bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Tests Applied to Structural Health Monitoring: An Overview of Previous Experience
Authors: Baran Marta , Nowakowski Dominik , Lisiecki Janusz , Kłysz Sylwester
Published: July 2021

Laboratory for Materials Strength Testing (LMST) has been conducting accredited mechanical research for aviation from 2003. Among accredited procedures are e.g. low and high cycle fatigue tests, fracture toughness tests and fatigue crack growth rate tests. The main goal of them is obtaining materials constants and characteristics. However knowledge how to conduct these tests could be used also in other applications, for instance in the work on development of Structural Health Monitoring systems (SHM). When cracks propagate in a controlled way in laboratory conditions, it allows verifying the operation of a single sensor or a network of sensors.

In this paper, an overview of mechanical tests carried out at the Laboratory for Materials Strength Testing within Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) work on research and development of SHM systems is presented. Specimens prepared from materials such as aluminum alloys (among other withdrawn PZL-130 Orlik TC-II aircraft) and CFRP composite were tested under different mechanical loads, i.e., cycle and impact loads. In the presented research, both constant amplitude and spectrum loads were applied.
Digital Innovations and Smart Solutions for Society and Economy: Pros and Cons
Authors: Sikorski Marcin
Published: July 2021

Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) may involve significant potential threats to personal data privacy, national security, and social and economic stability. AI-based solutions are often promoted as “intelligent” or “smart” because they are autonomous in optimizing various processes. Because they can modify their behavior without human supervision by analyzing data from the environment, AI-based systems may be more prone to malfunctions and malicious activities than conventional software systems. Moreover, due to existing regulatory gaps, development and operation of AI-based products are not yet subject to adequate risk management and administrative supervision. Resonating to recent reports about potential threats resulting from AI-based systems, this paper presents an outline of a prospective risk assessment for adaptive and autonomous products. This research resulted in extensive catalogs of possible damages, initiating events, and preventive policies that can be useful for risk managers involved in conducting risk assessment procedures for AI-based systems. The paper concludes with the analysis and discussion of changes in business, legal, and institutional environments required to ensure the public that AI-based solutions can be trusted, are transparent and safe, and can improve the quality of life.
Introducing the Jordan Labor Market Panel Survey 2016
Authors: Krafft Caroline , Assaad Ragui
Published: July 2021

This paper introduces the 2016 wave of the Jordan Labor Market Panel Survey (JLMPS). It is an essential reference for users of this innovative and valuable dataset, which adds to the growing series of labor market panel surveys (LMPSs) produced by the Economic Research Forum (ERF). The 2016 wave is a follow-up on the initial 2010 wave. There has been substantial turmoil in the region since 2010, including the onset of the Syrian conflict and the influx of refugees into Jordan. The 2016 wave over-sampled areas with a high proportion of non-Jordanians to be able to represent and examine this important population. The paper describes this sampling strategy, attrition from 2010 to 2016, and weighting that corrects for attrition and accounts for the sampling strategy. We compare key demographic measures and labor market statistics with other sources of data on Jordan to demonstrate the sample's representativeness. The data provide an important opportunity for a detailed analysis of Jordan's changing labor market and society.
Better together: Active and passive labor market policies in developed and developing economies
Authors: Pignatti Clemente , Van Belle Eva
Published: July 2021

We investigate the macroeconomic impact of public expenditure in active labor market policies (ALMPs) and passive labor market policies (PLMPs) on main employment indicators (i.e., unemployment, employment, and labor force participation) for a large and novel panel database of 121 countries (36 developed, 64 emerging and 21 developing economies). Compared to previous studies, we include for the first time evidence from developing and emerging economies and explicitly examine the possible presence of complementarities between active and passive policies. We find that the interaction between interventions is crucial, as the effect of spending in either of the two policies is more favorable the more is spent on the other. Even the detrimental labor market effects of passive policies disappear on the condition that sufficient amounts are spent on active interventions. This complementarity seems even more important for emerging and developing economies.
Substantiality: A Construct Indicating Research Excellence to Measure University Research Performance
Authors: Shirabe Masashi , Koizumi Amane
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The adequacy of research performance of universities or research institutes have often been evaluated and understood in two axes: “quantity” (i.e. size or volume) and “quality” (i.e. what we define here as a measure of excellence that is considered theoretically independent of size or volume, such as clarity in diamond grading). The purpose of this article is, however, to introduce a third construct named “substantiality” (“ATSUMI” in Japanese) of research performance and to demonstrate its importance in evaluating/understanding research universities.

Design/methodology/approach

We take a two-step approach to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed construct by showing that (1) some characteristics of research universities are not well captured by the conventional constructs (“quantity” and “quality”)-based indicators, and (2) the “substantiality” indicators can capture them. Furthermore, by suggesting that “substantiality” indicators appear linked to the reputation that appeared in university reputation rankings by simple statistical analysis, we reveal additional benefits of the construct.

