bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using the Law to Combat Public Procurement Corruption in South Africa: Lessons from Hong Kong
Authors: Sewpersadh Prenisha , Mubangizi John Cantius
Published: June 2017

Since South Africa’s political transition in 1994, corruption has been a major feature of the country’s politics. However, the complexity of post-apartheid South African politics has sometimes prevented allegations and suspicions of corruption from being adequately dealt with by the law. This article examines the legal framework used to combat public procurement corruption in South Africa. Using a comparative approach, the article also examines the legal framework of Hong Kong – with a view to identifying lessons that South Africa can learn therefrom. Such lessons include but are not limited to Hong Kong’s specific laws dedicated to public procurement, its particular legislative and institutional features, its commendable constitutional commitment to eradicating corruption, and the fact that Hong Kong’s rules pertaining to procurement processes are more consistent and are not hidden in several legislative prescripts. South Africa may also do well to learn from the successes of Hong Kong’s iconic anti-corruption agency, the Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC) – in attempting to model its own anti-corruption agency.
Ocular dirofilariasis: case reports
Authors: Zumbulidze N G , Khokkanen V M , Kasymov F O , Marchenko O A , Yarovoy D A , Chudinova O V
Published: June 2017

The article deals with the problem of ditofilariasis - the only facultative for the human in Russian Federation zoonotic parasitic helminth. Over the last years, there is a pronounced tendency to increased number of animals and humans dirofilariasis cases in the temperate climate area. The spread of the disease (which until quite recently was considered as endemic for tropical climate countries and southern regions of our country) is related to a wide causative agent circulation in the environment and to the spread of the great number of stray dogs and lack of adequate measures aimed on detection and treatment of infected animals. Moreover, there is a year-round risk of infection caused by «basement» Culex mosquitoes and in an urban setting. Herewith, the problem of dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis nematodes is poorly known and there are no sufficient data on its true prevalence in our country. In the article, clinical cases of ocular dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria repens are presented, diagnosed in Ural and North-Western Regions of the Russian Federation. Upon larvoscopic examination, Dirofilaria repens immature female was identified in all four cases. The article contains short literature review of dirofilariasis problem in Russia and morbidity prognosis. The need for thorough epidemiological anamnesis and use of ultrasound, laboratory and larvoscopic examination for clinical diagnosis of ocular dirofilariasis is reviewed. The main aspects of conservative and surgical treatment of parasitic infection are presented. The late diagnosis of dirofilariasis caused by absence of pathognomonic symptoms at early stages of the disease requires wider awareness and clinical suspicion of this pathology.
A Brief Money Management Scale and Its Associations With Personality, Financial Health, and Hypothetical Debt Repayment
Authors: Ksendzova Masha , Donnelly Grant E. , Howell Ryan T.
Published: June 2017

Money management is essential for financial health, and more research is needed to better assess people’s money management practices. Therefore, we factor-analyzed 205 scaled questions from previous money management measures to select the best items and examined their internal consistency and convergent validity. Our resulting 18-item Brief Money Management Scale and its factors (management of cash, credit, savings, and insurance) replicate and clarify previous relationships between types of money management and financial outcomes as well as personality and demographic antecedents. Furthermore, this scale is reliable and predicts participants’ hypothetical debt repayment behavior, suggesting concurrent validity. We discuss how future studies can use this multifaceted measure of money management to better understand the antecedents and consequences of different financial decisions.
Failure of Saliva Sampling in the QF2011 Queensland Flood Study Examining the Effects of Prenatal Maternal Stress on Neonatal Stress Reactivity
Authors: Simcock Gabrielle , Stapleton Helen , Kildea Sue , Shoo Laura , Laplante David P. , King Suzanne
Published: June 2017

The study was designed to investigate the impact of disaster-related prenatal maternal stress on neonates’ reactivity to the routinely administered, painful, newborn screen procedure (heelstick or heel prick). We hypothesized that pregnancy exposure to a flood stressor would affect fetal developmental pathways and subsequently neonatal responses to other stressful events, including the newborn screen. The pregnant women we recruited were affected by sudden onset floods in Queensland, Australia in 2011. Using methods similar to those described in the literature, we collected neonatal saliva immediately prior to the newborn screen and +20 and +40 min afterwards. Saliva sampling was halted after failed saliva collection attempts by trained research staff on 17 newborns. This article discusses reasons for our failure, including the influence of bioethical concerns and the requirement that research activities are compliant with hospital policies as well as the necessity of publishing studies that fail to replicate prior research.
ARISTOLOCHIA BRACTEOLATE RETZ. ATTENUATES HYPERURICEMIA IN A METABOLIC ARTHRITIS RAT MODEL
Authors: Yun-peng Li , Shuang Wu , Ran Afou , Xu Da-yong , Wei Jing-mei , Zhao Zi-long
Published: June 2017

Background: The leaves of Aristolochia bracteolata Retz. has been documented in the folk medicine literature for its anti-arthritic activity. The target of the research envisaged was to elucidate the activity of A. bracteolata extract on hyperuricemic condition in arthritis rat model.

Materials and Methods: Dried and powdered plant leaves were extracted using ether and chloroform. Potassium oxonate was injected intra-articularly to produce arthritis. The hyperuricemic effect, of A. bracteolate was analyzed by studying levels of uric acid in serum as well as in urine of arthritis induced rats. Effects of plant extracts were also studied on BUN (blood urea nitrogen) levels and fraction of uric acid excreted.

