Use of lipophilic and hydrophilic polymers in production of sustained release zinc sulfate tablets

Background and aims: Zinc sulfate administered to correct zinc deficiency. Its oral administration has shown serious digestive side effects and sometimes it has led to the lack of use it. The main aim of the present study was to use lipophilic and hydrophilic polymers in production of sustained release zinc sulfate tabletsover an extended period of time. Methods: Sustained release (SR) zinc sulfate tablets were prepared using either lipophilic-based matrix or hydrophilic matrix system or natural polymers by either hot-fusion (HF) granulation or direct compression (DC) method. Physical and chemical features of provided SR tablets including hardness, friability, and weight variation, disintegration time, swelling index, content uniformity and drug release behavior were evaluated. The drug concentration was assayed by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer at 213.8 nm. Results: Most of the prepared formulations showed acceptable physicochemical properties. Among 30 formulations, SR tablets with lipophilic matrix-based showed more predictable release profiles compared to tablets prepared based on hydrophilic or natural matrixes. Tablets containing carnauba wax showed slower release while tablets with hydrogenated castor oil represented faster release profile. A few lipophilic matrix tablets containing zinc sulfate (110 mg), beeswax (or carnauba wax) and Avicel (or Emcompress) were selected as the optimum formulations showing release profiles based on USP criteria for lipophilic-based SR tablets. The mean dissolution time (MDT) and dissolution efficiency (DE8%) of selected formulations were 1.69-1.95 hr and 69.3-71.8%, respectively. Tablet hardness and granule size had no effects on release rate. The drug release kinetic followed Higuchi model. Conclusion: Lipophilic based SR tablets of zinc sulfate is suggested as an alternative for capsule or syrup of the drug whichhave digestive side effects

Is strategic planning relevant to non-governmental universities; Experiences from Islamic Azad University, Iran

AbstractStrategic planning in turbulent and changing environments is always in debt. The aim is investigating application of strategic planning models to a great non-governmental university over Iran. Methodology was a R&D in two phases (a- comparative research for reviewing experiences of other universities through the world and b- designing and developing a comprehensive model relevant and fit for the circumstances of non-governmental universities in Iran. The strategic planning team involved key stakeholders like groups of managers, staff and also graduate student's representatives via Focus Discussion Groups to develop important organizational identities as well as strategic components; Mission, Values and Vision

Identifying the Changes in Cultural Infrastructure towards Lifelong Learning: Professors’ Viewpoint

Introduction: In today civilization, the education trend moves towards lifelong learning. Lifelong learning could be used as a guiding principle in higher education; yet to fulfill this purpose, we need to establish lifelong learning in society. This article aimed to identify necessary changes in cultural infrastructure in order to shape a move towards lifelong learning. Method: This qualitative study was conducted in 2014 using content analysis approach. 16 faculty members in University of Isfahan, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, and Kerman University of Medical Sciences with interest, experience, and background in the field of higher education, teaching, and learning, were selected for this study using purposive sampling method. To collect the data, semi-structured and open-ended interviews were used. For credibility and acceptability of the data, outside observer method was used. The data were analyzed using content analysis approach. Results: Four thematic categories were identified as some of the necessary changes in cultural infrastructure toward lifelong learning. The categories were as “individual learning and cultural values”, “learning and cultural mission of training centers”, “learning and cultural mission of family”, and “learning and cultural mission of the media.” Conclusion: The results of this research could be used for officials to give special attention to cultural infrastructures. Further qualitative studies can be useful in this regards. Keywords: Learning, Cultural background, University professor, Data analysis, Qualitative researc

Investigating Iranian EFL Instructor Evaluation Scheme from End-Users’ Perspective: Self-Evaluation vs. Students’ Ratings

