bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probing lepton universality with (semi)-leptonic B decays
Authors: Banelli Giovanni , Fleischer Robert , Jaarsma Ruben , Tetlalmatzi-Xolocotzi Gilberto
Published: February 2019

The most recent measurements of the observables
R_{D^{(*)}}RD(*)
are in tension with the Standard Model offering hints of New Physics in
b\rightarrow c \ell \bar{\nu}_{\ell}b→cℓν‾ℓ
transitions. Motivated by these results, in this work we present an
analysis on their b\rightarrow u \ell \bar{\nu}_{\ell}b→uℓν‾ℓ
counterparts (for \ell=e, ~\mu, ~\tauℓ=e,μ,τ).
Our study has three main objectives. Firstly, using ratios of branching
fractions, we assess the effects of beyond the Standard Model scalar and
pseudoscalar particles in leptonic and semileptonic
BB
decays (B^-\rightarrow \ell^- \bar{\nu}_{\ell}B−→ℓ−ν‾ℓ,
\bar{B}\rightarrow \pi \ell \bar{\nu}_{\ell}B‾→πℓν‾ℓ
and \bar{B}\rightarrow \rho \ell \bar{\nu}_{\ell}B‾→ρℓν‾ℓ).
Here a key role is played by the leptonic BB
processes, which are highly sensitive to new pseudoscalar interactions.
In particular, we take advantage of the most recent measurement of the
branching fraction of the channel B^-\rightarrow \mu^-\bar{\nu}_{\mu}B−→μ−ν‾μ
by the Belle collaboration. Secondly, we extract the CKM matrix element
|V_{ub}||Vub|
while accounting simultaneously for New Physics contributions. Finally,
we provide predictions for the branching fractions of yet unmeasured
leptonic and semileptonic BB
decays.
Lepton flavour violation and neutrino masses
Authors: Teixeira Ana M.
Published: February 2019

Neutrino oscillations provided the first evidence for the violation
of flavour in the lepton sector, and established a clear need to
consider extensions of the Standard Model. Many new phenomena can emerge
from these New Physics (NP) constructions, among which processes
violating lepton number and charged lepton flavour, all clear signals of
New Physics. Following a short overview of the status of experimental
searches, we comment on the prospects of several models of massive
neutrinos, from minimal constructions to complete NP models, to the
above mentioned observables.
Revisiting the flavor violating decays of the Tau and Mu leptons in the Standard Model with massive neutrinos
Authors: Hernández-Tomé Gerardo
Published: February 2019

The flavor violating leptonic decays of the
\tauτ
and \muμ
leptons into three lighter charged leptons are revisited in the
framework the Standard Model with massive neutrinos. In contrast to the
previous prediction, we have found strongly suppressed rates for the
\tau^-\to \mu^- \ell^+ \ell^-τ−→μ−ℓ+ℓ−
(\ell=\mu, eℓ=μ,e)
decays. Our results are in good agreement with the approximation of
neglecting masses and momenta of the external particles in the loop
integrals made in the first computation for the
\mu^- \to e^-e^+ e^-μ−→e−e+e−
decay.
Monte Carlo, fitting and Machine Learning for Tau leptons
Authors: Cherepanov Vladimir , Richter-Was Elzbieta , Was Zbigniew Andrzej
Published: February 2019

Status of \tauτ
lepton decay Monte Carlo generator TAUOLA, and its main recent
applications are reviewed. It is underlined, that in recent efforts on
development of new hadronic currents, the multi-dimensional nature of
distributions of the experimental data must be taken with a great care.
Studies for H \to \tau\tau ; \tau \to hadronsH→ττ;τ→hadrons
indeed demonstrate that multi-dimensional nature of distributions is
important and available for evaluation of observables where
\tauτ
leptons are used to constrain experimental data. For that part of the
presentation, use of the TAUOLA program for phenomenology of
HH
and ZZ
decays at LHC is discussed, in particular in the context of the Higgs
boson parity measurements with the use of Machine Learning techniques.
Some additions, relevant for QED lepton pair emission and electroweak
corrections are mentioned as well.
LHC searches motivated by recent $B$-anomalies
Authors: Faroughy Darius A.
Published: February 2019

We discuss the physics case for the LHC motivated by the
BB-physics
anomalies. After correlating semi-tauonic BB
decays to di-tau production at the LHC, and discussing the possible
models solving the BB-anomalies,
we show how existing LHC data in \tau\bar\tauττ‾
tails exclude most beyond the SM scenarios except for a handful of
leptoquark (LQ) models. We analyze the impact of LHC searches for some
of these LQ solutions using current data. In particular, we focus on the
well known U_1U1
vector LQ as well as the GUT-inspired scalar LQs,
R_2R2
and S_3S3.
By exploiting the complementarity between di-tau searches and the lepton
flavor violating decays B\to K\mu\tauB→Kμτ
and \tau\to\mu\phiτ→μϕ
we argue that these model can be cornered by the LHC, Belle II and LHCb
in the near future.
Nano Bor İçerikli Yeni Nesil PEMFC Nanokompozit Membranların Üretimi ve Karakterizasyonu
Authors: SOYDAN Ali Murat , AKEL Mert , AKDENİZ Recep
Published: February 2019

