bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Business Presentations as a Key Tool for Russian Enterprises to Enter Foreign Markets
Authors: Balakireva Svetlana
Published: September 2019

The paper features the phenomenon of business presentation as an indispensable tool that can allow foreign trade companies to enter the foreign market. Each stage of this technological process requires a business presentation for every format of interaction with a potential foreign partner. A well-made presentation of a company, product, service, or project facilitates the search and retention of a prospective partner. It is a go-to tool used on various interaction platforms, e.g. fairs, exhibitions, business missions, conferences, business meetings, negotiations, etc. The paper defines the basic types of business presentations: company presentation, product/service, business project presentation, and commercial offer presentation. The article presents the key aspects of preparing for an effective business presentation aimed at foreign companies. When preparing a presentation for a business event, one has to plan in advance how the main elements will constitute the presentation as a whole. The "presentation field" consists of the space (external and internal environment) and the "main actors" involved in the presentation of goods or services. The prospect of further cooperation with foreign companies depends on how the Russian company analyses the ability to attract potential partners, prepares for the event, and selects the format of presentation.
Endothelial Dysfunction in Dyslipidaemia: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications
Authors: Zaric Bozidarka , Obradovic Milan , Trpkovic Andreja , Banach Maciej , Mikhailidis Dimitri P. , Isenovic Esma R.
Published: September 2019

The endothelium consists of a monolayer of Endothelial Cells (ECs) which form
the inner cellular lining of veins, arteries, capillaries and lymphatic vessels. ECs interact with
the blood and lymph. The endothelium fulfils functions such as vasodilatation, regulation of
adhesion, infiltration of leukocytes, inhibition of platelet adhesion, vessel remodeling and
lipoprotein metabolism. ECs synthesize and release compounds such as Nitric Oxide (NO),
metabolites of arachidonic acid, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and enzymes that degrade
the extracellular matrix. Endothelial dysfunction represents a phenotype prone to atherogenesis
and may be used as a marker of atherosclerotic risk. Such dysfunction includes impaired
synthesis and availability of NO and an imbalance in the relative contribution of endothelialderived
relaxing factors and contracting factors such as endothelin-1 and angiotensin. This
dysfunction appears before the earliest anatomic evidence of atherosclerosis and could be an
important initial step in further development of atherosclerosis. Endothelial dysfunction was
historically treated with vitamin C supplementation and L-arginine supplementation. Short
term improvement of the expression of adhesion molecule and endothelial function during
antioxidant therapy has been observed. Statins are used in the treatment of hyperlipidaemia, a
risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Future studies should focus on identifying the mechanisms
involved in the beneficial effects of statins on the endothelium. This may help develop
drugs specifically aimed at endothelial dysfunction.
Natural Polymers Based Hydrogels for Cell Culture Applications
Authors: Jose Gils , Shalumon K.T. , Chen Jyh-Ping
Published: September 2019

It is well known that the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a vital role in the growth, survival
and differentiation of cells. Though two-dimensional (2D) materials are generally used as substrates for
the standard in vitro experiments, their mechanical, structural, and compositional characteristics can
alter cell functions drastically. Many scientists reported that cells behave more natively when cultured
in three-dimensional (3D) environments than on 2D substrates, due to the more in vivo-like 3D cell
culture environment that can better mimic the biochemical and mechanical properties of the ECM. In
this regard, water-swollen network polymer-based materials called hydrogels are highly attractive for
developing 3D ECM analogs due to their biocompatibility and hydrophilicity. Since hydrogels can be
tuned and altered systematically, these materials can function actively in a defined culture medium to
support long-term self-renewal of various cells. The physico-chemical and biological properties of the
materials used for developing hydrogel should be tunable in accordance with culture needs. Various
types of hydrogels derived either from natural or synthetic origins are currently being used for cell culture
applications. In this review, we present an overview of various hydrogels based on natural polymers
that can be used for cell culture, irrespective of types of applications. We also explain how each
hydrogel is made, its source, pros and cons in biological applications with a special focus on regenerative
engineering.
Recent Advances in Magnetic Upconversion Nanocomposites for Bioapplications
Authors: Ding Yadan , Hong Xia , Liu Yichun , Zhang Hong
Published: September 2019

The combination of magnetism and upconversion luminescent property into one single nanostructure is fascinating for biological fields, such as multimodal bioimaging, targeted drug delivery, and imaging-guided therapy. In this review, we will provide the state-of-the-art advances on magnetic upconversion nanocomposites towards their bioapplications. Their structure design, synthesis methods, surface engineering and applications in bioimaging, drug delivery, therapy as well as biodetection will be covered.
Nanoparticles: Properties and Applications in Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Iscaro Alessandra , Howard Nutter F. , Muthana Munitta
Published: September 2019

Background::

Tumours are no longer regarded as isolated masses of aberrantly proliferating epithelial
cells. Rather, their properties depend on complex interactions between epithelial cancer cells and the surrounding
stromal compartment within the tumour microenvironment. In particular, leukocyte infiltration plays a role in
controlling tumour development and is now considered one of the hallmarks of cancer. Thus, in the last few
years, immunotherapy has become a promising strategy to fight cancer, as its goal is to reprogram or activate antitumour
immunity to kill tumour cells, without damaging the normal cells and provide long-lasting results where
other therapies fail. However, the immune-related adverse events due to the low specificity in tumour cell targeting,
strongly limit immunotherapy efficacy. In this regard, nanomedicine offers a platform for the delivery of
different immunotherapeutic agents specifically to the tumour site, thus increasing efficacy and reducing toxicity.
Indeed, playing with different material types, several nanoparticles can be formulated with different shape,
charge, size and surface chemical modifications making them the most promising platform for biomedical applications.

