bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural material, globalización y Arqueología de la industrialización
Authors: Sanchiz Juan M. Cano
Published: February 2018

Neste trabalho refletimos sobre a delimitação conceitual da disciplina arqueológica a partir de nossa experiência prática (este texto não é uma revisão teórica). Nosso interesse é centrado na aplicação do método arqueológico ao mundo contemporâneo (no sentido de Idade histórica); mais especificamente, este trabalho é focado na arqueologia da industrialização. Selecionamos dois estudos de caso para oferecer uma demonstração de uso transversal de ferramentas de pesquisa e fontes de informação: o complexo mineiro-metalúrgico de Cerro Muriano (Córdova, Espanha) e as oficinas da Companhia Paulista de Estradas de Ferro em Jundiaí (São Paulo, Brasil). Finalmente, estas amostras servem-nos para reivindicar o papel da Arqueologia e dos estudos de cultura material na análise de fenômenos históricos de abrangência internacional, tais como o colonialismo econômico e os processos de globalização.
Biblia e Arqueologia: a contribuição da biblioteca copta de Nag Hammadi para o estudo do cristianismo
Authors: Almeida Maria Aparecida de Andrade
Published: February 2018

Em 1945, uma coleção de manuscritos em língua copta foi encontrada por camponeses egípcios, próxima à cidade de Nag Hammadi. Esta coleção contendo treze códices feitos de papiro e protegidos com couro recebeu o nome de Biblioteca Copta Nag Hammadi. Uma importante descoberta para a língua copta, para a história da filosofia antiga e para o cristianismo, pois esta biblioteca abre-nos uma nova janela sobre o período formativo do cristianismo. As descobertas de 1945 deram início a uma nova era na pesquisa de manifestações do cristianismo primitivo, por conter tratados de teologia sistemática, obras exegéticas, epístolas, apocalipses, biografias e diários de viagem, relatos apócrifos da paixão de Jesus e códigos morais de várias fontes e ideologias. O objetivo do mini-curso “Bíblia e Arqueologia” foi apresentar aos participantes a história da descoberta desta biblioteca, como ela foi formada, o avanço das pesquisas e a grande contribuição que ela traz para o estudo do Cristianismo.
ChREBP-Knockout Mice Show Sucrose Intolerance and Fructose Malabsorption
Authors: Kato Takehiro , Iizuka Katsumi , Takao Ken , Horikawa Yukio , Kitamura Tadahiro , Takeda Jun
Published: February 2018

We have previously reported that 60% sucrose diet-fed ChREBP knockout mice (KO) showed body weight loss resulting in lethality. We aimed to elucidate whether sucrose and fructose metabolism are impaired in KO. Wild type mice (WT) and KO were fed a diet containing 30% sucrose with/without 0.08% miglitol, an α-glucosidase inhibitor, and these effects on phenotypes were tested. Furthermore, we compared metabolic changes of oral and peritoneal fructose injection. Thirty percent sucrose diet feeding did not affect phenotypes in KO. However, miglitol induced lethality in 30% sucrose-fed KO. Thirty percent sucrose plus miglitol diet-fed KO showed increased cecal contents, increased fecal lactate contents, increased growth of lactobacillales and Bifidobacterium and decreased growth of clostridium cluster XIVa. ChREBP gene deletion suppressed the mRNA levels of sucrose and fructose related genes. Next, oral fructose injection did not affect plasma glucose levels and liver fructose contents; however, intestinal sucrose and fructose related mRNA levels were increased only in WT. In contrast, peritoneal fructose injection increased plasma glucose levels in both mice; however, the hepatic fructose content in KO was much higher owing to decreased hepatic Khk mRNA expression. Taken together, KO showed sucrose intolerance and fructose malabsorption owing to decreased gene expression.
Nanofluid Precoating: An Effective Method To Reduce Fines Migration in Radial Systems Saturated With Two Mobile Immiscible Fluids
Authors: Yuan Bin , Moghanloo Rouzbeh Ghanbarnezhad
Published: February 2018

Prediction of how nanofluid applications can potentially control fines migration in porous media saturated with two immiscible fluids requires a mechanistic modeling approach. We develop analytic solutions to evaluate the efficiency of nanofluid utilization to reduce fines migration in systems saturated with two immiscible fluids.

In this study, fines migration in the radial-flow system saturated with two immiscible fluids (oil and water) is considered; two capture mechanisms of fine particles—fines attachment and straining—are incorporated into the modeling work. The analytic solution is derived by implementing the splitting method and stream-function transformation to convert a 2 × 2 (nonhomogeneous) system of equations into an equation with a fine-particle component (nanoparticle effects) and a lifting equation in which only water saturation appears. Through quantitative comparison of suspended fines and water-saturation-profile plots, the accuracy of the analytic solution is verified with finite-difference numerical solutions.

Saturation c-shock and saturation s-shock appear in the analytical solutions. The fines migration and consequent phenomena (fines attachment, fines straining, and fines suspension) decelerate the breakthrough of the injected fluids (better sweep efficiency) and increase the corresponding front saturation of the injected fluid near the wellbore—i.e., larger relative permeability (better injectivity). The results suggest that fines attachment onto the grain surface and well injectivity are enhanced after nanofluid pretreatment; moreover, the smallest radius to be pretreated by nanofluid is approximated to maintain its benefits.

