bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geostationary Sensor Based Forest Fire Detection and Monitoring: An Improved Version of the SFIDE Algorithm
Authors: Di Biase Valeria , Laneve Giovanni
Published: January 2018

The paper aims at presenting the results obtained in the development of a system allowing the detection and monitoring of forest fires and the continuous comparison of their intensity when several events occur simultaneously, as usually happens in the European Mediterranean countries during the summer season. The system, called SFIDE (Satellite FIre DEtection), exploits a geostationary satellite sensor (SEVIRI on board of MSG satellite series). The algorithm was developed several years ago in the framework of a project (SIGRI) funded by the Italian Space Agency (ASI). This algorithm has been completely reviewed in order to enhance its efficiency by reducing false alarms rate preserving a high sensitivity. Due to the very low spatial resolution of SEVIRI images (4x4 km2 at Mediterranean latitude) the sensitivity of the algorithm should be very high to detect even small fires. The improvement of the algorithm has been obtained by: introducing the sun elevation angle in the computation of the preliminary thresholds to identify potential thermal anomalies (hot spots), introducing a contextual analysis in the detection of clouds and in the detection of night-time fires. The results of the algorithm have been validated in the Sardinia region by using ground true data provided by the regional Corpo Forestale e di Vigilanza Ambientale (CFVA). A significant reduction of the commission error (less than 10%) has been obtained with respect to the previous version of the algorithm and also with respect to fire-detection algorithms based on low earth orbit satellites.
Serial Killers Profiling and Target Victims: Is There a Connection?
Authors: Mustafa Mohammad B.
Published: January 2018

Although the phenomenon of serial killers has received great attention from media, governments, and public, very little information is known about them and very few theories are presented by researchers specifically their definition and motives for killing. Through cross tabulation analysis of top ninety-eight serial killers, this present study poses six questions that investigate the correlations between, offender's gender, offender's level of education, time span of killing, killing severity, number of victims, killer's type of abuse, motives for killing, and victim's profile. Findings show that males kill more than females and for longer time, less educated serial killers kill more horribly, female serial killers consider their family members easy target, and finally males kill most for enjoyment and sex and females kill for financial gains.
Critical Nutrient Concentrations and DRIS Norms for Pinus patula
Authors: Sánchez-Parada Agustina , López-López Miguel Ángel , Gómez-Guerrero Armando , Pérez-Suárez Marlín
Published: January 2018

Pinus patula is one of the most planted wood conifer species worldwide; however, no foliar nutrient standards exist for this species up to date. The objective of the present study was to generate and verify two sets of foliar nutrient standards for nearly ten-year-old P. patula trees: critical nutrient concentrations and DRIS norms. Nutrients studied were N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, and B. The reference standards were verified experimentally by installing two fertilization trials; one of them located in Huayacocotla, state of Veracruz and the other one in Aquixtla, state of Puebla, Mexico. Nutrient status of each fertilization trial was correctly predicted by critical nutrient values and DRIS as well. Both standards were able to detect the secondary growth-limiting nutrient deficiency in the Huayacocotla trial, where the primary limitation for growth was scarcity of solar radiation within tree crowns. The limiting nutrient in both experimental trials was K.
Mellin Convolution and its Extensions, Perron Formula and Explicit Formulae
Authors: Garcia Moreta Jose Javier
Published: January 2018

In this paper we use the Mellin convolution theorem, which is related to Perron's formula. Also we introduce new explicit formulae for arithmetic function which generalize the explicit formulae of Weil for other arithmetic functions different from the Von-Mangoldt function.
Can Access to Social Facility Help Poverty Reduction in Agricultural Sector? Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Arsyad Muhammad , Kawamura Yoshio , Yusuf Syarifuddin , Jamil Muh. Hatta , Nuddin Andi , Laapo Alimuddin
Published: January 2018

Poverty in agricultural sector is still becomes a serious issue in developing country, and Indonesia is no exception. Our previous study was focusing on poverty and income (income poverty). This paper, however, deals with a substantive question, can access to social facility (non-income) help poverty reduction in agriculture? The study (also) utilized previous model of Dimensionality Test, Factor and Path Analysis to answer the question. The results show that the higher government transfer source income in terms of Social safety Net Program, the more money for smallholders will be. This leads us to argue that transfer income from the government to the smallholder community can be still considered in maintaining smallholders’ daily life, means helping them move out poverty. The better access to social services such as primary public health center (called PUSKESMAS), clean water supplied by PDAM (Local Government Division for Drinking Water Affairs) and secondary school is, the higher the household income will be. Thus, if PUSKESMAS, primary and secondary schools as well as clean water sources are nearer, the less time and money will be spent to travel, then the more household income at hand will be saved. In other words, distance and degree of utilization appear to be a crucial part of these interpretations above. Therefore, it is reasonable to say that the better the access to social services such as public health center, schools and public clean water, the more household income will be and in turn it will alleviate the poverty of smallholders. It is clear that providing better access to social facility can help poverty reduction in agricultural sector.
Microfabricated Temperature-Sensing Devices Using a Microfluidic Chip for Biological Applications
Authors: Inomata Naoki ,   Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University 6-6-01 Aza-Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan, Toda Masaya , Ono Takahito
Published: January 2018

