bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EKSISTENSI KEARIFAN LOKAL PADA TRADISI PISAU KUAI DAN NGIREC PADEI DI DESA MANCUNG, BANGKA BARAT
Authors: Nopita Meta , Sujadmi Sujadmi , Saputra Putra Pratama
Published: April 2020

Local wisdom consists of various traditions and cultures in it. The birth of a tradition is one of the characteristics formed by people in an area. Tradition is also born as a form of local value which will be passed down for generations to the next generation. The purpose of this study is to identify the existence of a tradition of farming based on local wisdom, especially in the tradition of the kuai knife and ngirec padei in Mancung Village, West Bangka. This research uses E.F.'s ‘Small is Beautiful’ Theory. Schumacher who initiated that local people can advance by utilizing small things, one of which is the local value held by a community. There is one big concept in this theory, namely Ecocialism, where in eco-socialism there are six components including: ecololasism / sustainability, simplicity, profit, harmony, freedom, and accountability. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach whose primary data sources are from unstructured interviews with informants. The number of information in this study is 18 people consisting of people who still carry out the tradition of the kuai knife and ngirec padei, traditional leaders, village heads, religious leaders, and PPL in the District. The main findings of this study are explaining the history of the emergence of the tradition of the kuai knife and ngirec padei, the use of the tradition of the kuai knife and ngirec padei. It also found factors that encourage the survival of the tradition of the kuai knife and ngirec padei, namely: as a motivation of the community in preserving the environment, high public trust, community knowledge about tradition, and as an orientation to the increasing economic community.
Evidence-based pancreatology: what do we know about chronic pancreatitis by 2020?
Authors: Gubergrits N. B. , Byelyayeva N. V. , Lukashevich G. M. , Fomenko P. G. , Berezhnaya E. V. , Rakhmetova V. S.
Published: April 2020

The article reveals the achievements of modern pancreatology in the field of pathogenesis, dynamics of development and treatment of chronic pancreatitis (CP). Data of genetic studies describing the most diverse genetic mutations predisposing to the appearance of CP are considered. Genetic mutations causing not only СP, but also pancreatic cancer are analyzed. Risk factors of autoimmune pancreatitis development are mentioned; features of accompanying kidney affection are described. СP conceptual model including the phase of early СP is presented. The provisions of the International Consensus on Early CP are given, the criteria for diagnosing this stage of СP using both clinical/functional criteria and visualizing research methods are listed. Pathophysiological features of pancreatic fibrogenesis are considered. The results of studies describing the peculiarities of the appearance of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), the feasibility of determining fecal elastase-1 as a screening of EPI are analyzed. Peculiarities of EPI occurrence in osteopenia, cardiovascular disease are considered. The nuances of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) in the pancreatic steatosis, obesity are described, as well as its impact on the quality of life of patients with CP and EPI. Advantages of using the enteric-coated minimicrospheres and possibility of controlling the clinical manifestations of EPI, increasing body weight, improving quality of life and its duration of PERT are listed. Optimal doses of enzyme preparations during PERT are considered, results of randomized studies proving the efficacy of minimicrospherical preparations are given.
Possibilities of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of gastroenterological diseases during pregnancy
Authors: Tsymmerman Ya. S. , Mikhaleva E. N.
Published: April 2020

The article discusses the possibilities of modern pharmacotherapy of various gastroenterological pathologies of pregnant women. Having revealed the reasons for careful monitoring of prescribing drugs to pregnant women (thalimidomide tragedy), the authors cited the FDA classification of drug safety depending on the possibility of their use during pregnancy (A, B, C, D, X categories). Physiological changes in the basic biochemical parameters in pregnant women associated with neuroendocrine and metabolic processes are listed. Features of treatment of gastroesophageal disease are emphasized: the most optimal is the appointment of alginates and antacids. During pregnancy, Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy is impossible, as well as the appointment of M-anticholinergics, bismuth preparations, therefore, antacids, alginates, sucralfate may be recommended for pregnant women suffering from chronic gastritis and gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer. The only one proton pump inhibitor proven to be safe during pregnancy is the original omeprazole. Exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis is an indication for hospitalization of a pregnant woman in a hospital with a therapeutic profile, while acute pancreatitis must be treated in a surgical hospital after preliminary delivery. Features of damage to the hepatobiliary system during pregnancy are considered, possibility of bearing the fetus in autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis is emphasized. Indications for the appointment of various hepatoprotectors, glucocorticosteroids are listed. Management schemes for pregnant women with inflammatory bowel diseases are indicated with the primary use of sulfasalazine, 5-aminosalicylic acid, steroids, infliximab.
Cultural Materialism in Lorca’s Poetry
Authors: Soqandi Mahnaz , Basirizadeh Fatemeh Sadat
Published: April 2020

