old question of nurture and nature. The paper presents the narratives of a successful entrepreneur Mr. Sam Lubbe. The narratives presented are collected through a case study research approach. The data collected suggests that although Sam does not have any formal education, he succeeded based on nurturing given to him when he had the opportunity to work for a large South African construction company, his innate characteristics of self-confidence, task-result orientation, originality, future direction, and a unique business model which also helped him access international construction work opportunities.
Has the Time Come for Preprints in Chemistry? A Perspective onto a Meaningful Change
Authors: Demma Carà Piera , Ciriminna Rosaria , Pagliaro Mario
Published: August 2017

Chemistry is the last natural science discipline to embrace prepublishing, namely the publication of non-peer reviewed scientific articles on the internet. After a brief insight into the origins and the purpose of prepublishing in science, we conduct a concrete analysis of the concrete situation, aiming at providing an answer to several questions. Why the chemistry community has been late in embracing prepublishing? Is this in relation with the slow acceptance of open access publishing by the same community? Will prepublishing become a common habit also for chemistry scholars?
Ocena właściwości antyoksydacyjnych liści Ginkgo biloba L. po zakończeniu wegetacji
Authors: Nowak Anna
Published: August 2017

Wstęp: Miłorząb japoński (Ginkgo biloba L.) jest uważany za cenną roślinę wykazującą działanie przeciwrodnikowe. Związane jest to m.in. z zawartością takich substancji aktywnych, jak polifenole, terpenoidy i witaminy. W celach leczniczych wykorzystuje się ekstrakty z liści, które stosowane są m.in. w profilaktyce chorób cywilizacyjnych. Celem badań było określenie aktywności antyoksydacyjnej wyciągów alkoholowych z suszonych liści miłorzębu japońskiego, opadłych z drzew po zakończonej wegetacji, które najczęściej są materiałem odpadowym.Materiały i metody: Surowiec roślinny stanowiły świeżo zebrane oraz suszone liście miłorzębu japońskiego. Ekstrakty do analiz przygotowano z wykorzystaniem aparatu Soxhleta, wytrząsarki rotacyjnej oraz łaźni ultradźwiękowej. Jako rozpuszczalnik zastosowano etanol oraz metanol. Zdolność do eliminowania wolnych rodników (radical scavenging activity – RSA) oznaczono metodą z użyciem odczynnika DPPH (2,2-difenylo-1-pikrylohydrazyl), natomiast całkowitą zawartość polifenoli metodą Folina–Ciocalteu’a.Wyniki: Aktywność antyoksydacyjna wyciągów z suchych liści miłorzębu mieściła się w granicach od 37,69 ±1,97 do 92,85 ±0,28% RSA, przy czym najwyższy wynik uzyskano w grupie ekstraktów w 40% (v/v) etanolu. Spośród wyciągów w 70% (v/v) etanolu najwyższymi wartościami RSA% charakteryzowały się liście ekstrahowane za pomocą wytrząsarki (92,37 ±0,84% RSA), natomiast w przypadku zastosowania 96% (v/v) etanolu – ekstrakty pochodzące z aparatu Soxhleta (81,71 ±2,10%). Duże zdolności przeciwutleniające wykazywały również wyciągi metanolowe. Do ich otrzymania wykorzystano wytrząsarkę i uzyskano wynik wynoszący 89,25 ±0,54% RSA. Najwyższą ogólną zawartość polifenoli odnotowano w próbach ekstrahowanych w aparacie Soxhleta (etanol 40%), w których zawartość wynosiła 9,15 mg/g surowca. Wykazano również dodatnią korelację pomiędzy ogólną zawartością polifenoli a aktywnością antyoksy­dacyjną wyrażoną w % RSA analizowanych prób.Wnioski: Wyciągi z żółtych liści miłorzębu japońskiego zebranych po zakończonej wegetacji charakteryzują się dużą zdolnością zmiatania wolnych rodników, co sugeruje możliwość wykorzystania tego materiału odpadowego jako cennego źródła antyoksydantów.
Poglądy i oczekiwania kobiet wobec badań ginekologicznych
Authors: Szymoniak Katarzyna , Malinowski Witold , Ćwiek Dorota , Fryc Dorota , Zimny Małgorzata
Published: August 2017

