bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma Industrial and Ruminant Trans Fatty Acids and Incident Type 2 Diabetes in the EPIC-Potsdam Cohort
Authors: Prada Marcela , Wittenbecher Clemens , Eichelmann Fabian , Wernitz Andreas , Kuxhaus Olga , Kröger Janine , Weikert Cornelia , Schulze Matthias B.
Published: February 2022

Objective:

While dietary intake of trans fatty
acid (TFA) is a major public health concern as it raises the risk of
cardiovascular events, it remains unclear whether TFA also impact risk of type
2 diabetes and whether industrial TFA and ruminant TFA exert the same effect on
health.

Research Design and Methods:

To investigate the relation of seven
ruminant and industrial TFA, including two conjugated linoleic acids (CLA), plasma phospholipids TFA were
measured in a case-cohort study nested within the European Prospective
Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Potsdam cohort. The analytical
sample was a random subsample (n=1,248) and incident cases of type 2 diabetes
(n=801) over a median follow-up of 6.5 years. Using multivariable Cox
regression models, we examined associations of TFA with incident type 2
diabetes.

Results:

The TFA subtypes were intercorrelated
with each other, with other fatty acids, and to different food sources. After controlling for other TFA, the industrial TFA (18:1n-6t, 18:1n-9t, 18:2n-6,9t) were not associated with diabetes risk. Some ruminant TFA subtypes
were inversely associated with diabetes risk: vaccenic acid (18:1n-7t, HR per
SD 0.72; 95% CI 0.58-0.89) and t10c12-CLA (0.81; 0.70-0.94), while c9t11-CLA
was positively associated (1.39; 1.19-1.62). Trans-palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7t) was not associated with diabetes risk
when adjusting for the other TFA (1.08; 0.88-1.31).

Conclusions:

The TFA conformation plays an
essential role in their relationship to diabetes risk. Ruminant TFA subtypes
may have opposing relations to diabetes risk. Previous observations for reduced
diabetes risk with higher circulating trans-palmitoleic acid are likely due to
confounding.
Impaired Hepatic Mitochondrial Capacity in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Associated With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Gancheva Sofiya , Kahl Sabine , Pesta Dominik , Mastrototaro Lucia , Dewidar Bedair , Strassburger Klaus , Sabah Ehsan , Esposito Irene , Weiß Jürgen , Sarabhai Theresia , Wolkersdorfer Martin , Fleming Thomas , Nawroth Peter , Zimmermann Marcel , Reichert Andreas S. , Schlensak Matthias , Roden Michael
Published: February 2022

Objective: Persons with type 2 diabetes are at higher risk
of progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver (steatosis) to steatohepatitis
(NASH), fibrosis and cirrhosis. Obese humans adapt their hepatic metabolism by
upregulation of mitochondrial capacity, which may be lost during the
progression of steatosis. However, the role of type 2 diabetes for hepatic
mitochondrial function in NASH remains unclear.

Research Design and Methods: We therefore examined
obese persons with histologically proven NASH and without (OBE; n=30, body mass
index 52±9 kg/m2) or with type 2 diabetes (T2D; n=15, 51±7 kg/m2)
as well as healthy humans without liver disease (CON; n=14, 25±2 kg/m2).
Insulin sensitivity was measured by euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps with
D-[6,6-2H2]glucose. Liver biopsies were used for
assessing mitochondrial capacity by high-resolution respirometry and protein
expression.

Results: T2D and OBE had comparable hepatic fat content,
lobular inflammation and fibrosis. Oxidative capacity in liver tissue
normalized for citrate synthase activity was 59% greater in OBE than in CON,
whereas T2D presented with 33% lower complex II-linked oxidative capacity than
OBE and higher H2O2 production than CON. Interestingly, people
with NASH and hepatic
fibrosis score ≥ 1 (F1+) had lower
oxidative capacity and antioxidant defense than those without fibrosis (F0).

Conclusion: Loss of hepatic mitochondrial adaptation
characterizes NASH and type 2 diabetes or hepatic fibrosis and may thereby favor
accelerated disease progression.
YY1 Regulates Glucose Homeostasis Through Controlling Insulin Transcription in Pancreatic Beta Cells
Authors: Liu Di , Yang Kevin Y. , Chan Vicken W. , Ye Wenchu , Chong Charing C.N. , Wang Chi Chiu , Wang Huating , Zhou Bin , Cheng Kenneth K.Y. , Lui Kathy O.
Published: February 2022

