bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employment Situation in Manufacturing Industry in Asean: A Few Issues
Authors: Chandra M , Satpute Chhaya
Published: November 2017

Employment Situation in Manufacturing Industry in Asean:  A Few Issues
ANALISIS PEMBIAYAAN IJARAH PADA PERBANKAN SYARIAH
Authors: Santoso Harun , Anik Anik
Published: November 2017

This study is to analyze Ijarah financing in Islamic banking. Theories related to this study include about Ijarah, Ijarah financing, DSN-MUI fatwa, Ijarah financing application. This study is a qualitative descriptive study which is conducted in 2016. Data collection methods used is study literature.The result of this study shows that the product is based on the principles of Islamic banking financing leases consist of pure rents and leases, which ended with the transfer of ownership, known as Ijarah muntahiya bit Tamlik. Ijarah Muntahia bit Tamlik or IMBT is basically a mix between a lease with purchase.Keywords: Ijarah and Ijarah Mutahiya Bit Tamlik (IMBT)
ANALISIS KEPUASAN ANGGOTA KJKS BMT TUMANG
Authors: Santoso Harun , Suprihati Suprihati
Published: November 2017

Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui Bagaimana tingkat kepuasan anggota terhadap bauran pemasaran pada KJKS BMT Tumang dan Apa yang diharapkan anggota terhadap aplikasi bauran pemasaran kedepan. Kepuasan konsumen menjadi penting dalam kelangsungan hidup suatuusaha, terutama untuk lembaga keuangan syariah seperti KJKS BMT Tumang. Kepuasan anggota menjadi sasaran dan sebagai alat pemasaran yang utama bagi perusahaan dalam bidang jasa. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian yang datanya diperoleh melalui kuesioner sebanyak 50 anggota KJKS BMT Tumang di cabang Boyolali, Kartasura, Ampel, Cepogo dan Tumang, secara umum semua anggota merasa puas. Sampel dari anggota KJKS BMT Tumang. Data yang diperoleh kemudian diolah dengan menggunakan Tekhnik analisis dengan menggunakan analisis diskriptif dengan cara menyimpulkan hasil wawancara dari anggota. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian mengenai bauran pemasaran dan tingkat kepuasan anggota KJKS BMT Tumang, dapat ditarik kesimpulan untuk masing-masing masalah. Hasil yang diperoleh dari analisis deskripsi, yaitu sebagai berikut:Pengarahan Ijab qobul Pembiayaan oleh pengelola. Beberapa pengelola kurang wawasan dalam menaksir nilai anggunan sehingga anngota tidak bisa meminjam dalam jumlah besar. Perhitungan bagi hasil tinggi dan belum sesuai syariah. Suasana kantor BMT cabang Tumang tempatnya terlihat terlalu penuh. Suasana kantor BMT cabang Cepogo tempatnya terlihat monoton. Beberapa anggota berhenti menabung di KJKS BMT Tumang karena sudah tidak didatangi oleh beberapa marketing funding. Beberapa marketing funding pengganti yang baru, pelayanan lama dan kurang cepat tanggap serta pengelola baru kurang akrab dan kurang dekat daripada pengelola yang lama. Pergantian beberapa marketing funding dari yang lama dengan yang baru, membuat jadwal daftar anggota lama yang seharusnya sudah terjadwal menjadi berubah jadwalnya.Kata Kunci : kepuasan anggota, bauran pemasaran, KJKS
ANALISIS DANA TALANGAN HAJI BERDASARKAN FATWA NO.29 / DSN-MUI / VI / 2002 (Studi Kasus Pada BPRS Dana Mulia Surakarta)
Authors: Tho'in Muhammad , Prastiwi Iin Emy
Published: November 2017

Recently, there are many Islamic Finance Institutions (LKS) offer  a product to help moslem to register for the fortfcoming haji session although they didn’t have enough money. This product is called “Dana Talangan Haji”. BPRS Dana Mulia uses ijarah multijasa contract for giving hajj credit. So that, researcher interested to take a research about the Implementation of Hajj credit financing at BPRS Dana Mulia.The aim of the research is to know the Implementation of Hajj credit financing at BPRS Dana Mulia and to analyze the relevance with DSN-MUI Fatwa No.29/DSN-MUI/VI/2002 about Hajj Credit Financing by Islamic Finance Institutions (LKS). The kinds of this research is field research. While the method used for collecting data consist of observation, interview and documentation. For the analisis technique, researcher uses descriptive qualitative approach.From this research, researcher finds that the implementation of Hajj Credit financing at BPRS Dana Mulia Surakarta is not relevant with Fatwa No.29/DSN-MUI/VI/2002 about Hajj Credit Financing by Islamic Finance Institutions (LKS) because BPRS Dana Mulia uses ijarah multijasa contract that based on fatwa DSN-MUI NO. 44/DSN-MUI/VIII/2004 about multijasa financing.Keywords: Islamic Finance Institutions (LKS), ijarah multijasa, fatwa
BISNIS MULTI LEVEL MARKETING (MLM) DALAM PANDANGAN ISLAM
Authors: Marimin Agus , Romdhoni Abdul Haris , Fitria Tira Nur
Published: November 2017

