bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of Dissolution Rate of Quercetin Using Solid Dispersion Approach: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation
Authors: Chaubey Raghvendra , Srivastava Nimisha , Singh Apoorva
Published: September 2019

Objective:

The objective of present study was to enhance the potential activities of
Quercetin by improving its solubility and dissolution profiles through solid dispersion approach.

Method:

A three level full factorial design (32) was adopted to study the possible combinations of
polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 & pluronic F 127 (PF 127). The solid dispersions were prepared
by solvent evaporation method and evaluated for percentage yield, drug content, aqueous solubility
and drug release. For in vivo evaluations SD4 was incorporated into Carbopol base gel and
subjected to anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan-induced rat paw edema method.

Results:

SD4 batch with drug to carrier ratio 1:1 showed release of 82.96 ± 1.76 % in 240 min following
Higuchi’s model. It was 5.54 fold increment in solubility as compared to quercetin. SD4
batch was further evaluated by FTIR, DSC, PXRD and SEM. The crystallinity was significantly
reduced and drug was homogeneously dispersed in the carrier as shown by the results of DSC,
PXRD and SEM. The DPPH scavenging assay showed significance in the IC50 value of SD4 as
compared to pure quercetin and ascorbic acid when subjected to one way ANOVA at 0.05 level of
significance (P<0.0001). In vivo anti-inflammatory study showed 78.17 ± 0.156 % inhibition of
edema by SD4 and 58.64 ± 0.640 % by pure quercetin which is significantly lower (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

These findings demonstrate that the solid dispersion of quercetin shows increased
solubility, dissolution profile, drug release and significant potential in enhancing the antiinflammatory
activity of drug.
Formulation Optimization and Biopharmaceutical Evaluation of Imatinib Mesylate Loaded β-cyclodextrin Nanosponges
Authors: Kamble Milind , Zaheer Zahid , Mokale Santosh , Zainuddin Rana
Published: September 2019

Background:

Many researchers have prepared and evaluated nanosponges and
claimed their advantages as an effective drug carrier, especially it was observed prominently
in case of anti-fungal drugs. The materials employed to synthesize nanosponges were
mainly crosslinking agents, different beta-cyclodextrin and other cellulose-based polymers.
Many of them had used ratio proportions of cross-linking agents, d polymers to synthesize
these nanosponges which ultimately produce a porous mesh-like network known as nanosponges
where actually drug is encapsulated or loaded.

Objective:

In the present investigation, we observed the effect of various levels of crosslinking
agents and beta-cyclodextrin concentrations on porosity, drug encapsulation, zeta
potential and drug release by employing the quality by design approach to synthesize nanosponges
rather than merely keeping both concentrations in proportions.

Methods:

We have slightly modified the method reported earlier i.e. melting method in
which we have used rota evaporator receiver vessel for melting cross-linking agent and beta-
cyclodextrin, rotated at 20 RPM at 100°C.

Results:

In a quality by design approach, we observed that out of four dependent variables
i.e. porosity, drug loading, zeta potential and drug release, three significantly depend on the
crosslinking of beta-cyclodextrin molecules which is highly appreciated by the amount of
cross-linking agent present in the reaction. The pharmacokinetics of Imatinib loaded optimized
nanosponges were compared with the reference product to observe the pattern of absorption
and disposition.

Conclusion:

Nanosponges synthesized by optimization technique could be effective means
of anti-cancer drug oral administration as they encapsulate the drug effectively and offer a
prolonged release of drug which gradually releases the drug and avoids unnecessary exposure
of the drug.
The Influence of CeO2-Doping of Nanosized Cadmium Ferrite on Catalytic Conversion of Ethanol
Authors: Badawy Abdelrahman A. , Rashad Ahmed M. , Ibrahim Shaimaa M. , El-Khouly Sahar M.
Published: September 2019

Background:

The role of CeO2-doping (0.75-3 mol%) and calcination temperature on solid-solid interaction between ferric and cadmium oxides yielding cadmium ferrites was examined.

Methods and Results:

The results exposed that ceria improves the ferrite formation by heating at 600-700ºC via the dissolution of some dopant cation in the lattice of CdO with the subsequent creation of anionic vacancies and/or formation of higher valency cadmium cation (Cd(2+δ)+). SBET of solids calcined at 500oC increased by CeO2-doping, while opposite trend for solids calcined at 600 and 700oC. The magnetic hysteresis loops of all samples showed room-temperature ferromagnetism with different hysteresis loop shapes.

Conclusion:

Magnetization increased by CeO2-doping that might be due to the enhancement of cadmium ferrite formation. Ethanol conversion increased by increasing CeO2-doping. Dehydrogenation product (acetaldehyde) was mainly the yield of ethanol conversion. The maximum yield of acetaldehyde (92.97%) carried out for solids doped with 3 mol% CeO2.
Исследование возможности измерения радиусов зеркал приборами с датчиками волнового фронта
Authors: Сахаров А.А. , Пискунов Т.С. , Барышников Н.В. , Животовский И.В. , Мухина Е.Е. , Вязовых М.В.
Published: September 2019

