bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marta del Pozo y Almudena Gallardo Rodríguez, «¿Podemos erradicar la violencia de género?», por Enrique Álvarez Conde
Authors: Álvarez Conde Enrique
Published: February 2016

Los días 5, 6 y 7 de marzo del 2014 tuvo lugar, en la Universidad de Salamanca, un encuentro (y es el cuarto) con motivo del décimo aniversario de la aprobación de la Ley Orgánica 1/2004, de 28 de diciembre, de medidas de protección Integral contra la Violencia de Genero, cuya finalidad es prevenir, sancionar y erradicar la manifestación mas grave de desigualdad, la violencia ejercida contra las mujeres, y prestar asistencia a las victimas. Como ya es sabido, dicha ley fue declarada plenamente constitucional por la STC 59/2008, que resuelve el recurso interpuesto por el PP, a la que siguieron otras muchas, con motivo de las diferentes cuestiones de inconstitucionalidad planteadas.
La reforma del procedimiento administrativo: la nueva Ley 39/2015, de 1 de octubre, del Procedimiento Administrativo Común de las Administraciones Públicas
Authors: Fernández Scagliusi María de los Ángeles
Published: February 2016

El día 2 de octubre de 2015 se publicaron en el BOE dos normas que pretenden reordenar la legalidad administrativa en dos ejes o dimensiones fundamentales: las relaciones externas e internas de la Administración y los ciudadanos. La Ley 39/2015, de 1 de octubre, del Procedimiento Administrativo Común de las Administraciones Públicas, se encarga del primero de ellos, al regular las relaciones externas entre la Administración y los ciudadanos, y ocuparse del ejercicio de la potestad de autotutela y de la potestad reglamentaria. El presente estudio analiza las principales modificaciones introducidas por dicha Ley del Procedimiento Administrativo Común, que, con pequeños cambios en numerosos preceptos, da lugar a una reforma que no es integral ni completa ni sistemática.
La inmatriculación de la Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba: tutela del patrimonio y relevancia constitucional
Authors: Agudo Zamora Miguel
Published: February 2016

En este trabajo, partiendo del caso de la Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba se exponen sucintamente los argumentos en los que basar una posible inconstitucionalidad del artículo 206 de la Ley Hipotecaria, referidos a la violación de los principios constitucionales de aconfesionalidad del Estado y de igualdad, con referencias a la Sentencia del Tribunal Europeo de Derechos Humanos «Sociedad Anónima del Ucieza contra España», que tiene una relevancia específica para el objeto de nuestro estudio. Finalmente se analiza el deber de tutela del patrimonio histórico y cultural de la Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía y el posible uso de la cuestión de constitucionalidad como vía de actuación de la Junta de Andalucía en relación a la inscripción registral de la Mezquita-Catedral.
Las reformas electorales y la magnitud de las circunscripciones
Authors: Reviriego Picón Fernando
Published: February 2016

Se abordan en estas notas los problemas suscitados por la reforma electoral de Castilla La Mancha que redujo muy sensiblemente el número de parlamentarios de sus Cortes y de forma particular las sentencias del Tribunal Constitucional que resolvieron los recursos de inconstitucionalidad planteados contra dicha reforma.
Posibles problemas en la intervención de las comunicaciones en España
Authors: Villanueva Turnes Alejandro
Published: February 2016

La intervención de las comunicaciones es una técnica de investigación muy en auge en los tiempos actuales, que en muchos casos permite, cuando procede su utilización, una mayor eficacia dentro del proceso penal, mas existen una serie de obstáculos o inconvenientes que pueden afectar a esta intervención, que es lo que se intenta resolver aquí, señalando cuáles son estos problemas y que mecanismos legales y jurisprudenciales existen para resolverlos.
Aspectos económico-constitucionales de los DESC y los derechos civiles y políticos en México
Authors: Zúñiga Ortega Alejandra Verónica
Published: February 2016

La vinculación entre el derecho constitucional económico mexicano y los derechos económicos, sociales, culturales, civiles y políticos, se visualiza en el Plan Nacional de Desarrollo, que a su vez se liga con una función económica estatal, así como, en el carácter patrimonial que comparten los mencionados derechos para su efectividad, atributo que se deriva de la aplicación de la teoría de los derechos fundamentales de Robert Alexy, concretamente desde la perspectiva de los derechos a algo frente al Estado según su objeto, tema central del presente escrito.
A Model for the Regionalization of Higher Education: The Role and Contribution of Tuning
Authors: Knight Jane
Published: February 2016