The aim of the present research is to investigate Lorca’s poem from cultural materialist point of view. To do so, the researcher investigates how culture and social mechanism function in the context in which the poems have been written. Cultural materialism attempts to investigate different aspects of society, art, economy, language, and politics from an external point of view and analyze them to find out how identity and self are shaped accordingly. Cultural materialism is demonstrated in different categories including gender, ethnic studies, postmodernism, postcolonialism, and other fields. Cultural materialism highlights the relation between a work of art and the ideological system in which it has been created. In other words, cultural, social, religious and several other factors must be accounted for while interpreting a work of art. Consequently, how cultural dogma functions within fine arts in order to produce the internal textures is uncovered through cultural materialism. In Lorca’s poems, the contents have symbolic and metaphoric mechanisms which can be interpreted through material analysis.
Implementation of Multimedia Based Learning in Memorizing the Short Hadiths in Raudhatul Atfhal Darul Adib Menteng Medan
Authors: Lubis Maridah , Sinaga Ali Imran , Daulay Afrahul Fadhilah
Published: April 2020

One of the problem faced in early childhood now is the weakness in memorizing short hadiths. Hadiths is no lesson that can be achieved by just learning it, without making it. A habit to memorizing it since childhood. Hadits learning through memorization can be started from habituation done at home or school, with habituation installed since childhood wiol provide many benefits to children. The study aims to find out how the implementation of multimedia based learning in memorizing the hadith and the impact it causes as well as supporting in memorizing the hadiths in Raudhatul Atfhal Darul Adib Menteng Medan.  This type of research is field research with qualitative descriptive approach the subject of this study Raudhatul Atfhal Darul Adib Menteng Medan students. The result showed that through multimedia based learning in memorizing the short hadiths makes children memorable it will strengthen children’s memory with a sense of heart and build lovw to our prophet Muhammad Saw.
Student Perceptions of the Use of Android-Based Learning Media in the Production Ecrite Intermediaire Course
Authors: Sitompul Jubliana
Published: April 2020

Based on the author's experience, French Language Study Program students have difficulties in learning Wrting at Production Ecrite Intermédiaire course. The author develops an Android-based mobile application as a learning medium to help students learn writing and increase student motivation for independent learning. This study aims to determine the perceptions of French Language study program students about the use of Android-based mobile applications as learning media in the Production Ecrite Intermediare course. This research is in the form of quantitative descriptive research with survey method. The population studied was the 3rd semester students of the French Department of Medan State University who were taking Production Ecrite Intermediare courses in 2019. The sample in this study amounted to 30 people. Data collection is done through the distribution of questionnaires to respondents. The results of this study indicate that students like learning media in the form of mobile applications. This is shown from the results of a survey which stated that 86.% of students had very good perceptions. More specifically, the use of Android based mobile applications as learning media makes students feel motivated to study Production Ecrite Intermediaire independently with a percentage of 86.1% in the agreed category
Application Systems Available In UNIMED Language Skills Text
Authors: Adawi Rabiah
Published: April 2020

This study aims to describe the attitude appraisal system contained in the French thesis text at UNIMED. The method used in this study is a descriptive qualitative method. The research sample is the French thesis text at UNIMED on behalf of Ayokta Ghea M. Panjaitan, NIM. 21013001 where the type of thesis is linguistics with the title Analyze De Champ Lexical Des Activités Des Yeux En Français (Analysis of the Lexical Meaning of Eye Activity in French) totaling 58 pages with the highest GPA of 3.85 and Irna Fadillah Nasution, NIM. 2101131002 with a GPA of 3.45 with the title of the thesis Analyze Sémiotique De La Publicite Femme De Beauté Dans Le Magazine Femme Actuelle (Semiotic Analysis of Beauty Advertisements in the French Magazine Femme Actuelle) totaling 60 pages that have been validated by native speakers teaching at the French Language Education Study Program UNIMED in 2015 and also teaches at the Alliance Française (AF) called Marine Petite. Data were analyzed using the Simple Concordance Program (SCP) concordance program software using the Apraisal system, namely: Attitude Apraisal. The results showed that the Apraisal System in the French Thesis text at UNIMED was the Paradigmatic System because the Apraisal System in the French thesis text consisted of (a). Gender (le gendre), which consists of: masculine (masculin) and feminine (féminin) and (b). Total (le nombre), which consists of: single (singulier) and plural (pluriel).
Evaluation of Coaching Students Based on Dormitory Curriculum in Madrasah Aliyah Negeri Insan Cendikia Bengkulu Tengah
Authors: Sulasmi Emilda
Published: April 2020

