bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Nicotine Dependence and Smoking on Revision Diskectomy After Single-Level Lumbar Diskectomy
Authors: Smith Eric J. , Inkrott Bradley P. , Du Jerry Y. , Ahn Uri M. , Ahn Nicholas U.
Published: July 2020

Removal of a herniated disk that is causing neural compression is among the most common indications for spinal surgery. Previous population database studies of risk factors for reoperation after this procedure analyzed small to medium numbers of patients. To date, no study has concurrently assessed the effect of modifiable risk factors, such as smoking and nicotine dependence, with a large number of patients. Data were obtained with commercially available software that houses de-identified data for several major US health care systems. A database search was conducted to find all patients who had undergone lumbar diskectomy. Obesity, scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, and depression were excluded as possible confounding variables. The remaining patients were divided into smoking and nonsmoking groups. Those who had undergone revision lumbar diskectomy within 2 years were counted. Pearson's chi-square statistical test was used to determine significance at
P
<.05. Of the 50 million patient records in the software platform, 53,360 patients were identified who had undergone single-level lumbar diskectomy. Of these, 26,980 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. A total of 890 of those patients had undergone revision lumbar diskectomy within 2 years of their original procedure. Those who smoked were found to have a relative risk of 2.47 compared with nonsmokers (95% confidence interval, 2.17–2.82;
P
<.0001). Nicotine dependence and smoking had a significant effect on the rate of reoperation. These findings support the importance of preoperative assessment of modifiable risk factors and their effects on surgical complications. [
Orthopedics
. 2020;43(5):e438–e441.]
AT WHAT COST? AN ANALYSIS OF THE GREEN COST PREMIUM TO ACHIEVE 6-HOMESTAR IN NEW ZEALAND
Authors: Ade Rochelle , Rehm Michael
Published: July 2020

In the green building industry there is an implicit understanding that the use of a green building rating tool will attract additional capital cost. This phenomenon has been well studied in commercial buildings, with mixed results, but has received little focus in the residential, single family context.

In New Zealand the local green building council advises the market that they have reduced the time and cost to implement their green building rating tool, Homestar, through modifications to version 4 of the rating tool, which include the use of a new 6-Homestar checklist.

This research investigates this claim using a comparative cost methodology to determine the potential additional capital cost commitment that would be required to achieve a 6-Homestar certification, utilising ten standalone and terraced house designs from the Hobsonville Point development in Auckland, NZ.

This research determines that there is an additional cost to achieve 6-Homestar of 3–5%. This is nearly double compared to previous research into Homestar and also finds that, for the houses reviewed, the use of the 6-Homestar checklist is less cost effective than other options. Therefore, in this instance the advice and guidance of the green building council is erroneous and misleading to the market.
Financial Determinants Affecting Leasing Policies
Authors: Kiracı Kasım
Published: July 2020

Airline companies have started to develop strategies to increase their market share and expand their network structure with the effect of globalization. In this process, one of the most important sources of airline companies to achieve competitive advantage is aircraft. Airline companies have to increase the number of aircraft in the fleet to expand their network structure. On the other hand, the high price of aircraft has led airline companies to adopt new financing strategies. Leasing is one of the financing methods used frequently by airline companies recently. Therefore, this study focuses on the leasing policies of airline companies. In this study, it is aimed to reveal the factors affecting the leasing policies of airline companies. In this context, 26 airlines operating in the period 2000-2017 were analyzed empirically. Panel data analysis was used as the method in the study. The empirical findings of the study indicate that return on assets, asset structure, tangibility, leverage ratio, and liquidity affects the leasing policies of airline companies.
Evaluating the Impact of a Tourist Event on a Destination
Authors: Asero Vincenzo , Tomaselli Venera
Published: July 2020

Events create different types of impact on the local economy and host communities. They can trigger a variety of short- or long-term, positive or negative impacts. Literature distinguishes the term ‘impact' from ‘legacy.' While impacts affect the economy of the host place in the short-term, legacy remains longer than the event itself. Thus, if residents perceive benefits from the event, they will be supportive of hosting in the future. This chapter focuses on events as entrepreneurial opportunities of tourism and hospitality for a hosting place. It is based on the perceptions expressed by the different categories of local stakeholders involved in an international literary festival hosted in Italy. The study shows that evaluating and understanding the legacy effects for a place hosting an event, as perceived by the different local stakeholders involved, can provide managerial insights for planning over time events in the same place.
Pricing Within the Sharing Economy
Authors: Henama Unathi Sonwabile , Manavhela Pfarelo
Published: July 2020

South Africa has a poor public transport system, which is dominated by the minibus taxis that transport more than 60% of the population, characterised by abysmal service and bad driving. The emergence of Uber in South Africa has created a new transport avenue for South Africans. Uber became a hit amongst locals and tourists, overtaking the metered taxis as direct competition. The night time economy has been one of the major beneficiaries, as Uber provided a 24 hour transport system. The entry of Uber has been associated with disruptive technology, which has disrupted the metered taxi industry specifically and the transport industry generally. The emergence of Uber has brought about a new pricing strategy called surge pricing, which has not been captured by the academic gaze in a Southern African context. The chapter seeks to add to the body of knowledge on Uber and surge pricing.
From Philosophical Queries to Greater Dilemmas of Neuroethics
Authors: Petlach Martin
Published: July 2020