Bu çalışmada, çeşitli stokiyometrik oranlarda hazırlanan nano hekzagonal bor nitrür (NhBN), fosforik asit (FA) ve Nafyon (NAF) içeren yeni nesil proton iletken nano kompozit membran (NKM) üretildi ve su tutma, metanol geçirgenlik ve iyonik iletkenlik değerleri incelendi. NAF ağırlıkça %3-10 oranlarında NhBN ve molce %10-20 oranlarında FA ile karıştırılarak NKM’lar hazırlandı. Metanol geçirgenliği ve su tutma testleri sonuçlarına göre, hidrofobik NhBN parçacıklarının membranların su tutma ve metanol geçirgenliğini azaltırken FA’in su tutma özelliği ve metanol geçirgenliğini arttırdığı gözlemlendi. Maksimum proton iletkenliği, nem içermeyen ortamda 150°C'de, molce %20 FA ve ağırlıkça %3 NhBN içeren NKM için 0.056 S/cm olarak ölçüldü.
Iğdır İlinde Göçer Hayvancılık ve Bazı Yapısal Özellikleri
Authors: SAVAŞ İsak , YILMAZ İsa , YANAR Mete
Published: February 2019

Bu çalışma, Iğdır ilinde göçer hayvancılığın
yapısını belirlemek, problemlerini tespit etmek, çözüm önerileri getirmek ve
göçer hayvancılığın gelişmesine katkı yapmak amacıyla yürütülmüştür.
Araştırmada Basit Tesadüfi Örnekleme Yöntemine göre, Iğdır İli Damızlık
Koyun-Keçi Yetiştiricileri Birliği’ne kayıtlı 174 işletme sahipleri ile anket
yapılmıştır. Elde edilen veriler değerlendirilerek iki boyutlu tablolarda
özetlenebilen sayı ve yüzdelik olarak ifade edilmiş olup, bu değerlendirmelere
göre; yetiştiricilerin %86.8’i Nisan ayında hayvanlarını meralara çıkarırken,
%75.3’ü ise Haziran ayında yaylalara göçmektedir. Göçerlerin %83.3’ü Eylül
ayında yaylalardan geri yerleşim yerlerine dönmektedir. Yerleşim yerine dönen
yetiştiricilerin %79.9’u daha önce otlatılmayan köyiçi meraları, anız ve
anızlar arasındaki arazileri, bağ ve bahçe içlerini otlatarak, Aralık ayında
hayvanlarını barınaklara almaktadırlar. Böylece göçerlerin, ilkbahar ve yaz
başında (Nisan-Mayıs-Haziran) meraları, yaz ve sonbahar başında yaylaları
(Temmuz-Ağustos-Eylül) sonbahar ve kış başında ise (Ekim-Kasım-Aralık) köyiçi
mera, anız ve bahçe içlerini otlattıkları belirlenmiştir. Yetiştiricilerin
%81.0’ı mera ve yaylaları kiralamak suretiyle kullandıkları, mera ve yaylalara
gidişlerini %55.2 oranında araçlarla, %26.4 oranında araç + yaya olarak ve
%17.8 oranında ise yaya olarak yaptıkları belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca,
yetiştiricilerin %5.8’i kendisi, % 68.4’u ise çobanla ve %25.9’u ise kendi +
çobanla hayvanlarını otlattıkları belirlenmiştir. Yetiştiricilerin Iğdır ilinde
koyunculuğun geliştirilmesi için beklenti ve önerileri konusunda düşünceleri
için %12.6’ü beyanda bulunmaz iken, %39.7 mera-yayla temini, %28.7 tarımsal
destek, %8.0 merada su, %6.9 damızlık materyal temini, %1.7 eğitim, %1.2 sağlık
ve % 1.2 et tesisi gerekli şeklinde cevap verdikleri belirlenmiştir.  Araştırma sonuçlarına dayanarak, Iğdır ili
göçerlerinin mera, yaylak ve kışlakların kullanımını 4342 sayılı mera kanunu
kapsamına uygun olarak yaptıkları ve küçükbaş hayvan yetiştiriciliği konusunda
tecrübeli ve bilinçli oldukları söylenebilir.
Quantitation of Fat Soluble Vitamins in Different Walnut Genotypes and Commercial Cultivars; a Comprehensive and Robust LC-MS/MS Method Validation
Authors: YILMAZ Mustafa Abdullah
Published: February 2019

Walnut, being both nutritious and delicious, has
been regarded as a health food due to its preventive and therapeutic effects.
In the present study, a robust LC-MS/MS analytical method was developed to
simultaneously quantify five fat soluble vitamins (D2, D3, K2, E, K1)
in eleven walnut genotypes and two commercial cultivars. Linearity, accuracy,
inter- and intra-day precision, detection limit (LOD), quantification limit
(LOQ) and uncertainty (U at confidence level of 95% (k = 2)) were the
validation parameters of the developed LC-MS/MS method. The established
linearity ranges for the studied vitamins were between 50 and
1200 mg L−1 for vitamins D2,
D3, K1, between 100-2400 mgL−1 for vitamin E
and between 200-4800 mg L−1 for vitamin K2. The
coefficients of determination for the vitamins D2,
D3, K2, E, K1 were between 0.9990,
0.9991, 0.9995, 0.9997, 0.9991, respectively. Vitamins D3,
K2 and K1 were not present in the analysed walnut
samples. On the other hand, vitamins E and D2 were in high
quantities in all studied walnut samples. D2 and E were the most
abundant fat soluble vitamins in MDE32 (29.1 mg g-1
dry plant) and MDE5 (15.2 mg g-1 dry plant) genotypes.
Despite the fact that the walnut was selected as real life sample, the
validated LC-MS/MS method is enforceable to a broad range of food species.
Hydraulic scale modelling of the rating curve for a gauging station with challenging geometry
Authors: Pedersen Øyvind , Aberle Jochen , Rüther Nils
Published: February 2019