Findings

We propose a new construct named “substantiality” for measuring research performance. We show that indicators based on “substantiality” can capture important characteristics of research institutes. “Substantiality” indicators demonstrate their “predictive powers” on research reputation.

Research limitations

The concept of “substantiality” originated from IGO game; therefore the ease/difficulty of accepting the concept is culturally dependent. In other words, while it is easily accepted by people from Japan and other East Asian countries and regions, it might be difficult for researchers from other cultural regions to accept it.

Practical implications

There is no simple solution to the challenge of evaluating research universities’ research performance. It is vital to combine different types of indicators to understand the excellence of research institutes. Substantiality indicators could be part of such a combination of indicators.

Originality/value

The authors propose a new construct named substantiality for measuring research performance. They show that indicators based on this construct can capture the important characteristics of research institutes.
Effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitor-masitinib mesylate on canine mammary tumour cell lines
Authors: Ustun-Alkan Fulya , Bakırel Tülay , Üstüner Oya , Anlas Ceren , Cinar Suzan , Yıldırım Funda , Gürel Aydın
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Masitinib mesylate, a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor of the c-KIT receptor, is used for the treatment of mast cell tumours in dogs. Masitinib has previously been investigated in various cancers; however, its potential anticancer effect in canine mammary tumours (CMTs) is unknown. In the present paper, we investigated the antiproliferative effect of masitinib in CMT cells and its possible mechanisms of action.

Material and Methods

The effect of masitinib on the proliferation of CMT-U27 and CMT-U309 cells was assessed by MTT assay and DNA fragmentation. Flow cytometric analysis was used to measure the effect of masitinib on apoptosis and the cell cycle. Additionally, vascular endothelial growth factor levels (VEGF) were measured, and the proliferation marker Ki-67 was visualised in immunocytochemical stainings in CMT cells.

Results

Treatment with masitinib inhibited the proliferation of CMT cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Maximal apoptotic activity and DNA fragmentation were observed at approximately IC50 of masitinib in both cell lines. In addition, cell cycle distribution was altered and VEGF levels and Ki-67 proliferation indices were decreased in masitinib-treated cells in comparison with control cells.

Conclusion

In this study, masitinib suppressed cell proliferation concomitantly via induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by decreasing VEGF levels and the Ki-67 proliferation index in CMT-U27 and CMT-U309 cells in vitro, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic tool in the clinical setting of mammary cancer treatment in dogs.
Land development policy as related to real estate influenced by railway noise in the context of allowable indicators that have been recently modified in Poland
Authors: Podawca Konrad , Karsznia Krzysztof , Jewuła Kamil
Published: July 2021

The paper deals with the problem of rail noise pollution in cities in the context of legal amendments. This aspect is often neglected in the process of spatial planning. The authors were motivated to undertake this analysis both by legal changes permitting higher levels of acceptable noise thresholds, which were introduced and legalised in October 2012, and by the intensified levels of investment in areas neighbouring railways. On selected examples of residential areas in Warsaw, Poland (the city districts of Ursus, Białołęka and Ursynów), relevant land development sites were analysed against the course of isophones showing permissible noise levels. The analysis was based on data taken from acoustic maps for Warsaw from 2012 and 2017, planning studies, the Topographic Objects Database (BDOT10k) and the current state of land development. Using ArcGis software, 22 features, three study areas, and corresponding quantitative indicators were assessed. The authors presented the level of railway noise pollution set against the general spatial development. The analysis demonstrated that the changes in legislation have resulted in the “acoustic release” of land near railways; i.e., in these areas new, less-restrictive regulations on noise pollution have become permissible. In turn, the number of buildings that were considered at risk of noise pollution before 2012 has fallen.

The aforementioned regulatory changes may unfavourably impact residential areas neighbouring railways and this has even provoked a wider discussion at the European Union level.
Multivariate mapping for experienced users: comparing extrinsic and intrinsic maps with univariate maps
Authors: Korycka-Skorupa Jolanta , Gołębiowska Izabela
Published: July 2021

Multivariate mapping is a technique in which multivariate data are encoded into a single map. A variety of design solutions for multivariate mapping refers to the number of phenomena mapped, the map type, and the visual variables applied. Unlike other authors who have mainly evaluated bivariate maps, in our empirical study we compared three solutions when mapping four variables: two types of multivariate maps (intrinsic and extrinsic) and a simple univariate alternative (serving as a baseline). We analysed usability performance metrics (answer time, answer accuracy, subjective rating of task difficulty) and eye-tracking data. The results suggested that experts used all the tested maps with similar results for answer time and accuracy, even when using four-variable intrinsic maps, which is considered to be a challenging solution. However, eye-tracking data provided more nuances in relation to the difference in cognitive effort evoked by the tested maps across task types.
Numerical study of coupled oscillator system using the classical Euler-Lagrange equations
Authors: Shanak H. , Khalilia H. , Jarrar R. , Asad J.
Published: July 2021

