bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the thickness on resistive switching characteristics of CrOx thin films
Authors: Pham Ngoc Kim , Phan Thang Bach , Tran Vinh Cao
Published: October 2018

In this study, we have investigated influences of the thickness on the structure, surface morphology and resistive switching characteristics of CrOx thin films prepared by using DC reactive sputtering technique. The Raman and FTIR analysis revealed that multiphases including Cr2O3, CrO2, Cr8O21... phases coexist in the microstructure of CrOx film. It is noticed that the amount of stoichiometric Cr2O3 phase increased significantly as well as the surface morphology were more visible with less voids and more densed particles with larger thickness films. The Ag/CrOx/FTO devices exhibited bipolar resistive switching behavior and high reliability. The resistive switching ratio has decreased slightly with the thickness increments and was best achieved at CrOx – 100 nm devices.
Synthesis of carbon nanotube/ polyaniline nano composite electrode by insitu electrochemical polymerization
Authors: Tran Toan Phuoc , Do Quyet Huu
Published: October 2018

The synthesis of polyaniline (PANI) containing different carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by in situ electrochemical polymerization is reported in this study. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet– visible spectroscopy were used to determine the change in structure of the polymer/CNT composites. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the composites had better thermal stability than the pure PANI. In addition, the electrochemical measurements such as cyclic voltametric (CV) curves showed that the conductivity of the obtained nanocomposite increased. The results of measuring cyclic voltammetry also showed that the specific capacitance of nanocomposite was much higher than the pure PANI and CNTs. This is due to the fact that the composites consisting of electroactive species and carbon materials with highly specific surface areas are significantly promote the energy density of supercapacitors. Such supercapacitors exhibit simultaneously both double layer capacitance and Faradic pseducapacitance in energy storage.
Using artificial neural network in simulating of the streamflow in the Srepok watershed
Authors: Dao Khoi Nguyen , Huynh Phuong Ai
Published: October 2018

In this study, artificial neural network (ANN) model was used to simulate the streamflow in the Srepok watershed, Vietnam. Correlation analysis of time series for precipitation and streamflow was employed to determine input data for the ANN model. This result indicated a significant correlation up to 2 day time lag and 1 day time lag for the precipitation and streamflow series data, respectively. According to the correlation analysis, three ANN models including ANN1, ANN2, and ANN3 were investigated. A 3-year data record for the precipitation and streamflow was used for ANN training and testing. The result of ANN training and testing showed that the ANN2 with 3 input data (P(t), P(t-1), and Q(t- 1)) gave the best simulation (NSE = 0.95 for training period and NSE = 0.96 for testing period) comparing to those of ANN1 and ANN3. In addition, the comparison of ANNs showed that the increase of the input data did not offer the better result.
Fire retardancy of wood plastic composite using triphenylphosphate
Authors: Pham Linh Thi Thuy , Nguyen Hien Thi Thu , Hoang Quy Thi Dong
Published: October 2018

Wood - plastic composites (WPCs) represent a growing class of materials used in the residential construction industry and the furniture industry. However, WPCs are extremely flammable materials. There is a need to improve the flame resistance of the wood-flour/poly(vinyl chloride) composite (WF-PVC). The effect of triphenylphosphate (TPP) on flammable, thermal and mechanical properties of the studied composite was determined. V-0 rating is achieved at 2.5 wt % loading of TPP and the LOI value is 25. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results reveal that the presence of TPP generates an amount of volatiles which are radical capturing species and actively quench the flame. In comparison with WPC, the modulus and strength values of WF-PVC/TPP increase by 10.2 % and 1.8 %, respectively. The above results show that the flame retardancy of WF-PVC could be enhanced remarkably by using TPP flame retardant.
Fabricating and investigating properties of memristors on flexible substrate (PET)
Authors: Pham Ngoc Kim , Le Hieu Van , Tran Vinh Cao , Dao Toan Thanh
Published: October 2018

In this study, we have fabricated resistive switching memory device based on TiO2 thin films on ITO/PET commercial substrate. The study on the transmittance spectra showed that with the 100 nm-TiO2/ITO/PET device, the transmission is more than 80 % in the visible region and approximately of 85 % at wavelength of 550 nm. Ag/TiO2/ITO devices exhibit excellent stable bipolar resistive switching characteristics under electrical field bias of -2 V -> 2 V range on the flat state and even after reproductive physical stresses of 500 cycles. Our study on TiO2 based memristors suggests that resistive switching memories are suitable for flexible transparent application in the future.
On the Western scholars' perspective on “power vacuum” and the “opportunity-seizing” capacity of Vietnam revolutionary forces in the 1945 August Revolution
Authors: Tran Tien Nam
Published: October 2018