Aim::

In this review, we will summarize the different types of cancer immunotherapy currently in clinical trials or
already approved for cancer treatment. Then, we will focus on the most recent promising strategies to deliver
immunotherapies directly to the tumour site using nanoparticles.

Conclusions::

Nanomedicine seems to be a promising approach to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
However, additional investigations are needed to minimize the variables in the production processes in order to
make nanoparticles suitable for clinical use.
Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: A Promising Nanomaterial in Drug Delivery
Authors: Rajpoot Kuldeep
Published: September 2019

The solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) usually consists of active drug molecules along with solid lipids,
surfactants, and/or co-surfactants. They possess some potential features such as nano-size, surface with a free
functional group to attach ligands, and as well they prove safe homing for both lipophilic as well as hydrophilic
molecules. As far as synthesis is concerned, SLNs can be prepared by employing various techniques viz., homogenization
techniques (e.g., high-pressure, high-speed, cold, or hot homogenization), spray drying technique, ultrasonication,
solvent emulsification, double emulsion technique, etc. Apart from this, they are characterized by
different methods for determining various parameters like particle-size, polydispersity-index, surface morphology,
DSC, XRD, etc. SLNs show good stability as well as the ability for surface tailoring with the specific ligand,
which makes them a suitable candidate in the therapy of numerous illnesses, especially in the targeting of the
cancers. In spite of this, SLNs have witnessed their application via various routes e.g., oral, parenteral, topical,
pulmonary, rectal routes, etc. Eventually, SLNs have also shown great potential for delivery of gene/DNA, vaccines,
as well as in cosmeceuticals. Hence, SLNs have emerged as a promising nanomaterial for efficient delivery
of various Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).
In-Silico Modeling in Drug Metabolism and Interaction: Current Strategies of Lead Discovery
Authors: Roy Harekrishna , Nandi Sisir
Published: September 2019

Background:

Drug metabolism is a complex mechanism of human body systems to detoxify foreign particles, chemicals, and drugs through bio alterations. It involves many biochemical reactions carried out by invivo enzyme systems present in the liver, kidney, intestine, lungs, and plasma. After drug administration, it crosses several biological membranes to reach into the target site for binding and produces the therapeutic response. After that, it may undergo detoxification and excretion to get rid of the biological systems. Most of the drugs and its metabolites are excreted through kidney via urination. Some drugs and their metabolites enter into intestinal mucosa and excrete through feces. Few of the drugs enter into hepatic circulation where they go into the intestinal tract. The drug leaves the liver via the bile duct and is excreted through feces. Therefore, the study of total methodology of drug biotransformation and interactions with various targets is costly.

Methods:

To minimize time and cost, in-silico algorithms have been utilized for lead-like drug discovery. Insilico modeling is the process where a computer model with a suitable algorithm is developed to perform a controlled experiment. It involves the combination of both in-vivo and in-vitro experimentation with virtual trials, eliminating the non-significant variables from a large number of variable parameters. Whereas, the major challenge for the experimenter is the selection and validation of the preferred model, as well as precise simulation in real physiological status.

Results:

The present review discussed the application of in-silico models to predict absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties of drug molecules and also access the net rate of metabolism of a compound.

Conclusion:

: It helps with the identification of enzyme isoforms; which are likely to metabolize a compound, as well as the concentration dependence of metabolism and the identification of expected metabolites. In terms of drug-drug interactions (DDIs), models have been described for the inhibition of metabolism of one compound by another, and for the compound–dependent induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes.
In Vitro Biological Estimation of 1,2,3-Triazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine Derivatives as Anti-breast Cancer Agent: DFT, QSAR and Docking Studies
Authors: Kolawole Oyebamiji A. , Banjo Semire
Published: September 2019

Background & Objective:

Series of synthesized molecular compounds were considered as
anti-breast cancer. The molecular descriptors which describe the microbial activities of the studied
compounds were calculated using theoretical approach.

Methods:

The calculated parameters obtained EHOMO (eV), ELUMO (eV), dipole moment (Debye), log P,
molecular weight (amu), HBA, HBD, Vol and Ovality were screened. The obtained calculated descriptors
were used to develop QSAR model for prediction of experimental inhibition concentration
(IC50) using SPSS and Gretl software packages for multiple linear regression (MLR) and MATLAB for
the artificial neural network (ANN).