This chapter elucidates the origins and changes in understanding of neuroethics. An accent is then put on the role neuroethics should play. As a consequence, limitations in research are identified, especially in connection with ethical questions that had been proposed by philosophers in previous centuries. The urgency of their remarks has intensified due to the expansion of neuroscience. This theoretical part is subsequently enriched by practical aspects and ethical codes of which prescripts are key and neuromarketing practitioners are expected to obey them. Despite a growth of interest in neuroethics, the author presumes that the field still represents a ceaseless combat from within, and he claims that it may even remain invincible as a vicious circle. In conclusion, new trajectories are brought and considered together with recommendations and suggestions of new research possibilities as in case of political neuromarketing. This branch, however, perfectly illustrates the complexities associated with neuroethics.
Consumer Neuroscience Perspective for Brands
Authors: Çakar Tuna , Girişken Yener
Published: July 2020

Neuroscientific tools have increasingly been used by marketing practitioners and researchers to understand and explain several different questions that have been issued for a specific company or a general understanding. In this respect, the neuroscientific approach has been evaluated as a potential tool for understanding the neural mechanisms directly related to marketing with its contribution to providing novel perspectives. The chapter addresses one of the most relevant subjects, brands, for issuing the strategic role of applied neuroscience in marketing and consumer behavior. The first section of this chapter focuses on a novel definition of brand, and the next section covers the brand image, brand perception, and brand loyalty. The second section summarizes the main findings regarding the neuroscience of brands. In the final section, the findings from a related experiment have been provided for the potential roles of neuromarketing for developing marketing strategies for brands.
Understanding Consumer Behavior Through Eye-Tracking
Authors: Cerci H. Serhat , Koyluoglu A. Selcuk
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this chapter, which is designed to measure where and how the consumer focuses in an advertising brochure, which visual is more striking, and how much eye strain (twitch) it takes, is to measure the density and visual attention of the eyes through the eye-tracking device during the individual examination. For this study, an experimental laboratory for neuromarketing research was used. After watching the videos and images of the participants in the eye-tracking module, the general evaluations were taken to determine what they remembered, and a comparison opportunity was born. According to the findings, logos, and photographs are more effective than texts. Viewers read large text and skip small text. Suggestions for future research are presented in the chapter.
Pattern Thinking
Authors: Dutta Tanusree , Sarkar Soumya
Published: July 2020

Consumers experience retail environments through the encounters they have. Out of these, the oft-repeated ones become part of the way they experience the world, which lay down and solidify neural connections and firing patterns leading to sight, hearing, feeling, and doing. This ‘doing' shapes consumer experiences. The foundation for such experiences is the fact that human brains are geared towards recognizing patterns and interruptions in patterns. To their benefit, retailers use information about the brain identifying patterns of experience and anomalies in those patterns. This knowledge makes sales promotions so fundamental for engaging buyers. Their visit to their favorite store is interrupted by a sudden discount or an alluring offer, which retailers are forever carrying out to seduce buyers. This chapter explores the neuroscience theories that equip the retailers to send out signals to entice buyers and covers applications of such theories in real retail encounters, including the role of dopamine and the brain, impulse buying, and the thrill of hunting deals.
Traditional Market Research and Neuromarketing Research
Authors: Eroglu Sertac , Kucun Nihan Tomris
Published: July 2020

Marketing research, dedicated to comprehending consumer behavior and purchasing practice, comprises methodical gathering, analysis, and interpretation of related data. Since the understanding of consumer behavior is a comprehensive and complicated task, the contemporary marketing studies argue that traditional marketing research should be supported by neuromarketing methods to explore consumers' psychology, motivation, and behavior. In this chapter, the advantages and disadvantages of traditional marketing and neuromarketing research methodologies and the differences between them are discussed. The traditional market research methods are explained through their qualitative and quantitative dimensions. The most commonly used grouping scheme of techniques in neuromarketing research is presented, namely, neurometric, biometric, and psychometric techniques. The marketing research supported by neuromarketing approaches enables us to look at the consumers' mind as closely as we have never experienced before and opens up new horizons in understanding consumer and marketing relationship.
Reach Across Cultures
Authors: Marshall Vicki L.
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this chapter is to suggest personal and academic practices that will encourage international student persistence in post-secondary institutions. International students who enroll in U.S. post-secondary institutions face barriers that may prevent persistence; therefore, faculty have a responsibility to exercise intercultural competence and to help international students overcome those barriers. These suggestions are derived from Marshall's phenomenological qualitative study in which successful global educational leaders from eight different states described their own personal and academic practices. Personal practices that led to intercultural competence of educational leaders included C.O.R.E. values: compassion, open communication, respect, and an ethnorelative attitude.
Designing Animated (and Interactive) Infographics for Remote Learning
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: July 2020

