bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of the GDPR on Extra-EU Legal Systems
Authors: Casoria Maria , AlSarraf Eman Mahmood
Published: May 2020

The chapter discusses the influence of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on legal systems extra-EU and particularly the Kingdom of Bahrain, country member to a regional organisation located in the Arabian Gulf denominated Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which is exclusive to six states (i.e., Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait in addition to Bahrain). Amongst these countries, Bahrain is the only one that has recently enacted its own separate Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) mostly resembling the GDPR due to the ever-increasing commercial relationship with business undertakings in Europe. Moreover, the adoption of the data protection law counts as a huge leap forward taken by the kingdom in reforming its legal framework, since it is the state's striving strategy to grow into a midpoint for data centre, just on time for the launch of data centres opening in Bahrain that are endorsed by Amazon Web Services.
New Boundaries for the Right to Be Forgotten?
Authors: Casarosa Federica , Poletti Dianora
Published: May 2020

The right to be forgotten has come to the forefront of the academic debate as a reaction to Court of Justice's decision in case C-507/17 Google LLC c. CNIL concerning the issue of geographical extension of the delisting obligation. Along with the development of CJEU jurisprudence, national courts have developed their own caselaw interpreting and adapting the right to be forgotten, now included in art 17 of the General Data Protection Regulation, to the pre-existing legal framework. Italian courts, and in particular the Italian Supreme Court, have addressed in several occasions the features and facets of the right to be forgotten, and the recent decision of the Grand Chamber (n. 19681, 22 July 2019) is the last though not the least. Starting form this decision, the chapter will analyse how the Supreme Court has attempted to systematise the right to be forgotten distinguishing what is called the traditional application of the right from the ones emerging in the digital context.
A Framework for the Assessment of Learner Autonomy in Language Learning
Authors: Alzahrani Sahar Matar
Published: May 2020

This research reports on the assessment of the improvement in the language learner autonomy (LLA) of a group of Saudi medicine students at tertiary level following an intervention that aims to examine and enhance their LLA in a blended course. Thus, this study proposes a research model for the assessment of LLA in the 21st century and establishes a scale for its measurement. Because LLA is a combination of observable and non-observable behaviors, quantitative and qualitative methods were triangulated in a mixed method research to look at it through the learner voice and metacognition (process perspective) and through the learner gained test scores (product perspective). To overcome the problem that LLA is an unsteady state, the assessment model integrates summative and formative assessment methods. Findings show that the assessment of LLA helps to better understand the process of LLA enhancement and the potential factors that might influence learners' LLA.
Conceptualizing Formative Blended Assessment (FBA) in Saudi EFL
Authors: Almalki Mansoor S. , Gruba Paul
Published: May 2020

This chapter sets out a conceptual framework for the design and use of ‘blended assessments' that seek to create formative activities that can be characterized by shifting modalities of presentation, variations in time and action, and moves from individual to group work. The study's framing is built upon longitudinal participatory action research based on the research questions. In addition to auto-ethnographic observations, 13 Saudi participants—three course coordinators, seven instructors, and three students—were asked to participate in focus groups and individual interviews. Using qualitative data analysis software, three core characteristics of formative blended assessment were identified: (1) multi-modal activities, flexibility, and peer encouragement, for example, were seen to be an ‘advantage'; (2) alignment of pedagogies and assessment tasks were perceived in a ‘compatibility' theme; and (3) the possibility of dishonest behaviors and administrative challenges were classed under ‘complexity'.
Assessing Foreign Language Narrative Writing Through Automated Writing Evaluation
Authors: Lin Chia-An , Lin Yen-Liang , Tsai Pei-Shan
Published: May 2020

Automated writing evaluation (AWE) has become increasingly popular in the assessment of writing. The study in this chapter examines the extent to which EFL learners' overall narrative writing performance improves through the AWE feedback system (i.e., Pigai). Eighteen university participants were required to write one paragraph narratives on the web-based Pigai system every week over the course of a month. Findings show a significant improvement in overall scores between the first and last writing task. The analysis of lexical profile further shows a significant improvement in lexical richness, clause density, and paragraph length between the first and last narrative task. The study also reported that the primary error types that occurred in learner narrative writing were lexical, mechanical, and syntactic errors. Results of post-writing interviews also showed a positive attitude towards Pigai. Finally, a positive correlation was observed between automated Pigai scores and human rating scores, supporting the reliability of the AWE system.
Technology Integration Into Instruction in the United States
Authors: Karkouti Ibrahim M.
Published: May 2020

Technology integration into higher education is considered essential in terms of achieving accountability performance measures that qualify institutions to receive federal grants. The policy presented in this chapter focuses on technology integration into curricula and instruction as a means to enhance student outcomes. This chapter describes the problems that prevent higher education institutions from integrating technology effectively into their educational systems, tracks the implementation of America's Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, and measures the progress of Section 204, Part G of the law. The chapter also proposes key solutions in an effort to better integrate technology into higher education classrooms.
Smart Contracts
Authors: Laubscher Michael Casparus , Khan Muhammed Siraaj
Published: May 2020