Results:

From this statistical analysis, MLR and ANN were observed to be predictive, however, ANNQSAR
model predicted more efficiently than MLR.

Conclusion:

Furthermore, molecular docking study was executed with breast cancer cell line
(PDB ID: 1hi7); it was observed that BS20 with binding energy of -7.0 kcal/mol bounded more efficiently
than other compounds also, it inhibited more than the standard used (5-FU).
Rhodiola and salidroside in the treatment of metabolic disorders
Authors: Bai Xiang-Li , Deng Xiu-Ling , Wu Guang-Jie , Li Wen-Jing , Jin Si
Published: September 2019

Over the past three decades, the knowledge gained about the mechanisms that underpin the potential use of Rhodiola in stress- and ageing-associated disorders has increased, and provided a universal framework for studies that focused on the use of Rhodiola in preventing or curing metabolic diseases. Of particular interest is the emerging role of Rhodiola in the maintenance of energy homeostasis. Moreover, over the last two decades, great efforts have been undertaken to unravel the underlying mechanisms of action of Rhodiola in the treatment of metabolic disorders. Extracts of Rhodiola and salidroside, the most abundant active compound in Rhodiola, are suggested to provide a beneficial effect in mental, behavioral, and metabolic disorders. Both in vivo and ex vivo studies, Rhodiola extracts and salidroside ameliorate metabolic disorders when administered acutely or prior to experimental injury. The mechanism involved includes multi-target effects by modulating various synergistic pathways that control oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondria, autophagy, and cell death, as well as AMPK signaling that is associated with possible beneficial effects on metabolic disorders. However, evidence-based data supporting the effectiveness of Rhodiola or salidroside in treating metabolic disorders is limited. Therefore, a comprehensive review of available trials showing putative treatment strategies of metabolic disorders that include both clinical effective perspectives and fundamental molecular mechanisms is warranted. This review highlights studies that focus on the potential role of Rhodiola extracts and salidroside in type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis, the two most common metabolic diseases.
The CSF p-tau181/Aβ42 Ratio Offers a Good Accuracy “In Vivo” in the Differential Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Dementia
Authors: Santangelo Roberto , Dell'Edera Alessandro , Sala Arianna , Cecchetti Giordano , Masserini Federico , Caso Francesca , Pinto Patrizia , Leocani Letizia , Falautano Monica , Passerini Gabriella , Martinelli Vittorio , Comi Giancarlo , Perani Daniela , Magnani Giuseppe
Published: September 2019

Background:

The incoming disease-modifying therapies against Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
require reliable diagnostic markers to correctly enroll patients all over the world. CSF AD biomarkers,
namely amyloid-β 42 (Aβ42), total tau (t-tau), and tau phosphorylated at threonine 181 (p-tau181),
showed good diagnostic accuracy in detecting AD pathology, but their real usefulness in daily clinical
practice is still a matter of debate. Therefore, further validation in complex clinical settings, that is patients
with different types of dementia, is needed to uphold their future worldwide adoption.

Methods:

We measured CSF AD biomarkers’ concentrations in a sample of 526 patients with a clinical
diagnosis of dementia (277 with AD and 249 with Other Type of Dementia, OTD). Brain FDG-PET was
also considered in a subsample of 54 patients with a mismatch between the clinical diagnosis and the
CSF findings.

Results:

A p-tau181/Aβ42 ratio higher than 0.13 showed the best diagnostic performance in differentiating
AD from OTD (86% accuracy index, 74% sensitivity, 81% specificity). In cases with a mismatch
between clinical diagnosis and CSF findings, brain FDG-PET partially agreed with the p-tau181/Aβ42
ratio, thus determining an increase in CSF accuracy.

Conclusions:

The p-tau181/Aβ42 ratio alone might reliably detect AD pathology in heterogeneous samples
of patients suffering from different types of dementia. It might constitute a simple, cost-effective
and reproducible in vivo proxy of AD suitable to be adopted worldwide not only in daily clinical practice
but also in future experimental trials, to avoid the enrolment of misdiagnosed AD patients.
High Contrast and Resolution Labeling of Amyloid Plaques in Tissue Sections from APP-PS1 Mice and Humans with Alzheimer’s Disease with the Zinc Chelator HQ-O: Practical and Theoretical Considerations
Authors: Schmued Larry , Raymick James , Sarkar Sumit
Published: September 2019

Background:

Various methodologies have been employed for the localization of amyloid plaques in numerous studies on Alzheimer’s disease. The majority of these stains are thought to label the plaques by virtue of their affinity for aggregated Aβ. However, plaques are known to contain numerous other components, including multivalent metals such as zinc.

Objective:

This investigates whether it is possible to localize the presence of zinc in parenchymal and vascular amyloid plaques in afflicted brains. To accomplish this, a novel fluorescent zinc chelator, HQO, was investigated to determine its mechanism of binding and to optimize a stain for the high contrast and resolution histological localization of amyloid plaques.