In remote learning, “animated (and interactive) infographics” combine—visual representations of concepts, data, information, and in-world phenomena; designed motion; designed interactivity; designed learner control; setup of learning contexts and learner sociality; and other factors—to enable various types of learning: observational, (disembodied) experiential, review and practice-based, and other approaches. This work explores the available best practices of designing, development, and deploying animated infographics for learning based on much of the available academic research and some present-day technologies.
Economic Decision Making and Risk Management in a Project Management Environment
Authors: Galli Brian J.
Published: July 2020

In today's uncertain business environment, companies must evaluate risk for projects before making business decisions. For example, one can use the SMART method. Also, Gantt charts help the project manager to schedule and plan, which helps in decision-making for the project. Technology has created software for discovering the probability of the risk with algorithms and many mathematical methods. However, pre-existing literature does not show how these variables, their concepts, and models help in project management, which has resulted in a research gap. Thus, this study addresses the most current variables, their concepts, and models within operations and project management. With a design-science-investigate strategy, the authors approve a valuable growth reveal for reasonable and hypothetical application. Thus, they create a suitable assessment model to fill the research void, as well as to contribute to the engineering field by improving the project success rates and helping with team communication.
Effective Strategies for Communication Management in a Project Management Environment
Authors: Galli Brian J.
Published: July 2020

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of using strategic approaches for managing communication in projects, especially for top-level managers and lower-level employees. The gap of communication could be resolved by implementing strategic approaches of communication management, so as to include all personnel in the organization. According to Neves and Eisenberger (2012), the literature of communication management has stated that it is a key factor for success. Furthermore, Ramsing (2009) claimed that in recent years, most project managers have different educational backgrounds, but they also have limited backgrounds in communication management. To overcome this problem, the authors will state the most effective strategies for managers to utilize for communication in a project. They believe that the there are four most effective strategies, which are the PMI communication strategy, the six main steps of communication strategy, understanding the direction of communication, and choosing the right communication channel.
Towards a Predictive Analysis of UAV-Based Flying Base Station Decisions
Authors: Garmani Hamid , Ait Omar Driss , El Amrani Mohamed , Baslam Mohamed , Jourhmane Mostafa
Published: July 2020

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as a communication platform is of great practical significance in the wireless communications field. This paper studies the activity scheduling of unmanned aerial vehicles acting as aerial base stations in an area of interest for a specific period. Specifically, competition among multiple UAVs is explored, and a game model for the competition is developed. The Nash equilibrium of the game model is then analyzed. Based on the analysis, an algorithm for Nash equilibrium computation is proposed. Then, a game model with fairness concern is established, and its equilibrium price is also analyzed. In addition, numerical examples are conducted to determine the factors that affect the strategies (price, quality of service, and beaconing duration) of the UAV and to show how the expected profits of UAVs change with that fairness concern point. The authors believe that this research paper will shed light on the application of UAV as a flying base station.
Effect of Inadequate Self-Organized Teams in Agile Project Management
Authors: Gjøystdal Sindre , Karunaratne Thashmee
Published: July 2020

Building self-organizing teams in agile projects is considered an important job for project leaders. However, the reality is that building self-organized teams lacks focus as many go back to managing tasks because it is more concrete and tangible. While there are an excessive number of studies proving that developing self-organized teams has a positive contribution to project success, there is a lack of knowledge about the consequences of not doing it. This study, therefore, explores the impact inadequate self-organizing teams has on agile project success. Results have identified five failure areas in a self-organizing team that have a negative impact on three success factors in agile projects. Due to a weak direct link between success factors and success criteria, conclusions are limited to a universally applicable impact on success factors. Further research is recommended to generate a universal checklist for success criteria in agile projects that can have a direct link to the identified success factors.
Big Data and Cloud Computing
Authors: Gautam Akansha , Chatterjee Indranath
Published: July 2020

With evolving technology, a huge data is being generated from everywhere in various forms. The driving factors for the evolution of data, such as retail, media, banking, healthcare, and education, leads to a very large and complex collection of data popularly coined as big data. Handling, management, and analysis of big data seem to be a complicated process. Utilising cloud environment for analysing big data is a recent research trend. Big data analytics can provide cost-effective ways to analyse information quickly and helps in decision making, improvement in services or products. This paper aims to critically review the literature to find current issues and research gaps. This study illustrates the existing solutions and methods provided for big data and its rise in cloud computing technology. Furthermore, this paper throws light on the open research challenges in this domain, stating the scope of future work.
Dimensional Synthesis and Kinematic Analysis of Mold Clamping Mechanism with Double Toggle Effects at Clamped Position
Authors: Hsieh Long Chang , Chen Tzu Hsia , Lai Po Cheng
Published: July 2020