In practice, our analytic approach provides a valuable mathematical structure to evaluate how nanoparticle usage can enhance performance of water-based enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) techniques in reservoirs with a fines-migration issue.
Intensidade energética dos países integrantes do BRICS (Brasil, Rússia, Índia, China e África do Sul)
Authors: Maciel Harine Matos , Khan Ahmad Saeed
Published: February 2018

A energia é fundamental para o crescimento e manutenção das atividades humanas. A intensidade energética mede a eficiência com que os países utilizam as energias disponíveis. O objetivo deste artigo foi analisar a intensidade energética dos países pertencentes ao BRICS (Brasil, Rússia, Índia, China e África do Sul) para os períodos de 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 e 2014. Os dados utilizados foram de origem secundária obtidos no site da Agência Internacional de Energia. O método de análise utilizado foi o descritivo através das variáveis produção de energia, consumo de eletricidade, emissões de CO2, intensidade energética e autos suficiência energética global. No período analisado todos os países aumentaram a produção de energia. A China alcançou a maior produção. No consumo de eletricidade todos os países aumentaram e os maiores consumos foram alcançados, respectivamente, pela China e Rússia. A China e a Índia quase dobraram as emissões de CO2 nos anos analisados. Todos os países diminuíram a intensidade energética, com exceção do Brasil que obteve um pequeno aumento no último ano analisado. Mesmo com esse aumento, o Brasil é o país com a menor intensidade energética. Os resultados mostram a urgência em se modificar a composição da matriz energética dos países, principalmente os que mais poluem, buscando investimentos em áreas diversas de produção de energia, com ênfase nas energias limpas, capazes de abastecer a população com menos impactos ambientais.
Retratação para 'Estudo da viabilidade técnica de implantação de aerogerador de pequeno porte de energia elétrica renovável no Estado de Alagoas.' [Rev. Bras. Gest. Amb. Sustent. (2016), v. 3, n. 6, p. 307-316]
Authors: Lima Luiz André da Silva , Silva Valéria Loureiro da
Published: February 2018

Retratação de artigo.
RESEARCH ON THE MECHANISM OF MELANOIDIN ADSORPTION KINETICS FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS BY CARBONIC ADSORBENTS
Authors: Zelenaya Kseniya , Zelenaya Kseniya , Golubeva Nadezhda , Golubeva Nadezhda , Khlopova Alena , Khlopova Alena
Published: February 2018

Melanoidins are widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries. Melanoidins, which get in water bodies with wastewater of plants, pollute them, which subsequently can have a negative impact on the population health. Wastewater treatment of plants is an important condition to preserve the integrity of aquatic ecosystems. Sorption filtration is the most effective way of removing organic substances among the methods, used for wastewater treatment. To study the adsorption kinetics, the carbonic sorbents of the brands ABG and Purolat-Standard were used, which differ with a raw material, a surface chemistry state and a porous structure. The study of the adsorption kinetics allows to determine the mechanism of mass transfer in the system adsorbent-adsorbate and to obtain the parameters, necessary for engineering evaluation of adsorption processes in practice. It is shown that the time of reaching equilibrium in the sorption system varies in the range of 150-250 minutes. The degree of reaching the adsorption equilibrium () and the dimensionless kinetic parameters T have been calculated, which are proportional to the time of the process (t). It is found that the melanoidin adsorption rate is controlled by external mass transfer, necessary for calculation of optimum parameters and modes of the adsorption process. Experimental research allows to determine that the granules of the used carbonic sorbents interact with the dissolved substance in the full volume and throughout the particle is in the reaction zone; such interaction relates to a quasi-homogeneous model. It is shown that at the melanoidin adsorption, the rate of the internal diffusive mass transfer depends on the porous structure of the carbonic adsorbents. A high value of the external mass transfer coefficient for the carbonic sorbent Purolat-Standard suggests a high degree of melanoidin extraction from aqueous solutions.
Analyses of 2D transient models for vaporous cavitating flows in reservoir-pipeline-valve systems
Authors: Gao Hui , Tang Xuelin , Li Xiaoqin , Shi Xiaoyan
Published: February 2018

The two-dimensional (2D) axial-symmetric model is applied to investigate the transient cavitating flows in the reservoir-pipeline-valve (RPV) system. Firstly, the MacCormack scheme is used to solve the governing equations, and compared to the numerical results of the one-dimensional (1D) model, the 2D head peaks and time-dependent evolutions predicted by five-region turbulence model in the frozen form are in better agreement with the experimental results, and the comparisons show that the maximum head relative errors of the 2D model are generally smaller than those of the 1D model. Then, further numerical simulations are carried out to investigate the performances of different turbulence models incorporated in the 2D model. The comparisons between the numerical results and the experimental ones show the head curves of the two-region turbulence model are similar to those of the five-region turbulence model, which indicates that the transient cavitating flows are insensitive to the magnitude and distribution of the eddy viscosity in the core region. In addition, the sensitivity to the quasi-steady form and the frozen form of the five-region turbulence model is implemented in the 2D model; the numerical results predicted by the two forms both agree better with the experimental results, as the non-dimensional parameter P increases.
Strengthening the Pre-Service Teacher Training System in a Multi-Ethnic Society
Authors: Gulevska Valentina , Tasevska Alma , Mitkovska Snezana Jovanova , Ademi Lulzim , Makasevska Vesna , Ahmeti Kustrim , Brajovikj Jelena
Published: February 2018

Introduction. The difference which nature has placed between one man and another is so wide. Also, the difference which comes by religion, cultural habits and similar elements in the human life can be further enlarged by education. During the last ten years, interethnic relations in Macedonian educational system become central topic for the activity of educational policy makers. In that line, the novelty of this research lies in the designing of student practicum by making cross-cultural contacts in the sphere of education.

