bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Dual Polarization Weather Radar Variables
Authors: Mahmood Dalia A.
Published: April 2018

Dual polarization weather radar has now become a widely used as instrument in meteorological offices around the world because of its capability in distinguishing different precipitation type and in improving the accuracy of quantitative precipitation estimation. The aim of this work is to estimate the polarimetry radar variables for radars of different frequency bands and study their behavior with rainfall rates.

Calculations of polarimetry radar variables were made on the basis of several assumptions. The results showed that factors at horizontal and vertical polarization, ZH,V, ranges between 20 dBz respectively, and more than 55 dBz for light rain and extreme heavy rain respectively, and radar reflectivity factor at horizontal ZH is greater than radar reflectivity factor at vertical ZV for all rainfall rates. The differential reflectivity, ZDR, also increases with increasing rainfall rates since it is the difference between ZH and Zv.

Calculations of specific differential attenuation indicated that X band radars are seriously atten-uated by rain and C band radars are less affected by rain. The specific differential attenuation, S band radars is very small. In addition to this feature, the results showed that the differential phase shift between return signals of horizontal and vertical polarizations for S band radars is much less than those for C and X band radars, and also, the results showed that the co-polarization correlation coefficient for S band the radars is much higher than those of C and X bands.

In order to investigate the accuracy of the calculated polarimetric weather radar variables per-formed in this research, real radar measurements were used for this purpose. Results indicated that the range of values for calculated polarimetric radar variables are very consistent with range of values for measured variables
Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial Evaluation for mixed-ligand Complexes of Nickle (II), Manganese(II), Cop-per(II),Cobalt(II) and Mercury(II) with Tetradentate Schiff base and 1,10-phenanthroline
Authors: Al-Shemary Rehab K.
Published: April 2018

An abstract is a brief summary of a research article, thesis, Schiff base ligand (L) was prepared by the reaction of 4-aminantipyrine with o-phenylenediamine, the prepared ligand characterized by Micro elemental Analysis, FT. IR, UV-Vis, and 1H,13C-NMR spectroscopy.complexes of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Hg(II) with Schiff base and 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) have been in-vestigated in aqueous ethanol with (1:1:1) (M:L:Phen). The prepared complexes were character-ized using flame atomic absorption, (C. H. N) Analysis, FT. IR and UV-Vis spectroscopic meth-ods as well as magnetic susceptibility and conductivity measurements. From the obtained data the octahedral structure was suggested for all complexes. The biological screening effects of the in-vestigated compounds were tested against the bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus), (Esche-richia coli), (Bacillus) and (Pseudomonas) by the good diffusion method.
Fractal Image Compression Based on High Entropy Values Technique
Authors: Abbaas Douaa Younis
Published: April 2018

There are many attempts tried to improve the encoding stage of FIC because it consumed time. These attempts worked by reducing size of the search pool for pair range-domain matching but most of them led to get a bad quality, or a lower compression ratio of reconstructed image. This paper aims to present a method to improve performance of the full search algorithm by combining FIC (lossy compression) and another lossless technique (in this case entropy coding is used). The entropy technique will reduce size of the domain pool (i. e., number of domain blocks) based on the entropy value of each range block and domain block and then comparing the results of full search algorithm and proposed algorithm based on entropy technique to see each of which give best results (such as reduced the encoding time with acceptable values in both compression quali-ty parameters which are C. R (Compression Ratio) and PSNR (Image Quality). The experimental results of the proposed algorithm proven that using the proposed entropy technique reduces the encoding time while keeping compression rates and reconstruction image quality good as soon as possible.
Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS) in Cloud Environment based on Hidden Naïve Bayes Multiclass Classifier
Authors: Mahmood Hafza A.
Published: April 2018

Cloud Environment is next generation internet based computing system that supplies customiza-ble services to the end user to work or access to the various cloud applications. In order to provide security and decrease the damage of information system, network and computer system it is im-portant to provide intrusion detection system (IDS. Now Cloud environment are under threads from network intrusions, as one of most prevalent and offensive means Denial of Service (DoS) attacks that cause dangerous impact on cloud computing systems. This paper propose Hidden naïve Bayes (HNB) Classifier to handle DoS attacks which is a data mining (DM) model used to relaxes the conditional independence assumption of Naïve Bayes classifier (NB), proposed sys-tem used HNB Classifier supported with discretization and feature selection where select the best feature enhance the performance of the system and reduce consuming time. To evaluate the per-formance of proposal system, KDD 99 CUP and NSL KDD Datasets has been used. The experi-mental results show that the HNB classifier improves the performance of NIDS in terms of accu-racy and detecting DoS attacks, where the accuracy of detect DoS is 100% in three test KDD cup 99 dataset by used only 12 feature that selected by use gain ratio while in NSL KDD Dataset the accuracy of detect DoS attack is 90 % in three Experimental NSL KDD dataset by select 10 fea-ture only.
Comparison of Bayes Estimators for Parameter and Relia-bility Function for Inverse Rayleigh Distribution by Using Generalized Square Error Loss Function
Authors: Rasheed Huda A.
Published: April 2018