AbstractA technique has been developed for measuring the radii of curvature of optical parts. A scheme of the device based on a wavefront sensor is proposed, which is characterized by a minimum measurement error. The theoretical substantiation of the measurement technique is given. A number of methods that make it possible to measure the radii of curvature of optical parts are considered. The reasons for an increase in the measurement error are analyzed. The results of measurements according to the given methodology with an original prototype device are considered.
Фемтосекундная абсорбционная спектроскопия восстановленной и окисленной форм цитохром c оксидазы: возбужденные состояния и релаксационные процессы в гемовых центрах a и a-=SUB=-3-=/SUB=-
Authors: Шелаев И.В. , Гостев Ф.Е. , Выгодина Т.В. , Лепешкевич С.В. , Джагаров Б.М.
Published: September 2019

AbstractExcited electronic states and intraheme relaxation processes in the oxidized and reduced forms of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase extracted from a beef heart have been investigated by femtosecond absorption spectroscopy. The spectral and kinetic characteristics of short-lived intermediates have been measured from 80 fs to 20 ps after the photoexcitation. It is found that nonradiative electronic relaxation of the excitation energy in heme a , both in the oxidized (Fe(III) a ) and reduced (Fe(II) a ) forms, occurs successively as three processes, after the end of which heme a is in the ground state with a large store of vibrational energy. The subsequent vibrational relaxation (heme cooling) lasts for several picoseconds. It is found for reduced heme a _3 (Fe(II) a _3) that the electronic relaxation occurs as a result of two successive stages, which changes to vibrational relaxation in the ground state. The mechanism and dynamics of electronic excitation energy conversion in cytochrome c oxidase are analyzed.
The Ethical and Responsible Development and Application of Advanced Brain Machine Interfaces (Preprint)
Authors: Maynard Andrew David , Scragg Marissa
Published: September 2019

UNSTRUCTURED

Advanced brain machine interfaces provide potentially transformative approaches to treating neurological conditions and enhancing the performance of users. Yet, as technological capabilities continue to progress in leaps and bounds, there is a possibility that these capabilities outstrip our collective understanding of how to ensure brain machine interfaces are developed and used ethically and responsibly. In this case, there is an overt danger of rapid technological developments leading to unanticipated harm through a lack of foresight including threats to privacy, autonomy, self-identity, and other areas of personal and social value which, while hard to quantify, represent substantial risks. There is also a very real likelihood of such risks undermining value creation around the technologies and the associated enterprises, as key stakeholders push back against perceived and actual threats to what they, in turn, hold to be of value. In order to successfully traverse the resulting risk landscape, researchers and developers will need to become increasingly adept at integrating a sophisticated understanding of ethical and socially responsible innovation into their enterprises. Here, we illustrate how a “risk innovation” approach may provide novel insights into mapping out this landscape and revealing potentially blindsiding risks. We show how this approach can be used to illuminate challenges and opportunities to the successful, ethical, and responsible development of advanced brain machine interfaces. In addition, we emphasize how success will ultimately depend on the willingness of innovators and others to take ethical and responsible innovation seriously and to draw on the interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary expertise that is necessary to translate good intentions into positive outcomes.
Mies: A Fighter for Film [Seconda Part]
Authors: Robbers Lutz
Published: September 2019

Mies
São Paulo Past and Present: Comparative Albums and Architectural Photography in Brazil
Authors: Stewart Danielle
Published: September 2019

São Paulo Past and Present:
Comparative Albums and
Architectural Photography in
Brazil
Imágenes desarraigadas Fotografía y arquitectura moderna en Brasil en los años treinta
Authors: Sales Trajano Filhno Francisco
Published: September 2019

Imágenes desarraigadas
Fotografía y arquitectura moderna
en Brasil en los años treinta
Service Quality Assessment using Servqual and Kano Models
Authors: Dewi Shanty Kusuma
Published: September 2019

This study aims to assess the quality of services by integrating Servqual and the Kano model. In this study, Servqual is used to determine the quality criteria that must be improved. At this method, the quality criteria are based on the gap between customer perceptions and expectations for the services they receive. Meanwhile, the Kano method is used to categorize service attributes that satisfy customer needs. Servqual integration and the Kano model were carried out by synchronizing the Servqual gap value and the Kano model grade. Assessment of service attributes obtained from both methods produces service attributes that will focus on management’s improvement to improve service quality. The results showed that the attribute criteria that must be prioritized were attributes that included attractive and one-dimensional categories, which had weak types at Servqual. Improvements in attributes in attractive and one-dimensional categories will improve service quality and increase customer satisfaction.
IN VITRO INHIBITORY ACTIVITY OF BERBERIS VULGARIS L. AGAINST LEISHMANIA TROPICA PROMASTIGOTES
Authors: Ozbilgin Ahmet , Kayalar Husniye , Cavus Ibrahim , Durmuskahya Cenk , Toktas Umit , Gunduz Cumhur
Published: September 2019

In the present study it was aimed to determine the in vitro antileishmanial activity of Berberis vulgaris L. against Leishmania  tropica promastigotes. The aerial parts of Berberis vulgaris were collected from Spil Mountain, Manisa. The ethanolic extract of the plant material was prepared. The consecutive concentrations of the plant extract (25-100µg/ml) were set for in vitro antileishmanial assays. In addition to in vitro inhibitory activities against Leishmania tropica promastigotes, the cytotoxicity of the plant extract was also measured by WST-1 Cell proliferation assay. The percentages of parasite inhibition in the presence of B. vulgaris ethanol extract in comparison with glucantime reference group at time interval of 12-72 hours were observed between 88.0 and 100.0 %. The plant extract was found to have cytotoxic activity with 444, 81±2, 12 µg/ml IC50 value.This is the first study that involves the in vitro antileishmanial activity of B. vulgaris which is wildly growing in Manisa, Turkey. Initial results demonstrated that the ethanolic extract of B. vulgaris gave promising results and it could be used as an antileishmanial agent in future.
DETECTION OF INFLUENZA VIRUSES AMONG HOSPITALIZED CASES SUFFERING FROM SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY ILLNESS (SARI) IN SANA’A CITY, YEMEN
Authors: Al-Ademi Dina Abdulljabbar Abdullah , Al-Harazi Abdulilah Hussein , Al-Shamahy Hassan A. , Jaadan Bushra Mohammed
Published: September 2019

