bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergetic metronidazole removal from aqueous solutions using combination of electro-persulfate process with magnetic Fe3O4@AC nanocomposites: nonlinear fitting of isotherms and kinetic models
Authors: Malakootian Mohammad , Aghasi Majid , Fatehizadeh Ali , Ahmadian Mohammad
Published: December 2020

The removal of metronidazole (MNZ) from aqueous solutions by the electro-persulfate (EC–PS) process was performed in combination with magnetic Fe3O4@activated carbon (AC) nanocomposite. In the first step, the Fe3O4@AC nanocomposites were synthesized and characterized using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (XRD), vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), mapping, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The effect of Fe3O4@AC, PS and EC processes were studied separately and in combination and finally, the appropriate process for MNZ removal was selected. The effect of key parameters on the EC–Fe3O4@AC–PS process including pH, Fe3O4@AC dosage, initial MNZ concentration, and PS concentration were investigated. Based on the results obtained, the Fe3O4@AC had a good structure. The MNZ removal in EC, PS, Fe3O4@AC, EC–Fe3O4@AC, EC–PS, EC–Fe3O4@AC–NaCl, EC–Fe3O4@AC–PS, and EC–Fe3O4@AC–PS–NaCl processes were 0, 0, 59.68, 62, 68.94, 67.71, 87.23 and 88%, respectively. Due to the low effect of NaCl insertion on the EC–Fe3O4@AC–PS process, it was not added into the reactor and optimum conditions for the EC–Fe3O4@AC–PS process were determined. Under ideal conditions, including MNZ = 40 mg/L, Fe3O4@AC dose = 1 g/L, pH = 3, PS concentration = 1.68 mM, current density (CD) = 0.6 mA/cm2 and time = 80 min, the MNZ removal was 92%. Kinetic study showed that the pseudo-second-order model was compatible with the obtained results. In the isotherm studies, the Langmuir model was the most consistent for the data of the present study, and the Q
max for Fe3O4@AC dose from 0.25 to 1 g/L was 332 to 125 mg/g, respectively.
Not Only Survival but Stronger: The Impact of Alarming Invader of SARS-CoV-2 on Global Education
Authors: Cheng Xiaoqiao , Pellegrini Marta , Zhou Longjun , Cheung Alan C. K.
Published: December 2020

The pandemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused an immeasurable impact on most countries and regions globally, especially in education. The shutdown of schools and classes in most countries and regions from pandemic has greatly affected education in the fight against COVID-19. The implementation of large-scale online education has also exposed global education’s status quo and psychological and social problems. Based on the review of related studies, this paper analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education to further think about educational reform’s direction and path.
Predicting COVID-19 Incidence Using Data Mining Techniques: A case study of Pakistan
Authors:   Department of Computer Science, Lahore Garrison University, Lahore, Pakistan, NOOR Saba , AKRAM Waseem ,   Department of Computer Science, COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan, AHMED Touseef ,   Department of Computer Science, Lahore Garrison University, Lahore, Pakistan, Qurat-ul-Ain Qurat-ul-Ain ,   Department of Computer Science, Lahore Garrison University, Lahore, Pakistan
Published: December 2020

The Outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) came to the world in early December 2019. The early cases of coronavirus were reported in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. Till May 18, 2020, 198 countries have been affected by this life-threatening disease. The most common and known traits of COVID-19 are tiredness, fever, and dry cough. In this paper, we have discussed the Predictive data mining approach for COVID-19 predictions. In Predictive data mining, a model is developed and trained using supervised learning and then it predicts the behavior of provided data. Predictive data mining is a renowned technique known to many health organizations for the classification and prediction of diseases such as Heart disease and various types of cancers etc. There are several factors for comparing the model's accuracy, scalability, and interpretability. This predictive model is compared to the basics of its accuracy. In this proposed approach, we have used WEKA as it provides a vast collection of many machine learning algorithms. The main objective of this paper is to forecast the possible future incidence of corona cases in Pakistan. This study concludes that the number of corona cases will increase swiftly. If the government take proactive steps and strictly implement precautionary measures, then Pakistan may be able to overcome this pandemic.
Hydrogen Gas Therapy: From Preclinical Studies to Clinical Trials
Authors: Sano Motoaki , Tamura Tomoyoshi
Published: December 2020

Background:

Mounting evidence indicates that hydrogen gas (H2) is a versatile therapeutic agent,
even at very low, non-combustible concentrations. The Chinese National Health and Medical Commission recently
recommended the use of inhaled H2 in addition to O2 therapy in the treatment of COVID-19-associated
pneumonia, and its effects extend to anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions.