In the current study, we have been derived some Basyian estimators for the parameter and relia-bility function of the inverse Rayleigh distribution under Generalized squared error loss function. In order to get the best understanding of the behavior of Bayesian analysis, we consider non-informative prior for the scale parameter using Jefferys prior Information as well as informative prior density represented by Gamma distribution. Monte-Carlo simulation have been employed to compare the behavior of different estimates for the scale parameter and reliability function of in-verse Rayleigh distribution based on mean squared errors and Integrated mean squared errors, respectively. In the current study, we observed that more occurrence of Bayesian estimate using Generalized squared error loss function using Gamma prior is better than other estimates for all cases
Poecilimon zonatus Bolívar (ORTHOPTERA, TETTIGONIIDAE) REVISITED: GENETIC DATA REVEALED TWO NEW SPECIES AND ONE NEW SUBSPECIES
Authors: KAYA Sarp
Published: April 2018

Poecilimon Fischer (Orthoptera,
Tettigoniidae) is the most
species-rich genus of the respective order and family in Anatolia. However,
intrageneric diversity still needs to be documented. Poecilimon zonatus Bolívar is a species with a relatively wide
range of distribution in Anatolia compared to other congeners. The present
study aims to examine the diversity of P.
zonatus using an integrated approach. The diversity of the species was documented using
data based on DNA sequences, male calling song and morphology. Automatic
species delimitation tests applied to genetic data revealed a cryptic diversity
in P. zonatus complex and suggested
two new species and one new subspecies. The song data supported the new species,
but morphology remained less productive in this respect. The new taxa defined
in the light of the obtained data are; Poecilimon
isozonatus
sp. n., Poecilimon ciplaki sp. n. as Poecilimon ciplaki ciplaki subsp. n. and
Poecilimon ciplaki denizliensis subsp.
n. These taxa together with P. zonatus
were considered a species complex within P.
zonatus group. The phylogenetic tree produced from nad2 gene sequences supported the following
relationships of P. tauricola + (P.
ciplaki + (P. zonatus +P.
isozonatus))
relationship.
Patrimônio arqueológico na Síria:discutindo as ações do Estado Islâmico
Authors: Porto Vagner Carvalheiro , Da Hora Juliana Figueira
Published: April 2018

Este artigo se propõe a apresentar e discutir a natureza da destruição do patrimônio arqueológico no Oriente Médio, mais especialmente na Síria, praticada pelo Estado Islâmico. De como essas ações implicam na obliteração de uma determinada memória, em detrimento de outras e de como o patrimônio arqueológico está diretamente vinculado à noção de monumento enquanto memória. Por fim, intenta demonstrar como o comércio de objetos arqueológicos pelo Ocidente alimenta, em muitas medidas, as ações do Estado Islâmico. Discutiremos também o discurso da mídia Ocidental frente as ações do Estado Islâmico.Palavras-chave: patrimônio arqueológico; Estado Islâmico; memória; tráfico de objetos
An Analysis of the Australian Government's Jobs for Families Child Care Package: The Utility of Bacchi's WPR Methodology to Identify Potential Influences on Parents’ Childcare Choices
Authors: Beutler Danica , Fenech Marianne
Published: April 2018

ISSUES OF CHILDCARE AFFORDABILITY, availability and flexibility in Australia have long restricted choice for parents wanting to use formal child care. To address these issues, the Australian Government developed the Jobs for Families Child Care Package, which passed through the Australian Parliament in 2017. This paper reports findings from a study that employed Bacchi's ‘ What's the Problem Represented to be’ (WPR) methodology to analyse the potential impact of the Package on parents’ childcare choices. Consistent with submissions from peak bodies and policy analysts, Bacchi's WPR analysis uncovered potential lived and subjectification effects, which are likely to diminish the choices of disadvantaged families. Additionally, the analysis identified three discursive effects that complicate workforce participation and childcare choice. Utilising a WPR approach and disrupting the Australian Government's positioning of child care as a means to support workforce participation can inform advocacy that aims to re-centre childcare policy onto the rights of the child.
Individual and Collective Reflection: Deepening Early Childhood Pre-service Teachers’ Reflective Thinking during Practicum
Authors: Foong Lydia , Binti Mariani , Nolan Andrea
Published: April 2018

THIS STUDY EXPLORED INDIVIDUAL and collective reflection as pedagogical approaches to support early childhood pre-service teachers’ reflection during practicum. Current trends in the literature show a shift from individual reflection to collective reflection, with an emphasis on social constructivist perspectives. This qualitative study focused on a Malaysian teacher education institution conducting an undergraduate early years program from the UK as the selected case. Sources of evidence came from interviews, direct observations and documents such as student teachers’ teaching portfolios, their reflection journals and assessment forms. The results show that collective reflection supported higher levels of reflective thinking during practicum at the integration, validation and appropriation levels of reflection, compared to when they reflected individually. Collective reflection provided Malaysian teachers with a new platform for problem-solving, connecting theory to practice, as well as the sharing and consideration of multiple perspectives, resulting in a deeper understanding of classroom practices.
System Level Study of LTE-Advanced Multiple Antenna System with Inter-Band Carrier Aggregation
Authors: Abdalla Dana Salahalddin , Mohammed Salim Qadir
Published: April 2018