The 1945 August Revolution successfully overthrew colonialism, feudalism and led to the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam – the new revolutionary state in Vietnam. The 1945 August Revolution was a significantly historical victory in the cause of national construction and defense of the Vietnamese people. The victory resulted from promoting national strength up from that of the time, in which the national strength under the leadership of the Indochinese Communist Party and leader Ho Chi Minh played a decisive role. However, many Western scholars have different points of view in doing research and studies on this historical event. Many Western scholars believe that there was a “power vacuum” in Vietnam; thereby, Vietnam revolutionary forces moved quickly to fill the power vacuum, launching the August Revolution and won by luck not by their own strength. The paper focuses on assessing the view-points of Western scholars on “power vacuum” at its true worth, while confirming the important role of Vietnam revolutionary forces in “seizing the opportunity” to get hold of power in the 1945 August Revolution.
United States involvement in Vietnam from 1950 to 1959
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Vu Thu
Published: October 2018

The end of World War II led to fundamental changes in the international situation, posing problems for the victor nations which had to abandon the colonial system outdated and inconsistent with objectives. However, giving up interests in the colonies seemed hardly possible for the capitalist powers. France plotted to return to Vietnam to restore colonial rule. The USA went from having no interest in the return of France to backing France, and finally exerting deep intervention and direct involvement in the Vietnam War. This paper gives an outline of the United States involvement in Vietnam from 1950 to 1959.
The modes of cooperation between educational institutions and enterprises in training tourism students to meet the demand of integration
Authors: Pham Phuong Thi Thu
Published: October 2018

Nowadays, educational institutions with tourism and hospitality majors are a place providing high-quality human resources to society. The official establishment of ASEAN Economic Community in December 2015 allows a free movement of labor within different areas including tourism among ten Southeast Asian countries and creates a competition with domestic labor. Moreover, the trend of integration also means higher requirements for employees from enterprises, which demands educational institutions to continuously improve curriculum to enhance educational quality. However, training programs must be practical in order to improve quality of education. Educational institutions must be closely coordinated with enterprises through various modes of cooperation. Collaborating between enterprises and educational institutions with majors in tourism and hospitality industry not only benefits each party tremendously but also benefits students practically. Through understanding different cooperating modes between universities in Ha Noi with tourism enterprises as well as learning experiences from many prestigious universities in the world, the paper summarizes collaborating modes between educational institutions with tourism enterprises in training students to satisfy requirements in the current situation.
Impact of social networking sites on the participation of citizens in public policies in Vietnam: Evidence from a case study
Authors: Huynh Chuong Ngoc
Published: October 2018

Nowadays, Facebook becomes extremely popular in Vietnam, especially with young people. Using the case study “Trees in Hanoi”, the author aims to analyze characteristics and trend in the participation of citizens in public policy issues. The results showed that Facebook has fundamentally changed interactions between citizens and the State. As an irreversible trend, citizens increasingly take part in discussing public policies and require transparency and efficiency of governmental operations. Finally, the author offers some suggestions to expand public policy discussion and support the transition into an open society in Vietnam so as to avoid unnecessary pressure and social collapse.
Operational Risk Management under Basel II - The Case of An Binh Joint Stock Bank
Authors: Trinh Trung Quoc , Pham Thuy Thu
Published: October 2018

In order to enhance commercial banks’ safety in financial services, Basel Committee on Banking Supervision issued a framework on operational risk management under Basel II. In an ever riskier business environment, it is necessary for Vietnam’s commercial banks to increase their competencies in risk management, especially in operational risk management. This is to ensure a sustainable development for banks in the local market and in the global market as well. In recent years, Vietnam’s commercial banks have developed systems for operational risk management. Therefore, the performance assessment is of importance to improve and enlarge applications on operational risk management, from perceptions, corporate’s culture, procedures to other supportive measures on the field of risk management in Vietnam’s banking system.
The practice of FDI capital attraction in the real estate sector in Ho Chi Minh City since the accession into WTO – Predictions and recommendations
Authors: Le Tung Thanh
Published: October 2018

Based on the theoretical framework of commitments in the field of real estate that Vietnam made to WTO, the author aims to provide investors with an understanding about the practice of FDI capital attraction in the real estate sector in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) since the accession into WTO. Multiple methods are used, including estimating the proportions of projects, investment capital and average capital per project so as to assess the trend in FDI capital attraction in the real estate sector in HCMC from Jan 2007 to May 2016. Besides, the author also applies three statistical methods, namely linear regression, ordinary least square and parabolic and compared them using the smallest standard deviation, thereby forecasting the FDI investment in the real estate sector in HCMC between 2016 and 2020. Results show that the total FDI capital in real estate in HCMC in 2018 and 2020 will be from 1.7 to 2.8 times compared with 2020 respectively. Based on the results, the author offers suggestions to the relevant authorities and enterprises to grasp the market and investment opportunities.
Demand response model for TOU (Time of Use) analysis
Authors: Phan Binh Thi Thanh , Huynh Thao Thi Thu
Published: October 2018