This study aims to find out about MLM (Multi Level Marketing) in Islamic view (Islamic law). This research is qualitative descriptive. This study included literary research to examine the written sources such as scientific journals, book references, literature, encyclopedias, scientific articles, scientific papers and other sources that are relevant and related to the object which is being studied. As for the object of study of this research is form of texts or writings that describe and explain about MLM that be popular in Indonesia. Results of this study is Islamic law permit MLM as long as not contrary with Islamic law. However, if it is contrary with Islamic law, so MLM is forbiden. Islam has principles on the development of business systems that must be free of elements dharar (danger), jahalah (vagueness) and zhulm (detrimental or unfair to one party). The system of bonuses to be fair, do not oppress and do not only benefit the people. Businesses also must be free from the element of gambling, oppression, fraud, unclean, riba (interest), vanity etc. If we want to develop a MLM business, it should be free from those elements above. Therefore, the goods or services are commercialized and ordinances sales must be halal, no haram and doubtful, and not in conflict with the principles of Shari'ah above. Keywords: Business, MLM (Multi Level Marketing), syariah’
KONTRIBUSI EKONOMI ISLAM DALAM PEMBANGUNAN EKONOMI NASIONAL
Authors: Fitria Tira Nur
Published: November 2017

Islam sebagai sistem kehidupan yang universal, integral, dan komprehensif telah menetapkan tatanan yang utuh untuk kehidupan manusia. Sebagai way of life, Islam menata segala hal yang berkaitan dengan kehidupan, dari hal yang paling sederhana hingga urusan yang paling rumit sekalipun. Baik dalam aspek politik, ekonomi, pendidikan, seni, sosial, budaya, dsb. Islam merupakan agama yang sempurna, yang mengatur hal yang berkaitan dengan ekonomi. Apabila perekonomian suatu negara (ekonomi nasional) menerapkan dasar Al-Quran dan Hadist sebagai dasar penerapannya, tentunya suatu perekonomian nasional akan berjalan dengan baik dan terarah sesuai aturan. Namun kenyataanya memang belum semua negara muslim di dunia menerapkan dasar tersebut. Selanjutnya, di dalam artikel ini dijelaskan tentang bagaimana Ekonomi Islam berkontribusi dalam pembangunan ekonomi nasional, khususnya Indonesia sebagai negara dengan basis muslim terbesar se-Asia. Kata kunci: Ekonomi Islam, Pembangunan Ekonomi Nasional
Botanical expedition in mountains of Caucasus in 2013
Authors: Firsov Gennady A.
Published: November 2017

Summary [editor’s note]The botanical expedition has an important role in documenting unknown flora and its natural history. Such expedition has been instrumental to ascertain what conservation actions the region need of. Gennady A. Firsov writes a short note providing a fascinating account of a botanical expedition in the Caucasus Mountains. His vivid account of geography, climate and flora provide a resemblance between floral diversity with that of physical geography and climate. The six member expedition team visited the highest peak of Caucasus, the Bermamyt plateau, Teberda and Tuman- Lykyel Lake. Teberda, in particular, is a unique floral sanctuary where three seasons can be witnessed at the same time: warm summer down the valley, early spring in alpine meadow and winter further up with snowy storms, glaciers and everlasting snows. The Teberda Biospherical State Nature Reserve harbors 43 species of mammals. The tallest tree (60 m) measured in the expedition was Nordmann’s Fir, which is considered tallest species in Russia. The explorers visited the gorge of Gonachkhir River and the Kyzgych gorge. The Kyzgych gorge is strictly protected regime where flock of aurochs lives in the wild. Here, the team found Lonicera steveniana Fisch. ex Pojark for the first time. They were lucky enough to discover Acer tataricum L. and Euonymus nanus Bieb. in Razvalka mountain.Gennady A. Firsov, G. A. (2017) Botanical expedition in mountains of Caucasus in 2013. Conservation Science, 1: 1-9.
The Influence of Natural and Synthetic Additives in Mitigating Calcium Phosphate Scale in Industrial Water Systems
Authors: Amjad Zahid , Kweik Amannie
Published: November 2017

The inhibition of calcium phosphate (Ca/P) precipitation by natural organic polyelectrolytes, bio- and hybrid polymers, homo- and co-polymers of acrylic acid and maleic acid containing different functional groups was examined in aqueous solution. Additionally, commonly used phosphonates were also evaluated as Ca/P inhibitors. It has been found that performance of additive (polymeric and non-polymeric) as Ca/P inhibitor depends upon additive concentration, ionic charge, and molecular weight. Based on the inhibition data, the ranking in terms of decreasing effectivess is: biopolymer > hybrid polymer > natural organic polyelectrolytes. Among synthetic polymers the ranking order is: terpolymer > co-polymer > homopolymer. Results on phosphonates evaluation reveal that compared to synthetic polymers, phosphonates show poor performance as Ca/P inhibitors.
Removal of Insoluble Slimes from Potash Ore Using Flotation
Authors: Li Da , Wang Xuming , Cheng Fangqin , Li Enze
Published: November 2017