When BJ Habibie became the head of the BPPT, the idea of establishing a boarding school-based madrasa was based on the basic concept of the integration of Faith and Taqwa (IMAQ) and Science and Technology (IPTEK) called Madrasah Aliyah Negeri Insan Cendikia in Serpong, then this model developed to various provinces one of which is Bengkulu Province. The problem is the model developed by Madrasah Aliyah Negeri Cendikia Insane already running optimally and optimally, the extent of the success of student coaching in the Dormitory at Madrasa Aliyah Negeri Cendikia Insan Bengkulu Tengah. Therefore, this study discusses the evaluation of the management of student coaching in MAN Insan Cendikia Bengkulu  Tengah Boarding House.The research method used is descriptive qualitative with evaluative research type, this research was conducted at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri Insan Cendikia Bengkulu Tengah, research data sources consisted of Boarding Trustees and Students. The results showed that all components and curricula of curriculum consisting of Salimul Aqidah, Sahihul Ibadah and Moral Karimah had been carried out well and fulfilled the established curriculum requirements for curriculum. Some of the obstacles experienced by hostel caregivers are heterogeneity of students from various aspects, but overcoming this the manager uses two approaches, namely the regulative approach and the psychological approach.
Influence of Sense of Belonging to a School on Learners’ Loneliness in Single Gender and Co-Educational Institutions in Murang’a County, Kenya
Authors: Baru Peter Muriuki , Ndegwa Lucy , Njoka Johannes Njagi , Mbugua Zakaria
Published: April 2020

The influence of the sense of belonging to school on learners’ loneliness in single gender and co-educational schools in the world and Kenya in particular is not clearly known and documented. Available literature indicates that the learners’ sense of belonging to school significantly impacts on their loneliness. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of the sense of belonging to school on learners’ loneliness in single gender and co-educational schools in Murang’a County in Kenya. The study was guided by the following specific objectives, which were to; Compare the levels of loneliness among learners in single gender and co-educational schools in Murang’a County and assess power of sense of belonging to school in determining the loneliness levels among learners in single gender and co-educational schools in Murang’a County.  The study adopted the cross-sectional survey research design. The Krejecie & Morgan Table was used to select a sample of 435 participants from a target population of 12,400 form two learners from single gender and co-educational secondary schools in the County.  Data was collected using two standardized measurement instruments; the Perth aloneness-loneliness scale (PALs) while sense of belonging to school was measured using five statements in a five point Likert scale developed for the study. Administration of the questionnaire was done during normal school days by trained research assistants.  Data was analysed using the descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. The findings of the study indicated that low sense of belonging to school for girls in co-educational institutions was correlated to high levels of loneliness. From the findings of the study, it is concluded that there is need to strengthen the psychosocial support systems for learners in co-educational schools through mentorship, guidance, coaching and counselling to facilitate appropriate adjustments of the learners in the schools so as to promote their learning outcomes.
La consideración y utilización de las redes sociales académicas por los investigadores noveles españoles
Authors: Rodríguez-Bravo Blanca
Published: April 2020

Se presentan las opiniones y prácticas de los jóvenes investigadores en relación con las redes sociales académicas recabadas por medio de entrevistas y de un cuestionario entre 2016 y 2019, resultados del proyecto internacional Early Career Researchers: the Harbingers of Change?
Progetto per uno studio pilota per un ambulatorio di nefrologia narrativa: un approccio bio-psico-sociale alla malattia renale cronica
Authors: Toccafondi Alessandro , Mari Leonardo , Caraccia Umberto , Lapini Silvia , Dattolo Pietro , Capanni Claudia , Polvani Stefania , Lombardi Marco
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Poor medication adherence in CKD patients is associated with high mortality and morbidity and can reach up to 80%. The most effective interventions to increase patients’ adherence to treatments are conducted by a multi-professional team and with the active participation of patients and their families. Narrative evidence-based medicine has been proved as a useful methodology in the care of chronic patients also in promoting their adherence to treatments.

Methods: Around 50-70% of CKD patients treated in our centre will follow clinical protocol based on a narrative medicine approach: (1) patients will be invited to write a brief history related to their experience with the CKD and treatments; (2) screening for depression (HADS; PHQ-9); (3) intervention of pharmaceutical counselling aimed to explore patients’ behaviours about taking their medications; (4) sharing of decision-making: the results of the narrative histories and of questionnaires will be discussed with the patients; (5) psychoeducational groups.

Results: The pilot phase of the project will last 6 months. During these months, patients will be monitored for biochemical (e.g. anemia) and anthropometric (e.g. blood pressure) parameters and depression. Medical visits or diagnostic tests missed by patients will also be recorded.

Conclusions: The development of an active role of patients in taking care of themselves is one of the main challenge of clinical nephrology. The present project aims to implement in the clinical routine a protocol based on the narrative medicine approach in which the biological, psychological and social needs of CKD patients are considered and discussed with them.
Türkiye’de Çok Partili Sisteme Geçiş: İç ve Dış Dinamiklerin Analizi
Authors: ULUÇ Vahap
Published: April 2020

Bu çalışma, Türkiye’nin çok partili siyasal sisteme geçişinin iç ve dış nedenlerini konu edinmektedir. Türkiye gibi geç modernleşen ülkelerde, Batı’dan farklı olarak halktan bağımsız dinamikler çok partili sisteme geçiş sürecini belirlemiştir. Türkiye’nin çok partili sisteme geçişi iç ve dış olmak üzere iki temel dinamiğe dayanmaktadır. İçerde ekonominin kötü gidişatına bağlı iktidardan iyice soğuyan geniş halk kesimleri ve sermaye gruplarının iktidardan pay almak istemeleri belli ölçüde çok partili sisteme geçişi etkilemiştir. Ancak çok partili sisteme geçişte asıl belirleyici unsur Türkiye’nin ABD ve Batı’ya yanaşma ihtiyacı hissetmesi ve Sovyetler Birliği’nin Türkiye için ciddi bir tehdit haline gelmesidir.
Root growth in tomato seedlings in response to bacterial inoculation Serratia sp.
Authors: Lima Ana Carla Pinheiro , Medici Leonardo Oliveira , Pereira Débora Alves Gonzaga da Silva Ballesteiro , Lima Eduardo de Assis
Published: April 2020

