Effects of Humidity on the Dissolution Profiles of Controlled Release Theophylline Matrix Tablets Containing Release Enhancers Prepared By Melt Granulation and Coacervation Techniques

The quantity of moisture present in tablets plays a major role in influencing the physical/chemical properties of tablets especially dissolution profiles. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effects of relative humidity on the dissolution profiles of controlled release  theophylline matrix tablets containing release enhancer prepared by melt granulation and simple coacervation techniques. Sucrose and  microcrystalline cellulose at concentration of 3% w/w, 5% w/w, 7.5% w/w, and 10% w/w were included in the blends as release enhancers before compression into nondisintegrating matrix tablets. Resulting tablets were exposed to 0% and 75% relative humidity. Sample were withdrawn at 0, 15 days, 1 month, 2 months and 3 months and evaluated for cumulative drug release. Interactions were investigated using modern technology: Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Initial and maximum release were increased after exposure to 75% relative humidity. There was no drug – excipients interaction. Thus moisture increased theophylline release from both sets of tablets prepared by melt granulation and simple coacervation techniques. Keywords: Theophylline, Matrix tablets, Dissolution profiles, Release enhancers, Relative humidit

Geometry of vectorial martingale optimal transport and robust option pricing

This paper addresses robust finance, which is concerned with the development of models and approaches that account for market uncertainties. Specifically, we investigate the Vectorial Martingale Optimal Transport (VMOT) problem, the geometry of its solutions, and its application with robust option pricing problems in finance. To this end, we consider two-period market models and show that when the spatial dimension $d$ (the number of underlying assets) is 2, the extremal model for the cap option with a sub- or super-modular payout reduces to a single factor model in the first period, but not in general when $d > 2$. The result demonstrates a subtle relationship between spatial dimension, cost function supermodularity, and their effect on the geometry of solutions to the VMOT problem. We investigate applications of the model to financial problems and demonstrate how the dimensional reduction caused by monotonicity can be used to improve existing computational methods

Effects of Humidity on the Dissolution Profiles of Controlled Release Theophylline Matrix Tablets Containing Release Enhancers Prepared By Melt Granulation and Coacervation Techniques

The quantity of moisture present in tablets plays a major role in influencing the physical/chemical properties of tablets especially dissolution profiles. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effects of relative humidity on the dissolution profiles of controlled release theophylline matrix tablets containing release enhancer prepared by melt granulation and simple coacervation techniques. Sucrose and microcrystalline cellulose at concentration of 3% w/w, 5% w/w, 7.5% w/w, and 10% w/w were included in the blends as release enhancers before compression into nondisintegrating matrix tablets. Resulting tablets were exposed to 0% and 75% relative humidity. Sample were withdrawn at 0, 15 days, 1 month, 2 months and 3 months and evaluated for cumulative drug release. Interactions were investigated using modern technology: Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Initial and maximum release were increased after exposure to 75% relative humidity. There was no drug \u2013 excipients interaction. Thus moisture increased theophylline release from both sets of tablets prepared by melt granulation and simple coacervation techniques

The Effect of "Dialogue Journal" on Students' Writing Skill Viewed from Students’ Interest (An Experimental Study at the Eleventh Grade Students of SMA MTA Surakarta in the Academic Year 2016/ 2017)

The main objectives of this study are: (1) to find out whether there is or not difference influence on Dialogue Journal and Direct Instruction toward teaching writing; (2) to find out whether there is or not difference influence of of high students’ interest and low students’ interest; and (3) to find out whether there is or not difference influence of the interaction between learning method and students’ interest in teaching writing. This study is experimental study. The population of the research is 155 students of eleventh grade students of SMA MTA Surakarta in the academic year 2016/2017. The total sample were 64 students taken from two classes, XI IIS 4 and XI IIS 5. The experimental group was treated by using Dialogue Journal, while the control group was treated by using Direct Instruction. The instrument of this research is questionnaire of interest and writing test. The data were analyzed by using ANOVA or multifactor analysis and Tukey test. The research findings show that: (1) There is significant difference influence of Dialogue Journal and Direct Instruction toward students’ writing skill.; (2) There is difference influence of students who have high interest have better writing than those who have low interest; and (3) there is difference influence of the interaction between teaching method and students’ interest in teaching writing. Reffering to the finding above, it can be concluded that Dialogue Journal is an effective method for teaching writing to the eleventh grade students of SMA MTA Surakarta in the academic year 2016/2017. Keywords: Dialogue Journal, Interest, Writin