Direct discharge measurements during flood events can be challenging from a technical as well as from a safety point of view. Therefore, flood discharges are often estimated by extrapolating a rating curve. Extrapolations far outside the range of the directly measured discharges are common, although the associated errors can be large. In this article, a novel method to determine suitable stage measurement locations and derive rating curves using a hydraulic scale model is presented. A hydraulic scale model for a natural gauging station site is produced with a computer numerical control technique, making a detailed representation of the prototype topography and bathymetry. The site is characterized by a complex geometry, and the results of the scale model study reveal that the current location of stage measurement is not suitable for determining the rating curve for high flows. The scale model is used to identify potential locations for future stage measurements, and a flood rating curve is constructed based on field measurements for low flows and scale model data for high flows. The study shows how hydraulic scale modelling can be used to provide more reliable rating curves for large discharges and evaluate new or existing gauging stations located at sites with challenging measurement conditions.
Nanofibers for textile waste water management
Authors: Paneysar Joginder singh , Sawant Snehal , Ip Meng Hei , Bhullar Sukhwinder kaur , Barton Stephen , Ambre Premlata , Coutinho Evans
Published: February 2019

Currently, textile wastewater management focuses on dye removal efficiency and operating costs. Dual responsive polymers are choice materials because they can extract diverse organic compounds from water at their phase transition point. They are copolymers of the acrylamide class, and have been fully characterized by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, DSC, GPC and surface area analysis. Of the five dual responsive polymers, the copolymer of NIPAAM and DMAEMA (CoP-1) offers the best extraction of acidic and basic dyes from wastewater. All copolymers investigated can achieve better than 90% dye removal when used at 4 mg/ml concentration. This dye-scavenging efficiency increases to almost 99% at 3 mg/ml, on conversion of the copolymers to nanofibers in 300 to 500 nm size. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were constructed to study the mechanism of dye adsorption. The nanofibers have been shown to be reusable for removal of dyes from water, suggesting that such systems may add benefit to current dye removal methods from textile industry wastewater.
Development of statistical predictive models for estimating the methane yield of Italian municipal sludges from chemical composition: a preliminary study
Authors: Catenacci A. , Azzellino A. , Malpei F.
Published: February 2019

The biochemical methane potential (BMP) of primary and biological sludge varies in a wide range, mostly depending on location, sewer characteristics, wastewater treatment plant design and operating conditions. BMP tests are useful to verify the performance of a full scale digester, but they are not yet a common procedure in the operation of most Italian facilities because of cost and test duration. Changes in the composition of sewage sludge can lead to a high variation of biogas production. Aimed at developing BMP predictive models based on low cost and fast analyses, this study investigated the chemical composition of 20 sludge samples by means of principal component and multiple linear regression analyses. Three preliminary predictive models were developed based on soluble organic nitrogen, volatile solids, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and an operational parameter, the sludge retention time: the explained variance and the standard errors of prediction of BMP are in the range 77–81% and 21–34 NmLCH4·gVS−1, respectively. Models were evaluated on five additional samples: errors ranged 2–15% for four samples and about 54% for one sample, collected from a peculiar facility. Further data and variables describing the operation mode of the waterline would certainly improve the reliability and robustness of the models.
Production and characteristics of sewage sludge in Italy
Authors: Mininni Giuseppe , Mauro Elena , Piccioli Bernardo , Colarullo Giordano , Brandolini Filippo , Giacomelli Paolo
Published: February 2019

Results of an extended survey on the production and quality of sewage sludge produced in Italy are herewith reported and discussed. Data are relevant to 2015. They were provided by 84 Italian water utilities responsible for municipal wastewater treatment serving approximately 35 million persons. Total production was estimated at about 395,000 t dry solids/year, of which 9.9% is used in agriculture without further treatments, 26.4% is sent to external plants for compost production, 5.6% is sent to external plant for production of a soil conditioner called ‘chalk of defecation’, 17.2% is disposed to landfill, and 5.9% is sent to incineration or co-incineration plants. The rest (35%) is sent to external sludge centres for further treatments (manly chemical and physical processes) before recovery/disposal. Regarding chemical characterization the following parameters were investigated: TOC, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, potassium, arsenic, cadmium, copper, nickel, lead, zinc, mercury, total chromium, chromium VI, selenium, hydrocarbons C10–C40, sum of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, sum of polychlorinated biphenyls, sum of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzo-p-furanes (toxic equivalent) salmonella, faecal coliforms, sulphur, sum of absorbable halogenated organic compounds, nonylphenol and nonylphenolethoxylates with one or two ethoxy groups, and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate. All the parameters showed that the quality of Italian sewage sludge is consistent with a typical sludge in Europe, Asia and America and the maximum concentrations of pollutants are well below the fixed standards of the European Directive 86/278 and the third draft of the European Commission's Working Document on Sludge.
Electrochemical degradation of naproxen from water by anodic oxidation with multiwall carbon nanotubes glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Díaz Eva , Stożek Sonia , Patiño Yolanda , Ordóñez Salvador
Published: February 2019

