bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Reasons Why Parents Use White Lies to Golden Age Children in Al Ghazaly Kindergarten
Authors: Safitri Rika Nurismah
Published: November 2020

White lies are lying with good intentions without hurting others. Parents sometimes use white lies in communicating with their children. This often happens in golden age child who are active and always want to learn many things. The theory used in this research is cognitive dissonance theory with qualitative method. Data is collected by interview. The subjects in this study were parents of students at Al Ghazaly Kindergarten, Bogor. The results showed that parents use white lies when children ask lots of questions and explore new things. Children curiosity process sometimes makes parents uncomfortable so the way parents reduce their discomfort by using white lies. There are many reasons why parents use white lies, because they want to be quick in answering children's questions, because they were anxiety, and because they think it is not the right time for children to know the real answers. Parents claim they know white lies because it was applied by their parents when they were young.
Thematic Analysis Uses in Interpreting Muslim Consumers' Awareness on Halal Logo
Authors: Mahmud Nurul Wahidah
Published: November 2020

Pertimbangan sebagai manusia adalah diperlukan untuk memahami bagaimana pengguna Muslim memberi reaksi terhadap tahap kesedaran mereka pada halal logo. Sewajarnya, ia harus dirumuskan secara berkesan bagi mengekspressikan pendapat mereka yang berkualiti, dipercayai, menjelaskan maklumat dan memenuhi matlamat kajian. Tujuan kajian adalah untuk menganalisis kesedaran pengguna terhadap halal logo menggunakan kaedah Braun dan Clarke (2006). Transkripsi lisan daripada interview berstruktur digunakan secara sistematik menggunakan analisis thematic, dipercayai boleh memberi makumat yang kaya, berguna dan telus. Mengaplikasikan procedure enam langkah diperkenalkan oleh Braun dan Clarke (2006), kajian telah berjaya mentafsirkan berbagai perspektif daripada kelopok kajian, yang membantu dalam menangani pengurusan data dan menghasilkan laporan kajian.
The awareness levels on halal logo amongst Muslim consumers are still low, yet have to be directed analytically to demonstrate their expressions. It is due that the Halal logo intensely perceived as a routine in the ordinary life and culture of the Muslim consumer. The purpose of the study is to interpret consumers' awareness of the halal logo by using thematic analysis. Data collected using verbal data interview from focus group sampling technique. Hence, it is highlighted a few issues influencing their awareness levels such as purchase consideration, educational status, and familiarity level on the halal logo. Essentially, this study found that strengthening halal logo as unit trust implies as sufficient to avoid purchasing disputes, thus may indicate higher credential when choosing certified -halal products.
Pendekatan Dakwah Nabi SAW terhadap Wanita Menurut al-Sunnah
Authors: Abdul Lathiff Mohd Siroj , Shamsudin Roshimah
Published: November 2020

Pendekatan dakwah yang diambil oleh Nabi SAW terhadap kaum wanita disifatkan oleh sesetengah pihak sebagai berbentuk kekerasan, hinaan dan merendahkan martabat mereka. Tanggapan tersebut bertitik-tolak daripada kefahaman yang salah terhadap hadith-hadith sahih berkaitan interaksi Nabi SAW terhadap kaum wanita khususnya yang terdapat dalam kitab-kitab hadith induk. Justeru, artikel ini bertujuan mengkaji pendekatan dakwah Nabi SAW terhadap kaum wanita berdasarkan hadith-hadith terpilih terutamanya yang terdapat dalam al-Kutub al-Sittah dengan membincangkan pandangan ulama hadith terhadap maksud dan konteks hadith. Bagi mencapai tujuan tersebut, kajian yang berbentuk kualitatif dilaksanakan bagi mendapatkan data-kata daripada sumber primer seperti Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim dan kitab Sunan yang lain. Data-data tersebut dianalisis berdasarkan metode induktif dan deduktif. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa pendekatan dakwah Nabi SAW terhadap kaum wanita adalah pelbagai, berdasarkan situasi dan kesesuaian. Antaranya adalah pendekatan dakwah yang berbentuk galakan, ancaman, perumpamaan dan penceritaan yang setiap satunya mempunyai kriteria-kriteria tertentu. Dalam hal ini, pendekatan yang dipraktikkan oleh Nabi SAW menjadi asas dalam membentuk kaedah dakwah yang berkesan terhadap kaum wanita.
The approach engaged by the Prophet (PBUH) to preach women were deemed by some as harsh, insulting and a degradation. These responses stem from misconstruing authentic hadiths pertaining to the Prophet’s interactions with women, especially those found in the major hadith compilations. Therefore, this article aims to study the Prophet’s approach to women based on selected hadiths, especially those found in al-Kutub al-Sittah by discussing the views of the hadith scholars on the intent and context of the hadith. To achieve this purpose, a qualitative study was conducted to obtain data from primary sources such as Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim and other Sunans. The data were analyzed based on inductive and deductive methods. The findings of the study show that the Prophet’s preaching approach to women was varied, based on the situation and the suitability. Among those are in the form of encouragement, threats, parables and storytelling each of which has its own certain criteria. In this regard, these approaches practised by the Prophet (PBUH) was foundational in establishing an effective methods of preaching upon women.
Administration Of Justice Under The Shariah, Common Law And Civil Law System: Towards A Better Understanding
Authors: A. Baderin Mashood
Published: November 2020