Results: Results indicate that administration of A. bracteolata presented substantial change in uric acid concentration, augmented by potassium oxonate administration in rats. The reduction in levels of uric acid levels was nearly same as allopurinol. The investigation also revealed that the primary plant extract has nephroprotective effect by enhancing the production of Prostaglandin E2 and Interleukin-1. Histological studies of rat kidney slices indicated the safety of the present plant extract.

Conclusion: The crude extract of A. bracteolate can be used to reduce hyperuricemia in metabolic arthritis produced in rat model, without inducing any potential damaging effects.
Cobertura de atención del parto en México. Su interpretación en el contexto de la mortalidad materna
Authors: Lazcano-Ponce Eduardo , Schiavon Raffaela , Uribe-Zúñiga Patricia
Published: June 2017

Objetivo. Evaluar la cobertura de atención del parto en México en el contexto de la reducción de la mortalidad materna. Material y métodos. Se utilizaron dos fuentes de información: 1) la comparación de las Encuestas Nacionales de Salud y Nutrición 2006 y 2012 (ENSANUT 2006 y 2012); 2) La base de datos que monitorea las defunciones maternas de 2012 en México (hasta el 26 de diciembre de 2012) y las estimaciones de los nacidos vivos (NV) del Consejo Nacional de Población (CONAPO) para el mismo año. Resultados. La cobertura de atención del parto en unidades médicas es cercana a 94.4% a nivel nacional, pero entidades federativas como Chiapas (60.5%), Nayarit (87.8%), Guerrero (91.2%), Durango (92.5%), Oaxaca (92.6%) y Puebla (93.4%) todavía tienen coberturas de atención del parto que son menores al promedio nacional. En las mujeres adscritas a la seguridad social, se han alcanzado coberturas cercanas a 99%, y en aquéllas afiliadas al SPSS –denominado Seguro Popular– la cobertura de atención médica del parto fue de 92.9%. También en términos de la razón de mortalidad materna (RMM), se observan grandes disparidades por entidades federativas, con un promedio nacional de 47.0 por 100 000 NV (preliminar para 2012, hasta el 26 de diciembre de este año). Esta última estimación ha sido actualizada de acuerdo con las proyecciones más recientes de la población. Conclusión.En México no existe correlación entre la elevada atención del parto en unidades médicas y la RMM, por lo que no sólo es necesario garantizar la atención universal del parto por un profesional de la salud sino que ésta la debe proporcionar personal calificado de acuerdo con el nivel de atención y con un sistema de redes de atención funcionales, además de fortalecer la calidad de la atención obstétrica y los programas de planificación familiar, e implementar políticas innovadoras de salud con acciones intersectoriales en un marco de derechos humanos que disminuyan la enorme inequidad social
Patrones de utilización de programas de prevención y diagnóstico temprano de cáncer en la mujer
Authors: Torres-Mejía Gabriela , Ortega-Olvera Carolina , Ángeles-Llerenas Angélica
Published: June 2017

Objetivo. Estimar los patrones de utilización de los programas preventivos de cáncer en la mujer durante el periodo 2000-2012 en mujeres mexicanas que participaron en tres encuestas nacionales. Material y métodos. Se analizó información de la ENSA 2000 y de las ENSANUT 2006 y 2012 que son representativas de la población del país. Se obtuvieron prevalencias y se aplicaron pruebas de tendencia y regresión de Poisson para determinar las posibilidades de tener una mayor cobertura. Resultados. La cobertura de uso de Papanicolaou en los últimos 12 meses en 2012 fue de 45.5%, de prueba de VPH en los últimos cuatro años fue de 11.9% y de mastografía en los últimos dos años fue de 29.4 y de 17.2% en mujeres de 50 a 69 años y de 40 a 49 años, respectivamente. Conclusiones. Aunque se observa un incremento en la cobertura de los programas de detección se debe impulsar la calidad de los servicios y la cobertura universal.
Impacto del consumo nocivo de alcohol en accidentes y enfermedades crónicas en México
Authors: Manuel Guerrero-López Carlos , Alberto Muños-Hernández José , De Miera-Juárez Belén Sáenz
Published: June 2017

Objetivo. Analizar el consumo de alcohol, su relación con accidentes de tránsito y su impacto en enfermedades crónicas. Material y métodos. Usando encuestas nacionales de salud, registros de colisiones, lesionados y muertes, así como encuestas económicas, se estimaron indicadores de prevalencia, mortalidad y consumo. Resultados. Entre 2000 y 2012, la prevalencia de consumo de alcohol en adolescentes se mantuvo estable con un incremento importante en adultos. La tasa de colisiones de tránsito con presencia de alcohol fue de 0.36 y 0.58 en adolescentes y adultos, respectivamente. De la población con lesiones de tránsito, 8.4% estaba bajo efectos del alcohol al momento de lesionarse. La mortalidad por dos enfermedades atribuibles al alcohol se ha mantenido en alrededor de 18 000 fallecimientos anuales. Conclusiones. El abuso en el consumo alcohol implica graves daños a la salud. El incremento de impuestos al alcohol, junto con otras medidas, reduciría el consumo nocivo y la mortalidad asociada.
Tri‐Species Shuffling of Chromosomes to Study the Effects on Fiber Traits Using Chromosome Substitution Lines
Authors: Saha Sukumar , Wu Jixiang , Jenkins Johnie N. , McCarty Jack C. , Campbell B. Todd , Hayes Russell W. , Stelly David M.
Published: June 2017