Naproxen (NPX) degradation was investigated by anodic oxidation both at constant potential and by cyclic voltammetry, using this last technique for optimizing reaction conditions and catalyst properties. Three multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-promoted electrodes were used (MWCNT, MWCNT-COOH and MWCNT-NH2) and a two steps oxidation process was observed in all the cases. At the optimized conditions (volume of MWCNT = 15 μL), the influence of the scan rate indicates the diffusion–adsorption control of the process. Likewise, the kinetic study of NPX degradation at fix potential, considering two different stirring speeds (250 and 500 rpm), indicates that degradation rate increases with the stirring speed. After 20 h, NPX is degraded even an 82.5%, whereas the mineralization reaches almost 70%, as it was obtained from total organic carbon analysis. The pH effect was also analysed, in the range 5–11, observing a positive effect at low pH. Concerning the surface chemistry of the electrode, MWCNT-NH2, with the highest isoelectric point (4.70), is the most promising material due to the improved interactions with the reactant. From these observations, a pathway is proposed, which includes two steps of electrochemical oxidation followed by subsequent oxidation steps, until mineralization of the NPX, attributed mainly to active chlorine species and ·OH.
Synthesis and evaluation of activated carbon/nanoclay/ thiolated graphene oxide nanocomposite for lead(II) removal from aqueous solution
Authors: Mojoudi Fatemeh , Hamidian Amir Hossein , Zhang Yu , Yang Min
Published: February 2019

Novel porous nanocomposite (AC/NC/TGO) was successfully synthesized through the composition of activated carbon, nanoclay and graphene oxide as a Pb(II) adsorbent for the treatment of contaminated aqueous environment. The physicochemical properties and morphology of AC/NC/TGO were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption-desorption techniques. Results showed Pb(II) adsorption on the AC/NC/TGO was rapid in the first 20 min and reached equilibrium in 40 min. Kinetic studies showed significant fit to the pseudo second order kinetic model (R2 ≥ 0.9965) giving an equilibrium rate constant (K2) of 0.0017 g mg−1 min−1 for Pb(II) loaded. The experimental adsorption data were better fitted with the Langmuir isotherm model than with the Freundlich isotherm model. Prepared nanocomposite exhibited high values of Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of 1,296 m2 g−1 and total pore volume of 1.01 cm3 g−1. Maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax = 208 mg g−1) and a relatively high adsorption rate was achieved at pH 5.0 using an adsorbent dose of 0.5 g L−1 and an initial lead concentration of 50 mg L−1. High adsorption capacity, reusability, fast kinetics and simple synthesis method indicate that prepared nanocomposite can be suggested as a high-performance adsorbent for Pb(II) removal from polluted water.
Synthesis of Indole Derivatives and Their Evaluation against Root Knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Kaur Jaskirat , Utreja Divya , Dhillon N.K. , Sharma Shivali
Published: February 2019

Eight new 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-N-(aryl)-2-oxoacetamide amine based indole derivatives were synthesized. Microanalytical data, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, FT-IR and XRD were used to characterize the synthesized derivatives. The indole derivatives had also been screened for their nematicidal activity against root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Chlorine substituted indole derivatives had shown significant nematicidal activity comparative to other indole derivatives.
Preparation and Improved Capacitive Behavior of NiO/TiO2 Nanocomposites as Electrode Material for Supercapacitor
Authors: Anandhi Palani , Kumar Veerabadran Jawahar Senthil , Harikrishnan Santhanam
Published: February 2019

Background:

Of late, supercapacitors have been drawing great attention over other rechargeable
energy storage devices. More efforts are made on the electrode materials of the supercapacitors,
in order to improve the specific capacitance and energy density. Based on the past literature,
it was stated that pure TiO2 (as electrode material) could promote faradaic reaction to a limited extent
due to its low electronic conductivity. Further, this low conductivity could hinder the ion transfer
process between electrolyte and electrode during intercalation and de-intercalation, resulting in poor
energy density. Hence, it is essential to incorporate high electronic conductivity material into TiO2,
for improving the electrochemical performance.

Objective:

In the present study, the preparation and electrochemical performance of NiO/TiO2 nanocomposites
as an electrode material for supercapacitor were extensively studied.

Methods:

NiO/TiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized by sol-gel method. The as-prepared nanocomposites
were characterized by high-resolution TEM, field emission SEM and XRD. The electrochemical
behaviors of the electrode using nanocomposites were assessed by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV)
and galvanostatic charge-discharge tests.

Results:

The maximum specific capacitance of the nanocomposites based electrode witnessed through
CV test was 405 F g-1 at the scan rate of 5 mV s-1 in 1M Na2SO4 electrolyte. The capacitance retention
after 5000 charge-discharge cycles was estimated as 92.32%. The energy and power densities at current
density of 1 A g-1 were found to be 5.67 Wh kg-1 and 210.52 W kg-1, respectively.