There is today a general perception that the traditional differences between the Common Law and Civil Law systems have shrunk greatly and that both, being secular â€œWesternâ€ systems, should be able to accommodate one another and impact on one another easily and positively. It is the Shar_â€˜ah system, being based on divine law, that is often perceived as being radically different and possibly not having anything in common with either the Common Law or the

Civil Law systems respectively. Our analysis of administration of justice in this paper however demonstrates that the jurisprudence of the three legal systems have evolved along similar lines and that under each of the systems the relevant theories and principles of administration of justice have been  influenced by reasonableness and expediency which gives room for the necessary flexibility to ensure the realisation of substantive justice under each one of the three legal systems, if there is the political and judicial will to do so

on the part of the ruling authority, the judiciary and other relevant institutions of administration of justice respectively. In view of the continuing interaction between the three legal systems in different countries of the world today, there is a need to continue promoting a better understanding of the systems to enhance an effective administration of justice across the legal systems globally.
الأجرة في منظور مذهبي الشافعي والحنبلي: دراسة مقارنة
Authors: Gunardi Setiyawan bin
Published: November 2020

الأجرة مبدأ مقابلة الأعمال والخدمات. وهي من الأعمال قديما وحديثا في المعاملات. سوف يقوم هذا البحث بدراسة الأجرة في منظور مذهبي الشافعي والحنبلي ثم المقارنة بينهما. وهناك عناصر متساوية من حيث مبدأ الأجرة والصلة بينهما. وانطلاقا من هذا، تستهدف الدراسة توضيح مفهوم الأجرة من منظور مذهبي الشافعي والحنبلي، وتوضيح مصطلحات أخرى تشبه مفهوم الأجرة، وتقارن حكم الأجرة بين المذهبين في بعض القضايا. استخدم الباحثون في كتابة البحث وجمع المعلومات حوله المنهج الوصفي لبيان الأجر، والمنهج الاستقرائي. وسيقوم الباحثون في هذا المنهج بجمع جميع المعلومات المتعلقة باستخراج هذه المعلومات من كتب التراث، والمقالات العلمية، والمجلات التي تتعلق بأحكام الأجرة. ثم المنهج الاستنباطي لبيان أدلتهم في الموضوع والمقارنة بين المذهبين. على هذا النحو، قد توصل الباحثون في نهاية الدراسة إلى نتائج البحث منها معرفة الأدلة الشرعية على جواز الأجرة  اعتماداً على الأدلة المعتبرة، وأن هناك أوجه الخلاف والاتفاق بين المذهبين في بعض القضايا مثل قضية أخذ الأجرة على تعليم القرآن وعلوم الشريعة وفي تجهيز الميت، وأن هناك مصطلحات أخرى لعناصر الأجرة مثل الجعالة والإجارة.
The ujrah is the principle of corresponding business and service. It is an old and modern business in transactions. This research will study on ujrah in the Shafi'i and Hanbali mazhab and compare between the two. In terms of Ujrah principles, there are similar elements and relationship between these two mazhabs. Based on this, the research aims at explaining the concept of ujrah from the perspective of the mazhab of Shafi'i and Hanbali, and clarifying other terms that resemble the concept of ujrah, as well as comparing the rules of ujrah between the two mazhabs in some issues. The research used descriptive approach in discussing the issues on ujrah and the inductive methodology. Adopting this methodology, the research will collect all information related to explanation on the issues based on classical books, articles and magazines related to the topic. Meanwhile the deductive approach is used to show their evidence in the subject and judgments and to establish comparison between the two mazhabs. Among the results of the research are Ujrah is permissible and legitimate according to authentic jurisprudential evidence (dalil mu’tabar). There are differences and similarities between the two mazhab in some cases such as taking a fee on teaching of Quran and Sharia sciences, dealing with the dead, and there are other terminologies under the ujrah such as ju’alah and ijarah.
Comunicar las ciencias desde las instituciones: dos modelos de análisis aplicados al caso UNER
Authors: Cortassa Carina , Wursten Andrés , Andrés Gonzalo , Legaria Juan Ignacio
Published: November 2020

En el artículo se proponen dos modelos para el análisis de las prácticas de comunicación pública de las ciencias en los organismos científico-tecnológicos, y se explora su capacidad interpretativa mediante su aplicación al caso de la Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos (UNER, República Argentina). Se sostiene que el impulso a las mismas puede provenir de manera alternativa o articulada de dos planos: a) el de las estrategias e iniciativas lideradas por las organizaciones; y b) el de las percepciones y actitudes de quienes integran la comunidad académica. Con base en la evidencia empírica, se argumenta que la conjunción de ambos planos configura escenarios más o menos favorables para el desarrollo y proyección de la comunicación pública de las ciencias en esos entornos. Los resultados aportan insumos relevantes para el diseño de políticas institucionales destinadas a fortalecer el papel de las universidades en los procesos de apropiación social del conocimiento.
Innovación pedagógica, vinculación científica-tecnológica y extensión universitaria
Authors: Talevi Marianella , Diez María Angelica , Serra Varela Samanta
Published: November 2020