Previous studies revealed difficulties in retention and recombination of alien species germplasm by conventional introgression in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) due to incompatibility at the whole‐genome level. An alternative approach is to use alien species chromosome substitution (CS) lines, whereby retention and recombination can be differentially increased for a specific chromosome or chromosome segment. Here we report for the first time on the development of a set of CS lines from two alien species in a common genetic background of upland cotton. The overall objective of this research is to report on the chromosomal association of important fiber traits using a partial‐diallel mating design among CS lines of G. tomentosum Nutt. Ex Seem (CS‐T), a wild tetraploid species endemic to Hawaii, G. barbadense L. (CS‐B), a cultivated tetraploid species with improved fiber quality traits, and ‘TM‐1’ (G. hirsutum), the recurrent parent with improved agronomic traits and moderate fiber quality traits. The genetic effects associated with CS lines were dissected into additive, homozygous dominance, and heterozygous dominance genetic effects using an additive–dominance statistical model. Five of six CS‐B lines and two of six CS‐T lines had significant additive genetic effects on lint percentage, indicating that the respective substituted alien chromosome carried alien alleles with potential to improve lint percentage in upland cotton. Fifty‐six percent of 16 different significant additive effects associated with the CS‐B lines could be useful to improve fiber traits in TM‐1. On the contrary, 40% of 15 significant additive genetic effects of the CS‐T lines had potential to improve fiber traits. Results suggested that CS lines can unveil many beneficial alleles harbored cryptically in the other AD‐genome species and render them more accessible for research and cotton genetic improvement.
Flowering Characteristics and Yield of Maize Inbreds Grown for Hybrid Seed Production under Deficit Irrigation
Authors: Wang Jintao , Tong Ling , Kang Shaozhong , Li Fusheng , Zhang Xiaotao , Ding Risheng , Du Taisheng , Li Sien
Published: June 2017

The study of crop response to deficit irrigation is important for reducing agricultural water use in arid areas. Two experiments were conducted in an arid region of northwestern China in 2014 and 2015 to investigate the responses of the flowering characteristics (pollen shed by male inbreds, silk emergence of female inbreds) and yield components of maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines to deficit irrigation at the vegetative (V) and flowering (F) stages. There were five irrigation treatments in each year, which were combinations of full irrigation (Stage 2), 50% of full irrigation (Stage 1), and no irrigation (Stage 0) at vegetative (V2, V1, V0) and flowering stages (F2, F1, F0). Results showed that kernel number (KN) ear−1 had significant positive correlations with the total number of exposed silks ear−1 (SNX), seed‐set capacity (SC), silking rate ear−1 (ke), silking rate of the female population (kf), and total pollen density at ear height (TPD) but that KN ear−1 had a significant negative correlation with the anthesis–silking interval (ASI). Water deficit at vegetative or flowering stages reduced SNX, kf, ke, SC, and TPD. Water deficit at flowering stage increased ASI. Water deficit at both stages decreased KN ear−1 and seed yield. There were no significant differences in pollen viability and kernel weight in any of the irrigation treatments. Treatment at V1F2 had no significant effects on flowering characteristics, KN ear−1, or seed yield; however, it reduced the irrigation amount by 26% over the two stages. Thus, V1F2 is recommended as an optimum regime for limited irrigation in this region.
Evaluation of removal efficiency of residual diclofenac in aqueous solution by nanocomposite tungsten-carbon using design of experiment
Authors: Salmani M. H. , Mokhtari M. , Raeisi Z. , Ehrampoush M. H. , Sadeghian H. A.
Published: June 2017

Wastewater containing pharmaceutical residual components must be treated before being discharged to the environment. This study was conducted to investigate the efficiency of tungsten-carbon nanocomposite in diclofenac removal using design of experiment (DOE). The 27 batch adsorption experiments were done by choosing three effective parameters (pH, adsorbent dose, and initial concentration) at three levels. The nanocomposite was prepared by tungsten oxide and activated carbon powder in a ratio of 1 to 4 mass. The remaining concentration of diclofenac was measured by a spectrometer with adding reagents of 2, 2′-bipyridine, and ferric chloride. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to determine the main and interaction effects. The equilibrium time for removal process was determined as 30 min. It was observed that the pH had the lowest influence on the removal efficiency of diclofenac. Nanocomposite gave a high removal at low concentration of 5.0 mg/L. The maximum removal for an initial concentration of 5.0 mg/L was 88.0% at contact time of 30 min. The results of ANOVA showed that adsorbent mass was among the most effective variables. Using DOE as an efficient method revealed that tungsten-carbon nanocomposite has high efficiency in the removal of residual diclofenac from the aqueous solution.
Self-Medication Practices Among Health Care Professional Students in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Pune
Authors: Sajith Manjusha , Suresh Sruthi M. , Roy Naveen T. , Pawar Dr. Atmaram
Published: June 2017

Background:

Self-medication practice is common among health care professionals due to their professional exposure to drugs and knowledge of treatment of their disease.