When Nick Szabo pioneered the idea of a smart contract in the 1990s, the economic and communications infrastructure available at that time could not and did not support the protocols needed to execute and apply smart contracts. While smart contracts may be viewed as an example of the use of blockchain and blockchain technology which offers great opportunities to the field of law; others are more sceptical. The use of smart contracts in law is anything but straightforward, but this should not deter jurists from investigating the opportunities this instrument offers. This chapter aims to provide an overview of smart contacts, explaining how they work, the ways they differ from written contracts, their legal status, and the advantages and disadvantages associated with using them. Finally, it identifies the main challenges facing businesses and the legal profession with regard to the expanding use of smart contacts.
Security Issues Detected in the Computer Slot Machine Systems
Authors: Popescu Marius , Naaji Antoanela Luciana
Published: May 2020

The chapter analyzes three types of computer systems from the hardware and software point of view, slot machines, respectively. The owners of these devices, by different methods of illegal manipulation, can have total control of the chances of winning and losing, and on the other hand, they can determine at will the amounts to be recorded in accounting. The investigation techniques used in the analysis of electronic gaming machines with winnings show that they present particular problems of cyber security. As a result, solutions have been proposed to solve these problems, such as those concerning the verifications that the legal metrology offices must carry out.
OAuth 2.0
Authors: Rahman Shawon S. M. , Hossain Nazmul , Hossain Md Alam , Hossain Md Zobayer , Sohag Md Hassan Imam
Published: May 2020

OAuth is an open security standard that enables users to provide specific and time-bound rights to an application to access protected user resources. It stored on some external resource servers without needing them to share their credentials with the application. Unlike websites, for locally installed packaged web applications, the main security challenge is to handle the redirect response. The OAuth flow initiated from packaged web apps is similar to the OAuth flows explained in the current literature. However, for packaged web apps, it is difficult to define an HTTP endpoint as redirection endpoint since these apps are locally installed. The authors have proposed a novel method to execute OAuth flow from such applications with the help of a web runtime framework that manages the life cycle of these applications. They have compared their approach with another two existing approaches. After conducting experiments, they have found their approach blocking all illegal OAuth flow executions. The approach also delivers better OAuth response handling time and power consumption performance.
A Pricing Model to Optimize Transmission Strategies for Mobile Devices
Authors: El Amrani Mohamed , Garmani Hamid , Ait Omar Driss , Baslam Mohamed , Minaoui Brahim
Published: May 2020

The simultaneous multiple data transmission can improve the use of the network. Unlike existing solutions in the literature, in this chapter, the authors propose a solution to the network resource allocation problem under the selfish behavior of mobile device with multiple connections to several available network interfaces simultaneously, to resolve the conflict of interest in network. They analyze the impact of interactions between users based on two conflicting factors (i.e., throughput and monetary cost). Also, a diverse set of user service types is taken into consideration, which makes the proposed approach suitable for an integrated service network. Analytical and numerical results demonstrate the validity of the proposed approach, which show that the non-cooperative game has an equilibrium point that depends on all parameters of the system, and they show that this situation between mobile devices is much more beneficial in terms of the performance of mobiles, cost, and the data transfer rate.
A Model for the Creation of Academic Activities Based on Visits
Authors: Sarasa-Cabezuelo Antonio , Fernández-Vindel José Luis
Published: May 2020

A typical activity of some university studies is to make visits to places outside the university where students must observe certain elements and take notes of what has been observed. Normally these visits are carried out the instructions of a guide that has been made by the teacher where it is indicated in detail how to carry out the visit: what should be seen and observed, what type of information should be retrieved, and the type of report that should be done of the visit. Likewise, these activities have some evaluation mechanism associated. The creation of these activities consumes a lot of time for the teacher. This chapter describes a proposal to automate the creation of such activities using an application that would act as an added value service that would process the information available in open data repositories and linked data in order to offer an editor/publisher of activities of visits.
Per Litteras ad Linguam
Authors: Martínez-Prieto Rocío , Díaz-Marcos Marina
Published: May 2020

Even though Latin lost its role as a mother tongue due to the development of Romance languages, it has been used in some fields as a code for knowledge transmission or as a universal communication instrument. Literary texts are an essential resource to help students get used to the basic aspects of Latin because they will be allowed to learn it in a progressive and active way. In this chapter, the authors present some tools used to learn Latin through its own literature, and they provide new methods and ideas for its application in the teaching field as well.
Bringing Native American Literature to Spanish Students
Authors: Correoso-Rodenas José Manuel
Published: May 2020

The goal of this chapter is to explain an experience developed with the students of the College of Humanities of Albacete. The experience tried to bring contemporary Native American literature to humanities majors. During two sessions, those students were given general notions about the panorama of current Native American literature and about Leslie Marmon Silko's production in particular. In the first session, a historical and literary explanation was offered in relation the Native nations. On the other hand, during the session, the authors developed a comprehensive and intensive reading of “Storyteller,” for this tale was specially adequate to the authors' purposes both due to its literary value and to its difficulty. Through it, the students could get acquainted with Native American literature, enhancing their conceptions about the American literary canon and offering them a new perspective for addressing contemporary literatures produced in English.
Tracking Daniel's Steps
Authors: Rigal-Aragón Margarita
Published: May 2020