Influenza is a major cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. So national influenza surveillance have been important for understanding the epidemiology of influenza over time. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence rate of influenza viruses among hospitalized patients with severe acute respiratory illness (SARI), identify circulating types and subtypes of influenza viruses among them, and determine the risk factors associated with SARI. A total of 320 hospitalized patients suffering from SARI at Al Joumhouri University hospital in Sana’a city were enrolled; and their age was ranged from < 1 year to ≥ 56 years. Both nasopharyngeal and oro-pharyngeal swabs were collected from each patient and tested by using rRT-PCR technique for the detection of influenza A, influenza B and subtypes of influenza A viruses (A/H1N1(2009) and A/H3N2). The crude prevalent rate of influenza viruses among SARI patients was 10.9%;the female rate was 12.4%, and the male rate was 9.9%. The rate of Flu A in the total SARI cases was 5.9% and for Flu B was 5%. In addition 3.8% of SARI patients were suffering from influenza A/H3N2, 2.2% from influenza A/H1N1(2009) infections; and the mortality rate for influenza infections was 17.1%. Also, a high mortality rate was occurred in influenza infections in age groups 36-45 years and 6-15 years. Also, there was a significant association between flu infection; and 46-55 years group (OR=2.8), Winter time (OR=17.5), cardiac diseases (OR=9.1), and diabetic mellitus (OR=3.7). In conclusion: both influenza A and B were represented as a causative agents of SARI, and Influenza A/H3N2 was present subtype followed by A/H1N1(2009). The frequency of influenza viruses ascertain among SARI patients in Yemen highlights the need for health authorities to develop strategies to reduce morbidity among at-risk population in the course of vaccine recommendation.
A STUDY ON A NOVEL FORMULATION APPROACH TO DELIVER DOXYCYCLINE THROUGH BUCCAL ROUTE
Authors: Afroz Tanzeena , Uddin Md. Jasim , Islam Md. Shahidul
Published: September 2019

Recent developments in drug delivery technologies have a great impact on the limitations of traditional oral drug delivery for both the pediatric and geriatric patients. Administration of drug via buccal mucosa is a modern alternative for overcoming low bioavailability, enzymatic inactivation and/or drug degradation in gastrointestinal tract, hence showing rapid onset of action. The aim of the study was to develop doxycycline (antibiotic) loaded buccal films for the treatment of a wide range of systemic and non-systemic bacterial and protozoa infections. The bases of each film were prepared using mucoadhesive polymers, plasticizer, cellulose gums, and instant release film former and penetration enhancer. Optimized films were characterized for weight, width. Length, thickness, surface pH, percentage swelling index, percentage elongation, percentage moisture content, percentage moisture uptake, hydration and in vitro drug release studies. Concentration of different polymers tailored the increase in release rate of doxycycline from the mucoadhesive buccal films. In conclusions, mucoadhesive buccal films can be a substitute route for the delivery of doxycycline as antibacterial or antiprotozoal drug with a faster release rate to reach the site of action.
COCCIDIAN INTESTINAL PARASITES AMONG CHILDREN IN AL-TORBAH CITY IN YEMEN: IN COUNTRY WITH HIGH INCIDENCE OF MALNUTRITION
Authors: Shamsan Emad Najeeb Ali , De-ping CAO , Al-Shamahy Hassan A. , Ali Al- Hajj Manal Mutaher , Bo-fan JIANG , Yaogang Zhang
Published: September 2019

Diarrhoea is an important cause of malnutrition, morbidity and mortality among children in Yemen. Coccidian parasitic infections are an important cause of diarrhea in children particularly malnutrition and immune-compromised patients, but their investigations are rarely required by the treating physicians in apparently immunocompetent children. This study was aimed to find the prevalence of intestinal coccidian parasites in country with high incidence rate of malnutrition. Between May 2016 and October 2016, 228 fecal samples from 228 selected school children in Al Turbah city, Taiz governorate, Yemen, aged between 6 and 15 years were examined using wet-mount preparations and formal concentration method then films stained by modified acid-fast staining. Also data of children were collected including demographic data, and sources of water. Findings of positive intestinal coccidian parasites were analyzed in relation with demographic data, and sources of water.  The prevalence of Cryptosporidium species, Cyclospora species and Isospora belli were 75.9%, 45.6% and 1.75% respectively. There was significant association between positive of Cryptosporidium species and females (OR= 2.1 times, P=0.01), and spring water source (OR=4 times, P=0.04), while there was no significant association between positive of Cryptosporidium species and others factors studied. Also there was no significant association between positive of Cyclospora species and Isospora belli and children sex, age groups, or different sources of water. In conclusion the study highlights the high prevalence of coccidian parasites among immunocompetent school children in Yemen. The clinicians in Yemen need to be aware that coccidian parasites are a potential cause of childhood diarrhea even in immunocompetent children.
Evaluation of Russian Public Diplomacy Efficiency on the Background of Socio-political Tensions in Armenia
Authors: Jivanyan D A
Published: September 2019