Methods. Macedonian government's programs and legal framework promote interethnic communication, but implementation of principles as respect, tolerance, and acceptance in the school life still is reduced only on using different languages of ethnic communities in teaching process. At the same time, appears the need to enhancing teachers' capacities for work in a multicultural environment and ensuring all children receive a high-quality education.

Results. The results of the research show that informal education activities can encourage a thinking process as intellectual instrument for extermination prejudices related interethnic communication through the closer contact and interaction between the students, teachers and parents in the school environment.

Discussion. It is certainly very difficult to set balancing between variety of behaviours, dictated by the presumed needs of specific cultures, religions and beliefs, but the classroom should be common home for all students and the teacher should know to manage such relationship.
Оценка индивидуально-психологических свойств человека в зависимости от конфигурационных изменений его лица
Authors: Barabanschikov Vladimir А. , Besprozvannaya Irina I. , Ananyeva Krisitna I.
Published: February 2018

Introduction. The study examines the relationship between facial configuration and assessing personality traits. Objective determinants of interpersonal perception, such as facial types, a model’s age and gender, the mode and duration of exposure of facial photographs, etc., are well elaborated in domestic and foreign studies. However, questions remain about how facial structure and also the observer's personality characteristics determine the perception of individual psychological characteristics through facial photographs.

Methods. The study employed the comparative analysis of evaluations of individual psychological characteristics by facial photographs by the scales of the Personal Differential Questionnaire in combination with multidirectional transformations of photographs of neutral faces.

Results. A systematic variation of four configuration variables – location of the mouth and eyes, nose length, and pupillary distance – not only causes weak persistent impressions of joy or sadness, but also changes ideas about individual psychological traits. The induced joy was associated with the positive poles of the scales of the Personal Differential Questionnaire; the induced sadness was associated with the negative poles of its scales. Directional transformations had different impacts on ideas about the components of the implicit structure of personality – evaluation, potency, and activity. Extraversion was more often associated with female faces, while the perceived dominance/subordination – with male faces. The observed patterns modified under the influence of facial morphotypes and the observer’s self-assessment.

Discussion. The research findings confirm an overgeneralization of weak emotional states when perceiving neutral faces and indicate a close association between overgeneralization and the observer’s self-concept.

In conclusion: a multidirectional variation of the configuration variables of emotionally neutral faces selectively affects the perception of personality traits. The observer’s sympathy/antipathy and also his/her individual psychological features play a special role in assessing the personality characteristics through facial expressions.
Особенности социально-психологической адаптации у лиц с разными стратегиями совладающего поведения
Authors: Bezuglova Anna A. , Vasil'eva Ol'ga S. , Pravdina Lida R.
Published: February 2018

Introduction. Psychological adaptation and behaviour strategies are system characteristics of the individual making him/her effective and able to work. The paper deals with coping as a way of effective adaptation to various situations. The present study introduces a comparison of socio-psychological adaptation in groups with different indices of constructive behaviour.

Materials and Methods. Adaptation characteristics in individuals with different coping strategies were measured using (a) the socio-psychological adaptation technique by K. Rogers and R. Diamond, (b) the Prognoz-2 Questionnaire for Mental Stability Assessment by V. Yu. Rybnikov, (c) and the Strategic Approach to Coping Scale (SACS) developed by S. Hobfoll (adapted by N. E. Vodop'yanova and E. S. Starchenkova). The study involved 51 production enterprise employees.

Results. A consistent analysis of differences took place in the sample groups with different constructiveness indices. The study results showed (a) no high stability among the respondents, (b) predominance of high scores of constructive behaviour among women, (c) predominance of low scores of constructive behaviour among men, (d) the relationship among high scores of constructive behaviour, a higher adaptation level, and high mental stability. The study revealed a factor for psychological health resources, which included: (a) the index of constructive behaviour, (b) adaptation and adaptability, (c) acceptance of others and stress tolerance.

Discussion. The findings confirm the results in other studies of the relationship among adaptation, stress tolerance, and constructive strategies of behaviour. The factor for psychological health resources demonstrates the statistical dependence of the relationship among positive factors of psychological health. A low general level of adaptation, mental tolerance, and also constructive behaviour among the respondents suggests that socio-psychological adaptation is determined not only by the feelings of satisfaction with life, work, and family relations, but also other factors.
Gelişimsel Sorun Alanları Ölçeği: Geçerlik ve Güvenirlik Çalışması
Authors: Kaya Mehmet , Yıldırım Taşkın , Atli Abdullah
Published: February 2018