In this review, we highlight key findings from preclinical researchn this review, we have highlighted key findings from preclinical research and recent clinical studies
demonstrating that H2 reduces the organ damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion. We have also outlined the
critical role this effect plays in a variety of medical emergencies, including myocardial infarction, hemorrhagic
shock, and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, as well as in organ transplantation. H2 is compared with established
treatments such as targeted temperature management, and we have also discussed its possible mechanisms of
action, including the recently identified suppression of TNF-α-mediated endothelial glycocalyx degradation by
inhaled H2. In addition, our new method that enables H2 gas to be easily transported to emergency settings and
quickly injected into an organ preservation solution at the site of donor organ procurement have been described. and recent clinical studies demonstrating
that H2
reduces the organ damage caused by ischemia–reperfusion. We outline the critical role this effect plays in a variety
of medical emergencies, including myocardial infarction, hemorrhagic shock, and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, as well as
in organ transplantation. H2
is compared with established treatments such as targeted temperature management, and we
discuss its possible mechanisms of action, including the recently identified suppression of TNF-α-mediated endothelial
glycocalyx degradation by inhaled H2
. In addition, we describe our new method that enables H2 gas to be easily
transported to emergency settings and quickly injected into an organ preservation solution at the site of donor organ
procurement.

Conclusion:

H2 is an easily administered, inexpensive and well-tolerated agent that is highly effective for a
wide range of conditions in emergency medicine, as well as for preserving donated organs.
Factors Influencing Patients’ Initial Decisions Regarding Telepsychiatry Participation During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Telephone-Based Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Severe Jennifer , Tang Ruiqi , Horbatch Faith , Onishchenko Regina , Naini Vidisha , Blazek Mary Carol
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Telepsychiatry enables patients to establish or maintain psychiatric care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about the factors influencing patients’ initial decisions to participate in telepsychiatry in the midst of a public health crisis.

OBJECTIVE

This paper seeks to examine factors influencing patients’ initial decisions to accept or decline telepsychiatry immediately after the stay-at-home order in Michigan, their initial choice of virtual care modality (video or telephone), and their anticipated participation in telepsychiatry once clinics reopen for in-person visits.

METHODS

Between June and August 2020, we conducted a telephone-based survey using a questionnaire comprising 14 quantitative and two qualitative items as part of a quality improvement initiative. We targeted patients who had an in-person appointment date that fell in the first few weeks following the Michigan governor’s stay-at-home order, necessitating conversion to virtual visits or deferment of in-person care. We used descriptive statistics to report individual survey responses and assess the association between chosen visit type and patient characteristics and future participation in telepsychiatry using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 244 patients whose original in-person appointments were scheduled within the first 3 weeks of the stay-at-home order in Michigan completed the telephone survey. The majority of the 244 respondents (n=202, 82.8%) initially chose to receive psychiatric care through video visits, while 13.5% (n=33) chose telephone visits and 1.2% (n=3) decided to postpone care until in-person visit availability. Patient age correlated with chosen visit type (P<.001; 95% CI 0.02-0.06). Patients aged ≥44 years were more likely than patients aged 0-44 years to opt for telephone visits (relative risk reduction [RRR] 1.2; 95% CI 1.06-1.35). Patient sex (P=.99), race (P=.06), type of insurance (P=.08), and number of previous visits to the clinic (P=.63) were not statistically relevant. Approximately half of the respondents (114/244, 46.7%) stated they were likely to continue with telepsychiatry even after in-person visits were made available. Telephone visit users were less likely than video visit users to anticipate future participation in telepsychiatry (RRR 1.08; 95% CI 0.97-1.2). Overall, virtual visits met or exceeded expectations for the majority of users.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort, patient age correlates with the choice of virtual visit type, with older adults more likely to choose telephone visits over video visits. Understanding challenges to patient-facing technologies can help advance health equity and guide best practices for engaging patients and families through telehealth.
A Mobile-Based Intervention to Increase Self-esteem in Students With Depressive Symptoms: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Bruhns Alina , Lüdtke Thies , Moritz Steffen , Bücker Lara
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Depressive symptoms are one of the most common and ever-increasing mental health problems among students worldwide. Conventional treatment options, particularly psychotherapy, do not reach all students in need of help. Internet- and mobile-based interventions are promising alternatives for narrowing the treatment gap.

OBJECTIVE

In the framework of a randomized controlled trial, we aim to investigate the effectiveness, acceptance, and side effects of a self-help smartphone app (MCT & More) based on cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy, and metacognitive training in a sample of students with self-reported depressive symptoms. Furthermore, we were interested in examining the influence of treatment expectations and attitudes toward internet- and mobile-based interventions on treatment adherence and effectiveness.

METHODS

A total of 400 students were recruited via open access websites and randomized to either the intervention group (n=200), who received access to the self-help smartphone app MCT & More for a period of 4 weeks, or to a wait-list control group (n=200). The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (depression) served as the primary outcome parameter, and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (self-esteem) and the global item of the World Health Organization Quality of Life-abbreviated version (quality of life) served as the secondary outcome parameters. The Attitudes Towards Psychological Online Interventions was used to measure attitudes toward internet- and mobile-based interventions. Outcome expectations were assessed using the Patient Questionnaire on Therapy Expectation and Evaluation, and side effects were assessed using the Inventory for Assessing Negative Effects of Psychotherapy.

RESULTS

Per-protocol (PP), complete-case, and intention-to-treat analyses showed a significantly higher reduction in depressive symptoms (PP: F1222=3.98; P=.047; d=0.26) and a significantly higher increase in self-esteem (PP: F1220=8.79; P=.003; d=0.77) in the intervention group than in the wait-list control group. Most participants regularly used the self-help smartphone app (91/120, 75.8%, at least once a week). The more positive the attitude toward internet- and mobile-based interventions (r=0.260; P=.004) and the more positive the outcome expectation (r=0.236; P=.009), the more frequently the self-help smartphone app was used.