The demand response program is focused on changing the electrical consumption as the response to the time of use tariff changing. This program is considered by utilities currently. To estimate the effectiveness of TOU changing, the works try to find the analytical models expressing the changing of electrical consumption and electrical prices. All models are based on the assumption about the optimal response. This paper proposed three ways to find the models. The first way is based on the cost-share function knowing that the response is optimal. The second way is an approximately estimation of demand elasticity coefficients. The third is based on the neural network. The two first ways tried to find the analytical model, the third focused on the consumption response by prices of day.
Reasonable exploitation the middle-upper Pleistocene aquifer in Ca Mau peninsula
Authors: Nguyen Tu Dinh , Dao Hai Hong
Published: October 2018

It is indicated from the research results that the middle-upper Pleistocene aquifer (qp2-3) in Ca Mau peninsula region has the groundwater source which is formed including static reserves, marginal penetration reserves, and other aquifer penetration reserves, in which the static reserves ranges greatly. The unreasonable exploitation of groundwater with a great number of wells in the qp2-3 aquifer exceeded the limit reserve, as a result, the annual lowering of the groundwater level is very high, and other sustainable values of this aquifer exceeded the limits many times. From the research, it is very necessary to collaborate between the local governments in managing and exploiting the groundwater resource. And the urgent solution is to select the exploitation areas, to balance the reasonable number of wells, and to manage the exploitation volume. Another solution is to research the exploitation capacities of deeper aquifers, and to have an effective plan of using rainwater and surface water resources in parallel.
Pervaporation dehydration of ethanol-water mixture using crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) membranes
Authors: Tran Hai Le , Vuu Minh Ngoc Duy , Hoang Quan Minh , Nguyen Nguyen Thi , Mai Phong Thanh
Published: October 2018

Crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composite membranes were synthesized by casting selective crosslinked PVA films on the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) porous substrates. The PVA films were prepared by in-situ crosslinking technique using four different crosslinking agents, such as glutaraldehyde, fumaric acid, maleic acid and malic acid. The separation performance in terms of permeation flux and separation factor of prepared membranes were evaluated for pervaporation dehydration of ethanol/water mixture of 80/20 wt% at 60 oC. The prepared membranes were also characterized by FTIR, SEM, swelling and sessile drop contact angle measurements. It was found that the chemical structure of the PVA membrane was changed via crosslinking reaction. The physicochemical properties (hydrophilicity and swelling degree) and separation performance of the prepared membranes were affected by the chemical structures of the crosslinking agents. Furthermore, there was a trade-off between permeation flux and selectivity of the resulting membranes. When the flux increased, the separation factor decreased. The results of this study contributed to enrich the data of the crosslinking reaction of PVA membranes, and expected to help researcher in suitable choosing crosslinking agent for producing pervaporation PVA membrane for dehydration of ethanol solutions.
The Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Emergence Agitation in Children After Desflurane Anesthesia
Authors: Ethemoglu Filiz Banu , Yilbas Aysun Ankay , Akca Basak , Cil Hemra , Canbay Ozgur
Published: October 2018

Objective: To evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on the emergence agitation in children after desflurane anesthesia.

Materials-Methods: In this prospective  randomized comparative study, 50 children between the age group 2-10 years of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status  I or II, who were scheduled for infrainguinal urologic surgery were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups. Group dexmedetomidine (Group B) (n=25) received 0.2 μg/kg dexmedetomidine in 10 ml saline intravenously over 10 minutes after induction and group control (Group A) (n=25) received only 10 ml saline infusion after induction. The emergence agitation levels of the children were evaluated according to the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium Scale in the recovery room and postoperative pain scores were evaluated using Children’s and Infants’ Postoperative Pain Scale at the 10th and 30th minutes after extubation. Age, gender, weight, hemodynamic parameters, duration of anesthesia, duration of surgery and side effects were recorded. 

Results: There was no significant difference in Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scores at the 10th and 30th minutes after extubation between dexmedetomidine and saline groups. The decrease in emergence agitation at the 30th minute compared to the 10th minute was independent from sex, age and anesthesia duration in both groups. Incidence of hypotension and bradycardia was higher in the dexmedetomidine group compared to the saline group. 

Conclusion: In children aged from two to 10 who undergo surgery with desflurane anesthesia, dexmedetomidine administration was not effective in preventing postoperative emergence agitation and caused increased side effects, such as hypotension and bradycardia.
Pengaruh People (Tenaga Pengobat), Place (Tempat) dan Product (Hasil Pengobatan) terhadap Kepuasan Konsumen Griya Akupunktur
Authors: Kridaningsih Anna
Published: October 2018

The tight competition for healthcare or medical services business continues to increase. Broadly speaking the treatment is divided into 2 (two) that is medically modern and traditional. Traditional medicine continues to receive serious attention from the government both regarding the power pengobatnya (people), place (place), and the results of treatment (product). Acupuncture Griya Clinic in the City of Mojokerto is a clinic that is engaged in the field of traditional medical services by way of treatment through acupuncture needles. The purpose of this research is there is Influence of People (Power), Place (Place) and Product (Result of Treatment) Against Customer Satisfaction Griya Acupuncture either simultant or partially. The population is all consumers who come during September 2017. All consumers are women because Griya Acupuncture only accepts female (patient) consumers. Based on the results of the above research can be concluded that the variables of people (power), place (place), and product (treatment results) affect the customer satisfaction Griya Acupuncture either partially or simultaneously. The greatest influence is the place factor (place) followed by the people (power pengobat) and product (treatment)
Pengaruh Penambahan Sukrosa Terhadap Mutu Organoleptik dari Selai Langsat
Authors: Yunus Rafika
Published: October 2018