Objective:

The aim was to assess self-medication practice among medical, pharmacy, and nursing students in a tertiary care hospital, Pune. Method: A cross-sectional survey was carried out over a period of three months. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection.

Results:

A total of 318 students participated in the survey; among them106 were medical, 106 were nurses and 106 were Pharmacy students. Out of the total participants, 52.5% were females. Among them, 280 (87.5%) were practicing self- medication. Most drugs for self-medication were obtained from the pharmacy or drug shops, and the most commonly used drugs were non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs(81.2%) and antipyretics (67.6%) and antibiotics (35.0%). However, 112 (35.0%) of health care professional students had received antibiotics without medical prescription in the past few months. Common reported illnesses were fever and chills (62.5%) followed by headache (40.0%) and common cold(35.0%).The main reasons for self- medication was that their knowledge about drugs and diseases helped them (67%) and their health problem was not serious(65%). 40 (12.0%) were against self -medication practice and their reasons were fear of misdiagnosis of illness and adverse effect of drugs.

Conclusion:

Our study concluded that self-medication was practiced with a range of drugs among health care professional students. Educating the students and creating awareness among them may decrease the chance of self-medication practice.
Study of total phenol, flavonoid contents and phytochemical screening of methanolic crude extracts of two weed plants
Authors: Shreshtha Shah , Anushi Jain , Joshi* Ambika Nitesh , Joshi Nitesh , Anupma Harshal
Published: June 2017

Weeds have been neglected and their use for medicinal purpose has not been considered on a large scale. Our current research was based on the phytochemical Screening of Ipomoea carnea and Alternanthera sessilis and to quantitatively evaluate their total phenolic and flavonoid content. Quantitative analysis of Phenols and Flavonoids was done by the Folin Ciocalteau and Aluminium chloride method respectively. Both weeds showed positive response for presence of secondary metabolites like flavonoids, phenols, tannins, terpenoids, proteins, carbohydrates, etc. which indicates that they can be used as herbal components. The total Phenol value of Ipomoea carnea and Alternanthera sessilis was 0.0526 and 0.0657 mg Gallic acid equivalent/g respectively. The flavonoid content value of Ipomoea carnea and Alternanthera sessilis was 0.09 and 0.2 mg quercetin equivalent (QE) /g respectively. Both the weeds showed presence of several phytochemicals and high Phenol and Flavonoid values. However, Alternanthera showed a higher concentration of Phenols and Flavonoids as compared to Ipomoea. Since both the selected weeds grow in many areas throughout the world, their medicinal properties can be exploited and used for several applications. With the continuous use of antibiotics, microorganisms have become resistant. There is a need to develop alternative antimicrobial drugs using weeds, which otherwise have not been exploited till now by humans.
Environmental Characteristics of Children's Neighborhood Activities
Authors: Zhang Heng , Li Min-Jin
Published: June 2017

Environmental characteristics affecting children's physical abilities and health are worth understanding. The purpose of this study is to identify neighborhood environmental characteristics that influence children's activities and assess the friendliness of Taiwanese communities toward children's activities. Conditions are observed on the basis of five environmental characteristics: safety, amenity, accessibility, sociability, and attractiveness. The three communities studied have different combinations of street patterns and land use which, in turn, are conducive to different children's activities. These findings are valuable for community design aimed at promoting children's activities.
Model Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) Di Alur Laut Kepulauan Indonesia (AlKI) I Di Selat Sunda Dalam Mewujudkan Ketahanan Wilayah
Authors: Sobaruddin Dyan Primana , Armawi Armaidy , Martono Edhi
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT Maritime traffic increase consequently would make the intensity of the ASL surveillance respectively. Indonesia owned several vital and important straits for maritime traffics, and one of them wass Sunda Straits, which was part of the ASL I connecting Indian Ocean and South China Sea and vice versa. The objectives of the research were (1) to created system model of Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in the ASL I Sunda Straits, (2) to studied the impact of TSS model to the territorial resilience of Sunda Straits. This research showed that the best TSS model in Sunda Straits was the solution-2 where TSS laided on western side of Sangiang Island, which was maritime channel in between Panjurit Island and Sangiang Island with still regard the ASL I, and also considered the existing danger of navigation of Koliot Reef by installing an aids to the navigation. The Eigen Value Matrix generated from the TSS Solution-2 model would guarantee Sunda Straits from the security threat, danger of navigation and risk environmental damages, and it would make ease the law enforcement through the straits due to foreign ships had to sailed over this TSS..ABSTRAKPeningkatan lalu lintas pelayaran menjadikan semakin berat tugas pengawasan jalur laut. Indonesia mempunyai beberapa selat yang sangat vital sebagai jalur pelayaran yaitu salah satunya adalah Selat Sunda dimana selat ini merupakan bagian dari Alur Laut Kepulauan Indonesia (ALKI) I, yang menghubungkan perairan Samudera Hindia melewati Selat Karimata menuju Laut China Selatan atau sebaliknya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk (1) Membuat model sistem Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) di Alur Laut Kepulauan Indonesia (ALKI) I Selat Sunda, 2) Mengkaji dampak pembangunan model TSS bagi ketahanan wilayah Selat Sunda.Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa Model TSS di Selat Sunda yang terbaik adalah solusi–2 dimana TSS berada di sebelah barat Pulau Sangiang, yaitu alur pelayaran di antara Pulau Panjurit dan Pulau Sangiang dengan tetap memperhatikan ALKI-I yang sudah ada, selain itu untuk keberadaan bahaya navigasi di Terumbu Koliot maka diletakkan SBNP. Model TSS Solusi-2 hasil perhitungan Matriks Eigen Value dilihat dari segi ketahanan wilayah  Selat Sunda membuat terjaminnya perairan Selat Sunda dari bahaya keamanan, bahaya navigasi pelayaran serta bahaya pencemaran lingkungan, mempermudah penegak hukum dalam melaksanakan pengawasan karena setiap kapal asing yang akan melewati Selat Sunda harus melewati TSS ini.
CMV and BKPyV Infections in Renal Transplant Recipients Receiving an mTOR Inhibitor–Based Regimen Versus a CNI-Based Regimen: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Controlled Trials
Authors: Mallat Samir G. , Tanios Bassem Y. , Itani Houssam S. , Lotfi Tamara , McMullan Ciaran , Gabardi Steven , Akl Elie A. , Azzi Jamil R.
Published: June 2017