Spatial Multiplexing (SM) multiple antenna systems and Carrier Aggregation (CA) are techniques introduced in Long Term Evolution- Advanced (LTE−Advanced) to support high data rates by increasing the number of transmission paths and the available bandwidth respectively. Therefore, in this study we evaluate the performance of LTE-Advanced physical downlink shared channel for single and SM multiple antenna systems in two different frequency bands. The radio channel is modelled using an enhanced Three-Dimensional (3D) international telecommunication union-radio communication sector channel model integrated with base station and user mobile 3D antenna patterns. Except the total received power, similar channel statistics are observed for both frequency bands. The study is performed considering 1x1, 2x2, 4x4 antenna systems in a macro-cell urban environment at Component Carries (CC) of 2600 MHz and 800 MHz to model bands 7 and 20 of CA_7-20 respectively. The performance is evaluated in terms of throughput and SM gain for many base stations and user positions considering various modulation and coding schemes. We used the computationally efficient received bit information rate algorithm to compute the throughput as a function of channel structure and signal to noise ratio.   As expected higher throughput is observed for the 800 MHz band over the 2600 MHz band. This is due to the higher total received power of the 800 MHz band. The novel SM gain results show that the SM gain depends on the operating band and it’s less than the number of spatial links. Moreover, the efficiency of inter-band CA in increasing the data rates is a function cell radius and the number of spatial streams.
Efektivitas Modul dengan Model Inkuiri untuk Menumbuhkan Keterampilan Proses Sains Siswa pada Materi Kalor
Authors: Dewi Eka Puspita , Suyatna Agus , Abdurrahman Abdurrahman , Ertikanto Chandra
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this study is to findout the effectiveness of module with inquiry model to improve the student’s scientific process skill to wards heat material. The research design used was quasi-experimental design in the form of nonequivalent pretest-postest control group design. Based on the results of the effectiveness test, it was known that the value of n-gain experimental class was 0.62. It was greater than the control class with the score was 0.40. Student's scientificprocess skills also increased for each indicator. Based on the research that has been done, it can be concluded that the module by using inquiry modelwasthe effectiveto improve the student's scientific process skills. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui efektivitas modul untuk menumbuhkan keterampilan proses sains  siswa. Desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah quasi experimental design dalam bentuk nonequivalent pretes-postes control group design. Berdasarkan hasil uji efektivitas, maka diketahui bahwa nilai n-gain kelas eksperimen (0,62) > kelas kontrol (0,40). Keterampilan proses sains siswa mengalami peningkatan untuk setiap indikator. Berdasarkan penelitian yang telah dilakukan, dapat disimpulkan bahwa modul dengan model inkuiri telah efektif dalam menumbuhkan keterampilan proses sains siswa.
Pengaruh Motorik Halus dan Motorik Kasar terhadap Perkembangan Kreatifitas Anak Usia Dini
Authors: Romlah Romlah
Published: April 2018

This study aims to determine the effect of the early childhood fine motor and gross motor on the development of the early childhood creativity. The type of this research is descriptive quantitative. The data analysis technique which is used is multiple linear regression analysis. The hypothesis in this study is, H0 (There is no significant influence between the fine motor and gross motor towards the early childhood creativity development) and H1 (There is a significant influence between the fine motor and gross motor towards the early childhood creativity development). Furthermore, the conclusion criteria of the above hypothesis are if F calculate ≤ F table, then H0 was received. The results of this research indicate that gross motor development has an effect on the development of creativity of early childhood. And the fine motor development also affects the development of early childhood creativity. The development of gross motor and fine motor as together influence the development of creativity of early childhood.  Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh motorik halus dan motorik kasar anak usia dini terhadap perkembangan kreativitasnya. Jenis penelitian ini adalah deskristif kuantitatif. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis regresi linear berganda. Hipotesis dalam penelitian ini yaitu H0 (Tidak ada pengaruh antara motorik halus dan motorik kasar dengan perkembangan kreatifitas anak usia dini) dan H1 (Ada pengaruh antara motorik halus dan motorik kasar dengan perkembangan kreatifitas anak usia dini). Selanjutnya kriteria penarikan kesimpulan dari hipotesis adalah jika F hitung ≤ F tabel, maka H0 diterima. Hasil penelitian menyatakan bahwa perkembangan motorik kasar berpengaruh pada perkembangan kreativitas anak usia dini. Begitu juga, perkembangan motorik halus juga berpengaruh pada perkembangan kreativitas anak usia dini. Perkembangan motorik kasar dan motorik halus secara bersama berpengaruh pada perkembangan kreativitas anak usia dini.
Optimising mixed-portfolio hybrid Renewable systems with no or constrained grid connectivity
Authors: W.-G. Früh
Published: April 2018

We present a method to optimise a hybrid renewable energy system design under various grid constraints, from entirely off-grid to strongly interconnected. The optimisation procedure is a simplified downward gradient method, and the variable used as the objective function is the equivalent annual cost of the system installation and operation. The results show how a good interconnection provides the opportunity to use renewable energy technology as an income stream without a need for energy storage. A balance of energy storage and local backup generation emerges as the optimum if the grid is severely constrained or without grid connection. It is always a balance of storage and backup, as the storage is most cost effective to balance supply and demand over short time scales of less than a week while back-up generation is better able to meet longer periods of insufficient renewable generation. Another key results is that a combination of renewable technologies, PV and wind, is always better here than one technology alone.
Nontechnical Loss Detection for Metered Customers in Alexandria Electricity Distribution Company Using Support Vector Machine
Authors: A. Hatem Tameem Alfarra  , B. Amani Attia  , C. S. M. El Safty
Published: April 2018