The article is dedicated to the analysis of the efficiency of the Russian public diplomacy in Armenia. The article particularly analyzes the efficiency of public diplomacy and soft power of Russia in Armenia during the period of mass protests in June 2015. The research is based on the elements of comparative analysis. The author compares Russian public diplomacy in Armenia with the public diplomacy of the USA, mentioning the main faults of Russian public diplomacy along with some recommendations on how to resolve them.
Heterarchy in a System of State and Society Cooperation on the Example of Social Policy in Moscow: Introduction of the Concept and Methodological Aspects
Authors: Osipov V A
Published: September 2019

This paper aims at reviewing the connection between the network structures and hierarchies in contemporary public policy of the Russian Federation, based on the theoretical and practical experience of the policy network concept. It’s based on the hypothesis that the current political system of Russia has a number of issues that are not possible to solve with the help of only social networking, or only administrative resource. The situation indicates the need a hybrid strategy of cooperation between state and civil society and the introduction of the heterarchy concept as a form of governance and political decision-making. The article examines the interactions between the network of foster families and community councils with the Department of Social Protection of Moscow as an example of heterarchy.
From Parliamentary to “Guided Democracy”: the Case of Indonesia
Authors: Ubaidullah -
Published: September 2019

This article is devoted to analysis of historical practice of parliamentary democracy in Indonesia. The country as the former of the Netherlands's colony has applied political system of Western countries (parliamentary democracy). The failure of consolidation of parliamentary democracy has leaded the country to Sukarno's political rule of authoritarian “guided democracy” and power transition to military authoritarian regime of Suharto.
The regional differentiation of shadow economy in Poland – the potential impact for development
Authors: Buszko Andrzej
Published: September 2019

The aim of the article was to measure the level of the shadow economy in the regions of Poland. The MIMIC (Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes) approach was applied. The ﬁndings show substantial differences of shadow economy in Polish regions. The highest level of shadow economy in 2016 was identiﬁed in Świętokrzyskie (32% of local GDP) while the lowest one was observed in Kujawsko-Pomorskie and Wielkopolskie (23% of regional GDP). The regional differentiation in Poland is quite big economic problem which may harm further economic development. The different efforts that have been implemented did not reduce the dissimilarities. The shadow economy seems to be important structural barrier hammering economic development in Polish regions.
Polityka podatkowa gmin wiejskich w Polsce w latach 2006–2017
Authors: Dziuba Jarosław
Published: September 2019

Celem artykułu było rozpoznanie specyﬁ ki polityki podatkowej gmin wiejskich w Polsce. Weryﬁ kacji poddano hipotezę, zgodnie z którą polityka podatkowa w tych gminach jest bardziej liberalna i aktywna w porównaniu z innymi rodzajami gmin. Przeprowadzona analiza sprawozdań budżetowych gmin za lata 2006–2017 nie wykazuje istotnych odmienności polityki podatkowej gmin wiejskich w zakresie struktury zarówno podatków, jak i stosowanych instrumentów względem polityk podatkowych innych typów gmin. Można natomiast zauważyć większe natężenie i elastyczność wykorzystywania narzędzi władztwa podatkowego, co pozwala uznać postawioną hipotezę za prawdziwą.
Ocena efektu Harbergera-Laursena-Metzlera w polskim sektorze rolno-żywnościowym
Authors: Strojny Jacek
Published: September 2019

W opracowaniu podjęto problem oszacowania efektu Harbergera-Laursena-Metzlera w odniesieniu do polskiego sektora rolno-żywnościowego. Analiza obejmuje lata 2002-2017. W badaniu zastosowano metodykę wektorowej autoregresji (VAR). Wyniki studium ukazały, że trwałe pogorszenie terms of trade wpływa na poprawę bilansu handlowego polskiego sektora rolno-żywnościowego. Natomiast nie zidentyfikowano skutków krótkookresowych szoków terms of trade. Dodatkowo, badanie umożliwiło zidentyfikowanie wartości dodanej brutto (GVA) jako najbardziej egzogenicznej składowej systemu VAR. Najbardziej endogenicznym czynnikiem w modelu okazało się saldo obrotów bieżących. Długookresowe zmiany terms of trade są czynnikiem bardziej egzogenicznym niż saldo obrotów bieżących.
Czynniki wytwórcze w branży przetwórstwa rybnego w Polsce w okresie poakcesyjnym
Authors: Kubala Sebastian
Published: September 2019

Badanie poziomu oraz tempa zmian poziomu produktywności poszczególnych sektorów umożliwia ocenę efektywności wykorzystywanych zasobów oraz identyfikację źródeł wzrostu produkcji. Obrazuje, w jakim stopniu poziom zmian w danej branży zależy od czynników pracy oraz kapitału. Celem opracowania jest określenie efektywności wykorzystania czynników produkcji w branży przetwórstwa rybnego w Polsce w latach 2005-2016. Do ustalenia tempa zmian efektywności czynników wytwórczych wykorzystano wskaźniki oparte na produkcji, zatrudnieniu oraz wartości brutto środków trwałych. Zaprezentowane badania wykazały, iż w branży przetwórstwa rybnego występowała generalna tendencja wzrostu produktywności pracy. Jednocześnie można było zaobserwować niekorzystne zmiany produktywności kapitału. Przeprowadzone badania wskazują, iż większy wpływ na poziom produkcji ma czynnik kapitału aniżeli poziom zatrudnienia. Ponadto wartość produkcji wzrastała w tempie szybszym niż łączne nakłady czynników ją kształtujących.
Kierunki rozwoju agroturystyki na obszarze nadbużańskim
Authors: Dąbrowski Dominik , Radwańska Katarzyna , Sokół Janusz
Published: September 2019