Conclusion:

NiO/TiO2 nanocomposites synthesized via sol-gel technique appeared to be flake-like
structure. NiO incorporated into TiO2 increased higher electronic conductivity while comparing to
pure TiO2. Also, an introduction of NiO into TiO2 improved the specific capacitance, power density,
energy density and cycle stability. Due to these facts, combining NiO with TiO2 could be considered
to be an efficient way of enhancing the electrochemical performance of electrodes of the supercapacitor.
Delay Aware and Lifetime Enhanced Sectoring (DALES) Routing Protocol for Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Dutt Suniti , Shandil Nikita , Agrawal Sunil , Vig Renu
Published: February 2019

Background & Objective:

Wireless communication technologies are continually growing
in diverse areas, which are providing unexampled research opportunities in the areas of networking.
One such speedily developing orbit is Wireless Sensor Networks. The ability of these networks to
operate in human-inaccessible terrains and hazardous locations have attracted a lot of research for
addressing various difficulties presented by these networks at different layers. Routing is a challenge
due to the unpredictable topology of WSNs. Further, there exists a wide range of applications employing
WSNs which operate in a hostile environment. The presence of a hostile environment literally
means that the operating devices fail quite frequently and it is practically infeasible to repair them
and replenish their energy resources. Further, many real-time applications of WSN do not tolerate
any latency in the network. In general, designing an energy-efficient routing scheme that can tradeoff
between different design metrics, like delay, is a crucial issue in WSNs. Due to a great deal of
speculations and future prognoses regarding the Internet of Things, WSN design faces various design
goals that often conflict with each other, such as short delay, high throughput, minimal energy consumption,
and low cost. Network design for futuristic applications must consider many factors for
achieving trade-offs among multiple objectives to achieve optimal performance for network.

Methods:

This paper proposes a routing protocol named Delay Aware and Lifetime Enhanced Sectoring
(DALES) for joint optimization of lifetime and delay in a heterogeneous WSN. It alters the
CH selection process by sectoring the WSN field, barring certain nodes from participating in clustering
and selecting an optimal number of CHs by use of modified probability equations.

Conclusion:

Simulation results establish that proposed solution ameliorates in terms of network lifetime
and delay as compared to other routing protocols.
Sum-Rate Optimization Constrained by Consumed Power for Multi- Antenna Non-Regenerative Relay Network
Authors: Alibeigi Maryam , Moghaddam Shahriar S.
Published: February 2019

Background & Objective:

This paper considers a multi-pair wireless network, which communicates
peer-to-peer using some multi-antenna amplify-and-forward relays. Maximizing the throughput
supposing that the total relay nodes’ power consumption is constrained, is the main objective of this
investigation. We prove that finding the beamforming matrix is not a convex problem.

Methods:

Therefore, by using a semidefinite relaxation technique we find a semidefinite programming
problem. Moreover, we propose a novel algorithm for maximizing the total signal to the total
leakage ratio. Numerical analyses show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm which offers
higher throughput compared to the existing total leakage minimization algorithm, with much less
complexity.

Results and Conclusion:

Furthermore, the effect of different parameters such as, the number of relays,
the number of antennas in each relay, the number of transmitter/receiver pairs and uplink and
downlink channel gains are investigated.
One Pot Synthesis of Biscoumarins and Pyranocoumarins by Coconut Juice as a Natural Catalyst
Authors: Halder Bipasa , Maity Himadri S. , Nag Ahindra
Published: February 2019

Background:

The conception of ‘Green chemistry’ is the much inventive chemistry which
is potent and more environmentally benign. It is notable that many organic reactions take place in
conventional organic solvents, known as volatile organic compounds. Being concerned about the environmental
impact, we report a promoting medium, coconut juice (ACC) for one-pot synthesis of
biscoumarins and pyranocoumarins which is safe, harmless, green and environmentally benign.

Methods and Results:

Substituted biscoumarins have been achieved by the reaction of biscoumarin
and substituted aromatic aldehydes in presence of ACC which acts as a green catalyst cum solvent.
Each reaction showed good to excellent yield in presence of both electron donating as well as electron
withdrawing group on aromatic aldehyde without formation of any by-products. Similarly, pyranocoumarins
have been achieved by the reaction of biscoumarin, substituted aromatic aldehydes, active
methylene nitrile in presence of ACC. All the reactions proceed smoothly and gave higher yields
in case of malononitrile in comparison of ethyl-2-cyanoacetate.

Conclusion:

A simple, eco-friendly and novel procedure was demonstrated for the synthesis of biscoumarins
and pyranocoumarins using natural feedstock coconut juice. The major importance of using
ACC juice is higher yields, no work-up and no column chromatography.
Mediation Effect of Passion between Intimacy and Commitment in Relationship with God: Triangular Theory of Love
Authors: Dhamija Aruna , Dhamija Somesh , Singh Krishanveer
Published: February 2019

Purpose: - The purpose of this research paper is to test the relationship with God and to know the strength among the variables of love - Intimacy, Passion and Commitment, through Triangular Love Scale (TLS). To study the direct and indirect relationship between variables of Love in context with God and to know the mediation effect of Passion between the two variables of love, namely, Intimacy and Commitment.
Research Design: - In this study, data was collected through well structured questionnaire from 210 respondents who identified themselves as God-believers. The Partial Least Square (PLS) -Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to measure the relationship among the variables and to conceptualize the model. Findings:- In context of the past studies, a conceptual model is developed to measure the direct relationship as well as indirect relationship among the three variables of love, namely, Intimacy, Passion and Commitment in relationship with God. Structural Equation Modeling analyses revealed that the association between Intimacy and Commitment is mediated by Passion. Limitations:- Other tools can also be used to analyse the same study to know relationship between variables of love with God. Different variables which are not explored can be used to test the relationship with God.Practical Implications:- This study makes significant contributions for religious leaders and researchers who associate themselves with spirituality in order to understand the strength of relationship with God by knowing the impact on variables of love-Intimacy, Passion and Commitment.Originality: - The current study aims to know the strength of relationship with God through the three variables of love, namely, Intimacy, Passion and Commitment. There are lots of studies on Triangular Love Scale in knowing the different perspectives. The results of this study will help to know in actuality as to how much the individual is close to God, attracted towards him and able to maintain his love towards him.
Agent Mediated Code Comprehension: A Cognitive Challenge
Authors: Gupta Ram Gopal , Mazumdar Bireshwar Dass , Yadav Kuldeep
Published: February 2019

