bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic Evaluation of the Lung Condition of COVID-19 Patients Using X-ray Images and Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Lorencin Ivan , Baressi Šegota Sandi , Anđelić Nikola , Blagojević Anđela , Šušteršić Tijana , Protić Alen , Arsenijević Miloš , Ćabov Tomislav , Filipović Nenad , Car Zlatan
Published: January 2021

COVID-19 represents one of the greatest challenges in modern history. Its impact is most noticeable in the health care system, mostly due to the accelerated and increased influx of patients with a more severe clinical picture. These facts are increasing the pressure on health systems. For this reason, the aim is to automate the process of diagnosis and treatment. The research presented in this article conducted an examination of the possibility of classifying the clinical picture of a patient using X-ray images and convolutional neural networks. The research was conducted on the dataset of 185 images that consists of four classes. Due to a lower amount of images, a data augmentation procedure was performed. In order to define the CNN architecture with highest classification performances, multiple CNNs were designed. Results show that the best classification performances can be achieved if ResNet152 is used. This CNN has achieved AUCmacro¯ and AUCmicro¯ up to 0.94, suggesting the possibility of applying CNN to the classification of the clinical picture of COVID-19 patients using an X-ray image of the lungs. When higher layers are frozen during the training procedure, higher AUCmacro¯ and AUCmicro¯ values are achieved. If ResNet152 is utilized, AUCmacro¯ and AUCmicro¯ values up to 0.96 are achieved if all layers except the last 12 are frozen during the training procedure.
Preparation and Physico-Chemical Performance Optimization of Sintering-Free Lightweight Aggregates with High Proportions of Red Mud
Authors: Wang Guan , Zhang Chao , Wang Wenlong , Wu Shuang , Li Jingwei , Wang Xujiang , Wu Changliang
Published: January 2021

Sintering-free lightweight aggregates were prepared with high proportions of red mud and a binder material derived from whole solid wastes through rolling granulation at room temperature. The preparation process was optimized by changing the material matching and size parameters of the SFLAs. The physico-chemical performance, including the density, mechanical strength, water absorption, hydration products, heavy metal leaching, and microstructure were evaluated by jointly employing X-ray Fluorescence, X-ray Diffraction, and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry, Shadow Electron Microscope, etc. The results indicated that the red mud and waste-based binders were highly compatible in the granulation process, with up to 80% red mud being successfully added. The sintering-free lightweight aggregates products at the binder content of 30% and the size coverage of 10–16 mm exhibited a bulk density of 900–1000 kg·m−3, a 28 d cylinder compressive strength of 9.2–11.3 MPa, and water absorption of less than 10%. Owing to the formation of important hydration products, ettringite, the heavy metal leaching of the sintering-free lightweight aggregates was also proven to be environmentally acceptable. This work provides a promising pathway to prepare low-cost, high-strength, and green lightweight aggregates through the large-scale utilization of solid waste red mud.
Lightweight Cement Conglomerates Based on End-of-Life Tire Rubber: Effect of the Grain Size, Dosage and Addition of Perlite on the Physical and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Petrella Andrea , Notarnicola Michele
Published: January 2021

Lightweight cement mortars containing end-of-life tire rubber (TR) as aggregate were prepared and characterized by rheological, thermal, mechanical, microstructural, and wetting tests. The mixtures were obtained after total replacement of the conventional sand aggregate with untreated TR with different grain sizes (0–2 mm and 2–4 mm) and distributions (25%, 32%, and 40% by weight). The mortars showed lower thermal conductivities (≈90%) with respect to the sand reference due to the differences in the conductivities of the two phases associated with the low density of the aggregates and, to a minor extent, to the lack of adhesion of tire to the cement paste (evidenced by microstructural detection). In this respect, a decrease of the thermal conductivities was observed with the increase of the TR weight percentage together with a decrease of fluidity of the fresh mixture and a decrease of the mechanical strengths. The addition of expanded perlite (P, 0–1 mm grain size) to the mixture allowed us to obtain mortars with an improvement of the mechanical strengths and negligible modification of the thermal properties. Moreover, in this case, a decrease of the thermal conductivities was observed with the increase of the P/TR dosage together with a decrease of fluidity and of the mechanical strengths. TR mortars showed discrete cracks after failure without separation of the two parts of the specimens, and similar results were observed in the case of the perlite/TR samples thanks to the rubber particles bridging the crack faces. The super-elastic properties of the specimens were also observed in the impact compression tests in which the best performances of the tire and P/TR composites were evidenced by a deep groove before complete failure. Moreover, these mortars showed very low water penetration through the surface and also through the bulk of the samples thanks to the hydrophobic nature of the end-of-life aggregate, which makes these environmentally sustainable materials suitable for indoor and outdoor elements.
Characteristics of the Mg-Zn-Ca-Gd Alloy after Mechanical Alloying
Authors: Lesz Sabina , Hrapkowicz Bartłomiej , Karolus Małgorzata , Gołombek Klaudiusz
Published: January 2021

