bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Areca Catechu L Peel Bioreductor as an Antibacterial Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus Aureus
Authors:   Jambi University, Bemis Restina , Deswardani Frastica , Heriyanti Heriyanti , Puspitasari Ratih Dyah , Azizah Nur
Published: August 2023

Areca nut or Areca catechu L is a plant that has many benefits, one of which is that it can be used as medicine. There are secondary metabolite compounds in betel nut. The presence of this secondary metabolite content makes the betel nut skin a high potential as a bioreductant to synthesize silver nanoparticles as an antibacterial. The process of synthesizing silver nanoparticles is carried out with the addition of a stabilizer in the form of Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The analysis results obtained using the UV-Vis instrument have wavelengths with variations in the addition of 1%, 3% and 5% PVA, respectively, are 448 nm, 456 nm and 460 nm. In the results of the analysis using XRD, the value of 2θ is silver nanoparticles (PVA 1%): 38,020; 43,930 ; 64,320 ; 77,270. silver nanoparticles (PVA 3%): 38,230; 44,270 ; 64,610 ; 77,500. And silver nanoparticles (PVA 5%) are 38,100 ; 44,240 ; 64,460 ; 77,370. For analysis using SEM, the particle size obtained with the help of the Imegej and OriginLab 8.5 applications, namely at AgNPS + PVA 1% is 28 nm - 31 nm. Agnps + PVA 3% ranged from 26 nm – 29 nm. And Agnps + PVA 5% has a size of 19 nm – 22 nm. For the results of FTIR data, the specific absorption peaks of Ag nanoparticles are located at frequencies of 412.23 cm-1, 453.57 cm-1, and 476.84 cm-1. Then in the antibacterial test, silver nanoparticles were used with the addition of 5% PVA. The size of the clear zone obtained in the test for E. coli bacteria is 11.2 mm and for S. Aureus it is 13 mm.
OS DEFEITOS DA CRÍTICA NA FILOSOFIA LATINO-AMERICANA
Authors: Silveira Ronie Alexsandro Teles da
Published: August 2023

Há um esforço de parte da comunidade filosófica latino-americana em realizar uma aproximação com relação ao nosso ambiente cultural. Esse esforço não exige exclusividade na definição de uma agenda filosófica latino-americana, mas permite uma série de alternativas. Na maioria das iniciativas para realizar a aproximação entre a filosofia e a cultura da América Latina tem prevalecido as disposições de afastamento epistemológico que são típicas de uma abordagem crítica. Porém, esta última oculta armadilhas que tendem a inviabilizar os projetos de diálogo propostos. Isso ocorre justamente porque, a despeito das intenções de estabelecer aproximação e diálogo com relação à América Latina, a crítica interpõe afastamento. Assim, o objetivo principal desse texto é indicar as limitações da crítica como dispositivo de aproximação entre a filosofia e a cultura latino-americana e indicar alternativas para superá-las. Sem realizar sacrifícios ligados às disposições críticas herdadas da filosofia europeia, não será possível obter a desejada pertinência filosófica com relação à América Latina.
Palavras-chave: América Latina. Crítica. Pertinência. Filosofia Latino-Americana.
A IMPOSSIBILIDADE DA ESCOLHA SOCIAL – UM ESTUDO DA RACIONALIDADE EM DECISÕES COLETIVAS
Authors: Ferreira Carlos Roberto Bueno
Published: August 2023

Objetiva-se, com o presente trabalho, uma efetiva contribuição às pesquisas interdisciplinares nas áreas de epistemologia social, direito, filosofia, economia e teoria política, que, em nossos dias atuais de incertezas e de cenários cada vez mais complexos, demandam dos agentes e legisladores justificações precisas de seus processos decisórios para implementar políticas públicas e ações coletivas que promovam efetivamente o bem comum em nossas democracias. Trata-se, em última análise, de uma aposta pragmática na busca por uma solução que melhor se adeque à nossa realidade social em face da crise de representatividade e da falência aparente dos atuais mecanismos de eleição nas sociedades democráticas contemporâneas. Para tanto, é mister que se avalie atentamente as condições de racionalidade estabelecidas, considerando os requisitos formais de desempenho lógico, tais como foram historicamente desenvolvidos na teoria da escolha coletiva, visando uma resposta viável que não apenas represente um somatório de escolhas individuais, mas possa de fato traduzir uma verdadeira escolha social.
Palavras-chave: Escolha Social. Escolha Racional. Kenneth Arrow. Legitimidade. John Rawls. Amartya Sen.
Study on the Characteristics and Geomorphologic Evolution Patterns of Loess Landslides on the Heifangtai Terrace, China
Authors: Wei Xin , Yan Dongdong , Ma Penghui
Published: August 2023