Wstęp: Wiadomo od dawna, że badanie ginekologiczne budzi u większości kobiet wiele negatywnych emocji. Celem pracy było poznanie poglądów kobiet na temat istoty badania ginekologicznego.Materiały i metody: Badaniami objęto 1200 kobiet z województwa zachodniopomorskiego i łódzkiego.Wyniki: Większość kobiet nieciężarnych uznała badanie ginekologiczne za krępujące. Za najbardziej krępujący momenty wizyty respondentki z obu grup uważały położenie się na fotelu ginekologicznym, a za najbardziej nieprzyjemny etap badania ręczne badanie przez pochwę. Największe poczucie bezpieczeństwa i komfortu psychicznego w trakcie badania kobietom ciężarnym zapewniała obecność wyłącznie lekarza ginekologa. Większość respondentek ciężarnych woli być badana przez lekarza mężczyznę. Respondentki najchętniej odbywałyby badanie u lekarza miłego, spokojnego, w dojrzałym wieku. Większość ankietowanych ciężarnych twierdziła, że badanie ginekologiczne jest bardzo potrzebne, przy czym zaledwie 49% zgłaszałoby się na to badanie raz na 6 miesięcy.Wnioski: 1. Badanie ginekologiczne było istotnie bardziej krę- pujące i stresujące dla kobiet niebędących w ciąży. 2. W opinii kobiet ciężarnych badanie piersi jest najmniej krępującym etapem badania. 3. Kobiety ciężarne istotnie częściej wybierały na swojego lekarza ginekologa mężczyznę. 4. Częstotliwość zgłaszania się na badania ginekologiczne istotnie zależała od stanu brzemiennego kobiety. 5. Oczekiwania badanych kobiet wobec lekarza ginekologa skupiały się głównie na zapewnieniu przez niego poczucia intymności, bezpieczeństwa, informowania o procedurach, a także miłego i indywidualnego podejścia.
Tiltmeter Mapping of Measured Nonsymmetric Hydraulic-Fracture Growth in a Conglomerate/Sandstone Formation Using the Implicit Level-Set Algorithm and the Extended Kalman Filter
Authors: Pandurangan V.. , Peirce A.. , Chen Z. R. , Jeffrey R. G.
Published: August 2017

A novel method to map asymmetric hydraulic-fracture propagation using tiltmeter measurements is presented. Hydraulic fracturing is primarily used for oil-and-gas well stimulation, and is also applied to precondition rock before mining. The geometry of the developing fracture is often remotely monitored with tiltmeters—instruments that are able to remotely measure the fracture-induced deformations. However, conventional analysis of tiltmeter data is limited to determining the fracture orientation and volume. The objective of this work is to detect asymmetric fracture growth during a hydraulic-fracturing treatment, which will yield height-growth information for vertical fracture growth and horizontal asymmetry for lateral fracture growth or detect low preconditioning-treatment efficiency in mining. The technique proposed here uses the extended Kalman filter (EKF) to assimilate tilt data into a hydraulic-fracture model to track the geometry of the fracture front. The EKF uses the implicit level set algorithm (ILSA) as the dynamic model to locate the boundary of the fracture by solving the coupled fluid-flow/fracture-propagation equations, and uses the Okada half-space solution as the observation model (forward model) to relate the fracture geometry to the measured tilts. The 3D fracture model uses the Okada analytical expressions for the displacements and tilts caused by piecewise constant-displacement discontinuity elements to discretize the fracture area. The proposed technique is first validated by a numerical example in which synthetic tilt data are generated by assuming a confining-stress gradient to generate asymmetric fracture growth. The inversion is carried in a two-step process in which the fracture dip and dip direction are first obtained with an elliptical fracture-forward model, and then the ILSA-EKF model is used to obtain the fracture footprint by fixing the dip and dip direction to the values obtained in the first step. Finally, the ILSA-EKF scheme is used to predict the fracture width and geometry evolution from real field data, which are compared with intersection data obtained by temperature and pressure monitoring in offset boreholes. The results show that the procedure is able to satisfactorily capture fracture growth and asymmetry even though the field data contain significant noise, the tiltmeters are relatively far from the fracture, and the dynamic model contains significant “unmodeled dynamics” such as stress anisotropy, material heterogeneity, fluid leakoff into the formation, and other physical processes that have not been explicitly accounted for in the dynamic ILSA model. However, all the physical processes that affect the tilt signal are incorporated by the EKF when the tilt measurements are used to obtain the maximum likelihood estimates of the fracture widths and geometry.
Rese˜ña: Bailini, Sonia (2016). La interlengua de lenguas afines. El español de los italianos, el italiano de los españoles. Milano: LED.
Authors: Di Gesú Floriana
Published: August 2017

El volumen del que se ofrece una reseña analiza el fenómeno de la interlengua de lenguas afines: el español de los aprendientes italianos y el italiano de los aprendientes españoles. El objetivo principal del volumen es el análisis cuantitativo y cualitativo de la interlengua de estas dos tipologías de aprendientes, a través del estudio de dos corpus paralelos y longitudinales.
Implementing concept-based instruction in the heritage language	classroom: A pedagogical proposal
Authors: García Próspero N.
Published: August 2017