To date, identification of non-islet specific transcriptional factors
in the regulation of insulin gene expression has been less studied. Here, we
report that the expression level of the transcription factor YY1 has increased dramatically
after birth in both human and mouse pancreatic beta cells. Nevertheless, the
physiological role of YY1 during beta cell development, and its regulatory
mechanism in beta cell function remain largely unknown. Following beta cell
ablation of Yy1, we observed rapid
onset of hyperglycemia, impaired glucose tolerance and reduced beta cell mass in
both neonates and adult mice. These mice also displayed hypoinsulinemia with
normal insulin sensitivity compared to their wildtype littermates, manifesting
as a type-1 diabetic phenotype. Mechanistically,
genome-wide RNA-seq has defined dysregulated insulin signalling and defective glucose
responsiveness in beta cells devoid of YY1. Integrative analyses coupled with
chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays targeting YY1 and histone
modifications including H3K4me1, H3K27ac and H3K27me3 have further identified Ins1 and Ins2 as direct gene targets of YY1. Further analyses through
luciferase reporter assays, loss- and gain-of-function experiments demonstrate
that YY1 binds to the enhancer regions in exon 2 of Ins1 and Ins2, activating
insulin transcription and, therefore, proinsulin and insulin production in
pancreatic beta cells. YY1 also directly interacts with RNA polymerase II,
potentially stabilising the enhancer-promoter interaction in the
multiprotein-DNA complex during transcription initiation. Taken together,
our findings have suggested a hitherto novel role of YY1 as a transcriptional activator of insulin gene expression, assisting
beta cell maturation and function after birth. These studies may advance our
understanding of beta cell biology with clinically relevant insights targeting
the pathophysiological origins of diabetes.
YY1 regulates glucose homeostasis through controlling insulin transcription in pancreatic beta cells
Authors: Liu Di , Yang Kevin Y. , Chan Vicken W. , Ye Wenchu , Chong Charing C.N. , Wang Chi Chiu , Wang Huating , Zhou Bin , Cheng Kenneth K.Y. , Lui Kathy O.
Published: February 2022

To date, identification of non-islet specific transcriptional factors
in the regulation of insulin gene expression has been less studied. Here, we
report that the expression level of the transcription factor YY1 has increased dramatically
after birth in both human and mouse pancreatic beta cells. Nevertheless, the
physiological role of YY1 during beta cell development, and its regulatory
mechanism in beta cell function remain largely unknown. Following beta cell
ablation of Yy1, we observed rapid
onset of hyperglycemia, impaired glucose tolerance and reduced beta cell mass in
both neonates and adult mice. These mice also displayed hypoinsulinemia with
normal insulin sensitivity compared to their wildtype littermates, manifesting
as a type-1 diabetic phenotype. Mechanistically,
genome-wide RNA-seq has defined dysregulated insulin signalling and defective glucose
responsiveness in beta cells devoid of YY1. Integrative analyses coupled with
chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays targeting YY1 and histone
modifications including H3K4me1, H3K27ac and H3K27me3 have further identified Ins1 and Ins2 as direct gene targets of YY1. Further analyses through
luciferase reporter assays, loss- and gain-of-function experiments demonstrate
that YY1 binds to the enhancer regions in exon 2 of Ins1 and Ins2, activating
insulin transcription and, therefore, proinsulin and insulin production in
pancreatic beta cells. YY1 also directly interacts with RNA polymerase II,
potentially stabilising the enhancer-promoter interaction in the
multiprotein-DNA complex during transcription initiation. Taken together,
our findings have suggested a hitherto novel role of YY1 as a transcriptional activator of insulin gene expression, assisting
beta cell maturation and function after birth. These studies may advance our
understanding of beta cell biology with clinically relevant insights targeting
the pathophysiological origins of diabetes.
Improvement of Corrosion Protection of Oil Pipeline Welding via Adding Tin Disulfide Nanoparticles
Authors: Jameel Atheer M. , Kadhim Bahjat B. , Farhan Fadhil K.
Published: February 2022

The corrosion-resistant on the inner surface of the carbon pipeline welding alloys for two sections of the corrosion-resistant welding alloys (pure welding alloy) and welding alloys added Tin Disulfide Nanoparticles (SnS NPs) were welded by tungsten inert gas welding (TIG). The electrochemical behavior of the weld alloy was investigated at room temperature in 3.5% NaCl solution using potentiodynamic polarization. To reveal the corrosion resistance of alloys welded joints, some significant characterization parameters such as Ecorr, Icorr and in polarization curves were analyzed and compared. The surface morphology of corrosion products was also analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for two cases. The results show that the corrosion resistance for welding alloys added SnS Nps appeared high corrosion resistance, lower corrosion rate, and higher protection efficiency by 48% compared with pure welding alloy.
Measurement of Activity Concentration Levels of Radionuclides and Assessment of Radiation Hazards for Well Water Samples Collected from Baghdad Governorate, Al-Sadr City, Iraq
Authors: Taher Wisam Ibrahim , Al-Alawy Iman Tarik
Published: February 2022

In this study, Natural radioactivity levels of water from samples of 10 wells and at different depths 7, 3, and 12 meters were measured with a gamma-ray spectroscopy device using High-Purity Germanium HPGedetector. The samples were collected from different areas of Sadr City, east of Baghdad Governorate. Al-Sadr city is considered as one of the important areas in the capital, Baghdad, due to its population density, which constitutes about 45% of the province’s population. It is very important to assess the radiation risks in these samples because the population still depends on this water in their daily life. The concentration of naturally occurring radionuclides was determined U-238, Th-232, K-40 as all sample’s concentration is higher than the permissible limits according to UNSCEAR 2000. Measurements included the values of natural radioactivity were calculated as the Radium Equivalent Activity Raeq 0.22, External Hazard Index Hex 0.000595, Internal Hazard Index H_in 0.00119, Representative Level were collected The index Iγ 0.001467 and the alpha index I_α 0.0011, the exposure rate Raexp μR/h 0.418, and also calculated the air absorbed dose Dγin nGy/h 0.10164, Dγout nGy/h 0.2024, Dγtotal nGy/h 0.30404, AGED 0.6798, AEDEin 0.000124, AEDE_out 0.000993 and AEDEtotal 0.001117, lifetime cancer risk ELCRout 0.000436, ELCRin 0.003475 and ELCRtotal 0.003911.
Analysis of Chemical Composition for Sasanian and Parthian Artwork Found in Various Region of Garmian Areas with Micro-XRF and P-XRF
Authors: Barzingi Ahmad Nizamedien
Published: February 2022