Non-technical losses (NTL) during transmission and distribution (T&D) of electrical energy is a major problem faced by utility companies which is very difficult to fight and detect. For that, more of power utilities spend thousands dollar for research centres to find efficient methods for detecting and controlling abnormalities. Electricity theft and billing irregularities forms the main portion of NTL. With the introduction of smart meter, the frequency of reporting energy consumption data to the utility company has been increased. Incoming and outgoing energy could be monitored and analyzed. Electricity theft is a complex problem with many parameters to be evaluated before implementing any measures to detect and control that. These parameters include some issues like social, economic, regional, managerial, infrastructural, and corruption. In recent years, several data mining and research studies on fraud detection and prediction techniques have been carried out in the electricity distribution sector. Support vector machine (SVM) technique has dominated the research for classifying data and detecting fraudulent electricity customers. SVM technique has good ability in data mining and data classification. The paper objective is to analyze the metered energy consumption data recorded and predict the pattern or the form of daily user’s energy consumption, then using SVM to classify the data whether normal or theft. The suggested technique is then tested using real data from Alexandria Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). The proposed technique was able to distinguish between healthy and theft cases.
Proposal of a Test Bench for Switched Reluctance Machine 8/6 for Wind Energy Application
Authors: R.T. Fidelis  , G.P.Viajante  , L.C.  Gomes  , D. A. Andrade  , E.N.Chaves  , M.A.A.Freitas  , C.C. Vieira  , M.J.M.Filho
Published: April 2018

This paper presents a Switched Reluctance Machine (SRM) dynamic performance analysis under various operating conditions. Thus, an SRM 8/6 was designed and built and a new bench was built to drive it, aiming to study the drive techniques and generated voltage control techniques for use in small wind turbine generators. The driving was done through a data acquisition and processing system of high performance and low cost (DSP / FPGA). The experimental results are shown and discussed.
Comparative Analysis of the 6/4 and 8/6 Switched Reluctance Generator in Different Operating Conditions
Authors: M. A. A. Freitas  , G. P. Viajante  , D. A. Andrade  , E.N.Chaves  , C.A.Queiroz  , L. G. W. Silva  , R.  V. R. Silva  , R.T. Fidelis  , J.L. Domingos
Published: April 2018

This paper presents a comparative study between two Switched Reluctance Generators 6/4 and 8/6 both of 60kW. The main features of the two machines and the mathematical modeling that considers the magnetic saturation effect are established. A computational simulation was performed in Matlab/Simulink environment and has allowed the machine behavior under various operating conditions to be verified. This work made it possible to evaluate: ripple voltage, phase voltage and current, speed, torque, flux, power, losses and efficiency. The comparative results between the two generators are presented and discussed.
Power Control Strategies During Voltage Sags According to Spanish Grid Code
Authors: M. Bakkar  , S. Bogarra  , F. Córcoles  , J. Saura  , M. Moreno
Published: April 2018

In order to connect any power converters into the grid there are some grid requirements to insure the safe operation of the grid. So, the control of the converters especially during abnormal condition-e.g. during voltage sags- is a very important key to guarantee the good behavior of the distributed generation system. In this paper four control strategies,will be stated in the literature, are discussed in order to ensure their ability to match the grid requirements when unsymmetrical voltage sags are produced in the network. The Spanish grid code did not give any information about the negative sequence, and it only represents the positive sequence components. Therefore, the main contribution of this paper is to verify the grid code with not only the positive sequence but also with the negative sequence. Moreover, the system is tested by simulation to show that the results cope well with the analytical equations.
Thermal and mechanical stresses in a solar central receiver
Authors: A. Montoya  , M.R. Rodríguez-Sánchez  , M.R. Rodríguez-Sánchez  , J. López-Puente  , D. Santana
Published: April 2018

Failure in the tubes of the solar receiver is a problem that should be studied. This failure is caused by the combined action of the high temperature, stresses and corrosion. Commonly, the calculation of the stresses in the receiver tubes is carried out in the crossed sections, taking into account the radial and the circumferential variation of the temperature. However, the temperature gradient along the tube length has been ignored. In this study a new model for the stress calculation in the receiver tubes has been developed. This model includes the temperature gradient in circumferential, radial, and longitudinal direction, taking into account the movement restrictions. The results show that the mechanical boundary conditions have a large effect in the stresses of the tube, being 3 times higher than the stress when no movement restrictions have been imposed. Moreover, the stress profile is highly dependent on the temperature gradient and hence on the incident solar flux on the receiver. Homogeneous solar fluxes are then more suitable than lower levels of solar fluxes with important gradients.
Efficiency of insurance companies in the Czech Republic and Poland
Authors: Grmanová Eva , Pukala Ryszard
Published: April 2018

Research background: The insurance market is an important part of the financial system. The international concept of insurance operations brings certainty and helps to balance the economic results.

Purpose of the article: The aim of the paper is to compare  the efficiency of life insurance of commercial insurance companies in the Czech Republic and Poland using the Data Envelopment Analysis model (DEA).

Methods: The methods used in the paper are descriptive statistics, DEA model and Tobit regression model. DEA models are nonparametric quantitative models for efficiency assessment. They use linear programming to transform multiple inputs into multiple outputs. The efficiency of the subjects analyzed is assessed based on the efficiency scores. 