The low grade potash ores contain large amount of fine water insoluble minerals, which was defined as slime here. The removal of the slime from the low grade of potash ores (KCl < 10 %; slime > 40 %) from the Mahai Basin, Qinghai Province, PRC, was investigated using flotation. The characteristics of the slime sample, which was extracted from the potash ores sample, were examined by X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry and X-Ray Diffraction. It was found that more than 70 % of the slime was aluminum silicate minerals including feldspar, clay (phyllosilicates), silt, as well as gypsum and carbonate minerals. In this study the flotation response of the slime minerals was evaluated. It was found that a higher slime flotation recovery of the slime was obtained when the MR-1 surfactant (polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester)-kerosene-water emulsion was used as collector. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR Spectrometry), oil spreading, and contact angle results indicated that the MR-1 surfactant is selectively adsorbed on slime minerals surfaces and facilitates the spreading of kerosene.
Development of an Efficient Methanol Production Process for Direct CO2 Hydrogenation over a Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 Catalyst
Authors: Samimi Fereshteh , Rahimpour Mohammad Reza , Shariati Ali
Published: November 2017

Carbon capture and utilization as a raw material for methanol production are options for addressing energy problems and global warming. However, the commercial methanol synthesis catalyst offers a poor efficiency in CO2 feedstock because of a low conversion of CO2 and its deactivation resulting from high water production during the process. To overcome these barriers, an efficient process consisting of three stage heat exchanger reactors was proposed for CO2 hydrogenation. The catalyst volume in the conventional methanol reactor (CR) is divided into three sections to load reactors. The product stream of each reactor is conveyed to a flash drum to remove methanol and water from the unreacted gases (H2, CO and CO2). Then, the gaseous stream enters the top of the next reactor as the inlet feed. This novel configuration increases CO2 conversion almost twice compared to one stage reactor. Also to reduce water production, a water permselective membrane was assisted in each reactor to remove water from the reaction side. The proposed process was compared with one stage reactor and CR from coal and natural gas. Methanol is produced 288, 305, 586 and 569 ton/day in CR, one-stage, three-stage and three-stage membrane reactors (MR), respectively. Although methanol production rate in three-stage MR is a bit lower than three stage reactors, the produced water, as the cause of catalyst poisoning, is notably reduced in this configuration. Results show that the proposed process is a strongly feasible way to produce methanol that can competitive with a traditional synthesis process.
In Situ Synthesis and Electrophoretic Deposition of NiO/Ni Core-Shell Nanoparticles and Its Application as Pseudocapacitor
Authors: Yus Joaquin , Ferrari Begoña , Sanchez-Herencia Antonio , Caballero Alvaro , Morales Julian , Gonzalez Zoilo
Published: November 2017

A simple, low cost and transferable colloidal processing method and the subsequent heat treatment has been optimized to prepare binder-free electrodes for their application in supercapacitors. NiO/Ni core–shell hybrid nanostructures have been synthetized by heterogeneous precipitation of metallic Ni nanospheres onto NiO nanoplatelets as seed surfaces. The electrophoretic deposition (EPD) has been used to shape the electroactive material onto 3D substrates such as Ni foams. The method has allowed us to control the growth and the homogeneity of the NiO/Ni coatings. The presence of metallic Nickel in the microstructure and the optimization of the thermal treatment have brought several improvements in the electrochemical response due to the connectivity of the final microstructure. The highest specific capacitance value has been obtained using a thermal treatment of 325 °C during 1 h in Argon. At this temperature, necks formed among ceramic-metallic nanoparticles preserve the structural integrity of the microstructure avoiding the employment of binders to enhance their connectivity. Thus, a compromise between porosity and connectivity should be established to improve electrochemical performance.
Dopant Concentration Induced Optical Changes in Ca,Eu-α-Sialon
Authors: Michalik Daniel , Pawlik Tomasz , Kukliński Benedykt , Lazarowska Agata , Leśniewski Tadeusz , Barzowska Justyna , Mahlik Sebastian , Grinberg Marek , Adamczyk Barbara , Pławecki Mateusz , Sopicka-Lizer Małgorzata
Published: November 2017

The phosphor powders of Ca(m/2)−xEuxSi12−(m+n)Alm+nOnN16−n (m = 1.6, n = 0.8, x in the range of 0–0.08) were synthesized by means of a solid state reaction in flowing nitrogen in a carbon resistant furnace and the influence of Eu concentration on the crystal structure and photoluminescent properties was thoroughly studied. The optical properties of selected α-sialon:Eu2+ samples at temperatures in the range of 10 to 500 K and pressures up to 240 kbar are presented. The crystal lattice parameters were affected by doping with europium and some increase of the unit cell volume was observed up to 6 mol % of Eu. The higher concentration of europium led to subtle changes in the overall structure of the produced sialon phosphors. It was shown that the chemical composition of Ca, Eu-α-sialon phosphor was slightly different from the designed one and the phosphor powders were contaminated by AlN. The phosphor particle surface showed significant europium and oxygen enrichment with Eu3+ but below the thin surface layer Eu2+ was dominant and higher nitrogen content was observed. After examination of absorption, excitation, and emission spectra it was found that the emission peak position shifted toward longer wavelengths with rising Eu2+ concentration from 565 nm (0.1 mol % Eu2+) to 585 nm (10 mol % Eu2+). The quantum yield of the phosphors reached the maximum at a rather low concentration of 4 mol % of Eu. Excitation spectra depend on the monitored wavelength which is typical for multisite Eu2+. The existence of many Eu2+ sites in the sample was supported by the dependence of the decay time on the monitored wavelength.
Stay in the Box! Embedded Assistive Technology Improves Access for Students with Disabilities
Authors: Koch Katherine
Published: November 2017