The objectives of this paper are to use micro-X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (μ-XRF) and portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry to specify the quality and element percent content of Sasanian and Parthian artwork samples: glasses, metals, and ceramics found in various regions of the Garmian area to determine and characterize the element and material compositions of the studied samples. The metallic models (L, M) are made of iron, (O) brass, (N.R) bronze, and (W, Y) silver, according to our findings. Soda ash makes up the majority of the glass samples (Si, Na, Ca>1%, MgO, K2O>1%). Sample J might be soda-lime glass because of the low Mg and K content (<1% MgO, <1% K2O). Six of the elements tested in the ceramic samples (Cl, Co, As, Mo, W, Bi) were not measurable (<LOD). The origination of the samples is also of importance, in addition to the material composition. As a result, lead isotope analyses on the samples will be performed to assess the source of lead and lead-containing raw materials. The next measurement campaign, on the other hand, has yet to be arranged and can only be carried out with a bigger number of samples on hand.
Cactus-like Gallium Oxide Nanostructure for Gas Sensor Applications
Authors: Jebur Khalid H. , Mohammed Nadheer Jassim
Published: February 2022

Pulsed laser ablation technique in distilled water (PLAL) was employed to prepare colloid of spindle-like β-Ga₂O₃ nanostructure and then deposit on the quartz substrate by the drop-casting method to produce cactus-like β-Ga₂O₃ nanostructures at 900C. The Nd-YAG Q-Switched laser is the method to formation nanostructure from a gallium metal target by using a wavelength 1064 nm, the repetition rate of about 5 Hz and the fluency of laser about 5.57 J/cm2. All the investigations of the Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the formation of spindle-like β-Ga₂O3 and cactus-like β-Ga₂O₃ nanostructures, respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD) of the cactus-like β-Ga₂O₃ nanostructures was investigated with a crystallite size of about 9.78 nm. The formation of cactus-like β-Ga₂O₃ nanostructures is the result of transformation from the prepared spindle-like β-Ga₂O₃ nanostructures with the optimum fluency of laser of about 5.57 J/cm2.
Permainan Halang Rintang untuk Meningkatkan Motorik Kasar Pada Anak Usia Dini yang Mengalami Obesitas
Authors: Audina Syafura , Sutapa Panggung
Published: February 2022

Gross motor development becomes important because by mastering the ability to move, children will be able to interact with their environment. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Halang Rintang game toward children gross motoric. The effectiveness of Halang Rintang game was evaluated by designing learning activities conducted by quasi-experimental method for 15 children. The results showed that there was a significant increase in obese children gross motoric development by 66.7%.
Kelekatan Guru dan Motivasi Membaca
Authors: Anggraini Gian Fitria
Published: February 2022

The research background is the lack of teacher attachment in developing children reading interest. Through a survey approach, this study aimed to describe the conditions of attachment between teacher and child toward children motivation to read. The sample was taken randomly, which consisted of 57 students in grade 3 of elementary school and two teachers. The data was collected by questionnaire and analyzed by using descriptive statistics. The results showed that students' reading motivation based on students' perceptions was in the medium category (40%), while based on teachers' perceptions it was in the low category (82.45%). The positive attachment that occurred was in the low category (63.15%), while the negative attachment was in the low category (78.9%). Teachers need to build positive attachment, especially in increasing students' motivation to read.
Empati Anak Usia 5-6 Tahun
Authors: Sumarni Ani , Sofia Ari , Irzalinda Vivi
Published: February 2022