This chapter shows the results of a teaching-learning experience carried out for over 15 academic years. Since it is usually agreed that Edgar Allan Poe is the father of detective fiction, students are embarked in a deductive process to explore some key antecedents to “The Murders of the Rue Morgue.” This starts with the analysis of a few lines of Daniel's Book, Aesop's “The Fox and the Old Lion,” and some sections of Oedipus Rex. Afterwards the students enter the modern world, examining Hamlet, learning about Voltarie's Zadig, Vidocq, and The Newgate Calendar. Thenceforth, the impact of “Murders” among the 1840s public, together with its two sequels (“The Mystery of Marie Rogêt” and “The Purloined Letter”) is investigated, completing the Dupin Trilogy and assisting to the birth of “serialized” ratiocination narratives. Finally, students study “Thou Art the Man,” a non-Dupin detective story in which country manners are called into question.
The Utility of the Digital Context in the Use of Artistic Literature
Authors: Jaquero-Esparcia Alejandro
Published: May 2020

The chapter aims to reflect the skills of the digital context in the teaching of art history, specifically on the possibilities of applying the new advances around artistic literature. For this, it is essential to know the origins of this auxiliary study area and the first initiatives in the world wide web to make it accessible. These sources for the study of the history of art have always been linked to research, although progressively they have been integrated into the teaching plans. The use of technologies should help the practice in classrooms of educational activities in which this type of textual source can assume a new role.
Supporting Maintenance and Mandatory Inspections Through Digital Technologies on Lifting Equipment
Authors: Gnoni Maria Grazia , Elia Valerio , Anastasi Sara , Monica Luigi
Published: May 2020

In this chapter, the authors present a critical analysis about the current maintenance and inspection process carried out on hazardous lifting equipment. In Italy, a mandatory audit schema is working requesting a periodic interaction between owners of the lifting equipment and inspectors. The current condition has been analyzed aiming to evaluate potential points of criticalities. A smart platform integrating physical devices—based on internet of things technologies, mobile, and cloud applications—has been developed in order to provide companies and inspectors with a reliable and modular tool to organize, certify, and trace maintenance activities developed on the specific equipment. The final purpose is to guarantee a high level of safety for this type of hazardous equipment.
Providing an Environment for Authentic Learning Experiences
Authors: Treskon Matthew
Published: May 2020

The Loyola Notre Dame Library provides authentic learning environments for undergraduate students by serving as “client” for senior capstone projects. Through the creative application of IoT technologies such as Arduinos and Raspberry Pis in a library setting, the students gain valuable experience working through software design methodology and create software in response to a real-world challenge. Although these proof-of-concept projects could be implemented, the library is primarily interested in furthering the research, teaching, and learning missions of the two universities it supports. Whether the library gets a product that is worth implementing is not a requirement; it is a “bonus.”
Virtual Reality in Libraries
Authors: Kirsch Breanne
Published: May 2020

Librarians are beginning to offer virtual reality (VR) services in libraries. This chapter reviews how libraries are currently using virtual reality for both consumption and creation purposes. Virtual reality tools will be compared and contrasted, and recommendations will be given for purchasing and circulating headsets and VR equipment. Google Tour Creator and a smartphone or 360-degree camera can be used to create a virtual tour of the library and other virtual reality content. These new library services will be discussed along with practical advice and best practices for incorporating virtual reality into the library for instructional and entertainment purposes.
Gender and Ethnic Identities Against Neoliberalism in Bolivia
Authors: Loza Jorgelina , Garino Agustina
Published: May 2020

This chapter will address the relevance of social movements as promoters of change in Latin America since the crisis of neoliberalism. The case of Bolivia will be studied specifically, since it is a country that has gone through one of the most remarkable political and social transformation processes in the region. Indigenous-peasant social movements alongwith Bolivian trade unions have opposed to the neoliberal policies applied in their country for more than four decades, to dictatorial governments, to the interference of external powers, and they have mainly claimed for their ethnic and class identity. In this context, the National Confederation of Indigenous Peasant Women of Bolivia - Bartolina Sisa (CNMCIOB-BS) was founded in 1980 within the Central Union of Peasant Workers of Bolivia (CSUTCB).
Loneliness and Problematic Internet Use Among Young Adults
Authors: Mohan Arya , Ravindran Syam Kaithavalappil
Published: May 2020