Faktor Penghalang Poligami: Kajian Kes Ke Atas Guru-Guru Lelaki di Daerah Kinabatangan, Sabah

Poligami merupakan syariat Islam yang sering disalah ertikan oleh masyarakat. Ini menyebabkan poligami semakin menjadi dagang dalam kalangan umat Islam, bahkan mereka yang terlibat dengan poligami dipalit dengan pelbagai tuduhan liar yang menggambarkan kebuasan nafsu, kezaliman kepada wanita, penderaan mental kepada anak-anak, punca keruntuhan rumahtangga, pengamalan sihir dan sebagainya. Kajian ini dijalankan bertujuan untuk melihat pandangan guru-guru lelaki di daerah Kinabatangan, Sabah terhadap amalan berpoligami serta mengenal pasti faktor penghalang dalam mengaplikasi poligami dalam kehidupan. Seramai 64 orang guru lelaki yang dipilih berdasarkan kemampuan, minat dan pandangan kritikal kepada poligami serta kesediaan mereka untuk memberikan kerjasama sepenuhnya. Kajian ini telah menggunakan kaedah kualitatif dengan memfokus kepada temubual dengan responden dipilih. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan terdapat dua faktor utama yang menjadi penghalang kepada guru-guru lelaki di daerah Kinabatagan untuk melaksanakan poligami iaitu faktor dalaman dan faktor luaran. Faktor dalaman lebih mendominasi guru-guru lelaki berbanding faktor luaran. Bagi merealisasikan hasrat poligami ini, pelbagai pihak perlu memainkan peranan dalam meyakinkan lelaki khususnya untuk berpoligami agar ia diterima baik oleh masyarakat

Clinical utility of calf front hoof circumference and maternal intrapelvic area in predicting dystocia in 103 late gestation Holstein-Friesian heifers and cows

The objective of this study was to determine the clinical utility of measuring calf front hoof circumference, maternal intrapelvic area, and selected morphometric values in predicting dystocia in dairy cattle. An observational study using a convenience sample of 103 late-gestation Holstein-Friesian heifers and cows was performed. Intrapelvic height and width of the dam were measured using a pelvimeter, and the intrapelvic area was calculated. Calf front hoof circumference and birth weight were also measured. Data were analyzed using Spearman's correlation coefficient (rs), Mann–Whitney U test, and binary or ordered logistic regression; P 0.068 cm/cm2). Determining the ratio of calf front hoof circumference to maternal intrapelvic area has clinical utility in predicting the calving difficulty score in Holstein-Friesian cattle

Preparation And Properties Of Poly (Lactic Acid) Halloysite Nanotube Nanocomposites