İki aşamalı olarak yürütülen bu çalışmanın ilk
aşamasında, lise öğrencilerinin yaşadıkları gelişimsel sorunları
belirleyebilecek geçerli ve güvenilir bir ölçme aracı geliştirmek amaçlanmıştır;
ikinci aşamasında ise geliştirilen Gelişimsel
Sorun Alanları Ölçeği kullanılarak, lise öğrencilerinin yaşadıkları gelişimsel
sorunlar bazı demografik değişkenler açısından incelenmiştir. Çalışmaya 1136
lise öğrencisi dâhil edilmiştir. Ölçeğin yapı geçerliliğinin saptanmasında
açımlayıcı ve doğrulayıcı faktör analizleri kullanılmıştır. AFA sonrasında 27
madde ve 7 alt boyut oluşmuştur.
Ölçeğin açıkladığı toplam varyans oranı %70.4 ve toplam öz değeri %19’dur.
Ölçekteki maddelerin faktör yükleri .57 ile .88 arasında değişim
göstermektedir. DFA sonrası elde edilen yapının /sd oranı, CFI, GFI, RMR / SRMR, RMSEA uyum
indeksleri değerlendirildikten sonra değerlerin model uyumu için yeterli
seviyede oldukları saptanmıştır. Ölçeğin alt boyutlarının güvenirlik
katsayılarını belirlemek için hesaplanan Cronbach
Alpha katsayıları .70 ile .86 arasında değişim göstermektedir. Sonuç olarak, Gelişimsel Sorun Alanları Ölçeği’nin
lise öğrencilerinin yaşadıkları gelişimsel sorunların saptanmasında
kullanılabilecek geçerli ve güvenilir bir ölçme aracı olduğu ortaya konmuş ve
ilk aşama tamamlanmıştır. Araştırmanın ikinci aşamasında ise lise
öğrencilerinin yaşadıkları; öfke dışavurumu, sınav kaygısı ve akademik
başarı/sızlık sorunlarının ilk sıralarda yer aldığı ve kadınların, gelişimsel
sorunları erkeklere oranla daha fazla yaşadığı bulgulanmıştır.
Causal Effect of Two Predominant Factors on Critical Thinking Disposition
Authors: Akbay Tuncer , Akbay Lokman , Başer Gülsoy Vesile Gül
Published: February 2018

Many
studies in the literature indicate relationships between epistemological
beliefs, metacognition, and critical thinking. All these constructs either
directly or indirectly affect learning and cognition. In this research, we aim
to disclose the magnitude of the direct effect the epistemological beliefs has
on metacognition and critical thinking as well as determining the size of
direct effect of metacognition and indirect effect of epistemological beliefs
on critical thinking. To determine magnitude of the postulated direct and
indirect causal effects between the three constructs, we collected and analyzed
a set of data reflecting 234 college students’ level of epistemological
beliefs, metacognition, and critical thinking. Then a specific structural
equation model (SEM), namely structural regression (SR) model, employed for
data analysis.

Keywords:
SEM, epistemological beliefs, metacognition, critical thinking, SR
CHARACTERIZATION OF FATTY ACIDS IN SAMBO OIL (CUCURBITA FICIFOLIA L.) FROM ECUADOR
Authors: W Carrillo , C Carrillo , C Carpio , D Morales , E Vilcacundo , M Alvarez , M Silva
Published: February 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify fatty acids in a sambo oil sample cultivated in Ecuador.Methods: Sambo oil was obtained from sambo seeds using the cold pressing method. Fatty acids analysis was carried out using the gas chromatography with a mass selective detector (MSD) and using the database Library NIST14.L to identify the compounds.Results: Sambo seeds have a high content of unsaturated fatty acids with 41.36% of oleic acid. Sambo oil has 37.77% of polyunsaturated fatty acids, of which 3.79% ɷ6 α- linoleic and 33.98% of ɷ3 α- linolenic. Sambo seeds only have 9.33% of palmitic acid.Conclusions: Sambo seed is a good source of monounsaturated fatty acids with a good content of ɷ3 α- linolenic. This profile enables their use as a good and healthy oil to be used in the food industry in Ecuador.
FATTY ACIDS CONTENT OF KAHAI (CARYODENDRON ORINOCENSE KARST) SEEDS CULTIVATED IN AMAZONIAN OF ECUADOR
Authors: W Carrillo , J Greffa , D Vinueza , M Álvarez , M Silva , C Carpio , D Morales
Published: February 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify fatty acids present in a kahai oil sample cultivated in the Amazonian area of Ecuador.Methods: Kahai oil was obtained from kahai seeds using the cold pressing method. Fatty acids analysis was carried out using the gas chromatography with a mass selective detector and using the database Library NIST 14.L to identify the compounds.Results: Kahai seeds have 62.36% of total lipids. Kahai seeds have a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids with 68.04% of linoleic acid and 2.90% of linolenic acid. Kahai oil has 18.59% of monounsaturated fatty acids of oleic acid. Kahai oil only has 7.0% of palmitic acid and 3.47% of stearic acid.Conclusions: Kahai oil is a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids omega 6 and has a good proportion of monounsaturated fatty acid omega 9. This oil can be used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical and functional foods for their composition of fatty acids. Kahai oil can be an alternative of crop to indigenous communities in the Amazonian area of Ecuador.
FATTY ACIDS CONTENT IN UNGURAHUA OIL (OENOCARPUS BATAUA) FROM ECUADOR. FINDINGS ON ADULTERATION OF UNGURAHUA OIL IN ECUADOR
Authors: W Carrillo , C Carpio , D Morales , M Álvarez , M Silva
Published: February 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the fatty acids composition in an ungurahua seeds oil (Oenocarpus bataua) sample cultivated in Ecuador and to determine eventual adulteration in the composition of commercial ungurahua oil.Methods: Oil was obtained from ungurahua seeds using the cold pressing method. Fatty acids analysis was performed using the gas chromatography (GC) method with a mass selective detector and using the database library NIST14.L to identify the compounds.Results: Methyl esters fatty acids were identified from ungurahua (O. bataua) using the GC mass spectrometer analytical method. Ungurahua oil presented a high content of monounsaturated fatty acids with 82.03% of oleic acids. A fraud in the composition of fatty acids present in commercial ungurahua oil was found as fatty acids had a value of only 36.77% of oleic acids. The content of linoleic acid can be used to determine adulteration of this oil.Conclusions: Ungurahua seeds are a good source of monounsaturated and fatty acids. The content of oleic acid is higher than in olive oil. Ungurahua can help reducing cardiovascular diseases risk in Ecuador due to its good composition of monounsaturated fatty acids. Ungurahua oil is a good option to be used in the food industry for different uses.
SWEET FUTURE OF STEVIA: A MAGICAL SWEETENER
Authors: Jyoti Jeevan , Kaur Maninderjeet , Mishra Vijay , Mittal Amit
Published: February 2018