A notable evolution in the internationalization of higher education in the last decade has been the increasing emphasis on regional level collaboration and reform initiatives. The purpose of this paper is to examine the process of regionalization through the lens of a conceptual model and to demonstrate how different Tuning initiatives serve as useful instruments in the application of the model, and the ultimate realization of higher education regionalization. The evolving nature and meaning of region and regionalization are explored in the first section of the paper. This leads to an analysis and conceptual mapping of the many terms used to describe the phenomenon. The proposed model is based on three distinct but complementary approaches; Functional, Organizational and Political Approaches (FOPA). The three approaches are inter-related. The model is generic in concept and purpose so that it can apply to the evolving process of higher education regionalization in different parts of the world. The article examines how the initiatives and implications of the Tuning process are directly related to the model and consequently make important contributions to the regionalization of higher education in all regions of the world.
Adapting the Tuning Programme Profiles to the Needs of Russian Higher Education
Authors: Karavayeva Yevgeniya V. , Kovtun Yelena N.
Published: February 2016

This article considers how TUNING-compatible programme profiles could be developed in the Russian Federation in the context of: on-going reform of the higher education; introduction of the new generation of Federal State Educational Standards (FSES); development of the new professional standards; implementation of a system of public accreditation of educational programmes; and a complex system of educational quality assessment. It also analyses the results of monitoring of the effectiveness of FSES implementation in the system of Russian higher education by the Association of the Classical Universities of Russia (ACUR) that identified a number of problems in the area of programme design and implementation related to drawbacks within the current FSES. Based on the experience gained during the implementation of the TUNING RUSSIA Project (2010-2013), this article demonstrates the usefulness of the TUNING basic principles and approaches and suggests the ways TUNING profile development methodology might be successfully adapted and applied for designing educational programmes in the course of the Russian higher education reform. Creating TUNING-model degree profiles may be crucial to aid the Russian higher education institutions in the development of the new educational programs. Brief but all-encompassing formulation of the aims and outcomes and specific characteristics of an educational programme, listing competences and learning outcomes could permit higher education institutions to move from trying to comply with standards and requirements, which are sent from above but are foreign to the institutions themselves, to adopting the principle of transparency and designing better and more competitive degrees.
The Humanitarian Action Qualifications Framework: a quality assurance tool for the Humanitarian Sector
Authors: Aardema Bastiaan L. , Churruca Muguruza Cristina
Published: February 2016

The article presents the European Universities on Professionalisation on Humanitarian Action (EUPRHA) Project as an initiative that seeks to contribute to the professionalisation and quality assurance of the humanitarian sector. Its purpose is to explain the approach and the process leading to the development of the Humanitarian Action Qualifications Framework as an example of good practice for other sectors aiming at improving the recognition of qualifications as a precondition of academic and professional mobility. With this aim, it introduces the educational and humanitarian trends that led to this project: the move from transnational qualifications frameworks of which the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (EQF) is the best example to sectoral qualifications frameworks and the increasing demand from the sector seeking to determine the competencies and required skills of a professional humanitarian aid worker. Based on the EQF and the Tuning methodology the framework will act as a translating device to make national and sectoral qualifications more readable and promote humanitarian workers’ and learners’ mobility between countries and organisations. It will facilitate inter-system transparency and recognition of (non-)formal and informal learning by linking occupations, skills, competences, and qualifications, thus benefiting the Humanitarian Sector as a whole.
Developing reflection on competence-based learning: the Russian experience with the Tuning approach
Authors: Serbati Anna , Surian Alessio
Published: February 2016

The paper focuses on the Tuning Russia project. It aims at providing an overview of the impact of the Tuning methodology and outcomes concerning University teaching, learning, and assessment activities. It identifies: the most relevant results and “lesson learnt” during the project; tools/concepts/experiences that involved teachers found most interesting; strengths and weaknesses; the usefulness of working with colleagues from different Russian universities; and the level of sharing of the Tuning methodology with other colleagues within participating Universities. The empirical data for the study were drawn from a qualitative questionnaire with open questions filled-in by the members of the subject area group “Social Work” involved in the Tuning Russia project. The respondents were six academic teachers from different Russian universities and two European Tuning experts. This reflection by academic teachers upon the initial implementation of the Tuning approach in Russia highlights the opportunities to explore methods of establishing and improving communities of practice in the field of competence-based higher education curriculum development. Results highlight the need to develop further work concerning both summative and formative evaluation in relation to competence-based curricula review in higher education
Collaborative meta-profile development to harmonise mechanical engineering education in Africa
Authors: Sackey S. M. , Ancha V. R. , Chinyama M. P. , Awono Onana C. , Danwe R. , Megahed M. M. , Delpouve B. , Chama S. , Mahomed N. , Kayibanda V. , Kabeya Mukeba L. Y. , Müller A.
Published: February 2016

This paper describes the contribution of the Tuning Methodology toward harmonisation of undergraduate mechanical engineering programmes in Africa. This methodology is an interactive process in which academics develop high quality curricula and learning standards for students through the identification of generic and subject specific competences in consultation with employers, students, graduates, peers and other stakeholders involved in Mechanical Engineering higher education. The current Tuning process involves academics in 11 universities drawn from across Africa. The aim is to collaboratively contribute to revitalizing and reforming Mechanical Engineering higher education in Africa to make it more responsive to Africa’s developmental needs. The results so far show that such a project is not only highly feasible but also holds promise for establishing compatible academic structures and reference standards across Africa, which would facilitate student and staff mobility as well as enhance cooperation not only among African academic institutions, but also between African institutions and those in the rest of the world. Eighteen generic competences and nineteen mechanical engineering-specific competences are developed, analysed and synergised to form a meta-profile that will inform the next phase of the project, which is the actual curriculum development. This activity is part of “Tuning Africa” project, which is funded through European Union-African Union collaboration.
Modernising higher education: the emergence of European public goods
Authors: Van der Hijden Peter
Published: February 2016