The aimed of the study to describe the empathy of children aged 5-6 years. The writer used a descriptive quantitative method. The sample of the study was 41 children aged 5-6 years from Kindergarten in Segala Mider Village of Bandar Lampung which took by using purposive sampling. In collecting data the writer used observation. Analyzing the data was used descriptive analysis. The results showed that most of the children had empathy in the low category (4,46 percent).
Gambaran Kepercayaan Guru Dalam Literasi Anak Usia Dini
Authors: Anggraini Gian Fitria , Pradini Susanthi , Irzalinda Vivi
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to describe and analyze the teacher beliefs of early childhood teachers. The research method was used descriptive quantitative. Sampling was done by random sampling as many as 85 teachers. The data analyzed by using descriptive analysis to find the mean, standard deviation, and categorization. The results showed that most of the teachers still belonged to traditional literacy beliefs. Teachers need to be encouraged to build constructivist knowledge and skills so that the implementation of literacy learning in early childhood is more optimal.
Gambaran Perkembangan Anak Usia Dini Dalam Pembelajaran Daring Selama Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Pratiwi Feti
Published: February 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic has an impact on the education sector. The Ministry of Education issued a policy for students to study from home. Online learning protects students from exposure to viruses. However, other impacts will affect student development, especially at PAUD level. Several things related to early childhood development that parents and educators need to pay attention during online learning, namely aspects of the development of religious and moral values, physical-motor, cognitive, language, socio-emotional, and art. The purpose of this study is to describe the development of early childhood in online learning. Through literature study techniques, it is found that online learning affects children's development were some aspects of development have decreased. The level of decline is quite large, namely in the physical-motor and socio-emotional aspects. This is because, early childhood spend more time at home. Fewer opportunities to interact with friends at school or outside the home environment.
PENGARUH PENGGUNAAN ALAT PERAGA EDUKATIF PUZZLE DARI DAUR ULANG TERHADAP PERKEMBANGAN KOGNITIF ANAK DI TAMAN KANAK-KANAK
Authors: Surya Surya , Bachtiar Muhammad Yusri , Herlina Herlina , Saodi Syamsuardi
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of using recycled puzzle educational aids on the cognitive development of children in Citra Kindergarten, Makassar City. the type of research is pre-experimental and the research design is one group pretest-posttest design. The research approach used is a quantitative approach. The population in this study was group B at the age of 5-6 years at Citra Kindergarten in Makassar City. Sampling in this study is random sampling. The sample in this study were 12 students. Data collection techniques used are descriptive statistical analysis and parametric statistical analysis. The results of the analysis obtained data that there were significant changes in the cognitive development of children before and after being given the activity of arranging pieces. Based on the paired sample test, it can be concluded that there is an effect of using recycled puzzle educational teaching aids on the cognitive development of children in Citra Kindergarten, Makassar City. This can be seen from the results of the pre-test and post-test which significantly increased after being given treatment.
Pengembangan Lembar Kerja Peserta Didik (LKPD) Bahasa Indonesia pada Teks Narasi Berbasis Discovery Learning untuk Siswa Kelas VII SMP
Authors:   Universitas Lampung, Fatimah Elly Nur , Agustina Eka Sofia ,   Universitas Lampung, Prayogi Rahmat ,   Universitas Lampung
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to develop and describe the feasibility of student worksheets (LKPD) on discovery learning-based narrative texts for seventh grade students of junior high school. The research method used is the research and development method. Product validation which is assessed by experts from Lampung University lecturers and Indonesia language educators. The results of this study are LKPD identifying the elements and retelling the contents of the fantasy story text material, elements, structure, steps, individual assignments, group assignments, closing activities, and daily tests. The results of research on the development of Indonesia language worksheets on discovery learning based narrative text materials for sevent grade junior high school students are in accordance with the results with a percentage of 87,5% in the very appropriate category, linguists with a percentage of 91,6% in the very appropriate category, and educators with percentage 79,1% very decent category.
The correlation between students self-confidence and speaking skill of first-year students of sman 3 bandar lampung
Authors:   Universitas Lampung, Odelia Agnes , Setiyadi Bambang ,   Universitas Lampung, Riyantika Fajar ,   Universitas Lampung
Published: February 2022

This research was aimed to find out whether there was significant correlation between students’ self-confidence and their speaking skill and to find out which aspect of speaking had the most correlation with students self-confidence. Applying quantitative approach, this research was conducted using questionnaire and speaking test. The subjects of the research were thirty students at SMA Negeri 3 Bandar Lampung. The data of the questionnaire were collected through Google Form and the speaking tests were gathered through Google Drive. The correlation of the data was analyzed using Pearson Product-moment correlation with the significant level of 0.05. The result showed that there was significant correlation between students’ self-confidence and the students speaking skill with the r- value is 0.830 and the sig. value is lower than 0.05 (0.00<0.05). To find out which aspect of speaking has most correlation with students’ self-confidence, the researcher used Pearson Product-moment. It was found that fluency was the aspect that has the most correlation with self-confidence by having the score of 0.767. It can be concluded that there is correlation between students’ self-confidence and their speaking skill.
The Use of Video to Improve Students' Writing of Procedure Text at the Second Grade of SMPN 8 Bandarlampung
Authors:   Universitas Lampung, Rakhmawati Elisa , Suparman Ujang ,   Universitas Lampung, Putrawan Gede Eka ,   Universitas Lampung
Published: February 2022

This research aimed to find out whether or not there was significant improvement of students’ procedure text writing after the implementation of video as media and to investigate students’ perception with regard to interest, challenge, choice and enjoyment of the implementation of video as media in language learning. This research was conducted through quantitative and qualitative approach. A total of 29 eighth graders of SMPN 8 Bandarlampung took part in the current study. The instruments used in this research were writing test (pre- and post-test) and questionnaire. The resultshowed that students’ average score in the pre-test was 53.93 and in the post-test was 59.13, the gain score was 5.20. The result of the Paired Sample t-test confirmed the hypothesis that there was significant improvement in students’ procedure text writing, p<0.05, p = .000. The results of the questionnaire showed that this learning medium helps students increase their interest, provides them with challenge, choice, enjoyment. Keywords: video, writing, procedure text, students’ perception
IMPROVING STUDENTS’ VOCABULARY THROUGH FUNNY STORIES AT THE SECOND GRADE OF SMA YADIKA BANDAR LAMPUNG
Authors:   Universitas Lampung, Rivai Violita Cahya , Sutarsyah Cucu ,   Universitas Lampung, Nainggolan Flora ,   Universitas Lampung
Published: February 2022