Background and objectives

The objective of this meta-analysis is to compare the incidences of cytomegalovirus and BK polyoma virus infections in renal transplant recipients receiving a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (mTOR)–based regimen compared with a calcineurin inhibitor–based regimen.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We conducted a comprehensive search for randomized, controlled trials up to January of 2016 addressing our objective. Other outcomes included acute rejection, graft loss, serious adverse events, proteinuria, wound-healing complications, and eGFR. Two review authors selected eligible studies, abstracted data, and assessed risk of bias. We assessed quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology.

Results

We included 28 randomized, controlled trials with 6211 participants classified into comparison 1: mTOR inhibitor versus calcineurin inhibitor and comparison 2: mTOR inhibitor plus reduced dose of calcineurin inhibitor versus regular dose of calcineurin inhibitor. Results showed decreased incidence of cytomegalovirus infection in mTOR inhibitor–based group in both comparison 1 (risk ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.41 to 0.72), with high quality of evidence, and comparison 2 (risk ratio, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.24 to 0.80), with moderate quality of evidence. The available evidence neither confirmed nor ruled out a reduction of BK polyoma virus infection in mTOR inhibitor–based group in both comparisons. Secondary outcomes revealed more serious adverse events and acute rejections in mTOR inhibitor–based group in comparison 1 and no difference in comparison 2. There was no difference in graft loss in both comparisons. eGFR was higher in the mTOR inhibitor–based group in comparison 1 (mean difference =4.07 ml/min per 1.73 m2; 95% confidence interval, 1.34 to 6.80) and similar to the calcineurin inhibitor–based group in comparison 2. More proteinuria and wound-healing complications occurred in the mTOR inhibitor–based groups.

Conclusions

We found moderate- to high-quality evidence of reduced risk of cytomegalovirus infection in renal transplant recipients in the mTOR inhibitor–based compared with the calcineurin inhibitor–based regimen. Our review also suggested that a combination of a mTOR inhibitor and a reduced dose of calcineurin inhibitor may be associated with similar eGFR and rates of acute rejections and serious adverse events compared with a standard calcineurin inhibitor–based regimen at the expense of higher incidence of proteinuria and wound-healing complications.
IN VIVO ANTI-DIABETIC ACTIVITY EVALUATION OF THE BARK OF CASCABELA THEVETIA L. IN STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS
Authors: Gogoi Neelutpal , Bhuyan Biman
Published: June 2017

Objective: In this study, the plant Cascabela thevetia L. was selected based on ethnomedicinal documentation reports for evaluation of the antidiabetic activity. The aim of this study was to carry out acute toxicity study and in vivo evaluation of antidiabetic activity in an animal model.Methods: Firstly direct extraction of the dried bark powder was done with methanol using soxhlet apparatus. After collecting the extract, acute toxicity study was performed according to OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) guideline 425. For in vivo evaluation of antidiabetic activity, streptozotocin (STZ) and nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetic male rat model was used. Six groups containing six animals in each were taken for the in vivo study and marked as normal control, standard control, negative control and test controls. For all the animals body weight, body temperature, blood glucose levels were determined at an interval of 5 d. After 15 d of treatment different biochemical parameters like triglyceride, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), alkaline phosphatase level (ALP), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), total protein were determined and the results were evaluated by statistically using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). On the 15th day, all the animals were sacrificed and histopathological study of pancreases tissue was done.Results: The effects of the test extracts in lowering the blood glucose level and maintaining other biochemical parameters in the test groups were compared with the effect of standard drug metformin hydrochloride, 10 mg/kg body weight treated group and negative control group. The data were statistically evaluated using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnet comparison all vs control method and taking significant at p<0.01. By comparing different biochemical parameters and histoarchitecture of the different test groups of animals, it was found that group V treated with 200 mg/kg body weight shows a significant effect.Conclusion: After performing the experiment it was found that the bark of Cascabela thevetia L. has the potential for blood glucose lowering activity and able to control abnormal lipids and enzymes level in blood. Further isolation of the compounds can lead to finding out the exact compound responsible for the activity.
The main criteria of selection of assortment of plants for landscaping school educational institutions
Authors: Zhurkina E E , Basanets D V , Fedorova T A , Petrovskay P A , Terekhin A A
Published: June 2017