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and micrototal analysis systems (μTAS) have been developed using microfabrication technologies. As MEMS and μTAS contribute to smaller, higher-performance, less expensive, and integrated sensing techniques, they have been applied in many fields. In this paper, we focus on microfabricated thermal detection devices, including a microthermistor fabricated using vanadium oxide (VOx) and a resonant thermal sensor integrated into a microfluidic chip, and we present the research work we have done into biological applications, applications using a unique material and detection method for liquid samples. The VOx thermistor, which has a high temperature coefficient of resistance at –1.3%/K, is mounted onto a thermally insulated membrane in the microfluidic chip. This device is used to detect glucose and cholesterol concentrations in solutions. The resonant thermal sensor is another candidate for obtaining highly sensitive thermal measurements; however, this sensor is difficult to use with liquids because of vibration damping and thermal loss. To solve these problems, we propose a partial vacuum packaging system for the sensor in the microfluidic chip. This technique, which involves silicon resonators, was used to successfully detect the heat from a single brown fat cell. Moreover, the possibility of using a VOx resonant thermal sensor is discussed. The future prospects for MEMS and automation technology are described, with a focus on the Internet of Things/big data for medical and healthcare applications.
Bioanalytical Method Based on Extended-Gate Field-Effect Transistor Modified by Self-Assembled Monolayer
Authors: Kajisa Taira , Sakata Toshiya ,   PROVIGATE Inc. The University of Tokyo Entrepreneur Plaza, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan,   Department of Material Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we introduce semiconductor biosensors for detecting or monitoring various biological substances and for surface chemical technologies tailored to target molecules. To fabricate the semiconductor biosensor best suited to the target biomolecules, the gate electrodes for extended-gate type field-effect transistors (EGFETs), which are separated from semiconductor part, must be constructed by interfacial chemical modification. First, ion-sensitive EGFET was developed by self-assembled monolayer (SAM) modification on gold gate electrode. Polar functional-group-terminated alkanethiol SAM-coated-gate FET showed pH dependency. In particular, carboxy-terminated alkanethiol SAM-coated gate FET showed higher sensitivities from 42 to 56 mV/pH, which was close to the Nernstian response, in a wide range of biological environments. By using the ion-sensitive EGFET, the hydroxyapatite biomineralization process was successfully monitored by increasing the gate surface potential. Furthermore, saccharides were quantified using EGFET by changing the functional group of SAM, with phenylboronic acid as a functional molecule. In conclusion, target-specific surface modification on gate electrodes makes it possible for semiconductor devices to be applied as biosensors.
Nanotemplate-Guided Self-Assembly of Gold Nanoparticles and its Application to Plasmonic Bio/Chemical Sensing
Authors: Sugano Koji ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University 1-1 Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
Published: January 2018

This paper presents a high-precision and high-yield nanotemplate-guided self-assembly process for spherical gold nanoparticles. This process enables us to arrange particles in designated patterns on a substrate with nanotemplates. These particles are trapped on the nanotemplate by liquid-air interfacial force during drying of the colloidal solution. In this method, particle concentration and electrostatic interaction between particles have a considerable effect on the assembly yield. The particle concentration should be optimized based on the template pattern. A nanogap-controlled particle arrangement with a high yield is achieved by controlling the electrostatic interaction, which is accomplished by adding an electrolyte. This technique enables control of the plasmonic resonance properties of metal nanoparticles on substrates for many emerging applications. Among them, this paper discusses the application of nanotemplate-guided self-assembly to an ultrasensitive nanostructure for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. The gold nanoparticle dimer, which has been reported as the highest Raman enhancing structure, is directionally arrayed on a substrate. The highest enhancement can be achieved when the direction of a particle connection for a dimer is matched to the polarization direction of incident light. A considerable enhancement can be achieved at all dimers. The fabricated structures are evaluated by focusing on the polarization angle. The 10-11-M limit of detection and a 0.05-s rapid detection are achieved by using 4,4-bipyridine molecules with single-molecule sensitivity.
Implementasi Pendidikan Karakter Inklusi Bagi Anak Berkebutuhan Khusus Di Sekolah Reguler
Authors: Amka Amka
Published: January 2018

This paper aims to examine the implementation of inclusive character education for Children with pecial Needs (ABK) in regular schools. In learning, ABK children have different characters and modalities with normal learners. To that end, approaches, methods, techniques, and learning tactics need to be tailored to the learning needs to be meaningfully appropriate to the students' ABK. Permendiknas Number 70 of 2009 on Inclusive Education aims to provide the widest opportunity to all learners who have physical, emotional, mental and social abnormalities or have the potential of intelligence and / or special talents to obtain quality education according to their needs and abilities. Inclusive character education can be realized by actualizing the value of the wombs characterized by child-friendly learning. Implementation of inclusive character education in regular schools is characterized by child-friendly learning, empathy, learner-centered learning, and pursuit according to the learning needs of learners. Schools need to assess the needs of learners, complement the ABK-based sarpras and accessible child-friendly schools. Thus the curriculum, learning, interaction, and assessment of learning will be tailored to the needs of learners with special needs. This is the true value of the character, the learning that respects the learners.
Kasus Paedofil Di Indonesia: Kajian Afektif Menuju Kebijakan Pendidikan
Authors: Harianto Harianto
Published: January 2018