Method:

A novel zinc chelator, HQ-O, was developed for localizing zinc within amyloid plaques. The histology involves incubating tissue sections in a dilute aqueous solution of HQ-O. Its compatibility with a variety of other fluorescent methodologies is described.

Results:

All amyloid plaques are stained in fine detail and appear bright green under blue light excitation. The staining of parenchymal plaques correlates closely with that seen following staining with antibodies to Aβ, however, the HQ-O sometimes also label additional globular structures within blood vessels. In situ mechanistic studies revealed that fluorescent plaque-like structures are only observed with HQ-O when synthetic Aβx-42 is aggregated in the presence of zinc.

Conclusion:

Zinc is intimately bound to all amyloid plaques, which was demonstrated by its histological localization using a novel fluorescent zinc chelator, HQ-O. Additionally, the tracer is also capable of labeling intravascular leucocytes due to their high zinc content.
A Comparison of Ultrasound and Fluoroscopy-guided Celiac Plexus Neurolysis in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Elhossieny Khadeja M. , Seleem Waseem M. , Abd-Elsalam Sherief , Haydara Tamer , Gharbawy Nashwa Mohamed El
Published: September 2019

Background & Aims:

Celiac plexus neurolysis is an elegant way of reducing pain in
patients with pancreatic cancer. The aim of this work was to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound
versus fluoroscopy-guided celiac plexus neurolysis in pancreatic cancer management.

Methods:

This study included 60 patients presenting with pancreatic cancer pain; who were subjected
to one session of celiac plexus neurolysis and were divided equally into two groups: -
Group (1): included 30 patients (12 femalesamp;18 males); who were exposed to ultrasound (US)-
guided celiac plexus neurolysis and group (2): included 30 patients (10 females & 20 males) who
were exposed to fluoroscopy-guided celiac plexus neurolysis. Abdominal pain was assisted by
visual analogue score (VAS).

Results:

Regarding VAS, our results revealed that all patients showed improvement after celiac
plexus neurolysis either through ultrasound technique or via percutaneous fluoroscopy technique.
Furthermore, the ultrasound group recorded more significant pain relief with improved VAS than
the fluoroscopy group immediately and on long-term follow-up with mean ± SD as follows: -
Immediately (9.2 ± 0.8) to (2.5 ± 0.7) vs. (9.1 ± 0.7) to (3.5 ± 0.82, respectively); After 1 week
(1.1 ± 0.8 vs. 3.6 ± 1.7, respectively), after 1 month ( 1 ± 0.9 vs. 3.7 ± 1.9), after three months (1.7
± 1.01 vs. 5.9 ± 1.7, respectively) and after 6 months (2.3 ± 0.6 vs. 7.5 ± 1.6, respectively).

Conclusion:

The study revealed that ultrasound-guided celiac plexus neurolysis is more durable,
tolerable, effective and safe compared to fluoroscopy-guided neurolysis of patient suffering from
pancreatic cancer pain.
Fluoroquinolone-3-carboxamide Amino Acid Conjugates: Synthesis, Antibacterial Properties And Molecular Modeling Studies
Authors: Bokhtia Riham M. , Panda Siva S. , Girgis Adel S. , Honkanadavar Hitesh H. , Ibrahim Tarek S. , George Riham F. , Kashef Mona T. , Fayad Walid , Sakhuja Rajeev , Abdel-Aal Eatedal H. , Al-Mahmoudy Amany M. M.
Published: September 2019

Background:

Bacterial infections are considered as one of the major global health
threats, so it is very essential to design and develop new antibacterial agents to overcome the
drawbacks of existing antibacterial agents.

Method:

The aim of this work is to synthesize a series of new fluoroquinolone-3-carboxamide
amino acid conjugates by molecular hybridization. We utilized benzotriazole chemistry to synthesize
the desired hybrid conjugates.

Result:

All the conjugates were synthesized in good yields, characterized, evaluated for their antibacterial
activity. The compounds were screened for their antibacterial activity using methods
adapted from the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Synthesized conjugates were tested
for activity against medically relevant pathogens; Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas
aeruginosa (ATCC 27856) Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Enterococcus faecalis
(ATCC 19433).

Conclusion:

The observed antibacterial experimental data indicates the selectivity of our synthesized
conjugates against E.Coli. The protecting group on amino acids decreases the antibacterial
activity. The synthesized conjugates are non-toxic to the normal cell lines. The experimental data
were supported by computational studies.
Extraction and Identification of Two Flavonoids in Phlomoides hyoscyamoides as an Endemic Plant of Iran: The Role of Quercetin in the Activation of the Glutathione Peroxidase, the Improvement of the Hydroxyproline and Protein Oxidation in Bile Duct-Ligated Rats
Authors: Doustimotlagh Amir H. , Taheri Salman , Mansourian Mahboubeh , Eftekhari Mahdieh
Published: September 2019

Background:

Cholestatic liver disease, a serious chronic condition that develops progressive hepatic
degeneration through free radicals.