Assistive technology is not only a required component of a student’s IEP; it can be an effective way to help students with (and without) disabilities access their education and to provide them with required instructional accommodations. Teachers, however, are often not adequately prepared in their pre-service course work and ongoing professional development to address the technology needs of their special education students and have not had the opportunities to access technology due to limited availability and cost. While assistive technology can be purchased to augment an existing computer, it is often unnecessary to do that. Both Microsoft and Apple operating systems in “off-the-shelf” computers and handheld devices have embedded assistive technology that is easy to access and easy to use. This embedded technology can help teachers become familiar with technology and assist students with sensory, physical, learning, and attention disabilities, and it might have practical applications with Universal Design for Learning. This paper provides a discussion on how embedded technology can support students with disabilities in the school setting and provides examples for access and use.
An Affine Arithmetic-Based Power Flow Algorithm Considering the Regional Control of Unscheduled Power Fluctuation
Authors: Luo Lizi , Gu Wei , Wang Yonghui , Chen Chunxi
Published: November 2017

With consideration of the intermittency of renewable generation and uncertain load, a regional control strategy is presented to smooth the unscheduled power fluctuation in this letter. Then, an affine arithmetic-based modeling method is proposed to describe the unscheduled power tracking characteristic of dispatchable generation resources (DGRs), based on which interval power flow solutions with narrower ranges can be obtained. Finally, the proposed algorithm is applied to a modified IEEE 33-bus distribution system to demonstrate its effectiveness.
1H NMR and Multivariate Analysis for Geographic Characterization of Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A Possible Correlation with Climate Data
Authors: Rongai Domenico , Sabatini Nadia , Del Coco Laura , Perri Enzo , Del Re Paolo , Simone Nicola , Marchegiani Donato , Fanizzi Francesco
Published: November 2017

1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy coupled with multivariate analysis has been applied in order to investigate metabolomic profiles of more than 200 extravirgin olive oils (EVOOs) collected in a period of over four years (2009–2012) from different geographic areas. In particular, commercially blended EVOO samples originating from different Italian regions (Tuscany, Sicily and Apulia), as well as European (Spain and Portugal) and non-European (Tunisia, Turkey, Chile and Australia) countries. Multivariate statistical analysis (Principal Component Analisys (PCA) and Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA)) applied on the NMR data revealed the existence of marked differences between Italian (in particular from Tuscany, Sicily and Apulia regions) and foreign (in particular Tunisian) EVOO samples. A possible correlation with available climate data has been also investigated. These results aim to develop a powerful NMR-based tool able to protect Italian olive oil productions.
Transformative Environmental Constitutionalism’s Response to the Setting Aside of South Africa’s Moratorium on Rhino Horn Trade
Authors: Murcott Melanie
Published: November 2017

South Africa’s rhino population is under threat of extinction due to poaching for purposes of illegal international trade of rhino horn. The South African government has thus far been unable to regulate rhino poaching effectively. One of the legal responses was to introduce a moratorium on local trade of rhino horn. However, in 2015 the High Court set aside the moratorium. Subsequent appeals against the High Court’s decision to the Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court were dismissed without a hearing. The anthropocentric approach to the protection of biodiversity under South African environmental law is reflected upon in this article. It is argued that the High Court adopted an unapologetic and uncritical anthropocentric approach to the issues before it. A legal theory of transformative environmental constitutionalism is proposed as a means to infuse litigation about global environmental problems with substantive environmental considerations, such as precaution, prevention and equity. These principles could facilitate a more ecocentric orientation towards the application of environmental laws.
A Novel Approach to Semantic Similarity Measurement Based on a Weighted Concept Lattice: Exemplifying Geo-Information
Authors: Xiao Jia , He Zongyi
Published: November 2017

The measurement of semantic similarity has been widely recognized as having a fundamental and key role in information science and information systems. Although various models have been proposed to measure semantic similarity, these models are not able effectively to quantify the weights of relevant factors that impact on the judgement of semantic similarity, such as the attributes of concepts, application context, and concept hierarchy. In this paper, we propose a novel approach that comprehensively considers the effects of various factors on semantic similarity judgment, which we name semantic similarity measurement based on a weighted concept lattice (SSMWCL). A feature model and network model are integrated together in SSMWCL. Based on the feature model, the combined weight of each attribute of the concepts is calculated by merging its information entropy and inclusion-degree importance in a specific application context. By establishing the weighted concept lattice, the relative hierarchical depths of concepts for comparison are computed according to the principle of the network model. The integration of feature model and network model enables SSMWCL to take account of differences in concepts more comprehensively in semantic similarity measurement. Additionally, a workflow of SSMWCL is designed to demonstrate these procedures and a case study of geo-information is conducted to assess the approach.
The Potential of iPSCs for the Treatment of Premature Aging Disorders
Authors: Compagnucci Claudia , Bertini Enrico
Published: November 2017