CONCLUSIONS

The effectiveness of the self-help smartphone app MCT & More was demonstrated among students with depressive symptoms compared with a wait-list control group. The app could be offered regularly as a low-threshold intervention to enhance students’ health.

CLINICALTRIAL

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00020941; https://tinyurl.com/pr84w6er
Acceptance of a Smartphone-Based Visual Field Screening Platform for Glaucoma: Pre-Post Study (Preprint)
Authors: Nida Esmael Kedir , Bekele Sisay , Geurts Luc , Vanden Abeele Vero
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Glaucoma, the silent thief of sight, is a major cause of blindness worldwide. It is a burden for people in low-income countries, specifically countries where glaucoma-induced blindness accounts for 15% of the total incidence of blindness. More than half the people living with glaucoma in low-income countries are unaware of the disease until it progresses to an advanced stage, resulting in permanent visual impairment.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the acceptability of the Glaucoma Easy Screener (GES), a low-cost and portable visual field screening platform comprising a smartphone, a stereoscopic virtual reality headset, and a gaming joystick.

METHODS

A mixed methods study that included 24 eye care professionals from 4 hospitals in Southwest Ethiopia was conducted to evaluate the acceptability of GES. A pre-post design was used to collect perspectives before and after using the GES by using questionnaires and semistructured interviews. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to determine the significance of any change in the scores of the questionnaire items (two-tailed, 95% CI; α=.05). The questionnaire and interview questions were guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology.

RESULTS

Positive results were obtained both before and after use, suggesting the acceptance of mobile health solutions for conducting glaucoma screening by using a low-cost headset with a smartphone and a game controller. There was a significant increase (two-tailed, 95% CI; α=.05) in the average scores of 86% (19/22) of postuse questionnaire items compared with those of preuse questionnaire items. Ophthalmic professionals perceived GES as easy to use and as a tool that enabled the conduct of glaucoma screening tests, especially during outreach to rural areas. However, positive evaluations are contingent on the accuracy of the tool. Moreover, ophthalmologists voiced the need to limit the tool to screening only (ie, not for making diagnoses).

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the feasibility of using a mobile device in combination with a low-cost virtual reality headset and classic controller for glaucoma screening in rural areas. GES has the potential to reduce the burden of irreversible blindness caused by glaucoma. However, further assessment of its sensitivity and specificity is required.

CLINICALTRIAL
Zolpidem Versus Trazodone Initiation and the Risk of Fall-Related Fractures among Individuals Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Assimon Magdalene M. , Flythe Jennifer E.
Published: December 2020

Background and objectives

Zolpidem, a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic, and trazodone, a sedating antidepressant, are the most common medications used to treat insomnia in the United States. Both drugs have side effect profiles (e.g., drowsiness, dizziness, and cognitive and motor impairment) that can heighten the risk of falls and fractures. Despite widespread zolpidem and trazodone use, little is known about the comparative safety of these medications in patients receiving hemodialysis, a vulnerable population with an exceedingly high fracture rate.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Using data from the United States Renal Data System registry (2013–2016), we conducted a retrospective cohort study to investigate the association between the initiation of zolpidem versus trazodone therapy and the 30-day risk of hospitalized fall-related fractures among Medicare-enrolled patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. We used an active comparator new-user design and estimated 30-day inverse probability of treatment-weighted hazard ratios and risk differences. We treated death as a competing event.

Results

A total of 31,055 patients were included: 18,941 zolpidem initiators (61%) and 12,114 trazodone initiators (39%). During the 30-day follow-up period, 101 fall-related fractures occurred. Zolpidem versus trazodone initiation was associated with a higher risk of hospitalized fall-related fracture (weighted hazard ratio, 1.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.11 to 2.63; weighted risk difference, 0.17%; 95% confidence interval, 0.07% to 0.29%). This association was more pronounced among individuals prescribed higher zolpidem doses (hazard ratio, 1.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.10 to 3.01; and risk difference, 0.20%; 95% confidence interval, 0.04% to 0.38% for higher-dose zolpidem versus trazodone; and hazard ratio, 1.60; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 2.55 and risk difference, 0.14%; 95% confidence interval, 0.03% to 0.27% for lower-dose zolpidem versus trazodone). Sensitivity analyses using longer follow-up durations yielded similar results.

Conclusions

Among individuals receiving maintenance hemodialysis, zolpidem initiators had a higher risk of hospitalized fall-related fracture compared with trazodone initiators.

Podcast

This article contains a podcast at https://www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/CJASN/2020_12_18_CJN10070620_final.mp3
The Mobile Health Readiness of People Receiving In-Center Hemodialysis and Home Dialysis
Authors: Hussein Wael F. , Bennett Paul N. , Pace Sloane , Chen Shijie , Legg Veronica , Atwal Jugjeet , Sun Sumi , Schiller Brigitte
Published: December 2020

Background and objectives

Mobile health is the health care use of mobile devices, such as smartphones. Mobile health readiness is a prerequisite to successful implementation of mobile health programs. The aim of this study was to examine the status and correlates of mobile health readiness among individuals on dialysis.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

A cross-sectional 30-item questionnaire guided by the Khatun mobile health readiness conceptual model was distributed to individuals on dialysis from 21 in-center hemodialysis facilities and 14 home dialysis centers. The survey assessed the availability of devices and the internet, proficiency, and interest in using mobile health.