Forests play a pivotal role within the ecological milieu, with alterations to forested areas not only impacting the local environment but also serving as a significant contributing factor to the occurrence of landslide disasters. However, the significance of forests in connection with deep seated landslides is diminished. In instances of extreme events, heavy rainfall, highly weak slopes, or seismic events, it is improbable for forest cover to exert any influence. Due to extensive agricultural irrigation, the Heifangtai terrace of China has experienced a significant rise in groundwater levels, leading to the occurrence of numerous landslides. Through field investigations and remote sensing interpretation, this study has revealed dramatical geomorphological changes in the Heifangtai terrace due to the occurrence of widespread landslides. These changes are likely to disrupt the pre-existing hydrological balance within the study area, thereby altering the conditions for landslides. Therefore, understanding how the evolution patterns of loess landslides can be assessed is a crucial scientific issue for predicting the conditions of landslide occurrence. Taking the evolution of landslides along the edge of the Heifangtai terraces as an example, this study first classified different types of loess landslides. Subsequently, the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of these landslides were analyzed. Finally, utilizing the FLAC3D software, the stability of the loess slopes at the edge of the Heifangtai terrace was examined under the lateral evolution mode. The research findings indicate that the current loess landslides in the Heifangtai terrace exhibits longitudinal multi-periodicity and lateral group-occurring behavior, which is significant for assessing loess landslides along the edge of Heifangtai terraces.
A Survey on Energy Storage in Electric Power Systems & Its Applications in MV/LV Networks
Authors: Mushid Franck Cinyama , Khan Mohamed Fayaz
Published: August 2023

The surging electricity demand driven by a growing global population, coupled with the increasing electrification of industries, transportation, and power-intensive appliances, poses a substantial challenge to electricity systems worldwide. This challenge is further compounded by the pressing issue of climate change. To address climate change and mitigate the environmental consequences of fossil fuel use, renewable energy sources are expected to play a pivotal role. However, certain renewable sources, such as wind and solar, exhibit stochastic behavior, resulting in unpredictable power output and significant fluctuations. This intermittency presents a challenge in maintaining a stable and reliable power supply. To overcome this challenge and ensure a balanced electricity grid, the strategic deployment of energy storage devices throughout the power system becomes critically important. Energy storage technologies play a vital role in mitigating the mismatch between renewable power generation and consumption. Additionally, they enable the storage of surplus energy generated from renewable sources during periods of high production for later use during periods of low or no generation. Each technology possesses unique characteristics and applications, providing flexibility and diversity in energy storage solutions. This work provides an overview of different energy storage technologies and explores their role in establishing a sustainable power system.
Using the BWA (Bertaut-Warren-Averbach) Method to Optimize the Technology of Crystalline Powders such as LiFePO4
Authors: Bobyl Aleksandr , Konkov Oleg , Faradzheva Mislimat , Kasatkin Igor
Published: August 2023

The average sizes \ {\bar{L}}_{i\ } and their dispersion W_i along the i-th axis of crystallites in powders are used to determine the X-ray diffraction sizes, D_{i\ XRD}, averaged over crystallite columns within the BWA method. Numerical calculations have been carried out for an orthorhombic lattice of crystallites, such as LiFePO4, NMC, having Lamé's g-type superellipsoid shape. For Lognormal distributions, the analytical expression for the normalized coefficient Kn is found and includes two constants. The first K_{g,0} is a constant at W→0, the second K_g is a constant depending on the g -type shape. The dependences of D_{i\ XRD} are also calculated for Normal distribution. A fairly simple equation can be obtained as a result of analytical transformations in the framework of experimentally validated approximations. However, a simpler way is to carry out numerical computer calculations with subsequent approximation of the calculated curves. Using the obtained analytical expressions to control technologies from nuclear fuel to cathode materials will improve the efficiency of flexible energy network especially storage in autonomous and standby power plants.
Analysis of Steering Performance for All-Terrain Wheel-Track Composite Unmanned Vehicle in Complex Environment
Authors: Li Yueye , Yao Shengzhuo , Chen Xinbo , Ran Qifan
Published: August 2023

In order to solve the problems of complicated steering control of unmanned vehicles in the field and difficult steering on complex roads, we designed a wheel-track composite vehicle equipped with a novel power differential steering mechanism with dual driving, which drove the steering of the vehicle through the differential rotation of the rear two wheels. The unmanned vehicle was simple to control, small in size, and able to work under the conditions of complex roads, such as hills, mountains, and muddy land. Firstly, a steering mechanism with both differential speed and force was designed to prevent the vehicle from skidding into muddy land and stopping motionless. Secondly, the kinematics model and dynamics model of the two drive shafts and the two output shafts (wheel shafts) were established. Thirdly, according to the relationship between the rotational speed of the two output shafts and the steering radius of the vehicle, the kinematic model of the rotational speed of the two input shafts and the steering radius of the wheel-track composite vehicle was obtained. Finally, according to the test data, the mathematical model of rotational speeds of the two input shafts and the actual steering radius of the vehicle was obtained by neural network fitting, and the maximum relative error between the model results and the actual steering radius value was 3.53%. The combination of power differential steering mechanism and wheel-track composite unmanned vehicle increased the adhesion with the ground and could better adapt to the complex road environment. In conclusion, the unmanned vehicle had the advantages of continuous radius steering, deceleration and torsion increase, differential lock, etc. It was suitable for all-terrain military and civilian vehicles and various special equipment mobile platforms of the walking device, and the research results could provide theoretical references for the steering control and structural optimization of the wheel-track composite vehicle under the environment of complex road surface.
Inadequate Cryptocurrency and Money Laundering Regulations in Indonesia (Comparative Law of US and Germany)
Authors: Putri Tiara , Amiludin Amiludin , Ahmad Dwi Nurfauziah , Hidayatulloh Hidayatulloh
Published: August 2023