The article discusses the main criteria for the selection of vegetation for landscaping school educational institutions: the lack of poisonous substances in all parts of plants, hypoallergenic, decorative. Allergic diseases with regular frequency occur in 10-30% of the population of major cities in the world and every year the percentage of incidence increases. The most popular vegetable allergens, such as Btula , lnus , Phleum , Festuca , and others. Identified the ranges of the prevalence of allergic diseases in secondary school educational institutions of the city of Moscow. In connection with inexpediency of cutting down the existing trees were proposed recommendations for mechanical to reduce the spread of allergens and their effects on the human body. Hypoallergenic selection of tree, shrub and flower plant crops that will help to reduce the symptoms of allergic diseases, non-poisonous plants to avoid poisoning children, and ornamental plants, to create a modern landscape solutions. The proposed modular composite from the prepared range of plants are an example of decorative landscaping of the specialized agencies.
Growth muscel dinamics of chickens of cross “Sheiver 2000”
Authors: Semyonov N V , Nikitchenko V E , Nikitchenko D V
Published: June 2017

The growth muscles dynamics of males and females chickens of 1-, 28-, 42-, 140-, 210-, 320- and 476-days of age of cross Shaver 2000. It was found that the most intense muscle growth occurs up to 42 days of age. The total weight of the carcass muscle in postembryonic period increased in males at 96,82 times, in females - 71,91 times. Muscle growth of anatomical areas is uneven, the absolute mass of the axial skeleton in 476-day-old males increased in comparison with the mass of 1-day-old at 120,40 times, chickens (females) - at 101,36 times; peripheral at 83,38 and 60,16 times; wings - at 86,99 and 64,97 times, pelvic limb - at 81,47 and 57,78 times, respectively. With age and the increase of the carcass muscle in the total weight mass relative axial skeletal muscles of males increased from 31,81% (1-day-old) to 40,30% (476-day-old), chicken (females) - from 28,47% to 40,19%; peripheral (males) decreased from 68,19% to 59,70%, females - from 71,53% to 59,81%.
Prevalence of pterygium and outcome of pterygium surgery in hilly western Nepal
Authors: Manandhar Laxmi Devi , Rai Salma KC , Gurung Shanti , Shrestha Koshal , Godar Manita , Hirachan Anjita , Shrestha Ruchi
Published: June 2017

Introduction: Surgical removal is the treatment of choice for pterygium; however, prevention of recurrence is a challenge. Several techniques have been tried to reduce the ﬁbro-vascular activity aiming to reduce rate of recurrence such as B-irradiation, conjunctival and limbal auto-grafting, anti-mitotic drugs, and amniotic membrane transplantation. This study reports the magnitude of the disease in a hilly region of western Nepal and outcome of excision and conjunctival autografting for pterygium surgery.

Methods: A prospective study was done from 1st July 2015 to 31st December 2016 in which all patients with primary pterygium presented to Palpa Lions Lacoul Eye Hospital from 1st July 2015 to 30th June 2016 were treated and followed up for next six months. Patients were treated medically or surgically as indicated. Data on age, sex, visual acuity, extent of disease, treatment modality, complications, and outcome were collected and analyzed by descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, t-test, and Anova tests. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: There were 18,960 patients in total attending hospital for various conditions among which 290 (1.5%) had pterygium. There were 186 (64.1%) female and 104 (35.9%) male and this difference was significant (p<0.001). The mean age was 47.42 yrs (SD=14.23) with age ranging from 20 to 80 years. Right eye was affected more (43.1%) than left eye (33.1%); remaining 23.8% had bilateral disease. Grade-1 disease occurred in younger age compared to Grade-2 and Grade-3 disease. All grade-1 patients were managed medically; grade-2 and grade-3 patients were equally likely to be managed medically or surgically. There were no major intra or post-operative complications. Minor post-operative complications noted were subconjunctival hemorrhage, corneal scarring, suture gaping, and conjunctival cyst among others.

Conclusion: Despite much advanced techniques in pterygium surgery, pterygium excision combined with conjunctival autograft is found to be a safe and effective method for treating pterygium in developing world.
Do financial systems spur economic growth in the USA? An empirical investigation
Authors: Nyasha Sheilla , Odhiambo N.M.
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we use the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds
testing approach to examine the dynamic impact of both bank-based financial
development and market-based financial development on economic growth in the
United States of America (USA) during the period 1980 to 2012. In order to
adequately capture the depth and width of the USA?s financial system, we used
both bank-based and marketbased financial development indices as proxies for
bank-based and market-based financial systems. These indices were constructed
from a number of bank- and market-based financial development indicators,
using the method of means-removed average. Our empirical results reveal that
both bank-based and market-based financial development have a positive impact
on economic growth in the USA. These results apply irrespective of whether
the regression analysis is conducted in the long run or in the short run. We,
therefore, recommend that both pro-bank-based and pro-market-based financial
sector development policies should be pursued in the USA - in order to
bolster real sector growth and economic development.
Hypothalamic Inflammation in Human Obesity Is Mediated by Environmental and Genetic Factors
Authors: Kreutzer Carina , Peters Sönke , Schulte Dominik M. , Fangmann Daniela , Türk Kathrin , Wolff Stephan , van Eimeren Thilo , Ahrens Markus , Beckmann Jan , Schafmayer Clemens , Becker Thomas , Kerby Tina , Rohr Axel , Riedel Christian , Heinsen Femke-Anouska , Degenhardt Frauke , Franke Andre , Rosenstiel Philip , Zubek Nana , Henning Christian , Freitag-Wolf Sandra , Dempfle Astrid , Psilopanagioti Aristea , Petrou-Papadaki Helen , Lenk Lennart , Jansen Olav , Schreiber Stefan , Laudes Matthias
Published: June 2017