Problems involving vibrations (mechanical or electrical) can be reduced to problems of coupled oscillators. For this, we consider the motion of coupled oscillators system using Lagrangian method. The Lagrangian of the system was initially constructed, and then the Euler-Lagrange equations (i.e., equations of motion of the system) have been obtained. The obtained equations of motion are a homogenous second-order equation. These equations were solved numerically using the ode45 code, which is based on Runge-Kutta method.
Dynamic properties of hybrid machine tool body – Theoretical and experimental investigation
Authors: Kepczak Norbert , Pawlowski Witold
Published: July 2021

The article presents theoretical and experimental investigation in order to obtain dynamic properties of hybrid machine tool body in comparison with cast iron body. For this purpose, the theoretical and experimental modal analyses were carried out. The influence of the mineral cast material for filling voids on the dynamic properties of the machine tool body was discussed. During the analysis, the modes and frequencies of free vibrations, the amplitude values and the damping ratios were compared. Despite lowering the free vibration frequency of the hybrid construction, compared to the cast iron body, in some cases, the dynamic properties were affected. This could be determined on the basis of decreasing the amplitude value of the transfer function (from 12.16% to 58.66%) and the increasing the vibration damping coefficient ratio (from 12.22% to 75.24%) in the case of a hybrid body as compared to a cast iron body. The final conclusions were drawn about the application of mineral casts in the construction of machine tools and its impact on the dynamic properties of the structure.
Testing Device for Hydraulic Rope System Tensile Force Equalizing Unit
Authors: Hrabovský Leopold , Frydrýšek Karel
Published: July 2021

Rope elevators, also referred to as traction elevators, have a cabin suspended from a system of ropes. The system of ropes consists of at least two load-bearing steel ropes with six strands or, from the point of view of easier bending, and currently more widespread, ropes with eight strands. Lifting or lowering of the car, run between the guides, is ensured by the frictional force of the steel ropes in the grooves of the traction disk of the elevator machinery. As the load-bearing capacity of the elevator increases, the required number of load-bearing ropes also increases, especially in the case where small diameter ropes are used in traction elevators. The actual weight of the car and the weight of the load must be evenly distributed among all supporting ropes that are used in the given layout of the elevator. Currently, several principles are known by which it is possible to detect and also change the values of the instantaneous magnitudes of the tensile forces acting in a system of ropes. The paper describes the principle of operation of hydraulic balancing of tensile forces in the system of supporting ropes, which uses the laws of hydromechanics and knowledge of pressure transfer to any place in the fluid, known as Pascal's law. Balancing of differently set values of tensile forces in three supporting ropes, to values of the same size, can be simulated on a test device. This presents the correct operation of the hydraulic system and the possibility of balancing tensile forces in the system of supporting ropes described by the principle of hydraulic device.
Analysis of Flame Propagation in Small Adiabatic Tubes Characterized by Different Degrees of the End Opening
Authors: Gutkowski Artur N. , Cebulski Zbigniew
Published: July 2021

In the present work, we study numerically freely propagating flame in the stoichiometric propane-air mixture. The adiabatic small tubes with one end fully open and the second one characterized by different degrees of opening are examined. The degree of opening of the tubes was equal to: 0% (completely closed), 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% (fully opened) of the tube cross-sectional area. Several mechanisms, such as thermal expansion of the burned gas that can leave the tube freely (fully opened left end of the tube), frictional forces and movement of the unburned mixture generated by a pressure gradient, occur simultaneously during flame propagation. As a result, a nearly-exponential dependence of flame propagation speed as a function of time is observed. For fully open right end (100%), normalized flame speed reaches about 75–80 at the end of the tubes. By partially closing the right end, this effect is delayed and reduced – for 25% of the opening normalized flame speed is about 20 for all tube diameters.
Characterization study of polyAMPS@BMA core-shell particles using two types of RAFT agents
Authors: Shah Nasrullah , Khan Zubair Ullah , Hussain Manzoor , Rehan Touseef , Khan Abbas
Published: July 2021

The study and application of reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization have been widely reported in the literature because of its high compatibility with numerous monomers, reaction conditions, and low polydispersity index. The effect of RAFT agents on the characteristics of the final product is greatly needed to be explored. Our present study aimed to compare the influence of two different types of RAFT agents on the characteristics of the water-soluble polymer (2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid) (polyAMPS) and their polyAMPS@butyl methacrylate (BMA) core-shell particles. Different analytical techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to ascertain the final morphological, structural, and thermal properties of the resultant products. It was found that RAFT agents have shown a clear influence on the final properties of the resultant polyAMPS and their core-shell particles such as particle size, shape, size distribution, and thermal behavior. This study confirms that RAFT agents can control the final properties of the polymers and their core-shell particles.
Impact of management practices on construction productivity in Indian building construction projects: an empirical study1
Authors: Dixit Saurav
Published: July 2021