Cryptocurrency as a virtual currency managed by a decentralized system makes it immune to government interference and allows it to transact under pseudonyms. This has the potential for cybercrime and illicit transactions, especially money laundering. This study aims to compare legal instruments in Indonesia, the US, and Germany regarding the use of cryptocurrency as a money laundering tool and to analyze the readiness of Indonesia to respond to this crime. This study is normative legal research conducted using a comparative and statutory approach. These findings show that the US and Germany have extensively regulated crypto. In the US, Crypto transactions are considered MSB, subject to BSA compliance. Each transaction must comply with AML, KYC, and CIP requirements. In Germany, Cryptocurrency is considered a personal asset. The crypto trading must meet the KYC and AML requirements. Indonesia needs advanced regulations because crypto is only considered an investment asset. The investigation is difficult because cryptocurrency is transacted pseudonyms, so connecting pseudonyms with real people is challenging
Voices of Foreign Residents in Yokohama and Tokyo at the Time of the 1923 Kanto Earthquake
Authors: Albini Paola , Satake Kenji
Published: August 2023

When the Kanto earthquake struck on Saturday the 1st of September 1923 at a few minutes to noon, the foreign residents from western countries in the harbour city of Yokohama reached 2,500, and a similar presence was in Tokyo, which as the capital hosted the officers of embassies, consulates, and trade companies. These foreign residents left impressive records of the earthquake occurrence, as well as the fire that started immediately after. To add a different viewpoint to the overall understanding of this earthquake disaster, we concentrated on the considerable quantity of documents now stored at the National Archives (Kew Gardens, UK) and at the Affaires étrangères-Archives diplomatiques (La Courneuve, France). These documents were produced by British and French diplomats and naval commanders as well as foreign residents of different nationalities who were in Yokohama and Tokyo at the time of the earthquake. The immediacy of the descriptions they contain and the details they supply about the earthquake, the fire, and the rescue and relief actions bring us back to the shaking and shocking moments experienced by the people living in Yokohama and Tokyo one hundred years ago.
The Great Kanto Earthquake and the Tokyo Electric Light Company, Inc.: Moral Hazards Exacerbated by the Great Kanto Earthquake
Authors: Shima Rihito
Published: August 2023

The Tokyo Electric Light Company, Inc., the largest electric power company in pre-war Japan, took an active merger policy and started accounting manipulations to maintain high dividends in the 1920’s. It, however, suffered extensive damage in 1923 when the Great Kanto Earthquake occurred and covered the damage by devising the appraisal profits of its fixed capital, which, though frequent in those days, constituted arbitrary accounting manipulations with no objective criteria. The Great Kanto Earthquake induced moral hazards to its management resulting in normalization of the accounting manipulations in the best interest of high dividends. Such accounting manipulations triggered the intervention of Mitsui Bank, Ltd. in its management, and partly contributed to the government control of electric power. As disasters are likely to show the inherent problems within companies, any temporary solution would instead result in more severe consequences.
Repositioning Earthquake Risk Reduction: Implications to Global Risk Landscape
Authors: Shaw Rajib
Published: August 2023

Concepts and approaches of earthquake risk reduction have evolved over time. The Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 has paved the pathway of this long journey. 1995 the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake has taught the importance of self help and mutual help in terms of community participation, volunteer activities, and role of civil society. In the first international decade of disaster risk reduction, two landmark earthquake risk reduction projects, namely risk assessment tools for diagnosis of urban areas against seismic disaster (RADIUS) and global earthquake safety initiative (GESI) have made significant impacts to scenraio-based risk assessment, and raising awareness of local governments mainly in developing countries to undertake decisive actions. The Kutch Earthquake of 2001 of India has prompted the need of owner driven reconstruction (ODR), which is considered inclusive as well as sustainable in long run. While the pre-disaster preventive measures for earthquake risks are challenging, the new complex global risk landscape poses additional challenges which need to be addressed to reposition earthquake risk reduction. It is argued that addressing systemic risks, active involvement of private sectors, role of new and emerging technologies, understanding priorities of new generation, and role of new entrepreneurship (in the form of Science-preneurship) are some of the future pathways to address the complexity of earthquake risk reduction.
ChatGPT: furores y límites
Authors: Vargas Pacheco Carlos Alberto
Published: August 2023

En enero de 2023 comenzaron a circular artículos periodísticos que daban cuenta de uno de los avances más sorprendentes de la Inteligencia Artificial (en adelante IA) hasta el momento. Se trataba de una nueva forma de chat automatizado (o chatbot) que, desde finales de 2022, causó furor debido a su capacidad de generar respuestas precisas respecto a cualquier tema, con un uso del lenguaje tremendamente parecido al de un ser humano. Dicha herramienta digital fue presentada con el nombre de Chat GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer), producida por la empresa digital Open AI.
Dostoievski y el nihilismo
Authors: Velasco Guzmán Luis Antonio
Published: August 2023