Framed within a Sociocultural Theory of Mind approach to Second Language Learning and Development (Lantolf & Poehner, 2014), this article presents a pedagogical proposal for implementing concept-based instruction (C-BI) in the Spanish heritage language (HL) classroom in order to promote the development and internalization of the grammatical concept of aspect. Although aspect has been found to be particularly troublesome for heritage language learners (Montrul, 2009; Silva-Corvalán, 1994), few studies have focused on teaching conceptual development of verbal aspect in the HL classroom. This paper contributes to filling this gap by proposing an innovative pedagogical design aimed at providing HL students with the opportunity to generate and transform a conceptual understanding of aspect through conscious interaction in significant, coherent, and systematic ways.
A Two‐Part Strategy for Using Genomic Selection to Develop Inbred Lines
Authors: Gaynor R. Chris , Gorjanc Gregor , Bentley Alison R. , Ober Eric S. , Howell Phil , Jackson Robert , Mackay Ian J. , Hickey John M.
Published: August 2017

We propose a strategy for implementing genomic selection in plant breeding programs for developing inbred lines that reorganizes traditional breeding programs into two distinct components. These components are: (i) a population improvement component to develop improved germplasm through rapid recurrent selection and (ii) a product development component to identify new inbred varieties or parents for hybrids using traditional breeding program designs. Stochastic simulations of entire breeding programs over 40 yr were used to evaluate the effectiveness of this strategy relative to a conventional program without genomic selection and programs using three standard strategies of implementing genomic selection. Cost effectiveness was measured by constraining all programs to approximately equal annual operating costs and directly comparing each program's overall performance. Programs using the two‐part strategy generated between 2.36 and 2.47 times more genetic gain than the conventional program and between 1.31 and 1.46 times more genetic gain than the best performing standard genomic selection strategy. These results indicate that the two‐part strategy is a cost‐effective strategy for implementing genomic selection in plant breeding programs.
Separation of emulsified crude oil in saline water by flotation with micro- and nanobubbles generated by a multiphase pump
Authors: Oliveira H. A. , Azevedo A. C. , Etchepare R. , Rubio J.
Published: August 2017

The flocculation–column flotation with hydraulic loading (HL, >10 m h−1) was studied for the treatment of oil-in-water emulsions containing 70–400 mg L−1 (turbidity = 70–226 NTU) of oil and salinity (30 and 100 g L−1). A polyacrylamide (Dismulgan, 20 mg L−1) flocculated the oil droplets, using two floc generator reactors, with rapid and slow mixing stages (head loss = 0.9 to 3.5 bar). Flotation was conducted in two cells (1.5 and 2.5 m) with microbubbles (MBs, 5–80 μm) and nanobubbles (NBs, 50–300 nm diameter, concentration of 108 NBs mL−1). Bubbles were formed using a centrifugal multiphase pump, with optimized parameters and a needle valve. The results showed higher efficiency with the taller column reducing the residual oil content to 4 mg L−1 and turbidity to 7 NTU. At high HL (27.5 m h−1), the residual oil concentrations were below the standard emission (29 mg L−1), reaching 18 mg L−1. The best results were obtained with high concentration of NBs (apart from the bigger bubbles). Mechanisms involved appear to be attachment and entrapment of the NBs onto and inside the flocs. Thus, the aggregates were readily captured, by bigger bubbles (mostly MBs) aiding shear withstanding. Advantages are the small footprint of the cells, low residence time and high processing rate.
Evaluation of nutrient retention in vegetated filter strips using the SWAT model
Authors: Elçi Alper
Published: August 2017

Nutrient fluxes in stream basins need to be controlled to achieve good water quality status. In stream basins with intensive agricultural activities, nutrients predominantly come from diffuse sources. Therefore, best management practices (BMPs) are increasingly implemented to reduce nutrient input to streams. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of vegetated filter strip (VFS) application as an agricultural BMP. For this purpose, SWAT is chosen, a semi-distributed water quality assessment model that works at the watershed scale, and applied on the Nif stream basin, a small-sized basin in Western Turkey. The model is calibrated with an automated procedure against measured monthly discharge data. Nutrient loads for each sub-basin are estimated considering basin-wide data on chemical fertilizer and manure usage, population data for septic tank effluents and information about the land cover. Nutrient loads for 19 sub-basins are predicted on an annual basis. Average total nitrogen and total phosphorus loads are estimated as 47.85 t/yr and 13.36 t/yr for the entire basin. Results show that VFS application in one sub-basin offers limited retention of nutrients and that a selection of 20-m filter width is most effective from a cost–benefit perspective.
Microbiological and Nutritional Qualities of Fermented Melon Seed Shells
Authors: Ogu Gideon I , Orjiakor Paul I
Published: August 2017

In Nigerian communities, melons seed shells are generated as waste after utilization of the pulp for economic and domestic purposes. In an attempt to derive wealth from these wastes, we decided to investigate the microbial and nutritional qualities of spontaneously fermented melon seed shells...
Survival and Antibiotic Resistance of Bacteria in Artificial Snow Produced from Contaminated Water
Authors: Lenart‐Boroń Anna , Prajsnar Justyna , Boroń Piotr
Published: August 2017