Magnesium-based materials are interesting alternatives for medical implants, as they have promising mechanical and biological properties. Thanks to them, it is possible to create biodegradable materials for medical application, which would reduce both costs and time of treatment. Magnesium as the sole material, however, it is not enough to support this function. It is important to determine proper alloying elements and methods. A viable method for creating such alloys is mechanical alloying, which can be used to design the structure and properties for proper roles. Mechanical alloying is highly influenced by the milling time of the alloy, as the time of the process affects many properties of the milled powders. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were carried out to study the powder morphology and chemical composition of Mg65Zn30Ca4Gd1 powders. Moreover, the powder size was assessed by granulometric method and the Vickers hardness test was used for microhardness testing. The samples were milled for 6 min, 13, 20, 30, 40, and 70 h. The hardness correlated with the particle size of the samples. After 30 h of milling time, the average value of hardness was equal to 168 HV and it was lower after 13 (333 HV), 20 (273 HV), 40 (329 HV), and 70 (314 HV) h. The powder particles average size increased after 13 (31 μm) h of milling time, up to 30 (45–49 μm) hours, and then sharply decreased after 40 (28 μm) and 70 (12 μm) h.
Facile Method for Surface-Grafted Chitooligosaccharide on Medical Segmented Poly(ester-urethane) Film to Improve Surface Biocompatibility
Authors: Liu Yifan , Liu Zhengqi , Gao Ya , Gao Weiwei , Hou Zhaosheng , Zhu Yuzheng
Published: January 2021

In the paper, the chitooligosaccharide (CHO) was surface-grafted on the medical segmented poly(ester-urethane) (SPU) film by a facile two-step procedure to improve the surface biocompatibility. By chemical treatment of SPU film with hexamethylene diisocyanate under mild reaction condition, free -NCO groups were first introduced on the surface with high grafting density, which were then coupled with -NH2 groups of CHO to immobilize CHO on the SPU surface (SPU-CHO). The CHO-covered surface was characterized by FT-IR and water contact angle test. Due to the hydrophilicity of CHO, the SPU-CHO possessed higher surface hydrophilicity and faster hydrolytic degradation rate than blank SPU. The almost overlapping stress-strain curves of SPU and SPU-CHO films demonstrated that the chemical treatments had little destruction on the intrinsic properties of the substrate. In addition, the significant inhibition of platelet adhesion and protein adsorption on CHO-covered surface endowed SPU-CHO an outstanding surface biocompatibility (especially blood compatibility). These results indicated that the CHO-grafted SPU was a promising candidate as blood-contacting biomaterial for biomedical applications.
Energy, Environmental, Economic, and Technological Analysis of Al-GnP Nanofluid- and Cryogenic LN2-Assisted Sustainable Machining of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
Authors: Khan Aqib Mashood , Anwar Saqib , Jamil Muhammad , Nasr Mustafa M. , Gupta Munish Kumar , Saleh Mustafa , Ahmad Shafiq , Mia Mozammel
Published: January 2021

The quest for advanced cooling/lubrication approaches for energy-efficient, eco-benign, and cost-effective sustainable machining processes is garnering attention in academia and industry. Electrical and embodied energy consumption plays an important role in reducing CO2 emissions. In the present study, new empirical models are proposed to assess sustainable indicators. The embodied energy, environmental burden, and cost of coolant/lubricant have been added in the proposed models. Initially, optimal levels of minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) oil flow rate, liquid LN2 flow rate, air pressure, and nanoparticle concentration were found. Based on optimal technological parameters, experiments were performed under the same cutting conditions (machining parameters) for MQL and cryogenic LN2-assisted external turning of Ti6-Al-4V titanium alloy. The electric power and energy consumption, production time/cost, and CO2 emissions were assessed for a unit cutting-tool life. Later, specific responses were measured and compared between both cooling and lubrication approaches. Results showed that hybrid Al-GnP nanofluid consumed 80.6% less specific cumulative energy and emitted 88.7% less total CO2 emissions. However, cryogenic LN2 extended tool life by nearly 70% and incurred 4.12% less specific costs with 11.1% better surface quality. In summary, after Energy–Economy–Ecology–Engineering technology (4E)-based analysis, cryogenic LN2 is sustainable economically but not environmentally and there is a need to improve the sustainable production of LN2 at an industrial scale to achieve environmental sustainability. The present study provides useful information to establish clean machining processes.
Application of Carbon-13 Isotopomer Analysis to Assess Perinatal Myocardial Glucose Metabolism in Sheep
Authors: Ragavan Mukundan , Li Mengchen , Giacalone Anthony G. , Wood Charles E. , Keller-Wood Maureen , Merritt Matthew E.
Published: January 2021

Ovine models of pregnancy have been used extensively to study maternal–fetal interactions and have provided considerable insight into nutrient transfer to the fetus. Ovine models have also been utilized to study congenital heart diseases. In this work, we demonstrate a comprehensive assessment of heart function and metabolism using a perinatal model of heart function with the addition of a [U-13C]glucose as tracer to study central energy metabolism. Using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and metabolic modelling, we estimate myocardial citric acid cycle turnover (normalized for oxygen consumption), substrate selection, and anaplerotic fluxes. This methodology can be applied to studying acute and chronic effects of hormonal signaling in future studies.
Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Optical Properties of Benzene-Fused Tetracyclic and Pentacyclic Stiboles
Authors: Matsumura Mio , Matsuhashi Yuki , Kawakubo Masato , Hyodo Tadashi , Murata Yuki , Kawahata Masatoshi , Yamaguchi Kentaro , Yasuike Shuji
Published: January 2021