La Universidad Nacional de Río Negro (Argentina) fortalece la vinculación con la sociedad a partir del principio de asociatividad, junto con los de ciencia, innovación y excelencia. Con enfoque cualitativo y exploratorio-descriptivo se abordaron las prácticas de innovación pedagógica en Paleontología y Geología. Estas innovaciones fueron basadas en las necesidades de los museos regionales y canalizadas a través de proyectos de extensión, voluntariado y trabajo social. Como resultado se lograron dos objetivos centrales: reactivar colaborativamente los museos hacia el interior y el exterior a través de la vinculación científico-tecnológica, mejorando la comunicación social de la ciencia y la educación científica, y enriquecer la formación de los estudiantes implementando innovaciones pedagógicas curriculares centradas en el aprendizaje-servicio. Asimismo, se fortaleció el compromiso ciudadano de los estudiantes, se prepararon las colecciones para uso de los investigadores y se generaron estrategias de preservación del patrimonio geológico.
On the Logarithmic Summability of Sequences in Intuitionistic Fuzzy Normed Spaces
Authors: YAVUZ Enes
Published: November 2020

We introduce logarithmic summability in intuitionistic fuzzy normed spaces($IFNS$) and give some Tauberian conditions for which logarithmic summability yields convergence in $IFNS$. Besides, we define the concept of slow oscillation with respect to logarithmic summability in $IFNS$, investigate its relation with the concept of q-boundedness and give Tauberian theorems by means of q-boundedness and slow oscillation with respect to logarithmic summability. A comparison theorem between Ces\`{a}ro summability method and logarithmic summability method in $IFNS$ is also proved in the paper.
On Solutions of a Higher Order Nonhomogeneous Ordinary Differential Equation
Authors: NURAY YILDIRIM Elif , AKGUL Ali
Published: November 2020

Higher order differential equations (ODE) has an important role in the modelling process. It is also much significant which the method is used for the solution. In this study, in order to get the approximate solution of a nonhomogeneous initial value problem, reproducing kernel Hilbert space method is used. Reproducing kernel functions have been obtained and the given problem transformed to the homogeneous form. The results have been presented with the graphics. Absolute errors and relative errors have been given in the tables.
Using Health Belief Model, TriRisk Model, and Fatalism to predict COVID-19 Social Distancing Compliance Behavior
Authors: Lahiry Sugato , Karmakar Rita , Parameswaran Swathy
Published: November 2020

Amid a raging COVID-19 pandemic, governments everywhere need to deploy more targeted strategies to make social distancing effective and reduce human to human transmission of the virus. 357 Participants across India participated in the study. The age range of participants were 15- 78 years (M = 47.64, SD = 14.46), 41.5% of whom were men and 58.5% were women. Multi-item and single-item scales were used to assess risk perceptions, basic components of the health belief model, fatalism, and social distancing compliance behavior. The results revealed that experiential risk perception was the strongest predictor followed by perceived barriers and gender. Deliberative risk perception and affective risk perception were significantly positively correlated with compliance behavior, though neither turned out to be statistically significant predictors of compliance behavior. Experiential risk perception mediated the path between cognitive risk assessment and compliance behavior. The study has implications in designing lockdown/social distancing compliance strategies.
Семинар «Православие, этнос и русская народная культура». Краткий обзор 20 лет работы (SEMINAR “ORTHODOXY, ETHNOS, AND RUSSIAN NATIONAL CULTURE”. SUMMARY OF 20 YEARS OF WORK)
Authors: Кириченко (Kirichenko) Олег Викторович (Oleg V.)
Published: November 2020

Краткий обзор истории семинара включает в себя общую оценку его деятельности за двадцать лет его существования. Семинар появился в Институте этнологии и антропологии РАН как платформа для обсуждения научных идей, концепций, результатов исследований православных ученых и православия, как такового (Церкви, веры, мировоззрения, культурообразующего явления и проч.). Междисциплинарный характер его позволил привлечь сюда ученых из разных областей гуманитарного знания: этнографов, педагогов, историков, филологов, искусствоведов, архитекторов; исследователей из светской области мысли и церковной. Ныне семинар начинает решать новые задачи - более проблемного и теоретического характера.
A brief overview of the history of the seminar includes an overall assessment of its activities. The seminar appeared at the Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of the Russian Academy of Sciences as a platform for discussing scientific ideas, concepts, research results of Orthodox scholars and Orthodoxy as such (Church, faith, worldview, culture-forming phenomenon, etc.). Its interdisciplinary nature made it possible to attract scientists from different fields of humanitarian knowledge: ethnographers, educators, historians, philologists, art historians, architects; researchers from the secular field of thought and the church. Now the seminar is solving new problems of a more theoretical nature.
Impacto de los canales de comercialización online en tiempos del COVID-19
Authors: Vargas Merino Jorge Alberto , Tello Saldaña Jaime Daniel , Nizama Imán María Alexandra , Huamán Yovera Brigitte de los Ángeles
Published: November 2020