Findings & Value added: The subject of our analysis was 17 commercial insurance companies in the Czech Republic and 26 commercial insurance companies in Poland. Ten insurance companies were efficient on the common Czech-Polish insurance market. The share of efficient insurance companies was approximately equal. The arithmetic mean of the efficiency scores was higher in Poland than in the Czech Republic. The variability of the efficiency scores of Czech insurance companies was greater than the variability of the efficiency scores of Polish insurance companies. The  correlations with efficiency score as the dependent variable and with market share as the independent variable of Tobit regression were very low.
Management of financial risks in Slovak enterprises using regression analysis
Authors: Valaskova Katarina , Kliestik Tomas , Kovacova Maria
Published: April 2018

Research background: Financial risk management is the task of monitoring financial risks and managing their impact. Financial risk is often perceived as the risk that a company may default on its debt payments. The issue of the debt, default or prosperity of the company are presented in the article as one of the ways of the risk management. A prediction of corporate default is an inseparable element of the risk management. Mainly the consequences of risk are the engine of research and development of methods and models, which enable to predict economic and financial situation in specific conditions of global economies.

Purpose of the article: The main aim of the presented article is to assess financial risks of Slovak entities, realized by the identification of significant factors and determinants affecting the prosperity of Slovak companies.

Methods: To conduct the research we have used the data of Slovak enterprises, obtained from annual financial reports covering the year 2015 and the calculated financial ratios of profitability, activity, liquidity and indebtedness that may affect the financial health of the company were applied in the regression analysis. Realizing the multiple regression analysis, the statistically significant determinants that affect the future financial development of the company are identified, as well as the regression model of the bankruptcy prediction.

Findings & Value added: In the research aimed at the management of financial risks in Slovak enterprises, we focused on the revelation of significant economic risk factors using multiple regression. The results suggest that the most significant predictors are net return on capital, cash ratio, quick ratio, current ratio, net working capital, RE/TA ratio, current debt ratio, financial debt ratio and current assets turnover based on which the decision about the future company default can be made. These factors are significant enough to manage financial risks and to affect the profitability and prosperity of the company.
Aktivitas Antioksidan Minyak Atsiri dan Ekstrak Etanol Kulit Batang Sintok (Cinnamomum sintoc Bl.) terhadap 1,1-difenil-2-pikrilhidrazil (DPPH)
Authors: Sumiwi Sri Adi , Subarnas Anas , Supriyatna Supriyatna , Bratadiredja Marline Abdassah
Published: April 2018

Sintoc (Cinnamomum sintoc Bl.) is a plant which is used as medicine. This plant has been known to have an analgesic antiinflamatory activity, therefore it is predicted to have an antioxidant activity. An investigation on antioxidant activity of sintoc essential oils and ethanolic extract of its cortex using ascorbic acid as standard has been carried out. Essential oils and ethanol extract of sintoc cortex was tested using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-pikril-hidrazil) by measuring absorbance using visible spectrophotometer at 518 nm. The methods of this research were distillation of essential oils and extraction of sintoc cortex, determination of the essential oil and extract concentrations required for 50% inhibition of DPPH radical scavenging effect (IC50) with ascorbic acid as the possitive control. The variation concentration  of essential oils are 15, 5, 1, 0.1, 0.5 ppm and 25, 20, 17, 15, 10 ppm for ethanolic extracts. The results showed that the essential oil showed antioxidant activity with IC50 value was 16.29 ppm (5 times lower than ascorbic acid) and then ethanolic extract showed IC50 value 38.89 ppm (11 times lower than ascorbic acid, IC50 of ascorbic acid was 3.35 ppm).
KORELASI KADAR SERUM IFN-γ, EKSPRESI DAN FUNGSI RESEPTOR IFN-γ, DENGAN KEJADIAN TUBERKULOSIS PARU (The Correlation Of Ifn-γ Serum Level, Ifn-γ Receptor Expression And Function, With Pulmonary Tuberculosis)
Authors: Widjaja Jahja Teguh
Published: April 2018