Growth-promoting rhizobacteria are soil bacteria that inhabit the surrounding root, and are directly or indirectly involved in promoting plant growth and development. The productivity efficiency of these groups of microorganisms can be applied to planting crops, providing an interesting alternative for minimize the negative effects of water deficit. The objective of this study was to verify if the mechanism of growth promotion of the bacterium is similar to that promoted by polyethylene glycol (PEG) and to compare the possible effects of water stress on the tomato against the effects of inoculation of the bacterium Serratia sp. The methodology was based on in vitro bioassays using tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seedlings, kept in a growth chamber with temperature of 25 °C and photoperiod of 12 hours. The results revealed that the promotion of tomato root growth by Serratia sp. is similar to that promoted by PEG 7%, differing significantly from the results found with different doses of indoleacetic acid (IAA). The promotion of root growth in tomatoes by Serratia sp. and PEG 7% partly indicates a physical effect, since the water restriction imposed by the PEG molecule decreases the water movement capacity, also observed by bacteria, when colonizing plant tissues and cells (biofilm) reducing the hydraulic conductivity of water through the root. Stimulation to promote root growth in tomatoes cannot be reproduced by auxin.
Common Carotid Wall Shear Stress and Carotid Atherosclerosis in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients
Authors: MALÍK J. , KUDLIČKA J. , TUKA V. , CHYTILOVÁ E. , ADAMEC J. , ROČÍNOVÁ K. , TESAŘ V.
Published: April 2020

Decrease of arterial wall shear stress (WSS) is associated with higher probability of atherosclerotic plaque development in many disease conditions. End-stage renal diseases (ESRD) patients suffer from vascular disease frequently, but its nature differs from general population. This study was aimed at proving an association between common carotid wall shear stress and the presence of carotid bifurcation plaques in a group of ESRD patients. ESRD subjects, planned for the creation of a dialysis access and therapy were included. Wall shear rate (WSR) was used as a surrogate of WSS and was analyzed in the common carotid arteries by duplex ultrasonography. Intima media thickness (IMT) was measured at the same site. The presence/absence of carotid bifurcation plaques was recorded. The endothelial function was estimated by the levels of von Willebrand factor (vWf). 35 ESRD patients were included (19 females, 17 diabetics). Atherosclerotic plaque was present in 53 % of bifurcations. Wall shear rate was lower in arteries with plaques (349±148 vs. 506±206 s-1, p=0.005) and was directly related to the height of IMT and inversely to the activity of vWf (r= –0.65, p=0.016). Lower wall shear rate in the common carotid arteries is linked to the endothelial dysfunction and to the presence of atherosclerotic plaques in carotid bifurcations in ESRD subjects. Faster arterial dilatation may facilitate this process in ESRD subjects.
Effects of Isoflurane Concentration on Basic Echocardiographic Parameters of the Left Ventricle in Rats
Authors: ŘÍHA H. , PAPOUŠEK F. , NECKÁŘ J. , PIRK J. , OŠŤÁDAL B.
Published: April 2020

Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) has become an important modality for the assessment of cardiac structure and function in animal experiments. The acquisition of echocardiographic images in rats requires sedation/anesthesia to keep the rats immobile. Commonly used anesthetic regimens include intraperitoneal or inhalational application of various anesthetics. Several studies have compared the effects of anesthetic agents on echocardiographic parameters in rats; however, none of them examined the effects of different concentrations of inhalational anesthetics on echocardiographic parameters. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of different concentrations of isoflurane used for anesthesia during TTE examination in rats on basic echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular (LV) anatomy and systolic function. TTE examinations were performed in adult male Wistar rats (n=10) anesthetized with isoflurane at concentrations of 1.5-3 %. Standard echocardiograms were recorded for off-line analysis. An absence of changes in basic echocardiographic parameters of LV anatomy and systolic function was found under isoflurane anesthesia using concentrations between 1.5-2.5 %. An isoflurane concentration of 3 % caused a small, but statistically significant, increase in LV chamber dimensions without a concomitant change in heart rate or fractional shortening. For the purpose of TTE examination in the rat, our results suggest that isoflurane concentrations ≤ 2.5 % can be safely recommended.
Coupled Nitric Oxide and Autonomic Receptor Functional Responses in the Normal and Inflamed Urinary Bladder of the Rat
Authors: VESELÁ R. , ASKLUND H. , ARONSSON P. , JOHNSSON M. , WSOL V. , ANDERSSON M. , TOBIN G.
Published: April 2020