This study shows microbiological contamination of water in two main Podhale rivers, whose resources are used for the production of artificial snow, and the resulting snow contamination. Thirty‐one E. coli strains were isolated from snow at two ski stations in the studied region, their antimicrobial resistance was determined, and the presence of extended spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL) genes was searched for. The results indicate that the waters of both rivers are severely contaminated, resulting in the contamination of artificial snow with, among others, thermotolerant E. coli. E. coli isolated from snow were most frequently resistant to ampicillin (74.19%) and amoxicillin/clavulanate (51.61% isolates). Aminoglycosides and third generation cephalosporins were most efficient among the tested antimicrobials. Some bacterial strains were multidrug resistant and three strains exhibited the ESBL mechanism. Molecular analyses showed the presence of ESBL genes in the same three strains. Genetic variation among E. coli indicates that only some genotypes are able to survive the artificial snow production process.
Peer Communication in Online Mental Health Forums for Young People: Directional and Nondirectional Support
Authors: Prescott Julie , Hanley Terry , Ujhelyi Katalin
Published: August 2017

Background

The Internet has the potential to help young people by reducing the stigma associated with mental health and enabling young people to access services and professionals which they may not otherwise access. Online support can empower young people, help them develop new online friendships, share personal experiences, communicate with others who understand, provide information and emotional support, and most importantly help them feel less alone and normalize their experiences in the world.

Objective

The aim of the research was to gain an understanding of how young people use an online forum for emotional and mental health issues. Specifically, the project examined what young people discuss and how they seek support on the forum (objective 1). Furthermore, it looked at how the young service users responded to posts to gain an understanding of how young people provided each other with peer-to-peer support (objective 2).

Methods

Kooth is an online counseling service for young people aged 11-25 years and experiencing emotional and mental health problems. It is based in the United Kingdom and provides support that is anonymous, confidential, and free at the point of delivery. Kooth provided the researchers with all the online forum posts between a 2-year period, which resulted in a dataset of 622 initial posts and 3657 initial posts with responses. Thematic analysis was employed to elicit key themes from the dataset.

Results

The findings support the literature that online forums provide young people with both informational and emotional support around a wide array of topics. The findings from this large dataset also reveal that this informational or emotional support can be viewed as directive or nondirective. The nondirective approach refers to when young people provide others with support by sharing their own experiences. These posts do not include explicit advice to act in a particular way, but the sharing process is hoped to be of use to the poster. The directive approach, in contrast, involves individuals making an explicit suggestion of what they believe the poster should do.

Conclusions

This study adds to the research exploring what young people discuss within online forums and provides insights into how these communications take place. Furthermore, it highlights the challenge that organizations may encounter in mediating support that is multidimensional in nature (informational-emotional, directive-nondirective).
ARISTOLOCHIA BRACTEOLATA – ANTIHYPERGLYCEMIC AND ANTIHYPERLIPIDEMIC ACTIVITY IN DEXAMETHASONE-INDUCED DIABETIC RAT MODEL
Authors: Rajum Ganga , Reddy T Hema Sundar , Reddy T Hema Sundar
Published: August 2017

Objective: The present study was aimed to evaluate antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of methanolic extract of Aristolochia bracteolata (MEAB) against dexamethasone-induced diabetic rat model.Methods: Methanolic extract was prepared by soxhlet extraction and was evaluated for antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activity using dexamethasone-induced model. The MEAB was administered orally at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight glibenclamide was used as standard drug. On 0th and 11th day, blood was collected by retro-orbit plexus.Results: In this model blood glucose levels were determined on 0th and 11th days and MEAB significantly reduced the blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. The effect of MEAB on serum lipid profile such as total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very LDL (VLDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was also measured on the 11th day in the diabetic rats. Significant reduction in TC, TGs, LDL, and VLDL levels and improvement in HDL level were observed in diabetic rats.Conclusion: From the results, it was found that the MEAB possess antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities.
TYPICAL DERMATOSIS IN KWASHIORKOR
Authors: Rajan Madan Gopal , M S Rukmini , Sinha Sulekha , Hegde Anupama , Manjrekar Poornima
Published: August 2017

Protein-energy malnutrition is the most widespread nutritional deficiency disorder in India, commonly occurring in children aged 6 months-2 years,as per the National Family Health Survey, 2007. The dermatologic manifestations are more florid and characteristic in kwashiorkor than in marasmus.Here, we present a case of a 1½ years old male, with extensive skin lesions, owing to severe malnutrition. Malnourishment is one of the foremostconditions seen in the developing countries. It is essential to provide adequate nutritional support to the growing children and to impart proper education to the mothers with regard to weaning and care during the illness of children aged under 5 years.
ANTIBACTERIAL RESISTANCE PATTERN OF PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA ISOLATED FROM CLINICAL SAMPLES AT A GENERAL HOSPITAL IN PADANG, WEST SUMATRA, INDONESIA
Authors: Rustini Rustini , Jamsari Jamsari , Marlina Marlina , Zubir Nasrul , Yuliandra Yori
Published: August 2017