The mold clamping mechanism is an important mechanism of injection machine, and the mold clamping mechanism with good kinematic characteristics is the goal pursued when designing injection machine. Traditionally, the mold clamping mechanism must have at least one toggle effect at clamped position; when the mold is at open position, the mold clamping mechanism does not need to have toggle effect. In this paper, 2 mechanisms of existing patents are used to illustrate the process of the dimensional synthesis and kinematic analysis of mold clamping mechanism with double toggle effects at clamped position. The kinematic characteristics of 2nd mechanism is better than 1st mechanism.
Studying some Optical Properties of Polyethylene Glycol Doped with Al- Nanoparticles
Authors: Abd-Al Hussein Elham Talib , Hameed Awham M.
Published: July 2020

This research aims to improve some optical properties of polyethylene glycol (PEG) by adding different weight percentages of aluminium nanoparticles )0, 2, 4, 6 and 8) % and for achieving a new composite material with improved characteristics. nanocomposite thin films were prepared by solution casting method with different weight percentages of Al nanoparticles. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR and UV-visible spectrophotometer. FTIR-spectra of (PEG-Al) nanocomposite show various special bands of bending for groups (C=O, C–O, C–H, C-N, C-I). Optical microscopy images illustrate the morphology of surface for (PEG) composite. The optical properties measurement by using (UV–VIS) spectrophotometer at wavelength range )220 – 1100(nm were determined. Results show that the absorbance spectrum increased with increase the weight percentages of Al-nanoparticles and the values of absorption coefficient have increased as well as refractive index values increased with the addition of aluminium nanoparticle
Structure and Electrical Properties of ZnO Nanoparticles Blend with POT-DBSA
Authors: Thbayh Dalal K. , Talib Rawnaq A. , Ahilfi Dalal N. , Alaridhee Tahseen A. , Ziadan Kareema M.
Published: July 2020

In this study, we report on a successful preparation nanocomposites poly (o-toluidine) (POT) doping with dodecylbenzene sulfonate acid (DBSA)/ ZnO by in-situ polymerization of (o-toluidine) monomer using ZnO nanoparticles (the weight ratios OT/ZnO: 1/5%, 1/10%, 1/15%). The composite films have been prepared by using the casting method on different substrate depending on the type of measurement. The surface morphology properties of the prepared samples were studied by the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results of FESEM indicate that ZnO nanoparticles were successfully embedded in the POT via chemical interactions between ZnO and (O-toluidine) monomer and the EDX spectrum showed the presence of element Zn in POT-DBSA/ZnO composites. The crystal structure was measured by x-ray directional and its pattern revealed the presence of ZnO in dopant polymer, in the diffraction patterns of POT-DBSA. The intensity of the peaks was increased as the amount of ZnO nanoparticles increased in POT-DBSA. The typical rectifying behaviour indicated that the formation of a diode observes by the I–V characterization of POT-DBSA/ZnO composites at thin film layer with top Al thin layer contact.
Thermal Conductivity Optimization of Porous Alumina Ceramics via Taguchi Model
Authors: Aswad Mohsin A. , Saud Amir N. , Ahmed Mohammed A.
Published: July 2020

A comparative analysis of the thermal conductivity for porous alumina using Taguchi method has been reported in the current research. Porous alumina is one of the most critical ceramics amongst those that are widely used in the thermal insulator industry; this is because of their physical properties. Thus, the investigation of these properties is highly desirable. Test variables were performed for the thermal conductivity studies-weight per cent of a pore-forming agent (yeast), sintering temperature, and soaking time. Through implementing the experimental design using the Taguchi method for thermal conductivity of porous alumina was statistically analyzed. The Signal-to-noise ratio and variance analysis investigated the influence of different parameters on the porous media's thermal conductivity. The result of research determines that the addition of the pore-forming agent obtained a higher thermal insulator. Based on the optimum conditions obtained from the Taguchi method factor was 20wt.% weight of yeast cell , sintering temperature at 1200 C , and the holding time 1.5 h. that give higher value of the S/N ratio.
Physical Investigations of Niobium Oxide Nanorod Imploring Laser Radiation
Authors: Mahdi Rana O. , Fakhri Makram A. , Salim Evan T.
Published: July 2020

In this work, the Nb2O5 nanostructure has been deposited using Q-switched Nd: YAG laser in the vacuum pressure of 0 bar pressure on quartz substrates. Physical properties of the prepared films at different substrate temperatures (300, 400, and 500) °C were characterized. The obtained results reflect the formation of good quality monoclinic Nb2O5 thin film. A clear blow shift was also obtained where the optical band gap increase from (to) with temperature. Finally, AFM results revealed the increase the surface roughness with substrate temperatures.
Analysis of Thermal Effects within Cylindrical Shape Solid-State Laser Rod
Authors: Abdul Razzaq Mohammed Jalal , Hubeatir Kadhim A.
Published: July 2020