Phenomenon in the year 2016 recorded cases of "pedophile" in Indonesia such as: Sarno (46) in Duren Sawit Jakarta, Andri Sobari alias Emon (Sukabumi) conduct pedophile about 114 children, at Jakarta International School, Samai and Sodikin (Tegal), Bali And Batam. The problem is how the affective study of the case of Paedofil in Indonesia towards the Education Policy? The purpose of this paper answers the following questions: Can a pedophile case affect the moral destruction of a nation? Does the pedophile case affect the deterioration of the nation's achievement? What is the moral evaluation of pedophilia? How does an exemplary figure's education answer the issue of a pedophile case ?. First, the case of pedophile greatly affect the impact of destroying the nation's morale and destroy the achievements of the nation's children in education. Secondly, the teacher should not have an abnormal life (being a pedophile). He is a picture of tekadan for his students. Thus the failure of teaching and learning process will occur when teacher teachers become "scourge" which is frightening for their students. Third, teachers become role models for their students. Master is a portrait of the future picture of the nation.
Preparation of bio-based magnetic adsorbent and application for efficient removal of Cd(II) from water
Authors: Zhou Jianjun , Ji Xionghui , Zhou Xiaohui , Ren Jialin , Liu Yaochi
Published: January 2018

A novel magnetic bio-adsorbent (MCIA) was developed, characterized and tested for its Cd(II) removal from aqueous solution. MCIA could be easily separated from the solution after equilibrium adsorption due to its super-paramagnetic property. The functional and magnetic bio-material was an attractive adsorbent for the removal of Cd(II) from aqueous solution owing to the abundant adsorption sites, amino-group and oxygen-containing groups on the surface of Cyclosorus interruptus. The experimental results indicated that the MCIA exhibited excellent adsorption ability and the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The adsorption isotherm was consistent with the Langmuir model. The adsorption kinetic fitted the pseudo-second-order model very well. The maximum adsorption capacity of Cd(II) onto MCIA was 40.8, 49.4, 54.6 and 56.6 mg/g at 293, 303, 313 and 323 K, respectively. And the MCIA exhibited an excellent reusability and impressive regeneration. Therefore, MCIA could serve as a sustainable, efficient and low-cost magnetic adsorbent for Cd(II) removal from aqueous solution.
Implementing eHealth Technology to Address Gaps in Early Infant Diagnosis Services: Qualitative Assessment of Kenyan Provider Experiences (Preprint)
Authors: Wexler Catherine , Brown Melinda , Hurley Emily A , Ochieng Martin , Goggin Kathy , Gautney Brad , Maloba May , Lwembe Raphael , Khamadi Samoel , Finocchario-Kessler Sarah
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Literature suggests that electronic health (eHealth) interventions can improve the efficiency and accuracy of health service delivery and improve health outcomes and are generally well received by patients; however, there are limited data on provider experiences using eHealth interventions in resource-limited settings. The HIV Infant Tracking System (HITSystem) is an eHealth intervention designed to improve early infant diagnosis (EID) outcomes among HIV-exposed infants.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare provider experiences with standard EID and HITSystem implementation at 6 Kenyan hospitals and 3 laboratories. The objective of this study was to better understand provider experiences implementing and using the HITSystem in order to assess facilitators and barriers that may impact adoption and sustainability of this eHealth intervention.

METHODS

As part of a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the HITSystem, we conducted semistructured interviews with 17 EID providers at participating intervention and control hospitals and laboratories.

RESULTS

Providers emphasized the perceived usefulness of the HITSystem, including improved efficiency in sample tracking and patient follow-up, strengthened communication networks among key stakeholders, and improved capacity to meet patient needs compared to standard EID. These advantages were realized from an intervention that providers saw as easy to use and largely compatible with workflow. However, supply stock outs and patient psychosocial factors (including fear of HIV status disclosure and poverty) provided ongoing challenges to EID service provision. Furthermore, slow or sporadic internet access and heavy workload prevented real-time HITSystem data entry for some clinicians.