Universities cater mainly for national audiences. But the days of splendid isolation are over. Students, graduates, faculty and staff vote with their feet. Institutions and system are, increasingly, involved in processes of regionalisation and globalisation. This article describes how a number of European initiatives are transforming the way universities operate in education, research and management. Incentives for change range from earmarked funding to projects grants and loans, from voluntary networking and benchmarking to quality audits and rankings. These instruments for change have become part of the fabric of university life, often consolidated in institutional strategies and national legislation. They are emerging as 'European public goods'. This article highlights a number of these initiatives in the various categories and points at their impact on university practice.
Lifelong Learning principles and higher education policies
Authors: Vargas Carlos
Published: February 2016

The role of higher education in promoting economic growth and social cohesion has been recognised in multiple international documents, programmes and strategies. Likewise, a number of countries and higher education institutions worldwide have introduced policies that aim at fostering learners’ employability, active citizenship, personal development, knowledge base, competences and capabilities. However, not all these policies have successfully addressed current global trends like the economic downturn, demographic change, the changing nature of the labour market, and pressing social needs. This paper posits that introducing lifelong learning principles to the formulation and implementation of higher education policies may provide more inclusive and comprehensive frameworks for meeting the needs and aspirations of the multiple stakeholders of higher education.
Utah Tuning Project
Authors: Davies Randall S. , Williams David
Published: February 2016

Tuning is a faculty-driven initiative designed to improve the quality of higher education by establishing transparent and fully assessable learning outcomes and proficiencies for degrees, discipline by discipline. Unlike many other initiatives in the United States which function within an individual institution, the Utah Tuning Project involved all institutes of higher education within the state of Utah. The purpose of this paper is to document the findings from an evaluation of a multiyear project targeting four undergraduate degree programs involved in a tuning initiative. A summary of recommendations and best practices is provided, along with the challenges and benefits to individuals and programs engaged in this process.
Towards a concept of Communicative Competence in Health: a qualitative study in medical residents
Authors: Cabrales Rodolfo A.
Published: February 2016

Despite the wealth of literature surrounding the importance of effective communication in the clinical practice, there is a dearth of consensus in the literature on what communicative competence in health (CCH) is, and the practices of meaningful health communication. Seventeen residents (17) were invited to share their thoughts on the concept of communicative competence in health and on difficulties they encounter during their clinical practice related with communication. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of CCH with emphasis on the implications in the medical curriculum, teaching, learning and assessment. Three focus group discussions were conducted with the clinical supervisor. The results were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using principles from grounded theory for qualitative data analysis. The 135 open codes and defined axial codes were discussed and a number of conceptual frameworks were utilized to disentangle the concept of CCH. The focus group themes related to the concept of communication in health, its importance and difficulties, the role of the physician and health personnel. The participants felt their own training did not prepare them to establish effective communication with patients and relatives. Some barriers include lack of time and lack of institutional priority given to communication issues. The techniques originating from grounded theory permitted to define a broader concept of CCH with the following three specific scopes: biological perspective (objective world), social (social world) and subjective world (expressive-aesthetic). This new concept of CCH is central to understanding how the health communication process occurs, where a myriad of individual (physician, patient, staff, relatives), organizational and societal interrelated factors influence health decisions and practice. These components need to be addressed by medicine schools, health institutions and other stakeholders in the planning and designing a new model of curricula.
Tuning impact in Latin America: is there implementation beyond design?
Authors: Beneitone Pablo , Yarosh Maria
Published: February 2016

Deusto International Tuning Academy is undertaking a large-scale study to analyse the impact Tuning projects may have had in participating universities. More particularly, the study hopes to provide an unambiguous answer regarding the presence or absence of the implementation of a competence-based student-centred approach in the different world regions where Tuning projects have taken place. The present article focuses only on Latin America where two Tuning projects have been developed. It describes the findings of the first two stages of the study. After reporting the data, the authors argue that there is evidence of a Tuning impact in each of three intended impact domains: (1) understanding of the importance of a shift from content- to competence-based education; (2) provision of institutional support necessary to facilitate this change; and (3) appropriate teaching, learning and assessment within the general framework of the study plans and degree profiles.
Impact of Erasmus mobility for study on the development of Tuning Europe generic competences, as assessed by outgoing and incoming students in a large university: a revealing analysis
Authors: Donà dalle Rose Luigi F.
Published: February 2016