The popularity of the internet, due to its multifunctional nature, makes most individuals develop an uncontrollable obsessional pattern of usage, signifying negligence in other areas of life. With greater time spent on the internet, these individuals are devoid of quality time spent on real-time socializing, which might cause loneliness. Hence, the present study is aimed at exploring the relationship between loneliness and problematic internet use among young adults. The UCLA three-item questionnaire and Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire short form-6 were administered among students aged between 18-25 years (n=212). A statistically significant relationship was found between loneliness and problematic internet use. Differences in loneliness between various religions were obtained. The analysis revealed a significant relation between alcohol users and high loneliness as well as tobacco users and high problematic internet use. The study tried to understand how the digital age of internet has an impact on the loneliness experienced by young adults.
Redesigning Online Computer Science for Student-Centered Problem-Based Learning
Authors: Niess Margaret L. , Rooker Terry L.
Published: May 2020

After launching an online Computer Science post-baccalaureate degree program, this study was undertaken to inform the redesign of an introductory Computer Science course using a student-centered, problem-based learning approach. The research team proposed a weekly/unit learning trajectory as they were engaged in student-centered, problem-based learning. Over a timeframe of three university terms, the research team used a design-based, iterative examination to refine the implementation of various instructional actions in the learning trajectory. Multiple small groups of students discussed their learning experiences each term, providing directions for improvements. The analysis directed successive iterations, refining the content, problem solving, and collaborations in the class. This research method assured authentic student voice in an iterative redesign of the course.
The Use of Static Telecytology Applications for Accreditational Purposes
Authors: Archondakis Stavros
Published: May 2020

This study aims to examine the feasibility of developing a proficiency testing scheme for cytology labs wishing to be accredited according to ISO 15189:2012, by using low cost telemedical applications. Two hundred forty-eight fine-needle aspiration specimens from patients preoperatively aspirated under ultrasonographic guidance and 208 pap smears with histological confirmation were retrospectively selected from the department's registry. Three diagnostic categories of cytological reports were used. Ten characteristic images from each case were transferred via file transfer protocol to password-protected accounts for remote review by three independent cytopathologists. Contributor's and reviewer's diagnoses were collected, recorded and statistically evaluated. No significant difference in diagnostic accuracy could be detected between the diagnoses proffered on the basis of digitized images and conventional slides.
Resorcinol-Formaldehyde Resins for Cesium Removal from Solutions Produced after Processing Spent Ion-Exchangers
Authors: Tokar' Eduard , Palamarchuk Marina , Tutov Mikhail , Matskevich Anna , Egorin Andrei
Published: May 2020

A series of resorcinol-formaldehyde resins (RFR) has been prepared and studied in terms of Cs-137 uptake efficiency from solutions (0.75М NaOH-2.25M NaNO3) intended for processing spent ion-exchangers. Sample synthesized at molar ratio of resorcinol to formaldehyde of 1.8:2.2 and solidified at 210 °C (sample RFR-3-1-210) has shown the best sorption-selective performance and chemical stability. Implementing RFR in dynamic sorption scheme enables to reduce its decay due to short contact time. In dynamic conditions, after feeding 1000 bed volumes of the solution, RFR 3-1-210 maintains its sorption properties after 6 sorption-desorption cycles.
Preparation of TiO2 Thin Films by Sol-Gel Method and Analysis of its Transmittance Based on Computer Image Processing
Authors: Luo Ji Hui , Wen Qiu Yue , Liu Shu , Liu Ting , Wei Su Ting , Yang Ru Yi
Published: May 2020

TiO2 films were prepared by sol-gel method with butyl titanate, anhydrous ethanol, acetyl acetone and hydrochloric acid as raw materials, which were sintered at 380 °C and 530 °C respectively to obtain TiO2 films. XRD was used for analyzing the crystal structure of TiO2 film, and ImageJ software was used to detect the light transmittance of TiO2 film samples. The results show that the film sintered at 530 °C is brookite structure and the film sintered at 380 °C is anatase structure. The increase of sintering temperature is not conducive to the growth of TiO2 film grains. TiO2 films sintered at 380 °C have good light transmittance.
Enhanced Red Fluorescence Emissions of [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2 in DNA Complexes
Authors: He Wen Juan , Cao Rong , Huang Bei Qing , Wei Xian Fu , Liang Li Juan
Published: May 2020

The research on molecular devices, fluorescent labels and fluorescent probes based on the interaction between biomolecular DNA and fluorescent dyes has been paid more attention at home and abroad. In this paper, the luminescence properties of the [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2 complex itself were investigated, and the luminescence properties of the [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2 complex under the interaction of the solution and the film were observed by association of the DNA complex with the [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2 complex. The results showed that [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2 emitted red light with its main emission peak wavelength was 610nm, and its fluorescence intensity was the highest when the concentration of solution substance was 10mmol/L. When doped with DNA solution in [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2 complex, a small amount of fluorescent dye [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2 can be used to achieve a higher luminous intensity At the same time, the fluorescent dye [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2 doped with DNA solution reached a higher luminous intensity in the thin-film state. This experiment provides an important experimental basis for the application of fluorescent substance [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2 in luminescent thin films.
Study on Hardening Potential of Isostatic Pressed Beryllium
Authors: Syrnev Boris , Revutskiy Alexandr , Semilutskaya Oksana
Published: May 2020