CONCLUSIONS

Provider experiences with the HITSystem indicate that the usefulness of the HITSystem, along with the ease with which it is able to be incorporated into hospital workflows, contributes to its sustained adoption and use in Kenyan hospitals. To maximize implementation success, care should be taken in intervention design and implementation to ensure that end users see clear advantages to using the technology and to account for variations in workflows, patient populations, and resource levels by allowing flexibility to suit user needs.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02072603; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02072603 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/71NgMCrAm)
Exploring the Waveform Characteristics of Tidal Breathing Carbon Dioxide, Measured Using the N-Tidal C Device in Different Breathing Conditions (The General Breathing Record Study): Protocol for an Observational, Longitudinal Study (Preprint)
Authors: Neville Daniel M , Rupani Hitasha , Kalra Paul R , Adeniji Kayode , Quint Matthew , De Vos Ruth , Begum Selina , Mottershaw Mark , Fogg Carole , Jones Thomas L , Lanning Eleanor , Bassett Paul , Chauhan Anoop J
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

In an increasingly comorbid population, there are significant challenges to diagnosing the cause of breathlessness, and once diagnosed, considerable difficulty in detecting deterioration early enough to provide effective intervention. The burden of the breathless patient on the health care economy is substantial, with asthma, chronic heart failure, and pneumonia affecting over 6 million people in the United Kingdom alone. Furthermore, these patients often have more than one contributory factor to their breathlessness symptoms, with conditions such as dysfunctional breathing pattern disorders—an under-recognized component. Current methods of diagnosing and monitoring breathless conditions can be extensive and difficult to perform. As a consequence, home monitoring is poorly complied with. In contrast, capnography (the measurement of tidal breath carbon dioxide) is performed during normal breathing. There is a need for a simple, easy-to-use, personal device that can aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of respiratory and cardiac causes of breathlessness.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the use of a new, handheld capnometer (called the N-Tidal C) in different conditions that cause breathlessness. We will study whether the tidal breath carbon dioxide (TBCO2) waveform, as measured by the N-Tidal C, has different characteristics in a range of respiratory and cardiac conditions.

METHODS

We will perform a longitudinal, observational study of the TBCO2 waveform (capnogram) as measured by the N-Tidal C capnometer. Participants with a confirmed diagnosis of asthma, breathing pattern disorders, chronic heart failure, motor neurone disease, pneumonia, as well as volunteers with no history of lung disease will be asked to provide twice daily, 75-second TBCO2 collection via the N-Tidal C device for 6 months duration. The collated capnograms will be correlated with the underlying diagnosis and disease state (stable or exacerbation) to determine if there are different TBCO2 characteristics that can distinguish different respiratory and cardiac causes of breathlessness.

RESULTS

This study’s recruitment is ongoing. It is anticipated that the results will be available in late 2018.

CONCLUSIONS

The General Breathing Record Study will provide an evaluation of the use of capnography as a diagnostic and home-monitoring tool for various diseases.

REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER

RR1-10.2196/9767
Comparing the Data Quality of GPS Devices and Smartphones for Assessing Relationships between Place, Mobility, and Health: A Field Study (Preprint)
Authors: Goodspeed Robert , Yan Xiang , Hardy Jean , Vydiswaran V.G. Vinod , Berrocal Veronica J. , Clarke Philippa , Romero Daniel M. , Gomez-Lopez Iris N. , Veinot Tiffany
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Mobile devices are increasingly used to collect location-based information from individuals about their physical activities, dietary intake, environmental exposures, and mental well-being. Such research, which typically uses wearable devices or smartphones to track location, benefits from the growing availability of fine-grained data regarding human mobility. However, little is known about the comparative geospatial accuracy of such devices.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we compared the data quality of location information collected from two mobile devices which determine location in different ways — a GPS watch and a smartphone with Google’s Location History feature enabled.

METHODS

Twenty-one chronically ill participants carried both devices, which generated digital traces of locations, for 28 days. A smartphone-based brief ecological momentary assessment (EMA) survey asked participants to manually report their location at four random times throughout each day. Participants also took also part in qualitative interviews and completed surveys twice during the study period in which they reviewed recent phone and watch trace data to compare the devices’ trace data to their memory of their activities on those days. Trace data from the devices were compared on the basis of: (1) missing data days; (2) reasons for missing data; (3) distance between the route data collected for matching day and the associated EMA survey locations; and (4) activity space total area and density surfaces.

RESULTS

The watch resulted in a much higher proportion of missing data days, with missing data explained by technical differences between the devices, as well as participant behaviors. The phone was significantly more accurate in detecting home locations, and marginally significantly more accurate for all types of locations combined. The watch data resulted in a smaller activity space area and more accurately recorded outdoor travel and recreation.

CONCLUSIONS

The most suitable mobile device for location based health research depends on the particular study objectives. Further, data generated from mobile devices, such as GPS phone and smart watches, requires careful analysis to ensure quality and completeness. Studies that seek precise measurement of outdoor activity and travel, such as measuring outdoor physical activity or exposure to localized environmental hazards, would benefit from use of GPS devices. Conversely, studies that aim to account for time within buildings at home or work, or that document visits to particular places (such as supermarkets, medical facilities, or fast food restaurants), would benefit from the phone’s demonstrated greater precision in recording indoor activities.

CLINICALTRIAL

N/A
Important Design Features of Personal Health Records to Improve Medication Adherence for Patients with Long-Term Conditions: Protocol for a Systematic Literature Review (Preprint)
Authors: Andrikopoulou Elisavet , Scott Philip James , Herrera Helena
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

The National Health Service (NHS) England spent £15.5 billion on medication in 2015. More than a third of patients affected by at least one long-term condition do not adhere to their drug regime. Many interventions have been trialed to improve medication adherence. One promising innovation is the electronic personal health record.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic literature review aims to identify the important design features of personal health records to improve medication adherence for patients with long-term conditions.