Las empresas peruanas, específicamente en Lima Metropolitana, debido a la coyuntura del COVID-19, se encuentran inmersas en el reto de implementar opciones para generar ventas ¿Son los canales de comercialización Online, una buena alternativa de reactivación del comercio de bienes y servicios en tiempos de COVID-19? El presente trabajo de investigación tuvo como objetivo general identificar cómo los canales de comercialización online impactan en las ventas en tiempos de COVID-19 en Lima Metropolitana 2020. El enfoque de la investigación fue cuantitativo, tipo básica, de nivel explicativo, diseño no experimental y de corte transversal. La población objeto de estudio estuvo conformada por 267 habitantes de la ciudad de Lima Metropolitana, de ambos sexos, de 18 a 55 años. La técnica utilizada fue la encuesta, el instrumento fue el cuestionario, con un estadístico global de fiabilidad alfa de Cronbach de 0,912.  Los resultados inferenciales de la prueba Chi cuadrado de Pearson, demuestran que los canales de comercialización online (con un nivel altamente significativo 0,00 < 0,05) si tiene impacto en el incremento de las ventas en tiempos de COVID-19. Se identifica también que, si existe impacto entre los canales de comercialización online y la intención de compra, así también con riesgo de compra. Se concluye finalmente que, los canales de comercialización online están altamente vinculados con el nivel de gasto y con la satisfacción de compra, es decir que el uso de los canales de comercialización online si tiene un gran impacto en el nivel del gasto y la satisfacción de compra.
Test Minimental para el diagnóstico temprano del deterioro cognitivo
Authors: Tapia Cerda Verónica Del Consuelo , Llamuca Quinaloa Jhonatan Gualberto , Miranda Caisaluisa José Leonardo , Macías Guamangate Yessenia Karolina
Published: November 2020

Este trabajo informa el proceso y resultados iniciales de la automatización del test de diagnóstico médico de atención primaria en salud, estandarizado y reconocido a nivel mundial para la detección temprana del deterioro cognitivo en pacientes geriátricos denominado Test MiniMental. Es un cuestionario que evalúa la memoria, orientación, concentración y lenguaje; se basa en el otorgamiento de puntuaciones según las respuestas del paciente, luego las puntuaciones se promedian y se comparan con los parámetros estandarizados en el test determinando de esta manera el nivel de deterioro cognitivo que puede sugerir o no el inicio de patologías psiquiátricas como el Alzheimer. La aplicación creada permite seguir de forma secuencial y gráfica la evolución clínica del paciente; incluye también un componente de recordatorios que avisa al paciente la medicación a tomar según prescripción médica indicada. Para validar el trabajo se contó con la colaboración del médico ocupacional de la Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi y la psicóloga clínica del Hogar de Ancianos Instituto Estupiñán de Latacunga – Ecuador, institución donde se aplicó la herramienta a 12 pacientes de 75 a 93 años, 5 varones y 7 mujeres, como resultado se identificó deterioro cognitivo grave en 4 pacientes, deterioro cognitivo entre discreto y moderado en 6 pacientes.
Stocking Rate Has No Confounding Effect on the Use of Internal and Inert Markers to Predict Botanical Composition, Diet Quality, Degradability and Passage Rate Kinetics in Sheep
Authors: Pepeta Bulelani Nangamso , Moyo Mehluli , Hassen Abubeker , Nsahlai Ignatius Verla
Published: November 2020

This study investigated if there is any confounding effect of stocking rate on the use of internal markers to determine and predict the dietary ingredient composition, dry matter intake (DMI) and digestibility of diets consumed by sheep. Fifteen sheep were randomly allocated to stocking rate treatments of one (SR1), two (SR2), four (SR4) and eight (SR8) sheep per pen (space allowance: 31.04 m2, 15.52 m2, 7.76 m2 and 3.88 m2 per sheep, respectively) and fed ad libitum maize stover, sorghum stover and veld hay by supplying 110% of previous day’s intake. Sheep were rotated across the treatments in four periods of 10 days. The proportion of feeds selected and total DMI were similar across all stocking rate treatments. However, diets selected by sheep in SR2 had the highest digestibility compared to other treatments. The prediction of the effective degradability of dry matter using acid detergent fibre content achieved an accuracy of 84.6%. A combination of crude protein and neutral detergent fibre contents achieved 63% accuracy in the prediction of the rate of degradation of feeds. The use of acid insoluble ash (AIA) as an internal marker to predict nutrient intake, digestibility, DMI and dietary ingredient intake accounted for 84.3%, 81.2%, 53.0% and 64.1% of the variation, respectively. The predictions of dietary feed proportions and nutrient quality selected obtained with least squares procedure using a combination of modified acid detergent fibre (MADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and AIA accounted for 81.0% and 72.4% of the variation, respectively. In conclusion, regardless of the different stocking rate tested in this study, a combination of MADF, ADL and AIA as internal markers can be used to estimate diet and nutrient selection by sheep using the least squares procedure. Hence, these markers can be used to predict ingredient composition of diet, diet and nutrient selection, nutrient intake and digestibility in free ranging animals.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Features of Klebsiella pneumoniae Harboring Carbapenemases in Egypt: OXA-48-Like Carbapenemases as an Investigated Model
Authors: Ragheb Suzan Mohammed , Tawfick Mahmoud Mohamed , El-Kholy Amani Ali , Abdulall Abeer Khairy
Published: November 2020