We explore on the basis of a simple survey tool the perceived impact of the Erasmus mobility experience on the improvement of the thirty generic competences of the Tuning Europe list. We rely on a self-assessment procedure, i.e. on data collected by the Erasmus Office of the University of Padova, Italy, through end-of-stay questionnaires, as returned by both outgoing and incoming Erasmus students. Processed data yield the percentage number of ticks, by which a given competence was chosen by the answering samples. We introduce a quantity “importance of improvement”, which measures the perceived degree of development of a given generic competence during the mobility experience and allows a consistent comparison among different samples. On this basis, we can order the thirty competences according to decreasing perceived importance of improvement in the two above samples. From a general point of view, Erasmus students perceive the most important improvement in instrumental competences. We can then carry out meaningful comparisons between the profiles of competences’ improvement of outgoing and incoming students, both in qualitative and in quantitative terms. Such a comparison reveals interesting features linked to the academic and human environments of mobile students. A further step in the analysis describes how country effects give more insight into the previous results. In such a context, we analyze the country impact on each given competence for both outgoing (visiting the country) and incoming (from the country) students, on the country subgroup  competences’ profile and on the exchange of competences, which occurs between paired country subgroups.
Changing paradigms: towards competency-assessment in admission to master’s programmes in Europe: a review
Authors: Kouwenaar Kees
Published: February 2016

The majority of efforts to improve admission to master’s programmes in Europe for students with a bachelor´s from outside the providing university have been focused on standardization of defined outcomes of bachelor´s degrees and improvement in mechanisms for recognition of diplomas and degree. With growing diversity within and around these master’s programmes, an alternative approach to master’s admission in needed. This article analyses the nature and shortcomings of the standardisation and the recognition approach and reports on the creation of a competency-assessment based approach in the Mastermind Europe project. In that project – part of the EU’s ERASMUS+ programme, Guiding Tools are produced for academic master’s directors who want to base their admission decisions less on recognition of a diploma and more on assessment of the applicants´ competency. The Guiding Tools focus on specific categories of admission criteria, on how they can be brought together in a coherent framework and on IT tools to help organize the process. The guiding tools are accompanied by a short Introductory Note on the Paradigm Shift from diploma-recognition based to competency-based master’s admission.[1] This article[2] is a more elaborate version of that introductory note, reflecting also the progress in thinking and tool development since the start of the project. It is intended both for users of the Guiding Tools who seek more background and detail, and for readers with a general interest in the topic. For users of the Guiding Tools, it may give them additional reasons and arguments that they may find useful to increase commitment in their own university.

[1] A competency-assessment approach to master’s admission should not be confused with Competency-Based Education.

[2] The author acknowledges the support received from all members of the Mastermind Europe project team; outside the team, special acknowledgement is due to Robert Wagenaar (Tuning) and to Bas Wegewijs (Nuffic/Naric).
O GASTRÓPODE Bradybaena similaris (Férussac, 1821) (Pulmonata, Xanthonychidae) COMO MODELO EXPERIMENTAL PARA ESTUDO EM LABORATÓRIO
Authors: ALMEIDA Marcelo Nocelle , AFONSO-NETO Inês Scassa
Published: February 2016

Entre as dificuldades enfrentadas pelos alunos nos cursos de ciências biológicas é a transformação de conhecimentos adquiridos nos conteúdos teóricos acadêmicos em conteúdos inteligíveis nos cursos da educação básica bem como uma interligação entre cotidiano e prática extraída desses conteúdos. Por outro lado, os alunos terão um aprendizado mais efetivo se puderem valer-se de metodologias que permitam um intercâmbio entre os conteúdos acadêmicos e a possibilidade de uma aplicação desses conteúdos em situações cotidianas. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo descrever uma metodologia que permita desenvolvimento de aspectos interdisciplinares. É um trabalho indicado para ser aplicado com alunos de graduação do curso de Ciências Biológicas utilizando o gastrópode terrestre Bradybaena similaris (Férussac, 1821) como modelo. Discute-se nesse trabalho a fisiologia do crescimento e da reprodução, a genética, ecologia e o comportamento dessa espécie. Ao final propõe-se uma metodologia de discussão e exposição dos resultados obtidos.
O QUE SIGNIFICA “A INJUSTIÇA EXTREMA NÃO É DIREITO”? CRÍTICA E RECONSTRUÇÃO DO ARGUMENTO DA INJUSTIÇA NO NÃO-POSITIVISMO INCLUSIVO DE ROBERT ALEXY / WHAT DOES IT MEAN, “EXTREME INJUSTICE IS NO LAW”? CRITIC AND RECONSTRUCTION OF THE ARGUMENT FROM INJUSTICE IN ROBERT ALEXY’S INCLUSIVE NON-POSITIVISM
Authors: Travessoni Gomes Trivisonno Alexandre
Published: February 2016