The expectation that antimony (Sb) compounds should display phosphorescence emissions based on the “heavy element effect” prompted our interest in the introduction of antimony to a biaryl as the bridging atom in a fused heterole system. Herein, the synthesis, molecular structures, and optical properties of novel benzene-fused heteroacenes containing antimony or arsenic atoms are described. The stiboles and arsole were prepared by the condensation of dibromo(phenyl)stibane or dichloro(phenyl)arsine with dilithium intermediates derived from the corresponding dibromo compounds. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and X-ray crystal analysis revealed that the linear pentacyclic stibole was highly symmetric in both the solution and crystal states. In contrast, the curved pentacyclic stibole adopted a helical structure in solution, and surprisingly, only M helical molecules were crystallized from the racemate. All synthesized compounds produced very weak or no emissions at room temperature or in the solid state. In contrast, the linear penta- and tetracyclic stiboles exhibited clear phosphorescence emissions in the CHCl3 frozen matrix at 77 K under aerobic conditions.
Insights into the Intraspecific Variability of the above and Belowground Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds in Tomato
Authors: Dehimeche Nafissa , Buatois Bruno , Bertin Nadia , Staudt Michael
Published: January 2021

The in-vivo monitoring of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions is a potential non-invasive tool in plant protection, especially in greenhouse cultivation. We studied VOC production from above and belowground organs of the eight parents of the Multi-Parent Advanced Generation Intercross population (MAGIC) tomato population, which exhibits a high genetic variability, in order to obtain more insight into the variability of constitutive VOC emissions from tomato plants under stress-free conditions. Foliage emissions were composed of terpenes, the majority of which were also stored in the leaves. Foliage emissions were very low, partly light-dependent, and differed significantly among genotypes, both in quantity and quality. Soil with roots emitted VOCs at similar, though more variable, rates than foliage. Soil emissions were characterized by terpenes, oxygenated alkanes, and alkenes and phenolic compounds, only a few of which were found in root extracts at low concentrations. Correlation analyses revealed that several VOCs emitted from foliage or soil are jointly regulated and that above and belowground sources are partially interconnected. With respect to VOC monitoring in tomato crops, our results underline that genetic variability, light-dependent de-novo synthesis, and belowground sources are factors to be considered for successful use in crop monitoring.
Improvement of Impact Strength of Polylactide Blends with a Thermoplastic Elastomer Compatibilized with Biobased Maleinized Linseed Oil for Applications in Rigid Packaging
Authors: Tejada-Oliveros Ramon , Balart Rafael , Ivorra-Martinez Juan , Gomez-Caturla Jaume , Montanes Nestor , Quiles-Carrillo Luis
Published: January 2021

This research work reports the potential of maleinized linseed oil (MLO) as biobased compatibilizer in polylactide (PLA) and a thermoplastic elastomer, namely, polystyrene-b-(ethylene-ran-butylene)-b-styrene (SEBS) blends (PLA/SEBS), with improved impact strength for the packaging industry. The effects of MLO are compared with a conventional polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)-b-polystyrene-graft-maleic anhydride terpolymer (SEBS-g-MA) since it is widely used in these blends. Uncompatibilized and compatibilized PLA/SEBS blends can be manufactured by extrusion and then shaped into standard samples for further characterization by mechanical, thermal, morphological, dynamical-mechanical, wetting and colour standard tests. The obtained results indicate that the uncompatibilized PLA/SEBS blend containing 20 wt.% SEBS gives improved toughness (4.8 kJ/m2) compared to neat PLA (1.3 kJ/m2). Nevertheless, the same blend compatibilized with MLO leads to an increase in impact strength up to 6.1 kJ/m2, thus giving evidence of the potential of MLO to compete with other petroleum-derived compatibilizers to obtain tough PLA formulations. MLO also provides increased ductile properties, since neat PLA is a brittle polymer with an elongation at break of 7.4%, while its blend with 20 wt.% SEBS and MLO as compatibilizer offers an elongation at break of 50.2%, much higher than that provided by typical SEBS-g-MA compatibilizer (10.1%). MLO provides a slight decrease (about 3 °C lower) in the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the PLA-rich phase, thus showing some plasticization effects. Although MLO addition leads to some yellowing due to its intrinsic yellow colour, this can contribute to serving as a UV light barrier with interesting applications in the packaging industry. Therefore, MLO represents a cost-effective and sustainable solution to the use of conventional petroleum-derived compatibilizers.
Advances in Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes Possessing Improved Lifetime
Authors: Xiao Peng , Yu Yicong , Cheng Junyang , Chen Yonglong , Yuan Shengjin , Chen Jianwen , Yuan Jian , Liu Baiquan
Published: January 2021

Recently, perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) are seeing an increasing academic and industrial interest with a potential for a broad range of technologies including display, lighting, and signaling. The maximum external quantum efficiency of PeLEDs can overtake 20% nowadays, however, the lifetime of PeLEDs is still far from the demand of practical applications. In this review, state-of-the-art concepts to improve the lifetime of PeLEDs are comprehensively summarized from the perspective of the design of perovskite emitting materials, the innovation of device engineering, the manipulation of optical effects, and the introduction of advanced encapsulations. First, the fundamental concepts determining the lifetime of PeLEDs are presented. Then, the strategies to improve the lifetime of both organic-inorganic hybrid and all-inorganic PeLEDs are highlighted. Particularly, the approaches to manage optical effects and encapsulations for the improved lifetime, which are negligibly studied in PeLEDs, are discussed based on the related concepts of organic LEDs and Cd-based quantum-dot LEDs, which is beneficial to insightfully understand the lifetime of PeLEDs. At last, the challenges and opportunities to further enhance the lifetime of PeLEDs are introduced.
Molecular Evidence of Novel Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia Species in Amblyomma albolimbatum Ticks from the Shingleback Skink (Tiliqua rugosa) in Southern Western Australia
Authors: Tadepalli Mythili , Vincent Gemma , Hii Sze Fui , Watharow Simon , Graves Stephen , Stenos John
Published: January 2021