The objectives of this research were to find out whether teaching by using Funny Stories could give improvement toward students’ vocabulary or not and to find out the students responses in learning vocabulary by using funny stories. This research was conducted at the second grade of SMA YADIKA Bandar Lampung in the academic year 2020/2021 using one group pretest-posttest design. The sample of this research was XI IPA 1 class which consisted of 30 students. The instrument of this study was vocabulary test in multiple choices. The tests were given to see how far the students improve their vocabulary after the treatment. The data were analyzed by usinf SPPS 16.0. The result of the research showed that t-value (10.266) was higher than t-table (2.042) and the value of a significant level was 0.00 < 0.005. it means that there is an improvement of students’ scores in vocabulary test after the implementation of Funny Stories. The mean score of pre-test was (77.08) and the mean score of post-test was (86.17) it means the students improved about 9.08. In addition, it was found out that 29 students (96.7%) had positive responses and one student (3.3%) had a negative response after the use of funny stories. Thus, the result of sudents questionnaire had shown that most of the students had positive responses after the use of funny stories of teaching vocabulary test. Keyword: Funny Stories, Vocabulary, Response.
AN ANALYSIS OF SPEAKING ACTIVITIES ON ENGLISH TEXTBOOK BASED ON 2013 CURRICULUM
Authors:   Universitas Lampung, Salsabila Natasya , Sukirlan Muhammad ,   Universitas Lampung, Huzairin Huzairin ,   Universitas Lampung
Published: February 2022

The aims of this research are to find out the compatibility of English Textbook with the scientific approach principles of 2013 curriculum and criteria of good English textbook. This research was focused on speaking activities in the textbook for senior high school. This research uses qualitative research by using document analysis. The results show that (1) the compatibility of the scientific approach 2013 Curriculum fulfilled 90 point of the qualifications of the existing criteria (2) and the assessment for good English textbook by the expert, fulfilled 85 point compatibility with the existing criteria. Based on the analysis, it was found that the speaking activities of the textbook is adequate for teacher to use this textbook. It means that the speaking activities of the textbook fulfill the criteria based on the scientific approach of 2013 Curriculum and also fulfill the criteria of good English textbook by the expert opinion. Key words: Speaking, Analysis, Compatible, Textbook, 2013 Curriculum.
Improving students’ speaking achievement by using WhatsApp group application in SMP Negeri 4 Natar Lampung Selatan
Authors:   Universitas Lampung, Regilianti Nova , Mahpul Mahpul ,   Universitas Lampung, Huzairin Huzairin ,   Universitas Lampung
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study is to know whether there is any improvement of students' speaking achievement after using WhatsApp group application. This is pre-experimental research that involved 1 class in junior high school which included 26 students. The data collecting was gained through pre-test and post-test. Those data were analyzed quantitatively. The result showed that there was significant improvement of students' speaking achievement after using WhatsApp group application. That finding showed that statistically, the average scores of post-test significantly improved than the average scores in the pre-test. It is suggested to use WhatsApp group application to improve students' speaking achievement effectively.
BIST Orman Kağıt Basım Endeksi ile Bazı Değişkenler Arasındaki Eşbütünleşme ve Nedensellik İlişkileri
Authors: ÖNEM Hüseyin Başar
Published: February 2022

Bu çalışmanın amacı BIST Orman Kağıt Basım (XKAGT) endeksi ile Vadeli Kereste İşlemleri (LBc1), Avrupa Orman- Kağıt endekslerinden Helsinki Forestry & Paper (HX551010PI), Stockholm Forestry & Paper (SX551010PI) ve döviz kurları olarak da Dolar, Euro ve Sterlin’ in eşbütünleşme ve nedensellik ilişkilerini 2.1.2015-22.10.2021 tarih aralığında günlük veriler kullanarak Engle Granger Eşbütünleşme testi ve VAR Granger nedensellik testi ile ortaya koymaktır. Çalışma sonuçlarına göre, (XKAGT) endeksi ile (HX551010PI), (SX551010PI), Dolar, Euro ve Sterlin arasında Engle Granger eşbütünleşme ilişkisi bulunmuş olup, (LBc1) ile eşbütünleşme ilişkisi bulunamamıştır. Değişkenlerle ilgili VAR Granger nedensellik testine göre; (SX551010PI) ve HX551010PI) endeksinden (XKAGT) endeksine, (XKAGT) endeksinden (LBc1) endeksine, (SX551010PI) endeksi ve Sterlin değişkeninden (HX551010PI) endeksine, (XKAGT) endeksi ve Dolar değişkeninden Sterlin değişkenine, (XKAGT) endeksinden Dolar değişkenine, (XKAGT) endeksi ve Dolar değişkeninden Euro değişkenine doğru tek yönlü bir nedensellik ilişkisine rastlanılmıştır.
Physicochemical Changes of Commercial “Kounou” During Short Term Storage at Room and Refrigerated Temperatures
Authors: Bayoï James Ronald , Daoudou Bakari , Vecha Simon Ndegoue , Roger Djoulde Darman , Etoa François-Xavier
Published: February 2022