The objective of this study is to analyse the impact of management practices on the productivity of building construction projects in India. The methodology adopted for this study is to identify and analyse the management practice attributes from the literature review and expert focus group interviews. The identified attributes were analysed and priorities using relative weight were given by the respondents. The collected data were further analysed using SPSS 21 software. The quantitative research methodology was adopted to analyse the collected data and the following tools and techniques were applied to the data: reliability analysis to check the consistency of data collected for this study and relative importance index (RII) to prioritise and rank the attributes based on the weighted average score given by the respondents. The findings of this study concluded that coordination between all stakeholders, ability to handle the crisis by the project managers, social skills of key team managers, timely payment of completed works and design capability and frequent design changes are the most significant attributes of management practice, affecting construction productivity and having a rating on the RII of 0.91, 0.90, 0.88, 0.87 and 0.87.
A framework for achieving sustainability by overcoming the challenges of the construction supply chain during the design process
Authors: Othman Ayman Ahmed Ezzat , AlNassar Nooran
Published: July 2021

This paper aims to develop a framework to achieve sustainability by overcoming the challenges of the construction supply chain (CCSC) during the design process. To achieve this, two approaches, namely theoretical and practical, were used to accomplish four objectives. For the theoretical approach, based on literature review and case studies, the objective used was to identify, classify and validate the challenges that the construction supply chain (CSC) encounter. For the practical approach, a survey questionnaire was employed to quantify the CCSC and investigate the perception of architectural design firms (ADFs) in Egypt towards achieving sustainability by overcoming the CCSC during the design process. Based on the results, the research developed a framework to overcome the CCSC as an approach towards achieving sustainability in construction projects during the design process. The research identified and validated 20 challenges that the CSC encounter towards achieving sustainability during the design process. These challenges were classified under four categories, namely (1) design and technical process; (2) coordination, information flow and accuracy; (3) material specification, technology, supplier rework and whole life cycle cost; and (4) skills gap of the qualified architects and design managers and non-compliance to building codes, regulations, laws and standards. In addition, a survey questionnaire was employed to rank these challenges according to their importance on 1–5 Likert scale using the measure of central tendency and dispersion and relative importance index (RII).
Gauss-Markov model with random parameters to adjust results of surveys of geodetic control networks
Authors: Banaś Marek , Czaja Józef , Dąbrowski Janusz
Published: July 2021

Alignment of an engineering object project in the field is always conducted at the points of the geodetic control network, the coordinates of which are determined on the basis of the results of its elements survey and with connection to the national spatial reference system. The points of the national spatial reference system determined on the basis of previous surveys have specified coordinates with adequate accuracy, which is included in their covariance matrix. The coordinates of the geodetic control network points are determined more accurately than the points of the national spatial reference system and this means that the results of surveys of the geodetic control network have to be adequately incorporated into the coordinates of the reference points. In order to perform this incorporation, it may be assumed that the coordinates of the reference points are random, that is, they have a covariance matrix, which should be used in the process of adjusting the results of the geodetic control network observation. This research paper presents the principles for the estimation of the Gauss-Markov model parameters applied in case of those geodetic control networks in which the coordinates of the reference points have random character. On the basis of the observation equations δ + AX = L for the geodetic control network and using the weighting matrix P and the matrix of conditional covariances (P
−1 + AC

X

A

T
) for the observation vector L, the parameter vector X is estimated in the form of the derived formula

X
^

=

(

C
X

−
1

+

A
T

PA

)

−
1

A
T

P
⋅
L

{\bf{\hat X}} = {\left( {{\bf{C}}_X^{ - 1} + {{\bf{A}}^T}{\bf{PA}}} \right)^{ - 1}}{{\bf{A}}^T}{\bf{P}} \cdot {\bf{L}}

. The verification of these estimation principles has been illustrated by the example of a fragment of a levelling geodetic control network consisting of three geodetic control points and two reference points of the national spatial reference system.

The novel feature of the proposed solution is the application of covariance matrices of the reference point coordinates to adjust the results of the survey of geodetic control networks and to determine limit standard deviations for the estimated coordinates of geodetic control network points.
FEM modelling of the static behaviour of reinforced concrete beams considering the nonlinear behaviour of the concrete
Authors: Pazdan Maciej
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a finite element (FE) method of modelling reinforced concrete beams. The proposed model takes into account the phenomena characteristic of reinforced concrete structures, such as the interaction between two materials (concrete and steel), the cracking caused by mechanical loads and the variation of the Young's modulus under increasing load. A relevant numerical FE analysis was carried out in the ABAQUS system using the concrete damaged plasticity (CDP) model. The character of Young's modulus variation due to increasing stress intensity level was taken from the author's own research. The results of the FE calculations were compared with the results yielded by the author's numerical bar model.
Taxation and Transportation: Granger Causality Approach in Nigeria
Authors: Adejare Adegbite Tajudeen
Published: July 2021