Both divisions of the autonomic nervous system are involved in regulation of urinary bladder function. Several substances, other than noradrenaline and acetylcholine, seem to play important roles in physiology and pathophysiology of lower urinary tract. In the current study, we aimed to examine if there exist interplays between nitric oxide (NO) and autonomic transmitters and if such interactions vary in different parts of the urinary bladder in healthy and cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced cystitic rats; when administered to the animals (100 mg/kg; i.p.), the cytotoxic CYP metabolite acrolein induces bladder inflammation. In the current study a series of in vitro functional studies were performed on detrusor muscle strip preparations. Stimulation with electrical field stimulation (EFS), methacholine, adenosine 5´-triphosphate (ATP), and adrenaline evoked contractile responses in isolated bladder preparations that were significantly reduced in cyclophosphamide (CYP)-treated rats. While the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor Nω nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA; 10-4 M) did not affect contractile responses in normal, healthy strip preparations, it significantly increased the contractile responses to EFS, methacholine and adrenaline, but not to ATP, in the bladders from the CYP-treated rats. In the CYP-treated rats, the ATP-evoked relaxatory part of its dual response (an initial contraction followed by a relaxation) was 6-fold increased in comparison with that of normal preparations, whereas the isoprenaline relaxation was halved in the CYP-treated. While L-NNA (10-4 M) had no effect on the isoprenaline-evoked relaxations, it reduced the ATP-evoked relaxations in strip preparations from the bladder body of CYP-treated rats. Stimulation of β2- and β3 adrenoceptors evoked relaxations and both responses were reduced in cystitis, the latter to a larger extent. In the trigone, the reduced ATP-evoked contractile response in the inflamed strips was increased by L-NNA, while L NNA had no effect on the ATP-evoked relaxations, neither on the relaxations in healthy nor on the larger relaxations in the inflamed trigone. The study shows that both contractile and relaxatory functions are altered in the state of inflammation. The parasympathetic nerve-mediated contractions of the body of the bladder, evoked by the release of ATP and acetylcholine, were substantially reduced in cystitis. The relaxations to β-adrenoceptor and purinoceptor stimulation were also reduced but only the ATP-evoked relaxation involved NO.
Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling: a Promising New Target for Fibrosis Diseases
Authors: GUO Y. , XIAO L. , SUN L. , LIU F.
Published: April 2020

Wnt/β-catenin signaling is involved in virtually every aspect of embryonic development and also controls homeostatic self-renewal in a number of adult tissues. Recently, emerging evidence from researches of organ fibrosis suggest that sustained Wnt/β-catenin pathway reactivation is linked to the pathogenesis of fibrotic disorders. Here we focus on Wnt/β-catenin-related pathogenic effects in different organs, such as lung fibrosis, liver fibrosis, skin fibrosis and renal fibrosis. Additionally, Wnt/β-catenin signaling works in a combinatorial manner with TGF-β signaling in the process of fibrosis, and TGF-β signaling can induce expression of Wnt/β-catenin superfamily members and vice versa. Moreover, network analysis, based on pathway databases, revealed that key factors in the Wnt pathway were targeted by some differentially expressed microRNAs detected in fibrosis diseases. These findings demonstrated the crosstalks between Wnt/β-catenin pathway and TGF-β signalings, and microRNAs, highlighting the role of Wnts in organ fibrogenesis. Most importantly, nowadays there is a variety of Wnt pathway inhibitors which give us the potential therapeutic feasibility, modulation of the Wnt pathway may, therefore, present as a suitable and promising therapeutic strategy in the future.
The Mechanisms of Inhibition of Frog Endplate Currents With Homologous Derivatives of the 1,1-dimethyl-3-oxybutyl Phosphonic Acid
Authors: PRYAZHNIKOV E. , OSTROUMOV A. , DRUGININA O. , VYSKOČIL F. , SKORINKIN A.
Published: April 2020

The mode of inhibition of endplate currents by four esters of 1,1-dimethyl-3-oxybutyl phosphonic acid with different lipophilicities and molecule lengths were estimated by mathematical modeling based on previous electrophysiological data supplemented by several experiments with rhythmic stimulation. The aim was to discriminate between their receptor and non-receptor effects. It was shown that all esters have a two-component mechanism of depression: inhibition of the receptor open channel and allosteric modulation of the receptor-channel complex. The ratio of both functional components depends on the length and lipophilicity of the esters. Short and less lipophilic esters mostly act as open channel inhibitors and the rate of inhibition substantially depends on the rate of stimulation, i. e. probability of the receptor-channel opening. As the length of the ester radicals and their lipophilicity increased, these compounds were more active as allosteric receptor inhibitors, probably hindering the function of nAChRs from the lipid annulus.
Assessing the Role of the Courts in Enhancing Access to Environmental Justice in Oil Pollution Matters in Nigeria
Authors: Okonkwo Eloamaka Carol
Published: April 2020

Oil pollution issues link environmental justice and access to justice as aspects of procedural environmental justice. To achieve procedural environmental justice, this article aimed at examining access to courts in Nigeria. To accomplish this aim, the author has analysed the meaning of environmental justice, considered the principles and ways of enforcing access to justice in environmental matters and appraised the decisions of the Nigerian and African regional courts.