Dalam penyelidikan ini, nanotiub haloisit (HNT) telah digunakan untuk meningkatkan sifat-sifat poli(asid laktik) (PLA). Nanokomposit PLA/HNT telah disediakan dengan kaedah penyebatian leburan diikuti oleh pengacuan mampatan. Tiga jenis pengubahsuai hentaman, iaitu kopolimer stirena-etilena/butilena-stirena tercantum maleik anhidrida (SEBS-g-MA), N,N’-etilenabis(stearamida) (EBS), dan getah asli terepoksida (ENR) telah digunakan untuk memperliat nanokomposit PLA. Sifat-sifat nanokomposit PLA/HNT telah dicirikan oleh ujian mekanik (ujian tegangan, lenturan, hentaman), analisis termal (kalorimetri pengimbasan pembezaan (DSC) dan analisis termogravimetri (TGA)), analisis morfologi (iaitu ujian mikroskopi elektron imbasan pancaran medan (FESEM) dan mikroskopi elektron pemancaran (TEM)), dan spektroskopi inframerah jelmaan Fourier (FTIR). Kekuatan hentaman bagi nanokomposit PLA/HNT telah meningkat sebanyak 300% dengan penambahan 15 wt% ENR. Dengan penambahan EBS dan ENR, HNT yang terserak halus dapat meningkatkan kesan penukleusan dan membantu dalam proses penghabluran bagi PLA. Walau bagaimanapun, penambahan SEBS-g-MA dan HNT melambatkan pembentukan kumin hablur yang bersaiz besar di dalam PLA. Kinetik penyerapan air bagi nanokomposit PLA/HNT adalah mengikut kelakuan hukum resapan Fickian pada suhu rendaman 30oC dan 40oC. Bagi sampel terdedah kepada 50oC, penyerapan air mematuhi hukum Fick di peringkat awal. Namun, semakin lama direndam, sampel tersebut didapati tidak lagi mematuhi hukum Fick dan kehilangan berat berlaku. Hal ini disebabkan oleh hidrolisis PLA pada suhu rendaman yang tinggi yang telah disahkan melalui perubahan pH, pengurangan berat molekul, peningkatan nilai-nilai indeks karbonil (CI), dan perubahan sifat termal. Daripada keputusan TGA, didapati bahawa penguraian tunggal berlaku ketika keadaan nitrogen, manakala proses penguraian dua-peringkat telah berlaku dalam keadaan oksigen. Penambahan EBS dan ENR dapat meningkatkan kestabilan termal bagi PLA/HNT di bawah keadaan oksigen. Nanokomposit PLA/HNT6/ENR5 mempunyai kestabilan termo-beroksida yang tinggi di bawah atmosfera oksigen. Selain itu, penambahan 5 wt% ENR dalam nanokomposit PLA/HNT6 menganjakkan suhu permulaan pengoksidaan (OOT) kepada suhu yang lebih tinggi (dari 239.5oC kepada 296.5oC). Nanokomposit PLA/HNT6/ENR5 telah menunjukkan nilai pekali kebolehtelapan oksigen ( O2 P ) yang terendah (1.567x10-4 cm3.m.m-2.day-1.kPa-1). Walau bagaimanapun, penambahan SEBS-g-MA tidak dapat meningkatkan sifatsifat halangan gas oksigen bagi nanokomposit PLA/HNT. Daripada analisis spektroskopi UV-Vis, penambahan pengubahsuai hentaman di dalam nanokomposit PLA/HNT telah mengurangkan penembusan cahaya dan hampir tiada cahaya UV dihantar melalui filem pada 300 nm. Namun, kesemua nanokomposit PLA/HNT kekal lutsinar melalui pengamatan visual. Kesimpulannya, penambahan ENR dalam nanokomposit PLA/HNT dapat meningkatkan sifat-sifat nanokomposit polimer secara efektif dari segi kekuatan hentaman, tenaga pengaktifan resapan air (Ea), OOT, dan ciri-ciri halangan gas oksigen. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ In this research, halloysite nanotube (HNT) was used to improve the properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA). The PLA/HNT nanocomposites were prepared using melt compounding followed by compression molding. Three types of impact modifiers i.e., maleic anhydride grafted styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene copolymer (SEBS-g- MA), N,N’-ethylenebis(stearamide) (EBS), and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR), were used to toughen the PLA nanocomposites. The properties of PLA/HNT nanocomposites were characterized by mechanical tests (i.e., tensile, flexural, and impact tests), thermal analysis (i.e., differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)), morphological analysis (i.e., field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM)), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The impact strength of PLA/HNT nanocomposites was increased significantly to approximately 300% by the addition of 15 wt% ENR. A finely dispersed HNT could eventually increase its nucleation effect and assist in the crystallization process of PLA whilst in the presence of EBS and ENR. Nevertheless, the presence of SEBS-g-MA and HNT retard the formation of large crystallites of PLA. The kinetics of water absorption of PLA/HNT nanocomposite fitted Fickian diffusion behaviour at immersion temperatures of 30oC and 40oC. For the samples exposed to 50oC, the water uptake followed Fick's law during the initial stages, but at longer time periods, deviations and weight loss were observed. This may have been due to the hydrolysis of PLA at higher immersion temperatures, which was confirmed by the pH change, reduction of molecular weight, increase in carbonyl index (CI) values, and thermal property changes. From the TGA results, it was found that single decomposition took place in the nitrogen atmosphere, while a double-stage decomposition process occurred in the oxygen atmosphere. The incorporation of EBS and ENR could improve the thermal stability of PLA/HNT under oxygen atmosphere. The PLA/HNT6/ENR5 nanocomposites exhibited high thermo-oxidative stability under oxygen atmosphere. Furthermore, the addition of 5 wt% of ENR in PLA/HNT6 nanocomposites increased the oxidation onset temperature (OOT) (from 239.5oC to 296.5oC). The PLA/HNT6/ENR5 showed the lowest oxygen permeability coefficient ( O2 P ) value of approximately 1.567x10-4 cm3.m.m-2.day-1.kPa-1. However, the incorporation of SEBS-g-MA could not improve the oxygen gas barrier properties of PLA/HNT nanocomposites. From the UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis, the incorporation of impact modifiers in PLA/HNT nanocomposites decreases light transmittance and nearly no UV light can be transmitted through thin film at 300 nm. Nevertheless, all PLA/HNT nanocomposites remain transparent from visual view. In summary, the addition of ENR in PLA/HNT nanocomposites can effectively improve the properties of polymer nanocomposites in term of impact strength, activation energy of water diffusion (Ea), OOT, and oxygen gas barrier properties among the others impact modifiers