Results

In total, 949 patients (632 hemodialysis and 317 home dialysis) completed the survey. Of those, 81% owned smartphones or other internet-capable devices, and 72% reported using the internet. The majority (70%) reported intermediate or advanced mobile health proficiency. The main reasons for using mobile health were appointments (56%), communication with health care personnel (56%), and laboratory results (55%). The main reported concerns with mobile health were privacy and security (18%). Mobile health proficiency was lower in older patients: compared with the 45- to 60-years group, respondents in age groups <45, 61–70, and >70 years had adjusted odds ratios of 5.04 (95% confidence interval, 2.23 to 11.38), 0.39 (95% confidence interval, 0.24 to 0.62), and 0.22 (95% confidence interval, 0.14 to 0.35), respectively. Proficiency was lower in participants with Hispanic/Latinx ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.31 to 0.75) and with less than college education (adjusted odds ratio for “below high school,” 0.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.05 to 0.16 and adjusted odds ratio for “high school only,” 0.26; 95% confidence interval, 0.18 to 0.39). Employment was associated with higher proficiency (adjusted odds ratio, 2.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.18 to 4.32). Although home dialysis was associated with higher proficiency in the unadjusted analyses, we did not observe this association after adjustment for other factors.

Conclusions

The majority of patients on dialysis surveyed were ready for, and proficient in, mobile health.

Clinical Trial registry name and registration number: Dialysis mHealth Survey,

NCT04177277
Generalized Fractional Inequalities of the Hermite–Hadamard Type for Convex Stochastic Processes
Authors: Omaba McSylvester Ejighikeme , Nwaeze Eze R.
Published: December 2020

A generalization of the Hermite–Hadamard (HH) inequality for a positive convex stochastic process, by means of a newly proposed fractional integral operator, is hereby established. Results involving the Riemann– Liouville, Hadamard, Erdélyi–Kober, Katugampola, Weyl and Liouville fractional integrals are deduced as particular cases of our main result. In addition, we also apply some known HH results to obtain some estimates for the expectations of integrals of convex and p-convex stochastic processes. As a side note, we also pointed out a mistake in the main result of the paper [Hermite–Hadamard type inequalities, convex stochastic processes and Katugampola fractional integral, Revista Integración, temas de matemáticas 36 (2018), no. 2, 133–149]. We anticipate that the idea employed herein will inspire further research in this direction.
The effects of heat stress on the behaviour of dairy cows – a review
Authors: Herbut Piotr , Hoffmann Gundula , Angrecka Sabina , Godyń Dorota , Vieira Frederico Márcio Corrêa , Adamczyk Krzysztof , Kupczyński Robert
Published: December 2020

Heat stress in livestock is a function of macro- and microclimatic factors, their duration and intensity, the environments where they occur and the biological characteristics of the animal. Due to intense metabolic processes, high-producing dairy cows are highly vulnerable to the effects of heat stress. Disturbances in their thermoregulatory capability are reflected by behavioural, physiological and production changes. Expression of thermoregulatory behaviour such as reduction of activity and feed intake, searching for a cooler places or disturbances in reproductive behaviours may be very important indicators of animal welfare. Especially maintain of standing or lying position in dairy cattle may be a valuable marker of the negative environmental impact. Highly mechanized farms with large numbers of animals have the informatic system can detect alterations automatically, while small family farms cannot afford these type of equipments. Therefore, observing and analysing behavioural changes to achieve a greater understanding of heat stress issue may be a key factor for developing the effective strategies to minimize the effects of heat stress in cattle. The aim of this review is to present the state of knowledge, over the last years, regarding behavioural changes in dairy cows (Bos Taurus) exposed to heat stress conditions and discuss some herd management strategies provided mitigation of the overheat consequences.
Efficacy and economics of integrated weed management in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)
Authors: Daramola Olumide Samuel , Adigun Joseph Aremu , Adeyemi Olusegun Raphael
Published: December 2020

Weed management is one of the most important and expensive steps in okra production. Field experiments were therefore conducted in the early and late wet seasons of 2015 to evaluate the effectiveness and profitability of weed management using hoe weeding, herbicides or their combination in okra production. Propaben or butachlor at 2.0 kg a.i. (active ingredient) ha–1 followed by (fb) supplementary hoe weeding (shw) at 6 weeks after sowing (WAS) significantly (P < 0.05) reduced weed density and biomass with subsequent increase in okra fruit yield similar to three hoe weedings and better than two hoe weedings or either herbicide applied alone in both early and late wet seasons. Although three hoe weedings provided the highest okra fruit yield (3590 and 4102 kg ha–1) and total revenue ($991.7 and $1699.7 ha–1), the gross margin ($186.4 and $931.6 ha–1) and cost-benefit ratio (0.2 and 1.2) obtained were lower than those obtained with herbicide treatments. Highest gross margin ($470.8 and $1224.9 ha–1) and cost-benefit ratio (1.2 and 3.0) in the early and late wet seasons, respectively, were achieved with propaben at 2.0 kg a.i ha–1 fb shw at 6 WAS. The results of this study suggest that integrated weed management with propaben followed by supplementary hoe weeding will improve weed control, productivity and profitability of okra. Multiple hoe weeding, however, did not guarantee highest profit but rather increased the cost of production.
How Impulsivity influences the Post-purchase Consumer Regret?
Authors: Sokić Katarina , Horvat Đuro , Martinčić Sanja Gutić
Published: December 2020