In this work, a temperature-dependent analytical model was modified to predict the thermal effects of diode laser double–end-pumped cylindrical laser rod under Gaussian pump beam distribution. Heat load and temperature distribution were analyzed using the Kirchhoff integral transform method. Results show that a maximum temperature difference of approximately 69.61 K was obtained on each side face of the laser rod at a maximum power of 40 W (equally divided on each face). The total thermal focal length of approximately 34.64 mm was calculated under the Gaussian pumping profile. The finite element method code incorporated with well-verified software was used to numerically verify the obtained results, where the analytical and numerical results are highly matched. The results reveal that the total thermal focal length produced in a double–end-pumped geometry is two times less than that obtained from a single-end-pumped geometry.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Sulphamethoxazole Drug by New Pyrazoline Derived from 2,4-Dinitro Phenyl Hydrazine
Authors: Al Rashidy Asmaa Ahmed Mohammed , Al Badrany Khalid Abdlaaziz , Al Garagoly Gassim Mohammed
Published: July 2020

Simple, sensitive and accurate spectrophotometric methods have been developed for the determination of Sulphamethoxazole (SMZ) drug . This method based on the reaction of Sulphamethoxazole (SMZ) with new organic reagent (BYN) it was prepare by reaction between ethyl acetoacetate with 2,4-Dinitrophenylhydrazine. The azo dye product shows absorption maximum at 435 nm. The linearity ranges of Sulphamethoxazole are (2-14 μg.mL-1) with molar absorptivity (14412.77 L.mol-1.cm-1), Sandell's sensitivity index (0.0175 μg.cm-2) , detection limit and Quantification limit ( 0.057, 0.175 μg / ml) respectively. The results showed there are no interferences of excipients on the determination of the drug. The proposed method has been successfully applied for the determination of sulfanilamide in pure and pharmaceutical formulations.
Impacts of In Vivo Exposure Static Magnetic Field to Blood Viscosity
Authors: Mustafa Bestoon Taha , Yaba Sardar , Ismail Asaad Hamid
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to investigate the in-vivo effect of a static magnetic field (SMF) on blood falling time and velocity in a capillary tube. We generated a magnetic field using Helmholtz coils. We exposed rats with 2.4±0.2mT for a duration of one-four weeks and 1-8hrs/day. Blood samples were withdrawn and passed through a capillary viscometer under gravity. Results showed a significant reduction of blood falling time and an increase of blood falling velocity at 2 weeks exposure. The 4hrs and 8hrs exposure per day have reduced the blood falling time from 129±3.94sec to 53.2±1.80sec and 55±2.92sec respectively. The 2hrs exposure for 1 week reduced blood falling velocity from 0.19±0.004cm/sec-0.12±0.002cm/sec. The 4hrs exposure/day showed a similar trend to control samples for the entire durations except for the 4 weeks exposure, which took a long time to pass through the capillary.
Improving the Composite Materials for Bi Lateral Prosthesis with Below Knee Amputation
Authors: Abbas Saif M. , Sadiq Ghanim Sh. , Abdul Sattar Muhammed
Published: July 2020

This study used the tensile and fatigue test to find the properties of composite material used to fabricate a prosthetic socket with below knee amputation using an excluding air technique. The composite materials consisted of eight layers of carbon-fiber for first socket and eight layers of perlon for second socket of below knee amputation. This study was conducted on a patient have 45years old of height 164cm and weight95kg were measured, and the results showed that the ultimate stress (Ϭult) and yield stress (Ϭy) for eight layers of perlon was39 MPa and 36 MPa, while for eight layers of carbon-fiber was 135 MPa and 121 MPa. The fatigue limit for eight layers of perlon was 15 MPa and for eight layers of carbon-fiber was 90 MPa. The value of pressure on the internal wall of the prosthetic socket was measured by F-socket sensor between stump and socket for four position; this data is anterior =210kPa, lateral=313kPa, posterior=225kPa and medial=180kPa. From mechanical properties and ANSYS workbench 14.5software, the safety factor for below knee socket with eight layers of carbon-fiber is (1.35) which is acceptable for socket design. The safety factor for below knee socket with eight layers of perlon is (0.22) which is failure.
Utilization of Nano and Micro Particles to Enhance Drilling Mud Rheology
Authors: Jassim Lina , Yunus Robiah , Rashid Umer
Published: July 2020

Nanoparticles have been used to overcome the limitations of drilling oil and gas wellbores under harsh conditions of high pressure and high temperature (HPHT). In the present work, calcium carbonate (CaCO3: 5 µm particles), graphene (powder and platelets) and carbon nano sphere nanoparticles were used as rheology enhancer and fluid loss agent for HTHP drilling fluid technology. The results revealed that by adding only 0.1 wt% of nanoparticles to ester-based drilling mud improved the stability for drilling deep and ultra-deep wells up to 230°C. Furthermore, adding graphene powder gave more effective results comparing to graphene platelets and carbon nano sphere. The mud can plug 10 µm of formation size with 8 ml of filtration and 775 mD of permeability using (21/2 × 1/4 ) inch of ceramic disc. The nanoparticle enhanced ester-based drilling fluid also showed superior rheology, fluid loss amount and mud cake thickness. The application of nano ester based drilling fluid is in oil and gas drilling industry.
Removal of Organic Dyes by Using Cellulose-Chitosan-Nanowires Hybrid Composition Beads
Authors: Tareq Alarqam Zyaad
Published: July 2020