The rapidly changing needs and opportunities of today’s global software market require unprecedented levels of code comprehension to integrate diverse information systems to share knowledge and collaborate among organizations. The combination of code comprehension with software agents not only provides a promising computing paradigm for efficient agent mediated code comprehension service for selection and integration of inter-organizational business processes but this combination also raises certain cognitive issues that need to be addressed. We will review some of the key cognitive models and theories of code comprehension that have emerged in software code comprehension. This paper will propose a cognitive model which will bring forth cognitive challenges, if handled properly by the organization would help in leveraging software design and dependencies.
Developing a fuzzy expert system for determining the levels of students' eHealth literacy (Preprint)
Authors: Eskrootchi Roghayeh , Zavari Masoud , Kumar Chetan , Alibeyk Mohammadreza , Ramezani Amir
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

The concept of eHealth literacy refers to the ability of a person to access electronic health information, evaluate the information and apply the resulting knowledge in order to address or solve a health problem. In a society with higher levels of e-health literacy, health and aid in health care can be promoted by using electronic health tools. The first step of promoting eHealth literacy is to assess the current situation of society and determine its health literacy level. Although there are different methods for determination of the level of eHealth literacy in the existing studies, there is no way to measure the level of e-health literacy more precisely and realistically due to its subjective concept.

OBJECTIVE

This research aims to develop and implement a fuzzy expert system to determine the level of eHealth literacy. The system must be able to identify the weakness of students' e-health literacy in order to tailor services and information to the needs of the target group. In addition, the system could be a help for responsible organizations such as the Ministry of Health or the university to suggest intervention programs for improving the students' eHealth literacy based on the results.

METHODS

In this paper, different ways of measuring the individual’s literacy level were extracted. Due to the experts’ opinion, the Digital Health Literacy Instrument was selected and used to develop a rule-based fuzzy expert system to determine the levels of eHealth literacy. The reliability and validity of the expert system were evaluated based on the experts’ judgment and by asking for the participation of 50 students of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. In order to decrease the calculation time and make the system easier to use, the fuzzy expert system was modified based on rough set theory, which caused a reduction in the number of rules from 300 to 159.

RESULTS

The comparison between the two fuzzy expert systems indicated that no significant difference was detected and both systems were succeeded in around 90% of the cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Determination of the levels of students’ electronic health literacy is a complex problem that includes uncertainty and inaccuracy. Due to the accuracy and agility of expert systems, it is recommended to use the fuzzy-rough expert system in order to overcome this problem.
Reducing Patient Loneliness With Artificial Agents: Design Insights From Evolutionary Neuropsychiatry (Preprint)
Authors: Loveys Kate , Fricchione Gregory , Kolappa Kavitha , Sagar Mark , Broadbent Elizabeth
Published: February 2019

UNSTRUCTURED

Loneliness is a growing public health issue that substantially increases the risk of morbidity and mortality. Artificial agents, such as robots, embodied conversational agents, and chatbots, present an innovation in care delivery and have been shown to reduce patient loneliness by providing social support. However, similar to doctor and patient relationships, the quality of a patient’s relationship with an artificial agent can impact support effectiveness as well as care engagement. Incorporating mammalian attachment-building behavior in neural network processing as part of an agent’s capabilities may improve relationship quality and engagement between patients and artificial agents. We encourage developers of artificial agents intended to relieve patient loneliness to incorporate design insights from evolutionary neuropsychiatry.
Perceptions and Sentiments About Electronic Cigarettes on Social Media Platforms: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Kwon Misol , Park Eunhee
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been widely promoted on the internet, and subsequently, social media has been used as an important informative platform by e-cigarette users. Beliefs and knowledge expressed on social media platforms have largely influenced e-cigarette uptake, the decision to switch from conventional smoking to e-cigarette smoking, and positive and negative connotations associated with e-cigarettes. Despite this, there is a gap in our knowledge of people’s perceptions and sentiments on e-cigarettes as depicted on social media platforms.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to (1) provide an overview of studies examining the perceptions and sentiments associated with e-cigarettes on social media platforms and online discussion forums, (2) explore people’s perceptions of e-cigarette therein, and (3) examine the methodological limitations and gaps of the included studies.

METHODS

Searches in major electronic databases, including PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Communication and Mass Media Complete, were conducted using the following search terms: “electronic cigarette,” “electronic vaporizer,” “electronic nicotine,” and “electronic nicotine delivery systems” combined with “internet,” “social media,” and “internet use.” The studies were selected if they examined participants’ perceptions and sentiments of e-cigarettes on online forums or social media platforms during the 2007-2017 period.