A continuación, expondré un par de aspectos sobre la experiencia del nihilismo en nuestros días. Primero, desde su primera aparición explícita y su permanencia, mediante lo que puede considerarse una nota genealógica del problema del nihilismo en Nietzsche. Y, en segundo lugar, mediante mi interpretación de un episodio de una obra de Dostoievski, la respuesta paradigmática que éste ofreció ante la experiencia del nihilismo. En suma, primero presentaré la idea filosófica del nihilismo y después la iluminaré mediante la experiencia estética que nos ofrece Dostoievski en un episodio de su obra Los demonios. Finalmente, trataré de responder a la pregunta: ¿por qué es importante leer con atención la creación de Dostoievski en nuestros días?
Emigración antes del alba
Authors: Medina Castro Iván
Published: August 2023

La guerra destruye y no hay mucho por hacer, pero simpre está la posibilidad de escapar, sin embargo, no se sabe las nuevas realidades.
Las revoluciones corren sobre ríos de tinta
Authors: Orozco Víctor
Published: August 2023

En el año de 1909 se había extendido por buena parte del país un movimiento en contra de la reelección del general Porfirio Díaz en la presidencia de la República. Pronto aparecieron clubes políticos en diversas ciudades y pueblos que aspiraban a un cambio en el régimen dictatorial instaurado por el antiguo caudillo liberal.
Historia reciente e historia oral, un nuevo abordaje historiográfico
Authors: Alvarado Gamiño Celina
Published: August 2023

En este texto se hace una breve revisión de concepciones relativamente nuevas en la historiografía que son la historia reciente y la historia oral. En qué consisten cada una de éstas y las implicaciones de su inclusión en la disciplina histórica. El objetivo es analizar la relación de complementariedad que se da entre ambas, sus implicaciones para el aumento de la subjetividad en las investigaciones historiográficas, así como su aporte para la apertura de fuentes de información y la profundización de los temas de estudio de la historia.
Presentación. La inteligencia artificial
Authors: León García Ricardo
Published: August 2023

De unos meses a la fecha ha aparecido como alud incontenible una gran cantidad de artículos, libros, opiniones, bienvenidas y alarmas relacionadas con algo que, en términos generales, se trata todavía más de un deseo que de un fenómeno con el que estemos conviviendo: la inteligencia artificial (IA).
La complejidad a la que nos encaminamos
Authors: Salazar Mendoza Margarita
Published: August 2023

Desde finales del siglo XX y este XXI nos hemos acostumbrado al uso del internet. Quienes crecimos y nos formamos durante las tres o cuatro últimas décadas del siglo pasado sabemos de la sorpresa de tal invento. Aprendimos a dejar a un lado el teléfono fijo y a comunicarnos con los demás a través del correo electrónico.
PEMANFAATAN CERITA PENDEK SEBAGAI MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN PADA MATERI GAGASAN POKOK DAN GAGASAN PENDUKUNG PARAGRAF
Authors: Eliana Neneng
Published: August 2023

Based on field observations, the use of text sourced from textbooks as a learning medium on the subject matter of the main ideas and supporting paragraph ideas as well as the application of learning methods that are less attractive by the teacher, has not been able to attract reading interest and activate students. This has an impact on the low level of student understanding and mastery of the learning material. The method used in this study is an integrative literature review that combines various studies of relevant books and journals. This study aims to provide insight to teachers about the use of short stories in learning. Based on the results of the discussion, the use of short stories in learning based on various sources can increase reading interest and activate students. so as to improve understanding and student learning outcomes. Thus, it can be concluded that short stories can be used as a medium of learning in the subject matter of the main ideas and ideas supporting paragraphs.
PENINGKATAN SIKAP KEDISIPLINAN DALAM KEGIATAN BELAJAR MENGAJAR SISWA DI SD AL MA’SOEM BANDUNG
Authors: Rakanita Dyah Ayu Kinesti  , Indriani Noor Agustin  , Farida Nur Wahidah  , Eka Miftakhussa'adah  , Naila Darojatil Ulya  , Khalimatus Sa'diyyah
Published: August 2023

Pendidikan merupakan hal yang utama. Selain itu sikap disiplin juga harus selalu beriringan dengan dengan pendidikan. Kedisiplinan semakin lama semakin hilang dan sikap yang jelek sekarang sudah dianggap hal yang biasa dan wajar, salah satunya yaitu sikap mencontek selama ujian berlangsung.  Semakin maraknya kasus tersebut apalagi di kalangan sekolah dasar harus segera diberantas supaya mencontek tidak menjadi sebuah kebiasaan. Karena jika dari sekolah dasar sudah tidak disiplin dan sering mencontek maka dewasa nanti akan terbentuk individu yang gampang sekali berbohong dan berperilaku tidak baik.SD Al-Ma’soem memiliki cara tersendiri untuk menanggulangi permasalahan ini , diantaranya menegakkan kedisiplinan yang tinggi dengan cara membuat tata tertib yang ketat dan menjunjung sikap kedisiplinan serta tidak meninggalkan nilai-nilai pendidikan islam. Begitupun juga dalam pemberian sanksi bagi siswa yang melanggar tata tertib tersebut. Yaitu melalui pemberian sanksi terhadap setiap siswa yang melanggar kedisiplinan tersebut, diantaranya yaitu pemberian sanksi dalam bentuk point-point sesuai dengan tingkatan pelanggaran. Cara ini mampu mengubah perilaku siswa menjadi lebih baik dan disiplin tentunya, serta pemberian sanksi yang sesuai aturan dan benar, dimana tidak ada kekerasan atau hal-hal yang tidak baik tetapi memberikan efek jera yang luar biasa bagi para siswa supaya mereka takut untuk mengulang kesalahannya lagi.
Impact of Cassava Leaf Meal as a Rice Bran Substitute and Enzyme Supplementation on Lymphoid Organ Weight and Digestibility in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Ridla Muhammad , Angriani Ririn , Hermana Widya
Published: August 2023