Obesity is associated with hypothalamic inflammation (HI) in animal models. In the current study, we examined the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) of 57 obese human subjects and 54 age- and sex- matched nonobese control subjects by MRI and analyzed the T2 hyperintensity as a measure of HI. Obese subjects exhibited T2 hyperintensity in the left but not the right MBH, which was strongly associated with systemic low-grade inflammation. MRS revealed the number of neurons in the left hypothalamic region to be similar in obese versus control subjects, suggesting functional but not structural impairment due to the inflammatory process. To gain mechanistic insights, we performed nutritional analysis and 16S rDNA microbiome sequencing, which showed that high-fat diet induces reduction of Parasutterella sp. in the gut, which is significantly correlated with MBH T2 hyperintensity. In addition to these environmental factors, we found subjects carrying common polymorphisms in the JNK or the MC4R gene to be more susceptible to HI. Finally, in a subgroup analysis, bariatric surgery had no effect on MBH T2 hyperintensity despite inducing significant weight loss and improvement of peripheral insulin sensitivity. In conclusion, obesity in humans is associated with HI and disturbances in the gut-brain axis, which are influenced by both environmental and genetic factors.
Sufism approached in school counseling service: an analysis of perspective spiritual counseling
Authors: Faiz Al
Published: June 2017

This article will provide a new paradigm of thinking and practical in counseling, it based on the needs of counseling services that have been merely empirical and determinist counseling that still do not have a good influence in helping to solve problems that occur on social, cultural, political and education phenomena in this time. Moreover, when the government provides a new curriculum 2013 that lead to the formation of character like a soft skill competencies, which is very important at this time. With a variety of social and educational problems has pushed a writer to provide a new thinking and practical in counseling with a Sufism (mysticism) approached in counseling. In this case, the approach is to have a client through a station process (levels/maqam) into enlighten character and mind. Therefore, this article will discuss a Sufism approached (mysticism) in the process of counseling services as spiritual counseling.
Experiential learning theory (ELT)-based classical guidance model to improve responsible character
Authors: Sinaga Juster Donal , Artati Kristina Betty
Published: June 2017

This research aims to: (1) determine the improvement of responsible character of students before and after experiencing character education based on classical guidance service using Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) approach; (2) determine the effectiveness of character education based on classical guidance service ELT approach. This is a quantitative study using pre-experimental One-Group Pretest-Posttest Design. The data collection used Responsible Character Questionnaire with reliability 0.788 in Alpha Cronbach. Subjects in this study were 30 students of class VII A batch 2014-2015 in Kanisius Junior High Schools, Yogyakarta. The results of the study show that: (1) there is an improvement in responsible character of students before and after experiencing seen from the score distribution in each category and from the average score; (2) based on the t-test, there is a significant improvement in the students' responsible character in the Sig. value of (2-tailed) (0.001)<(0.05). Therefore, the implementation of classical guidance service using ELT approach is effective in improving the students' responsible character.
Development of social intelligence test for high school student
Authors: Arjanto Paul
Published: June 2017

Measurement of social intelligence on high school students are not available. The study aims to generate an instrument to measure social intelligence of high school students comprehensively. Product development of instruments and manual social intelligence for high school students who revised based on judge of two experts in instrumentation and social intelligence, readability test of the 100 high school students, reliability testing and validity testing to the 956 high school students. Expert judges by using the inter-rater agreement models show a high index between variables and sub-variables until descriptors and the items. Reliability test result by using Alpha coefficient of internal consistency obtained for 0.899. The construct validity of non-verbal test shows that there are six factors and verbal test shows that there are four factors. The validation process of exploratory factor analysis showed loading factor ranges between 0.566-0.996. The norms of social intelligence tests classify into six levels.
Development of training guide johari windows in improving student self-disclosure
Authors: Nofriza Fatma
Published: June 2017