RESULTS

A total of 21 articles were included. A total of 20 different social media platforms and online discussion forums were identified. A real-time snapshot and characteristics of sentiments, personal experience, and perceptions toward e-cigarettes on social media platforms and online forums were identified. Common topics regarding e-cigarettes included positive and negative health effects, testimony by current users, potential risks, benefits, regulations associated with e-cigarettes, and attitude toward them as smoking cessation aids.

CONCLUSIONS

Although perceptions among social media users were mixed, there were more positive sentiments expressed than negative ones. This study particularly adds to our understanding of current trends in the popularity of and attitude toward e-cigarettes among social media users. In addition, this study identified conflicting perceptions about e-cigarettes among social media users. This suggests that accurate and up-to-date information on the benefits and risks of e-cigarettes needs to be disseminated to current and potential e-cigarette users via social media platforms, which can serve as important educational channels. Future research can explore the efficacy of social media–based interventions that deliver appropriate information (eg, general facts, benefits, and risks) about e-cigarettes.

CLINICALTRIAL

PROSPERO CRD42019121611; https://tinyurl.com/yfr27uxs
Trial Design, Feasibility, and Acceptability of an Intervention to Reduce Hypoglycemia Fear in Parents of Young Kids with Video-Based Telemedicine (REDCHIP) (Preprint)
Authors: Marker Arwen M. , Monzon Alexandra D. , Nelson Eve-Lynn , Clements Mark A. , Patton Susana R.
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Fear of hypoglycemia is common in parents of young children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and problematically linked to maladaptive behaviors to avoid low blood glucose, parenting stress, and burn-out. There are currently no interventions focused on reducing hypoglycemia fear in this population.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the feasibility and acceptability of a group-based telemedicine intervention to reduce fear of hypoglycemia in parents of young children with T1D.

METHODS

Forty-three families of a young child with T1D (1-6 years old; diagnosed with T1D for at least 6 months) enrolled in the study and 36 completed the Reducing Emotional Distress for Childhood Hypoglycemia in Parents (REDCHiP) intervention. We delivered a 10-session manualized cognitive behavioral intervention to reduce hypoglycemia fear using telemedicine (i.e., secure real-time videoconferencing). We assessed intervention feasibility with rates of attrition, intervention attendance, and fidelity to the treatment manual. Intervention completers answered a treatment satisfaction survey and a subset of completers (N=10) participated in qualitative interviews about intervention acceptability, facilitators, and challenges.

RESULTS

Total study attrition was 21%, including the long-term follow-up period (16% before or during the treatment phase of the study). On average, parents attended 94% of intervention sessions and average fidelity to the treatment manual was 89%. Intervention completers reported high satisfaction with the treatment groups (85% average satisfaction rating). Parents reported positive influencers of the REDCHiP intervention during qualitative interviews (i.e., knowledge, fear awareness, coping strategies, confidence, behavioral parenting strategies, and support). Parents did report some intervention challenges, including feeling fearful or overwhelmed, family stress, lack of trust, and difficulty connecting with other group members.

CONCLUSIONS

The REDCHiP intervention demonstrated initial feasibility and acceptability. Next steps include determining the intervention’s impact on objective parent and child outcomes (e.g., glycemic control, parental fear of hypoglycemia, parental stress/distress).

CLINICALTRIAL

NICHD R21 HD081502
Impact of Using a 3D Visual Metaphor Serious Game to Teach History-Taking Content to Medical Students: Longitudinal Mixed Methods Pilot Study (Preprint)
Authors: Alyami Hussain , Alawami Mohammed , Lyndon Mataroria , Alyami Mohsen , Coomarasamy Christin , Henning Marcus , Hill Andrew , Sundram Frederick
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

History taking is a key component of clinical practice; however, this skill is often poorly performed by students and doctors.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to determine whether Metaphoria, a 3D serious game (SG), is superior to another electronic medium (PDF text file) in learning the history-taking content of a single organ system (cardiac).

METHODS

In 2015, a longitudinal mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) pilot study was conducted over multiple sampling time points (10 weeks) on a group of undergraduate medical students at The University of Auckland Medical School, New Zealand. Assessors involved in the study were blinded to group allocation. From an initial sample of 83, a total of 46 medical students were recruited. Participants were assigned to either a PDF group (n=19) or a game group (n=27). In total, 1 participant left the PDF group after allocation was revealed and was excluded. A total of 24 students in the game group and 14 students in the PDF group completed follow-up 7 weeks later.
Using an iterative design process for over a year, with input from a variety of clinical disciplines, a cardiac history-taking game and PDF file were designed and informed by Cognitive Load Theory. Each group completed its intervention in 40 min. A total of 3 levels of Kirkpatrick training evaluation model were examined using validated questionnaires: affective (perception and satisfaction), cognitive (knowledge gains and cognitive load), and behavioral attitudes (Objective Structured Clinical Exam) as well as qualitative assessment. A priori hypotheses were formulated before data collection.

RESULTS

Compared with baseline, both groups showed significant improvement in knowledge and self-efficacy longitudinally (P<.001). Apart from the game group having a statistically significant difference in terms of satisfaction (P<.001), there were no significant differences between groups in knowledge gain, self-efficacy, cognitive load, ease of use, acceptability, or objective structured clinical examination scores. However, qualitative findings indicated that the game was more engaging and enjoyable, and it served as a visual aid compared with the PDF file.