AbstrakUntuk dapat bekerja dengan efektif menghadapi M. tuberculosis, sistim imunitas seluler memerlukan kadar IFN-γ dan reseptor IFN-γ di sel-sel mononuklear yang bekerja optimal. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menganalisis korelasi antara kadar serum IFN-, ekspresi dan fungsi reseptor IFN-γ, dengan kejadian penyakit Tuberkulosis Paru. Observasi analitik dengan rancangan potong silang yang membandingkan kadar serum IFN-γ, fungsi dan ekspresi reseptor IFN-γ, pada pasien TB Paru dengan pasangannya yang sehat, serta menganalisis korelasi antara variabel-variabel tersebut dengan kejadian penyakit TB Paru. Penelitian dilakukan pada Juli 2009 sampai September 2010, di RS Immanuel Bandung dan laboratorium Stem Cell & Cancer Institute, Jakarta. Dibandingkan pasangan hidupnya, kadar serum IFN-γ pasien TB tidak berbeda bermakna, ekspresi reseptor IFN-γ pasien TB lebih tinggi (p=0,041), sedangkan fungsi reseptor IFN-γ pasien TB lebih rendah (p=0,011). Analisis korelasi mendapatkan satusatunya variabel yang mempunyai korelasi bermakna dengan kejadian tuberkulosis paru adalah fungsi reseptor IFN-γ yang rendah (p=0,026, OR 5,56). Pada pasien TB Paru ekspresi reseptor IFN-γ lebih tinggi, tetapi fungsi reseptor IFN-γ lebih rendah dari pasangan hidup sehat. Fungsi reseptor IFN-γ yang rendah ini mempunyai korelasi bermakna dengan kejadian tuberkulosis paru.Kata kunci: tuberkulosis, kadar serum IFN-γ, ekspresi dan fungsi reseptor IFN-γ.AbstractIn order to work effectively against M. tuberculosis, the cell mediated immune system needs serum level of IFN-γ and its receptors in the surface of mononuclear cells to function optimally. The objective of this study is to analyze the correlation of IFNγ serum level, expression and function of IFN-γ receptor, with pulmonary tuberculosis. Analytical descriptive method with cross sectional design that compared the serum level of IFN-γ, function and expression of IFN-γ receptor in pulmonary tuberculosis patients with their healthy spouses, and analyzing the correlation between these variables with pulmonary tuberculosis. Study was done from July 2009 until September 2010, in Immanuel hospital Bandung and Stem Cell & Cancer Institute Jakarta. Compared with their healthy spouses the IFN-γ serum level in TB patients was not different statistically, the IFN-γ receptor expression in TB patients was higher (p=0,041), however, the IFN-γ receptor function of TB patients was lower (p=0,011). Correlation analysis showed that the only variable had correlation significantly with pulmonary tuberculosis was low function of IFN-γ receptor (p=0,026,OR 5,56). The expression of IFN-γ receptor in pulmonary tuberculosis patients was higher, while the function of IFN-γ receptor was lower than their healthy spouses. The low function of IFN-γ receptor had significantly correlation with pulmonary tuberculosis. Key Words: Tuberculosis, IFN-γ serum level, IFN-γ receptor expression and function.
ANALISIS NATRIUM DALAM AIR LAUT DI SEKITAR PESISIR PANTAI PAPUA DENGAN METODE SPEKTROSKOPI SERAPAN ATOM
Authors: Paweka Yoice Martina
Published: April 2018

Menurut Kementerian Perikanan dan Kelautan pada tahun 2014, luas lahan garam di Indonesia adalah 28.556 ha. Kebutuhan garam per tahun sekitar 3,5 juta ton sehingga untuk menutupi kebutuhan dilakukan impor garam dari beberapa negara. Propinsi Papua terletak pada koordinat 130 - 140 BT dan 9,0 - 10,45 LS dengan garis pantai sepanjang 1.170 mil laut.  Air laut mengandung 86% natrium klorida (NaCl). Metode penelitian yang dilakukan secara eksperimental di laboratorium dengan menggunakan instrumen spektrofotometer serapan atom (SSA) karena selektif, spesifik, sensitivitas tinggi dalam kisaran ppm sampai ppb. Hasil kadar natrium dari air laut pada tujuh lokasi pantai di propinsi Papua sebagai berikut: pantai Kali Maro Onggalie Merauke 87,4 ± 1 ppm, pantai Lampu Satu Merauke  112 ± 0,6 ppm, pantai Payum Merauke 103,2 ± 0,6 ppm, pantai Pasir Dua Jayapura 91,3 ± 1,7 ppm, patai Ria Base G Jayapura 88,3 ± 0 ppm, pantai Dok II Jayapura 88,7 ± 1,5 ppm dan pantai Hamadi Jayapura 106,4 ± 2 ppm. Rentang hasil kadar natrium antara 88,3 ± 0 ppm sampai 112 ± 0,6 ppm. Disimpulkan bahwa kadar natrium dari pesisir pantai Papua dapat berpotensi sebagai sumber bahan baku garam farmasi.
Avaliação da qualidade hídrica de um rio do semiárido piauiense
Authors: Costa Flávia Nycaelle Leal , Oliveira Ykaro Richard , Silva Paulo Henrique da , Ferreira Paulo Michel Pinheiro , Pacheco Ana Carolina Landim , Abreu Maria Carolina de
Published: April 2018

O rio Guaribas foi a principal fonte de renda para a população de Picos, entretanto, a ação antrópica desencadeou mudanças no referido corpo d’água. Assim, o objetivo deste artigo foi averiguar a qualidade de amostras de água do rio Guaribas, coletadas em diferentes pontos no perímetro urbano do município de Picos-PI. Os parâmetros físico-químicos e bacteriológicos analisados foram: alumínio, alcalinidade total, dureza total, potencial de hidrogênio, turbidez, coliforme totais e coliformes fecais. As análises físico-químicas foram realizadas por meio de titulação, potenciômetro e turbidímetro. As analises microbiológicas foram realizadas através do método dos tubos múltiplos. Foram percebidas variações nos parâmetros, principalmente entre a área de menor interferência humana (P0) e o ponto de coleta após a área urbanizada da cidade (P2), onde neste, os maiores valores percebidos foram: 0,5mg.L para o alumínio (número acima do aceitável); 326 mg.L para a dureza; 19,8 UNT para a turbidez; pH levemente ácido (8,1); além do mais, foi percebida a presença de Escherichia coli na maioria do material coletado. Logo, foi possível concluir que q interferência humana através de dejetos de hospitais, esgotos domésticos e resíduos sólidos, afetaram diretamente a qualidade da água do rio estudado.
A headspace-gas chromatography method for isopropanol determination in warfarin sodium products as a measure of drug crystallinity
Authors: Rahman Ziyaur , Akhtar Sohail , Siddiqui Akhtar , Ciavarella Anthony B. , Nguyenpho Agnes , Faustino Patrick J. , Khan Mansoor A.
Published: April 2018