Dolina rzeki Bug to wyjątkowy obszar na terenie Polski, charakteryzujący się bogatymi walorami zarówno przyrodniczymi, jak i kulturowymi. To również tereny w dużym stopniu rolnicze i nieprzekształcone, a jednocześnie objęte ochroną prawną. W wyniku przeprowadzonych badań wśród właścicieli gospodarstw agroturystycznych 34 gmin usytuowanych na obszarze trzech województw (podlaskiego, lubelskiego i mazowieckiego) w dolinie rzeki Bug stwierdzono, iż atutami wpływającymi w znacznym stopniu na rozwój turystyki na badanym terenie są walory przyrodnicze terenu nadbużańskiego oraz wyjątkowa cisza i spokój, a także dostęp do istniejącej infrastruktury turystycznej. Wskazano również na dużą rolę informacji turystycznej, potrzebę jej popularyzacji (przez wydawanie albumów, katalogów i innych opracowań reklamowych) oraz utrzymania wysokiego standardu prowadzonych usług. Za główną barierę rozwoju agroturystyki uznano brak nawyku w społeczeństwie do wypoczynku weekendowego i sezonowość istniejących ofert.
Cobalt and copper recovery from the ancient flotation tailings by selective sulfation roast - leaching process
Authors: Ozer M.
Published: September 2019

The ancient flotation tailings from Lefke, Cyprus, have a potential for non-ferrous metals such as cobalt and copper from more than 9.5 million tons of reserves containing 0.38% Cu, 0.032% Co, and 22.6% Fe. Recovery of cobalt and copper from these tailings can provide great benefits from economic and environmental perspectives. While the ancient tailings were kept long time in storage in dumps, the characteristics of the material has become different from the common Co and Cu bearing ores. In order to extract these valuable metals, a process involving combination of roasting and leaching was applied in this study. Since this process responded to recovery to some extent, an innovative technique of using Na2SO4 as a promoter during roasting was proposed. Utilizing of Na2SO4 did not provide only higher metal extractions, but also resulted in high selectivity. In the scope of the study, following the determination of the mineralogy and chemical composition of the tailings, certain processes such as direct leaching and sulfation roasting with/without additives before leaching were applied. Since low metal extractions were obtained from direct leaching, a selective sulfation process was applied on the tailings before leaching in order to produce a pregnant solution containing higher amounts of Co and Cu metals by reducing the iron concentration. When sulfation roasting was performed without any additive, the desired selectivity could not be provided, since the sample was considerably oxidized under the atmospheric conditions in the past. Therefore, the usage of Na2SO4 as an additive with the amount of 25% at a roasting temperature of 700?C was tested. Consequently, Na2SO4 improved the sulfation and resulted in higher cobalt (90.1%) and copper (71.2%) recovery during leaching. Beside this, an improvement with a selective sulfation was obtained by combined effect of Na2SO4 addition and temperature, and the iron extraction decreased from 26.1% to 3.9%.
Laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy at the clinic of gynecology and obstetrics in Novi Sad
Authors: Djurdjevic Srdjan , Vejnovic Aleksandra , Pantelic Milos
Published: September 2019

Introduction. Laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy is a surgical
procedure with uterine artery ligation followed by vaginal removal of the
uterus. The first laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy was performed
by Harry Reich in 1989. Material and Methods. The sample included 24
patients who underwent surgery at the Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics,
Clinical Center of Vojvodina in Novi Sad in the period 2014 - 2017. The most
common indications for laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy included
mild uterine prolapse and uterine fibroids (15 patients, 62.5%). The surgery
was carried out in two stages: the first, laparoscopic stage and the second,
vaginal stage. The laparoscopic stage included mobilization of the bladder,
ovaries and uterus to the level of uterine vessels. In the second stage, the
cervix was approached vaginally and detached from the urinary bladder, after
which the uterus with cervix and adnexa were removed through the vagina.
Results. The average age of patients was 56.8 years; on average, the
surgeries lasted 140 minutes and the mean blood loss was 190 ml. Two (8.3%)
patients experienced bladder and ureteral injuries which were resolved by
urologists. Laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy was the only
procedure performed in 5 (20.8%) patients, whereas it was combined with
anterior and/or posterior colporrhaphy in 14 (58.4%), with pelvic
lymphadenectomy in 3 (12.5%) patients, and with uterine morcellation in 2
(8.3%) patients. Conclusion. There are no published controlled trials
related to the use of laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy and total
laparoscopic hysterectomy in Serbia. This paper presents the preliminary
results of the laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy in 24 patients,
comparing them with other techniques of hysterectomy conducted at the Clinic
of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Center of Vojvodina in Novi Sad in
the period 2014 - 2017. Laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy is a good
option for surgical treatment of patient with combined pathology of genital
organs.
Players’ and coaches’ attitudes and knowledge of prohibited doping substances
Authors: Drapsin Miodrag , Simic Milana , Karaba-Jakovljevic Dea
Published: September 2019