The plant Stevia rebaudiana is mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions from western North America to South America. This genus is having near about 240 species of shrubs and herbs in the sunflower family (Asteraceae). It exhibits various properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiyeast, cardiotonic, diuretic, hypoglycemic, hypotensive tonic, and vasodilator effect. It is an important source of a number of antioxidants, for example, benzoic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, rozmaric acid, protocatechuic acid, salicylic acid, and their derivatives and flavonoids including campherol derivatives, catechin, and its derivatives, epicatechin, luteolin, and its derivatives, rutin, and its derivatives. Day by day, there is remarkable increase in demand of high potency sweeteners. The increasing number of diabetic patients and health conscious individuals would push forward the need for alternatives to sugar. The extract from leaves of Stevia is 200 times sweeter than sugar (glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, and lactose). Stevia is a potential alternative source for replacing artificial sweeteners such as saccharin, aspartame, and asulfam.
SOCIO-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF TUBERCULOSIS AND IMPACT OF PHARMACEUTICAL CARE ON MEDICATION ADHERENCE AMONG TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS
Authors: Thomas Arathi , Joy Joyal , Kurian Alan , V Sivakumar
Published: February 2018

Objectives: Tobjective of this study is to assess the knowledge and to monitor medication adherence among tuberculosis (TB) patients.Methods: During the 6 months prospective interventional study, a data collection form was designed. The knowledge and adherence levels were assessed using quantified questionnaires. Patients were counseled using patient information leaflets and reassessed during follow-up.Results: Results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation.Key findings: Among the 65 patients who completed 3 reviews during 6-month follow-up study, there was a statistically significant improvement in medication adherence score from baseline in correspondence with the increase in knowledge baseline to first follow-up revealed a mean increase in medication adherence level of 2.723±1.625 (p<0.05) in correspondence with a mean increase in knowledge level 24.8±5.04 (p<0.05) which is statistically significant. First follow-up to second follow-up showed a mean increase in medication adherence of 1.400±1.072 (p<0.05) in correspondence with a mean increase in knowledge level 28.32±4.4 (p<0.05) which is statistically significant. Second to third follow-up showed a mean increase in medication adherence of 0.123±0.450 (p<0.05) in correspondence with a mean increase in knowledge level 34.18±2.74 (p<0.05) which is statistically significant.Conclusion: The efforts to improve awareness on TB patients such as providing patient counseling and education could enhance adherence to therapies and thus could improve outcomes and quality of life.
ANTIMICROBIAL ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT PARTS EXTRACT IN DIFFERENT SOLVENT SYSTEM OF A WASTE WEED - CALOTROPIS PROCERA.
Authors: Kar Dattatreya , Pattanaik Pratap Keshari , Pattnaik Bibhudutta , Kuanar Ananya
Published: February 2018

Objective: In the current study, we have focused on the major secondary metabolite containing parts such as flower, leaf, and root for phytochemical extraction with three different solvent systems to make a comparative study against three virulent bacteria species which are capable of intestinal infection, pneumonia, skin infections, and food poisoning.Methods: Antimicrobial activity of ethanol, methanol, and chloroform extracts from bark, leaves and roots of Calotropis procera, was examined against three virulent bacteria species: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis using disc diffusion method.Results: The ethanol extract of leaf showed significant activity against S. aureus with a zone of inhibition ranging from 14 to 20 mm for S. aureus. The ethanol extract of flower was effective against E. coli with maximum 18 mm. Ethanol extract of root showed significant activity against S. aureus. Methanol extract of leaves showed moderate activity against S. aureus with a zone of inhibition ranging from 14 to 20 mm. Methanol extract of root showed significant activity against S. aureus with a zone of inhibition ranging from 12 to 22 mm. Methanol extract of flowers showed activity against E. coli with a zone of inhibition ranging from 11 to 20 mm. The chloroform extract of leaves showed significant activity against S. aureus. Chloroform extract of flower showed activity with zone of inhibition ranging from 11 to 17 mm for S. aureus chloroform extract of root showed activity against E. coli with zone of inhibition ranging from 9 to 17 mm.Conclusion: From the above study, it can be concluded that the activity of the plant extract may be due to the secondary metabolites or broad-spectrum antibiotic compounds present in it.
COMPARISON BETWEEN MICROSCOPY AND RAPID DIAGNOSTIC TESTS IN DIAGNOSIS OF MALARIA AT A TERTIARY CARE MEDICAL INSTITUTION IN UTTARAKHAND (A 3-YEAR STUDY)
Authors: Gupta Pratima , Gupta Priyanka , Rao Shalinee , Singh Neha , Kalita Deepjyoti
Published: February 2018