Premature aging disorders including Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) and Werner syndrome, are a group of rare monogenic diseases leading to reduced lifespan of the patients. Importantly, these disorders mimic several features of physiological aging. Despite the interest on the study of these diseases, the underlying biological mechanisms remain unknown and no treatment is available. Recent studies on HGPS (due to mutations of the LMNA gene encoding for the nucleoskeletal proteins lamin A/C) have reported disruptions in cellular and molecular mechanisms modulating genomic stability and stem cell populations, thus giving the nuclear lamina a relevant function in nuclear organization, epigenetic regulation and in the maintenance of the stem cell pool. In this context, modeling premature aging with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offers the possibility to study these disorders during self-renewal and differentiation into relevant cell types. iPSCs generated by cellular reprogramming from adult somatic cells allows researchers to understand pathophysiological mechanisms and enables the performance of drug screenings. Moreover, the recent development of precision genome editing offers the possibility to study the complex mechanisms underlying senescence and the possibility to correct disease phenotypes, paving the way for future therapeutic interventions.
Synthesis of 1,3-Diols from Isobutene and HCHO via Prins Condensation-Hydrolysis Using CeO2 Catalysts: Effects of Crystal Plane and Oxygen Vacancy
Authors: Zhang Zhixin , Wang Yehong , Lu Jianmin , Wang Min , Zhang Jian , Liu Xuebin , Wang Feng
Published: November 2017

We herein report the synthesis of 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol from isobutene and HCHO in water via a Prins condensation-hydrolysis reaction over CeO2, which is a water-tolerant Lewis acid catalyst. The CeO2 exhibits significant catalytic activity for the reaction, giving 95% HCHO conversion and 84% 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol selectivity at 150 °C for 4 h. The crystal planes of CeO2 have a significant effect on the catalytic activity for the Prins reaction. The (110) plane shows the highest catalytic activity among the crystal planes investigated (the (100), (110), and (111) planes), due to its higher concentration of Lewis acid sites, which is in line with the concentration of oxygen vacancies. Detailed characterizations, including NH3-TPD, pyridine-adsorbed FT-IR spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, revealed that the concentration of Lewis acid sites is proportional to the concentration of oxygen vacancies. This study indicates that the Lewis acidity induced by oxygen vacancy can be modulated by selective synthesis of CeO2 with different morphologies, and that the Lewis acidity and oxygen vacancy play an important role in Prins condensation and hydrolysis reaction.
Ceria: Recent Results on Dopant-Induced Surface Phenomena
Authors: Knoblauch Nicole , Simon Heike , Dörrer Lars , Uxa Daniel , Beschnitt Stefan , Fielitz Peter , Wendelstorf Jens , Spitzer Karl-Heinz , Schmücker Martin , Borchardt Günter
Published: November 2017

Redox studies on dense zirconia-doped ceria pellets were carried out by thermogravimetric investigations and dilatometry. Up to 1600 K reduction parameters determined by both methods correspond to each other. At higher temperatures, however, thermogravimetry overestimates the degree of reduction since mass loss is not only due to oxygen exsolution but also to selective evaporation of CeO2 whose vapour pressure is considerably higher than that of ZrO2. As a consequence surface segregation of zirconia occurs in (Ce,Zr)O2−δ pellets leading to a porous surface zone of Ce2Zr2O7 pyrochlore which gradually grows in thickness. Surface enrichment of zirconia is detrimental for splitting CO2 or H2O since re-oxidation temperatures of (Ce,Zr)O2−δ are known to be shifted towards lower temperatures with increasing ZrO2 content. Thus, very harsh reduction conditions should be avoided for the (Ce,Zr)O2−δ redox system. The kinetics investigations comprised the high temperature reduction step (T ≅ 1600 K) and the “low” temperature oxidation reaction with a carbon dioxide atmosphere (T ≅ 1000 K). The reduction kinetics (at around 1600 K and an oxygen activity of 7 × 10−4 in the gas phase) directly yield the (reduction) equilibrium exchange rate of oxygen in the order of 10−7 mol·O/(cm3·s) as the kinetics are surface controlled. The oxidation step at around 1000 K, however, occurs in the mixed control or in the diffusion control regime, respectively. From oxygen isotope exchange in combination with SIMS depth profiling oxygen exchange coefficients, K, and oxygen diffusivities, D, were determined for so-called equilibrium experiments as well as for non-equilibrium measurements. From the obtained values for K and D the (oxidation) equilibrium exchange rates for differently doped ceria samples were determined. Their dependency on the oxygen activity and the nature and the concentrations of a tetravalent dopant (Zr) and trivalent dopants (La, Y, Sm) could be semi-quantitatively rationalised on the basis of a master equation for the equilibrium surface exchange rate.
Perspective for Fibre-Hybrid Composites in Wind Energy Applications
Authors: Swolfs Yentl
Published: November 2017

Increasing the efficiency of wind turbines will be vital for the wind energy sector to continue growing. The drive for increased efficiency is pushing turbine manufacturers to shift from glass fibre composite blades towards carbon/glass fibre-hybrid composite blades. This shift brings significant challenges in terms of optimising the design and understanding the failure of these new blade materials. This review therefore surveys the literature on fibre-hybrid composites, with an emphasis on aspects that are relevant for turbine blade materials. The literature on tensile, flexural, compressive, and fatigue performance is critically assessed and areas for future research are identified. Numerical simulations of fibre-hybrid composites have reached a reasonable maturity for tensile failure, but significant progress is required for flexural, compressive, and fatigue failure. Fatigue failure of fibre-hybrid composites in particular, requires more careful attention from both a modelling and experimental point of view.
Evidence for a Saponin Biosynthesis Pathway in the Body Wall of the Commercially Significant Sea Cucumber Holothuria scabra
Authors: Mitu Shahida , Bose Utpal , Suwansa-ard Saowaros , Turner Luke , Zhao Min , Elizur Abigail , Ogbourne Steven , Shaw Paul Nicholas , Cummins Scott
Published: November 2017