A Novel Way of Assessing Software Bug Severity Using Dictionary of Critical Terms

AbstractDue to increase in demands of software and decreased delivery span of software, assuring the quality of software is becoming a challenge. However, no software can claim to be error free due to the complexity of software and inadequate testing. There is a well-known principle of testing, which states that exhaustive testing is impossible. Hence, maintenance activities are required to ensure smooth functioning of the software. Many open source software provides bug tracking systems to aid corrective maintenance task. These bug tracking systems allow users to report the bugs that are encountered while operating the software. However, in software maintenance, severity prediction has gained much attention recently. Bugs having higher severity should be fixed prior to the bugs having lesser severity. Triager analyzes the bug reports and assesses the severity based upon his/her knowledge and experience. But due to the presence of a large number of bug reports, it becomes a tedious job to manually assign severity. Thus, there is growing need for making the whole process of severity prediction automatic. The paper presents an approach of creating a dictionary of critical terms specifying severity using two different feature selection methods, namely- info gain and Chi square and classification of bug reports are performed using Naïve Bayes Multinomial (NBM) and K-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithms

Artikulasi isu-isu sejarah dalam media massa di Malaysia

Kajian ini bertujuan menelusuri perkembangan mediaskap di Malaysia secara sepintas lalu dan diikuti artikulasi isu-isu sejarah dalam media massa di Malaysia menerusi temubual mendalam dengan pengamal media. Secara umumnya, dari awal pengenalan akhbar sewaktu zaman penjajahan British sehinggalah kemunculan internet telah menyaksikan perubahan yang dramatik. Media memainkan pelbagai peranan penting kepada masyarakat mengikut peredaran masa. Peranan paling awal yang boleh dilihat adalah inisiatif mewujudkan semangat nasionalisme dan seterusnya mengerakkan usaha menuntut kemerdekaan. Pelbagai usaha telah dilakukan oleh media di Malaysia dalam beberapa dekad kebelakangan ini untuk mengetengahkan peristiwa-peristiwa bersejarah bagi mempromosi toleransi dan perpaduan dalam kalangan masyarakat pluralistik Malaysia. Media juga dilihat secara konsisten berkompromi dengan dasar kerajaan untuk menghasilkan kandungan yang bersesuaian dengan nilai-nilai ketimuran dan memenuhi aspirasi negara melahirkan masyarakat demokratik yang liberal menjelang tahun 2020. Pelbagai program telah diterbitkan dengan matlamat memperkenalkan sejarah Malaysia misalannya Hari Ini Dalam Sejarah disamping menyelitkan peristiwa-peristiwa bersejarah sebagai latar cerita bagi mempromosi keharmonian dan keamanan kepada masyarakat multi etnik di Malaysia. Usaha ini dipermudahkan dengan dasar yang diterapkan oleh kerajaan. Kemunculan internet terutamanya enjin pencarian telah membuka peluang kepada sesiapa sahaja yang berminat untuk mengakses lebih banyak maklumat. Sementara itu, media sosial telah bertindak sebagai platform wacana publik dan bertukar-tukar fikiran