Objectives: Malaria is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases all over the world including India. Although the microscopic study of stained peripheral blood smear (PBS) is a gold standard of malaria diagnosis due to some subjective errors, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) can be a suitable alternative. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and demographic details of malaria cases along with a comparison between the two most common screening methods: PBS and RDTs.Methods: Demographic profile, the prevalence of malaria in this region of Uttarakhand and evaluation of efficacy of RDT as a screening method was performed. Analysis of PBS microscopy for malaria parasites was performed and compared with immunochromatography based RDT over a duration of 3 years.Results: Out of total 2982 clinically suspected patients of malaria, 132 were found to be positive by either of the two methods. Prevalence of malaria was 4.4% in our study. Plasmodium vivax was the predominant species isolated (95%). Males outnumbered females with a ratio of 2.1:1. The most common age group affected was 30–49 years. Sensitivity and specificity of RDT was found to be 91.8% and 93.8%, respectively. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value were found to be 97.8% and 98.9%, respectively.Conclusion: We conclude that Uttarakhand is a low prevalence area for Malaria and the RDT based on malaria antigen (whole blood) method is as specific and sensitive as the traditional PBS microscopy. Thus, it can be used as an alternative to PBS microscopy.
PROCESS VALIDATION AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS OF METERED-DOSE INHALERS: AN OVERVIEW
Authors: Sunil Ashrani , Anju Goyal , Rajat Vaishnav
Published: February 2018

The goal of the validation is to assure that quality is built into the system at every step, and not just tested for at the end. The validation activities will commonly include training on production material and operating procedures, training of people involved, and monitoring of the system while in production. Each and every doses form needs to be validated to reduce the chances of batch failures and market recalls. In case of metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) also it becomes mandatory. US Food and Drug Administration defines process validation as “establishing documented evidence which provides a high degree of assurance that a specific process will consistently produce a product meeting its predetermined specifications and quality characteristics.” MDIs are known as device that is made to deliver a specific amount of aerosolized medication in the form of short burst directly to the lungs when inhaled by the patient. Furthermore, the inhalational drug delivery causes less pain and is convenient for administration. The patients of asthma, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are prescribed for quicker relief. The present paper is a summary of process involved in the manufacturing of MDIs and focuses on the regulatory requirements along with their process validation.
SYNTHESIS AND BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF PHARMACEUTICALLY IMPORTANT XANTHONES AND BENZOXANTHONE ANALOGS: A BRIEF REVIEW.
Authors: Bedi Pooja , Gupta Richa , Gupta Richa , Pramanik Tanay , Pramanik Tanay
Published: February 2018

Xanthones are one of the biggest classes of compounds in natural product chemistry. A number of xanthones have been isolated from natural sources of higher plants such as fungi, ferns, and lichens. Synthetic analogs of xanthones have shown a large number of pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetics, antihistamine, antitumoral, antiulcer, and algicidal. Moreover, they also find usages in photodynamic therapy, laser technology, and dyes. This review lays stress on various solvents, catalyst and synthetic route for synthesis of xanthones, benzoxanthones analogs. The review has also focused on the classifications of xanthone as well as extensively studied biological properties of the xanthones and benzoxanthones analogs.
REVIEW ON THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS MEDIATED BY OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Authors: Aarti Sati , Priyanka Bhatt
Published: February 2018

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with relevant unmet therapeutic needs. Both natural aging and AD have been associated with a significant decline in the Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and accordingly, administration of DHA has been proposed as a possible treatment for this pathology. DHA and its derivatives like 2-hydroxy DHA-(OHDHA) have a strong therapeutic potential to treat AD. Studies have demonstrated that DHA induced lipid modifications are paralleled with a reduction in amyloid-beta (Αβ) accumulation and full recovery of cognitive impairment. Omega-3 fatty acids also caused alterations in the subcellular distribution of secretases and reduced Αβ-induced tau protein phosphorylation as well. Furthermore, OHDHA enhanced the survival of neuron-like differentiated cells exposed to different insults such as oligomeric Αβ and N-methyl-D-aspartate-mediated neurotoxicity. In conclusion, this review focuses on the pleiotropic effects of Omega-3 fatty acids that might prove beneficial to treat AD.
APPROPRIATE EMPIRICAL MANAGEMENT OF MICROBIAL INFECTIONS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL: A COST- EFFECTIVENESS APPROACH.
Authors: N Onchari Divinah , Simon Josin Mary , Tomy Sneha , R Arun Prasath , V Sivakumar
Published: February 2018