o autor defende duas teses relacionadas ao conceito de injustiça extrema e à classificação das teorias jurídicas desenvolvidos por Robert Alexy. A primeira tese é que a fim de se caracterizar uma injustiça como extrema uma escala triádica (simples) é insuficiente, sendo necessária, portanto, a aplicação de uma escala triádica dupla. A segunda tese é que quando se aplicam as escalas triádicas simples e dupla ao argumento da injustiça percebe-se haver, na classificação das teorias jurídicas elaborada por Alexy, um espaço lógico entre não positivismo inclusivo e exclusivo, que o autor denomina não positivismo subinclusivo.Palavras-chave: argumento da injustiça. Injustiça extrema. Alexy. Não positivismo inclusivo. Não positivismo subinclusivo. Conceito de direito.
DEALING WITH THE PAST: PROSECUTION AND PUNISHMENT OF COMMUNIST CRIMES IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES / LIDAR COM O PASSADO: PROCESSOS PENAIS E PUNIÇÃO DE CRIMES COMUNISTAS NA EUROPA CENTRAL E ORIENTAL
Authors: Faix Martin , Svacek Ondrej
Published: February 2016

This article addresses issues arising in the context of transition to democracy in Central and Eastern Europe, namely in Germany (former East Germany), Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. The contribution reflects various means of transitional justice which were applied in these countries: access to the archives of secret police, lustration and prosecution of the crimes of the past (successor trials). Central issue of this article is the criminal prosecution of communist crimes. Here authors focus their attention on two interrelated aspects: choice of applicable law and statutory limitations, which both are linked to the principle of legality. Practice and methods in prosecution of the communist crimes adopted across the analyzed countries reveal considerable heterogeneity and from comparative perspective pose a unique legal laboratory. Despite differences in applicable law, including treatment and interpretation of statutory limitations, and differences in overall outcomes of prosecution and punishment of the communist crimes, all countries were conformed to requirements of the principle of legality. The article thus confirms that states, when dealing with their past, enjoy a wide margin of appreciation.Keywords:  Communist crimes. Central and Eastern Europe. Transitional justice. Successor trials. Nullum crimen sine lege.
DIRETRIZES PARA AUTORES
Authors: Strapazzon Carlos Luiz
Published: February 2016

Diretrizes Para Autores
“Midwifery Abdication”:A Finding From an Interpretive Study
Authors: Jefford Elaine , Jomeen Julie
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND:Good clinical reasoning in midwifery is essential for the safety and quality of the care for women and babies. Midwives, as autonomous practitioners, are held legally and professionally accountable for their clinical reasoning, decisions, and the care they provide. Yet there is contested space between being accountable to the woman (and her birth experience) and being accountable to legal and professional frameworks and regulations. This places the midwife in a vulnerable position. This vulnerability is explored in this article.

METHODOLOGY:The narratives of 6 midwives who were interviewed as part of a larger study were subjected to an inductive thematic analysis. Trustworthiness and rigor of the study was assured by careful monitoring of the research process and data checking.

RESULTS:Although potentially unpalatable to the midwifery profession, we feel it is important to acknowledge that a concept calledMidwifery Abdicationdoes perhaps exist. Our assertion is underpinned by 3 key themes: “internalized perceptions of midwifery practice,” “knowing but failing to act,” and “prioritization of the woman’s needs.” Although this may be an unconscious act, it may be part of a conscious thought process which is influenced by internal and external factors. The result is loss of one’s professional voice. Midwifery Abdication introduces a level of risk, in changing clinical situations, which require a reconsideration and potential renegotiation of maternal choices and decisions.

CONCLUSION:Some midwives appear to abdicate their professional decision-making role. Midwives must practice within their country’s legislative framework, which is complemented by their regulatory authority codes of professional conduct, standards, and ethics. Midwifery Abdication undermines the safety and efficacy of midwifery practice and thus destabilizes our right to claim professional autonomy.
Dutch Midwives’ Behavior and Determinants in Promoting Healthy Gestational Weight Gain, Phase 2: A Quantitative Approach
Authors: Merkx Astrid , Ausems Marlein , Budé Luc , de Vries Raymond , Nieuwenhuijze Marianne J.
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND: Unhealthy gestational weight gain (GWG) contributes to long-term obesity in women and their offspring. The aim of this study is to quantify midwives’ behavior in promoting healthy GWG and to identify the most important determinants related to this behavior.

METHODS: A survey based on the attitude–social influence–self-efficacy (ASE) model and prior qualitative research was conducted among 112 Dutch practicing midwives.