This study aimed at the characterization of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates focusing on typing of the blaOXA-48-like genes. Additionally, the correlation between the resistance pattern and biofilm formation capacity of the carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates was studied. The collected isolates were assessed for their antimicrobial resistance and carbapenemases production by a modified Hodge test and inhibitor-based tests. The carbapenemases encoding genes (blaKPC, blaNDM, blaVIM, blaIMP, and blaOXA-48-like) were detected by PCR. Isolates harboring blaOXA-48-like genes were genotyped by Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus-Polymerase Chain Reaction (ERIC-PCR) and plasmid profile analysis. The discriminatory power of the three typing methods (antibiogram, ERIC-PCR, and plasmid profile analysis) was compared by calculation of Simpson’s Diversity Index (SDI). The transferability of blaOXA-48 gene was tested by chemical transformation. The biofilm formation capacity and the prevalence of the genes encoding the fimbrial adhesins (fimH-1 and mrkD) were investigated. The isolates showed remarkable resistance to β-lactams and non-β-lactams antimicrobials. The coexistence of the investigated carbapenemases encoding genes was prevalent except for only 15 isolates. The plasmid profile analysis had the highest discriminatory power (SDI = 0.98) in comparison with ERIC-PCR (SDI = 0.89) and antibiogram (SDI = 0.78). The transferability of blaOXA-48 gene was unsuccessful. All isolates were biofilm formers with the absence of a significant correlation between the biofilm formation capacity and resistance profile. The genes fimH-1 and mrkD were prevalent among the isolates. The prevalence of carbapenemases encoding genes, especially blaOXA-48-like genes in Egyptian healthcare settings, is worrisome and necessitates further strict dissemination control measures.
Early Warning Signals for Bearing Failure Using Detrended Fluctuation Analysis
Authors: Shalalfeh Laith , AlShalalfeh Ashraf
Published: November 2020

Prognostic techniques play a critical role in predicting upcoming faults and failures in machinery or a system by monitoring any deviation in the operation. This paper presents a novel method to analyze multidimensional sensory data and use its characteristics in bearing health prognostics. Firstly, detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) is exploited to evaluate the long-range correlations in ball bearing vibration data. The results reveal the existence of the crossover phenomenon in vibration data with two scaling exponents at the short-range and long-range scales. Among several data sets, applying the DFA method to vibration signals shows a consistent increase in the short-range scaling exponent toward bearing failure. Finally, Kendall’s tau is used as a ranking coefficient to quantify the trend in the scaling exponent. It was found that the Kendall’s tau coefficient of the vibration scaling exponent could provide an early warning signal (EWS) for bearing failure.
Development of Morphology Analysis-Based Technology Roadmap Considering Layer Expansion Paths: Application of TRIZ and Text Mining
Authors: Feng Lijie , Niu Yuxiang , Wang Jinfeng
Published: November 2020

Morphology analysis (MA)-based roadmapping has been considered an effective means to support the process of technology innovation in a business environment. However, previous research on MA-based roadmaps has commonly focused on the process of developing existing technology roadmaps (TRMs), while the paths of layer expansion for seeking new opportunities is rarely a focus. Thus, the aim of this research is to develop MA-based TRMs by utilizing MA to describe the characteristics of the technology and product layers in the TRMs and apply the improved theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) inventive principles to establish innovation paths for new opportunities with the aid of text mining tools. This study suggests using a morphological matrix to construct existing TRMs by calculating the correlations among different technology and product nodes and two sparse generative topographic mapping (SGTM)-based maps to discover new technology and product opportunities by identifying technology and product development trends and innovation elements in sparse areas, which is the objective of simplifying TRIZ application. To illustrate the performance of the proposed approach, a case study is conducted using patents and product manuals for underwater vehicles, which are becoming popular high-tech and secure tools to explore sub-sea resources. This approach contributes by suggesting a semi-autonomous and systematic procedure to extend the existing MA-based TRM and simplifying TRIZ application according to the occurrence frequency of the keywords.
Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Decreases Microsomal Liver Function in the Absence of Fibrosis
Authors: Verlinden Wim , Van Mieghem Eugénie , Depauw Laura , Vanwolleghem Thomas , Vonghia Luisa , Weyler Jonas , Driessen Ann , Callens Dirk , Roosens Laurence , Dirinck Eveline , Verrijken An , Gaal Luc Van , Francque Sven
Published: November 2020

The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rising across the globe, with the presence of steatohepatitis leading to a more aggressive clinical course. Currently, the diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is based on histology, though with the high prevalence of NAFLD, a non-invasive method is needed. The 13C-aminopyrine breath test (ABT) evaluates the microsomal liver function and could be a potential candidate. We aimed to evaluate a potential change in liver function in NASH patients and to evaluate the diagnostic power of ABT to detect NASH. We performed a retrospective analysis on patients suspected of NAFLD who underwent a liver biopsy and ABT. 440 patients were included. ABT did not decrease in patients with isolated liver steatosis but decreased significantly in the presence of NASH without fibrosis and decreased even further with the presence of significant fibrosis. The predictive power of ABT as a single test for NASH was low but improved in combination with ALT and ultrasonographic steatosis. We conclude that microsomal liver function of patients with NASH is significantly decreased, even in the absence of fibrosis. The ABT is thus a valuable tool in assessing the presence of NASH; and could be used as a supplementary diagnostic tool in clinical practice.
Multifunctional Adhesives on the Eggs of the Leaf Insect Phyllium philippinicum (Phasmatodea: Phylliidae): Solvent Influence and Biomimetic Implications
Authors: Büscher Thies H. , Lohar Raunak , Kaul Marie-Christin , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: November 2020