Objective: Antibiotics are mostly prescribed empirically to decrease health-care costs. This has led to the misuse of antibiotics thereby making them inefficient in the treatment of infections. The aim of this study was to determine the appropriate, cost-effective drug for the empirical therapy in microbial infections.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted for a period of 6 months. Cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) of these antibiotics prescribed was calculated to determine the cost-effective drugs for the common microorganisms and common infections.Results: In a population of 205 patients, 54.6% were treated based on antibiotic sensitivity pattern whereas 45.3% were treated empirically. In known microbial infections, the prevailing microorganism was extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia-coli (14.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (10.6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.8%), Klebsiella pneumonia (9.8%), and K. pneumoniae ESBL (6.81%). Based on the CER, the most cost-effective drugs for these organisms were found to be ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, ofloxacin, levofloxacin, and amikacin, respectively. In unknown microbial infection (empirical treatment), Diabetic Foot Infection (DFT) (25.8%), respiratory tract infection (RTI) (23.6%), and urinary tract infection (UTI) (16.1%) were the most common infections. The most cost-effective drugs for these infections were clindamycin, levofloxacin, and azithromycin, respectively. The predominant microorganism in DFT was found to be S. aureus (71%), in UTI was found to be E. coli ESBL (52%), and in RTI were found to be P. aeruginosa (42.4%) and K. pneumonia (32.3%).Conclusion: Appropriate empirical antibiotic treatment is associated with a lower medical cost and a better success rate in patients with microbial infections.
EVALUATION OF ANTIRADICAL SCAVENGER ACTIVITY OF EXTRACT AND COMPOUNDS FROM ETLINGERA CALOPHRYS STEMS
Authors: I Sahidin , Wahyuni Wahyuni , Malaka Muh Hajrul , A Jabbar , Imran Imran , Manggau Marianti A
Published: February 2018

Objective: This study was aimed to isolate and identify the chemical compounds from the methanol extract of the stems of Etlingera calophrys as well as to evaluate their potential as free radical scavengers. Methods: The isolated compounds were obtained using vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) and radial chromatography techniques. The structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of their measured spectroscopic evidence (infrared, one dimentional (1D), and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance) and by comparison with literature data. The free radical scavenging activity of the methanol extract of the stems and the isolated compounds were measured using qualitative and quantitative 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. Results: Yakuchinone A (1), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (2), and stigmasterol (3) were successfully isolated and identified from the stems of E. calophyrs. The methanol extract and compounds 1–3 showed free radical scavenging activity with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 38.36, 39.07, 46.60, and 153.4 μg/mL, respectively, as compared to ascorbic acid with an IC50 value of 10.53 μg/mL. Conclusions: Yakuchinone A (1) and p-hydroxybenzoic acid (2) are first reported from the genus Etlingera. The presence of these compounds may contribute to the free radical scavenging activity of the methanol extract of the stems of E. calophrys. This finding suggested that E. calophrys may serve as a source of natural antioxidant compounds and could be used in the development of antioxidant herbal preparation.
ASSESSMENT OF THE STATUS OF PRIVATE AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL PHARMACEUTICALS SUPPLY WAREHOUSES IN GAZA STRIP, PALESTINE.
Authors: Tabash Mohammed , Abuqamar Mazer
Published: February 2018

Objective: Storage of medicine is one of the most important stages in the pharmaceuticals and medical preparations management, which influences the quality and the effectiveness of these products. The study was conducted to assess the storage system of the drugs, medical disposables and their management in the private and local NGOs medical warehouses in Gaza Strip.Methods: A cross-sectional study using interviewing questionnaire and checklist was carried out at (16) local NGOs including 33 employees and (29) private warehouses including 57 employees.Results: The quality of construction of private and local warehouses were enough satisfied (80%), while stock management and quality control were in a need to improvement (44.5%), in which the quality of stock control and conditions of local NGOs were higher than private warehouses. Inadequate training courses were given in store related work. The majority of warehouses did not have practical guidelines and written procedures for dealing with storage procedure; also, there is inadequate safety and security system. About 37% of them kept controlled drugs in a separate storage space designated for this purpose. More than half of warehouses always quarantined medical supplies until the quality is checked. 60% of warehouses used first expire first out dispensing policy for medical supplies. 56% of the warehouses measure temperature, while not all warehouses measured humidity.Conclusion: Warehouses need to pay attention to the commodity management cycle and to ensure the availability of safety measurements. Provision of training to employees dealing with the storage process is essential accompanied by monitoring and supervision.
COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF EFFICACY OF GINGIVAL RETRACTION USING CHEMICAL AND MECHANICAL METHODS: AN IN VIVO STUDY
Authors: Kohli Parampreet Kaur , Hegde Veena
Published: February 2018

Objective: The purpose of this in vivo study was to compare and evaluate the clinical efficacy of two gingival retraction systems; Ultrapak and Traxodent, on the basis of the amount of gingival retraction achieved in vertical and horizontal direction and their hemorrhage control. Methods: A total of 60 subjects were selected requiring fixed prosthesis. The two gingival retraction systems were used on the prepared abutments randomly. The vertical gingival retraction was measured before and after retraction using flexible measuring strip with 0.5 mm grading. The horizontal retraction was measured on the casts poured in polysilicone impressions made before the retraction and after retraction. Results: Statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was found between the amount of the retraction (vertical and horizontal) achieved by Ultrapak as compared to Traxodent. However, in achieving hemostasis Traxodent showed better efficiency than Ultrapak (p<0.05). Conclusion: The mean retraction width and depth achieved with retraction cord (Ultrapak) was significantly greater when compared with retraction paste. Although retraction paste (Traxodent) showed bleeding index significantly less when compared to that of retraction cord (Ultrapak).
VALIDATION OF THE QUANTITATION METHODS OF 1-(β-PHENYLETHYL)-4-AMINO-1,2,4- TRIAZOLE BROMIDE SUBSTANCE BY SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC METHOD
Authors: Ivanovna Kucherenko Lyudmila , Viktorovna Parniuk Natalia , Vladimirovna Khromylova Olga
Published: February 2018