This study gauges taxation's effect on transportation from 1981 to 2019 in Nigeria. This study further assesses the bearing of causality among Transportation, Corporate tax, Petroleum profit tax, Value added tax and Custom and Excise duties. Analytical tools such as VECM, Johanson Test for Cointegration, Vector Autoregression and granger causality Wald (GCW) test are adopted for analysis. Diagnosis tests such as the Lagrange-multiplier test, Jarque-Bera test and Eigenvalue stability condition are carried out to examine autocorrelation, stability and normality tests respectively. Outcomes divulge that corporate tax has a positive short-run and long-run influence on transportation. Petroleum profit tax, Value added tax and Custom and Excise duties also impact transportation positively and significantly both in the long run and short run as deduced from empirical analysis. This reveals that all the components of taxation observed influence transportation positively both in the long run and short run in Nigeria. Conclusively, taxation impacts transportation positively and significantly both in the short run and long run. This translates that taxation income has been utilized effectively to upsurge transportation in Nigeria. It predicts that transportation will perform excellently in terms of economic development and employment generation if taxable income is properly monitored and utilized effectively.
Financial System and SMEs Access to Finance: A Market-Oriented Approach
Authors: Ademosu Akinwande , Morakinyo Akinola
Published: July 2021

The study uses a market-oriented approach to investigate the relationship between the financial system and SMEs access to finance in Nigeria between 1995 and 2019. Both indicators from the capital and money markets are used as independent variables while some macroeconomic variables such as inflation rate, interest rate and exchange rate are also used. The study made use of Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag to explore the long and short-run relationship and the result shows that the capital market has a more significant impact on SMEs access to finance than the money market. Variables such as inflation rate, exchange rate and interest rate all have a significant influence on access to finance by the SMEs. it is recommended that the money market as an important aspect of the financial system in Nigeria should be made to devote more credit to the SMEs sector as it has shown from this study that the bulk of the credit going into the private sector from the money market might not go into the SMEs sector. The inflation rate should also be controlled as well as reducing the lending rate and guide against unreasonable currency devaluation to promote access to finance by the SMEs in Nigeria.
A Review of the Impact of External Shocks on Monetary Policy Effectiveness in Non-WAEMU Countries
Authors: Sedegah Kordzo , Odhiambo Nicholas M.
Published: July 2021

In this paper, the extant literature on the impact of external shocks on monetary policy effectiveness with reference to non-WAEMU countries is reviewed. The importance of this literature review is to provide contemporary perspectives to scholars and policymakers on the relevance of the incidence of external shocks to the effectiveness of monetary policy with reference to non-WAEMU countries. The literature reviewed in this study shows that, on the whole, the extent and the degree to which external shocks are transmitted to the domestic economy substantially depend on a plethora of features, namely the absence of exchange rate flexibility; a strong export concentration, especially with respect to commodities; the level of global economic integration; restricted capacities of production; the absence of competitiveness in exports; over-reliance on foreign aid; foreign reserves that are not adequate and capital account openness.
Impact of Celebrity Endorsement and Breaking News Effect on the Attention of Consumers
Authors: Lazar Laura , Pop Mihai-Ionuţ
Published: July 2021

In the last decade, the new means of communication have determined substantial changes in human behavior and in the way individuals interact with each other. Besides the numerous benefits and opportunities that have arisen throughout the digitalization process, both for individuals as well as for private companies and state institutions, the widespread use of the Internet has generated vulnerabilities and threats. One of the most consistent concerns related to the new means of communication, especially social media platforms, refers to fake news. In recent years, major events including the 2016 presidential election in the US, Brexit, and the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic have proven the negative effects of fake news on society.

In this paper, we use an eye-tracking experiment to determine the unconscious reactions of consumers regarding the attraction potential of a fake news manner written article about a celebrity couple. The results of the experiment for this magazine’s article, with a fake title about the celebrity couple, show that the participants focus their attention on celebrities and fake titles mostly. The picture of the celebrities and the fake title of the article beats the other areas from the article and less on the information in the text. The research proves empirically that consumers are more attentive to celebrity pictures and fake breaking news titles and less to real information in the article. To sum up, testimonials and fake news play an important role in attracting publicity and influencing consumer behavior.
Analysis of Impact of Changes in IFRSs on Convergence of Accounting Systems in World
Authors: Shkulipa Lyudmyla
Published: July 2021

