A new simple liquid chromatographic assay for gentamicin in presence of methylparaben and propylparaben

Gentamicin sulfate is a potent broad spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic which is used against Gram- positive and Gram-negative bacteria. A simple, isocratic HPLC method for separation, identification and determination of gentamicin and parabens (methylparaben and propylparaben) was developed and validated. To our knowledge there is no report about simultaneous determination of those three ana- lytes in pharmaceutical products. The optimum chromatographic conditions were achieved on CN column with a mobile phase consisting of 0.15% triethylamine in 10 mM KH 2 PO4 aqueous solution (final pH 3.0 adjusted with H 3 PO 4 ) and methanol in the ratio 70:30 (v/v), providing selective quan- tification of analytes within 5 min. The method was successfully validated according to ICH guidelines acceptance criteria in terms of selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision and robustness. The linearity of the method was proved in defined concentrations ranges for gentamicin (0.32–1.04 mg mL1 ), meth- ylparaben (0.0072–0.0234 mg mL1 ) and propylparaben (0.0008–0.0026 mg mL1 ). Relative standard deviations calculated for all analytes in precision testing were <2% (analysis repeatability) and <3% (intermediate precision). Recovery values were between 98.87% and 101.67%. Chromatographic pa- rameters are not significantly influenced by small variations of column temperature, pH and molarity of KH2 PO 4 . Finally, the method was successfully applied for quantitative determination of gentamicin and parabens in commercially available solution for injection. Proposed HPLC method is found to be promising in terms of simplicity, analysis times and non-use of derivatization and ion-pair agents

INTERKULTURALNI DIJALOG U OBRAZOVANJU - KRITIČKA REFLEKSIJA U MUZEJSKOM KONTEKSTU

The paper underlies the importance of the museum and international scientific partnership to promote and add value to the regional cultural heritage, as a condition for developing greater awareness of the civilisational framework of cultural inheritance at the global level. The goal of the action research carried out in parallel in Italy and Serbia and involving 170 children was to devise, realise and evaluate and educational programme that would bring museums closer to children. Reflexivity and triangulation were used in this research endeavour based on a constructivist theoretical framework. Reflecting on the activities carried out and the data collected, the authors of this paper, as participants in the research, are able to validate several important roles of the museum as a place that facilitates the development of an awareness of the cultural heritage of one’s own country, skills and capabilities, the social and individual construction of meaning, as well as the development of international partnership. The research findings confirm that the field of qualitative educational discourse offers museums a respectable future in terms of linking theory and practice. In other words, museums will make it possible for scientific results to be more closely applied for the purpose of improving educationa lpractice.U tekstu se objašnjava značaj muzeja i međunarodnog znanstvenog partnerstva u promociji i valorizaciji regionalnog kulturnog nasljeđa, kao preduvjetu razvijanja svijesti o civilizacijskom okviru kulturnih tekovina na globalnom nivou. S ciljem osmišljavanja, realizacije i evaluacije edukativnog programa radi približavanja djece muzejima, paralelno je u Italiji i Srbiji provedeno akcijsko istraživanje kojim je bilo obuhvaćeno 170 djece. Istraživački projekt, utemeljen u konstruktivistički teorijski okvir, odlikuje refleksivnost i triangulacija. Refleksije provedenih aktivnosti i prikupljenih podataka omogućuju autoricama teksta da, kao sudionice istraživanja, vrednuju važnu ulogu muzeja kao mjesta razvijanja svijesti o kulturnoj baštini vlastite teritorije, vještina i sposobnosti, socijalne i personalne konstrukcije značenja, te oblikovanja međunarodnog partnerstva. Istraživački nalazi potvrđuju da polje kvalitativnog obrazovnog diskursa, muzejima nudi respektabilnu perspektivu u pogledu povezivanja teorije i prakse, odnosno mogućnosti neposrednije primjene znanstvenih rezultata u funkciji unapređivanja obrazovne prakse