Coumadin® a nd s everal generic products of warfarin s odium (WS) contain the crystalline form (clathrate) in which WS and isopropanol (IPA) are associated in a 2:1 molar ratio. IPA is critical in maintaining the WS crystalline structure. Physicochemical properties of the drug and drug product may change when the crystalline drug transforms to amorphous form. A headspace-gas chromatography (HS-GC) method was developed and validated for IPA determination in the WS drug product. n-propanol (NPA) was used as internal standard and the method was validated for specificity, system suitability, linearity, accuracy, precision, range, limits of detection and quantification, and robustness. The method was specific, with good resolution between IPA and NPA peaks. Chromatographic parameters (retention time, IPA/NPA area ratio, tailing factor, theoretical plates, USP symmetry, capacity factor, selectivity and resolution) were consistent over three days of validation. The analytical method was linear from 2-200 μg mL-1 (0.1- 10 % IPA present in the drug product). LOD and LOQ were 0.1 and 2 μg mL-1, respectively. Accuracy at low (2 μg mL-1) and high (200 μg mL-1) IPA concentrations of the calibration curve was 103.3-113.3 and 98.9-102.2 % of the nominal value, resp. The validated method was precise, as indicated by the RSD value of less than 2 % at three concentration levels of the calibration curve. The method reported here was utilized to determine accurately and precisely the IPA content in in-house formulations and commercial products. In summary, IPA determination by HS-GC provides an indirect measure of WS crystallinity in the drug product. Nevertheless, it should be confirmed by another analytical method since IPA from the drug substance is not distinguishable from IPA that may be present outside the drug crystals in a dosage form when prepared by wet granulation with IPA.
HPTLC determination of diosgenin in fenugreek seeds
Authors: Król-Kogus Barbara , Lamine Khenifi Mohammed , Migas Piotr , Boudjeniba Messaoud , Krauze-Baranowska Mirosława
Published: April 2018

A new HPTLC-densitometric method for diosgenin determination in fenugreek seeds was established after optimization of the conditions for efficient saponin extraction and acid hydrolysis. Several procedures were tested, the best of which was a three-step Soxhlet extraction, followed by hydrolysis of the obtained methanolic extract with 2 mol L-1 H2SO4. Best diosgenin separation from other hydrolysis products was obtained on HPTLC Si60F254 plates u sing a mixture of n-heptane/ethyl acetate (7:3, V/V) and modified anisaldehyde as a spraying reagent. The method was preliminarily validated and the determined amounts of diosgenin in fenugreek seeds of Polish and African origin were found to be similar and ranged from 0.12-0.18 %.
Induction of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in hepatocytes by beta-naphthoflavone: Time-dependent changes in activities, protein and mRNA levels
Authors: Lněničková Kateřina , Skálová Lenka , Stuchlíková Lucie , Szotáková Barbora , Matoušková Petra
Published: April 2018

In the present study, time-dependency of the induction effect of a selective inducer on the activity, protein and mRNA levels of cytochromes P450 1A1/2 (CYP1A1/2), NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTA), in primary culture of rat hepatocytes was tested and evaluated. To show the differences in responses of tested enzymes, the common aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligand agonist, beta-naphthoflavone (BNF), was used. Induction of CYP1A1/2 by BNF was detected at all time intervals and at all levels (i.e., mRNA, protein, enzyme activity). Different responses of NQO1 and GSTA upon BNF treatment were observed. Our results demonstrate that the responses of different xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes to the inducer vary in time and depend on the measured parameter. For these reasons, an induction study featuring only one-time interval treatment and/ or one parameter testing could produce misleading information.
Medication adherence and health-related quality of life among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Horvat Nejc , Locatelli Igor , Kos Mitja , Janežič Ana
Published: April 2018

This study evaluated medication adherence and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of Slovenian patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and examined the factors associated with HRQoL. Demographic and therapy information was collected from 65 patients through interviews. The St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale were used to evaluate HRQoL and adherence, resp. A multiple linear regression model was used to assess the association between the factors and HRQoL. The mean St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire score (range 0-100, with higher scores indicating lower HRQoL) was 41.4. COPD affected patients’ daily activities more than their social and psychological functioning. Slightly more than 53 % of the patients were optimally adherent, while 12 % were non-adherent. Patients with lower HRQoL had a larger number of medications for concomitant diseases, experienced COPD exacerbation in the last year, and had less education. No statistically significant correlation was found between medication adherence and HRQoL.
Transcriptome analysis of ABCB1, ABCG2 and the BCL2/BAX ratio in refractory and relapsed canine lymphomas under treatment and rescue protocol
Authors: Sirivisoot Sirintra , Teewasutrakul Patharakrit , Rungsipipat Anudep , Tangkawattana Sirikachorn , Techangamsuwan Somporn
Published: April 2018