The article examines the impact of updated IFRS on the current convergence of national accounting and reporting rules in Japan, the USA, China, France, Germany, the UK, and Ukraine based on a theoretical analysis of 59 rules and concepts of IFRS. The new differences between the updated IFRS and GAAP of these countries based on the comparative analysis were revealed. The results of the study show currently Ukraine (51%) and the United Kingdom (47%) are the most convergent with IFRS, although their degree of convergence has decreased significantly after recent innovations in IFRS; a new question arises for the UK after Brexit regarding the further application of IFRS; countries with strong national accounting traditions continue to avoid rapid changes in their GAAP; 4) the increase in the convergence of GAAP Japan with IFRS will not be possible shortly. The conclusion states that the main obstacle in the convergent process GAAP and IFRS is that: 1) IFRS are changing based on GAAP USA, rather than vice versa; 2) IFRS do not belong to the “stable to change standards”, so users have a certain distrust of the declared high quality of IFRS. The study results add significant novelty to scientific and practical research on the impact of frequent changes in IFRS both locally and internationally.
Analisis Faktor-faktor yang Mempengaruhi Purchase Intention Konsumen pada Traveloka.com
Authors: Sidhi Wisnu Purnama , Johan Suwinto
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this research is to analyze correlation between information quality, perceived web security to perceived trust, correlation between convenience, web interface quality to perceived ease of use, and correlation between brand image, perceived trust and perceived ease of use to purchase intention consumer at Traveloka.com. This study is a descriptive research, the sampling technique used in this study is nonprobability sampling by convenience sampling using a quantitative approach by distributing questionnaire to 100 respondents Traveloka’s users in Jakarta, the object of this research is Traveloka.com and data processing techniques using structural equation modeling supported by the SmartPLS program.3.2.8. The results of this study indicate that information quality & perceived web security had a positive effect on the perceived trust. Convenience & web interface quality does not affect the perceived ease of use. Brand image, perceived trust & perceived ease of use had a positive effect on purchase intention. Tujuan dari penelitan ini adalah untuk menganalisis apakah ada pengaruh dari information quality, perceived web security terhadap perceived trust, pengaruh convenience, web interface quality terhadap perceived ease of use, dan pengaruh brand image, perceived trust dan perceived ease of use terhadap purchase intention konsumen di Traveloka.com. Penelitian ini jenisnya adalah penelitian deskriptif, menggunakan teknik pengambilan sampel yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah nonprobability sampling, dengan cara convenience sampling menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan menyebarkan kuesioner sebanyak 100 responden pengguna Traveloka di Jakarta, sementara objek penelitiannya adalah Traveloka.com dan teknik pengolahan data menggunakan pemodelan persamaan struktural yang dibantu oleh program SmartPLS.3.2.8. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa information quality & perceived web security berpengaruh positif terhadap perceived trust. Convenience & web interface quality tidak berpengaruh terhadap perceived ease of use. Brand image, perceived trust & perceived ease of use berpengaruh positif terhadap purchase intention.
Factors affecting gender wage gap: Emprical evidences from selected OECD countries
Authors: AKDOĞAN-GEDİK Melek , GÜNEL Tuğay
Published: July 2021

Nowadays, poverty has become a multi-dimensional problem, including social factors, rather than just an economic problem. Especially recently, poverty has been addressed in terms of gender focused on women and men. Gender-oriented approach to the problem of poverty has been gradually increasing. In the gender-based poverty approach, inequalities between men and women are addressed and it is emphasized that women are poorer than men. According to this approach, poverty is increasingly feminized, and women are a part of poverty to a greater extent than men in terms of gender. The increasing impoverishment of women is also expressed as the feminization of poverty One of the most important reasons of women's impoverishment is the wage inequality between men and women. In this context, this study aims to analyze the effects of factors playing an important role in women's impoverishment on wage inequality are analyzed in the sample of selected OECD countries for the period of 1996-2016. According to the results, women's participation in the labor force, life expectancy at birth, higher level of education have a decreasing effect on gender wage gap. In addition, the increase in the employment rates of women in the industry sector also has a decreasing effect on wage inequality. On the other hand, the low education level of women and the increase in the female population over 65age increase the gender wage gap.
Reduction of Chemotherapy–Induced Side Effects by Complementary Medicine in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors:   Institute for Naturopathy, University of Cologne, Germany, J Beuth , R Böwe ,   Fresenius Hochschule, University of Applied Sciences Colgne, Germany
Published: July 2021

This clinical investigation was performed to evaluate the benefit of Complementary Medicine (CM) in breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant Chemotherapy (ChT). Patients and Methods: The patients (n=668) were treated according to international guidelines with adjuvant ChT. As to reduce the side effects, the patients were complementarily treated with a combination of sodium selenite, proteolytic plant enzymes (bromelaine and papain) and Lens culinaris lectin. On Case Report Formulas (CRFs) assessment of side effects of ChT was documented at defined times during adjuvant ChT and additional complementary treatment. Validation was carried out by scoring from 1 (no side-effects/optimal tolerability) to 6 (extreme side-effects/extremely bad tolerability), however, only patients suffering from severe side effects (symptom scores 4 and higher) were enrolled into this investigation. Results: The severity of side-effects of ChT was significantly reduced by complementary treatment. Mean scores of symptoms declined for sleep disorder, fatigue, lack of drive (p<0.05) and for arthralgia, hot flushes, mucosal dryness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, pain of tumour (p<0.001). Conclusion: This investigation confirms benefits of indication-based complementary treatment with the combination of sodium selenite, proteolytic enzymes and Lens culinaris lectin in breast cancer patients, e.g. reduction of side-effects of adjuvant ChT.
Ultrafiltration for the separation of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase and its
effect on physicochemical and antioxidant properties of coconut
(Cocos nucifera L.) water
Authors: Syahputri G.A. , Santoso U. , Supriyanto
Published: July 2021