Cassava leaves are a potential alternative feed ingredient due to their high levels of crude protein and energy. However, their utilization in poultry feed is constrained by factors such as cyanic acid, fiber content, and nutrient digestibility. This study aimed to investigate the impact of including cassava leaf meal (CLM) as a rice bran substitute and enzyme supplementation on lymphoid organ development and metabolizable energy parameters in broiler chickens. A 2x3 completely randomized factorial design was conducted using 48 Cobb-strain broilers unsexing at 35 days old. The treatments included different levels of CLM and enzyme (NSP and protease) supplementation at a dose of 250 g/ton of feed. The treatments consisted of R0E0: 0% CLM without enzyme, R0E1: 0% CLM with enzyme, R1E0: 1.5% CLM without enzyme, R1E1: 1.5% CLM with enzyme, R2E0: 3% CLM without enzyme, and R2E1: 3% CLM with enzyme. The variables assessed were lymphoid organ development (thymus, bursa Fabricius, and spleen) and metabolizable energy parameters (Apparent Metabolizable Energy (AME), True Metabolizable Energy (TME), Apparent Metabolizable Energy Corrected to Nitrogen (AMEn), and True Metabolizable Energy Corrected to Nitrogen (TMEn)). The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post-hoc tests conducted for significant differences. Results indicated no interaction between CLM and enzymes in lymphoid organ development and energy metabolizable. The inclusion of CLM led to a reduction in AME and TME (p<0.05). However, enzyme supplementation significantly increased the relative weight of lymphoid organs (thymus, bursa Fabricius, spleen) and metabolizable energy parameters (AME, TME, AMEn, and TMEn) (p<0.05). Importantly, the inclusion of CLM up to a level of 3.0% did not negatively impact the health of broiler chickens. Furthermore, the addition of enzymes effectively mitigated the negative effects associated with CLM inclusion in the feed, suggesting their potential as a strategy to improve feed utilization in broiler production systems.
Revolutionizing Education: Enhancing Numeracy Skills with the Innovative Monster Math Game
Authors: Pitanti Anies Mey
Published: August 2023

The development of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) has an impact on the education. But teacher still use conventional methods. Therefore, this research aims to develop educational game media using the Construct 2 to improve the literacy numeracy skills of third grade elementary school students that are valid, practical, and effective. This development research refers to the ADDIE. The results of the development were applied to class III students at SD Negeri Janti for the 2022/2023 academic year. The development product is the Monster Math Game. The research instruments are validation sheets, questionnaires, and literacy numeration questions. The validity test was obtained from 3 experts, namely Curriculum Expert, Material Expert, and Media Expert. Results form Curriculum Expert at 87.5%, Material Expert at 86.4%, and Media Expert at 89.3%. So, it can be concluded that the Monster Math Game is very feasible to use to improve the literacy numeracy skills of Class III Elementary School. The results of the practicality test from educators were 89.3% and the practicality tests from students were 94.15%. From these results, it can be concluded that the Monster Math Game is very practical to use. The results of the effectiveness test through the t-test obtained the results of the sig value. (2-tailed) of 0.000 which means the sig. (2-tailed) < 0.05, so there is a significant difference between the results of the pre-test and post-test, it’s means that the Monster Math Game product is effective in improving the literacy numeracy skills of class III elementary school.
RISK SHARING BETWEEN UNRESTRICTED-INVESTMENT-ACCOUNT-HOLDERS AND SHAREHOLDERS OF ISLAMIC BANKS: IMPLICATIONS ON STABILITY AND RESILIENCE
Authors: Barau Ahmad Mohammad , Rosly Saiful Azhar , Sori Zulkarnain Mohammad
Published: August 2023

The allocation of profit and loss to the unrestricted investment account holders (URIAHs) is a fundamental principle of Islamic banking where both the URIAHs and the Shareholders participate in funds mobilization through a risk-sharing arrangement. The study investigates the risk adjusted return received by both the unrestricted investment account holders and shareholders as well as the level of risk sharing between them for Islamic banks in Nigeria, Sudan, Bahrain and Qatar using financial ratio analysis, difference in mean t-test and Var-at-Risk (VaR) methodologies. The paper concludes that, contrary to the findings of many previous studies, the unrestricted investment account holders receive lower risk adjusted returns than the Shareholders do and at a higher risk in some of these countries and also the Central Banks impose a risk sharing value (the alpha factor) which is always different from the actual computed value of the risk sharing parameter for the banks and these are the likely potential sources of instability in the Islamic banks of these countries.
DESIGNING A WAQF-BASED AGRICULTURAL FINANCING MODEL
Authors: Majid Rifaldi , Sukmana Raditya
Published: August 2023