Leaf insects (Phylliidae) are well-camouflaged terrestrial herbivores. They imitate leaves of plants almost perfectly and even their eggs resemble seeds—visually and regarding to dispersal mechanisms. The eggs of the leaf insect Phyllium philippinicum utilize an adhesive system with a combination of glue, which can be reversibly activated through water contact and a water-responding framework of reinforcing fibers that facilitates their adjustment to substrate asperities and real contact area enhancement. So far, the chemical composition of this glue remains unknown. To evaluate functional aspects of the glue–solvent interaction, we tested the effects of a broad array of chemical solvents on the glue activation and measured corresponding adhesive forces. Based on these experiments, our results let us assume a proteinaceous nature of the glue with different functional chemical subunits, which enable bonding of the glue to both the surface of the egg and the unpredictable substrate. Some chemicals inhibited adhesion, but the deactivation was always reversible by water-contact and in some cases yielded even higher adhesive forces. The combination of glue and fibers also enables retaining the adhesive on the egg, even if detached from the egg’s surface. The gained insights into this versatile bioadhesive system could hereafter inspire further biomimetic adhesives.
Effects of Blood Pressure on Cognitive Performance in Aging: A Systematic Review
Authors: Forte Giuseppe , Casagrande Maria
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Cognitive functions play a crucial role in daily functioning. Unfortunately, some cognitive abilities decline in the process of healthy aging. An increasing body of evidence has highlighted the role of lifestyle habits and cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure, in increasing the risk of cognitive decline. Surprisingly, although hypertension is a modifiable risk factor for cerebrovascular damage, the role of hypertension on cognitive impairment development is not still clear. Several key questions remain unresolved, and there are many inconsistent results in studies considering this topic. This review is aimed to systematically analyze the results found by the studies that investigated whether high blood pressure, in both hypertensive and healthy people, is related to cognitive performance. Furthermore, it points to evaluate the role of age in this relationship. Method: The review process was conducted according to the PRISMA statement. Restrictions were made, selecting the studies in English and published in peer-review journals, including at least one cognitive measure and blood pressure measurement. Studies that included participants with medical conditions, dementia, psychiatric disorders, strokes, and brain injury were excluded. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies were analyzed separately. Finally, blood pressure measured at young life (18–39 years), midlife (age 40–64 years), elderly (65–74 years), and old age (≥75 years) were considered. Results: The review allows 68 studies to be selected, which include 154,935 participants. The results provided evidence of an adverse effect of exposure to high blood pressure on cognitive performance. High blood pressure in midlife was linked with poorer cognitive functioning; this evidence was found in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. However, this association declines with increasing age and tends to become inconsistent. In older people, the relationship between blood pressure and cognitive performance is non-linear, highlighting a beneficial effect of high blood pressure on cognition. Conclusions: Despite some limitations, this review showed that cardiovascular and neuro-cognitive systems do not operate in isolation, but they are related. Blood pressure can be considered an early biomarker of cognitive impairment, and the necessity of early blood pressure measurement and control was underlined.
Catalytic Cracking of n-Hexadecane Using Carbon Nanostructures/Nano-Zeolite-Y Composite Catalyst
Authors: Zhuman Botagoz , Anis Shaheen Fatima , Saepurahman  , Singravel Gnanapragasam , Hashaikeh Raed
Published: November 2020

Zeolite-based catalysts are usually utilized in the form of a composite with binders, such as alumina, silica, clay, and others. However, these binders are usually known to block the accessibility of the active sites in zeolites, leading to a decreased effective surface area and agglomeration of zeolite particles. The aim of this work is to utilize carbon nanostructures (CNS) as a binding material for nano-zeolite-Y particles. The unique properties of CNS, such as its high surface area, thermal stability, and flexibility of its fibrous structure, makes it a promising material to hold and bind the nano-zeolite particles, yet with a contemporaneous accessibility of the reactants to the porous zeolite structure. In the current study, a nano-zeolite-Y/CNS composite catalyst was fabricated through a ball milling approach. The catalyst possesses a high surface area of 834 m2/g, which is significantly higher than the conventional commercial cracking catalysts. Using CNS as a binding material provided homogeneous distribution of the zeolite nanoparticles with high accessibility to the active sites and good mechanical stability. In addition, CNS was found to be an effective binding material for nano-zeolite particles, solving their major drawback of agglomeration. The nano-zeolite-Y/CNS composite showed 80% conversion for hexadecane catalytic cracking into valuable olefins and hydrogen gas, which was 14% higher compared to that of pure nano-zeolite-Y particles.
Effects of Environmental Traits and Landscape Management on the Biodiversity of Saproxylic Beetles in Mediterranean Oak Forests
Authors: Cárdenas Ana M. , Gallardo Patricia , Salido Ángela , Márquez José
Published: November 2020