Coconut water is a nutritious, natural, and refreshing drink. However, a challenge for the
coconut water industry is its fast deterioration caused by naturally occurring enzymes
mainly polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD). This study aimed to separate the
PPO and POD using ultrafiltration and to evaluate its effect on the physicochemical
properties and antioxidant attributes of tender and mature coconut water. The membrane
used was polyethersulfone (PES) with two molecular weight cut-offs, namely 30 kDa
(PES 30) and 50 kDa (PES 50) and conducted in a vacuum filter unit. The results showed
that ultrafiltration with PES 30 completely separated the POD activity of both tender and
mature coconut water. The ultrafiltration was also able to separate 86.07% PPO activity of
tender coconut water and 100% separation on mature coconut water. While PES 50 could
separate 49.60% PPO activity in tender coconut water. The ultrafiltration process also
increased the clarity of mature coconut water and maintained the total sugar, sodium, and
potassium contents in both maturities. However, ultrafiltration using these membrane
types reduced total phenolic content and radical scavenging activity. In conclusion, this
study revealed that ultrafiltration can remove the oxidative enzymes to extend the shelf
life against oxidation deterioration. Further studies should be conducted to investigate the
separation of enzymes without high significance loss of polyphenols, antioxidants, and
nutritional properties
Matrix metalloproteinase-2 inhibition activity of Plukenetia volubilis L. leaves extract for anti-aging application
Authors: Wuttisin N. , Nararatwanchai T. , Sarikaphuti A.
Published: July 2021

Plukenetia volubilis L. leaves were part of the traditional diets in many countries. P.
volubilis leaves were used to make tea and sold as local products in Thailand. There is less
information on the composition of P. volubilis leaves. Previous study revealed that roasted
leaves extract with hot water showed the highest antioxidant activity and the antioxidant
property might be due to the presence of flavonoid. The present study was carried out to
determine the quercetin content in P. volubilis leaves extract and evaluate the anti-aging
potential activities including MMP-2 inhibition activity and telomerase stimulation
activity. P. volubilis leaves were roasted in hot air oven and extracted with hot water. The
extract was investigated for quercetin content by high-performance liquid chromatography
(HPLC). In vitro cytotoxicity, MMP-2 inhibition activity and telomerase stimulation
activity were determined for anti-aging properties. The results revealed that P. volubilis
leaves contained quercetin 50.50±4.78 mg/g DW. The extract showed no cytotoxicity on
human skin fibroblast with cell viability of 96.76-120.83%. It demonstrated the potential
of MMP-2 inhibition (8.74±2.84%) activity but lower than ascorbic acid. P. volubilis
leave extract did not have telomerase stimulation activity on the human Hela cell line.
However, the results from this study have indicated the possibility of anti-aging potential
of P. volubilis leaves extract.
Comparative studies of the physicochemical and functional properties of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) flour
Authors: Hasmadi M. , Merlynda M. , Mansoor A.H. , Salwa I. , Zainol M.K. , Jahurul M.H.A.
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to determine the proximate compositions and functional properties of
sweet potato flour from different varieties cultivated in Sabah, Malaysia, namely Jepun,
Kairot and Kaladi. The results showed that the moisture content of all flour samples was
below 14%. The fat and protein content of Jepun sweet potato variety were significantly
different (p<0.05) as compared with Kairot and Kaladi sweet potato varieties. The ash and
dietary fibre content of Kairot sweet potato flour were higher (p<0.05) compared to Jepun
and Kaladi flours. In addition, Kaladi sweet potato had the highest carbohydrate content
(82%). There were significant differences (p<0.05) in the values of L*, a* and b* for all
sweet potato flours. The Jepun sweet potato flour had the highest foaming capacity, water
absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, swelling power and viscosity. Rapid Visco
analyser revealed that significant differences were observed for pasting parameters such as
peak viscosity, trough viscosity, breakdown viscosity, final viscosity and setback
viscosity. The gelatinisation properties showed that Kairot sweet potato flour had the
highest onset temperature, conclusion temperature and enthalpy while Kaladi sweet potato
flour had the highest peak temperature.
Evaluation of physicochemical and functional characteristics of flour from three cultivars of unripe banana (Musa sp.) cultivated in Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: M. Hasmadi , Addrian I. , Umairah Balqis Adawiyah Z. , Mansoor A.H. , Zainol M.K.
Published: July 2021