Background

The role of impulsivity in post-purchase consumer regret is unclear and intriguing because of the negative emotions that underlie both constructs. It is particularly important to examine the impact of impulsivity on the relationship between regret and the Emotionality dimension of the HEXACO model of personality.

Objectives

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the associations between consumer regret components: outcome regret and process regret, attention, motor and non-planning dimensions of impulsivity and Fearfulness, Anxiety, Dependence and Sentimentality domains of Emotionality.

Methods/Approach

The sample consisted of undergraduates from Zagreb, Croatia (M
age = 25.93, 56% females). The correlation and the regression analysis were performed. We used the Baratt impulsivity scale (BIS-11), the HEXACO-PI-R Emotionality scale and the Post Purchase Regret Scale (PPRS).

Results

The PPCR total score was associated with the BIS-11 total score, attention and non-planning impulsivity. Regret due to foregone alternatives was related to attention and non-planning impulsivity, while regret due to a change in significance was related only to attention impulsivity. Regret due to under-consideration positively correlated with non-planning impulsivity.

Conclusions

The results indicate that relations between impulsivity and consumer regret have an important role in understanding consumer behavior and that impulsivity has a moderate association between consumer regret and Emotionality.
The impact of residential suburbanization on changes in the morphology of villages in the suburban area of Wrocław, Poland
Authors: Szmytkie Robert
Published: December 2020

Residential suburbanization is one of the most spontaneous processes occurring in the surroundings of large cities in Central and Eastern Europe. In the case of Wrocław, the first phase of suburbanization began as early as the second half of the 19th century. Its spatial scope changed with the expansion of the administrative borders of the city between 1924-28 and 1950-73, when dozens of suburban villages were incorporated into the city. In addition, during the socialism period, the intensity of suburbanization decreased significantly, which was related to the development of the city within the conditions of planned urbanization and industrialization of the country. The second phase of suburbanization began with the system transformation in the 1990s, and its scale and intensity increased in the 21st century. New construction in the hinterlands of the city has contributed to significant changes in the morphology of suburban villages, especially as the growing share of new buildings is multi-family housing. The aim of this article was to identify the most common trends in the morphological changes that affect villages located in the suburban area of Wrocław under the influence of residential suburbanization. Using the analysis of cartographic materials, field research and graph methods, a typology of morphological transformations of villages located in the suburban area was proposed.
HPLC-ESI-MS and GC-EI-MS Identification and Quantitation of Polyphenolics and Alkaloids in Moroccan Jujube Honeys
Authors: Khallouki Farid , Akdad Mourad , Bouddine Toufik , Hajji Lhoussain , Owen Robert W.
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical content of Moroccan Jujube Honey and to establish the principal components of this staple Moroccan food, which contributes health benefit for the local population. Total phytochemical compounds as determined by analytical HPLC-ESI-MS in the honey extracts were 29.39±5.21 mg/kg (range 16.64–42.16) wet weight. The individual phytochemical compounds definitively identified by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS in the Jujube honeys were the alkaloids: (I) 4-hydroxyquinoline glucoside, (II) 4-hydroxyquinoline and (V) kynurenic acid (17.66±0.87 mg/kg), and the phenolic compounds: (III) p-hydroxybenzoic acid, (IV) caffeic acid and (VI) methyl syringate (11.73±0.50 mg/kg). The structures were confirmed by GC-EI-MS apart from 4-hydroxyquinoline-glucoside. The major components were methyl syringate (8.34±2.49 mg/kg), 4-hydroxyquinoline (6.61±3.23 mg/kg) and kynurenic acid (6.56±0.97 mg/kg). The mean content of polyphenolic compounds (11.73±0.50 mg/kg) of Moroccan Jujube honeys compared favorably with those described for six Chinese Jujube honeys (2.49 mg/kg), five commercial Jujube honeys from different countries (0.92 mg/kg) and twelve Jujube honeys from Yemen (25.71 mg/kg). Reference studies did not identify alkaloids as components of Jujube honey, and therefore the phytochemical profile of Moroccan Jujube honey appears to be unique.
Complete Approximations by Multivariate Generalized Gauss-Weierstrass Singular Integrals
Authors: Anastassiou George A.
Published: December 2020