Personal subjectivity impact reduction in choice of sour cherry varieties for orchard establishment using fuzzy system

This paper analyzes the problem of multi-criteria decision making methods (MCDM) when selecting the optimal type of sour cherry for planting. Choice of varieties in agriculture is a very complex problem and is usually characterized by the interaction of a large number of factors, including often limited resources and uncertain information (price, time). In this context, mathematical models can represent valuable support for farmers when deciding on the choice of crops and plants for planting. An integrated MCDM method is presented, along with expert knowledge and Fuzzy Interference System (FIS) for sour cherry varieties choosing. The proposed approach assists decision makers in complex calculations and diminishes the impact of personal subjectivity and perception in order to define the overall evaluation. Data is incorporated in proposed fuzzy system and validated by a numerical example

Integrated Fuzzy System and Multi-Expression Programming Techniques for Supplier Selection

Supplier selection problem is a multi-objective problem in which different criteria should be taken into consideration. This article presents a new approach to supplier pre-qualification, supplier selection and evaluation. In the first stage of the model, multi-expression programming (MEP) techniques are used for a supplier pre-qualification. Techniques implemented in MEP allow construction of experiential models using the knowledge contained in the experimental information. Evaluation of the qualified suppliers is done in the second stage using fuzzy logic and Fuzzy Inference System (FIS). In this way, it is possible to retain expert knowledge of the subject phenomenon in a model with the possibility of selecting different operators which lead to the possibility of the faster selection of parameters and making more reliable decisions. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the proposed approach

Copula as a dynamic measure of cardiovascular signal interactions

Objectives: Copula is a tool for measuring linear and non-linear interactions between two or more time series. The aim of this paper is to prove that a copula approach can accurately capture and visualize the spatial and temporal fluctuations in dependency structures of cardiovascular signals, and to outline the application possibilities. Methods: The method for measuring the level of interaction between systolic blood pressure and the corresponding pulse interval is validated statistically and pharmacologically. The time series are recorded from the freely moving male Wistar rats equipped with radio-telemetry device for blood pressure recording, before and after administration of autonomic blockers scopolamine, atenolol, prazosin and hexamethonium. Implicit (Gaussian and t) and explicit (Clayton, Frank and Gumbel) copulas were calculated and compared to the conventional bivariate methods (Kendal, Pearson, Spearman and classical correlation). Further statistical validation was done using artificially generated surrogate data. A window sliding procedure for dynamic monitoring the signals' coupling strength is implemented. Results: Under the baseline physiological conditions, SBP-PI dependency is significant for time lags 0 s-4 s. Hexamethonium completely abolished the dependency, scopolamine abolished it for time lags 0 s-2 s, atenolol first slightly increased, than for lags greater than 2 s decreased the dependency and prazosin had no effect. Isospectral and isodistributional surrogate data tests confirm that copulas successfully notify the absence of dependency as well. Conclusion: Copula approach accurately captures the temporal fluctuations in dependency structures of SBP and PI, simultaneously enabling a visualization of dependency levels within the particular signal zones. An analysis showed that copulas are more sensitive than the conventional statistical measures, with Frank copula exhibiting the best characterization of SBP and PI dependency

Gojaznost i reproduktivna funkcija žene - mehanizmi nastanka i terapijske implikacije