METHODS

This protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol (PRISMA-P 2015) statement. The following databases will be searched for relevant articles: PubMed, Science Direct, BioMed Central, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Studies published in the last fifteen years, in English, will be included if the participants are adults who were treated outside the hospital, have the ability to self-administer their medication, and have at least one long-term condition. The review will exclude commercial or political sources and papers without references. Papers that research pediatrics, pregnant, or terminally ill patients will also be excluded, since their medication management is typically more complex.

RESULTS

One reviewer will screen the included studies, extract the relevant data, and assess the quality of evidence utilizing the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system and the risk of bias using the Cochrane RevMan tool. The second reviewer will assess the quality of 25% of the included studies to assess interrater agreement. Any disagreement will be solved by a third reviewer. Only studies of high and moderate quality will be included for narrative synthesis.

CONCLUSIONS

NHS policy assumes that increasing usage of personal health records by citizens will reduce demand on health care services. There is limited evidence, however, that the use of health apps can improve patient outcomes, and, to our knowledge, this is the first systematic literature review aiming to identify important design features of the personal health record which may improve medication adherence in the adult population with long-term conditions.

CLINICALTRIAL

PROSPERO CRD42017060542; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=60542 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6zeuWXxVh)

REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER

RR1-10.2196/9778
ESTIMATION OF SOME SECONDARY METABOLITES FROM THE IN VITRO CULTURES OF CHLOROPHYTUM BORIVILIANUM SANT. Et. FERN
Authors: A. Jha , K. Bansal Y.
Published: January 2018

Objective: To perform phytochemical screening, estimate total saponins and to study the secondary metabolite profiling of Chlorophytum borivilianum by ESI-MS (Electron spray ionisation-mass spectroscopy) and GC-MS (Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy) techniques.Methods: The powdered samples of leaves and roots (nature grown and freshly harvested and hardened in vitro regenerated) and callus of Chlorophytum borivilianum (2 g) were extracted exhaustively by soxhlet by refluxing with petroleum ether (60-80 °C) and then with ethanol (85%). Alternatively, the methanol extract was prepared for the samples by the cold maceration method and the filtered extract was used. This extract was further analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify and characterize the chemical compounds present in the crude extracts. Vanillin sulphuric acid assay was done to estimate the total saponin content of extracts.Results: Phytochemical analysis of ethanolic extract showed the presence of major classes of phytochemicals. The spectrophotometric analysis as well as the GC-MS results revealed the remarkably high percentage of saponin content in the in vitro roots. Besides this, many important secondary metabolites viz. β-Sitosterol and Taraxerone were also revealed by GC-MS.Conclusion: Results of this study showed enhanced production of many important secondary metabolites, especially saponins in tubers of in vitro regenerated plantlets vis a vis that of the nature grown plants establishing the fact that micropropagation can pave new vistas for the research in phytopharmaceuticals and bioprospecting of rare and important medicinal plants.
GAS CHROMATOGRAPHIC DETERMINATION OF 23 ORGANOPHOSPHORUS PESTICIDES RESIDUE IN BOTTLE GUARD MATRIX
Authors: Mishra Sudeep , Thakur Lalitesh Kr. , Richhariya Neelam
Published: January 2018

Objective: To validate in-house QuEChERS method, which scrutinizes and quantify the residue levels of some most frequently used organophosphorus pesticides and to prove a complete workflow for routine multi-residue pesticide analysis in representative bottle guard matrices and study the persistence of 23 organ phosphorus pesticides.Methods: QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) extraction method was followed. Method validation and residue screening of bottle guard samples were conducted by GC-FPD (Gas Chromatography-Flame Photometric Detector) were used to analyse the presence of pesticides whereas confirmation of pesticides was done by GC-MS (Gas Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometer). Results: For bottle guard matrix, LOD (limit of detection) and LOQ (limit of quantification) values are lowest for phorate (0.005 mg/kg and 0.015 mg/kg) and highest for parathion-methyl (0.1 mg/kg and 0.3 mg/kg) respectively. Calibration curve, was plotted between an area of 23 pesticide standard mixture against seven different concentration levels of 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.50, 1.00 mg/kg with regression coefficient (R2) are in the range of 0.978-0.994. The mean recovered amount at 0.05 mg/kg spikeing concentration are in the range of lowest 0.0413 mg/kg to highest 0.0467 mg/kg and relative standard deviation are in the range of lowest 2.2 to highest 8.571.Conclusion: For ensuring exposure to contaminants, especially by dietary intake, Robust analytical methods were validated for carrying out both research and monitoring programmes and thus for defining limitations and supporting enforcement of regulations.
PRE-CLINICAL STUDIES ON DIABETES MELLITUS USING PARTIAL PANCREATECTOMY IN SWISS ALBINO MICE
Authors: Jana Shibu Narayan , Mazumder Papiya Mitra
Published: January 2018