Jam is food products with the consistency of gel or semi solid made of pulp fruit. fruit langsat abundant in particular season, so that need to be further processed to reduce the fruit removed due to damage. the addition of sucrose expected to increase the taste and texture of jam langsat. this study aims to know obtain the formulation of the addition of sucrose (sugar) corresponding to obtain jam good. this study was conducted in the laboratory technology agricultural University gorontalo and in the laboratory Polytechnic gorontalo. this research was conducted in the form of the design of randomized complete (RAL) consisting of 3 treatment and 3 times replicates. from the results of this study, based test organoleptic treatment preferred by panelists is treatment a2 (sugar 65%) with a score of color 3,9 (like), a sense of 4 (like), aroma 3,7 (like) and texture 4,1 (like) Keywords : langsat, jam, sucrose, test organoleptic
Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Cives Mauro , Strosberg Jonathan R.
Published: October 2018

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are heterogeneous malignancies arising from the diffuse neuroendocrine system. They frequently originate in the gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) tract and the bronchopulmonary tree, and their incidence has steadily increased in the last 3 decades. Fundamental biologic and genomic differences underlie the clinical heterogeneity of NETs, and distinct molecular features characterize NETs of different grades and different primary sites. Although surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment for localized tumors, systemic treatment options for patients with metastatic NETs have expanded considerably. Somatostatin analogs have demonstrated both antisecretory and antitumor efficacy. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy with lutetium‐177 dotatate (177Lu‐DOTATATE) has been approved for advanced GEP‐NETs. The antitumor activity of everolimus has been demonstrated across a wide spectrum of NETs, and the antiangiogenic agent sunitinib has been approved for pancreatic NETs (pNETs). Chemotherapy with temozolomide and capecitabine has recently demonstrated an unprecedented prolongation of progression‐free survival in a randomized trial of pNETs. Multiple retrospective series have reported the efficacy of liver‐directed therapies both for palliating symptoms of hormone excess and for controlling tumor growth. Telotristat, an oral inhibitor of tryptophan hydroxylase, has been shown to reduce diarrhea in patients with carcinoid syndrome. Defining the therapeutic algorithm and identifying biomarkers predictive of response to treatments are among the main priorities for the next decade of research in the NET field.
Experimental relativistic plasma microwave electronics
Authors: Strelkov P S
Published: October 2018

Experimental studies in relativistic microwave electronics of plasma at the Prokhorov General Physics Institute are reviewed. Radiation of electromagnetic waves by a high-current relativistic electron beam injected into plasma is explored. Experimental data are compared with the results of an analytic theory and numerical simulations. Fast electronic frequency tuning of microwave radiation has been realized in an experimental setup, which is difficult to implement in vacuum relativistic microwave electronics. This is the main accomplishment of the research from the perspective of possible uses in various applications.
From Lord Rayleigh to Professor A A Vlasov (from 1906 to 1945)
Authors: Rukhadze A A , Silin V P
Published: October 2018

The authors’ view on the development of theoretical concepts of collisionless plasma is presented. The review begins with studies by Lord Rayleigh, who established the basics of multi-electron system theory in 1906 as a development of J J Thompson’s atomic theory. His study was based on the concept that electrons move in a self-consistent electric field produced by the electrons themselves. Rayleigh then used this concept to predict the oscillatory motion of electrons and obtained a formula for the frequency of a system’s collective oscillations. Those studies established a foundation for Rayleigh’s model of a multi-electron system, and his formula for the frequency of collective oscillations may be considered the first analytical result of the science pioneered by Lord Rayleigh.
X-ray diffraction methods for structural diagnostics of materials: progress and achievements
Authors: Fetisov G V
Published: October 2018

The development of X-ray diffractometry at the turn of the 21st century is presented. The review covers instrumentation development for structural studies based on the use of both standard continuously radiating X-ray generators and state-of-the-art sources of ultrashort and ultra-bright X-ray pulses. The latter technique enables investigation of the structural dynamics of condensed matter in a 4D space–time continuum with a resolution reaching a tenth of a femtosecond. New engineering approaches to enhancing the sensitivity, accuracy, and efficiency of X-ray diffraction experiments are discussed, including new and promising X-rays sources, reflective collimating and focusing X-ray optical devices, and fast low-noise and radiation-resistant position-sensitive X-ray detectors, as well as a new generation of X-ray diffractometers developed based on these elements. The presentation is focused on modern engineering solutions that enable academic and applied-research laboratories to perform X-ray diffraction studies on-site, which earlier were only feasible using synchrotron radiation sources at international resource sharing centers.
Spatial Association and Diversity of Dominant Tree Species in Tropical Rainforest, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Hong Hai , Erfanifard Yousef , Pham Van Dien , Le Xuan Truong , Bui The Doi , Petritan Ion Catalin
Published: October 2018