Gojaznost se danas smatra uzrokom nastanka kardiovaskularne bolesti, tipa 2 dijabetesa, osteoartritisa, maligniteta, ali i faktorom koji doprinosi nastanku reproduktivnih poremećaja i problema plodnosti. Postoji povećan relativni rizik za nastanak anovulatornog infertiliteta u žena sa izraženom gojaznošću i produženo vreme do koncepcije. U žena u reproduktivnom periodu gojaznost je povezana sa povećanim rizikom za nastanak hiperandrogenizma i anovulacije, kao što je slučaj u sindromu policističnih jajnika (PCOS) kao najčešćem hiperandrogenom poremećaju. Postoji veliki broj dokaza u prilog postojanja bliskog odnosa adipokina, gojaznosti, metaboličkog sindroma i reproduktivnih posledica. Redukcija težine za 5-10% dovodi do poboljšanja u kliničkim, metaboličkim i reproduktivnim karakteristikama, kao što je slučaj u žena sa PCOS. Primena insulinskih senzitajzera vodi sniženju hiperinsulinemije, insulinske rezistencije, uspostavljanju normalne menstrualne cikličnosti i ovulacije kod značajnog broja žena sa PCOS. Gojaznost može uticati na stimulaciju ovulacije njenim produžavanjem, povećanjem doze gonadotropina, incidence folikularne asinhronije i prekida stimulacije. Hirurško lečenje gojaznosti predstavlja alternativni vid terapije u slučaju kada ni promena načina života ni farmakoterapijske mere ne daju povoljne rezultate. Za sada ne postoji dovoljno dokaza u prilog preporuke da se barijatrijska hirurgija koristi u lečenju gojaznih žena sa PCOS.Projekat ministarstva br. 175032 i br. 4100

Gojaznost i reproduktivna funkcija žene - mehanizmi nastanka i terapijske implikacije

Gojaznost se danas smatra uzrokom nastanka kardiovaskularne bolesti, tipa 2 dijabetesa, osteoartritisa, maligniteta, ali i faktorom koji doprinosi nastanku reproduktivnih poremećaja i problema plodnosti. Postoji povećan relativni rizik za nastanak anovulatornog infertiliteta u žena sa izraženom gojaznošću i produženo vreme do koncepcije. U žena u reproduktivnom periodu gojaznost je povezana sa povećanim rizikom za nastanak hiperandrogenizma i anovulacije, kao što je slučaj u sindromu policističnih jajnika (PCOS) kao najčešćem hiperandrogenom poremećaju. Postoji veliki broj dokaza u prilog postojanja bliskog odnosa adipokina, gojaznosti, metaboličkog sindroma i reproduktivnih posledica. Redukcija težine za 5-10% dovodi do poboljšanja u kliničkim, metaboličkim i reproduktivnim karakteristikama, kao što je slučaj u žena sa PCOS. Primena insulinskih senzitajzera vodi sniženju hiperinsulinemije, insulinske rezistencije, uspostavljanju normalne menstrualne cikličnosti i ovulacije kod značajnog broja žena sa PCOS. Gojaznost može uticati na stimulaciju ovulacije njenim produžavanjem, povećanjem doze gonadotropina, incidence folikularne asinhronije i prekida stimulacije. Hirurško lečenje gojaznosti predstavlja alternativni vid terapije u slučaju kada ni promena načina života ni farmakoterapijske mere ne daju povoljne rezultate. Za sada ne postoji dovoljno dokaza u prilog preporuke da se barijatrijska hirurgija koristi u lečenju gojaznih žena sa PCOS.Projekat ministarstva br. 175032 i br. 4100

Autonomic mechanisms underpinning the stress response in borderline hypertensive rats

This study investigates blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) short-term variability and spontaneous baroreflex functioning in adult borderline hypertensive rats and normotensive control animals kept on normal-salt diet. Arterial pulse pressure was recorded by radio telemetry. Systolic BP, diastolic BP and HR variabilities and baroreflex were assessed by spectral analysis and the sequence method, respectively. In all experimental conditions (baseline and stress), borderline hypertensive rats exhibited higher BP, increased baroreflex sensitivity and resetting, relative to control animals. Acute shaker stress (single exposure to 200 cycles min-1 shaking platform) increased BP in both strains, while chronic shaker stress (3-day exposure to shaking platform) increased systolic BP in borderline hypertensive rats alone. Low- and high-frequency HR variability increased only in control animals in response to acute and chronic shaker (single exposure to restrainer) stress. Acute restraint stress increased BP, HR, low- and high-frequency variability of BP and HR in both strains to a greater extent than acute shaker stress. Only normotensive rats exhibited a reduced ratio of low- to high-frequency HR variability, pointing to domination of vagal cardiac control. In borderline hypertensive rats, but not in control animals, chronic restraint stress (9-day exposure to restrainer) increased low- and high-frequency BP and HR variability and their ratio, indicating a shift towards sympathetic cardiovascular control. It is concluded that maintenance of BP in borderline hypertensive rats in basal conditions and during stress is associated with enhanced baroreflex sensitivity and resetting. Imbalance in sympathovagal control was evident only during exposure of borderline hypertensive rats to stressors