Objective:

The present study was designed to extract and identify two flavonoids in Phlomoides hyoscyamoides
plant, native to Iran and evaluate the role of quercetin identified on the liver injury among bile ductligated
rats.

Methods:

This study was conducted on 25 male Wistar rats within three groups of sham control, mere bile
duct-ligated, and bile duct-ligated with quercetin. The bile duct-ligated animals received quercetin at a dose
of 50 mg/kg/day for 10 days, followed by biochemical tests, oxidative stress markers, activity of antioxidant
enzymes and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Molecular docking was used to explore the interactive
behavior of quercetin with glutathione peroxidase.

Results:

According to analyses of the obtained extract, two main active ingredients of P. hyoscyamoides
were rutin and quercetin. Bile duct-ligated group showed a significant liver necrosis, a clear increase in
plasma and tissue oxidative stress parameters, and a decrease in glutathione peroxidase activity as compared
to sham control group. Quercetin injection in bile duct-ligated rats resulted in significant decrease in
hydroxyproline, protein carbonyl and histopathologic indexes and significant increase in glutathione peroxidase
activity (P-value≤0.05). Based on the molecular docking, the quercetin was able to regulate the glutathione
peroxidase activity.

Conclusion:

The quercetin acts as an enzyme inducer by renewing the glutathione peroxidase activity and
inhibiting the oxidation of proteins and hence decreases the oxidative stress. These results could be a sign
of confirming the positive role of quercetin in attenuating the liver damage and degeneration.
Combined QSAR Model and Chemical Similarity Search for Novel HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors for Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Rajathei David Mary , Parthasarathy Subbiah , Selvaraj Samuel
Published: September 2019

Background:

Coronary heart disease generally occurs due to cholesterol accumulation in the walls of the heart arteries. Statins are the most widely used drugs which work by inhibiting the active site of 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) enzyme that is responsible for cholesterol synthesis. A series of atorvastatin analogs with HMGCR inhibition activity have been synthesized experimentally which would be expensive and time-consuming.

Methods:

In the present study, we employed both the QSAR model and chemical similarity search for identifying novel HMGCR inhibitors for heart-related diseases. To implement this, a 2D QSAR model was developed by correlating the structural properties to their biological activity of a series of atorvastatin analogs reported as HMGCR inhibitors. Then, the chemical similarity search of atorvastatin analogs was performed by using PubChem database search.

Results and Discussion:

The three-descriptor model of charge (GATS1p), connectivity (SCH-7) and distance (VE1_D) of the molecules is obtained for HMGCR inhibition with the statistical values of R2= 0.67, RMSEtr= 0.33, R2 ext= 0.64 and CCCext= 0.76. The 109 novel compounds were obtained by chemical similarity search and the inhibition activities of the compounds were predicted using QSAR model, which were close in the range of experimentally observed threshold.

Conclusion:

The present study suggests that the QSAR model and chemical similarity search could be used in combination for identification of novel compounds with activity by in silico with less computation and effort.
Current State of the Art for Survival Prediction in Cancer Using Data Mining Techniques
Authors: Doja M.N. , Kaur Ishleen , Ahmad Tanvir
Published: September 2019

Background:

Cancer treatment is expensive and results in a lot of side effects, and thus
survival prediction is necessary for the patients as well as the clinician. Data mining technology
has been used in the medical domain to extract interesting information. Cancer prognosis is such
an application in medicine.

Objective:

This study focuses on identifying the technologies used in the recent past for predicting
the survival of cancer patients. Supervised, semi-supervised and unsupervised techniques have
been used over the years successfully for the survival prediction of different types of cancer.

Methods:

A systematic literature review process has been followed in this study to discover the
future directions of the research. This study focuses on uncovering the gaps in recent studies.

Results and Conclusion:

It has been found that the present system lacks structured information of
the patients. Also, there are a lot of different cancer types that are still unexplored in terms of
survival prediction, mainly due to the unavailability of sufficient data. Hence a lot can be
improved if researchers may get their hands on required data for the research.
Epidemiology and Adverse Consequences of Hookah/Waterpipe Use: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pratiti Rebecca , Mukherjee Debabrata
Published: September 2019

Hookah smoking is becoming a popular trend globally. Waterpipe smoking is the second
most prevalent form of alternate tobacco products. The rapid increase in hookah use is because of the
misconception prevalent in society that hookah smoking is less harmful than cigarette smoking.
Smoking ban policies had given impetus of switching from cigarette smoking to alternate tobacco
products like waterpipe. Hookah users regard hookah to be more socially acceptable, less stigmatizing
with flavors and to alleviate cigarette craving symptoms. Newer basic science research on animal
models and human cells has shown consistently mutagenic, oxidative, and inflammatory changes that
could cause possible health effects of premalignant oral lesion and chronic diseases like atherosclerosis
and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Studies on the chemistry of waterpipe smoke had
shown alarming results with the smoke containing seven carcinogens, 39 central nervous system depressants,
and 31 respiratory irritants. Enormous data exist showing waterpipe smoking causing various
health effects. Hookah smoking effects on cardiovascular disease is additive with hookah containing
a significant amount of nicotine, tar, and heavy metals causing both acute and chronic effects
on the cardiovascular system. These effects include increased heart rate, blood pressure, prevalence
of coronary heart disease, heart failure, ST-segment elevation myocardial ischemia, recurrent ischemia,
and worse outcomes including mortality related to these diseases. The objectives of the review
are to assess the factor associated with the increasing use of hookah, its health effects, options for
hookah smoking cessation, and public health policy initiatives to mitigate waterpipe use.
Modifications in the Structural and Optical Properties of ZnO Nanophosphor on Doping with Tb
Authors: Rani Suman , Lal Bansi , Saxena Sumit , Shukla Shobha
Published: September 2019