Explaining the high diversity of tree species in tropical forests remains a persistent challenge in ecology. The analysis of spatial patterns of different species and their spatial diversity captures the spatial variation of species behaviors from a ‘plant’s eye view’ of a forest community. To measure scale-dependent species-species interactions and species diversity at neighborhood scales, we applied uni- and bivariate pair correlation functions and individual species area relationships (ISARs) to two fully mapped 2-ha plots of tropical evergreen forests in north-central Vietnam. The results showed that (1) positive conspecific interactions dominated at scales smaller than 30 m in both plots, while weak negative interactions were only observed in P2 at scales larger than 30 m; (2) low numbers of non-neutral interactions between tree species were observed in both study plots. The effect of scale separation by habitat variability on heterospecific association was observed at scales up to 30 m; (3) the dominance of diversity accumulators, the species with more diversity in local neighborhoods than expected by the null model, occurred at small scales, while diversity repellers, the species with less diversity in local neighborhoods, were more frequent on larger scales. Overall, the significant heterospecific interactions revealed by our study were common in highly diverse tropical forests. Conspecific distribution patterns were mainly regulated by topographic variation at local neighborhood scales within 30 m. Moreover, ISARs were also affected by habitat segregation and species diversity patterns occurring at small neighborhood scales. Mixed effects of limited dispersal, functional equivalence, and habitat variability could drive spatial patterns of tree species in this study. For further studies, the effects of topographical variables on tree species associations and their spatial autocorrelations with forest stand properties should be considered for a comprehensive assessment.
Job Satisfaction and Perceived Health in Spanish Construction Workers during the Economic Crisis
Authors: Navarro-Abal Yolanda , Sáenz-de la Torre Luis , Gómez-Salgado Juan , Climent-Rodríguez José
Published: October 2018

The attitude towards work, either satisfaction or dissatisfaction, could influence the way in which workers perceive their health status. To check this hypothesis, this study analyses job satisfaction and its relationship with occupational health perception of Spanish construction workers. A descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study was carried out through a socio-demographic data questionnaire, the General Scale of Job Satisfaction and the SF-36 Health Survey. The study was conducted from January 2014 to June 2015, on a sample of 302 individuals belonging to Andalusian companies using the stratified random method to access companies from different provinces and sizes. The findings indicate that work experience in the sector increases general satisfaction: workers above 55 years of age are more satisfied with their work than those between 36 and 45. Likewise, workers with an experience of 2–5 years show higher levels of overall satisfaction, in opposition to workers with 6 months and 2 years of experience. On the other hand, workers without a contract and interns are the most dissatisfied in job terms. Also, there is a positive correlation between job satisfaction and the positive dimensions of health perception (physical functioning and physical and social role functioning), as well as a negative correlation between job satisfaction and bodily pain and general health perceived.
Poisson’s Ratio of Closed-Cell Aluminium Foams
Authors: Kováčik Jaroslav , Marsavina Liviu , Linul Emanoil
Published: October 2018

A nondestructive impulse excitation technique was used to investigate Poisson’s ratio of powder metallurgical pure closed-cell aluminium foams according to ASTM E 1876 within the foam density range of 0.430–1.390 g·cm−3. Instead of a constant value of 0.34, as according to Gibson and Ashby’s assumption for the Poisson’s ratio of metallic foams, the decrease of the Poisson’s ratio with decreasing foam density was observed. Observed Poisson’s ratio data were in the range of 0.21–0.34. To check the validity of the results, the Young’s modulus was calculated using Poisson’s ratio and its dependence on relative density was successfully modelled using the usual power law function with characteristic exponent of 1.72 ± 0.1. This confirms that the obtained experimental results for Poisson’s ratio are valid. Finally, rule of mixture and percolation theory were used to model the observed decrease of Poisson’s ratio with increasing porosity.
Fermentation: A Boon for Production of Bioactive Compounds by Processing of Food Industries Wastes (By-Products)
Authors: Sadh Pardeep Kumar , Kumar Suresh , Chawla Prince , Duhan Joginder Singh
Published: October 2018

A large number of by-products or wastes are produced worldwide through various food industries. These wastes cause a serious disposable problem with the environment. So, now a day’s different approaches are used for alternative use of these wastes because these by-products are an excellent source of various bioactive components such as polyphenols, flavonoids, caffeine, carotenoids, creatine, and polysaccharides etc. which are beneficial for human health. Furthermore, the composition of these wastes depends on the source or type of waste. Approximately half of the waste is lignocellulosic in nature produced from food processing industries. The dissimilar types of waste produced by food industries can be fortified by various processes. Fermentation is one of the oldest approaches and there are three types of fermentation processes that are carried out such as solid state, submerged and liquid fermentation used for product transformation into value added products through microorganisms. Selections of the fermentation process are product specific. Moreover, various studies were performed to obtain or fortified different bioactive compounds that are present in food industries by-products or wastes. Therefore, the current review article discussed various sources, composition and nutritive value (especially bioactive compounds) of these wastes and their management or augmentation of value-added products through fermentation.
Impact of Blood or Erythrocyte Membrane Fatty Acids for Disease Risk Prediction: Focusing on Cardiovascular Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kim Oh Yoen , Lee Su Mi , An Won Suk
Published: October 2018