RESULTS: Midwives were moderately active in monitoring GWG and diet education and less active in physical activity education. Regression analysis showed that efforts to promote healthy GWG were associated with several determinants, including attitudes, self-efficacy, social influence, the involvement of other health workers, health promotion, and barriers.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The identified behavioral determinants provide insight into ways to stimulate midwives to promote healthy GWG.
Histone Modifications as Therapeutic Targets for Cancer
Authors: Ling Zhang  , Tao Wang  , Steven Bing Geng  , Ke Ren
Published: February 2016

Epigenetics are important factors in the development of oncogenesis. Methylation, acetylation and phosphorylation are major types of histone modifications and also major components of epigenetics. Cancer cells have been shown to display abnormal levels of histone modification. Recently, researchers have proved that cancer can be prevented via the disruption of histone modifications. This review summarizes the current understanding of histone modifications in carcinogenesis, and therapeutic approaches targeting histone modifications for cancer treatments.
Overview on Recent Researches on Floating Microspheres
Authors: Manish Negi  , Vikash Kumar Shukla  , T. S. Easwari
Published: February 2016

Conventional oral dosage forms offer no control over drug delivery, leading to fluctuations in plasma drug level. The floating or hydrodynamically controlled drug delivery systems are useful in such application. Floating microspheres are especially suitable for achieving sustained or delayed release oral formulations with flexibility of blending to attain different release patterns, low risk of dose dumping as well as reproducible and short gastric retention time. The floating microspheres produces controlled delivery of drug and also enhance the bioavailability of drug. Floating microsphere is especially gaining attention due to their wide applicability in the targeting of drugs to the stomach. These floating microspheres have the advantage that they remain buoyant and distributed uniformly over the gastric fluid to avoid the vagaries of gastric emptying retention time of drugs. This review provides an overview of scientific work done in the formulation and development of various drug for floating microspheres.
Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity and Drug Release Behavior of Chitosan-Based Nanofibers (In Vitro Study)
Authors: Hassan Nageh  , Metwally Ezzat  , Mohammed Ghanim  , Ahmed Hassanin  , Ahmed Abd El-Moneim
Published: February 2016

Spinning of chitosan-poly (vinyl alcohol); Cs/PVA and chitosan- poly (caprolactone); Cs/PCL polymer blends were successfully achieved using electrospinning technique. The nanofiber mats of Cs/PVA and Cs/PCL were used as carriers for examining the release profile of Ciprofloxacin.HCl as broad-spectrum antibiotic. The shape, size, structure and composition of the nanofibers were characterized using FT-IR Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The release behavior was studied in Phosphate Buffer Solution (pH=7.4) using a UV-spectrophotometer. The antimicrobial activity of the produced nanofiber mats was studied using different strains of human pathogenic bacteria and Fungi. Compared to release profile from Cs/PVA/Ciprofloxacin.HCl nanofibers show faster drug release than that of Cs/PCL/Ciprofloxacin.HCl system,indicating that these nanofiber mats are promising active wound dressing materials for wound dressing applications.
New Two Sensors PVC- Membrane and Chemically Carbon Paste for Determination of Antidepressant Drug Escitalopram Oxalate in Bulk, Cipralex and Human Fluids
Authors: Amal F. Khorshid
Published: February 2016

Preparation and construction of a new polyvinyl chloride PVC-membrane and chemically modified carbon paste (CMCP) sensors based on ion-pair exchanger escitalopram-silicotungstic (Es-ST) (Sensor 1) and escitalopram-silicomolybdic (Es-SM) (Sensor 2). The effect of several plasticizers and composition of ion-exchangers on the performance characteristics of the sensors was studied. Sensors(1, 2)  with 1% composition and dioctyl phthalate (DOP) as plasticizer in PVC-membrane showed Nernstian slopes ranged from 57.5- 59.5 ±0.1 mV/decade over the concentration ranged from 5.0 x 10-7-1.0 x 10-2 M with the life span not less than two months and pH 2.5-7.5 with a detection limit 0.1 nM. While in (CMCP) sensors (1, 2) exhibited with 3% composition and tricresylphthalate (TCP) as binder an excellent Nernstian slopes 59.5, 60.5±0.5 mV/decade for 1 and 2 respectively and a wide concentration range from 1.0 x 10-7-1.0 x 10-2 M and pH 2.5-7.5 with a detection limit 0.5 nM. The sensors reflected high selectivity towards different anions, cations, sugars and amino acids and was recommended by IUPAC. The standard addition, the calibration curve and potentiometric titration methods were used for determination escitalopram in its bulk powder, pharmaceutical tablets Cipralex, human plasma/urine and monitoring profile for the tablet in vitro-dissolution rates. The recoveries were excellent and with good agreement compared with British Pharmacopoeia.
In Vitro/In Vivo Evaluation and Bioavailability Study of Amitriptyline Hydrochloride from the Optimized Oral Fast Dissolving Films
Authors: Zeina D. Salman  , Nidhal Khazaal Maraie  , Mustafa G. Alabbassi  , Mowafaq M. Ghareeb
Published: February 2016