Banana is a climacteric fruit that is available throughout the region of Malaysia. In this
study, banana flour was produced from different varieties of unripe banana, namely Saba,
Mas and Berangan and characterised in its chemical composition and functional
properties. The results obtained showed that the chemical composition of the flour varied
according to the variety. The ranged obtained were 3.71 – 4.53% crude protein, 10.32 –
10.72% moisture, 0.12 - 0.16% crude fat, 1.20 – 2.38% ashes, 0.68 – 1.19% crude fibre,
81.95 – 83.15% carbohydrate and 8.00 – 8.54% dietary fibre. The colour analysis found
that significant differences were observed for the L*, a* and b* values of all varieties of
banana flours. Flour from Saba cultivar was significantly different from other banana
flours in its highest pH value (5.79), oil absorption capacity (1.08 g/g) as well as emulsion
activity (17.36%) and had the smallest particles size. Flour obtained from Mas variety had
the highest foaming capacity (10.85%) and the swelling capacity while Berangan cultivar
had the highest water absorption capacity (1.10%). Pasting profiles of banana flours
differed significantly for peak, final, breakdown and setback viscosities. It was ranged
from 1511.17 - 3145.33, 4197.00 - 5213.67, 1419.67 - 2871.00 and 4401.00 - 5121.67 cP,
respectively. Gelatinisation properties of all banana flours showed significant differences
in peak temperatures, whereas no significant differences were observed for enthalpy (ΔH).
Optimization of enzymatic protein hydrolysis conditions of Asiatic hard clam (Meretrix meretrix)
Authors: Zainol M.K. , Abdul Sukor F.W. , Fisal A. , Tuan Zainazor T.C. , Abdul Wahab M.R. , Zamri A.I.
Published: July 2021

This study was aimed to optimise the Alcalase® enzymatic hydrolysis extraction of
Asiatic hard clam (AHC) (Meretrix meretrix) protein hydrolysate in terms of hydrolysis
time, hydrolysis temperature, hydrolysis pH, and concentration of enzyme. Protein
hydrolysate produced from AHC (M. meretrix) meat was used to determine the optimum
hydrolysis conditions. Hydrolysis of AHC meat was optimised using the Central
Composite Design Response Surface Methodology (RSM) (CCD). The relationship
between four parameters such as temperature (45 – 65°C), enzyme to substrate
concentration (1 – 2%), hydrolysis time (60 – 180 mins), and pH (7.5 – 9.5) to the degree
of hydrolysis was investigated. The optimum conditions for enzymatic hydrolysis of AHC
meat to achieve the maximum degree of hydrolysis (DH) were observed at 65°C, enzyme
to substrate concentration of 1%, hydrolysis time of 60 mins, and pH 7.5. The enzymatic
protein hydrolysis of AHC meat was predicted using a two factors interaction (2FI) model.
Under these optimum conditions, DH's predicted value was 97.41%, which was close to
the experimental value (97.89%). The freeze-dried protein hydrolysate powder was
characterized concerning the proximate composition. Proximate analysis revealed that the
AHC meat contains 7.92±1.76% of moisture, 2.23±0.89% of crude fat, 1.98±0.82 of ash,
and 10.53±0.04% of crude protein. While the Asiatic hard clam protein hydrolysate
(AHCPH) composed 9.12±0.02% of moisture, 0.80±0.29% of crude fat, and 27.76±0.10%
of ash. The protein hydrolysate produced also contained high protein content
(50.09±0.88%) and may serve as a good protein source.
Chemical characterization of ethanolic extract of Butterfly pea flower (Clitoria
ternatea)
Authors: Tuan Putra T.N.M. , Zainol M.K. , MohdIsa N.S. , MohdMaidin N.
Published: July 2021

Clitoria ternatea, commonly known as Butterfly pea flower or Bunga telang, is a tropical
flower and notable as one of the most vital sources of polyphenols with high antioxidant
capacity. C. ternatea abundantly produces anthocyanin compounds benefiting natural blue
colourants. To date, a blue colourant is the most difficult to obtain since the anthocyanins
responsible for this colour is the least stable and easily degraded after extraction. Their
stability commonly relies on several operational parameters, such as shifted pH value,
high temperature, and light exposure. Apart from colour attributes, anthocyanins have also
been identified as a source of functional molecules due to antioxidant activity and
beneficial health effects such as anti-cancer, anti-obesity, antimicrobial and more. This
study aimed to characterize the chemical constituents of the extractable polyphenols from
ethanolic extract of C. ternatea quantitatively. The numerical data were evaluated using
the Minitab version 18 statistical method. The chemical profiling, including total phenolic
content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total monomeric anthocyanins (TMA) were
determined using standard methods. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH
and ABTS methods. The results showed that the ethanolic extract of C. ternatea had 35.7
mg QE/g of TFC, 102.4 mg GAE/g280nm and 28.8 mg GAE/g750nm of TPC and 2.7 CE/g
and 2.9 ME/g of TMA. The total phenolic content of C. ternatea showed a good
correlation with the antioxidant activity by the DPPH method when analysed using
Pearson correlation and showed an increasing trend of antioxidant power with regards to
TPC in both assays. In a nutshell, this study contributes to the knowledge of ethanolic
extract of C. ternatea. Future research could consider exploring other extraction methods
that could enhance the stability of polyphenols particularly the anthocyanins from
degradation such as using surfactants.