Fatty acids (FAs) are essential nutrients and main constituents of cell membranes that are involved in the signaling pathway and associated with health conditions. We investigated if blood or erythrocyte membrane FAs can predict the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and related complications. Omega-3 (n-3) FAs are important predictors for metabolic syndrome, diabetes, CVD, and CKD risks, and the n-3 index is also a good biomarker for sudden cardiac death in coronary artery disease. Linoleic acid, which is one of the major n-6 FAs reflecting recent dietary FA intake, may predict CVD risk and mortality in the general population and patients with CKD. Monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs) are also related to diabetes or diabetic nephropathy. Oleic acid, a major MUFA, is an emerging marker that is related to acute coronary syndrome, low glomerular filtration rate, and vascular calcification in patients with CKD, and can be modified by n-3 FA supplementation. Saturated FAs, trans-FAs, and FA desaturation/elongation are associated with CVD risk; however, few studies have been conducted on patients with CKD. In summary, blood or erythrocyte membrane FA measurements are important for CVD and CKD risk prediction and management. Further studies are needed to elucidate the FAs for their risk predictions.
The Identification of the Factors Related to Household Food Insecurity among Indigenous People (Orang Asli) in Peninsular Malaysia under Traditional Food Systems
Authors: Law Leh Shii , Norhasmah Sulaiman , Gan Wan Ying , Siti Nur’Asyura Adznam , Mohd Nasir Mohd Taib
Published: October 2018

Over the course of 16 years, a high percentage of Orang Asli (OA) households in Malaysia has been found to be burdened with food insecurity. Therefore, a study was conducted to improve the understanding of the challenges faced by the OA in Peninsular Malaysia to achieve food security under traditional food systems. In this study, in-depth interview sessions, which were assisted by an interview protocol, were conducted with 61 OA women from nine villages that were selected purposefully across three states (Kelantan, Pahang, and Perak) in Peninsular Malaysia. Furthermore, thematic analysis was performed during data analysis. As a result, four themes were identified, namely (i) the failure in agriculture (sub-themes: threats from wild animals and insufficient land supply), (ii) ineffectiveness of traditional food-seeking activities (sub-themes: exhausting, tiring, dangerous, and time-consuming journey for food-seeking activities, depletion of natural commodities, reduced demands of natural commodities, and lack of equipment), (iii) weather (sub-themes: rainy and dry seasons), and (iv) water issues (subthemes: continuity of water supply and cleanliness of water). The identified modifiable factors of this issue should be incorporated into future schemes of food security intervention in order to efficiently manage the food shortage among the OA.
Salmon Fillet Intake Led to Higher Serum Triacylglycerol in Obese Zucker Fa/Fa Rats But Not in Normolipidemic Long-Evans Rats
Authors: Vikøren Linn Anja , Drotningsvik Aslaug , Mjøs Svein Are , Mellgren Gunnar , Gudbrandsen Oddrun Anita
Published: October 2018

The triacylglycerol lowering effect of fatty fish and fish oils is well recognized, however we recently showed that salmon intake resulted in higher serum triacylglycerol concentration in obese Zucker fa/fa rats. Since effects of salmon fillet have never before been studied in rats, the objective of this study was to compare effects of salmon intake on serum lipids in hyperlipidemic obese rats with normolipidemic lean rats. Zucker fa/fa rats and Long-Evans rats were fed diets with 25% protein from baked salmon fillet and 75% protein from casein, or casein as sole protein source (control group) for four weeks. Serum triacylglycerol concentration was higher, and cholesterol and apolipoproteinB-100 concentrations were lower in Zucker fa/fa rats fed Baked Salmon Diet compared to Zucker fa/fa rats fed Control Diet, with no differences in serum triacylglycerol, cholesterol and apolipoproteinB-100 between Long-Evans rats fed Baked Salmon Diet or Control Diet. Serum triacylglycerol fatty acid composition showed greater similarities to dietary fatty acids in Zucker fa/fa rats than in Long-Evans rats. To conclude, intake of baked salmon fillet resulted in higher serum triacylglycerol concentration and lower serum cholesterol concentration in hyperlipidemic obese Zucker fa/fa rats but did not affect serum lipids in normolipidemic lean Long-Evans rats.
Pharmacokinetic Properties of Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, a Pharmaceutical Excipient
Authors: Kim Hyeon , Choi Min Sun , Ji Young Seok , Kim In Sook , Kim Gi Beom , Bae In Yong , Gye Myung Chan , Yoo Hye Hyun
Published: October 2018

Acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) is an (the Food and Drug Administration) FDA-approved substance for use as a pharmaceutical excipient. It is used in pharmaceutical coating of solid oral dosage forms such as coated tablets or capsules. However, the information of ATBC on its pharmacokinetics is limited. The aim of this study is to investigate the pharmacokinetic properties of ATBC using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric (LC–MS/MS) analysis. ATBC was rapidly absorbed and eliminated and the bioavailability was 27.4% in rats. The results of metabolic stability tests revealed that metabolic clearance may have accounted for a considerable portion of the total clearance of ATBC. These pharmacokinetic data would be useful in studies investigating the safety and toxicity of ATBC.
Mechanistic Insights of BHT-Mg-Catalyzed Ethylene Phosphate’s Coordination Ring-Opening Polymerization: DFT Modeling and Experimental Data
Authors: Nifant’ev Ilya , Shlyakhtin Andrey , Kosarev Maxim , Karchevsky Stanislav , Ivchenko Pavel
Published: October 2018

Poly(ethylene phosphates) are promising polymers for use in biomedical applications. Catalytic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclic ethylene phosphate monomers (CEPMs) is the most effective approach for obtaining these polymers. The mechanism of coordination ROP of CEPMs remains unclear. We report, for the first time, the results of DFT modeling of CEPM ROP. In these calculations by Gaussian-09 program package with the B3PW91/DGTZVP basis set, we explored methyl ethylene phosphate (MeOEP) ROP catalyzed by dimeric and monomeric catalytic species derived from heteroleptic complex [(BHT)Mg(μ-OBn)(THF)]2 (Mg1, BHT = 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenolate). Analysis of the reaction profiles for the binuclear and mononuclear reaction mechanisms allowed us to conclude that the ROP of MeOEP is preferentially catalyzed by mononuclear Mg complexes. This estimation was confirmed by comparative polymerization experiments using MeOEP and traditional monomers ε-caprolactone (εCL), racemic lactide (rac-LA), and l-lactide (l-LA) initiated by Mg1. ROP of MeOEP proceeds at an extremely high rate due to the substantially lower activation barrier calculated for mononuclear mechanism in comparison with that of cyclic esters that polymerize without the dissociation of BHT-Mg binuclear species. We also demonstrated the use of MeOEP as a "monomerization" agent in the synthesis of MeOEP-lactide block copolymers. Comparison of the multiple acceleration of l-LA ROP after MeOEP prepolymerization and formation of atactic PLA blocks in rac-LA polymerization with the heterotactic PLA formation during Mg1-catalyzed homopolymerization also confirmed the mononuclear nature of the polyphosphate-containing catalytic particles.
Nanocellulose Stabilized Pickering Emulsion Templating for Thermosetting AESO Nanocomposite Foams
Authors: Lu Peng , Guo Mengya , Yang Yang , Wu Min
Published: October 2018

Emulsion templating has emerged as an effective approach to prepare polymer-based foams. This study reports a thermosetting nanocomposite foam prepared by nanocellulose stabilized Pickering emulsion templating. The Pickering emulsion used as templates for the polymeric foams production was obtained by mechanically mixing cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) water suspensions with the selected oil mixtures comprised of acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO), 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS), and benzoyl peroxide (BPO). The effects of the oil to water weight ratio (1:1 to 1:3) and the concentration of CNCs (1.0–3.0 wt %) on the stability of the emulsion were studied. Emulsions were characterized according to the emulsion stability index, droplet size, and droplet distribution. The emulsion prepared under the condition of oil to water ratio 1:1 and concentration of CNCs at 2.0 wt % showed good stability during the two-week storage period. Nanocomposite foams were formed by heating the Pickering emulsion at 90 °C for 60 min. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that the foam has a microporous structure with a non-uniform cell size that varied from 0.3 to 380 μm. The CNCs stabilized Pickering emulsion provides a versatile approach to prepare innovative functional bio-based materials.
Rewilding Hearts and Habits in the Ancestral Skills Movement
Authors: Pike Sarah
Published: October 2018

This ethnographic study of the ancestral skills movement focuses on the ways that participants use tools in practices such as fire making and bow hunting to ritualize relationships with the more-than-human natural world. Ethnographic methods were supplemented with Internet research on the websites of teachers, schools, and organizations of this movement that emerged in North America in the 1980s and has recently experienced rapid growth. At ancestral skills gatherings, ritual activities among attendees, as well as between people and plants, nonhuman animals, stone, clay, and fire helped create a sense of a common way of life. I place ancestral skills practitioners in the context of other antimodernist movements focusing on tools, crafts, self-reliance, and the pursuit of a simpler way of life. The ancestral skills movement has a clear message about what the good life should consist of: Deep knowledge about the places we live, the ability to make and use tools out of rocks, plants, and nonhuman animals, and the ability to use these tools to live a simpler life. Their vision of the future is one in which humans feel more at home in the wild and contribute to preserving wild places and the skills to live in them.
Delineation of Built-Up Areas from Very High-Resolution Satellite Imagery Using Multi-Scale Textures and Spatial Dependence
Authors: Chen Yixiang , Lv Zhiyong , Huang Bo , Jia Yan
Published: October 2018