This research and survey article deals exclusively with the study of the approximation of generalized multivariate Gauss-Weierstrass singular integrals to the identity-unit operator. Here we study quantitatively most of their approximation properties. The multivariate generalized Gauss-Weierstrass operators are not in general positive linear operators. In particular we study the rate of convergence of these operators to the unit operator, as well as the related simultaneous approximation. These are given via Jackson type inequalities and by the use of multivariate high order modulus of smoothness of the high order partial derivatives of the involved function. Also we study the global smoothness preservation properties of these operators. These multivariate inequalities are nearly sharp and in one case the inequality is attained, that is sharp. Furthermore we give asymptotic expansions of Voronovskaya type for the error of multivariate approximation. The above properties are studied with respect to Lp
norm, 1 ≤ p ≤ ∞.
Governing Illiberal Democracies: Democratic Backsliding and the Political Appointment of Top Officials in Hungary
Authors: Meyer-Sahling Jan-Hinrik , Toth Fanni
Published: December 2020

This paper examines the impact of democratic backsliding on the management of top officials in Hungary. Based on a unique data set of more than 1,600 top officials the article shows that the number of appointments to top positions increased in 2010 and subsequent years, during which Hungary experienced democratic back-sliding. Moreover, the data shows that turnover in top official positions was higher in 2010 and in subsequent years than in the period between 1990 and 2010. The paper concludes that the politicisation and high degree of instability in top official positions may be characteristic of governance in illiberal democracies.
Machine Learning Algorithm for Surface Quality Analysis of Friction Stir Welded Joint
Authors: Mishra Akshansh
Published: December 2020

The Friction Stir Welding process usually produces weld members of good quality compared to composite weld made with a standard welding process. However, there is a possibility of the formation of various defects if the input parameters are not properly selected. In the recent case study, an image-based feature recognition system using the Fourier conversion method which is a computer visual recognition tool is developed. Five types of filters like Ideal Filter, Butterworth Filter, Low Filter, Gaussian Filter, and High Pass Filter. The results showed that the high pass filter has more ability to detect surface defects compared to the other four filters. It has also been observed that the Ideal filter has a lot of distortions compared to the Gaussian Filter and the Butterworth Filter.
Investigation on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Banana and Palmyra Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites
Authors: Bhaskar Vennapusa Vijaya , Srinivas Kolla , Rao Devireddy Siva Bhaskara
Published: December 2020

The present work addresses the physical and mechanical properties of banana and palmyra fiber reinforced epoxy composites with the aim of study on the effect of weight ratio and fiber percentage. The banana and palmyra fibers were arranged with different weight ratios (1:1, 1:3, and 3:1) and then mixed with the epoxy matrix by hand lay-up technique to prepare the hybrid composites with various fiber percentages (10%, 20%, 30% and 40%). The properties are measured by testing its density, water absorption, tensile strength, impact strength, hardness and flexural strength and compared. From the results, it was indicated that addition of banana and palmyra fiber in to the matrix material up to 30% by fiber percentage results in increasing the mechanical properties and slightly variation with weight ratios. Interfacial analysis of the hybrid composites were also observed by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) to study the internal failures and micro structure of the tested specimen.
Towards a Tropical Urbanism for Cairns, Australia
Authors: Law Lisa , Musso Urbi
Published: December 2020

This paper engages with debates about tropical cities and climate responsive design to consider the emergence of two local government master plans and one planning scheme provision explicitly addressing the tropical climate in Cairns, Australia. The undergirding concept of these initiatives is a terminology of Tropical Urbanism, a simultaneously environmental and social/cultural term that captures issues such as climate, lifestyle and identity in the constitution of the urban fabric. Through a detailed reading of the documents, combined with interviews with local architects and planners, this paper positions Tropical Urbanism as an environmentally aware version of New Urbanism and as a distinctive language of urban design emerging in the regional context of tropical Australia. Place-based initiatives such as these are important to improving the design outcomes and sustainability of regional cities, and we suggest Tropical Urbanism could be further reinforced by the social/cultural and political nuances of a more progressive Critical Regionalist approach.
USING GEOPOLYMER COMPOSITES FOR HEAT AND CORROSION RESISTANT PIPES
Authors: Su’udi A. , Akmal J. , Tanti N. , . Arizon
Published: December 2020

This research studied the use of carbon fiber reinforced geopolymer composites as corrosion resistant pipe material. Geopolymer material is a general term for material synthesized from fly ash. Fly ash is an industrial by-product (coal combustion residue) with high silica content (SiO2) and Alumina content (Al2O3). In addition, there are also other elements in a relatively small percentage. This material will compound like cement if activated with Sodium Silicate. This study aims to obtain the optimum composition for high quality mechanical properties. The method used is to synthesize material with various elemental compositions. Furthermore, a mechanical test (bending test) is performed to see the effect of each element to be optimized. Besides that, a physical test in the form of SEM-EDX was also conducted to see the microstructure. Materials with optimum composition have been fabricated as pipes with centrifugal casting process. Mechanical testing of pipe samples is done by hoop tensile strength test. The test results show that the strength of geopolymer composites can achieve 58 MPa.
CORROSION BEHAVIOR OF STEEL IN ACIDIC MEDIUM FOR PETROLEUM SYSTEMS
Authors: Fajobi M.A. , Loto R.T. , Oluwole O.O.
Published: December 2020