Objectives: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that has an innate resistance to some antibiotics. This bacterium is one of the mostcommon causes of nosocomial infections that include surgical wound infections, burns, and urinary tract infections. The bacteria have been reportedlyresistant to many antibiotics and have developed multidrug resistance (MDR). The objective of the study was to determine the resistance pattern ofP. aeruginosa isolated from clinical samples of patients against some major antibiotics.Methods: Isolates of P. aeruginosa were obtained from clinical sample of urine, sputum, swabs, pus, feces, and blood and cultured in cetrimide agar. P.aeruginosa ATCC 27853 was used as a positive control. The antibacterial susceptibility testing was conducted against 13 antibiotics: Ceftazidime, cefotaxime,ceftriaxone, cefoperazone, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, gentamicin, amikacin, piperacillin, ticarcillin, meropenem, and imipenem. The examinationwas carried out using agar diffusion method of Kirby-Bauer and following the standards from Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI).Results: The results showed that bacterial resistance was established against all tested antibiotics. The highest number of resistance was shownagainst ceftriaxone (44.21%), whereas the most susceptibility was exhibited against amikacin (only 9.47% of resistance). MDR P. aeruginosa (MDRPA)was detected on almost all clinical samples tested, except the feces. The sample with the highest percentage of MDRPA was the pus.Conclusion: The study concludes that the most effective antibiotic against P. aeruginosa is amikacin (91.51%), whereas the most resistance is exhibited to ceftriaxone (43.16%).
ASSESS THE PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION AND KNOWLEDGE REGARDING THE PREVENTION OF STROKE
Authors: Missiriya Sahbanathul , John Johncey
Published: August 2017

Objective: Hypertension is the most crucial and common health problem in developed and undeveloped countries. Although hypertension is a treatable condition, without treatment, it leads to serious and life-threatening complications such as heart, kidney, and brain disorders. Prevention plays a major role in controlling the disease, which can be achieved by increasing the knowledge through awareness of the public and changing their attitude and practice. The study was aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension, assess the knowledge regarding prevention of stroke among people with hypertension and to associate the knowledge regarding prevention of stroke with selected demographic variables of people.Methods: Descriptive design was adopted. Using simple random sampling technique, 60 samples were selected. The data were collected, analyzed in terms of both inferential and descriptive statistics.Results: The study result showed that among the total number of people (1248) surveyed, 476 (38.1%) were prevalent in hypertension. Among the randomly selected 60 people with hypertension, 47 (78.3%) patients had inadequate knowledge, 13 (21.7%) had moderate knowledge, and none of them had adequate knowledge regarding prevention of stroke. Most people residing at Kottayam had poor knowledge on hypertension and prevention of stroke.Conclusion: The study concluded that though there was more prevalence of hypertension and most of them had inadequate knowledge on prevention of stroke and there is a need to make the people aware about the complications of hypertension and prevention aspects.
BETWEEN ARTEMISININ AND DERIVATIVES WITH NEURAMINIDASE: A DOCKING STUDY INSIGHT
Authors: Pratama Mohammad Rizki Fadhil , Gusdinar Tutus
Published: August 2017

Objectives: This study aims to find the relationship between artemisinins and neuraminidase (NA) with molecular docking study and also to determine the most potent NA inhibitor from artemisinin and derivatives.Methods: All ligands were sketched and optimized using Gaussian 03W with Hartree-Fock method basis sets 6-311G. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock 4.2.3 toward NA in complexes with oseltamivir as co-crystal ligand. The main parameters used were the free energy of binding (ΔG) and dissociation constant (Ki) as affinity marker.Results: Artesunate provided most negative free ΔG and lowest Ki toward NA with −9.55 kcal/mol and 100.66 nM, respectively. Artesunate shows higher affinity than oseltamivir with interactions between artesunate and amino acids at position 246 had important influences on artesunate affinity toward NA from H5N1.Conclusion: In silico molecular docking results indicated that artesunate could be considered as NA inhibitor and should be potential to be developed as anti-influenza particularly to H5N1 with oseltamivir resistance.
DEVELOPMENT OF CARBON TETRACHLORIDE-INDUCED CHRONIC HEPATOTOXICITY MODEL IN RATS AND ITS APPLICATION IN EVALUATION OF HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF SILYMARIN
Authors: Shah Gopi H , Patel Bharat G , Shah Gaurang B
Published: August 2017