Background:

The characteristic visible emission from ZnO being attributed to the defect energy states can be tailored by doping as well as by synthesis techniques. Rare-earth elements, among various dopants, are interesting because of their unique emission properties in the visible region. Terbium (Tb), in particular, is reported to contribute significantly to the creation of the defect energy states when doped in ZnO. This study investigated the Tb concentration dependent modifications in the structural and optical properties of ZnO nanophosphor.

Methods:

Tb (0.1, 0.5, 01.0 mol%) doped nanophosphor powder samples prepared by low temperature precipitation method, were sintered in air at 700oC using a home-built temperature controlled (±1oC) muffle furnace. Powder XRD and EDX spectra at room temperature were recorded using Philips X perts x-ray spectrometer while Jeol JSM-7600F was used to record SEM images. Photoluminescence spectra excited by the 280, 300, 380 and 460nm radiation from a Xe lamp were recorded using Carry 8000 spectrophotometer. Raman spectra excited by 514.5nm radiation from an Ar-ion laser, was investigated using Morrison microscope Olympus Bx 41 while UV-VIS absorption spectra were recorded on UV- 1800 UV-VIS Spectrophotometer.

Results:

FTIR and XRD spectra showed that the basic ZnO wurtzite crystal structure remained unchanged on doping. However, XRD data analysis indicated that the 0.1 mol% Tb might be incorporated in ZnO unit cell at an interstitial and / or substitutional site(s) while at 0.5 and 1.0 mol% doping levels migration of Tb to the surface could be the dominant process. This was further confirmed by Raman and photoluminescence studies. Broad emission (122nm FWHM) peaking around 510nm was observed when the doped samples were excited with 280 and 300nm radiation while characteristic ZnO emission was observed with 380 and 460nm radiation. The calculated chromaticity color coordinates (x,y) of the emission excited by 280nm in 0.5 mol% doped ZnO were: x=0.29 and y=0.31, which are very close to those of the daylight at noon.

Conclusion:

Concentration dependent lattice distortions were observed; it was concluded that at 0.1mol% concentration level Tb was incorporated in ZnO lattice resulting in interstitial or substitutional defects. On the other hand, at 0.5 and 1.0 mol% doping levels diffusion of Tb to the surface producing strain due to "hydrostatic like pressure" seemed to be the dominating process; maximum strain was observed at 0.5mol% doping. The calculated chromaticity color coordinates of the 280nm excited emission from ZnO:Tb (0.5mol%) were found to be very close to those of the "day light at noon” indicating the suitability of the material for the realization of white light sources.
Silica gel Supported Boric tri-Sulfuric Anhydride (SiO2-BTSA): An Efficient Catalytic System for the Synthesis of Phloroglucide Analogs as Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Bargebid Rahele , Khalafi-Nezhad Ali , Zomorodian Kamiar , Moradi Mahkameh , Khabnadideh Soghra
Published: September 2019

Background:

Polyhydroxy aromatic compounds are one of the most important classes
of phenolic compounds with different biological activities. Some important and biologically active
phenol-based compounds have also been isolated from nature.

Methods:

An efficient procedure for the synthesis of polyhydroxy aromatic compounds (phloroglucide
analogs) is described. In this procedure, a reaction took place between different 4-substituted
phenols and 2,6-bis(hydroxymethyl) phenols. The reactions proceed in the presence of catalytic
amount of silica gel supported boric tri-sulfuric anhydride (SiO2-BTSA) in excellent yields.

Results:

16 compounds were synthesized (I1-I16). Chemical structures of all the compounds were
confirmed by spectroscopic methods. We optimized the chemical reactions in the presence of different
acidic catalysts, different solvents and also different temperatures. A catalytic amount of
SiO2-BTSA in dichloroethane (DCE) was the best condition. Some of the synthesized compounds
were screened for their antimicrobial activities. Antifungal and antibacterial activities of the synthesized
compounds were evaluated by broth microdilution method as recommended by CLSI.
Some of the tested compounds showed good in vitro biological properties.