It found very fundamental roles of the courts and identified many impediments to accessing courts in Nigeria which result in human rights violations and environmental injustices. The author drew conclusions and made recommendations.
Balancing Environmental Protection and Offshore Petroleum Developments in Guyana
Authors: Elias-Roberts Alicia
Published: April 2020

This paper reviews Guyana's challenge to regulate the new petroleum sector. The need to amend several pieces of legislation to be aligned with the Aichi targets for 2020 under the Convention on Biological Diversity are examined. Aichi Target 11 provides that ‘by 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water areas and 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well-connected systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscape and seascape.’ The Government of Guyana's Green State Development Strategy which has sustainable development at its core is also examined along with several environmental law principles. The Green State Development Strategy and several environmental law principles are discussed to highlight their relevance to the protection of the marine environment and biodiversity conservation. Several recommendations are made to highlight relevant laws which should be updated for the State to achieve the right balance regarding protection of the environment and sustainable management of offshore petroleum projects in line with the obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Explaining Perceptions of Climate Change in the US
Authors: Loveless Matthew , Binelli Chiara , Schaffner Brian
Published: April 2020

Despite extensive scientific evidence, a significant proportion of the US population does not believe that climate change is a serious problem and immediate action is necessary. We merge individual-level data on climate change perceptions and the main determinants previously identified by the literature with county-level data on an exogenous measure of local climate change. Doing so allows us, for the first time, to test whether individualsactual experience with long-trend changes in their local climate can override the power of partisanship that appears to have captured this opinion process. We find that partisanship and political ideology have the strongest effect on climate change perceptions, more so than long-run changes in local climate. We then run a randomized online experiment to test whether partisanship also drives the willingness to take action to combat climate change and individual environmental-friendly choices as much as it drives perceptions.
Evaluation for Simultaneous Removal of Anionic and Cationic Dyes onto Maple Leaf-Derived Biochar Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Choi Yong-Keun , Gurav Ranjit , Kim Hyung Joo , Yang Yung-Hun , Bhatia Shashi Kant
Published: April 2020

Rapid development in the printing and dying industry produces large amounts of wastewater, and its discharge in the environment causes pollution. Keeping in view the carcinogenic and mutagenic properties of various dyes, it is important to treat dyed wastewater. Maple leaf biochars were produced at different pyrolysis temperatures, i.e., 350 °C, 550 °C, and 750 °C, characterized for physicochemical properties and used for the removal of cationic (methylene blue (MB)) and anionic dye (congo red (CR)). Response surface methodology (RSM) using three variables, i.e., pH (4, 7, and 10), pyrolysis temperature (350 °C, 550 °C, and 750 °C), and adsorption temperature (20 °C, 30 °C, and 40 °C), was designed to find the optimum condition for dyes removal. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed an increase in CaCO3 crystallinity and a decrease in MgCO3 crystallinity with the increase of pyrolysis temperature. RSM design results showed that maple biochar showed maximum adsorption capacity for cationic dye at higher pH (9–10) and for anionic dye at pH 4-6, respectively. Under the selected condition of pH 7 and an adsorption temperature of 30 °C, biochar MB550 was able to remove MB and CR by 68% and 74%, respectively, from dye mixtures. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses showed that MB550 was able to remove both dyes simultaneously from the aqueous mixtures.
Self-Service Data Science in Healthcare with Automated Machine Learning
Authors: Ooms Richard , Spruit Marco
Published: April 2020

(1) Background: This work investigates whether and how researcher-physicians can be supported in their knowledge discovery process by employing Automated Machine Learning (AutoML). (2) Methods: We take a design science research approach and select the Tree-based Pipeline Optimization Tool (TPOT) as the AutoML method based on a benchmark test and requirements from researcher-physicians. We then integrate TPOT into two artefacts: a web application and a notebook. We evaluate these artefacts with researcher-physicians to examine which approach suits researcher-physicians best. Both artefacts have a similar workflow, but different user interfaces because of a conflict in requirements. (3) Results: Artefact A, a web application, was perceived as better for uploading a dataset and comparing results. Artefact B, a Jupyter notebook, was perceived as better regarding the workflow and being in control of model construction. (4) Conclusions: Thus, a hybrid artefact would be best for researcher-physicians. However, both artefacts missed model explainability and an explanation of variable importance for their created models. Hence, deployment of AutoML technologies in healthcare remains currently limited to the exploratory data analysis phase.
Visualization of the Onset of Scour under a Pipeline in Waves
Authors: Zhu Yehui , Xie Liquan , Wong Tsun-Ming , Su Tsung-Chow
Published: April 2020