Objective: The present study was aimed at the development of partial pancreatectomy in a murine model for diabetes.Methods: Diabetes model was successfully developed by partial pancreatectomy method. In this study, cyclosporine was used for influenced the glycaemic status. Diabetes status was evaluated by fasting blood glucose level (FBG), lipid profile (by estimation of total cholesterol level and HDL-level), serum amylase and biochemical assay like glutathione estimation.Results: We report here the restoration of euglycaemic status in cyclosporine-induced diabetic in swiss albino mice after 30% pancreatectomy. In this study, Pancreatectomised (partial) group of animals showed a rapid elevation of glycaemic status, starting from 15th post observational d, but the level of significance decreased gradually from 15th (P<0.01) to 60th (P<0.05) d. This was probably due to nesidioblastotic activity which shifted the fasting blood glucose level towards normoglycaemic status with β-cells regeneration. Cyclosporine treated a group of mice showed normoglycaemic status throughout the whole experimental period, but the cholesterol level remained significant (P<0.001) till the end of the experimental d. Gradually decrements in glycaemia of the diabetic pancreatectomised animals demonstrate islets neogenesis occurring after the operative activity, leading to normoglycaemic condition, probably attributed to β-cells proliferation.Conclusion: The biochemical and histopathological evaluations suggest that there is the development of the diabetic model in the pancreatectomized group and diabetes status induced by pancreatectomy is curable to a certain extent due to the regeneration of β-cells.
IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL SALMONELLA TYPHI BETA-LACTAMASE TEM 1 INHIBITORS USING PEPTIDOMIMETICS, VIRTUAL SCREENING, AND MOLECULAR DYNAMICS SIMULATIONS
Authors: Pandit Rakesh K. R. , Gupta Dinesh , Mukherjee Tapan K.
Published: January 2018

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify a potential peptidomimetic S. typhi Beta-lactamase TEM 1 inhibitor to tackle the antibiotic resistance among S. typhi.Methods: The potential peptidomimetic inhibitor was identified by in silico docking of the small peptide WFRKQLKW with S. typhi Beta-lactamase TEM 1. The 3D coordinate geometry of the residues of small peptide interacting with the active site of the receptor was generated and mimics were identified using PEP: MMs: MIMIC server. All the identified mimics were docked at the active site of the receptor using Autodock 4.2 and the best-docked complex was selected on the basis of binding energy and number of H-bonds. The complex was then subjected to molecular dynamics simulations of 30 ns using AMBER 12 software package. The stereochemical stability of the Beta-lactamase TEM 1-WFRKQLKW complex was estimated with the help of Ramachandran plot using PROCHECK tool.Results: In the present study, a new potential peptidomimetic inhibitor (ZINC05839264) of Beta-lactamase TEM 1 has been identified based on antimicrobial peptide WFRKQLKW by virtual screening of the MMsINC database. The docking and molecular simulation studies revealed that the mimic binds more tightly to the active site of the receptor than the peptide. The Ramachandran plot also shows that the Beta-lactamase TEM 1-mimic complex is stereo chemically more stable than Beta-lactamase TEM 1-WFRKQLKW complex as more number of residues (93.6%) are falling under the core region of the plot in case of the former.Conclusion: The study shows that the peptidomimetic compound can act as a potential inhibitor of S. typhi Beta-lactamase TEM 1 and further it can be developed into more effective therapeutic to tackle the problem of antibiotic resistance.
NATURAL ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF LAWSONIA INERMIS AND INDIGO TINCTORIA AGAINST CLINICALLY ISOLATED MICROORGANISMS
Authors: Rimawi Maha Al , Masri Mahmoud Al , Husein Nedaa’ , Al-hinnawi Arwa N.  T. , Masimi Ola Al , Sabrah Lena
Published: January 2018

Objective: The present study aimed at evaluating the natural antimicrobial activity of Lawsonia inermis (L. inermis) and Indigofera tinctoria (I. tinctoria) against a reference and pathogenic clinically isolated strains compare with some antibiotics.Methods: The antimicrobial activity of Lawsonia inermis (red henna) and Indigo tinctoria (black henna) was evaluated against clinically isolated strains from urinary tract and wounds infected patients. The six tested strains namely were Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus fecalis, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by agar diffusion method and microplate dilution for measuring the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). An American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) of bacteria was used as a control for confirming the type of the isolated bacteria.Results: Both red and black henna showed variable antimicrobial activity against tested bacteria and C. albicans. Alcoholic and oily extracts were more effective than water. Staphylococcus epidermis was significantly affected with water extract of black henna (20±1.1) and red henna (11±0.5). Nigella sativa oil extract with black henna had showed significant synergism effects against some microorganisms as Enterococcus fecalis (40±1.5), P. aeruginosa (15±0.9) and Candida albicans (18±0.6).Conclusion: Black and red henna had antibacterial and antifungal activities. They exhibited synergistic effects when mixed with black seed oil.
ANTIDIARRHEAL POTENTIALS OF SCHWENCKIA AMERICANA L. (SOLANACEAE): A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE AERIAL PART AND ROOT EXTRACTS
Authors: A. Nwabunike I. , O. Okoli C. , P. Ezeugwu , C. Ezike A. , A. Onyeto C. , N. Mbaoji F. , O. Ndu O. , M. Onwuka A.
Published: January 2018