Tick-borne infectious diseases caused by obligate intracellular bacteria of the genus Rickettsia are a growing global problem to human and animal health. Surveillance of these pathogens at the wildlife interface is critical to informing public health strategies to limit their impact. In Australia, reptile-associated ticks such as Bothriocroton hydrosauri are the reservoirs for Rickettsia honei, the causative agent of Flinders Island spotted fever. In an effort to gain further insight into the potential for reptile-associated ticks to act as reservoirs for rickettsial infection, Rickettsia-specific PCR screening was performed on 64 Ambylomma albolimbatum ticks taken from shingleback skinks (Tiliqua rugosa) located in southern Western Australia. PCR screening revealed 92% positivity for rickettsial DNA. PCR amplification and sequencing of phylogenetically informative rickettsial genes (ompA, ompB, gltA, sca4, and 17kda) suggested that the single rickettsial genotype detected represented a novel rickettsial species, genetically distinct from but closely related to Rickettsia gravesii and within the rickettsia spotted fever group (SFG). On the basis of this study and previous investigations, it would appear that Rickettsia spp. are endemic to reptile-associated tick species in Australia, with geographically distinct populations of the same tick species harboring genetically distinct SFG Rickettsia species. Further molecular epidemiology studies are required to understand the relationship between these diverse Rickettsiae and their tick hosts and the risk that they may pose to human and animal health.
Journey on Naphthoquinone and Anthraquinone Derivatives: New Insights in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Campora Marta , Francesconi Valeria , Schenone Silvia , Tasso Bruno , Tonelli Michele
Published: January 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by memory loss, cognitive impairment, and functional decline leading to dementia and death. AD imposes neuronal death by the intricate interplay of different neurochemical factors, which continue to inspire the medicinal chemist as molecular targets for the development of new agents for the treatment of AD with diverse mechanisms of action, but also depict a more complex AD scenario. Within the wide variety of reported molecules, this review summarizes and offers a global overview of recent advancements on naphthoquinone (NQ) and anthraquinone (AQ) derivatives whose more relevant chemical features and structure-activity relationship studies will be discussed with a view to providing the perspective for the design of viable drugs for the treatment of AD. In particular, cholinesterases (ChEs), β-amyloid (Aβ) and tau proteins have been identified as key targets of these classes of compounds, where the NQ or AQ scaffold may contribute to the biological effect against AD as main unit or significant substructure. The multitarget directed ligand (MTDL) strategy will be described, as a chance for these molecules to exhibit significant potential on the road to therapeutics for AD.
Antimicrobial Efficiency of Aloe arborescens and Aloe barbadensis Natural and Commercial Products
Authors: Kupnik Kaja , Primožič Mateja , Knez Željko , Leitgeb Maja
Published: January 2021

Nowadays, there are many commercial products from natural resources on the market, but they still have many additives to increase their biological activities. On the other hand, there is particular interest in natural sources that would have antimicrobial properties themselves and would inhibit the growth and the reproduction of opportunistic microorganisms. Therefore, a comparative antimicrobial study of natural samples of aloe and its commercial products was performed. Qualitative and quantitative determination of antimicrobial efficiency of Aloe arborescens and Aloe barbadensis and its commercial products on fungi, Gram-negative, and Gram-positive bacteria was performed. Samples exhibited antimicrobial activity and slowed down the growth of all tested microorganisms. Research has shown that natural juices and gels of A. arborescens and A. barbadensis are at higher added concentrations comparable to commercial aloe products, especially against microbial cultures of Bacillus cereus, Candida albicans, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, whose growths were completely inhibited at a microbial concentration of 600 μg/mL. Of particular importance are the findings of the good antimicrobial efficacy of fresh juice and gel of A. arborescens on tested microorganisms, which is less known and less researched. These results show great potential of A. arborescens for further use in medicine, cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical industries.
A Fructan Sucrase Secreted Extracellular and Purified in One-Step by Gram-Positive Enhancer Matrix Particles
Authors: Wang Jingyue , Xiao Huazhi , Zhao Fangkun , Zhao Bo , Xu Min , Zhou Zhijiang , Han Ye
Published: January 2021

Fructan sucrase is a kind of biological enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of fructan, and fructan is a polysaccharide product with important industrial application value. In this study, the Fructan sucrase gene of Bacillus subtilis was cloned to plasmid PET-28A-ACMA-Z, and three clones were obtained after the transformation of Escherichia coli BL21, namely BS-FF, BSO, and BS. The clones BS-FF and BSO secreted the recombinant enzymes outside the cells, while the clone BS expressed them inside the cells. The induction experiment results showed that the optimum IPTG concentration in the medium was 0.5 mM and 1.0 mM for clones BS-FF and BSO, respectively, while the incubation conditions were at 28 °C for 8 h. The recombinant fructan sucrase was purified one step using a material called GEM particles. The results indicated that 95.25% of fructan sucrase expressed by the clone BS-FF could be secreted into the extracellular area, and even 98.78% by the clone BSO. With the above purification system, the receiving rate of the recombinant enzyme for clones BS-FF and BSO was 97.70% and 84.99%, respectively. As for the bioactivity of recombinant fructan sucrase, the optimum temperature and pH were 50 °C and 5.6, respectively. The Km and Vmax of it were 33.96 g/L and 0.63 g/(L·min), respectively. The engineered strains with the high extracellular secretion of fructan sucrase were constructed, and a one-step method for the purification of the recombinant enzyme was established. The results might provide a novel selection for the enzymatic production of fructan on a large scale.
Composition, Thermal Expansion and Phase Transitions in Framework Silicates: Revisitation and Review of Natural and Synthetic Analogues of Nepheline-, Feldspar- and Leucite-Mineral Groups
Authors: Henderson C.
Published: January 2021