The present investigation was undertaken with the objective of developing fast dissolving film(s) of a tricyclic antidepressant drug amitriptyline hydrochloride in order to improve its bioavailability, optimize its therapeutic action especially when used to treat major depression and to enhance the compliance for the developmentally disable, mentally ill, elderly and pediatric patients. Fast dissolving dosage forms have acquired great importance in pharmaceutical industry because of their unique properties. Ten formulations were prepared by solvent casting method using different polymer types, plasticizer types, surfactant concentrations and different ratio of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and maltodextrin. The prepared films were evaluated for folding endurance, thickness, drug content, in vitro/in vivo disintegration time, drug release and tensile test. The optimized formula F8 containing  HPMC 15cp and maltodextrin in 1:1 ratio showed minimum in vitro/in vivo disintegration time 16.8, 13.2 seconds respectively, highest dissolution rate i.e. T80% 1.1 minutes,  D2 min (%) 89.77% and satisfactory mechanical properties. The optimized film was further evaluated for bioavailability compared with a marketed solution (Amitriptyline Hydrochloride®), the study based on cross over design using experimental animals (rabbits). The pharmacokinetic results revealed that the fast dissolving films has higher peak blood concentration (Cmax, 0.927µg/ml) within shorter time (Tmax, 2 hours), indicating rapid absorption and faster onset of action with acceptable bioavailability value. These findings suggest that the fast dissolving film containing amitriptyline hydrochloride is expected to become one of choices for the treatment of acute depression.
Inequalities in Hospitalized Unintentional Injury Between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Children in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Möller Holger , Falster Kathleen , Ivers Rebecca , Falster Michael , Randall Deborah , Clapham Kathleen , Jorm Louisa
Published: February 2016

Objectives. To quantify inequalities in rates of unintentional injury–related hospitalizations between Australian Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children.

Methods. We used linked hospital and mortality data to construct a retrospective whole-of-population birth cohort including 1 124 717 children born in the state of New South Wales, Australia, between July 1, 2000 and December 31, 2012. We adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of first injury hospitalization for geographic clustering and individual- and area-level factors.

Results. Aboriginal children were 1.6 times more likely than were non-Aboriginal children to be hospitalized for an unintentional injury. The largest inequalities were for poisoning (HR = 2.7; 95% CI = 2.4, 3.0) and injuries stemming from exposure to fire, flames, heat, and hot substances (HR = 2.4; 95% CI = 2.1, 2.7). Adjustment reduced the inequality for all unintentional injury overall (HR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.3, 1.4) and within leading injury mechanisms.

Conclusions. Australian Aboriginal children suffer a disproportionately high burden of unintentional injury.
Impact of Universal Health Coverage on Child Growth and Nutrition in Argentina
Authors: Nuñez Pablo A. , Fernández-Slezak Diego , Farall Andrés , Szretter María Eugenia , Salomón Oscar Daniel , Valeggia Claudia R.
Published: February 2016

Objectives. To estimate trends of undernutrition (stunting and underweight) among children younger than 5 years covered by the universal health coverage programs Plan Nacer and Programa Sumar.

Methods. From 2005 to 2013, Plan Nacer and Programa Sumar collected high-quality information on birth and visit dates, age (in days), gender, weight (in kg), and height (in cm) for 1.4 million children in 6386 health centers (13 million records) with broad coverage of vulnerable populations in Argentina.

Results. The prevalence of stunting and underweight decreased 45.0% (from 20.6% to 11.3%) and 38.0% (from 4.0% to 2.5%), respectively, with differences between rural versus urban areas, gender, regions, age, and seasons.

Conclusions. Undernutrition prevalence substantially decreased in 2 programs in Argentina as a result of universal health coverage.
Capacity Building for Rare Bleeding Disorders in the Remote Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Authors: Lin Tiffany F. , Carhill Pam , Huang James N. , Baker Judith R.
Published: February 2016

The US Pacific Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is home to an underserved hemophilia population. We developed a strategy in 2014 to build sustainable island-wide medical, patient and family, and community support for this rare disease. Collaboration with regional bleeding disorder leadership galvanized a weeklong conference series. More than 200 participants attended discipline-specific seminars; pre–post test evaluations documented educational benefits. This time-concentrated island-wide education intervention promoted the rapid identification of new cases and stimulated sustainable bleeding disorder care development. The education series proved feasible, efficient, and effective in increasing knowledge and reducing patient and professional isolation, serving as a model for improving capacity for orphan diseases (those that affect fewer than 200 000 people in any particular country) in underresourced areas.
Determining the Role of Plant–Parasitic Nematodes in the Corn–Soybean Crop Rotation Yield Effect Using Nematicide Application: I. Corn
Authors: Grabau Zane J. , Chen Senyu
Published: February 2016