Fermented cereal-based drinks as “kounou” are among the most popular indigenous beverages in Northern Cameroon. Because they are made in a primitive way, they are ready to be served while still actively fermenting. Therefore, some physicochemical properties of “kounou” were tested in the current study during 4 days of storage at room and refrigerated temperatures. Samples of “kondourkou” a sub type of “kounou” were purchased from local producers located in the Far North region of Cameroon. During storage at 28 ± 2°C and 4 ± 1°C, total sugars, pH, total acidity, alcohol content, total soluble solids, dry matter, total dissolved solids, and conductivity of samples were measured in triplicate using standards procedures. The results showed that pH decreased from 3.34 to 3.16, and 3.65 to 3.4 after storage at room and refrigerated temperatures, respectively. The decrease in total sugar (30.3%-12.1%) and soluble solids (7.26-4.89°Brix), as well as increase in titratable acidity (0.26%-0.36%) were significant for samples stored at ambient temperature. While no significant changes in all these parameters were revealed for samples stored at cold conditions (54.8%-37.9%; 8.79-8.13°Brix and 0.18-0.25%, respectively). Dry matter and total dissolved solids were lower in samples stored at room temperature (from 10.3-11.2% and 841.9-1002 mg/L, respectively) than those kept under refrigeration (from 12.15 to 12.5% and 1061.2-1231.7 mg/L, respectively). Alcohol content and conductivity were respectively in the range of 3.5-2.35% and 1692.4-2012.5 mg/L for samples stored at room temperature, and 3.18-3.37% and 1692.4-2205 mg/L for those kept under refrigeration. Principal component analysis revealed that samples stored under refrigeration were structured in two sub-cluster, the first formed by those stored for 1 and 2 days and the second including those kept for 3 and 4 days. While samples left at room temperature were separated into three sub groups, those stored for a day, 2 and 3 days, and 4 days.  Finally, it would be appropriate to consume refrigerated “kounou” as well as commercialize and/or store it under refrigeration.
Contribution of Corporate Governance on Performance of Listed Companies in Kenya
Authors: Isaac R. M.
Published: February 2022

Leadership is a process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task. Corporate governance has dominated leadership policy agenda in developed market economies for more than a decade and African continent is gradually adopting it on their policy agenda on leadership and governance of their organisations.  The Nairobi Securities Exchange (formerly Nairobi Stock Exchange) (NSE) is the principal stock exchange of Kenya. This study was to establish the contribution of Corporate Governance on leadership performance of Listed Companies in Kenya. The target population consisted of the 62 listed companies that had been listed at the NSE in 2015. The study used primary data which was collected using questionnaires. Data was analysed and presented using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to present the results of this study. The study found that good corporate governance is a major ingredient to leadership performance and there must be deliberate effort by company leadership to create systems that ensure there is effective corporate governance. The study recommends that board of directors should actively promote long term performance, take control of the company business and significantly promote growth in financial performance, market performance, shareholder return, share value and customer satisfaction.  The study encourages company leaders to draw strong strategies to counter any political interferences, ethnicity and nepotism which are the major cancerous effect to leadership styles and structures, leadership composition, leadership independency, stakeholders’ ownership and ownership concentration which are significant factors to performance.
Solution Properties of Mono- and Di-hexadecyl Cationic Mixed Surfactant Systems: Specific Coexistence Effect Among Various Aggregates
Authors: Ogata Sae , Sakurai Yoko , Takano Takeshi , Yoshino Akihiro , Taga Keijiro , Yamamoto Yasushi , Shervani Zameer
Published: February 2022

We have synthesized the surfactant cationic dihexadecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide [16-16]. The aggregates of [16-16] and hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (C16TAB) were prepared in aqueous solution in different mixing ratio (x[16-16]) of [16-16]. The effect of mixing ratio (x[16-16]) and experimental temperature on the aggregates formation were studied using a number of physicochemical methods. With an increase in x[16-16], the structure of aggregates changed from spherical micelles to vesicles. In the range of specific ratio (0.2 ≤ x[16-16] ≤ 0.4) and temperature (35 and 45 ºC), worm-like micelles existed. We have demonstrated that x[16-16] and temperature played an important role in deciding the type of aggregate formed in solution.
Methylene blue removal using Eucalyptus Leaves: A Low Cost Protocol towards Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Dey Soumen , Bhagat Priyanka , Mohanta Jhilirani , Dey Banashree
Published: February 2022

Indiscriminate use of dyes pollutes water bodies and poses a serious threat to mankind. Hence there is a need to address the problem. Eucalyptus leaves, being abundantly available were tested for the removal of methylene blue dye from water by both batch and column experiments. The material was characterized by Scanning electron microscopy, proximate analysis, and FT-IR spectroscopy. SEM Images show a fractured surface with heterogeneous morphology. Batch experiments were conducted with respect to various physico-chemical parameters such as pH, agitation speed, concentration, etc. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 66 mg/g. Over a pH range of 4-8, high adsorption was seen. Adsorption follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2=0.999). Regeneration was achieved with dilute hydrochloric acid and the material can be reused. Column studies show the possibility of field application. In a nutshell, a low-cost methodology was established with eucalyptus leaves for a safer environment.
Development of Internet of Things Systems for Monitoring Agricultural Silos
Authors: Ekuewa O. I. , Ogunti E. O. , Ekuewa J. B.
Published: February 2022