Framework silicates form about 70% of the Earth’s crust, mainly feldspars ~50–60% and quartz ~10–15%. Less-abundant feldspathoids include nepheline-, leucite-, and sodalite-group minerals, rich in structurally challenging properties. This review paper deals with anhydrous feldspar-, nepheline-, and leucite/pollucite groups, emphasising the importance of parallel studies on natural and synthetic samples. Four topics are covered. For decades, petrologists have analysed nephelines and recalculated their compositions as endmember molecules but, by not following rules of stuffed-tridymite crystal chemistry, have not estimated reliably the excess SiO2 present in solid solution. Some materials scientists make similar mistakes, and a new approach is described here. Synthesis studies of analogue feldspars, nephelines, and leucite/pollucites led to collaborative studies, mainly using laboratory and synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction methods at room and elevated temperatures, to study thermal expansion and displacive phase transitions. Such work was recently expanded to address the spontaneous strain relations. Topics covered here include work on nepheline/kalsilite analogues in the system SrAl2O4—BaAl2O4; thermal expansion of (K,Na)Al-, RbAl-, RbGa-, and SrAl-feldspars; and thermal expansion and phase transitions in analogue leucites KGaSi2O6 (tetragonal to cubic) and K2MgSi5O12 (monoclinic to orthorhombic). Results are reviewed in the context of research published in mineralogical and more-widely in physical sciences journals.
Effects of Learning Process and Self-Efficacy in Real-World Education for Sustainable Development
Authors: Ho Bach Q.
Published: January 2021

To solve the “wicked problems” of sustainability, education for sustainable development (EfSD) that raises the young generation to become change agents is necessary. For this purpose, fieldtrips that educate students in the real world about other stakeholders are effective, but since sustainable issues do not have clear solutions, cooperative learning (CL) in which students learn from each other is useful. The purpose of this study is to clarify the influence of the learning process on learning outcomes and their influence on learning objectives in real-world EfSD using CL. A hypothesis model consisting of seven hypotheses was set up, and a questionnaire survey of high school students who participated in the real-world EfSD was conducted. Results of the structural equation modeling of data from 2441 respondents supported all seven hypotheses. Implicit learning as a learning process promotes knowledge acquisition as a learning outcome, while explicit learning enhances self-efficacy. Although knowledge acquisition promotes citizenship development as the learning objective of EfSD, self-efficacy does not promote citizenship development. Self-efficacy affects knowledge acquisition more than implicit learning. This study contributes to EfSD research by clarifying the difference in the effects of the learning process.
New Conditions for Univalence of Confluent Hypergeometric Function
Authors: Oros Georgia Irina
Published: January 2021

Since in many particular cases checking directly the conditions from the definitions of starlikeness or convexity of a function can be difficult, in this paper we use the theory of differential subordination and in particular the method of admissible functions in order to determine conditions of starlikeness and convexity for the confluent (Kummer) hypergeometric function of the first kind. Having in mind the results obtained by Miller and Mocanu in 1990 who used a,c∈R, for the confluent (Kummer) hypergeometric function, in this investigation a and c complex numbers are used and two criteria for univalence of the investigated function are stated. An example is also included in order to show the relevance of the original results of the paper.
New Insectotoxin from Tibellus Oblongus Spider Venom Presents Novel Adaptation of ICK Fold
Authors: Korolkova Yuliya , Maleeva Ekaterina , Mikov Alexander , Lobas Anna , Solovyeva Elizaveta , Gorshkov Mikhail , Andreev Yaroslav , Peigneur Steve , Tytgat Jan , Kornilov Fedor , Lushpa Vladislav , Mineev Konstantin , Kozlov Sergey
Published: January 2021

The Tibellus oblongus spider is an active predator that does not spin webs and remains poorly investigated in terms of venom composition. Here, we present a new toxin, named Tbo-IT2, predicted by cDNA analysis of venom glands transcriptome. The presence of Tbo-IT2 in the venom was confirmed by proteomic analyses using the LC-MS and MS/MS techniques. The distinctive features of Tbo-IT2 are the low similarity of primary structure with known animal toxins and the unusual motif of 10 cysteine residues distribution. Recombinant Tbo-IT2 (rTbo-IT2), produced in E. coli using the thioredoxin fusion protein strategy, was structurally and functionally studied. rTbo-IT2 showed insecticidal activity on larvae of the housefly Musca domestica (LD100 200 μg/g) and no activity on the panel of expressed neuronal receptors and ion channels. The spatial structure of the peptide was determined in a water solution by NMR spectroscopy. The Tbo-IT2 structure is a new example of evolutionary adaptation of a well-known inhibitor cystine knot (ICK) fold to 5 disulfide bonds configuration, which determines additional conformational stability and gives opportunities for insectotoxicity and probably some other interesting features.
CONTROLLING THE CHANGING OF MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES IN THE ENTERPRISE RESOURCES PLANNING ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Nawawi Muhammad , Mulyadi Roza , Yunia Dabella
Published: January 2021