Objective: Schwenckia americana L. (Solanaceae) is employed as a decoction of either the leaves, roots or the whole plant in the treatment of diarrhoea in most West African countries. Using a comparative study approach, the antidiarrheal potentials of its aerial part and root extracts were evaluated to substantiate its local use in diarrhoea management.Methods: In vivo effects of the extracts on rodent models of diarrhea, enteropooling and gastric motility induced by castor oil were investigated as well as their effects on acetylcholine and histamine-induced guinea pig ileal contractions in vitro. Phytochemical analyses of both extracts were also carried out for tentative identification of constituents and quantitative estimation of total saponin and phenolic contents using standard methods.Results: S. americana L. gave a significant (P<0.001) reduction in the number of fecal droppings and fecal watery texture over 4 h. Gastrointestinal motility and the volume of intestinal content were also significantly (P<0.001) reduced. In vitro studies revealed potent inhibition of guinea pig ileal contractions induced by acetylcholine and histamine by the extracts. However, the anti-diarrheal potentials in the root extract were higher than the aerial part extract, with the root extract exhibiting complete blockade of acetylcholine and histamine-induced ileal contractions and up to 100% inhibition of diarrheic feces passage at 400 mg/kg. The phytochemical analysis also revealed a higher relative abundance of phenols and saponins in the root extract.Conclusion: This research has therefore pioneered the establishment of a scientific proof for the acclaimed anti-diarrheal potentials and hence the ethnomedicinal use of this herb. The existence of higher anti-diarrheal potentials in the root has also been established which could possibly be linked to a higher relative abundance of phenols and saponins in this part.
EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS STEM BARK EXTRACT OF XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA ON THE REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTIONS OF MALE RATS
Authors: Hambe Cyprien Magloire , Njila Marie Ngaha , Kenmogne Hubert , Koloko Brice Landry , Lembe Dieudonne Massoma
Published: January 2018

Objective: The sexual stimulatory effect of aqueous stem bark extract of Xylopia aethiopica which is commonly used traditionally for the treatment of fertility-related problems in males is reported in this work.Methods: The present study investigated the effect of 14 d oral administration of 1 ml/kg distilled water (control), 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of body weight of the stem bark extract on some fertility parameters of the Swiss male rats. So, all the target organs (testis, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicle and prostate) were weighed. The sperm motility and sperm count in testis, epididymis and vas deferens were determined. Serum and tissue protein, as well as cholesterol, were evaluated. The serum testosterone level was also assessed.Results: The extract did not produced significant change in the mobility of sperm, the sperm count in vas deferens, the relative weight of body and accessory organs at all doses. The daily sperm production (DSP) and the weight of prostate significantly increased at a dose of 100 mg/kg (p<0.01) while the sperm count in cauda epididymis increased at a dose of 200 mg/kg. The testicular and serum cholesterol significantly increased (p<0.001) at the dose of 100 mg/kg whereas the testicular and serum proteins increased (p<0.001) at the dose of 200 mg/kg. The serum testosterone level increased following 14 d of treatment (p<0.01) at the dose of 100 mg/kg.Conclusion: The results suggest that Xylopia aethiopica may have the potentials of being developed into a male fertility enhancing drug.
PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF IRON OXIDE NANOPARTICLES FOR TREATMENT OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA
Authors: Hashem Fahima , Nasr Mohamed , Ahmed Yomna
Published: January 2018

Objective: The objective of this research was to formulate and evaluate iron oxide nanoparticles for treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA).Methods: Iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared by co-precipitation method and stabilized by coating with folic acid or chitosan. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized in vitro for morphology, particle size, zeta potential, crystallinity and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption. In vivo studies were performed to evaluate the efficacy of the prepared nanoparticles in treating iron-deficient anemic rats compared to the commercial iron product.Results: In vitro results revealed that particle sizes were 65.95±5 nm, 220.2±12 nm and 295.3±19 nm for uncoated iron oxide nanoparticles, folic acid-coated iron oxide nanoparticles and chitosan coated iron oxide nanoparticles, respectively. UV-Vis absorption spectrum and x-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed that the prepared nanoparticles were iron oxide nanoparticles. In vivo results indicated that folic acid-coated iron oxide nanoparticles showed effective restorative action, returning haemoglobin (Hb) concentration to normal levels, where not only complete recovery of Hb within short time from the anemic state to the high normal level, but also improved Hb concentrations compared to the commercial iron product.Conclusion: The results obtained in this research work clearly indicated a promising potential of folic acid-coated iron oxide nanoparticles for the effective treatment of IDA.
MODELING OF CARBONIC ANHYDRASE (II) INHIBITORY ACTIVITIES OF SULPHONILAMIDE SCHIFF BASES BY ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK TRAINED WITH DIFFERENT NUMERICAL TECHNIQUES
Authors: Pandey Vandana
Published: January 2018