Conclusion:

Our active compounds could introduce as good candidates for further studies as antimicrobial
agents.
Localization and Tracking of Mobile Jammer Sensor Node Detection in Multi-Hop Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Porkodi K.P. , Karthika I. , Gianey Hemant K.
Published: September 2019

Background:

The jammer in a wireless sensor network is located and tracked with open access
and shared nature of the wireless medium. The existing algorithms mainly track the stationary
jammer. Mobile jammer often moves from one place to another becoming difficult. Mobile jammer location
tracker algorithm is proposed to find the location of a mobile jammer with four steps selection
i.e., initial examining node, determination of supporting node, trilateration localization and examining
group handover.

Objective:

In this research paper an algorithm is proposed for finding the location of mobile jammer in
wireless sensor network. Finding location faces a huge difficulty due to non-supportive working between
the multi hop wireless sensor network and jammer. The existing algorithms are used to find the location of
stationary jammers only. Mobile jammers frequently change their position from time to time. Therefore
jamming increases between the node to node communications in the multi hop wireless sensor network.

Methods:

The multi hop wireless sensor network is deployed with n number of stationary nodes in a particular
area. The omni directional antenna is fitted with those stationary nodes and the transmission
powers of the nodes are also constant. The direction-finding table is maintained and keep on updating
for an interval of each node. The position of the nodes is tracked with the GPS devices or by existing location
finding algorithm. The nodes in the multi hop wireless sensor network are installed in A*A square
area uniformly and randomly. The transmitting node is tp node. The received signal to noise ratio is
threshold STNR. Neighbor list records the neighbor node of the multi hop wireless sensor networks.

Results and Conclusion:

The proposed idea of localization and tracking system of mobile jammer is estimated
efficiently by the multi hop wireless sensor network with the simulator MATLAB. The nodes in
multi hop wireless sensor network are installed in A*A area square uniformly and randomly.
APPRAISAL OF URBANISATION, TOWNSHIP AND HOUSING TRENDS FOR A DESIRED FUTURE IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Roosli Ruhizal , Malik Sana , Wahid Julaihi , Nesadurai Helen
Published: September 2019

This paper reviews the trend of township planning in Malaysia by featuring measures for the preparation of urban housing, and utilising the contemporary shifts in town ‘landscaping’. Learning from the Habitat III, a competitive township is essential for better and vibrant society. In Malaysia, the competitiveness, capital at present can be measured in policy implementation financially and transformative technologies support with any cutting-edge human capital strategy. The objectives of this paper are to investigate the strategic angle of sustainable urban development and to suggest better future urbanisation, township and housing in Malaysia. Detailed review was done through content analysis aiming at well-being and economic stability of its residents. The content in focus comprised housing integration, housing assistance, economic participation, and technology and design. It was found that Malaysia must be aware and compatible with such challenges to align with the national aspiration for harmonious living standards for future planning and housing development.
SERVICE CATCHMENT OF MASS RAPID TRANSIT (MRT) FEEDER BUS: A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF T461 ROUTE TAMAN KAJANG UTAMA
Authors: Jhin Lin Chloe Aida Lim , Ponrahono Zakiah
Published: September 2019

The planning and development of rail services require various considerations. Land availability, land use, catchment, route matching, infrastructure fitting, barrier free and micro-climate friendly designs are some of the factors heeded prior to such installations. A deviation between designated and highly demanded service area in urban sprawl zones of the city has been occurring in many Malaysian cities. These gaps have led to the mismatch between origin/destination of passengers and planned locations of train stations and its feeder bus stops. As such, rail services become less accessible to populations with the highest demands. This paper discusses the preliminary findings from a pilot study which seeks to calibrate the research instrument and validate preliminary findings before actual data collection for the purpose of determining the service catchment of the T461 feeder bus in Kajang MRT Station. The Garmin GPS device acts as the research instrument to obtain coordinates of locations where passengers board and alight feeder buses. On-board surveys and comparison analyses are methods that have been used to obtain the optimum GPS coordinates of the bus stop locations. The preliminary findings indicate that the research instrument is ready to be used for actual data collection and geospatial analysis to determine the service catchment of the T461 feeder bus service.
SOCIAL IMPACT EVALUATION OF TEA PRODUCTION USING SOCIAL LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT (S-LCA) METHOD IN CAMERON HIGHLANDS, PAHANG, MALAYSIA
Authors: Sharaai Amir Hamzah , Muhammad Khairul Izzudin , Wah Yeoh Geok
Published: September 2019

Commercial convention of tea production and plantation at the largest scale in this country has shown an escalation year by year, together with the high demand for tea products in the Malaysian market. This may have a direct social impact throughout the life cycle of tea production. Thus, this research sought to identify the social impacts from the overall process of tea production. This study used the Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) involving descriptive analysis by assessing the social impacts associated with the stakeholders of tea production using three sets of questionnaires. The studies were conducted at one of the highest tea production companies in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. The findings of the stakeholders showed a good level of satisfaction because there was no significant negative effect. Overall, the social aspects of the tea production met the required criteria in terms of social significance. However, there were some social aspects that can be improved by the factory in the future such as health and safety, discrimination, job opportunity and local community involvement.
EMPOWERING COMMUNITY MOVEMENT: EMPRICAL EVIDENCE
Authors: Abu Bakar Aisyah , Mohamed Osman Mariana , Abdullah Muhammad Faris
Published: September 2019