The aims of this research is to give empirical evidence of changes in management accounting practices (MA) by examining the effects of changes in data quality, information quality and management accounting tasks on the efficiency and effectiveness of accounting, and indirectly on change in management accounting after the adoption of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Empirical analysis of the study used primary data from a survey of 29 manufacturing companies with 102 CFO respondents, accounting managers and business controllers, with a response rate of 28.43%, providing significant support for the proposed model. Structural equation modeling (SEM) approach with testing tools using partial least square (PLS) is used in this research. The linear thing with the results of previous research is the same, it was found that the erp implementation time is the determinant of significant MA changes, while the difference from previous researchers is in the end user, where the company that has adopted the ERP system has just felt a greater MA change when compared to users early on. The results showed that the implementation of global ERP and the use of business intelligence tools (BI) were significantly related to changes in MA practices.
The comparative lyrics of Paranar, Mamoolanar and Marudan Ilanaganar are the external stories of the songs
Authors: A Chandiran
Published: January 2021

288 Historical Notes on the 400 - Songs in Akanaguru Only 149 songs are featured. Of these, Paranar - 30 songs, Mamulanar - 27 songs, Madurai Maruthan Illanganar - 10 songs, only about near than half of the (67) songs have been sung. The other 82 songs were sung by 50 Poets (Akananur - 117 is not known by the name of the Poet). And they have all sung single-digit numbers.  These are the above tips, these three poets’ high numbers of the Historical Notes sung in akapadals Why? Kurunthogai, in natrinai Than In akananuru Why is that number so high? Is there any relationship between the songs in Pattuppāṭṭu and this one? Such questions arise. The purpose of this article is to seek explanations for these questions.
Suffering Silence While Exposed to Workplace Bullying: The Role of Psychological Contract Violation, Benevolent Behavior and Positive Psychological Capital
Authors: Jamshaid Namra , Arshad Sadia
Published: January 2021

Becoming impediment to organizational functioning in several ways, the prevalence of workplace bullying costs much to organizations. As in the current transition phase of Pakistan, the intentions to leave doesn’t manifest in actual turnover rates.  Hence the current study is conducted to analyze the passive coping strategies of employees in the face of workplace bullying. It is theorized that the relationship is mediated by psychological contract violation. Moreover, it is predicted that the process of mediation is stronger for individuals who report high levels of benevolent behavior and perceives psychological capital to be low.
Data is collected from 359 young doctors and nurses of three government administered hospitals. Results indicate a significant bullying-silence relationship where psychological contract violation plays a role of partial mediator. Moreover, benevolence and PsyCap are powerful moderators to alter the already established relationship. Conclusions of the current study are further elaborated in terms of their practical contribution and future directions. Workplace bullying is an organizational reality. Hence efforts to make an entire bullying-free environment is next to impossible.  So, in addition to make an effort in ending up this maltreatment, managers must limit its consequences by understanding its dynamics. Reduce the bullying culture and save precious resources i.e. potential employees.
IMPLEMENTASI EKSEKUSI PUTUSAN BANI DALAM PENYELESAIAN SENGKETA PERDATA
Authors: Suyanto Heru , Sugiyono Heru , Oktalia Ilvana
Published: January 2021

Arbitrase merupakan salah satu bentuk cara penyelesaian sengketa perdata yang timbul dari pelaksanaan suatu perjanjian diantara para pihak. Sengketa pardata dapat diselesaikan melalui Badan Arbitrase Nasional Indonesia (BANI) jika dalam perjanjian yang dibaut oleh para pihak tercantum klausula pilihan jika terjadi sengketa akan diselesaikan melalui BANI. Putusan BANI harus dilaksanakan dengan itikad baik oleh para pihak yang terikat dalam perjanjian, dan jika putusan tidak dilaksanakan secara sukarela maka akan dilakukan eksekusi oleh Pengadilan Negeri. Dalam penelitian ini penulis menggunakan metode penelitian yuridis normatif yaitu dengan melakukan pengkajian terhadap data sekunder seperti perundang-undangan, putusan, serta bahan pustaka yang berkaitan dengan penelitian ini. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa proses penyelesaian sengketa perdata melalui BANI terdiri dari 3 (tiga) tahapan yaitu pra persidangan, masa persidangan dan pasca persidangan. Dalam implementasinya putusan BANI memiliki kekuatan eksekutorial apabila putusan arbitrase tersebut telah didaftarkan kepada kepaniteraan Pengadilan Negeri. Meskipun BANI merupakan lembaga arbitrase institusional namun dalam prinsipnya penetapan perintah pelaksanaan eksekusi tetap dilakukan oleh Pengadilan Negeri karena BANI bukanlah badan peradilan sehingga tidak memiliki perangkat jurusita, serta tidak memiliki kewenangan untuk melakukan eksekusi. Sebaiknya putusan BANI bisa dilaksanakan oleh para pihak dengan itikad baik baik dan secara sukarela tanpa harus melibatkan Pengadilan Negeri untuk melakukan eksekusi.
OPTIMALISASI PENERAPAN MEDIASI PENAL SEBAGAI ALTERNATIF PENYELESAIAN PERKARA TINDAK PIDANA
Authors: Septiyo Tendy , Setiyono Joko , Samara Muchlas Rastra
Published: January 2021