Internet of things is a recent advancement in the technological world. Agriculture being the art and science of cultivating the soil, growing crops, and raising livestock for human consumption requires a day-to-day monitoring and observation of the farm produce. Internet of things enables farmers to obtain data surveys and monitor their farm and storage facilities in real-time. This research is addressing a logical study of the current and potential application of internet of things IoT in agricultural silos, where spatial data, highly varying physical environmental factors, task diversity and mobile devices pose a sole challenge to be overcome compared to other agricultural systems. In this research, a smart security and monitoring device is developed for Agricultural products (Maize) using the Internet of things to observe and preserve storage environment both physically and autonomously. Data is deposited in MySQL database and the communication with the sensed data and webserver is recognized with the help of Arduino. The research is supported by smart phone via android app which increases its flexibility. Monitoring and documenting of data can be achieved on the android app. The system is tested on standardized silo and the result was as expected. The result of the study established that there is a slight difference between the Temperature (17-31 oC) and Humidity (52-78%) obtained from the device and optimum Temperature (18-27 ºC) and Humidity (62-70%) required for maize storage which makes it a better method when compared with the conventional method of storing maize. The result obtained further shows that temperature, humidity, and moisture content contributed to losses in weight of the maize stored if not monitored and maintained during the research period.
What Determines the Fuel Exports: The Case of Norway
Authors: Karakostas Emmanouil
Published: February 2022

Energy today is a key factor in economic growth. The reason why energy is today an essential factor for the development of a country is its inelastic demand. Securing energy resources is a key component of many states' trade policy. Within this framework of energy security for many countries, Norway has a remarkable presence. The main reason is the rich mineral wealth that Norway possesses. But that's not the only reason. Many countries, although they have rich mineral resources, are nevertheless “captive” in the rich cradles of mineral resources without wishing to diversify their production (“Dutch Disease” - “The Curse of Resources”). These countries usually have the effect of revaluing their currency and linking it to the dominant world currency. Norway, because of the global energy market, must reform its energy policy in such a way that it can be competitive. This study will attempt to investigate those factors that determine energy exports. Having Norway as a case study, the present research effort will set a framework for the interpretation of energy exports. The methodology applied is multiple Regression Analysis - Ordinary Least Squares (OLS).
Evaluation of Different Industrial End Uses of Improved Cassava Varieties Grown in South-Eastern Africa
Authors: Sampson Gilbert O. , Afoakwa Emmanuel O. , Brimer Leon , Nyirenda Drinah , Mwansa Cornelius Nkonkola , Chiwona-Karltun Linley
Published: February 2022

This work characterized two local and seven improved Cassava Mosaic Disease [CMD]-tolerant cassava varieties for their biochemical composition and viscoelastic (pasting) properties. The biochemical composition and starch pasting properties were evaluated respectively using standard analytical methods and Brabender Viscoamylograph. Cluster dendogram and principal component analyses compared similarities in the nine cassava varieties, thus predicting their varied food and industrial end uses. The different cassava varieties had starch, total sugars and reducing sugars content ranging from 53-69%, 6.5-9.2% and 0.9-2.5%, respectively. The starch content of the cassava varieties on dry weight basis (DW) varied from 54.0% to 69.0% with Nalumino having the lowest and Mweru having the highest respectively. Tanganyika, Mweulu, and Banguerlu also recorded relatively higher starch content of 62.7%, 63.6% and 63.6% respectively. Mweru, Tangayoka, Mweulu, and Bangweulu had fairly high starch content (>60%) and thus could be used for many commercial products such as starches, alcohols and glucose. The viscoelastic properties of the different varieties had pasting temperature (63.5–67.6oC), peak viscosity (402–595 BU), viscosity at 95oC (394–592 BU), viscosity at 50oC (126–254), breakdown viscosity (236–352 BU) and setback (-100–4 BU). Tanganyika recorded the highest pasting temperature (67.6oC), peak viscosity (595 BU), viscosity at 95oC (592 BU) and viscosity at 95oC-hold (317 BU). Bangweulu, Mweulu, Mweru, Manyokola, Nalumino, Kampolombo and Chila A were clustered differently from Chila B and Tanganyika on the basis of their biochemical qualities and pasting properties. These characterizations showed that Tanganyika would be suitable for products requiring high elasticity and gel strength, easier to cook and also more stable during cooking/preparation such as fufu (pounded cassava) and banku or Nshima. Chila A would also be suitable for use as fillers and binders in the baking, confectionery industries as substitutes of wheat flour. The low viscosities of Chila B make it suitable for household food uses such as snacks where the roots are boiled, roasted or toasted and consumed.
Hydrocarbon Potential of the South-Western Part of the Cauto Basin, Cuba
Authors: Aminu Mu’awiya B. , Nanfa Changde A. , Sanni Zulaihat J. , Christopher Simon D. , Dahiru Ahmad T. , Ayoola Habeeb A. , Aigbadon Godwin O.
Published: February 2022