Objective: The aim of the present study was to develop robust linear and non-linear Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) models for exploring the relationship between the structural features of a series of sulphanilamide Schiff bases and their CA (II) inhibition activities.Methods: QSAR modeling of carbonic anhydrase (II) inhibiting activities of a series of sulphanilamide Schiff bases as a function of theoretically derived molecular descriptors calculated by Dragon software was established linearly by stepwise multiple linear regression (SW-MLR) method and non-linearly by artificial neural network (ANN) method, trained with different numerical techniques namely, Scaled conjugate gradient (SCG), quasi-Newton (BFGS), and Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm. SW-MLR method was also used to select descriptors from large descriptor pool. After the selection of variables, best selected linear model was validated by Y-randomization test. The applicability domain was assessed by the normalized mean Euclidean distance value for each compound. The prediction quality of proposed non-linear QSAR models was tested externally using validation and test set.Results: The low value of R2average = 0.214 from the Y-randomization test and no significant correlation between the selected descriptors indicates that linear model is reliable, and robust. Applicability domain analysis has also revealed that the suggested model has acceptable predictability. To explore non-linear relationship between selected descriptors and the target property, ANN approach trained with three supervised algorithms (BFGS, SCG and LM) was used. Statistical comparison of the quality of models obtained using ANN method trained with above mentioned three algorithms with SW-MLR model shows that ANN with 4-3-1 architecture and trained with LM algorithm has better predictive power as indicated by low RMSEval (0.11), MAPEval (11.95) values and high R2val (0.96) value.Conclusion: The results of this work indicated the ANN trained with fastest Levenberg-Marqardt algorithm is a promising tool for establishing non-linear relationship between selected sulphanilamide Schiffbases and their CA (II) inhibition values.
MUTATIONAL SPECIFICITY OF 2, 6-DIMETHYLANILINE WITH IN VITRO HUMAN S9 METABOLIC ACTIVATION IN THE GPT GENE OF AS52 CELLS
Authors: Moon Seo Hyun , Kim Min Young
Published: January 2018

Objective: The purpose of the current work was to characterize mechanisms of cytotoxicity and mutagenesis of a potential human bladder carcinogen 2,6-dimethylaniline (2,6-DMA).Methods: Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) AS52 cells were exposed to either human S9 activated 2,6-DMA for 6 h or its N-hydroxylamine and aminophenol metabolites for 1 h in serum-free medium. Cell survival determined by trypan blue exclusion 24 h after treatment, and 6-thioguanine-resistant mutants at the xanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (gpt) gene locus were assessed with doses of which relative survival is 30% or more. Nested PCR-based deletion analysis was also performed.Results: AS52 cells exhibited a dose-dependent increase in cytotoxicity and mutant fraction upon treatment of 2,6-DMA and its metabolites, but showing considerable variation in potency with aminophenol metabolites having the highest potency and parent compound at least; at the highest 2,6-dimethyaminophenol dose (10 μM), the mutant fraction in AS52 cells was 8 fold (13.2×10-5) greater than the spontaneous fraction of 1.62×10-5. Total deletion of the gpt gene sequences was found in 1 (4%) of spontaneous and 2 (6%) of the 6-thioguanine mutants generated by N-hydroxy-2,6-DMA.Conclusion: These findings indicate the mutagenicity of 2,6-DMA at the gpt gene, which is mediated through hydroxylamine and aminophenol metabolites, and contribute to the elucidation of mechanisms through which 2,6-DMA may exert its effects in vivo.
PREPARATION OF BUDESONIDE-PECTIN BEADS USING THE PERISTALTIC PUMP
Authors: Atara Samir A. , Soniwala Moinuddin M.
Published: January 2018

Objective: To formulate and evaluate budesonide-pectin beads using novel assembly with a peristaltic pump.Methods: The prepared budesonide-pectin dispersion was added to calcium chloride solution with the help of assembly. Provided at least 2 h for hardening and dried at 60 °C for 3 h. Assembly was assembled with the use of a peristaltic pump, polymeric solution reservoir, hose, needle, magnetic stirrer, gelling bath. One side of hose was dipped in pectin solution container and another side was passed through the peristaltic pump and connected to the needle. Peristaltic pump produced pumping of pectin solution through the hose. Needles with variable diameters are available. The gelling bath was kept on magnetic stirrer to keep prepared beads in motion, which helped to provide new surface and sufficient reaction time and helped to avoid agglomeration. There were 10 different batches with different process parameters prepared. Production yield, the diameter of beads, swelling index, and in vitro budesonide dissolution in phosphate buffer pH 7.4 after 5 h was determined.Results: There was a significant difference between selection of process parameter among the batches (p = 0.049, q = 6.11). As nozzle diameter was increased, percentage yield was decreased (p = 0.0038, q>5.98). However, if hardening time was decreased percentage release was increased (p = 0.0361, q>5.98).Conclusion: The novel assembly for bead generation had developed a uniform, spherical shaped, and smooth surfaced beads.