Limited access to financing, followed by the difficulty in the absorption of crop yields, is still a fundamental problem for farmers. This study proposes an integrated agricultural low-cost financing model based on cash waqf along with its parameters and risk mitigation. The proposed model is developed from a literature review underpinned by in-depth interviews with 17 experts (regulators, academia, and practitioners), followed by a Focus Group Discussion, and finally validated by the key experts. Findings reveal that cash waqf fund could be used as a low-cost financing with several risk mitigation procedures to finance farmers who have hardship accessing financing. Through institutional engineering, a nazhir (overseer) will involve a specialist vehicle in developing a value chain to facilitate off-takers ready to buy farmers' crops at competitive prices. The proposed model employs Mudharaba-Salam and Ijara schemes. The associated risks can be mitigated by a comprehensive feasibility study, using takaful/guarantee or reserve funds and financial restructuring. This model is expected to improve farmer welfare and national food security and deepen inclusive Islamic financial products in the agricultural sector.
On the computation of the gradient in implicit neural networks
Authors: Szekeres Béla J. , Izsák Ferenc
Published: August 2023

Implicit neural networks and the related deep equilibrium models are investigated. To train these networks, the gradient of the corresponding loss function should be computed. Bypassing the implicit function theorem, we develop an explicit representation of this quantity, which leads to an easily accessible computational algorithm.
The Prader-Willi syndrome Profile: Validation of a New Measure of Behavioral and Emotional Problems in Prader-Willi syndrome.”
Authors: Dykens Elisabeth , Roof Elizabeth , Hunt-Hawkins Hailee
Published: August 2023

Background: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare, neurodevelopmental disorder caused by the lack of expression of paternally imprinted genes on chromosome 15q11-13. PWS features a complex behavioral phenotype, including hyperphagia, anxiety, compulsivity, rigidity, repetitive speech, temper outbursts, aggressivity, and skin-picking. Questionnaires exist for measuring hyperphagia, but not for the aggregation of other problems that are distinctive to PWS. A PWS-specific tool is needed for phenotypic research, and to help evaluate treatment efficacy in future clinical trials aimed at attenuating PWS’s hyperphagia and related problems. In this 4-phase study, we leveraged our expertise in PWS with feedback from families and specialists to validate the PWS Profile, a novel, informant-based measure of behavioral and emotional problems in this syndrome.
Results: The authors developed a bank of 73 items that tapped both common and less frequent but clinically significant problems in PWS (Phase 1). An iterative feedback process with families and stakeholders was used to ensure content and construct validity (Phase 2). After adding, omitting, or revising items, in Phase 3, we pilot tested the measure in 112 participants. Results were reviewed by an international team of PWS specialists and revised again (Phase 3). The final, 57-item Profile was then administered to 761 participants (Phase 4). Principal component factor analyses (n=873) revealed eight conceptually meaningful factors, accounting for 60.52% of test variance, and were readily interpretated as: Rigidity, Insistence; Aggressive Behaviors; Repetitive Questioning, Speech; Compulsive Behaviors; Depression, Anxiety; Hoarding; Negative Distorted Thinking; and Magical Distorted Thinking. Factors were internally consistent and showed good test-retest reliability and convergent validity with existent measures of behavioral problems. Profile factors were not related to IQ, BMI, or parental SES. Three Profile factors differed across PWS genetic subtypes. Age and gender differences were found in only one Profile factor, Hoarding.
Conclusions: The PWS Profile is a valid, psychometrically-sound questionnaire that already has shown responsivity to treatment in a previous clinical trial. The Profile can extend the reach of future clinical trials by evaluating the impact of novel agents not only on hyperphagia, but also on the emotional and behavioral problems that characterize PWS.
Effect of Shenfu Injection in Septic Patients with Hypoperfusion: A Multi-center, Open-label, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Liu Di , Pan Tingting , Tan Ruoming , Li Xiang , Zhu Duming , Li Yingchuan , He Hongyu , Wu Fang , Jiang Lijing , Chen Yang , Wang Xiaoli , Liu Jialin , Qu Hongping
Published: August 2023

Background: The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Shenfu injection (SFI) combined with standard bundle in septic patients with hypoperfusion.
Method: This study was a multi-center, randomized, open-label, controlled trial conducted in four teaching hospitals in China. 188 septic patients with hypoperfusion who were diagnosed as the acute deficiency syndrome depending on the traditional Chinese medicine criteria were enrolled from January 2019 through September 2020. Eligible patients were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either the treatment group, receiving 60 mL SFI infusion per day plus standard treatment, or the control group, receiving standard bundle treatment alone.
Results: In this study, we found that SFI plus standard therapy did not significantly decrease 28-day all-cause mortality of septic patients with hypoperfusion and TCM syndrome meeting the acute deficiency syndrome. The infusion of SFI was associated with a significant reduction in the duration of vasopressor use. Patients in the SFI group had statistically greater reductions in plasma lactate levels at the first 12 and 24 hours.
Conclusion: SFI plus standard therapy did not significantly decrease 28-day all-cause mortality for septic patients with hypoperfusion when the TCM syndrome meets the acute deficiency syndrome. SFI can shorten the use time of vasoactive drugs and promote the recovery of lactic acid level in septic patients with hypoperfusion.
Trial registration:This trial was approved by the Ruijin Hospital Ethics Committee of Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry.
Trial registration: ChiCTR
Registration number: ChiCTR1800020435
Date of first trial registration: 29/12/2018
Website: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=34499
Prevalence and determinants of opioid use disorder among long-term opiate users in Golestan Cohort Study
Authors: Alvand Saba , Amin-Esmaeili Masoumeh , Poustchi Hossein , Roshandel Gholamreza , Sadeghi Yasaman , Sharifi Vandad , Kamangar Farin , Dawsey Sanford M. , Freedman Neal D. , Abnet Christian C. , Rahimi-Movaghar Afarin , Malekzadeh Reza , Etemadi Arash
Published: August 2023