The main problems that cause unresponsiveness to an anti-neoplastic drug are the overexpression of drug resistant and anti-apoptotic proteins in tumor cells. In a rescue protocol we evaluated the ability of toceranib phosphate concurrent with lomustine (CCNU) or L-asparaginase and vincristine to decrease drug resistant and apoptotic proteins in relapsed and refractory canine lymphomas. The peripheral blood samples were collected before and after the rescue treatment from fourteen dogs that were refractory to cyclophosphamide-vincristine-prednisolone (COP) or COP-doxorubicin (CHOP) treatment and had recurrent multicentric lymphoma. The mRNA expression level of ABCB1, ABCG2, Bcl2 and Bax were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. The fold-change in ABCB1, ABCG2, Bcl2 and Bax mRNA levels were analyzed in correlation with the progression-free survival (PFS). After the rescue treatment, the ABCB1 and ABCG2 mRNA expression levels were 1.57- and 1.85-fold lower (p = 0.4 and p = 0.87), respectively, compared to pre-treatment. Bcl2/Bax ratio was numerically but not significantly decreased 1.02-fold (p = 0.74). The overall response rate of this protocol was 50% with a median PFS of 79 days (range 14-207 days). The low medians of relative expression levels of ABCB1, ABCG2 and Bcl2/Bax ratio group did not correlate with the clinical outcomes when compared to the high medians of relative expression levels, and likewise with the clinical stage, immunophenotype, histological grade and sub-stage. Therefore, the administration of a rescue drug with toceranib phosphate might be beneficial in refractory and relapsed canine lymphoma.
Influence of sevoflurane or propofol anaesthesia on oxidative stress parameters in dogs with early-stage myxomatous mitral valve degeneration. A preliminary study
Authors: Katerina Tomsič , Alenka Nemec Svete , Ana Nemec , Aleksandra Domanjko Petrič , Tomaž Vovk , Alenka Seliškar
Published: April 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and anaesthesia induced with propofol and maintained with sevoflurane on oxidative stress parameters in dogs with early-stage myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD). Sixteen client-owned dogs with early stage MMVD that required periodontal treatment were included in the study. After induction with propofol, anaesthesia was maintained with propofol (group P) or sevoflurane (group PS). Blood samples for determination of vitamin E, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde were collected before premedication, 5 and 60 minutes and 6 hours after induction to anaesthesia. There were no significant differences between groups in any of the oxidative stress parameters at each sampling time. Compared to basal values, vitamin E concentration decreased significantly during anaesthesia in both groups and glutathione peroxidase activity increased 60 minutes after induction to anaesthesia in PS group. Anaesthesia with propofol or with propofol and sevoflurane did not have any significant impact on oxidative stress parameters in dogs with early stage MMVD. In terms of oxidative stress, both protocols may be equally safely used in dogs with early stage MMVD.
A pilot study on skin potential recordings as a measure of nociception in pain-free dogs and humans, and in dogs with persistent pain
Authors: Paola Giordano , Rachel Bennett C , Bernd Driessen
Published: April 2018

The Pain Trace™ device can detect changes in the skin's electrical potentials claimed to be associated with pain related alterations in the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity. Positive voltages represent the absence of major pain, whereas negative voltages represent moderate to severe pain. Unlike in humans and horses, no baseline skin potential recordings have been reported in dogs. In study Part 1 baseline skin potentials were recorded in healthy dogs and compared to readings obtained in human volunteers. In dogs, data were recorded with electrodes placed at three separate sites: neck, axilla, and thorax. In humans, data were collected from the palms. Readings over a 90-second period were averaged and comparisons between groups were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. All voltage recordings were positive. Readings in dogs had greater variability. Recordings from the thorax were more homogeneous, this being the reason why this site was chosen for study Part 2. No significant differences in recordings were noted between pain-free dogs and humans. The main hypothesis was that shifting from positive to negative skin potential voltages serves as an indicator of canine patients sensing moderate to severe pain. Therefore, we obtained preoperative readings from dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease that were experiencing associated persistent pain, and compared these data with readings from pain-free dogs (thorax). In dogs undergoing surgery, all pre-surgery voltage readings were positive and thus no consistent relationship between skin potential recordings and pain perception could be established. Further investigation is needed to confirm any relationship between skin potential and pain severity in dogs.
Maxillary cementoblastoma (true cementoma) and secondary aspergillosis in a horse
Authors: Ricardo De Miguel , Jéssica Molín , Javier Asín , María Solana , José Vázquez Francisco , Joaquín Zalaya , Henrik Jensen E. , Lluís Luján
Published: April 2018

Cementoblastoma is a rare, benign, expansive and slow-growing, mesenchymal odontogenic tumor. An eight year-old, Purebred Spanish Horse stallion with clinical history of chronic, refractory to treatment unilateral rhinitis and radiologic evidence of a radiopaque mass at the second premolar tooth root underwent intraoral surgery for tooth and mass extraction. The owner did not want to bear the cost of the histopathologic study and the samples were left unattended in a sterile recipient without a fixative solution for six years. Grossly the mass showed a hard consistence, greyish-whitish color and an irregular surface. Histologically, the mass consisted of an abundant deposit of eosinophilic cementum-like organic matrix with frequent basophilic reversal lines and heterogeneous distribution of empty lacunae. Surrounded by this organic matrix there were numerous fungal hyphae positive for Aspergillus fumigatus immunostaining. The final diagnosis was maxillary cementoblastoma with secondary aspergillosis. High-quality information has been obtained from long-time non-fixed tissues.