Abstract This study investigated Iranian EFL instructor evaluation scheme from end-users’ perspective: self-evaluation vs. students’ ratings. To do so, in the second semester of 2015-2016, 60 instructors and 1000 students of English Department of Islamic Azad University Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, )IAUIB(, were selected as those from whom the corpus of the study was extracted. The corpus was provided by administrating two rating scales online via the university website on each person’s profile. Then the results of their completed evaluation rating scales were compared. The study was accomplished through a non-experimental descriptive correlational design. The results revealed that almost no relationship was found between Iranian EFL instructors’ self-evaluation and those done by their students at IAUIB. This study could benefit Iranian educationalists, policy makers, and evaluators in making informed pedagogical decisions and conducting more efficient teacher evaluation in English education of Iran

A Study of the Hidden Factors Effective on Selecting a Supervisor: A Phenomenological Study

Background & Objective: Hidden curriculum is one of the new topics presented by scholars of curriculum development during recent years. In this study, the criteria for selecting a supervisor were studied through experiences gained by PhD students. Methods: This research is a qualitative and a phenomenological study. The study participants consisted of 54 graduated PhD students from both medical and non-medical state and Azad universities. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi method. Moreover, simple random sampling method was used. Thus, the present study focused on the hidden experiences of PhD students on selecting a supervisor. Results: In this study, 12 main categories were extracted from 123 common factors of this investigation. These categories consisted of behavioral and ethical characteristics, executive positions, scientific positions, being well-known or famous, and having access to supervisors, skill and mastery in research and statistics, specialty and expertise in a specific field, access to senior students, and limitations and constraints, , gender, supportive ability of supervisors, and the anticipating the future. Conclusion: The results showed that hidden factors such as ethical and behavioral characteristics of supervisors or professors, their academic and scientific ranks, governing laws on the universities, guidelines and regulations of the universities, informal networks, and the possible supports and limitations can affect the selection of a supervisor. Keywords Hidden curriculum Academic supervisor Student's experience

Desirable Features of Higher Education Policies with an Emphasis on Lifelong Learning Approach: Faculty Members’ Perspective

Introduction: Lifelong learning seems to be a necessity for facing knowledge explosion, new technologies and constant occupational changes. Nowadays, higher education centers are considered key sites for developing lifelong learning. This study aim to address faculty members’ perspective on some urgent revisions in higher education policies with an emphasis on lifelong learning approach.. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 2014 using content analysis. Sixteen faculty members were selected from University of Isfahan, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and University of Kerman who were experienced in the fields of higher education, education and learning; subjects were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured, open-ended interviews. Credibility and acceptability of the data were confirmed by inter-rater reliability and outside observer. The data were analyzed using content analysis.. Results: Based on results of this study, four thematic categories were identified as basic higher education policies that need to be revised: “establishing equal and continuous learning opportunities”, “flexibility in higher education admissions”, “varied curriculum” and “learner-centeredness”. Conclusion: The results of this research could be applied to revising the higher education policies while focusing on training graduates who possess lifelong learning characteristics

Effects of vitamin D supplementation on liver fibrogenic factors in non-alcoholic fatty liver patients with steatohepatitis: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Background It has been suggested that vitamin D and its receptors involve in suppressing fibrogenic signaling in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the effect of vitamin D supplementation on fibrogenic factors has not been investigated in NAFLD individuals with steatohepatitis. This study was designed to examine the effects on vitamin D supplementation on serum levels of vitamin D receptor (VDR), fibrogenic factors, and fibrogenic microRNAs (MiR) in NAFLD patients. Methods Forty-six NAFLD patients will be recruited in this study. After block matching for sex and BMI, they will be randomly assigned to receive 4000 IU/day vitamin D or placebo for 12 weeks. Weight, height, and waist circumference will be measured. Determination of serum fibrogenic MiRs, laminin, collagen type IV, hyaluronic acid, vitamin D, VDR, calcium, blood glucose, serum insulin, lipid profile, liver markers (ALT, AST, total, direct, and indirect bilirubin) will be done at study baseline and at the end of the trial. Insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity will be determined using the HOMA-IR and QUICKI equation. Discussion This is the first randomized controlled trial that will determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum levels of VDR, fibrogenic factors, and fibrogenic MiRs in NAFLD patients. The results of this trial will provide clinical evidence on the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in controlling liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients. Trial registration Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT201405251485N13. Registered on 14 March 2017