DOPRINOS INTERKULTURNOG MENADŽMENTA RAZVIJANJU TOLERANTNOSTI U MEĐUNARODNOM POSLOVANJU // CONTRIBUTION OF INTERCULTURAL MANAGEMENT TO DEVELOPING TOLERANCE IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Od davnina su ljudi iz različitih krajeva sveta i sa različitih kontinenata trgovali.Njihov obim poslovanja zavisio je ponajviše od vremenskih uslova i bezbednostiputa. Vremena su se polako menjala, a sa njima su se stvarali i različiti usloviposlovanja. Period svetske ekonomije nakon II svetskog rata je obeležen velikimekonomskim usponima većine država. S obzirom na to da je došlo do stvaranjamultinacionalnih (transnacionalnih) kompanija, došlo je do višestrukog povećanjaprisustva kompanija iz različitih zemalja na teritoriji jedne države, kao i do povećanjabroja kompanija u kojima rade ljudi iz svih krajeva sveta. Usled nedostatkainformacija o tome kako druge nacije i kulture privređuju, javila se potreba zastvaranjem nove naučne discipline koja bi na odgovarajući način ukazala na to kakorazličite kulture posluju, a samim tim i utvrdila mogućnosti za optimalno poslovanje uuslovima sveopšte globalizacije. Interkulturni menadžment je nastao upravo sa idejomda se stvore uslovi za poštovanje različitosti uz uspešnu saradnju među narodima.Svrha ovog rada je da pokaže u kolikoj meri je ova naučna disciplina doprinelaboljem razumevanju među narodima, kao i da pokaže da se uz shvatanje važnostinacionalnih specifičnosti u oblasti poslovanja, podiže i nivo tolerantnosti međurazličitim narodima. Metodologija ovog rada se zasniva na istraživanjima Hofštejda(Hofstede), Švarca (Schwartz) i GLOBE projekta. Iako je glavna svrha interkulturnogmenadžmenta u trenutku njegovog nastanka bila da se bolje upoznaju druge nacije kako bi se povećao obim poslovanja, on je doveo do ostvarenja mnogo šireg cilja, a toje shvatanje potrebe da su svi narodi različiti i da se njihove kulturne specifičnostimoraju uvažavati ne samo sa stanovišta biznisa, već i kroz svakodnevni život

PERSONAL SUBJECTIVITY IMPACT REDUCTION IN CHOICE OF SOUR CHERRY VARIETIES FOR ORCHARD ESTABLISHMENT USING FUZZY SYSTEM

This paper analyzes the problem of multi-criteria decision making methods (MCDM) when selecting the optimal type of sour cherry for planting. Choice of varieties in agriculture is a very complex problem and is usually characterized by the interaction of a large number of factors, including often limited resources and uncertain information (price, time). In this context, mathematical models can represent valuable support for farmers when deciding on the choice of crops and plants for planting. An integrated MCDM method is presented, along with expert knowledge and Fuzzy Interference System (FIS) for sour cherry varieties choosing. The proposed approach assists decision makers in complex calculations and diminishes the impact of personal subjectivity and perception in order to defne the overall evaluation. Data is incorporated in proposed fuzzy system and validated by a numerical example