Background
Number of opiate users worldwide has doubled over the past decade, but not all of them are diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD). We aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors for OUD after ten years of follow-up.
Methods
Among 8,500 chronic opiate users at Golestan Cohort Study baseline (2004–2008), we recalled a random sample of 451 subjects in 2017. We used three questionnaires: a questionnaire about current opiate use including type and route of use, the drug use disorder section of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview lifetime version, and the validated the Kessler 10 (K10) questionnaire. We defined OUD presence and severity based on the DSM-5 criteria and used a cutoff of 12 on K10 questionnaire to define psychological distress.
Results
Mean age was 61.2 ± 6.6 years (84.7% males) and 58% were diagnosed with OUD. Starting opiate use at an early age and living in underprivileged conditions were risk factors of OUD. Individuals with OUD were twice likely to have psychological distress (OR = 2.25; 95%CI: 1.44–3.52) than the users without OUD. In multivariate regression, former and current opiate dose and oral use of opiates were independently associated with OUD. Each ten gram per week increase in opiate dose during the study period almost tripled the odds of OUD (OR = 3.18; 95%CI: 1.79–5.63).
Conclusions
Chronic opiate use led to clinical OUD in more than half of the users, and OUD was associated with psychological distress, increasing its physical and mental burden in high-risk groups.
Surgical, oncological and obstetric outcomes of Shimodaira-Taniguchi conization method
Authors: Higami Shota , Tanaka Yusuke , Deguchi Tomomi , Shiraishi Mariko , Shiki Yasuhiko
Published: August 2023

Background:
The objective of the study was to investigate surgical, oncological and obstetric outcomes of Shimodaira-Taniguchi (S-T) conization method.
Methods:
858 cases involving high-grade intraepithelial lesions treated by S-T conization were retrospectively reviewed, and the surgical, oncological and obstetric outcomes were analyzed. The χ2 test was used to compare the clinical characteristics between the patients with and without cervical stenosis. Factors associated with recurrent/persistent disease were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses using a Cox hazards regression model. The obstetric outcomes after conization were also evaluated.
Results:
Cervical stenosis and recurrent/persistent disease occurred in 2.2% and 4.9% of the patients, respectively. Older age (age ≥ 45) (Hazard ratio [HR] 3.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.73–6.02) and surgical margin involvement (HR 6.39, 95% CI 3.44–11.8) were independently associated with recurrent/persistent disease. Especially, older patients with endocervical margin involvement showed a higher rate of recurrence (3-year recurrence rate: 28.1%). The proportion of patients who experienced cervical stenosis was significantly higher in older patients (0.95% vs. 5.7%, P < 0.001). Among 66 deliveries after conization, term delivery was observed in 62 cases (93.9%). The proportion of patients who experienced preterm delivery after conization was significantly higher in patients with a short interval from conization to conception (P = 0.045).
Conclusions:
S-T conization method is effective in terms of surgical, oncological and obstetric outcomes. Careful follow-up is required for older patients with positive surgical margins, especially those with positive endocervical margins. A short interval of ≤ 3 months from conization to conception should be avoided to expect term pregnancy.
Unveiling the Potential: Exploring Root Traits and Their Response to Drought and Culture Condition in High Temperature Spring Wheat Lines for Global Wheat Production Improvement
Authors: Asadullah  , Shah Syed Rehmat Ullah , Iqbal Azhar , Waheed Abdul , Farhad Wajid , Kalhoro Shahmir Ali
Published: August 2023

Background and aims
Global wheat production is under threat due to climate change, specifically from heat and drought, which are the major contributors. This study aims to address the response to drought in CIMMYT high temperature wheat lines, specifically analyzing root characteristics and their association with other parameters under water-stressed and well-watered conditions and different culture systems.
Methods
The variability of root traits of CIMMYT High Temperature Wheat Lines (HTWL) previously developed against heat stress and 10 Pakistani approved varieties was assessed under different culture conditions and water availability.
Results
Our findings revealed that the plasticity of the wheat root system is highly pronounced, with the conditions of the rhizosphere exerting a more substantial influence than the genotypic response. Furthermore, a small number of genotypes consistently exhibited desirable traits such as longer root systems and greater root biomass across different conditions. Persistent drought negatively affects root traits and reduces root growth.
Conclusions
The variation in root traits of HTWL against drought indicates their potential for the development of improved genotypes that can withstand multiple stresses. Furthermore, it is crucial to consider rhizosphere conditions when selecting genotypes, as the plasticity of wheat roots may lead to misinterpretations if rhizosphere conditions are disregarded. Therefore, for the selection of root traits under persistent drought conditions, it is recommended to evaluate a broader range of rhizosphere conditions.
Synergistic strategies for sustainable crop protection: Harnessing soil solarization and biofumigants to combat Damping-off pathogens in Solanaceous vegetable crops
Authors: Thakur Shavnam , Raj Harender
Published: August 2023