Very high spatial resolution (VHR) satellite images possess several advantages in terms of describing the details of ground targets. Extracting built-up areas from VHR images has received increasing attention in practical applications, such as land use planning, urbanization monitoring, geographic information database update. In this study, a novel method is proposed for built-up area detection and delineation on VHR satellite images, using multi-resolution space-frequency analysis, spatial dependence modelling and cross-scale feature fusion. First, the image is decomposed by multi-resolution wavelet transformation, and then the high-frequency information at different levels is employed to represent the multi-scale texture and structural characteristics of built-up areas. Subsequently, the local Getis-Ord statistic is introduced to model the spatial patterns of built-up area textures and structures by measuring the spatial dependence among frequency responses at different spatial positions. Finally, the saliency map of built-up areas is produced using a cross-scale feature fusion algorithm, followed by adaptive threshold segmentation to obtain the detection results. The experiments on ZY-3 and Quickbird datasets demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method through comparisons with existing algorithms.
The Dual Threshold Limit of Financing and Formal Credit Availability with Chinese Rural Households: An Investigation Based on a Large Scale Survey
Authors: Qin Long , Ren Ruoen , Li Qinghai
Published: October 2018

The literature on credit availability for rural households primarily focuses on the supply side, and largely ignores the demand side. This paper divided the credit process into three stages using large-scale household survey data. It also reviewed the credit process in other developing countries. A dual sample selection model was used to deal with the dual self-selection problem, which has been neglected in previous studies. This paper found that the main obstacle that farmers faced in obtaining financing was fear of applying for credit from formal financial institutions. In addition, there were significant differences in the determinants of different stages of the credit process of rural households.
Indoor Millimeter-Wave Propagation Prediction by Measurement and Ray Tracing Simulation at 38 GHz
Authors: Hossain Ferdous , Geok Tan Kim , Rahman Tharek Abd , Hindia Mhd Nour , Dimyati Kaharudin , Abdaziz Azlan
Published: October 2018

The Millimeter-Wave (mmW) technology is going to mitigate the global higher bandwidth carriers. It will dominate the future network system by the attractive advantages of the higher frequency band. Higher frequency offers a wider bandwidth spectrum. Therefore, its utilizations are rapidly increasing in the wireless communication system. In this paper, an indoor mmW propagation prediction is presented at 38 GHz based on measurements and the proposed Three-Dimensional (3-D) Ray Tracing (RT) simulation. Moreover, an additional simulation performed using 3-D Shooting Bouncing Ray (SBR) method is presented. Simulation using existing SBR and the proposed RT methods have been performed separately on a specific layout where the measurement campaign is conducted. The RT methods simulations results have been verified by comparing with actual measurement data. There is a significant agreement between the simulation and measurement with respect to path loss and received signal strength indication. The analysis result shows that the proposed RT method output has better agreement with measurement output when compared to the SBR method. According to the result of the propagation prediction analysis, it can be stated that the proposed method’s ray tracing is capable of predicting the mmW propagation based on a raw sketch of the real environment.
Whole Genome Characterization of Orthopoxvirus (OPV) Abatino, a Zoonotic Virus Representing a Putative Novel Clade of Old World Orthopoxviruses
Authors: Gruber Cesare E. M. , Giombini Emanuela , Selleri Marina , Tausch Simon H. , Andrusch Andreas , Tyshaieva Alona , Cardeti Giusy , Lorenzetti Raniero , De Marco Lorenzo , Carletti Fabrizio , Nitsche Andreas , Capobianchi Maria R. , Ippolito Giuseppe , Autorino Gian Luca , Castilletti Concetta
Published: October 2018

Orthopoxviruses (OPVs) are diffused over the complete Eurasian continent, but previously described strains are mostly from northern Europe, and few infections have been reported from Italy. Here we present the extended genomic characterization of OPV Abatino, a novel OPV isolated in Italy from an infected Tonkean macaque, with zoonotic potential. Phylogenetic analysis based on 102 conserved OPV genes (core gene set) showed that OPV Abatino is most closely related to the Ectromelia virus species (ECTV), although placed on a separate branch of the phylogenetic tree, bringing substantial support to the hypothesis that this strain may be part of a novel OPV clade. Extending the analysis to the entire set of genes (coding sequences, CDS) further substantiated this hypothesis. In fact the genome of OPV Abatino included more CDS than ECTV; most of the extra genes (mainly located in the terminal genome regions), showed the highest similarity with cowpox virus (CPXV); however vaccinia virus (VACV) and monkeypox virus (MPXV) were the closest OPV for certain CDS. These findings suggest that OPV Abatino could be the result of complex evolutionary events, diverging from any other previously described OPV, and may indicate that previously reported cases in Italy could represent the tip of the iceberg yet to be explored.