Corn–soybean [Zea mays L.–Glycine max (L.) Merr.] crop rotation increases yields of both crops, a phenomenon known as the rotation effect. Plant–parasitic nematodes can decrease corn yield, and this study was conducted to determine their role in the rotation effect for corn. This study was conducted at a long‐term research site that included crop sequence treatments in 1 to 5 yr of corn monoculture following 5 yr of soybean, and continuous corn monoculture since 1982. Granular nematicides were applied to half of each plot to minimize nematode populations as a way to determine their role in the rotation effect. Populations of soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines), decreased rapidly in corn monoculture (P ≤ 0.05) and Xiphinema (dagger nematode)densities were small—averaging 5 nematodes 100 cm−3. Averaged across crop sequences, nematicide applications increased (P ≤ 0.05) corn yield 3 to 11% and decreased Pratylenchus (lesion nematode) and Helicotylenchus (spiral nematode) populations. Pratylenchus and Helicotylenchus increased (P ≤ 0.05) in corn with Pratylenchus often increasing incrementally as years in corn increased, but Helicotylenchus populations generally greater in continuous corn than most other sequences. Yield decreased (P ≤ 0.05) in monoculture, particularly for first through third year corn. Nematicide was more effective in increasing yield in third and fifth year corn than other sequences. Pratylenchus and Helicotylenchus populations corresponded negatively with yield in regression models (P ≤ 0.05) explaining 36 to 42% and 10 to 19% of variation in yield, respectively. Results suggest nematodes, particularly Pratylenchus, contributed to declining corn yield in monoculture.

Core Ideas

Growing corn in monoculture decreases yield.

Growing corn in monoculture increases population densities of nematodes parasitic to corn.

Plant–parasitic nematodes can contribute to corn yield decline in monoculture.
Prediction of Plant Available Water at Sowing for Winter Wheat in the Southern Great Plains
Authors: Lollato Romulo P. , Patrignani Andres , Ochsner Tyson E. , Edwards Jeffrey T.
Published: February 2016

Sowing plant available water (PAWs) can impact wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) stand establishment, early crop development, and yield. Consequently, PAWs is an essential input in crop simulation models and its estimation can improve agronomic decisions. Our objective was to identify effective methods to predict PAWs in continuous winter wheat by exploring empirical and mechanistic models based on the preceding 4‐mo summer fallow. The mechanistic soil water balance models dual crop coefficient (dual Kc) and simple simulation model (SSM) were calibrated, validated, and tested using soil moisture datasets collected from 2009 to 2013 in Oklahoma totaling 29 site‐years. Additionally, PAWs was predicted using empirical nonlinear models based on cumulative fallow precipitation and the soil's plant available water capacity (PAWC). Both the dual Kc and SSM models resulted in normalized root mean squared error (RMSEn) below 12% (20 mm) for the calibration and validation datasets. Modeled PAWs for the prediction dataset was within ±30% of field observations in 67% of the site‐years for both dual Kc and SSM models, with RMSEn of 27 and 32%. An inverse‐exponential and a logarithmic model of PAWs using cumulative fallow precipitation and PAWC both resulted in RMSEn = 23 and 29% in the calibration and validation datasets. The dual Kc model was slightly superior to empirical models based on nonlinear regression analysis, and was superior to the SSM model. Initializing the dual Kc at the start of the preceding fallow or using empirical relationships allow for acceptable predictions of PAWs, eliminating the need for subjective PAWs values.

Core Ideas

Wheat is among the most important crops cultivated in the southern Great Plains.

Plant‐available water at sowing is a critical input in dynamic crop simulation models.

Mechanistic water balance models or empirical models can predict wheat PAW at sowing.

Models here shown decrease the need for subjective initial PAW values in crop models.
Optimal groundwater management using state-space surrogate models: a case study for an arid coastal region
Authors: Roy Tirthankar , Schütze Niels , Grundmann Jens , Brettschneider Marco , Jain Ashu
Published: February 2016

A surrogate modeling framework is developed in this study to circumvent the computational burden of high-fidelity numerical groundwater models for arid coastal aquifers. Two different surrogate models, namely, artificial neural network (ANN) and Gaussian process model (GPM) are trained to replace the computationally expensive numerical flow and transport model OpenGeoSys. A novel time-dependent training scheme is introduced which helps the surrogates in tracking the discrete-time state-space trajectories of the high-fidelity model, thereby making them suitable for variable-time simulations. The surrogates are also tested in the extrapolation range corresponding to some extreme boundary conditions such as a very high rate of extraction. Both the surrogates show comparable accuracy in efficiently approximating the numerical model response; however, ANN is found to be much faster than GPM for the size of the data used. The trained surrogates are then used in developing a long-term planning and management framework for analyzing feasible management scenarios in the coastal aquifer of Oman.
Biocorrosion in drinking water pipes
Authors: Pizarro Gonzalo E. , Vargas Ignacio T.
Published: February 2016

Copper is widely used in drinking water distribution systems due to its relatively low cost and favorable mechanical properties. However, copper corrosion may generate copper concentrations exceeding the thresholds prescribed by international drinking water standards. In-situ measurements performed in an actual system found that the copper mass released under flowing water conditions (pipe flushing) was greater than the copper mass release estimated considering only the mass of copper in the pipe's bulk water before the tap is opened. This work presents in-situ and laboratory results of copper release into the water and its dependence on biofilm structure, solid-liquid interface properties, and the pipe flow regime (laminar vs. transition flow). The results of this work highlight the necessity to incorporate the hydrodynamic effects in the analysis of corrosion and corrosion by-products release into drinking water piping systems. Initial modeling efforts are also presented.