The living environment in which humans dwell in and are surrounded by, and thus include the immediate built environment, is fertile ground for personal development leading to community advancement. Issue: Ample amount of studies have been carried out on the influence of personal empowerment (PE) on community movement (CM). Little attention was given to the empirical evidence of the impact of PE on CM. Purpose: This paper sets out to confirm the statistical predictability of CM based on PE. Approach: Multiple Correlation and Multiple Linear Regression were executed to assess linear associations and parameters of linear equations to predict CM components based on PE items. Findings: Majority of PE items were significant predictors of CM components and ‘setting goals and striving to meet goals’ was the strongest predictor of CM.
RESPONDENTS’ AREA OF PREFERENCE WHEN DISASTER STRIKES: A CASE STUDY OF CAMERON HIGHLAND
Authors: Rabe Noor Suzilawati , Mohd Hussain Mohd Ramzi , Tukiman Izawati , Zen Ismawi , Muda Rahsidi Sabri , Mamat Ahmad Fadhli
Published: September 2019

Disaster can be understood as the probability or threat of quantifiable damage, injury, liability, loss, or any other negative occurrence that is caused by external or internal vulnerabilities that required an immediate action. Therefore, this study intends to understand respondents’ preferences of location when disaster strikes their settlements/ villages. Their responses are important to indicate their preparedness when facing disaster. Data collection was employed using the questionnaire survey method to the 11 villages. The selection of population was based on a cluster random sampling to ensure equal probability chances weregiven to every individual in every village. A total of 847 responses were able to be used for data analysis. The results show that the respondents’ knowledge on safe location was influenced by their demographic background. In addition, their experience with disasters and residential area also influenced their area of preference to seek refuge in the event of a disaster. Thus, an active promotion of such information related to risk management and reduction should be varied to cater the unique characteristics of the population.
QUALITY OF LIFE ASSESSMENT BASED ON ECONOMIC WELLBEING PERSPECTIVE: A CASE STUDY OF JOHOR BAHRU AND PETALING, SELANGOR
Authors: Mohamed Osman Mariana , Rosli Nur Farhanah , Rabe Noor Suzilawati
Published: September 2019

The definition of quality of life is varied. Different individuals may perceive the quality of life in a different form of other individuals. Over more than four decades, Malaysia has made remarkable achievements regarding its economic growth as well as its socio-economic development. Numerous factors have been identified that may influence the quality of life of the people according to their personal preferences. This article assessed the perception of 100 respondent's lives in two major cities in Malaysia namely Johor Bharu and Petaling. These cities are also the major district in Johor Darul Takzim and Selangor Darul Ehsan. These study also would be focusing on the economic well-being of the individual. The economic individual is economic capacity, transportation, living condition and educational satisfaction.
Evaluation of a Health Information Technology–Enabled Panel Management Platform to Improve Anticoagulation Control in a Low-Income Patient Population: Protocol for a Quasi-Experimental Design
Authors: Fontil Valy , Kazi Dhruv , Cherian Roy , Lee Shin-Yu , Sarkar Urmimala
Published: September 2019

Background

Warfarin is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States, and it causes a significant proportion of adverse drug events. Patients taking warfarin fall outside of the recommended therapeutic range 30% of the time, largely because of inadequate laboratory monitoring and dose adjustment. This leads to an increased risk of blood clots or bleeding events. We propose a comparative effectiveness study to examine whether a technology-enabled anticoagulation management program can improve long-term clinical outcomes compared with usual care.

Objective

Our proposed intervention is the implementation of an electronic dashboard (integrated into a preexisting electronic health record) and standardized workflow to track patients’ laboratory results, identify patients requiring follow-up, and facilitate the use of a validated nomogram for dose adjustment. The primary outcome of this study is the time in therapeutic range (TTR) at 6 months post intervention (a validated metric of anticoagulation quality among patients receiving warfarin).

Methods

We will employ a pre-post quasi-experimental design with a nonequivalent usual-care comparison site and a difference-in-differences approach to compare the effectiveness of a technology-enabled anticoagulation management program compared with usual care at a large university-affiliated safety-net clinic.

Results

We used a commercially available health information technology (HIT) platform to host a registry of patients on warfarin therapy and create the electronic dashboard for panel management. We developed the intervention with, and for, frontline clinician users, using principles of human-centered design. This study is funded until September 2020 and is approved by the University of California, San Francisco Institutional Review Board until June 22, 2020. We completed data collection in September 2019 and expect to complete our proposed analyses by February 2020.

Conclusions

We anticipate that the intervention will increase TTR among patients taking warfarin and that the use of this HIT platform will facilitate tracking and monitoring of patients on warfarin, which could enable outreach to those overdue for visits or laboratory monitoring. We will use these findings to iteratively improve the platform in preparation for a larger, multiple-site, pragmatic clinical trial. If successful, our study will demonstrate the integration of HIT platforms into existing electronic health records to improve patient care in real-world clinical settings.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/13835