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

Preparation and evaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety of tomato lotion containing lycopene 

Introduction: Skin aging starts at around age of 30 with wrinkling and pigmentations as its mainindicators. Delay and prevention of aging is a major concern for a great number of people. Thepurpose of this research was to develop and evaluate the efficacy of an anti-wrinkle tomato lotion,consisting of 5 w/w tomato powder in an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion.Methods: Different O/W emulsions were prepared and stability tests were done on them. Theformulation that successfully passed the stability tests, was chosen and the Solanum lycopersicumpowder was added to the oily phase of this O/W emulsion. The prepared lotion was evaluated forpharmaceutical tests. In vitro permeation studies were performed to measure permeation throughcellulose acetate membrane by diffusion cell at sink condition. In vivo trial for examination of theanti-wrinkle efficacy of lotion was done on 10 healthy women as case group compared with 10volunteers using the placebo lotion (lotion base without Solanum lycopersicum powder) as controlgroup.Results: According to the experimented results on the formulated lotion, the efficient time durationfor lotion effectiveness was 42 days. Tomato powder formulated in base of lotion significantlydecreased wrinkles. Our formulation was compatible with skin and caused no sensitivity reactionin human modelsConclusion: The Lycopene in Solanum lycopersicum in this formulation has anti-aging effect. Thisformulation might be a strong candidate for treatment of skin wrinkles

Formulation and evaluation of orally disintegrating tablet of ondansetron using natural superdisintegrant

Introduction: Difficulty in swallowing is common among all age groups, especially elderly and pediatrics. Orally disintegrating tablets may constitute an innovative dosage form that overcome the problem of swallowing and provide a quick onset of action. This study was aimed to formulate and evaluate an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) containing ondansetron while using semi-synthetic and natural superdisintegrants. Methods: Orodispersible tablets were prepared by direct compression using natural superdisintegrant (Karaya gum) and semi-synthetic superdisintegrant (croscarmellose). The prepared tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, thickness, drug content uniformity, water absorption and wetting time. A 32 factorial design was used to investigate the effect of independent variables (amount of croscarmellose and Karaya gum) on dependent variables (disintegration time, friability and Q5 cumulative amount of drug release after 5 minutes). A counter plot was also presented to graphically represent the effect of independent variable on the disintegration time, friability and Q5. The check point batch was also prepared to prove the validity of the evolved mathematical model. The systematic formulation approach helped in understanding the effect of formulation processing variable. Results: According to the results of optimized batches, the best concentrations of superdisintegrant were as follows: 7.88 mg Karaya gum and 7.78 mg croscarmellose gave rapid disintegration in 31 seconds which showed 99% drug release within 5 minutes. Conclusion: Karaya gum, a natural superdisintegrant, gives a rapid disintegration and high release when used with synthetic superdisintegrant in formulation of ODT.</p

Preparation and evaluation of clove oil in emu oil self-emulsion for hair conditioning and hair loss prevention

Introduction: From a consumer perspective, developing a hair care formulation that offers multi-purpose products to enhance routine hair care such as conditioning, cleaning and grooming hair and stimulating hair follicles is important. Eugenol comprising about 70 of clove essential oil shows an androgenic activity and stimulates hair root to feed and hence could be a good candidate for developing an anti-hair loss formulation. Thus in hair research, hair follicle is of great interest. The aim of this study was to develop a self-emulsifying product containing eugenol in emu oil as a carrier.Methods: Eugenol was identified in clove oil extraction by UV spectrophotometer. Emu oil was characterized according to national oil standards. All formulations were prepared and best one was selected for further pharmaceutical examinations such as pH, particle size, content uniformity and drug release. The optimum formulation was clinically evaluated on rats back compared with minoxidil standard lotion as a positive control and distilled water as a negative control.Results: The selected formulation was demonstrated to condition hair with grooming and enhanced hair growth with longer lag time compared with minoxidil but after one week the hair growth accelerated.Conclusion: The formulation containing clove oil in emu oil self-emulsion shows a conditioning and grooming property with hair shaft repair and hair growth

Formulation and evaluation of orally disintegrating tablet of Rizatriptan using natural superdisintegrant

Introduction: Rizatriptan benzoate is a potent and selective 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist and is effective for the treatment of acute migraine. Difficulty in swallowing is common among all age groups, especially elderly and pediatrics. Orally disintegrating tablets may constitute an innovative dosage form that overcome the problem of swallowing and provides a quick onset of action. This study was aimed to formulate and evaluate an Orally Disintegrating Tablet (ODT) containing Rizatriptan while using semi-synthetic and natural superdisintegrants. Methods: Orodispersible tablets were prepared by direct compression using natural superdisntegrant (Plantago ovata mucilage) and semi-synthetic superdisntegrant (crospovidone). The prepared tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, thickness, drug content uniformity, water absorption and wetting time. A 32 factorial design was used to investigate the effect of independent variables (amount of crospovidone and Plantago ovata mucilage) on dependent variables disintegration time, wetting time and Q5 (cumulative amount of drug release after 5 minutes). A counter plot was also presented to graphically represent the effect of independent variable on the disintegration time, wetting time and Q5. The check point batch was also prepared to prove the validity of the evolved mathematical model. The systematic formulation approach helped in understanding the effect of formulation processing variable. Results: According to the results of optimized batches, the best concentration of superdisintegrant were as follows: 9.4 mg Psyllium mucilage and 8.32 mg crospovidone gave rapid disintegration in 35sec and showed 99% drug release within 5 minutes. Conclusion: Plantago ovata mucilage, a natural superdisintegrant, gives a rapid disintegration and high release when used with synthetic superdisntegrant in formulation of orally disintegrating tablet of Rizatriptan.</p