Objective: The aim of the work was to determine the validation characteristics for the developed method of quantitation of 1-(β-phenylethyl)-4- amino-1,2,4-triazole bromide substance by absorption spectrophotometry in the ultraviolet region (UV).Methods: For study purposes, the 1-(β-phenylethyl)-4-amino-1,2,4-triazole bromide substance and the standard sample, obtained by the state enterprise “plant of chemical reagents” of scientific and technological complex “institute of single crystals” of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, was used. In the course of our work, we used chemical, physical, physicochemical (absorption spectrophotometry in the UV region), and statistical methods of analysis. The study was carried out at the Laboratory for Standardization and Technology of Medicines at the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Zaporizhzhia State Medical University (Ukraine).Results: In the previous studies, we have developed a technique for spectrophotometric determination of the quantitative content of 1-(β-phenylethyl)- 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole bromide substance. The results of the studies showed that the absorption curve in the UV region of the substance solution has three absorption maxima, namely: λ1=252 nm, λ2=258 nm, and λ3=263 nm. To quantify the substance, the wavelength λ2=258 nm was used. The results of the quantitation of the 1-(β-phenylethyl)-4-amino-1,2,4-triazole bromide substance by spectrophotometric method prove that the technique developed by us is accurate and reproducible and meets the current requirements. To the developed methodology to ensure accurate and accurate analysis results, its validation was carried out. According to the requirements of the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine (2 editions), the developed method for quantitation of the substance was checked for such validation characteristics as specificity, linearity, range of application, accuracy, correctness, and robustness.Conclusions: As a result of the work, it was proved that the method of quantitation of 1-(β-phenylethyl)-4-amino-1,2,4-triazolе bromide substance by spectrophotometric method is valid.
ADHERENCE LEVEL AND BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS WHO GETS COUNSELING AND SHORT MESSAGES SERVICE AS REMINDER AND MOTIVATION
Authors: Adikusuma Wirawan , Qiyaam Nurul
Published: February 2018

Objective: Examines the effects of counseling and short messages service (SMS) as a reminder and motivation toward medication adherence improvement and controlled HbA1c levels of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental method with prospective data retrieval. The subjects of this study were 40 patients with outpatient T2DM in internal disease polyclinic in West Nusa Tenggara Hospital, Indonesia. Patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups: The control group (n=20) receiving only the drug care service and the treatment group (n=20) receiving counseling and SMS reminder and motivation from the pharmacist. Data collecting was conducted using the pill count method, and HbA1c levels were taken from the medical record.Results: The results showed that counseling and SMS as reminder and motivation by a pharmacist can improve treatment adherence significantly (p<0.05) by 11.33 ± 8.47 and can decrease HbA1c level significantly (p<0.05) of 1.32 ± 0.72 in the intervention group. There was a positive correlation between T2DM patient treatment adherence to HbA1c levels (r=0.254, p=0.023).Conclusion: The provision of counseling and SMS as a reminder and motivation by the pharmacist can have a positive effect toward medication adherence and control of HbA1c in T2DM patients.
THE EFFECT OF COPROCESSED SUPERDISINTEGRANTS RATIO (CROSPOVIDONE-SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE) TO THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ATENOLOL ORALLY DISINTEGRATING TABLETS
Authors: Parfati Nani , Rani Karina Citra , Meilany Meilany
Published: February 2018

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of coprocessed superdisintegrants (crospovidone-sodium starch glycolate) ratio 1:1; 1:2; and 1:3 to the physicochemical characteristics of atenolol orally disintegrating tablets.Methods: Orally disintegrating tablets of atenolol were prepared by direct compression method. There were three formulas which using three different ratios of coprocessed superdisintegrants (crospovidone-sodium starch glycolate). The ratio of coprocessed superdisintegrants were, 1:1 (formula 1); 1:2 (formula 2); and 1:3 (formula 3). Evaluation of the formulas was conducted before compression (pre-compression evaluation) and after compression (post-compression evaluation).Results: The results of pre-compression evaluation showed that all the formulas have good flowability and excellent angle of repose. The results of post-compression evaluation showed that all the formulas met the specification of orally disintegrating tablets. The different ratio of coprocessed crospovidone-sodium starch glycolate (1:1; 1:2; and 1:3) caused significant differences in tablet dispersion time (p<0.05). Dissolution test showed that all the formulas met the specification of dissolution from atenolol tablet (not <85% of atenolol was dissolved in 30 min). Formula 1 showed the highest dissolution efficiency (92.91±0.11)% and area under the curve value (11149.13±13.15) compared to formula 2 and formula 3.Conclusion: The results from this study showed that coprocessed superdisintegrants (crospovidone-sodium starch glycolate) ratio affect the physicochemical characteristics of atenolol orally disintegrating tablet. Based on pre-compression evaluation and post-compression evaluation, formula 1 was the best formula.