This paper visualizes the onset of scour under a pipeline in regular waves and studies the mechanism in this process. After the test started, the sand particles near the downstream mudline began to oscillate periodically, probably due to the distribution pattern of the seepage hydraulic gradient under the pipeline as well as asymmetric waves. As the wave height gradually increased, the sand under the pipeline began to oscillate at increasing amplitude and the coverage of oscillation extended upstream. Some sand rushed out from the bottom of the pipeline, and the sand oscillated almost symmetrically around the bottom line of the pipeline thereafter. The oscillation amplitude of the sand particles continued to rise, probably due to a decrease in the seepage path under the pipeline and loosened sediment in the oscillation. The scour onset occurred after more sand rushed out from under the pipeline. The visualization results reproduced the delay in the scour onset reported previously, and related the delay to the aforementioned increase in sediment oscillation amplitude. This visualization can improve the understanding of the scour onset mechanism, and can serve as a guide to further investigate the critical conditions of scour onset and scour control countermeasures for offshore structures.
Finite-Time Fault-Tolerant Control for a Robot Manipulator Based on Synchronous Terminal Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Le Quang Dan , Kang Hee-Jun
Published: April 2020

In this paper, two finite-time active fault-tolerant controllers for a robot manipulator, which combine a synchronous terminal sliding mode control with an extended state observer, are proposed. First, an extended state observer is adopted to estimate the lumped uncertainties, disturbances, and faults. The estimation information is used to compensate the controller designed in the following step. We present an active fault-tolerant control with finite-time synchronous terminal sliding mode control, largely based on a novel finite-time synchronization error and coupling position error. We also present an active fault-tolerant control that does not use a coupling position error. By using synchronization control, the position error at each joint can simultaneously approach toward zero and toward equality, which may reduce the picking phenomenon associated with the active fault-tolerant controller strategy. Finally, simulation and experimental results for a three degree-of-freedom robot manipulator verify the effectiveness of the two proposed active fault-tolerant controllers.
Prediction Model of Wooden Logs Cutting Patterns and Its Efficiency in Practice
Authors: Gergeľ Tomáš , Sedliak Maroš , Bucha Tomáš , Oravec Milan , Slamka Marián , Pástor Michal
Published: April 2020

This article deals with the testing of a methodology for creating log cutting patterns. Under this methodology, programs were developed to optimize the log yield. Testing was conducted by comparing the values of the proportions of the individual products resulting from an implementation of the proposed cutting pattern of a specific log with the calculated values of these proportions of products using the tested methodology. For this test, nine pieces of logs (three pieces of oak, three pieces of beech and three pieces of spruce) were chosen, and then the proposed cutting pattern was applied on each log and the proportions of the resulting products were determined gravimetrically. The result of the statistical comparison is as follows: The prediction model that has been tested meets the basic requirement of insensitivity to the tree species. This means that the model tested does not create differences in the results based on the type of wood. In the case of timber, the model statistically significantly underestimates its proportion by 3.7%. The model underestimates the proportion of residues by 0.14%, but is not statistically significant. This model statistically significantly underestimates the proportion of sawdust by 2.25%. By evaluating the results obtained, we can conclude that the prediction model is a good basis for optimizing log yields. In its further development, it has to be supplemented with a log curvature parameter and for the most accurate yield optimization, in terms of the product quality, it must be connected with new scanning technologies as well. These will supplement the prediction model with information about internal and external wood defects and these defects will be taken into account then.
Active Vibration Isolation of a Diesel Generator in a Small Marine Vessel: An Experimental Study
Authors: Yang Tiejun , Wu Lei , Li Xinhui , Zhu Minggang , Brennan Michael J. , Liu Zhigang
Published: April 2020

An active vibration isolation system is retrofitted to a diesel generator set in a tugboat to determine the effectiveness of such a system in a realistic practical environment. The system consists of six bespoke inertial actuators chosen to make minimal modifications to the machinery arrangement, and a DSP-based controller. Six accelerometers are collocated with the actuators on the top of six isolators to act as error sensors, and six accelerometers are placed below the isolators to give a measure of the global vibration of the ships structure below the generator set. A hydrophone is also placed in the water to give an indication of the underwater noise due to the generator. The control strategy employed is six-input and six-output decentralized adaptive feedforward control with the reference signal being derived from the signal from an optical tachometer on shaft between the engine and the generator. To suppress the vibration at all the dominant forcing frequencies, an electrical circuit generated the half engine orders required from the measured reference signal. The experimental results show that the combination of the active control system and the passive isolators is effective in reducing the global vibration and the acoustic pressure at the hydrophone position.
Porosity Structure Offering Improved Biomechanical Stress Distribution and Enhanced Pain-Relieving Potential
Authors: Lin Chia-Cheng , Wu Chia-Yu , Huang Mao-Suan , Huang Bai-Hung , Chou Hsin-Hua , Ou Keng-Liang , Liu Chung-Ming , Pai Fang-Tzu , Huang Han-Wei , Peng Pei-Wen
Published: April 2020