The sea cucumber (phylum Echinodermata) body wall is the first line of defense and is well known for its production of secondary metabolites; including vitamins and triterpenoid glycoside saponins that have important ecological functions and potential benefits to human health. The genes involved in the various biosynthetic pathways are unknown. To gain insight into these pathways in an echinoderm, we performed a comparative transcriptome analysis and functional annotation of the body wall and the radial nerve of the sea cucumber Holothuria scabra; to define genes associated with body wall metabolic functioning and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. We show that genes related to signal transduction mechanisms were more highly represented in the H. scabra body wall, including genes encoding enzymes involved in energy production. Eight of the core triterpenoid biosynthesis enzymes were found, however, the identity of the saponin specific biosynthetic pathway enzymes remains unknown. We confirm the body wall release of at least three different triterpenoid saponins using solid phase extraction followed by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight-mass spectrometry. The resource we have established will help to guide future research to explore secondary metabolite biosynthesis in the sea cucumber.
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis of the Brainstem as a Clinical Entity
Authors: Upadhyayula Pavan , Yang Jason , Yue John , Ciacci Joseph
Published: November 2017

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare progressive neurological disorder of early adolescence caused by persistent infection of the measles virus, which remains prevalent worldwide despite an effective vaccine. SSPE is a devastating disease with a characteristic clinical course in subcortical white matter; however, atypical presentations of brainstem involvement may be seen in rare cases. This review summarizes reports to date on brainstem involvement in SSPE, including the clinical course of disease, neuroimaging presentations, and guidelines for treatment. A comprehensive literature search was performed for English-language publications with keywords “subacute sclerosing panencephalitis” and “brainstem” using the National Library of Medicine PubMed database (March 1981–September 2017). Eleven articles focusing on SSPE of the brainstem were included. Predominant brainstem involvement remains uncharacteristic of SSPE, which may lead to misdiagnosis and poor outcome. A number of case reports have demonstrated brainstem involvement associated with other intracranial lesions commonly presenting in later SSPE stages (III and IV). However, brainstem lesions can appear in all stages, independent of higher cortical structures. The varied clinical presentations complicate diagnosis from a neuroimaging perspective. SSPE of the brainstem is a rare but important clinical entity. It may present like canonical SSPE or with unique clinical features such as absence seizures and pronounced ataxia. While SSPE generally progresses to the brainstem, it can also begin with a primary focus of infection in the brainstem. Awareness of varied SSPE presentations can aid in early diagnosis as well as guide management and treatment.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Research on Supported Ionic Liquid Membranes during the 1995–2015 Period: Study of the Main Applications and Trending Topics
Authors: Abejón Ricardo , Pérez-Acebo Heriberto , Garea Aurora
Published: November 2017

A bibliometric analysis based on Scopus database was performed to identify the global research trends related to Supported Ionic Liquid Membranes (SILMs) during the time period from 1995 to 2015. This work tries to improve the understanding of the most relevant research topics and applications. The results from the analysis reveal that only after 2005 the research efforts focused on SILMs became significant, since the references found before that year are scarce. The most important research works on the four main application groups for SILMs defined in this work (carbon dioxide separation, other gas phase separations, pervaporation and liquid phase separations) were summarized in this paper. Carbon dioxide separation appeared as the application that has received by far the most attention according to the research trends during the analysed period. Comments about other significant applications that are gaining attention, such as the employment of SILMs in analytical tasks or their consideration for the production of fuel cells, have been included.
Unexpected High Diversity of Terrestrial Cyanobacteria from the Campus of the University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
Authors: Nguyen Xuan , Sumimoto Shinpei , Suda Shoichiro
Published: November 2017

Terrestrial cyanobacterial strains were isolated from the Nishihara campus of the University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan. The 13 sampling sites were distributed in a 200 m radius and appeared as dry, blackened stains. From these small areas, 143 cyanobacterial strains were established. The strains were divided into five morphotypes, including unicells, unicells with baeocytes, non-branching filaments, false-branching filaments, and heterocystous strains. From the strains, 105 partial 16S rRNA gene sequences were obtained and could be classified into 30 generic types. Among them, 22 unique strains and over 1100 bps of data were selected for further phylogenetic analyses. These sequences were positioned into six main clades corresponding to cyanobacterial orders: Nostocales, Chroococidiopsidales, Chroococcales, Oscillatoriales, Pleurocapsales, and Synechococcales. Almost all sequences had no identical matching data in GenBank and many of them had no closely related data. These data suggest that the terrestrial cyanobacteria are very divese even within close sampling areas, such as within the campus of the University of the Ryukyus. The established strains are not only important for classification of terrestrial cyanobacteria but also for possible application studies in the future.
Increased Loading, Efficacy and Sustained Release of Silibinin, a Poorly Soluble Drug Using Hydrophobically-Modified Chitosan Nanoparticles for Enhanced Delivery of Anticancer Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Kuen Cha , Fakurazi Sharida , Othman Siti , Masarudin Mas
Published: November 2017