This study assesses the effects of environmental traits and landscape management on the biodiversity of saproxylic beetles from “dehesas” located in Sierra Morena Mountains (Córdoba, Southern Iberian Peninsula). The dehesa is an open savanna-like landscape with mature/old trees scattered on a pasture cover where both living and dead wood are of great importance for the maintenance of macroinvertebrate fauna. The study was carried out in five plots, with different environmental features and management. A total of 137 branches belonging to the four main tree species present in the area were collected, classified, and kept under four different thermal conditions. From January to June 2019, the adult emergences were followed. A total of 466 saproxylic specimens of 31 species were obtained, 5 of them included in red lists of protected fauna. Two Bostrichidae species (Lichenophanes numida Lesne and Scobicia pustulata Fab.) and two Cerambycidae (Chlorophorus ruficornis Oliv. and Trichoferus fasciculatus Faldermann) are included in the “European Red List of Saproxylic Beetles”; and the Clerid Tillus ibericus Bahillo de la Puebla, López–Colón and García–Paris, is included in the “Red Book of Invertebrate of Andalucía”. Differences were observed regarding the diversity and abundance among the plots and among the tree species from which the beetles emerged. Simple regression analyses revealed negative relationships between tree density/Buprestidae, livestock/Bostrichidae, and land use/Cerambycidae. Multivariant logistic regression analysis did not find significant relationships among environmental traits and saproxylic diversity. Results confirmed that dry wood was a main resource for the maintenance dehesas’ biodiversity because it constitutes an ecological niche exploited by a significant set of saproxylic beetles belonging to the Bostrichidae, Buprestidae, and Cerambycidae families, in addition to other guilds of species, mainly Carabidae and Cleridae, which feed on the above-mentioned groups. Our results also support that increasing environmental temperature accelerates the development of Buprestidae, but this effect was not evident for the Bostrichidae species.
Endoscopic Ultrasonography Findings of Early and Suspected Early Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Takasaki Yusuke , Ishii Shigeto , Fujisawa Toshio , Ushio Mako , Takahashi Sho , Yamagata Wataru , Ito Koichi , Suzuki Akinori , Ochiai Kazushige , Tomishima Ko , Saito Hiroaki , Isayama Hiroyuki
Published: November 2020

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is associated with a risk of pancreatic cancer and is characterized by irreversible morphological changes, fibrosis, calcification, and exocrine and endocrine insufficiency. CP is a progressive disease with a poor prognosis and is typically diagnosed at an advanced stage. The Japan Pancreas Society proposed criteria for early CP in 2009, and their usefulness has been reported. Recently, a mechanism definition was proposed by the International Consensus Guidelines and early CP was defined as a disease state that is not based on disease duration. CP is diagnosed by computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and endoscopic cholangiopancreatography, which can detect calcification and dilation of the pancreatic ducts; however, detecting early CP with these modalities is difficult because subtle changes in early CP occur before established CP or end-stage CP. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is useful in the diagnosis of early CP because it allows high-resolution, close-up observation of the pancreas. In addition to imaging findings, EUS with elastography enables measurement of the stiffness of the pancreas, an objective diagnostic measure. Understanding the EUS findings of early CP is important because a histological diagnosis is problematic, and other modalities are not capable of detecting subtle changes in early CP.
Hodgkin Reed–Sternberg-Like Cells in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Parente Paola , Zanelli Magda , Sanguedolce Francesca , Mastracci Luca , Graziano Paolo
Published: November 2020

Reed–Sternberg cells (RSCs) are hallmarks of classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). However, cells with a similar morphology and immunophenotype, so-called Reed–Sternberg-like cells (RSLCs), are occasionally seen in both B cell and T cell non-Hodgkin Lymphomas (NHLs). In NHLs, RSLCs are usually present as scattered elements or in small clusters, and the typical background microenviroment of cHL is usually absent. Nevertheless, in NHLs, the phenotype of RSLCs is very similar to typical RSCs, staining positive for CD30 and EBV, and often for B cell lineage markers, and negative for CD45/LCA. Due to different therapeutic approaches and prognostication, it is mandatory to distinguish between cHL and NHLs. Herein, NHL types in which RSLCs can be detected along with clinicopathological correlation are described. Moreover, the main helpful clues in the differential diagnosis with cHL are summarized.
The Financial Development-Renewable Energy Consumption Nexus in the Case of Azerbaijan
Authors: Mukhtarov Shahriyar , Humbatova Sugra , Hajiyev Natig Gadim-Oglu , Aliyev Sannur
Published: November 2020

This article analyzed the relationship between financial development, renewable energy consumption, economic growth, and energy prices in Azerbaijan by employing time series data for the time span of 1993–2015. The autoregressive distributed lagged (ARDL) technique was applied in empirical estimations, because it performs better than all the alternative techniques in small samples, which was the case here in this article. The results of estimation found that there is a positive and statistically significant influence of financial development and economic growth on renewable energy consumption, whereas the prices of energy proxied by CPI have an adverse impact on renewable energy consumption in Azerbaijan. Also, estimation results demonstrated that a 1% rise in financial development, proxied by domestic credit as a percentage of GDP, and economic growth increase renewable energy consumption by 0.16% and 0.60%, respectively. The different financial development impacts on renewable energy consumption and related policy implications were also introduced.
A Comprehensive Review of Recent Advances in Smart Grids: A Sustainable Future with Renewable Energy Resources
Authors: Alotaibi Ibrahim , Abido Mohammed A. , Khalid Muhammad , Savkin Andrey V.
Published: November 2020