Introduction. Doping is an illicit use of illegal substances or substances
that the body normally contains, in order to stimulate the competitive
ability of athletes, which is in collision with sports ethics as well as the
physical and mental integrity of athletes. In 2006, the World Anti-Doping
Agency made a list of illicit substances and prohibited their use in
different sports. The aim of this research was to evaluate athletes? and
coaches? knowledge and attitudes about the use of doping substances.
Material and Methods. This prospective study included 199 subjects, 164
(82.4%) athletes and 35 (17.6%) coaches. The group of athletes included 88
females and 114 males, with an average age of 24.1 ? 6.4 years, being
engaged in sports 9.1?4.7 years on average. The athletes were engaged in the
following sports: volleyball, basketball, handball, athletics, wrestling,
soccer, and swimming. The coach group included 20 males and 15 females, with
an average age of 31.8 ? 8.1 years with a coaching experience of 9.3 ? 3.1
years. Results. The differences in the average scores between athletes and
coaches were statistically significant (p = 0.001; p < 0.05), in favor of
coaches. The average scores between male and female athletes, and between
individual and team coaches showed no significant differences (p = 0.267; p
= 0.349; p > 0.05). Conclusion. The knowledge on prohibited doping
substances was significantly higher in coaches than in athletes, while
differences related to gender and collective or individual sports were not
found.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in the Prevalence of Diabetes and Prediabetes by BMI: Patient Outcomes Research To Advance Learning (PORTAL) Multisite Cohort of Adults in the U.S.
Authors: Zhu Yeyi , Sidell Margo A. , Arterburn David , Daley Matthew F. , Desai Jay , Fitzpatrick Stephanie L. , Horberg Michael A. , Koebnick Corinna , McCormick Emily , Oshiro Caryn , Young Deborah R. , Ferrara Assiamira
Published: September 2019

OBJECTIVE

To examine racial/ethnic disparities in the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes by BMI category.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In a consortium of three U.S. integrated health care systems, 4,906,238 individuals aged ≥20 years during 2012–2013 were included. Diabetes and prediabetes were ascertained by diagnosis and laboratory results; antihyperglycemic medications were also included for diabetes ascertainment.

RESULTS

The age-standardized diabetes and prediabetes prevalence estimates were 15.9% and 33.4%, respectively. Diabetes but not prediabetes prevalence increased across BMI categories among all racial/ethnic groups (P for trend < 0.001). Racial/ethnic minorities reached a given diabetes prevalence at lower BMIs than whites; Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders and Asians had a diabetes prevalence of 24.6% (95% CI 24.1–25.2%) in overweight and 26.5% (26.3–26.8%) in obese class 1, whereas whites had a prevalence of 23.7% (23.5–23.8%) in obese class 2. The age-standardized prediabetes prevalence estimates in overweight among Hispanics (35.6% [35.4–35.7%]), Asians (38.1% [38.0–38.3%]), and Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (37.5% [36.9–38.2%]) were similar to those in obese class 4 among whites (35.3% [34.5–36.0%]), blacks (36.8% [35.5–38.2%]), and American Indians/Alaskan Natives (34.2% [29.6–38.8%]). In adjusted models, the strength of association between BMI and diabetes was highest among whites (relative risk comparing obese class 4 with normal weight 7.64 [95% CI 7.50–7.79]) and lowest among blacks (3.16 [3.05–3.27]). The association between BMI and prediabetes was less pronounced.

CONCLUSIONS

Racial/ethnic minorities had a higher burden of diabetes and prediabetes at lower BMIs than whites, suggesting the role of factors other than obesity in racial/ethnic disparities in diabetes and prediabetes risk and highlighting the need for tailored screening and prevention strategies.
A sobrevivência de Sikán: imagens de uma lembrança sagrada na obra de Belkis Ayón
Authors: Melendi Maria Angélica
Published: September 2019

Este ensaio aborda a obra de uma artista cubana, Belkis Ayón (1967-1999), uma jovem negra, que, no breve tempo de sua vida, nos legou imagensperturbadoras, onde o sagrado excede os limites do mistério e do culto e se expandeno âmbito de uma vida comum e compartilhada. O tema da cultura abakuá, umasociedade secreta masculina que tem suas origens no longínquo Calabar, atravessaa iconografia da arte cubana. Tal vez, o primeiro expoente tenha sido o pintorespanhol Víctor Patricio de Landaluce, que residiu em La Habana até sua morte.No século XX, o culto abakuá, foi abordado por vários pintores cubanos: RenéPortocarrero, Mariano Rodríguez e sobre tudo Wifredo Lam. Belkis Ayón derivasó parcialmente dessa tradição: a pesar de acompanhar as cerimonias públicas eestudar os relatos da tradição abakuá nas obras de Lydia Cabrera, Fernando Ortiz eEnrique Sosa Rodríguez, a artista concebe, grava e imprime imagens que provêmde uma memória sagrada e ancestral. Ela imagina imagens a partir do relatoprimordial e assim oferece a Sikán uma sobrevida que excede o espaço restritopor onde espalha-se um secreto nascido à beira do rio Oyono, na Nigéria. Vinteanos depois da morte de Ayón, podemos detectar na sua obra as problemáticascontemporâneas de gênero, etnia, situação social e exclusão. Uma mulher capturao som com que se evoca o espírito e, por isso, é sacrificada. Será necessária outramulher para dar imagem e voz à lembrança sagrada sequestrada e apropriadapelos homens.
A linguagem política dos espaços museais
Authors: Dos Santos Wilmihara Benevides da Silva Alves
Published: September 2019