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a biofumigants derived from cauliflower leaves and soil solarization technique in combating soil-borne pathogens namely Pythium ultimum, Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotium rolfsii causing damping-off disease in major solanaceous crops such as tomato, chilli and capsicum. Results showed that soil solarization increased the average maximum soil temperature to 41.8°C with an increase of 5.4°C at 5cm soil depth over unsolarized beds. Integration of soil solarization with cauliflower leaves as soil amendment for the period of 40 days at 5cm soil depth was found most effective in reducing the viability of P. ultimum, F. oxysporum, R. solani and S. rolfsii to 5.3, 2.6, 4.6 and 3.6 per cent in comparison to 92.6, 77.3, 83.3 and 80.3 in control respectively. With the increase in the duration of soil solarization from 15 to 40 days, the potential of the pathogens to cause the disease reduced significantly at 5cm soil depth and incidence of the damping-off reduced from 63.3 to 16.6 per cent in tomato; 66.6 to 20.0 per cent in chilli and 70.0 to 23.3 per cent in capsicum. Through this integrated approach, the viability of soil-borne pathogens can be minimized, thereby improves the overall plant health. Thus, these findings give significant evidence for the potential of soil solarization technique and plant-derived biofumigants, paving the way for a newer domain in crop protection in a sustainable manner.
Inter-Annual Variability of Southwest Monsoon Rainfall in Myanmar: Insights from Ocean-Atmosphere Interactions
Authors: Oo Kyaw Than
Published: August 2023

The monsoon trough regions in Myanmar (90°E-105°E and 10°N-28°N) show a substantial influence on rainfall from June to September during the southwest monsoon season (JJAS), where the contributes ~90% of the annual accumulated rainfall. This finding aims to explain the variability of southwest monsoon rain and its connection to Myanmar's ocean-atmosphere pattern between 1981 and 2020, which is of great importance in the economy of Myanmar because JJAS is the summer monsoon cropping season which is the main economic sector. The dominant EOF mode captures the lag-correlated between the average trend of JJAS rainfall and SST for 40 years (1981– 2020) produced from the previous June-September SST correlation with rainfall variation over Myanmar. Furthermore, the correlation suggests the instance of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and IOD (DMI) influence the variability of inter-annually JJAS rainfall. Positive correlation between SST anomalies of Nino3.4 regions and western IO (DMI) with JJAS rainfall variation during this 40 years. Both are well-defined indices for the forecast of the study year’s JJAS rainfall over Myanmar. Furthermore, cooling (warming) across the Indo-Pacific influences the Hadley and Walker circulations, resulting in below (above) average rainfall over Myanmar. The impact of other indices on JJAS Myanmar rainfall requires additional investigation. The thorough examination of JJAS rainfall aids in understanding the occurrences of previous extreme events as support for predicting and monitoring drought and floods over Myanmar.
Rheological Comparison Between Blended Asphalt Binders and Extracted and Recovered Asphalt Binder From Rejuvenated Asphalt Mixture With Very High Rap Content
Authors: Imaninasab Reza , Loria-Salazar Luis , Carter Alan
Published: August 2023

Efficient rejuvenation of the RAP’s binder facilitates the use of higher RAP contents. Assessing the efficiency requires evaluating the right blend of the rejuvenator, new and old binder that represents the real binder blend inside the asphalt mixture. Extracted and recovered (E&R) binder from the rejuvenated asphalt mixtures containing RAP is the best practice to obtain the existing blend of the rejuvenator, new and old binder. However, Extraction and recovery is not a common practice to study rejuvenation efficiency since it is time-consuming and energy-demanding with exposure to hazardous chemicals. Instead, blending rejuvenator, new binder and the E&R binder from RAP under appropriate blending conditions limits the extraction and recovery to RAP, and minimizes efforts for studying rejuvenation efficiency. This study aims to find the blending conditions under which the blend of the rejuvenator, new and RAP binder resembles the E&R binder from asphalt mixture rheologically. The rheological properties of three binder blends prepared under intense (IB), medium (MB) and low blending (LB) conditions were compared with those of the E&R binder. Performance grade (PG), rutting potential, fatigue resistance and behavioral characteristics are the rheological properties for making comparison. It was found that IB and MB are good representative of the E&R binder with regard to PG and PG + designation. In addition to IB and MB, LB can be a surrogate for the PAV-aged E&R binder. Also, any blending conditions between MB and IB for rutting potential and characterization are recommended.
Region of Interest based digital watermarking model for watermarking of two medical images at a time
Authors: Al-Aziz Md. Ashek , Sani Zaidatol Haslinda Abdullah
Published: August 2023

To provide the evidence of proper authentication, extraction of signature or logo from the supplied document which is concealed prior to the sending of that document is essential. Usually, medical images are concealed by the doctor’s signature or hospital logo and patients’ information. From 19 literatures, including 6 recent works, no evidence of watermarking more than one medical image using one grayscale logo at a time is shown by them, which is the core motivation of this research work. The proposed model of watermarking double host images with successful extraction from prior embedding of the watermark logo image is done in the experiment. The model is blind and no lossy compression method is applied. And the proposed model outperformed some of the state of the art models in terms of two quality parameters like Peak to Signal Noise Ration (PSNR) and Normalized Correlation (NC).