The effect of beryllium hardening has been studied. Beryllium is sintered by method of hot isostatic pressing (HIP), depending on the temperature of powders pressing. The research results of electron microscopic studies were the base for demonstrating formation of the hydraulic phase at the grain boundary of sintered beryllium and influence of the reinforcing phase on the mechanical properties of the HIP blank. The dependence of beryllium precision elastic limit and conventional yield strength from the size of the reinforcing particles of beryllium oxide has been found. The obtained equation provides a description of the “dispersion-grain-boundary" mechanism of isostatic pressed Beryllium hardening.
MethylCellulose Solutions as Shock Absorbers
Authors: Parvari Galit , Rotbaum Yonatan , Rittel Daniel , Eichen Yoav
Published: May 2020

During the last few years, we have been exploring the potential of aqueous methylcellulose solutions as materials which can absorb the energy of shocks and mechanical impacts. This paper provides an overview of the key steps of this exploration, which includes the basic mechanical properties of methylcellulose hydrogels, the mechanism by which solutions of methylcellulose are thought to perform the impact-energy mitigation, and some more advanced work in compositing these materials with additives whose role is to improve performance in fields requiring a significant material response and high attenuation of shock energy.
Macromolecular Flow Improver Used for the Crude Oil Development
Authors: Zhang Fu Sheng , Shan Da Long , Li Xue Ning , Liu Guo Liang , Zhu Zhuo Yan
Published: May 2020

To overcome the shear-resisting challenge encountered in crude oil transportation, this paper analyzed the chemical composition of the crude oil transported through the Xinjiang-exporting pipeline and the structure of wax contained in the oil. Then, on the basis of the aforementioned analysis, a shear-resisting agent that is able to significantly improve the shear-resisting performance of the pour point and viscosity of the crude oil beneficiated with flow improver, was developed. Moreover, a macromolecular flow improver was developed by mixing a specific flow improver with the shear-resisting agent according to optimized proportions. The simulation experiment indicates that with the proposed macromolecular flow improver, it is likely to satisfy the technical requirement of normal-temperature transportation of crude oil through the Xinjiang-exporting pipeline.
Hydration Kinetics Model of Rice Husk Ash-Blended System
Authors: Wu Lang , Yan Ru Yu , Cai Jun Yao , Yue Wen Xia
Published: May 2020

Rice husk ash (RHA) is a highly active pozzolanic material produced by rice husk combustion control, and it is widely used as a mineral admixture in the production of high performance concrete. The addition of rice husk ash has a complex effect on cement hydration. Current models do not explain all these complex effects. In this paper, the hydration kinetics model of RHA-cement cementitious system was established by considering the dilution effect, chemical effect and water absorption and release of porous structure of rice husk ash to composite cementitious system. Compared with the experimental results, it is proved that the model can simulate the cementitious system containing RHA-cement well. The hydration process of RHA-cement system can be used to predict the hydration degree of RHA-cement system changing with age.
Investigation and Evaluation of the Emulsified Asphalt with Waterborne Epoxy Resin
Authors: Zhang Yan Jun , Wu Wen Ming , Cao Hai Sheng , Zhao Li Dong , Zhang Yong Li , Liu Bo Qiang , Li Yue , Cao Dong Wei
Published: May 2020

Compared with SBR latex, waterborne epoxy resin has obvious advantages. The cured epoxy resin emulsified asphalt material has stronger mechanical properties, but it is less used in asphalt modification applications. Aiming at this problem, this paper uses waterborne epoxy resin as the modified material of emulsified asphalt, and carries out performance characterization and road performance evaluation of waterborne epoxy resin modified emulsified asphalt and its mixture under different dosages. Fluorescence microscopic analysis of waterborne epoxy asphalt with a content of 8wt%, 15wt%, 30wt%, and 50wt%, respectively, shows that the resin content should not exceed 30wt% to ensure the performance of asphalt. The bonding properties of SBR modified emulsified asphalt and waterborne epoxy resin modified emulsified asphalt with different dosages at 20 °C and 60 °C were analyzed. The results show that the tensile strength and oblique shear of waterborne epoxy modified emulsified asphalt. The strength is higher than SBR modified emulsified asphalt, and its high temperature resistance is better than SBR modified emulsified asphalt material. The road performance analysis was carried out on the mixture prepared by the aqueous epoxy modified emulsified asphalt with the content of 0wt%, 8wt%, 15wt% and 30wt% respectively. The results show that with the increase of waterborne epoxy content, the Marshall stability, splitting strength and high temperature rutting resistance of the mixture increase more obviously. The freeze-thaw splitting strength of the waterborne epoxy resin mixture is 13% higher than that of the pure emulsified asphalt mixture, and the splitting strength is also significantly improved. Due to the high stiffness of the waterborne epoxy resin after curing, the maximum bending strain of the mixture is reduced, and the recommended dosage is not more than 30% by weight. On the whole, the introduction of waterborne epoxy resin could greatly improve the strength and road performance of the asphalt, and could be used as a proper road repair material.
Characterization and Properties of Polyurea Elastomer Used as Blast Mitigation Agent
Authors: Won-In Krit , Thamanu Kanjana , Dararutana Pisutti
Published: May 2020