CONCLUSIONS

Students favored learning through utilization of an SG with regard to cardiac history taking. This may be relevant to other areas of medicine, and this highlights the importance of innovative methods of teaching the next generation of medical students.
Inhibition activity of Robusta coffee beans polyphenol extract on the production of TNF-α neutrophil cells
Authors: Ermawati Tantin , Meilawaty Zahara , Harmono Happy
Published: February 2019

Polyphenols are one of the active substances in the Robusta coffee beans with various benefits for humans’ health including anti-inflammation. neutrophil cell (polymorphonuclear PMN) plays a significant role as the primary immune response against foreign agent. Inflammatory response is characterized by the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Hence, the purpose of this study is to determine anti-inflammation capacity of Robusta coffee beans polyphenols extract on the TNF-α production in neutrophil cells. Neutrophil was derived from human peripheral venous blood by means of gradient density method. One hundred microliter of neutrophil  (1,5x103 cell) was incubated with 3.13%, 6.25%, 12.5%, 25% polyphenol extract and exposed with 100 μl of Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) 25 mg/ml. The production of TNF-α were determined by ELISA. Data were analyzed by one way Anova. Polyphenols of Robusta coffee bean extract was shown to inhibit TNF-α production in LPS-exposed neutrophil cells compared to controls. Whereas, LPS-exposed neutrophil increased TNF-α production. The most effective concentration to inhibit TNF-α production was 12.5%. It was concluded that polyphenols of Robusta coffee beans has anti-inflammatory properties as indicated by its ability to decrease TNF-α levels.
Streamline characteristics using the computational fluid dynamic analysis in the flow of 18% EDTA irrigation solution to remove Ca(OH)2
Authors: Muryani Anna , Dharsono Hendra Dian Adhita , Zuleika Z. , Moelyadi Ing. Mochammad Agoes , Prisinda Diani
Published: February 2019

The remaining calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) medicaments in the root canal wall can block the penetration of filling medicaments to the dentine tubule and cause the failure in the root canal treatment. One of the ways in cleaning the root canal wall from the remains of (Ca(OH)2) is by using 18% Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid (EDTA) irrigation solution. The cleanliness of the root canal can be examined using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis. The aim of this research was to see the description of the cleanliness of the root canal wall from the (Ca(OH)2) medicament with 18% EDTA irrigation by means of CFD analysis. This is a descriptive-explorative research. Having been validated with the experimental research using test specimen in the form of block resin made in accordance with the characteristics of root canal, the description of the cleanliness of the root canal wall from the (Ca(OH)2) medicament with the 18% EDTA irrigation was analyzed using CFD method. The irrigation needle used was the side-vented type with the position of 3 mm from the tooth apical. The results of the research showed the conformity between the result of experimental research and CFD research. One of the results of this research was the characteristics of streamline of 18% EDTA in the root canal showing a unique behavior due to the characteristics of the form of side vent irrigation needle. The irrigation flow in the coronal area of the inlet (side vent irrigation needle) showed a low velocity causing the more fluid flowing out from the inlet went to apical rather to the outlet (root canal orifice). In conclusion, this research showed that 18% EDTA solution indicated the conformity of validation results between experimental research and CFD research in the frames of 5, 10, 15, and 20 secs observed from experimental research with the of frame 0,010, 0,099, 0,150 and 0,410 secs as observed from CFD research.
Kekuatan Cerita dalam Bisnis Sosial (Sociopreneur is A Storyteller)
Authors: Lindawati Lisa
Published: February 2019

Dalam dua puluh tahun terakhir, social enterpeneur atau social enterprise banyak diperbincangkan. Konsep ini berkembang hampir di seluruh dunia, baik negara maju maupun negara berkembang. Sebagai sebuah diskursus maupun praktik, bisnis sosial memang bukan hal baru. Namun, penulis berpendapat bahwa di era revolusi industri 4.0 adalah momentum yang sangat tepat bagi berkembangnya social entrepreneurship. Dengan metode kualitatif deskriptif, penulis ingin menunjukkan bahwa perkembangan media digital melahirkan ekosistem yang menguntungkan para sociopreneur muda, setidaknya dengan dua cara. Pertama, media digital mendorong berkembangnya sharing economy yang selaras dengan nilai-nilai yang diyakini oleh para sociopreneur. Hal ini berkaitan erat dengan munculnya berbagai inovasi disruptif yang meruntuhkan nilai-nilai lama. Konsep sharing economy menjadi populer sehingga memangkas biaya produksi maupun distribusi. Bagi bisnis konvensional, konsep ini sekaligus memangkas keuntungan mereka. Namun, bagi bisnis sosial, efisiensi bermakna positif karena bukan keuntungan tujuannya. Dengan kata lain, media digital membuat logika bisnis sosial menjadi kelaziman yang mudah diterima. Kedua, kehadiran media digital mendorong berkembangnya storytelling marketing. Jika bisnis komersial harus menggali ceritanya, bisnis sosial selalu hadir membawa cerita. Cerita bahkan menjadi ruh dari sebuah bisnis sosial. Tanpa cerita, maka bisnis sosial tidaklah berbeda dengan bisnis komersial pada umumnya. Cerita menghadirkan inspirasi dan menegaskan misi sosial, sekaligus mengajak orang lain untuk bergerak bersama. Sehingga, sudah selayaknya seorang sociopreneur menjadi seorang storyteller.