In this study, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) human body model and a body sculpting clothing (BSC) which was fitted onto that body to simulate the biomechanical stress variations of the BSC with different porosity structures using the finite element method. The mechanical properties of the BSC with different porosity structures were also examined through the tensile testing. Analytical results indicated that the Von Mises stress of the BSC with a porosity structure of 10.28% varied from 0.076 MPa to 337.79 MPa. As compared with a porosity structure of 35.18%, the von Mises stress varied from 0.067 MPa to 207.30 MPa. The von Mises stress decreased as the porosity increasing. Based on the statistical analysis findings, we obtained a formula to predict the biomechanical relationships (von Mises stress and strain) between the human body and porosity of the BSC. Therefore, these findings could offer potential information in the modification of BSC for pain-relieving applications.
State Estimation for DC Microgrids using Modified Long Short-Term Memory Networks
Authors: Adi Faya Safirra , Lee Yee Jin , Song Hwachang
Published: April 2020

The development of state estimators for local electrical energy supply systems is inevitable as the role of the system’s become more important, especially with the recent increased interest in direct current (DC) microgrids. Proper control and monitoring requires a state estimator that can adapt to the new technologies for DC microgrids. This paper mainly deals with the DC microgrid state estimation (SE) using a modified long short-term memory (LSTM) network, which until recently has been applied only in forecasting studies. The modified LSTM network for the proposed state estimator adopted a specifically weighted least square (WLS)-based loss function for training. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed state estimator, a comparison study was done with other SE methods included in this paper. The results showed that the proposed state estimator had high accuracy in estimating the states of DC microgrids. Other than the enhanced accuracy, the deep-learning-based state estimator also provided faster computation speeds than the conventional state estimator.
A Novel Approach against Sun Glare to Enhance Driver Safety
Authors: Ungureanu Vlad-Ilie , Miclea Răzvan-Cătălin , Korodi Adrian , Silea Ioan
Published: April 2020

The automotive industry is developing continuously, trying to improve, among others, the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Using modern technology, the dangers caused by weather hazards like rain, snow, fog, or glare were identified and reduced. This paper presents an anti-glare solution using existing technologies that can be found already in a high-end car like the driver’s eyes tracking systems, light intensity sensors, or head-up displays. In addition to the existing elements, a sun tracking sensor is required to detect the point where the sun light has the maximum intensity on the windshield surface. Knowing the driver’s position and the point on the windshield where the sunlight has a high intensity, a dark spot can be created on the windshield in order to reduce the discomfort created by glare. Depending on the intensity of the light and taking into consideration the traffic safety laws, the spot’s transparency can vary between certain limits. Therefore, the dangers caused by glare will be diminished and the risks of not observing pedestrians, other traffic participants, traffic signs, or sudden curves will be considerably lower. Another advantage of using a digital sunshade based on smart glass or in-glass transparent displays, instead of a regular sunshade, is that the whole windshield can be protected against glare not just the top of it. The results were verified and highlighted using computer simulations done via a MATLAB environment.
Combining Exsolution and Infiltration for Redox, Low Temperature CH4 Conversion to Syngas
Authors: Kousi Kalliopi , Neagu Dragos , Metcalfe Ian S.
Published: April 2020

Exsolution of surface and bulk nanoparticles in perovskites has been recently employed in chemical looping methane partial oxidation because of the emergent materials’ properties such as oxygen capacity, redox stability, durability, coke resistance and enhanced activity. Here we attempt to further lower the temperature of methane conversion by complementing exsolution with infiltration. We prepare an endo/exo-particle system using exsolution and infiltrate it with minimal amount of Rh (0.1 wt%) in order to functionalize the surface and induce low temperature activity. We achieve a temperature decrease by almost 220 °C and an increase of the activity up to 40%. We also show that the initial microstructure of the perovskite plays a key role in controlling nanoparticle anchorage and carbon deposition. Our results demonstrate that microstructure tuning and surface functionalization are important aspects to consider when designing materials for redox cycling applications.
Platinum Group Metal-Free Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction: Applications in Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Costa de Oliveira Maida Aysla , D’Epifanio Alessandra , Ohnuki Hitoshi , Mecheri Barbara
Published: April 2020

Scientific and technological innovation is increasingly playing a role for promoting the transition towards a circular economy and sustainable development. Thanks to its dual function of harvesting energy from waste and cleaning up waste from organic pollutants, microbial fuel cells (MFCs) provide a revolutionary answer to the global environmental challenges. Yet, one key factor that limits the implementation of larger scale MFCs is the high cost and low durability of current electrode materials, owing to the use of platinum at the cathode side. To address this issue, the scientific community has devoted its research efforts for identifying innovative and low cost materials and components to assemble lab-scale MFC prototypes, fed with wastewaters of different nature. This review work summarizes the state-of the-art of developing platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) catalysts for applications at the cathode side of MFCs. We address how different catalyst families boost oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in neutral pH, as result of an interplay between surface chemistry and morphology on the efficiency of ORR active sites. We particularly review the properties, performance, and applicability of metal-free carbon-based materials, molecular catalysts based on metal macrocycles supported on carbon nanostructures, M-N-C catalysts activated via pyrolysis, metal oxide-based catalysts, and enzyme catalysts. We finally discuss recent progress on MFC cathode design, providing a guidance for improving cathode activity and stability under MFC operating conditions.