The blast that caused from terrorist activities, explosion and weapons effect on not only the human life, but also the architectural structure. The development of materials used to protect them is needed. Polyurea is a one type of elastomer that derive from the reaction product of an isocyanate component and a synthetic resin blend component through step-growth polymerization. It is revealed that polyurea is a new entrant in the field of elastomer has received enormous attention in view of its excellent blast mitigation properties and ballistic protection. In this work, the microstructure and elemental composition of polyurea samples are studied using scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM-EDS). The main composition consisted of carbon, oxygen and silica approximately 63-75, 17-29, and 0.15-1.69 wt%, respectively. Sulfur and chlorine present as the chain extender. Titanium is added to modify its structure. Other elements present as the additives, fillers and pigments. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is conducted to confirm nano-scale composition. Dynamic mechanical, thermal and tensile properties are also studied. It is shown that the modulus and loss factor increase as the increasing of the frequency and temperature. The elongation capacity is greater than 100%. Infrared spectroscopy based on synchrotron radiation (SR IR) shows the various constituents of the composition in the form of the functional groups along with the wave number.
Biodiesel Synthesis from Used Cooking Oil Using Red Mud as Heterogeneous Catalyst
Authors: Hidayat Arif , Roziq Galih Kholifatu , Muhammad Faiz , Kurniawan Winarto , Hinode Hirofumi
Published: May 2020

The problem associated with biodiesel production is economic feasibility. The biodiesel cost will reduce when the low cost feedstock was used as feedstock. Used Cooking Oil (UCO) is a promising candidate as raw material for biodiesel synthesis. In this study, the investigation of biodiesel synthesis from UCO was studied using red mud as heterogeneous catalysts. The catalyst was prepared by impregnating Potassium metals on red mud. The catalyst physico-characteristics were determined using Nitrogen gas adsorption, FT-IR, XRD, and XRF. The catalyst was tested to synthesize biodiesel from UCO. The reaction temperatures, methanol to oil mass ratio, and amount of catalyst were varied to examine their effects on biodiesel synthesis. The optimum reaction conditions were obtained at 60°C of reaction temperature, 10:1 of methanol to oil mass ratio, and 10% of catalyst amount. The highest biodiesel yield of 94.4% was obtained.
Effect of HCl-Alcoholic Treatment on the Modification of Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam) Seed Starch
Authors: Le Thi Hong Thuy , Nguyen Hoc Thang , Nguyen Van Khoi , Nguyen Thi Luong , Nguyen Thanh Tung
Published: May 2020

Starches from different sources present unknown potential for new technological applications mainly when modifications are considered. In this study, jackfruit seed starch was treated in 6% hydrochloric acid in the presence of methanol and ethanol at 40°C for 2 hour and at ancohol/starch ratio of 4/1. Granule size, granular structure and solubility of the modified starch were investigated. Results showed that the average granule size of the starch ranged from 9.22μm to 14.03 μm (in methanol) and 11.86 μm (in ethanol), some changes in the solubility and the granular morphology by scanning electron microscope (SEM) were observed. Acid-modified jackfruit seed starch can have applications in pharmaceutical, food and confectionary industries.
Chemical Treatment of Liquid Waste Generated from Leather Tannery Industry by Using Alum as Coagulant Material
Authors: Salimin Zainus , Satiyoaji Faldy W. , Prasetya Dwi A. , Chafidz Achmad
Published: May 2020

The tannery industry generally produces trivalent chromium waste (Cr3 +) and hexavalent chromium (Cr6 +). This waste before being released into the environment must meet quality standards according to KEPMENLH no.51 / MENLH / 10/1995 concerning liquid quality standards for industrial activities which says the maximum total chromium content is 0.6 ppm. This study aims to reduce the levels of Chromium in waste produced by the leather tanning industry by using alum coagulants. This research uses simulation waste which is made based on the results of BPPT analysis of waste in the leather tanning industry in Tangerang city, namely CV "Lengtat Tangerang Leather". The method used in this research is coagulation-flocculation with alum as a coagulant and lime as an alum reaction assistant in the form of hydroxide ions. The parameters observed in this study were the pH adjustment and the ratio of alum mass to lime mass. From the results of the study it was found that the decrease in the best chromium content for Cr + 3 occurred at a ratio of 5 and pH 8.2 which resulted in a chromium content of 0.0076 ppm with a decrease in percentage of 99.95%. As for the Cr6 + test, at a ratio of 3 and pH 6.4 the chromium content showed a value of 0.4110 ppm. The lowest chromium level occurs at a ratio of 5 and pH of 5.8 which results in a chromium level of 0.3341 ppm with a decrease percentage of 56.61%.
Effect of Ti Contents on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ni˗Al˗Ti System
Authors: Wicaksono Dhimas , Zhu Xiao Meng , Mustapa Mohammad Sukri , Yulianto Sulis , Nasution Ahmad Yunus , Riyadi Tri Widodo Besar
Published: May 2020