Este artigo tem como objetivo refletir a inserção do Museu da LínguaPortuguesa como produção de uma nova linguagem museológica: o museuexperiência. A partir de uma breve contextualização sobre a caracterização dosmuseus a partir da exposição de coleções privadas, problematizamos a forma comoo Museu da Língua Portuguesa mobilizou ser visto sem uma coleção. A propostae definição deste museu relacionam-se a importância de circulação dos enunciadossobre a diversidade da cultura brasileira e seus efeitos nas políticas de patrimônioimaterial. Desde a reorganização democrática do país, as disputas de memóriasdistintas tornaram-se cada vez mais evidentes, posições que foram silenciadas naconstrução da memória nacional ganharam visibilidade, em especial, ao se fazerempresentes no contexto da produção de uma Nova Museologia. A disputa denarrativas acontece todo o tempo, então se faz necessário refletir sobre estas posiçõesflutuantes e que também aparecem na produção dos chamados “novos museus”.De acordo com informações divulgadas pelos meios de comunicação de massa, em2020 ocorrerá a reinauguração do MLP. Ao mesmo tempo, a imaterialidade dalíngua, que se materializa em corpos, imagens, palavras e pensamentos, continuaa desenhar arranjos de sua manifestação no cotidiano de diferentes pessoas. Nestaspossibilidades de devir, trago para este artigo uma reflexão sobre as posiçõespolíticas na qual se insere a produção desta nova museologia.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE IN THE CURRENT CONTEXT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE LAST 10 YEARS
Authors: Okano Marcelo T
Published: September 2019

The term social enterprise has gained notoriety since 2006, when Muhammed Yunus won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work with Grameen Bank, resulting in a new business concept and the proposal of a new capitalist model. Social enterprises are focused on solving social, economic and environmental problems that have long plagued humanity, such as hunger, disease, pollution and homelessness. Due to the growing literature on social enterprises and the fragmentation of theories and concepts surrounding this term, this study investigates and shows that research on social enterprises develops over time. The research consists of a bibliometric analysis based on citation data from articles, books, and other materials available in the Thomson Reuters Web of Science database. This study analyzed 1063 articles on social enterprises dating from 2008 to 2018, noting that the number of publications on social enterprises changes over time.
RESEARCH ON INNOVATION-DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY , COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE AND INDUSTRIAL TRANSFORMATION AND UPGRANDING
Authors: Songnan Lu
Published: September 2019

China is in the midst of a momentous economic transition from one of high-speed to high-quality growth. The industrial transformation and upgrading supported by extensive growth model that focused on ―quantity‖ has encountered bottlenecks. It‘s urgent to find a new model to promote new round of industrial transformation and upgrading. This paper, based on the current unbalanced industrial structure in China, analyzes the development strategy China has implemented since reform and opening up and its influence on industries. Conclusions are as follows: China has implemented an extensive forging ahead growth strategy that transcends comparative advantage. This has generated industrial structure deviations, longstanding factor price distortion, overcapacity and wave phenomenon and constrained industrial transformation and upgrading. Therefore, China should choose an innovation-driven development strategy that could unleash the potential of comparative advantage and drive industrial transformation and upgrading.
Do Firms Approach the Target Working Capital Requirement? A Case of Pakistan
Authors: Shaikh Ruqia , Memon Pervaiz Ahmed , Khan Muhammad Shaique , Usman Muhammad
Published: September 2019

Abstract The study investigates the dynamism of working capital requirement (WCR) in non-financial firms listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange from the period of 2007 to 2013. The purpose of this research is to analyze whether firms follow the target WCR, to estimate the speed with which firms adjust towards its target WCR and to investigate the firm-specific and macroeconomic determinants of WCR. Difference GMM technique is used to analyze the speed and determinants of WCR to avoid the problems of endogeneity and unobservable heterogeneity. The study gives evidence that there is an existence of target WCR in firms of Pakistan and firm require 1.6 years to completely adjust back to target WCR. The factors which are statistically significant in the determination of WCR are the level of economic activity in the country, operating cash flow, profitability, leverage, financial distress, and financing cost. The WCR is measured by net trade cycle of a firm.
RESPONSABILIDADE SOCIAL NAS EMPRESAS DO SETOR FARMACÊUTICO, BRASILEIRAS E ESTRANGEIRAS, NO BRASIL
Authors: Silva Filho Cândido Ferreira , De Benedicto Samuel Carvalho , Sugahara Cibele Roberta , Georges Marcos Ricardo Rosa
Published: September 2019

This article aims to identify how the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is understood by companies in the pharmaceutical sector, to compare the communication of social responsibility by Brazilian and foreign companies, and to characterize the connection between social responsibility and business strategy. To that end, the concept of social responsibility and the articulation of social responsibility with business strategy are discussed. The methodology used in this study is exploratory, qualitative, and bibliographic, employing a bibliographical survey of projects, programmes and the results of social actions publicly available on the websites of companies in the Brazilian pharmaceutical sector, selected for this research. The results show that the companies studied, both national and foreign, use their corporate website to explain the actions of social responsibility. Critical aspects concern the identification of partners and the results of social responsibility projects and programmes, as well as the dissemination of sustainability reports. Moreover, the communication is not enlightening about the role of social responsibility and sustainability in the competitive strategy of companies in the sector.
Influence Factors on Consumer Decisions: a quasi-experiment with brands of sustainable products
Authors: Belloque Maria Carolina Mirabella , Serralvo Francisco Antonio , Hoyos Arnoldo De
Published: September 2019