Persons with disabilities is a condition of physical disability of the individual as a normal human being. Various problems occur in persons with disabilities in social institutions such as the Balai Besar Rehabilitasi Vokasional Bina Daksa (BBRVBD) able to communicate openly with its environment. Johari windows is one technique to alleviate the problems of individual self-disclosure. The purpose of this study is to improve the skills of beneficiaries to be able to communicate who think, feel good about themselves and about others who frequently interact with it as it is and with the right language. This study uses research and development. The model used is a model development research and development (R&D). The results indicate that the development of this product has a usability criteria, eligibility, accuracy, the attractiveness and appropriate when used for student beneficiaries BBRVBD.
Kandungan Bahan Kering Tanpa Lemak (BKTL) Susu Sapi Perah Friesian Holstein Akibat Pemberian Pakan yang Mengandung Tepung Katu (Sauropus androgynus (L.) Merr) yang Berbeda
Authors: Yusuf Roosena
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of increasing the provision shrub on milk solid non fat content of Friesian Holstein dairy cattle. Research material used was 9 Friesian Holstein dairy cattle on the second lactation at the sixth month lactation with body weight (BW) of 436 Â± 48.67 kg, milk production of 8.86 Â± 1.2 liter. Single factor experiment arranged in Complete Random Design with 3 treatments, each replicated for three times, was used in this experiment. The cows were fed with concentrate feed (Crude Protein = 13.42%) added by shrub flour at three levels of 0 % BW (t0), 0.03 % BW (t1), 0.05 % BW (t2), and maize straw as forage at each level of shrub flour in the concentrate. The ratio between concentrate and forage 60%:40%. Obtained data was calculated by ANOVA. Results showed that the average consumption of dry matter feed determined at t0, t1, and t2 were 10.22; 10.70 and 11.63 kg/cow/day (P>0.05), respectively. The average of milk solid non fat of t0, t1 and t2 were 0.672; 0.811 and 0.864 kg/liter (P>0.05), respectively. However shrub flour providing in the concentrate until level of 0.05% BW did not increase milk solid non fat of Friesian Holstein dairy cattle milk solid non fat.

Keywords : milk solid non fat, Friesian Holstein dairy cattle, shrub
Aktivitas Ekstrak Etanol dan Fraksi Akar Singawalang (Petiveria alliacea L.) Terhadap Jamur Penyebab Ketombe dengan Metode Broth Microdilution
Authors: Indriyanti Niken , Adnyana I Ketut , Sukandar Elin Yulinah
Published: June 2017

Dandruff was an anomaly of scalp caused by abnormal growth of Pityrosporum ovale. Ketoconazole and sulfuric compounds known as antifungal, include antifungal against Pityrosporum ovale. One of medicinal plant that has polysulfide compounds was Singawalang (Petiveria alliacea L.). Activity of ethanol extract and fraction of singawalang roots tested using microdilution broth method appropriate to Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) standard, then growth profiles determined by colony count. Microdilution test results showed that Singawalang roots extract has antifungal activity against Pityrosporum ovale with Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) 16 Î¼g/mL and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) 64 Î¼g/mL. Fraction that has highest activity against Pityrosporum ovale was n-hexane fraction of Singawalang roots with MIC 16 Âµg/ml dan MFC 128 Î¼g/mL. The higher activity of the extract predicted that there were some polysulfide compounds have synergic activity.

 Key words : singalawang roots, polysulfide, Pityrosporum ovale

 

ABSTRAK

Ketombe adalah suatu keadaan anomali pada kulit kepala disebabkan jamur Pityrosporum ovale dalam jumlah diatas normal. Selama ini antijamur yang digunakan adalah ketokonazol. Selain itu, senyawa sulfur juga diketahui aktif terhadap jamur. Salah satu tanaman yang telah diteliti mengandung senyawa polisulfida adalah tanaman singawalang (Petiveria alliacea L.). Penelitian aktivitasnya terhadap Pityrosporum ovale dilakukan dengan Broth Microdilution sesuai standar Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI). Konsentrasi Hambat Minumum (KHM) terkecil ada pada ekstrak dan fraksi n-heksan, yaitu 16 Î¼g/mL, seperempat dari aktivitas ketokonazol. Konsentrasi Fungisidal Minimum (KFM) terkecil ekstrak adalah 64 Î¼g/mL, dan pada fraksi n-heksan ekstrak etanol akar singawalang dengan konsentrasi 128 Î¼g/mL. Diduga aktivitas antijamur lebih kuat pada ekstrak karena adanya kombinasi aktivitas beberapa senyawa polisulfida yang bekerja sinergis.

Kata kunci : Akar singawalang, polisulfida, Pityrosporum ovale
Manufaktur Berkelanjutan Pada Sampah Elektronik: Kasus Sampah Kulkas
Authors: Sutanto Agus , Yuliandra Berry , Pratama Willy
Published: June 2017

The growth of the Wastes from Electric and Electronic Equipments (WEEEs) or e-waste is presently considered to be one of the rapid increasing wastes streams in the large city of Indonesia. Concurrently, the urban mining activities for e-waste by informal sectors have potential on the economic, social and environment dimension. The three dimensions form a triple bottom line that supports the principles of sustainability in the manufacturing. In this research, the observation in some remote areas in Padang is conducted to find out the model of e-waste collection system activities from the household and its economic potential, especially for refrigerators e-waste. The result shows that minimaly there are three models of the e-waste collecting system for refrigerator e-wastes. The model involves all the parties in urban mining activities such as e-waste collectorsfrom household, repair shops, collectors who continue the re-assembly and classify the e-waste and final collectors who did the cleaning, crushing, packing and transporting e-waste to another city to do the recycling process. In this e-waste collecting model the components of refrigerator e-waste could be reused, remanufactured and recycled. From the reassembly of therefrigerators it is obtained the material composition of 58.1% iron, 26.3% plastic,10.9% styrofoam 10.9%, 2.1% aluminum, 1.8% copper pipe, and 0.8% others. The highest cumulative retained value is obtained from this collecting system ranged between IDR 230.200 to 355.200, where some second-hand components may still be inreuse and remanufacture. This price is equivalent to 14.9% to 22.1% the purchase price of a new refrigerator.