Conventional delivery of anticancer drugs is less effective due to pharmacological drawbacks such as lack of aqueous solubility and poor cellular accumulation. This study reports the increased drug loading, therapeutic delivery, and cellular accumulation of silibinin (SLB), a poorly water-soluble phenolic compound using a hydrophobically-modified chitosan nanoparticle (pCNP) system. In this study, chitosan nanoparticles were hydrophobically-modified to confer a palmitoyl group as confirmed by 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) assay. Physicochemical features of the nanoparticles were studied using the TNBS assay, and Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analyses. The FTIR profile and electron microscopy correlated the successful formation of pCNP and pCNP-SLB as nano-sized particles, while Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) results exhibited an expansion in size between pCNP and pCNP-SLB to accommodate the drug within its particle core. To evaluate the cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles, a Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) cytotoxicity assay was subsequently performed using the A549 lung cancer cell line. Cytotoxicity assays exhibited an enhanced efficacy of SLB when delivered by CNP and pCNP. Interestingly, controlled release delivery of SLB was achieved using the pCNP-SLB system, conferring higher cytotoxic effects and lower IC50 values in 72-h treatments compared to CNP-SLB, which was attributed to the hydrophobic modification of the CNP system.
The Virtual Environment for Rapid Prototyping of the Intelligent Environment
Authors: Francillette Yannick , Boucher Eric , Bouzouane Abdenour , Gaboury Sébastien
Published: November 2017

Advances in domains such as sensor networks and electronic and ambient intelligence have allowed us to create intelligent environments (IEs). However, research in IE is being held back by the fact that researchers face major difficulties, such as a lack of resources for their experiments. Indeed, they cannot easily build IEs to evaluate their approaches. This is mainly because of economic and logistical issues. In this paper, we propose a simulator to build virtual IEs. Simulators are a good alternative to physical IEs because they are inexpensive, and experiments can be conducted easily. Our simulator is open source and it provides users with a set of virtual sensors that simulates the behavior of real sensors. This simulator gives the user the capacity to build their own environment, providing a model to edit inhabitants’ behavior and an interactive mode. In this mode, the user can directly act upon IE objects. This simulator gathers data generated by the interactions in order to produce datasets. These datasets can be used by scientists to evaluate several approaches in IEs.
Generalized Nonlinear Chirp Scaling Algorithm for High-Resolution Highly Squint SAR Imaging
Authors: Yi Tianzhu , He Zhihua , He Feng , Dong Zhen , Wu Manqing
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a modified approach for high-resolution, highly squint synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data processing. Several nonlinear chirp scaling (NLCS) algorithms have been proposed to solve the azimuth variance of the frequency modulation rates that are caused by the linear range walk correction (LRWC). However, the azimuth depth of focusing (ADOF) is not handled well by these algorithms. The generalized nonlinear chirp scaling (GNLCS) algorithm that is proposed in this paper uses the method of series reverse (MSR) to improve the ADOF and focusing precision. It also introduces a high order processing kernel to avoid the range block processing. Simulation results show that the GNLCS algorithm can enlarge the ADOF and focusing precision for high-resolution highly squint SAR data.
Development of Ratiometric Fluorescent Biosensors for the Determination of Creatine and Creatinine in Urine
Authors: Duong Hong , Rhee Jong
Published: November 2017

In this study, the oxazine 170 perchlorate (O17)-ethylcellulose (EC) membrane was successfully exploited for the fabrication of creatine- and creatinine-sensing membranes. The sensing membrane exhibited a double layer of O17-EC membrane and a layer of enzyme(s) entrapped in the EC and polyurethane hydrogel (PU) matrix. The sensing principle of the membranes was based on the hydrolytic catalysis of urea, creatine, and creatinine by the enzymes. The reaction end product, ammonia, reacted with O17-EC membrane, resulting in the change in fluorescence intensities at two emission wavelengths (λem = 565 and 625 nm). Data collected from the ratio of fluorescence intensities at λem = 565 and 625 nm were proportional to the concentrations of creatine or creatinine. Creatine- and creatinine-sensing membranes were very sensitive to creatine and creatinine at the concentration range of 0.1–1.0 mM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.015 and 0.0325 mM, respectively. Furthermore, these sensing membranes showed good features in terms of response time, reversibility, and long-term stability. The interference study demonstrated that some components such as amino acids and salts had some negative effects on the analytical performance of the membranes. Thus, the simple and sensitive ratiometric fluorescent sensors provide a simple and comprehensive method for the determination of creatine and creatinine concentrations in urine.
New Operations of Picture Fuzzy Relations and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation
Authors: Bo Chunxin , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: November 2017

In this paper, some new operations and basic properties of picture fuzzy relations are intensively studied. First, a new inclusion relation (called type-2 inclusion relation) of picture fuzzy relations is introduced, as well as the corresponding type-2 union, type-2 intersection and type-2 complement operations. Second, the notions of anti-reflexive kernel, symmetric kernel, reflexive closure and symmetric closure of a picture fuzzy relation are introduced and their properties are explored. Moreover, a new method to solve picture fuzzy comprehensive evaluation problems is proposed by defining the new composition operation of picture fuzzy relations, and the picture fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model is built. Finally, an application example (about investment risk) of picture fuzzy comprehensive evaluation is given, and the effective experiment results are obtained.
Digestibility Is Similar between Commercial Diets That Provide Ingredients with Different Perceived Glycemic Responses and the Inaccuracy of Using the Modified Atwater Calculation to Calculate Metabolizable Energy
Authors: Asaro Natalie , Guevara Marcial , Berendt Kimberley , Zijlstra Ruurd , Shoveller Anna
Published: November 2017