Organic dyes are mostly used in textile, paper, plastic, and other industries. These industries can be toxic and harmful to environment and human. Adsorption is the most efficient method to control wastewater that contains dyes. Cellulose-Chitosan beads was mainly used in the adsorption. To increase and enhance the organic dyes removal capacity of these beads, titanium dioxide nanowires (TiO2Nw) as used to achieve novel Cs-Cell-nanowires hybrid composites. Ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires was prepared and used to enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of beads. On the other hand, the beads composition was prepared with spherical white shape. Internal structure of beads and other composition were studied by using Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), lazer diffraction (LD), thermal analysis (TG, DSC, DTG, and DTA). The beads are tested with five different organic dyes which include Methyl blue (MB), Acid alizarin Black (AAB) as cationic dyes, and Methyl orang (MO), Methyl red (MR) and Eriochrome black T (EBT) as anionic dyes. The results indicate that the beads have the ability to remove MB, EBT,AAB but do not have the ability to remove MO and MR. So, the Cell-CS- HAPNw- TiO2Nw beads can be considered as the promising adsorption for MB, EBT, and AAB from aqueous solutions.
Tailoring Polylactic Acid Properties for Packaging Applications: Effects of Co‐Addition of Halloysite Nanotubes and Selected Plasticizers
Authors: Alakrach Abdulkader M. , Zulkepli Nik Noriman , Al-Rashdi Awad A. , Ting Sam Sung , Hamzah Rosniza , Dahham Omar S.
Published: July 2020

Polylactic acid (PLA) has recently given a huge attention because of its mechanical properties and good physical like good biodegradability and processability, high tensile modulus and strength. In the current research, the researchers utilized sesame oil (SO) and low molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) as hydrophobic and hydrophilic plasticizers, towards improvise the ductility and toughness of PLA. The researchers synthesized nanocomposites by solution casting of the neat PLA/HNTs and PLA blends with weight ratio of (0,10, 20 and 30 wt%) for PEG and (0, 5 and 10 wt%) for SO. The influence of both plasticizers on chemical, thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. Characterization of the systems was achieved by mechanical testing and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The FTIR analyses confirmed the existing of hydrogen bonding between PLA and both PEG and SO. significant improvement was shown by the plasticized nanocomposites in elongation at break with the adding of PEG and SO, meanwhile, the plasticized films’ strength were decreased. For the thermal analyses, all the films exhibited lower thermal stability compared to PLA/HNTs film.
Disinfection of Drinking Water from Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Using Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Jawad Raid Salih , Younus Alaa Hussein , Abbas Hussein Hafidh , Shihab Ahmed , Jawad Aya R. , Al Muski Nooruldeen
Published: July 2020

Due to the lack of raining levels, accretion population growth and increasing pollution in the water resources, the world nowadays is facing a real challenge of providing enough drinking water supplies. Many common species of bacteria could be founded in the water resources like Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This paper is an attempt to find an effective agent to eliminate these bacteria. silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been tested against these bacteria. Sliver nanoparticles were synthesized by wet chemistry method and were dispersed in an aqueous suspension and prepared in different concentrations. Also, some common antibiotics have been tested against the selected bacteria including; gentamycin (GN), cephalexin (KF), erythromycin (E), ampicillin (AM) and amoxicillin (AMX). The results confirmed that silver nanoparticles had a good antibacterial effect against the selected bacteria in comparison with the tested antibiotics.
Magneto-Optical Measurements of Magnetic Nanoparticles Using Laser for Environmental Applications
Authors: Rawa Ibrahim , Mahmood Aseel Ibrahim , Chyad Radhi M.
Published: July 2020

The project presents the use of laser and magnetic nanoparticles like iron oxide (Fe3O4) in heavy metal detection in water. In this method, metal Nanomagnets particles result in a magnetic reagent for the rapid removal of heavy metals from solutions or water of magnitude to concentration 0.25wt%. This can be done by measuring the magneto-optical parameters (as a hysteric loop) of the solution as an indication of the change in concentrations of the detected heavy metal. The samples used in this work using the Tigris River water that supported from al-Wathba lab. water projects of the Baghdad water directorate at Baghdad-Iraq. Putting here a study of the effect of graphene and metal oxide such as cobalt and nickel which doped the ferrofluid (iron oxide) /polymer/water (Tigris river water) composite on the magneto-optical properties. The graphene adding had the best result in low threshold magnetic field which was 67mGauss, give the motive to use it in fast sensing and detecting of heavy metal in Tigris river water.
Influence of Acetic Acid on Gypseous Soil
Authors: Snodi Lamyaa Najah , Hussein Israa Saleh
Published: July 2020