The goal set for this research is to propose a model of brand management to guide consumer choice to more sustainable options. The model assumes that consumers have varying degrees of awareness on the sustainability of products and services. At the same time, products and services may also be considered in varying degrees of sustainability. Thus the strategy of brands should be to communicate its sustainability aspects in order to reach the consumer who is at the same level. It is expected that from the momentum established by the model, in which more and more information is conveyed about the sustainability aspects of products and services, consumers start to be more aware or at least more informed. The independent variables were the brand’s image and the price. The dependent variable was the participant's intention of purchase. There were 402 consumers subjected to the quasi-experiment. The results were analyzed at brand level and, in general, shows that more sustainable brands grew in participant’s preference after they received information about the sustainability aspects of that type of product, but this gained preference were partially lost when participants were aware of product’s prices.
Alexander in India
Authors: Stoneman Richard
Published: September 2019

This chapter considers Alexander's expedition to India. The most common explanation for his motives is his pothos, his longing to go beyond, to see what was over the next hill—for in this case, he had been led by Aristotle to suppose that once he crossed the Hindu Kush, the River of Ocean would be in sight and he could go on quickly to conquer the entire world. The motivation is explicitly romantic, and is tied up with the idea of Alexander as an explorer rather than a conqueror. But his exploration also had a practical motive, “from a desire to explore the whole coastline along the route ... to gather information about all the coastal settlements, and to find out what land was fertile and what was desert.”
Heracles and Dionysus
Authors: Stoneman Richard
Published: September 2019

This chapter discusses how Alexander came to India with a determination to stamp on the alien land a character that he and his fellow Macedonians could recognize. In the next generation, the ethnographic approach of Megasthenes to his subject was determined in many ways by Alexander's vision of India. One notable example is his treatment of the most prominent “gods of India,” Heracles and Dionysus. Why was Alexander expecting to find these two gods there, and why did he attach such importance to them? The origin of their prominence lies in the role of both gods in Macedonian royal ideology, and hence in Alexander's mythologization of his expedition in heroic terms. That is why Megasthenes expected to find them in India.
Introducing Megasthenes
Authors: Stoneman Richard
Published: September 2019

This chapter focuses on Megasthenes (ca. 350–290 BCE) the author of the most extensive description of India, its geography, peoples, customs and (to some extent) history written by a Greek author. For many years, he was associated with Sibyrtios, the satrap of Arachosia and Gedrosia, and therefore presumably lived in Kandahar (Alexandria in Arachosia). His particular importance stems from the fact that, according to his own testimony, he travelled to India as ambassador for King Seleucus to the court of Candragupta Maurya in Pataliputra. As a result of this experience, he knew India better than any other Greek, and was able to write from authoritative knowledge and deep experience. Most of Megasthenes' work survives only in “fragments” and very little is known about him.
Geography and Ancient History
Authors: Stoneman Richard
Published: September 2019

This chapter considers accounts of the geography and ancient history of India. For example, Arrian explicitly based his account of the geography and hydrography of India on Eratosthenes, who must have used Megasthenes, while Strabo incorporated his references to Megasthenes into the general discussion of these matters in which he takes issue with all his predecessors, referring also from time to time to Daimachus and Patrocles. The closest approach to Megasthenes' original has usually been taken to be Diodorus 2.35–42. Regarding the boundaries of India, Diodorus overlaps with Megasthenes, but the latter is not necessarily his sole source. In fact, he may be following Eratosthenes in the first instance. He also follows Eratosthenes on the Sacae.
The Indian Philosophers and the Greeks
Authors: Stoneman Richard
Published: September 2019

This chapter discusses the Greeks' interest in Indian philosophy. Philosophy in the Greek sense was a great deal more than is connoted by today's academic discipline, concerned as it is with definitions and meaning. Philosophy, “the love of wisdom,” was a guide to life, and could even be applied to the way of life that was informed by wisdom. That is what Pythagoras meant by what the Greeks in Alexander's entourage seem to have thought they found in the Indian philosophers they met. Onesicritus was the earliest witness. On arrival in Taxila, Alexander was intrigued by a group of naked ascetics he observed in a grove outside the city, practicing various yoga postures, and sent Onesicritus to interview them and find out something about them.
The Secular Enlightenment
Authors: Jacob Margaret C.
Published: September 2019

This is a panoramic account of the radical ways that life began to change for ordinary people in the age of Locke, Voltaire, and Rousseau. In this book, familiar Enlightenment figures share places with voices that have remained largely unheard until now, from freethinkers and freemasons to French materialists, anticlerical Catholics, pantheists, pornographers, readers, and travelers. The book reveals how this newly secular outlook was not a wholesale rejection of Christianity but rather a new mental space in which to encounter the world on its own terms. It takes readers from London and Amsterdam to Berlin, Vienna, Turin, and Naples, drawing on rare archival materials to show how ideas central to the emergence of secular democracy touched all facets of daily life. Human frailties once attributed to sin were now viewed through the lens of the newly conceived social sciences. People entered churches not to pray but to admire the architecture, and spent their Sunday mornings reading a newspaper or even a risqué book. The secular-minded pursued their own temporal and commercial well-being without concern for the life hereafter, regarding their successes as the rewards for their actions, their failures as the result of blind economic forces.