Dietary starch is required for a dry, extruded kibble; the most common diet type for domesticated felines in North America. However, the amount and source of dietary starch may affect digestibility and metabolism of other macronutrients. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of 3 commercial cat diets on in vivo and in vitro energy and macronutrient digestibility, and to analyze the accuracy of the modified Atwater equation. Dietary treatments differed in their perceived glycemic response (PGR) based on ingredient composition and carbohydrate content (34.1, 29.5, and 23.6% nitrogen-free extract for High, Medium, and LowPGR, respectively). A replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design was used, with 3 diets and 3 periods. In vivo apparent protein, fat, and organic matter digestibility differed among diets, while apparent dry matter digestibility did not. Cats were able to efficiently digest and absorb macronutrients from all diets. Furthermore, the modified Atwater equation underestimated measured metabolizable energy by approximately 12%. Thus, the modified Atwater equation does not accurately determine the metabolizable energy of high quality feline diets. Further research should focus on understanding carbohydrate metabolism in cats, and establishing an equation that accurately predicts the metabolizable energy of feline diets.
Neoadjuvant Systemic Therapy in Breast Cancer: Use and Trends in Radiotherapy Practice
Authors: Koulis T. A. , Beecham K. , Speers C. , Tyldesley S. , Voduc D. , Simmons C. , Olson R.
Published: November 2017

Background: The use of neoadjuvant systemic therapy (nast) in the treatment of breast cancer is increasing, and the role of adjuvant radiation therapy (rt) in that setting is uncertain. We sought to review and report the use of nast, its trends over time, and its relationship with the prescribing patterns of locoregional rt in a provincial cancer system. Methods: Patients with stages i–iii breast cancer diagnosed during 2007–2012 were identified using a provincial database. Patient, tumour, and treatment characteristics were extracted. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations with the use of nast. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression were used for survival analyses. Results: Of the 11,658 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 602 (5%) had received nast. Use of nast was more frequent in stage iii patients (53%) than in stages i and ii patients (2%). In clinically lymph-node positive patients, a pathology assessment was made approximately 50% of the time. Higher clinical tumour stage and increasing clinical nodal stage predicted for increasing use of nast and of nodal rt after nast, but pathologic nodal status after nast was not associated with use of nodal rt. A statistically significant survival difference was observed between patients in the nast and no-nast groups, but that significance disappeared in a multivariable Cox regression analysis. Conclusions: This population-based study demonstrated 5% use of nast for breast cancer. Most patients received nodal rt after nast, and nodal rt was not associated with pathologic stage after nast. Findings likely reflect the realities of clinical practice and show that reliance on clinical nodal staging results in outcomes similar to those reported in the literature.
The Framingham Risk Score Underestimates the Risk of Cardiovascular Events in the HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Population
Authors: Law W. , Johnson C. , Rushton M. , Dent S.
Published: November 2017

Introduction: Patients with breast cancer (BCa) who overexpress HER2 (the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) are at risk for cardiotoxicity when treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy and HER2-targeted agents. The Framingham risk score (FRS) is a validated tool that stratifies patients into high-, intermediate-, or low-risk groups and calculates their 10-year risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) based on past medical history, systolic blood pressure, and measurement of serum lipids. We retrospectively analyzed patients with HER2-positive BCa to determine whether the FRS predicts adverse cardiovascular (CV) events or cardiotoxicity in patients treated using anthracyclines or HER2-targeted therapy, or both. Methods: The FRS was determined for patients with BCa referred to The Ottawa Hospital Cardiology–Oncology Clinic from October 2008 to August 2014. The patients were stratified into high (≥20%), intermediate (10%–20%), and low (<10%) 10-year CV risk groups. Primary outcomes included CVD-related hospitalizations and deaths, and cardiotoxicity [drop in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of >10% to a LVEF ≤50%]. Results: Of the 152 patients included in the analysis (median follow-up: 40.7 months; range: 3.5–263 months), 47 (31%) were classified as high risk; 36 (24%), as intermediate risk; and 69 (45%), as low-risk. The number of CVD-related hospitalizations and deaths was 22, for an overall prevalence of 14%, with significantly more events occurring in high-risk than in low-risk patients (odds ratio: 4.18; 95% confidence limits: 1.47, 11.89). The FRS predicted a 10-year risk of any cv event of 11.2% and underestimated the actual rate of cv events in the entire cohort. High FRS was not associated with cardiotoxicity (p = 0.82). Conclusions: In a population of patients with HER2-positive BCa referred to a cardiology–oncology clinic, the FRS does not accurately predict the risk of cv events or cardiotoxicity.
Coming of Age in Canada: A Study of Population-Based Genetic Testing for Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Akbari M. R. , Gojska N. , Narod Steven
Published: November 2017

The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the two most commonly mutated in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, and they are the canonical pair when it comes to cancer testing. [...]