Beberapa pihak menilai bahwa penyelesaian perkara tindak pidana melalui sistem peradilan pidana dinilai kurang maksimal, maka dari itu melalui konsep mediasi penal dapat dioptimalisasikan menjadi alternatif dalam menyelesaikan perkara tindak pidana di luar pengadilan. Konsep mediasi penal diambil dari “restorative justice yang berusaha memeberikan keadilan dengan adanya keseimbangan antara korban dan pelaku tindak pidana”. Permasalahan yang akan dibahas pada penelitian ini adalah bagaiaman upaya optimalisasi mediasi penal sebagai alternatif perkara tindak pidana di luar pengadilan, bagaimana kebijakan mediasi penal sebagai alternatif penyelesaian tindak pidana di masa mendatang. Permasalahan tersebut akan dianalisis dengan metode penelitian penelitian yuridis normatif, dengan pendekatan perundang-undangan, analisis. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian diketahui bahwa penyelesaian mediasi penal dilakukan di luar proses peradilan pidana melalui mekanisme perundingan/musyawarah selanjutnya dimintakan perdamaian guna menyelesaikan konflik. Kebijakan mediasi penal dalam pembaharuan hukum pidana bisa dilakukan melalui dua cara yaitu mediasi penal di luar proses peradilan pidana dan mediasi penal sebagai bagian dari proses sistem peradilan pidana.
Aproximación a la gramática del estilo indirecto libre a partir del corpus CEILE
Authors: Estevez-Rionegro Noelia
Published: January 2021

El estilo indirecto libre, como procedimiento de reproducción del discurso, ha sido estudiado desde diferentes disciplinas. Desde el punto de vista gramatical, no existe un consenso entre los autores a la hora de categorizarlo. A partir de un análisis crítico e ilustrado del estado de la cuestión, se tratará de poner de manifiesto las principales teorías difundidas sobre la sintaxis del estilo indirecto libre en español y de plantear una nueva vía de exploración que contribuya al estudio de la cuestión desde la Lingüística de corpus, mediante la creación de un corpus específico de estilo indirecto libre. Con esta finalidad, se presenta el Corpus de Estilo Indirecto Libre en Español (CEILE), que pretende facilitar la labor de recopilación y clasificación de textos para su posterior análisis y que puede resultar útil para ahondar en el objeto de estudio a partir de mayor número y variedad de textos. Además, se propone un abordaje diferente a la hora de contrastar el estilo indirecto libre con otras formas de reproducción del discurso que va más allá de las prototípicas y atiende al estilo directo atípico, cuyo análisis apriorístico apunta a una configuración gramatical y discursiva que los acerca considerablemente. De este modo, este trabajo pretende encauzar una posible línea de investigación que podría arrojar luz sobre la problemática del estilo indirecto libre en la gramática del español.
Technology and language learning
Authors: Huzairin Huzairin , Putrawan Gede Eka , Riadi Bambang
Published: January 2021

A considerable number of studies on mobile-assisted language learning have been conducted, but less attention has been paid to online informal learning of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) performed using smartphones among undergraduate EFL learners in Indonesia. Thus, this study was specifically aimed at investigating EFL learners’ most frequently-performed EFL learning activities through smartphones, the predominant online language use, and the relationship between EFL learners’ predominant online language use and their perceived EFL proficiency. The study adopted a quantitative approach. The findings reveal that the participants still more frequently access content and information from their smartphones for receptive rather than interactive/productive online activities. Indonesian, which is the participants’ first language, is still predominantly used for their online activities. The mean score of the perceived EFL proficiency of those who frequently perform online activities in English is statistically and significantly higher than those performing online activities in Indonesian. Overall, the mean score of the perceived EFL proficiency of those performing online activities in English is higher than those in Indonesian, although the difference is not statistically significant. Finally, the study’s implications with suggestions for future research are discussed.
ANÁLISE HIDROLÓGICA DO IGARAPÉ DO MINDU, MANAUS, AMAZONAS, BRASIL
Authors: Queiroz Matheus Silveira de , Batista Selma Paula Maciel , Alves Neliane de Sousa
Published: January 2021

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar parâmetros hidrológicos no Igarapé do Mindu, localizado na área urbana da cidade de Manaus. Foram calculadas as médias mensais de cota e precipitação para entender a importância de ambas para o regime hidrológico. Realizou-se trabalhos de campo entre os anos de 2018-2019 em seis pontos de análise para calcular a velocidade de fluxo (utilizou-se o método do flutuador), vazão do igarapé e observar influências naturais e antrópicas no canal. O Igarapé do Mindu possui o período de cheia entre janeiro-maio e a vazante entre junho-dezembro, sendo que as cotas do igarapé são influenciadas pelo regime de precipitação da cidade de Manaus. Porém, o baixo curso do igarapé segue o regime hidrológico do rio Negro, isto ocorre, pois o igarapé é submetido a um barramento hidráulico. A velocidade média anual no igarapé é 0,9 m s-1 e vazão média anual é 14,6 m³ s-1, sendo que a vazão e a velocidade ao longo da extensão do igarapé são influenciada por um barramento hidráulico, neotectônica e influência antrópica. O barramento hidráulico atua no baixo curso e diminu a velocidade de fluxo influenciando diretamente na vazão. No ponto dois observa-se um knickpoint que aumenta substancialmente a velocidade local de fluxo. As alterações antrópicas no canal como retificações e dragagem modificam o leito e as margens alterando, por consequência, a velocidade de fluxo e vazão.
ANALISIS KESIAPAN PELAKSANAAN KEGIATAN PEMBELAJARAN TATAP MUKA DI INDONESIA PADA TAHUN 2021
Authors: Nugroho Muhammad Marshal , Syamsuar Amarrakhaisya , Syamsuar Ameerakhaiya , Yunaryo Hafizh Muhammad Anfasha , Pramesti Lintang Ambar , Nurrudin Ma'ruf , Darmamulia Muhammad Alif , Fasya Rachiny Anantridha , Haniffah Salsabilla Husna , Gaol Sanjika Ilham Putra Lumban , Ernawati Ernawati
Published: January 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic affects almost every aspect. The level of spread and the high number of positive cases force humans to adapt to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The education aspect is one of the aspects affected by COVID-19. As a result, the learning process is carried out online to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In practice, there are still some deficiencies in the online learning process in Indonesia. These deficiencies are supporting factors such as uneven internet connections or socio-economic class differences that can cause differences in the level of acceptance of knowledge between students. Thus, it has been considered by the government to carry out an offline learning process. The plan for implementing face-to-face learning activities will start in January 2021. Of course, some preparations must be made by the government and the community before implementing offline learning. Based on the research that has been done, it is concluded that the government and the community must prepare human resources, prepare facilities and infrastructure, administer licensing, and carry out the COVID-19 vaccine immunization sequentially.
FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN PENGGUNAAN ALAT KONTRASEPSI IMPLANT
Authors: Yusnidar Yusnidar , Dahlan Andi Kasrida , UmraH Andi Sitti
Published: January 2021