The “Assessment of the southwestern of the Cauto Basin and its oil and Gas possibilities in Cuba” was carried out with the objective of evaluating the southwestern part of the Cauto Basin in Cuba from the geological and geophysical point of view, with the southwestern of the Basin as a foundation of the petroleum system models. The method of investigation employed included interpretation of the seismic lines, the surface geology, the well logging data, gravimetric and magnetometrics data. The research was developed in three fundamental stages: I) Preliminary stage, II) Data processing and III) Interpretation of results/conclusions and recommendations. The characterization of sedimentary structures was assessed, and the evolution of the studied basin was also realized. Based on the result of this study, the origin of Cauto Basin can be linked to the geological event that occurred in the area towards the end of the Cretaceous era which involves complex sedimentary processes with associated collusions and extension of tectonic transcurrente. This leads to formation of Delta zones and important fans, which were the product of rapid sedimentation and slow subsidence. Furthermore, the result reveals that the studied interval can be described as a potential reservoir for being part of the fan and deltaic zone. There is evidence of the presence of hydrocarbon within the studied interval, but probing further depth has the potential of more discovery within the source rock since only the Tertiary reservoirs were evaluated.
Singular Spectrum Analysis: An Application to Kenya’s Industrial Inputs Price Index
Authors: Emmanuel Kimutai K. , Wagala Adolphus , Muriithi Dennis K.
Published: February 2022

Time series modeling and forecasting techniques serve as gauging tools to understand the time-related properties of a given time series and its future course. Most financial and economic time series data do not meet the restrictive assumptions of normality, linearity, and stationarity of the observed data, limiting the application of classical models without data transformation. As non-parametric methods, Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) is data-adaptive; hence do not necessarily consider these restrictive assumptions as in classical methods. The current study employed a longitudinal research design to evaluate how SSA fist Kenya’s monthly industrial inputs price index from January 1992 to April 2022. Since 2018, reducing the costs of industrial inputs has been one of Kenya’s manufacturing agendas to level the playing field and foster Kenya’s manufacturing sector. It was expected that Kenya’s Manufacturing Value Added hit a tune of 22% by 2022. The study results showed that the SSA (L = 12, r =7) (MAPE = 0.707%) provides more reliable forecasts. The 24-period forecasts showed that the industrial inputs price index remains high above the index in 2017 before the post-industrial agenda targeting a reduction in the cost of industrial inputs. Thus, the industrial input prices should be reduced to a sustainable level.
Application of Principal Component Analysis and Hierarchical Regression Model on Kenya Macroeconomic Indicators
Authors: Mbaluka Morris Kateeti , Muriithi Dennis K. , Njoroge Gladys G.
Published: February 2022

The aim of this paper was to apply Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and hierarchical regression model on Kenyan Macroeconomic variables. The study adopted a mixed research design (descriptive and correlational research designs). The 18 macroeconomic variables data were extracted from Kenya National Bureau of Statistics and World Bank for the period 1970 to 2019. The R software was utilized to conduct all the data analysis. Principal Component Analysis was used to reduce the dimensionality of the data, where the original data set matrix was reduced to Eigenvectors and Eigenvalues. A hierarchical regression model was fitted on the extracted components, and R2 was used to determine whether the components were a good fit for predicting economic growth. The results from the study showed that the first component explained 73.605 % of the overall Variance and was highly correlated with 15 original variables. Additionally, the second principal component described approximately 10.03% of the total Variance, while the two variables had a higher positive loading into it. About 6.22% of the overall variance was explained by the third component, which was highly correlated with only one of the original variables. The first, second, and third models had F statistics of 2385.689, 1208.99, and 920.737, respectively, and each with a p-value of 0.0001<5% was hence implying that the models were significant. The third model had the lowest mean square error of 17.296 hence described as the best predictive model. Since component 1 had the highest Variance explained, and model 1 had a lower p-value than other models, Principal component 1 was more reliable in explaining economic growth. Therefore, it was concluded that the macroeconomic variables associated with the monetary economy, the trade and openness of the economy with government activities, the consumption factor of the economy, and the investment factor of the economy predict economic growth in Kenya. The study recommends that PCA should be utilized when dealing with more than 15 variables, and hierarchical regression model building technique be used to determine the partial variance change among the independent variables in regression modeling.
The ES Log-normal Distribution Determined by the Einstein Median as the Scale Parameter and the Shannon Shape Parameter
Authors: Stávek Jiří
Published: February 2022

The guiding principle of this contribution is the mutual interplay between the Solar gravitational field and the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution of speeds of atoms and the observed Fraunhofer lines. We know from numerous experiments that the Newtonian gravitational constant does not depend on the atomic mass, temperature, pressure and many other particle parameters. Therefore, we should discover a universal distribution function that could be used for all atoms and their properties for a given gravitational field. We have introduced the ES log-normal distribution fully determined by the Einstein median as the scale parameter and the Shannon shape parameter σ = 1/√6. Shannon formulated this shape parameter for the log-normal distribution describing systems with the maximum entropy formation. This ES log-normal distribution function determines the most effective mutual interactions between the gravitational field and the Maxwell-Boltzmann particles. In order to make the Einstein median formula more general, we have introduced the model of the active solid angle of the source of gravity with values 1 ≤ Ω ≤ 4 steradians. We have tested this ES log-normal distribution with three datasets measured on the Solar disc and two datasets measured on the surface of the Earth using the Mössbauer effect. There were predicted some new properties of those datasets. This model might stimulate and promote new initiatives to collect new better datasets for the Solar disc and the Mössbauer effect.