In this work, a ternary system prepared by Ni-Al-Ti mixed powder was synthesized using self-propagation high-temperature synthesis (SHS) process. The weight of the reactant was varied using 3%, 10%, 20% and 30% of the Ti content. The mixtures were compressed in a steel die to form compacted pellets, and subsequently ignited using an external heat source to initiate the combustion process. The synthesized products were characterized using SEM, EDS, and XRD, whereas the mechanical property of the product was measured using a Vickers microhardness test. The identification of the formed phase indicates that Ni-Al, Ti-Al and Ti-Ni systems were formed during the reaction. An increase of Ti content from 3% to 10% improves the density of the synthesized product. Further increase of Ti content to 20% results in the generation of cracks. The addition of Ti with 30% leads to the formation of a porous product. The heat released by the SHS process due to the formation of several intermetallic phases was responsible for the formation of defect products. The highest hardness of the product was achieved in the product prepared by 20% Ti content. However, the higher Ti content than 20% results in hardness reduction. This work shows that the content of 10% of Ti produced a dense and hard product.
Microstructure and Hardness of Gray Cast Iron as a Product of Solidification in Permanent Mold
Authors: Yulianto Agus , Soenoko Rudy , Suprapto Wahyono , Sonief As’ad , Darmawan Agung Setyo , Setiawan Muhammad Debi
Published: May 2020

Molds of metal are widely used in the casting process. The cooling rate in solidification of castings product with metal molds on the outer side and inner side is different. Therefore, sizes and types of phase will be also different. This study aims to investigate the microstructure andhardness of gray cast iron. To realize this research, the gray cast iron melting process was carried out in an induction furnace. Melted gray cast iron was poured into a Ferro Casting Ductile mold that has been through a preheating process at a temperature of 300 o C. The gray cast iron is then tested for composition, microstructure and hardness. The test results show that the part containing morecementite phase will be harder.
Structure and Properties of Ni˗Al˗Ti Systems Formed by Combustion Synthesis
Authors: Riyadi Tri Widodo Besar
Published: May 2020

Ni-Al-Ti system is one of the intermetallic systems that attract wide interest for high-temperature application. In this work, combustion synthesis was used to produce intermetallic materials prepared by Ni/Al with varied Ti content using 3%, 10%, 20%, and 30%. The reactant mixtures were compressed in a steel die to form compacted pellets. The ignition of the combustion process was conducted using an arch flame. Sequential tests of SEM, EDS, and XRD were conducted to characterize the microstructure of the synthesized products, whereas the mechanical properties of the product were measured using a Vickers microhardness test and wear test. The result shows that the phases formed in the product were dominated by Ni-Al and Ti-Ni systems. An increase in the Ti content from 3% to 20% increases the hardness. The formation of several intermetallic phases was responsible for the harder products. An increase of Ti content decreases the wear rate. This work shows that the content of 10% Ti can be used to achieve the optimized properties of hardness and wear resistance.
Characterisation of Electrode Drying Effect on the Tungsten Carbide Hardfacing Microstructure
Authors: Nagentrau Muniandy , Mohd Tobi Abdul Latif , Jamian Saifulnizan , Sambu Mathan
Published: May 2020

This study addresses characterization of ED (electrode drying) effect on WC hardfacing welding microstructure. Medium carbon steel blade which used as CD (continuous digester) blade to mix up sulphuric acid together with ilmenite ore in a digester tank as a major part of production. Microstructure of WC hardfacing, elemental composition alongside hardness analyses are executed to investigate the effect of ED (electrode drying). The ED (electrode drying) effect on microstructure and hardness values of WC hardafcing coating are characterized by SEM (scanning electron microscope) analysis and micro-Vickers hardness tester correspondingly. Results revealed that ED (electrode drying) effect less significant in the larger carbides at overall coating zone. However, the absence of ED (electrode drying) led to distribution of uniform smaller carbide in non-carbide zone. The uniform carbide distribution increases the hardness of the WC hardfacing coating.
Some New Bythoscopidæ from British Columbia and the Southwest
Authors: Ball E. P.
Published: May 2020

Every collection of western Bythoscopidæ that the author has Examined
has had a more or less heterogeneous assemblage of forms closely resembling
Idiocerus alternatus. These have been
somewhat Indiscriminately divided between alternates,
ramentosus and several MS names of Uhler‖s in
classification, or not determined at all. At the time of publication of the
key to this genus, the material at hand was not sufficient to warrant the
descriptions of these forms, and they were omitted. Since then the author
has paid special attention to the collecting of this, group in Colorado, and
has received a long series of specimens from the Pacific Coast, mainly from
the collection of Mr. C. Livingstone. With this material it has been
possible to accurately define a number of these species and clear up much of
the obscurity in this section of the genus. During the progress of this
study several other new species and varieties have been described, and are
also presented here.
Co-occurrence of anatoxin-a and microcystins in Lake Garda and other deep subalpine lakes
Authors: Cerasino Leonardo , Salmaso Nico
Published: May 2020