The electrochemical reaction response of austenitic 316L stainless steel and carbon steel was examined through weight loss analysis in 1M, 2M and 3M of HCl acid. The results show that austenitic 316L has high corrosion resistance than carbon steel for the test analyzed with the lowest corrosion rate of 0.0018mm/y at 1M of HCl and highest at 0.0053mm/y when compared with carbon steel which has the lowest corrosion rate of 0.0003mm/y for 1M of HCl and highest at 0.0013 mm/y of 3M of HCl solution all at ambient temperature conditions. General corrosion was displayed on the surface of the carbon steel but austenitic 316L was not affected due to the presence of chromium alloy and other alloying elements.
CRYSTALLIZATION PROCESSES OF SOME AMORPHOUS ALLOYS
Authors: Yua W.Q. , Lu L.P.
Published: December 2020

A series of Fe40Co40Zr8M2B10 (M=Nb, V, Cr, Ti, W, Al) alloys were prepared using melt-spinning. The thermal curve, structure and magnetic property of alloys are examined. Because of different negative heat of mixing between elements, only Fe40Co40Zr8M2B10 (M=Nb, V, Cr, Ti) alloys form amorphous structure. These amorphous alloys are annealed at different temperatures under vacuum conditions. The crystallization processes of four amorphous alloys are similar. In the primary stage of crystallization process, only α-Fe (Co) phase precipitates and Co element mainly distributes in the residual amorphous. For the four alloys after annealing at 550°C, there is a few differences in saturation magnetization (Ms) and coercivity (Hc) due to their different microstructures.
Transformations of Gender Identities and Roles in Novels of Flight and Exile by Olga Grjasnowa and Shida Bazyar
Authors: Kofer Martina
Published: December 2020

Over the last several years, cultural studies scholars in Germany have closely examined the subject of refugees in recent German literature, focusing largely on aspects of spatial theory, the causes of migration and the figure of the refugee. However, while the migrant as cultural Other has received extensive attention, gender issues remain largely underrepresented. This contribution explores the ways in which forced migration, due mostly to war and violence, affects the gender identities and roles of characters in the novels of Olga Grjasnowa (Gott ist nicht schüchtern) and Shida Bazyar (Nachts ist es leise in Teheran).
A Behavioural Theory of Recursive Algorithms
Authors: Börger Egon , Schewe Klaus-Dieter
Published: December 2020

“What is an algorithm?” is a fundamental question of computer science. Gurevich’s behavioural theory of sequential algorithms (aka the sequential ASM thesis) gives a partial answer by defining (non-deterministic) sequential algorithms axiomatically, without referring to a particular machine model or programming language, and showing that they are captured by (nondeterministic) sequential Abstract State Machines (nd-seq ASMs). However, recursive algorithms such as mergesort are not covered by this theory, as has been pointed out by Moschovakis, who had independently developed a different framework to mathematically characterize the concept of (in particular recursive) algorithm. In this article we propose an axiomatic definition of the notion of sequential recursive algorithm which extends Gurevich’s axioms for sequential algorithms by a Recursion Postulate and allows us to prove that sequential recursive algorithms are captured by recursive Abstract State Machines, an extension of nd-seq ASMs by a CALL rule. Applying this recursive ASM thesis yields a characterization of sequential recursive algorithms as finitely composed concurrent algorithms all of whose concurrent runs are partial-order runs.
Computational Classification of Tubular Algebras
Authors: Dowbor Piotr , Kim Yan
Published: December 2020

The effective method (based on Theorem 5.3) of classifying tubular algebras by the Cartan matrices of tilting sheaves over weighted projective lines with all indecomposable direct summands in some finite “fundamental domain” , by the reduction to the two elementary problems of discrete mathematics having algorithmic solutions is presented in details (see Problem A and B). The software package CART_TUB being an implementation of this method yields the precise classification of all up to isomorphism tubular algebras of a fixed tubular type p, by creating the complete lists of their Cartan matrices, and furnish their tilting realizations. In particular, the number of isomorphism classes of tubular algebras of the type p is determined (Theorem 2.3).
Optimal system design of language training strategy based on artificial intelligence
Authors: Guo Jianling , Liu Jia
Published: December 2020

With the rapid development of China’s economy and the rapid increase in the number of Chinese learners in recent years, Chinese fever has become a common phenomenon in the global language exchange system. However, in the absence of foreign Chinese teachers at present, the development of Chinese new technology, this document uses the new computer technology to establish a Chinese teaching platform. The system is based on speech recognition technology to help foreigners learn spoken language, manuscript recognition technology and Chinese letters. foreign students in artificial intelligence technology, simulation of Chinese foreign education and training. The establishment of this system will not only help foreign students to solve the problem of Chinese learning successfully, but also make important contributions to the learning of Chinese students. Some new technologies, such as speech recognition, will be recognized by more and more Chinese students with the development of new technologies and the renewal of the system, and will make the greatest contribution to the promotion of Chinese culture.
HUMAN RESOURCES ARE A FACTOR IN APPLYING OF MAN-MACHINE SYSTEMS SAFETY
Authors: Protasenko O. , Mygal G.
Published: December 2020