Gypseous soil disturbed in many regions in the world. Existence of this soil with high gypsum content caused many damages to the buildings and structures that built on it due to dissolve and leaching of the gypsum slates by the flow of water through the soil mass. Therefore, it is necessary to study the properties of such soil. The dissolve of gypsum depends on many factors such as (gypsum content, temperature and other factors). Another important factor which is the acidity of the dissolution liquid must be considered. This study observes the influence of Acetic acid (CH3COOH) on the gypseous soil. Laboratory models includes (270 mm diameter) and (500 mm height) thick steel cylinder container and 17.1 kN/m3 density gypseous soil compacted in three layers, with gypsum content about 58% . The relation between the soaking time and the shear strength parameters was investigated. Also, plastic square container dimensions (250 mm x 250 mm x 300mm) used with same conditions to observed the deformation of the soil. The aim of this study is to simulate the infiltration of Acid in Gypseous soil. Test results show that increase cohesion of soil for diluted acid while decrease cohesion values for concentrated acid. Angle of friction for soil was increase for diluted and concentrated acid.
Shear Performance of Reinforced Concrete Beams with GFRP
Authors: Al-Fadhli Suaad K. Ibraheem
Published: July 2020

"Fiber Reinforced Polymers FRP" provide good alternatives to regular reinforcing steel, as their resistance to environmental factors specifies them and provide durability, in addition to their appropriate prices. These polymers are of various compositions and forms, some of which have a basic composition of glass fibers, others contain carbon or additional materials. They have used instead of steel reinforcement as the main longitudinal rebar, also as laminates that can be attached to the concrete surfaces for shear or flexural resistance. In this study, "Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymers GFRP" has tested for shear performance, where a practical program has applied. Three "simply supported beams" as control specimens have been prepared and tested, with the other nine beams with different combinations of reinforcement of steel and GFRP for flexure and shear resistance. Specimens have examined and the results have analyzed. The results showed that the use of GFRP as for main reinforcement with GFRP laminates instead of shear steel reinforcement increases the load capacity by 11%, also decreases the deflection by 46%.
Modification of Polylactic Acid/ Halloysite Bionanocomposites Using Electron Beam Radiation: Physical, Barrier and Thermal Properties
Authors: Alakrach Abdulkader M. , Zulkepli Nik Noriman , Al-Rashdi Awad A. , Ting Sam Sung , Hamzah Rosniza , Dahham Omar S.
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to develop novel Polylactic acid/ Halloysite (PLA/ HNTs) films which showed better properties when they were used for food packaging. They also displayed better mechanical, barrier, morphological and structural properties when the researchers analysed the impact of the electron beam irradiation on the nanomaterials. They prepared PLA-based nanocomposites containing 5 % w/w of HNTs using the solution casting process. These nanocomposites were further exposed to different ebeam doses (i.e., 0, 20, 40 and 60 kGy). The researchers assessed the effect of the electron beam irradiation on the various properties of the PLA. All the composites showed a homogenous dispersion and distribution of the HNTs in this PLA matrix. Results indicated that the nanocomposites showed better barrier properties in comparison to the neat PLA. Furthermore, the ebeam irradiation could increase the glass-transition temperature and lead to the development of more crosslinks, which increased the degradation temperature and hydrophilicity of the nanocomposites. In this study, the researchers showed that the PLA/HNTs films were effective materials that could be used for the electron beam processing of the pre-packed foods. The best effect was noted for the 20 kGy dosage which was used in the study.
Effect of Different Curing on Mechanical Properties of Polymer - Cement Composites
Authors: Fahad Besma M. , Matlik Baraa M.
Published: July 2020

The polymer-cement composites have special specifications, high strength compared to their low density, satisfactory deformability, deterioration resistance, tailored design. This enables the construction of new elements and the structural recovery of the existing parts made of traditional materials. two sets of mixtures were prepared that consist of mortar and polymer to produce the polymer-mortar composites were cured at room temperature and post-cure at 50 ͦ C. The set includes mortar (cement-sand) without water. The polymer was epoxy which is added to the mortar after mixing the hardener with resin. Set consists of the proportion of polymer (15, 20 and 30%).The effect of the polymer was studied on both sets by computing the density also measuring the hardness, compressive strength and flexural strength of specimens. The addition of polymer showed an improvement in these properties and post-cure have improvement properties .the lowest percent of the polymer showed The highest results were density 1133.3 kg/m3, the hardness of composites was 97.28 shore D. the compressive strength was about 100.816 MPa and the value of flexural strength was about 29.418 MPa.
Synthesis, Characterization and Reactivity Ratios of Poly Phenyl Acrylamide-Co-Methyl Methacrylate
Authors: Mohammed Ameen Hadi , Mahmood Tamador Ali , Yousif Selvana Adwar , Musa Aminu , Dally Nerodh Nasser
Published: July 2020

The monomer phenyl acrylamide was synthesized by reacting acrylamide with chloro benzene in the presence of pyridine. Copolymer of phenyl acrylamide (PAM) with methyl methacrylate (MMA) was synthesized by free radical technique using dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) as solvent and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as initiator. The overall conversion was kept low (≤ 15% wt/wt) for all studies copolymers samples. The synthesized copolymers were characterized using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and their thermal properties were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The copolymers compositions were determined by elemental analysis. The monomer reactivity ratios have been calculated by linearization methods proposed by Kelen-Tudos and Fineman-Ross. The derived reactivity ratios (r1, r2) for (PAM-co-MMA) are: (0.03, 0.593). The microstructure of copolymers and sequence distribution of monomers in the copolymers were calculated by statistical method based on the average reactivity ratios and found that these values are in agreement with the derived reactivity ratios. Copolymers of PAM with MMA formed alternating copolymers.
Celebrating year of the nurse and the midwife: time to tell your stories
Authors: Drake Emily E.
Published: July 2020