Objective: The objective of the present work is to develop carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced chronic hepatotoxicity model in rats and its applicationin evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of silymarin.Methods: Animals were divided into four groups. Three groups were the disease induction group and 4th was the treatment group. In disease inductiongroups, chronic liver injury was induced by administration of CCl4 through intraperitoneal route (1 ml/kg) for 7-8 weeks. For treatment Group, 1 mlsilymarin suspension (orally) and CCl4 was given for 7-8 weeks. During disease induction and treatment period (7-8 weeks), blood samples werecollected and serum was separated which in turn used to analyze liver function tests such as serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT),serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphate (ALP), direct bilirubin, total protein (TP), and albumin (Alb) levels. Along withliver functional tests, tests to check cholesterol, glucose, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were also performed. Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis was quantifiedby histopathological studies of small portion of the excised liver. Model was validated by repetition of the experiment. Intermediate dissection wascarried out to measure an extent of liver damage.Result: Serum SGOT, SGPT, ALP, and direct bilirubin were found to be significantly higher in CCl4 intoxicated rats. TP and Alb were decreased, andMDA was found to be significantly higher in CCl4 intoxicated rats, which is the main end product of lipid peroxidation. Whereas in the treatment groupsilymarin improved the liver functions in CCl4 toxicated drug.Conclusion: We conclude that protein oxidation may play a role in the pathogenesis of CCl4 induced liver injury. The accumulation of oxidized proteinsmay be an early indication of CCl4 induced liver damage and silymarin found to be effective in liver injury by inhibiting protein oxidation.
CONTENT OF FATTY ACIDS IN CORN (ZEA MAYS L.) OIL FROM ECUADOR
Authors: W Carrillo , C Carpio , D Morales , E Vilcacundo , M Álvarez , M Silva
Published: August 2017

Objective: The aim of this work was to determine the fatty acids content in corn seeds oil (Zea mays) sample cultivated in Ecuador.Methods: Corn oil was obtained from corn oil seeds using the cold pressing method. Methyl esters fatty acids analysis were carried out using the gas chromatography (GC) method with a mass selective detector and using the database library NIST 14.L to identify the compounds present in the corn seed oil.Results: Methyl esters fatty acids were identified from corn (Z. mays) seeds using the GC mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analytical method. Fatty acids were analyzed as methyl esters on a capillary column DB-WAX 122-7062 with a good separation of palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, linoleic acid, arachidic acid, and linolenic acid. The structure of methyl esters fatty acids was determined using the GS-MS method. Corn oil has a high content of linoleic acid (omega 6) with a value of 52.68% of the total content of fatty acids in corn oil and 29.70% of oleic acid (omega 9) of the total content of fatty acids in corn oil. The sample presented a value of 12.57% of palmitic acid.Conclusions: Corn oil shows a good content of fatty acids omega 6 and 9. The higher value was of omega 6 with 52.68% content. Corn oil has a good proportion of polyunsaturated of lipids (53.80%) and 14.86% of saturated lipids.
SYNTHESIS OF 4-HYDROXY-3-(1-HYDROXY-2-(SUBSTITUTEDAMINO)ETHYL)-1-PHENYL/ METHYL QUINOLIN-2(1H)-ONE AS ANTICANCER AGENTS
Authors: Bajaj Prachi , Desai Shivlingrao Mamle , Dighe Pearl , Naik Soniya , Biradar Bheemanagouda
Published: August 2017

Objective: The current work is concerned with the synthesis of a series of 4-hydroxy-3-(1-hydroxy-2-(substituted amino)ethyl)-1-phenyl/ methylquinolin-2(1H)-one[III-a(1-5)/III-b(1-5)] and evaluation of its in vitro anticancer activity.Methods: The starting material for linomide analogs was synthesized by following literature procedures. The carbonyl group was reduced to hydroxyl group using sodium borohydride, and the methyl group was brominated using bromine in acetic acid. Further bromine was nucleophilically substituted by primary amines. All the synthesized compounds were satisfactorily characterized by infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectral data. The synthesized compounds were tested for in vitro anticancer activity against MDA-MB cell line using the MTT assay method.Results: Among all the synthesized compounds, compound [III-a1;R=C6H5,R1=n-propylamine], [III-b1;R=CH3,R1=n-propylamine], and [III-b2;R=CH3,R1=methylamine] were found to be most cytotoxic with IC50 value=25 μg against the MDA-MB cell line.Conclusion: The results of screening studies concluded that compounds with (C6H5 at C1) and (long chain aliphatic and cyclic amines at C3) position of quinolin-2-one ring showed moderate activity.
PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS AS RISK FACTOR IN SUICIDAL POISONING: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Raut Asawari , Shaj Kavya , Pawar Atmaram
Published: August 2017