Latar belakang : Kontrasepsi merupakan upaya untuk mencegah terjadinya kehamilan. Upaya itu dapat bersifat sementara dapat pula bersifat permanen. Kontrasepsi juga merupakan teknik yang memakai alat, obat cara perhitungan dan operasi dengan tujuan untuk menyarankan atau membatasi kehamilan.

Tujuan : mengetahui faktor – faktor yang berhubungan dengan penggunaan alat kontrasepsi implant.

Metode : Jenis penelitian cross sectional study, data dianalisis menggunakan uji Chi – Square dengan koreksi fisher’s exact test.

Hasil : ada hubungan antara pendidikan dengan kontrasepsi implant dengan nilai p = 0.002 (α <0,05), ada hubungan antara pengetahuan dengan kontrasepsi implant dengan nilai p = 0.002 (α <0,05), ada hubungn antara dukungan keluarga dengan kontrasepsi implant dengan nilai p = 0.001 (α <0,05)

Simpulan : ada hubungan antara pendidikan, pengetahuan, dukungan keluarga dengan kontrasepsi implant.

 

Kata kunci : Pendidikan, Pengetahuan, Dukungan Keluarga
VYRŲ IR MOTERŲ VIDUTINĖS TIKĖTINO GYVENIMO TRUKMĖS SKIRTUMO PRIEŽASTYS KOKYBINIU POŽIŪRIU
Authors: Mačiulienė Jordana , Stepukonis Faustas , Norkienė Sigutė
Published: January 2021

Lietuvos vyrų ir moterų vidutinės tikėtinos gyvenimo trukmės (VGT) skirtumas – 9,8 metų – yra didžiausias ES ir vienas didžiausių tarp viso pasaulio šalių, rodantis, jog Lietuvos vyrų sveikatingumas ir gerovė yra ženkliai pažeisti.

Tyrimo tikslas – išanalizuoti Lietuvos vyrų ir moterų vidutinės tikėtinos gyvenimo trukmės skirtumo gilumines psichosocialines priežastis.
Tyrimo medžiaga ir metodai. Kokybinis tyrimas atliktas giluminio interviu metodu apklausiant Klaipėdos rajono gyventojus. Tyrime dalyvavo 8 informantai: 7 vyrai ir 1 moteris.

Rezultatai. Apibendrinus visų informantų pasisakymus gyvenimą trumpinančių veiksnių tema, išryškėjo, kad labiausiai skundžiamasi pinigų stoka, prasta emocine būkle, požiūrio į vyriškumą ypatumais, netinkamai susiklosčiusiais santykiais šeimoje. Nevienareikšmiai vertinamas interneto poveikis sveikatai – dalies informantų nuomone, internetas naudingas, kitų tyrimo dalyvių nuomone – žalingas sveikatai. Informantai nevienareikšmiai vertino alkoholio vartojimą, rūkymą, vartojimo motyvus bei poveikį sveikatai. Dauguma tyrimo dalyvių pripažino, kad vyrai rūpinasi sveikata mažiau, nei moterys – jie vengia profilaktinių pasitikrinimų, nenoriai lankosi pas gydytojus dėl prastos sveikatos apsaugos sistemos bei didelių eilių. Visi informantai pripažino, kad psichologinis stabilumas turi didelę įtaką gyvenimo kokybei ir jo trukmei.

Išvados. Išskirtinai didelio Lietuvos vyrų ir moterų VGT skirtumo, lyginant su kitomis ES ir pasaulio šalimis, negalima paaiškinti vien biologiniais veiksniais. Lietuvos vyrų sveikatą žalojanti elgsena – polinkis į nesaikingą alkoholio vartojimą, rūkymas, rizikingesnė nei moterų elgsena, nesirūpinimas sveikatos tausojimu, vengimas tikrintis sveikatą yra nepalankių ekonominių bei psichosocialinių aplinkybių pasekmė. Siekiant sumažinti vyrų ir moterų VGT skirtumo gilumines priežastis, reikėtų orientuotis ne tiek į draudimais grindžiamas priemones, tokias kaip alkoholio įsigijimo ir vartojimo, rūkymo ar alkoholio reklamos draudimas, o į galimybių sudarymą gyventojų ekonominės padėties stiprinimui, geresnes infrastruktūros sąlygas, emigracijos ir nedarbo mažinimą. Būtini tolimesni ir išsamesni šios srities tyrimai, siekiant įvardinti bei pašalinti gilumines Lietuvos vyrų ir moterų VGT skirtumo priežastis.

Šiame straipsnyje apžvelgiama užsienio šalių patirtis, taikant sensorinę integraciją kaip vieną iš galimų profe­sinio streso įveikos metodų.