In May 2019 when the World Health Organization declared that 2020 would be “The Year of the Nurse and Midwife” at the 72nd World Health Assembly they could not have known that 2020 would also become the year of the COVID-19, the novel coronavirus pandemic. Historians are asking us to document this pandemic, and nurses can help. This is a call to action for nurses and readers of Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing, now is the time to tell your story.
Utility of endobronchial ultrasound guided trans-bronchial needle aspiration in diagnosis of melioidosis - case series and review of literature
Authors: Rahman K.K Mujeeb , Bhuniya Sourin , Behera Bijayini , Mohapatra Prasanta Raghab , Kumar Rajesh , Radhakrishnan Anjuna
Published: July 2020

Endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is routinely performed for diagnostic evaluation of mediastinal lymphadenopathy due to various etiologies with excellent sensitivity and specificity. Melioidosis can have atypical features like isolated mediastinal lymphadenopathy mimicking as tuberculosis or lymphoma. Differentiation of such atypical melioidosis presentation become difficult due to similar clinical, radiological and even similar EBUS lymph node characteristics. Role of EBUS TBNA in diagnosing melioidosis is under investigated and sparsely reported. We describe two cases of melioidosis diagnosed by point of care rapid lateral flow immunoassay antigen testing and culture of EBUS-TBNA samples from necrotic mediastinal lymph nodes.
God’s patronage constitutes a community of compassionate equals
Authors: Malan Gert J.
Published: July 2020

The central themes of Jesus’ preaching, the kingdom and household of God, are root metaphors expressing the symbolic universe of God’s patronage subverting patronage and patriarchy structuring contemporary Mediterranean society, thus legitimising an anti-hierarchical community of faith. This dominant focus of Jesus’ message was discarded, as society’s prevalent patronage and patriarchy became the societal structure of the later faith communities. Today, patronage and patriarchy still forms the social structure for a large sector of Christian communities and many cultures, resulting in inequality, injustice, exploitation and suffering. This article proposes that the only remedy for the faithful is a return to Jesus’ essential message, by investigating the social dynamics suggested by these root metaphors using metaphor theory and social scientific methods. Patronage is studied within contemporary Roman and Mediterranean aristocratic patriarchal society, forming an a-typical broad-based needle-like power pyramid with multiple similarly structured power pyramids within, based on a morality of indebtedness, honour and power. Jesus accepted God as his father and declared the advent of God’s patronage as king (kingdom of God) and father of the faithful (children of God). Within the kingdom and household of God, there was no hierarchy, except for the primate of the first born son, whom Jesus symbolises as broker for God’s patronage to all his followers. Within the faith communities there should be no hierarchy or any form of clientage other than God’s patronage. Rather, the faithful are equal and should serve each other and their communities with compassion, responsibility and justice.Contribution: The contribution of this research is its focus on similarity and dissimilarity of these patronage metaphors and their application to subvert the power dynamics of patronage and patriarchy within the community of the faithful, in order to proffer God’s patronage of a society of caring, selfless equals today. This research falls within the scope of HTS Theological studies, as it is a multi-disciplinary study of key biblical metaphors investigated with accepted methodology resulting in valid conclusions which are ethically sound.
‘He passed away because of cutting down a fig tree’: The similarity between people and trees in Jewish symbolism, mysticism and halakhic practice
Authors: Shemesh Abraham O.
Published: July 2020

Comparing people to trees is a customary and common practice in Jewish tradition. The current article examines the roots and the development of the image of people as trees in Jewish sources, from biblical times to recent generations (Bible, classical rabbinical literature, medieval to modern rabbinic literature and popular culture), as related to the prohibition against destroying fruit trees. The similarity between humans and trees in the Jewish religion and culture was firstly suggested in biblical literature as a conceptual-symbolic element. However, since the Amoraic period (3rd–5th centuries CE), this similarity was transformed to a resemblance bearing mystical and Halakhic (Jewish Law) implications. Various sources in rabbinical literature describe trees as humans that may be spoken to or yelled at to produce fruit. Cutting down a tree was perceived by the rabbis of the Talmud (3rd–5th centuries CE) not only as an unethical act or vandalism, but also as a hazard: the death of the tree corresponds to the death of the person who resembles it. All societies, cultures and religions have a system of values and practices that are aimed at shaping people, society and the environment according to a certain worldview.Contribution: The discussion in this article on the relationship between religion-culture and nature (plants) indicates how the Jewish religion shaped believers’ attitude to the world of flora over the generations by transforming the man-tree comparison into one with binding and even threatening practical religious meaning.