Objective: Suicide is known to be a phenomenon in low-, middle-, and high-income countries and occurs in all sociodemographic groups. It ranges from acute to fatal lethal attempts which occur in the context of a social crisis. Deliberate self-poisoning for suicide is a growing public health concern with frequent emergency department admissions. An epidemiological surveillance is essential for every region to understand the pattern, underlying psychological factors, and the scope of preventive measures.Methods: The 2-year retrospective study describes the epidemiology and influencing factors of suicides by self-poisoning in patients admitted to a Government Hospital and a Teaching Hospital in Pune, Maharashtra, from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015.Result: Out of 1010 poisoning cases reported, 539 were suicidal self-poisoning. Significantly males more than females were brought to the hospitals due to deliberate self-poisoning (1:0.86, χ2=38.05; p<0.001). The age group most recorded was 20-35 years (67.7%). Psychosocial factors were associated with increased risk of suicidal self-poisoning attempts (risk ratio 4.76, 95% confidence interval 4.07-5.57; p<0.001). Psychosocial factors were interpersonal conflict (52.4%), stress (30.4), dissatisfaction in life (6%), and alcoholism or mental disorders (11.1%). Household and agricultural products (71.8%) were the popular choices of the toxic agent in self-poisoning with phenols (20%) being the most common. 19 cases (3.5%) were severe, out of which 15 cases lead to death (2.8% mortality).Conclusion: There is an urgent need to develop and implement preventative and treatment strategies for high-risk groups attempting suicide by self-poisoning.
IMMUNONUTRITION WITH GLUTAMINE IN ICU PATIENTS
Authors: Das Rekha , Routray Sidharth Sraban , Pradhan Amit , Ipsita Snigdha
Published: August 2017

Objective: Endogenous production of glutamine may be reduced during critical illness. The shortage of glutamine is reflected as a decrease in plasma concentration, which is a prognostic factor for outcome in sepsis. Therefore, we have studied the effect of enteral or parenteral glutamine therapy on biochemical parameters and the hospital stay of critically ill patients.Methods: A total of 66 critically ill patients aged 18-70 years, admitted to central and medical intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital were randomly divided into three equal groups; 22 in each group: Group 1 (control group) received no glutamine, Group 2 received oral glutamine 0.5 g/kg/d for 5 days, and Group 3 received parenteral glutamine 0.5 g/kg/d by intravenous infusion for 5 days. All patients received glutamine-free tube feed throughout the study period. Total leukocyte count (TLC), total lymphocyte count, total protein and serum albumin, serum lactate, and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score were recorded on each day for 7 days and were compared.Results: Decrease in the TLC and increase in lymphocyte count was most evident in Group 3 compared to Groups 2 and 1 which was statistically significant. Decrease in serum lactate and increase in serum protein and albumin was maximum in Group 3 compared to Groups 1 and 2 which was statistically significant. The mean duration of hospital stay of Group 3 was the least followed by Groups 2 and 1 which was statistically not significant. There was an improvement in SOFA score in all the three groups.Conclusion: Parenteral glutamine in a dose of 0.5 g/kg/d was more potent than oral glutamine in improving the biochemical parameters. The duration of hospital stay was similar in all the groups after treatment.
DETECTION OF URER AND UREC AMONG PROTEUS MIRABILIS
Authors: Muneeralatrash Abdul Kareem , Al-yasseen Ahlam Kadhum
Published: August 2017

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between ureR and ureC genes with the production of urease by Proteus mirabilis.Methods: A total of 450 mid-stream urine samples have been collected from patients with urinary tract infection whom admitted to the hospitals in Annajaf Al-Ashraf province for consultancy during the period from October 2015 to February 2016.Out of 150 bacterial isolates, only 29 isolates were belong to P. mirabilis according to conventional methods (depending on microscopic and culturing examination as well as biochemical test) and molecular technique using 16SrRNA gene.Results: The results of phenotypic and genotypic detection of urease in P. mirabilis showed that all isolates were able to produce urease and possess ureR and ureC that encodes to urease by appearing of amplicon with molecular weight 359 and 533 bp, respectively, when electrophoresed on 1% agarose gel.Conclusion: A correlation has been found between ureR and ureC genes with the production of urease by P. mirabilis.
MEDICATION ADHERENCE IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION
Authors: Athiyah Umi , Subarniati Rika , Yuda Ana
Published: August 2017