Human resources are the important issue in the applying of man-machine systems safety. It is shown that the quality and quantity of human resources depend on how effective “resources cycle” occurs. It led to the development of three types of human resources inflow-outflow models, which can determine the effectiveness of “resources cycle”. It is established that the formation at the employee three types of skills (the resources estimation skill, the resources balance determination skill, the resources management skill) allows increasing efficiency of “resources cycle”. The primary measure to provide the formation of these skills is training. It was proposed “Resource Balance Card” to help the employee to determine the resources inflow-outflow balance independently.
THE LATEST TRENDS IN THE FORMATION OF THE ARCHITECTURE OF MODERN PUBLIC CENTERS IN A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Dudka O.
Published: December 2020

The article reveals the latest trends in the modern development of the architecture of public centers in large cities, innovative methods of formation in the urban environment, defines their specificity and requirements, analyzes the features, patterns and modern design solutions in conditions of sustainable development.

The relevance of this study is associated with the need for new systemic approaches in the formation of multifunctional facilities, taking into account modern urban planning concepts, which allow the formation of new types of public entities and become an important structural element of the urban environment.

Turning to foreign experience in organizing multifunctional public centers, one can find that the main components of the architectural formation are their urban planning and the spatial organization of a favorable architectural environment. It is important to note this aspect: for the formation of large public centers in conditions of sustainable development, the following main trends are characteristic: the formation of a developed spatial organization - an architectural and compositional formation. Also a bright architectural and artistic image - a dominant in the urban environment, integration into the natural landscape - ecological direction of sustainable development, effective functional zoning, well-developed engineering infrastructure and communications.

Thus, it has been determined that a multifunctional public center in the structure of a large city is a specific type of architectural object, which is formed into a single complex of spatial and planning elements that organize the core of the social and business life of this city.
Hugsanir. Um Hugsanir eftir Blaise Pascal: inngangur að þýðingu
Authors: Magnúsdóttir Ásdís Rósa
Published: December 2020

Hér er að finna þýðingu Ásdísar R. Magnúsdóttur á völdum brotum úr verkinu Hugsanir eftir Blaise Pascal sem kom fyrst út árið 1670. Hún skrifar einnig inngang að þýðingunni.
Snertifletir. Andlit úr gifsi og samtenging heimsins
Authors: Loftsdóttir Kristín
Published: December 2020

Greinin fjallar um brjóstmyndasafn El Museo Canario á Kanaríeyjum. Mannfræðingurinn Jeffrey David Feldman hefur bent á hvernig ákveðnir safngripir verða til vegna snertingar þeirra við líkama einstaklinga og hvernig þessi tilurð gripanna er oft gerð ósýnileg í samtímanum. Greining á sögu safnkosts El Museo Canario og tilurð brjóstmyndanna varpar ljósi á sögu Evrópu sem samofna sögu annarra heimshluta í langan tíma, auk þess að vekja upp spurningar um hvað eigi að gera við muni í samtímanum sem urðu til í samhengi kynþáttafordóma eða nýlendustefnu.
PENGARUH PENGETAHUAN K3 DAN MANAGERIAL SUPPORT TERHADAP SIKAP MENGUTAMAKAN K3 DI SENTRA PENGRAJIN GAMELAN DI KECAMATAN MOJOLABAN, KABUPATEN SUKOHARJO JAWA TENGAH
Authors: Meditama Ratna Fajarwati
Published: December 2020

Pengetahuan keselamatan dan kesehatan kerja perlu diperhatikan dan dipelajari bersama sama untuk meletakkan dasar-dasar informasi baik industri kecil maupun industri besar. Pencegahan kecelakan dan keselamatan kerja di tempat kerja dapat dicegah dengan sikap dan tindakan yang pada umumnya merupakan suatu keharusan yang harus ditaati oleh pekerja maupun pemberi kerja. Pemilik usaha-usaha kecil yang biasanya kurang tersentuh atau tidak diperhatikan oleh pemerintah, seperti halnya usaha pembuatan gamelan. Industri pembuatan gamelan banyak terdapat di daerah Jawa Tengah namun sentra industri pembuatan gamelan yang cukup besar yaitu terletak di Kecamatan Mojolaban Kabupaten Sukoharjo Jawa Tengah. Dalam penelitian ini akan memaparkan permasalahan yaitu : adakah pengaruh wawasan atau pengetahuan K3 dan managerial support terhadap sikap mengutamakan K3. Tujuan dilakukan penelitian ini adalah untuk memprediksi pengaruh pengetahuan K3 dan managerial support terhada sikap mengutamakan K3. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian observatif yang bersifat kuantitatif. Pengambilan sampel secara purposive random. Dari 106 karyawan diambil 35 orang. Teknik pengambilan data menggunakan angket. selanjutnya data dianalisis menggunakan SPSS 12,00 for Windows. Hasil dari penelitian ini apat dilihat dari besarnya sumbangan efektif setiap variabel x1 sebesar 22,18%, untuk sumbangan efektif variabel x2 sebesar 18,67%. Jadi interpretasi yang dapat diberikan adalah ada pengaruh antara pengetahuan K3, serta managerial support terhadap sikap mengutamakan K3, dan diantara kedua variabel di atas, faktor pengetahuan K3 mempunyai pengaruh paling besar.