Cyanotoxins are a global concern in freshwaters and eutrophication and climate changes can have synergistic effects in exacerbating the problem. Deep Subalpine Lakes (DSL) are a group of lakes of huge economic and naturalistic importance in Italy. Together with eutrophication (occurred during 1960s and 1970s) and re-oligotrophication (from 1990 onward) these lake have been experiencing warming and increase of the water column stability. These changes have influenced the phytoplankton (comprised the cyanobacteria) community of the lakes. Four DSL lakes (Lakes Garda, Iseo, Como and Lugano) have been studied with the aim of comparing their toxic potential. For one of them (Lake Garda) an 8 years survey was conducted, allowing a long term trend analysis. Toxin analysis was conducted on a monthly basis by targeted LC-MS/MS. A screening for anatoxins, cylindrospermopsins, saxitoxins, microcystins (MCs) and nodularins was carried out. Among all the listed toxins, only one anatoxin and five MCs were detected in the lakes. In particular, the alkaloid Anatoxin-a (ATX) was found dominant Lakes Garda, Iseo and Como and absent in lake Lugano; the MC-[D-Asp3]RR was found as the most abundant MC in all four lakes. Four other minoritary MCs were also found. The two major toxins are produced by two different cyanobacteria (Tychonema bourrellyi and Planktothrix rubescens) which have however similar ecological traits. Peaks of these toxins occur in warmer months (typically between May and September) in the thermocline layer (around 20 m, in the considered lakes). In summer 2016, the highest concentrations of ATX and total microcystins (MCs) were registered in Lake Iseo (1100 and 430ngL-1, respectively), while in the other lakes values were approximately twice lower. In the lakes where it is present, ATX peak levels are much higher than MCs, thus highlighting the necessity of considering ATX in the procedures of risk assessment. The importance of ATX is expected to further grow in the future with respect to MCs, as demonstrated by the long term trend analysis carried out in Lake Garda that showed a clear decline for MCs from 2009 till 2016 and a relative constancy for ATX.
Massive hemoptysis in a pregnant woman: the first rare presentation of mitral valve stenosis
Authors: Hashemi Fatemeh , Rezaitalab Fariba , Jalalyazdi Majid
Published: May 2020

Massive hemoptysis is one of the rare manifestations of mitral valve stenosis. Massive hemoptysis is considered as a potentially life threatening that frequently needs emergency procedures. A 43- year-old pregnant woman presented with coughing and massive hemoptysis. She was diagnosed severe rheumatic mitral stenosis. The patient underwent percutaneous transluminal mitral valvuloplasty (PTMC). Before ICU admission and hospitalization, she was healthy, without any past medical history and complaints.
Habitat use during post-pre-breeding period in a Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia population
Authors: Santucci Bruno , Pulvirenti Andrea , Ramellini Samuele , Miglio Marinella
Published: May 2020

Most studies focusing on Rock Sparrow populations concern their breeding biology. With this study, we aim to investigate the wintering habitat and social behaviour outside the breeding period. In the study area the species is present all year long, and, outside the breeding period, birds frequently gather together on flocks of different size (3-150 individuals), which are larger in the coldest months. The habitat types most used by the species were cereal fields with crops in their first stage of development (17.71% ± 4.72 Standard Deviation) and arable stubbles, both of them with bushes and trees on their boundaries (82.4%), which likely provide shelters from predators. The bird species most frequently associated with Rock Sparrow flocks were Tree Sparrow, Starling and Crested Lark. Holes in the roof tiles of the same abandoned buildings used for breeding were also used as night shelters. The average hours of leaving and returning to the shelters was strictly related to the photoperiod (rs = -0.9405; 0.8810).
Fractional iron absorption from enteric-coated ferrous sulphate tablet
Authors: Thankachan Prashanth , Bose Beena , Subramanian Rajarajan , Koneri Raju , Kurpad Anura V.
Published: May 2020

Background & objectives:

Iron supplementation is widely used public health measure to manage iron deficiency anaemia. In India, enteric-coated iron tablets are administered to adolescent boys and girls to avoid adverse effects such as gastritis, which reduces compliance, but this may result in poor iron absorption. Data on the absorption of iron from enteric-coated ferrous sulphate tablets are lacking. The present study using stable isotopic approach was aimed to measure iron absorption in iron deficient women.

Methods:

Iron absorption was measured from stable isotope-labelled enteric-coated ferrous sulphate (57Fe, ECFS) and uncoated ferrous sulphate (58Fe, UCFS) tablets in iron-deficient (n=9) women, aged 18-40 yr with no infection or inflammation. The two types of tablets (ECFS and UCFS) were administered on consecutive days, 60 min after breakfast, and the sequence being random. Blood samples were collected before dosing, and on day 15, to measure iron absorption from the shift in iron isotopic ratios in haemoglobin.

Results:

Eight women completed the iron absorption study. Iron absorption was found to be significantly lower in ECFS compared to UCFS (3.5 vs. 12%, P<0.05) consumption.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Our study showed poor iron bioavailability from ECFS, and supplementation programmes may consider UCFS tablets for better haematological outcomes.