Objective: This study aimed to identify the relationship between knowledge and beliefs about drugs with adherence of drug use based on the health belief model (HBM) theory.Methods: Respondents were elderly hypertensive patients who received their medicine by prescription in one pharmacy in Surabaya. Knowledge and belief variables were measured by a validated questionnaire, while medication adherence was measured by pill count.Results: There were 57 respondents aged 60-88 years, 54.4% of which are female. A total of 57.9% of respondents used at least two kinds of anti-hypertension drugs and 54.4% had health problems other than hypertension. The results of Pearson analysis show that respondents’ knowledge about the drug had a significant relationship with perceived threat, perceived benefit (p=0.043), and perceived self-efficacy (p=0.015), but no significant relationship with adherence, while the result of Spearman analysis shows that only perceived barrier had a significant relationship to adherence (p=0.029).Conclusion: To conclude, efforts to improve adherence was to lower perceived barrier which was primarily associated with decreased physical ability and concerns about the dangers of long-term drug use.
CONFINEMENT OF MICRONUCLEUS ON DAWKINSIA TAMBRAPARNIEI BY THE PARADOXICAL EFFECT OF THE ARSENIC DERIVATIVES
Authors: Velu Vijay , Uthandakalaipandian Ramesh
Published: August 2017

Objective: In the current study, in vivo genotoxic effects of arsenic derivatives such as arsenic trioxide (As2O3) and sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) on peripheral blood erythrocytes of Dawkinsia tambraparniei were investigated using the micronucleus (MN) test.Methods: MN staining was done using acridine orange pre-coated slides. Fluorescent microscope was used for scoring.Results: In NaAsO2 exposed, the erythrocytes highest value was recorded at 42 days which is twofold higher than exposure at 7 days when compared to As2O3. Highest percentage was recorded about 13.9 in NaAsO2, and in case of As2O3, it was recorded as 0.2% less. It was clearly confirmed that either form of arsenic is toxic to organism.Conclusion: Anthropogenic activities have also brought in substantial amounts of them into the environment by mobilization from their natural insoluble deposits or environmental sins. Hence, arsenic pollution should have measured, and arsenic removal process should have carried out.
PREVALENCE OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY IN SOUTHERN INDIA
Authors: Nayak Satish , Rao Karthik , Patil Navin , B Jayaprakash , Priya D Amita , Ommurugan Balaji , Rao N R , Singhal Sarthak
Published: August 2017

Objectives: In India, 69.1 million are diabetics as of 2015 compared to 18 million in 1995. Pan India prevalence study in diabetics carried out at 194 centers by All India Ophthalmological Society reported the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among diabetics as 21.8%. DR is of two types, non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). The severity of NPDR depends on microaneurysms, hemorrhages, cotton wool spots, and beading of veins and can progress to PDR. Inherit characteristic of PDR is neovascularization. The aim of this observational prevalence study is to study the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in Type 2 diabetic patients attending diabetic clinic and to study the distribution of diabetic retinopathy with respect to age, sex, and duration of disease in a tertiary care hospital in southern India.Methods: This is a retrospective observational study. Age above 20 years and patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and examined by the ophthalmologist were included and others excluded. Data documented were analyzed using statistical software SPSS version 16.Results: About 52.07% of patients with Type 2 DM for more than 10 years had diabetic retinopathy and 13.07 % of patients with Type 2 DM for more than 5 years have diabetic retinopathy.Conclusion: India being the diabetic capital of the world and DR being the most common cause for visual impairment and blindness and it becomes empirical to assess the factors for its rising prevalence, which will significantly contribute in reducing the progression of DR.
TRANSFERSOMAL GEL CONTAINING GREEN TEA (CAMELLIA SINENSIS L. KUNTZE) LEAVES EXTRACT: INCREASING IN VITRO PENETRATION
Authors: Anwar Effionora , Utami Tahmida Diazputri , Ramadon Delly
Published: August 2017

Objective: The aim of this study was to increase penetration of EGCG from green tea leaves extract (Camellia sinensis L. Kuntz) through the skin by formulating them into a transfersomal gel.Methods: Transfersomes were prepared by thin-layer hydration method, with different concentration of the extract that equivalent to 1% (F1), 1.5% (F2), and 2% (F3) EGCG. Transfersomes formula with good characteristics would be incorporated into a gel formulation. A gel without transfersomes prepared as a control of comparison. Both of gels were evaluated their physicochemical properties. In vitro penetration test using Franz diffusion cell with the skin of female Sprague-Dawley rats was also performed.Results: The results showed that F1 had the best physicochemical properties. F1 had a spherical shape, Dmean volume at 107.82±0.44 nm, polidispersity index at 0.07±0.01, zeta potential at -40.3±0.10 mV, and entrapment efficiency at 63.16±0.65%. Cumulative amount of EGCG penetrated from transfersomal and non-transfersomal gel were were 1302.63±20.67 μg/cm2 and 414.86±4.40 μg/cm2, resepctively (P<0.05). Flux penetration of transfersomal and non-transfersomal gel were was 57.594±0.91 μg/cm2.h and 36.144±1.22 μg/cm2.h, respectively.Conclusion: It can be concluded that transfersomal gel could increase the in vitro penetration of EGCG from green tea leaves extract compared to non-transfersomal one.