The smart grid is an unprecedented opportunity to shift the current energy industry into a new era of a modernized network where the power generation, transmission, and distribution are intelligently, responsively, and cooperatively managed through a bi-directional automation system. Although the domains of smart grid applications and technologies vary in functions and forms, they generally share common potentials such as intelligent energy curtailment, efficient integration of Demand Response, Distributed Renewable Generation, and Energy Storage. This paper presents a comprehensive review categorically on the recent advances and previous research developments of the smart grid paradigm over the last two decades. The main intent of the study is to provide an application-focused survey where every category and sub-category herein are thoroughly and independently investigated. The preamble of the paper highlights the concept and the structure of the smart grids. The work presented intensively and extensively reviews the recent advances on the energy data management in smart grids, pricing modalities in a modernized power grid, and the predominant components of the smart grid. The paper thoroughly enumerates the recent advances in the area of network reliability. On the other hand, the reliance on smart cities on advanced communication infrastructure promotes more concerns regarding data integrity. Therefore, the paper dedicates a sub-section to highlight the challenges and the state-of-the-art of cybersecurity. Furthermore, highlighting the emerging developments in the pricing mechanisms concludes the review.
Transition from Electromechanical Dynamics to Quasi-Electromechanical Dynamics Caused by Participation of Full Converter-Based Wind Power Generation
Authors: Luo Jianqiang , Bu Siqi , Zhu Jiebei
Published: November 2020

Previous studies generally consider that the full converter-based wind power generation (FCWG) is a “decoupled” power source from the grid, which hardly participates in electromechanical oscillations. However, it was found recently that strong interaction could be induced which might incur severe resonance incidents in the electromechanical dynamic timescale. In this paper, the participation of FCWG in electromechanical dynamics is extensively investigated, and particularly, an unusual transition of the electromechanical oscillation mode (EOM) is uncovered for the first time. The detailed mathematical models of the open-loop and closed-loop power systems are firstly established, and modal analysis is employed to quantify the FCWG participation in electromechanical dynamics, with two new mode identification criteria, i.e., FCWG dynamics correlation ratio (FDCR) and quasi-electromechanical loop correlation ratio (QELCR). On this basis, the impact of different wind penetration levels and controller parameter settings on the participation of FCWG is investigated. It is revealed that if an FCWG oscillation mode (FOM) has a similar oscillation frequency to the system EOMs, there is a high possibility to induce strong interactions between FCWG dynamics and system electromechanical dynamics of the external power systems. In this circumstance, an interesting phenomenon may occur that an EOM may be dominated by FCWG dynamics, and hence is transformed into a quasi-EOM, which actively involves the participation of FCWG quasi-electromechanical state variables.
Improvement of Power Capacity of Electric-Assisted Bicycles Using Fuel Cells with Metal Hydride
Authors: Misaki Chiharu , Hara Daisuke , Katayama Noboru , Dowaki Kiyoshi
Published: November 2020

Hydrogen is an alternative fuel that is currently being used in fuel cell (FC) applications. This study focuses on electric-assisted bicycles (electric bicycles) powered by FCs and aims to determine the configuration of an FC system based on power demand. Metal hydrides (MHs) were used in the investigation to facilitate the containment of FC systems with improved hydrogen storage capacity. The flow performance was evaluated in our previous study; thus, here we focused on understanding the hydrogen flow characteristics from storage and the weight gain of the cartridge. Through experiments performed on existing electric-assisted bicycles, the relationship between the load weight and the power demand was evaluated. Furthermore, the power capacity of Li-ion batteries and FC systems was compared. No loss in performance was observed up to an additional payload weight of 8 kg. Combining the FC unit with an auxiliary battery offers up to 6.81× benefits with a significant weight capacity (8 kg). It is inferred that the current MH tank design does not support the required amount of hydrogen. The hydrogen flow could be supported by the exhaust heat of the FC to the MH.
Comminution of Copper Ores with the Use of a High-Pressure Water Jet
Authors: Borkowski Przemyslaw J.
Published: November 2020

The article presents research on the comminution of copper ore in a self-constructed mill using high-pressure water jet energy to investigate the usefulness of such a method for comminuting copper ore. As a result, ore particles are obtained that are characterized by appropriate comminution and a significant increase in their specific surface, in turn allowing for potential further processing of the mineral. A comparative analysis of the efficiency of copper ore comminution, primarily taking into account the unit energy consumption and the efficiency of the milling process, clearly indicates that the energy absorption of hydro-jet material comminuting is lower than during mechanical grinding, e.g., in a planetary ball mill. The applicability of the technique depends on the brittle nature of the host rock, e.g., it is especially appropriate for sandstone and shale ores.
A Highly Sensitive “on-off” Time-Resolved Phosphorescence Sensor Based on Aptamer Functionalized Magnetite Nanoparticles for Cadmium Detection in Food Samples
Authors: Lai Bin , Wang Ruiying , Yu Xiaoting , Wang Haitao , Wang Zhouping , Tan Mingqian
Published: November 2020

Cadmium contamination is a severe threat to food safety. Therefore, the development of sensitive and selective cadmium detection strategies is urgently required. The elimination of background autofluorescence generated from the food matrix is critical to the optical assay for cadmium detection. Herein, a time-resolved phosphorescence sensor based on an “on-off” strategy was developed for cadmium determination in food samples. The phosphorescence nanoparticles were used as a luminous material to minimize the interference of background autofluorescence. The cadmium-binding aptamer was immobilized onto the magnetic beads and combined with a black hole quencher 1 (BHQ1) with complementary DNA as the target recognition element. With the presence of cadmium, the cadmium-binding aptamer bound to cadmium specifically and resulted in the release of BHQ1. The free BHQ1 remained in the solution after magnetic separation and quenched the phosphorescence. The phosphorescence intensity was negatively related to the concentration of cadmium. Under optimal conditions, the time-resolved phosphorescence sensor showed a linear response to cadmium concentration within a range from 0.05 to 5 ng mL−1 and with a detection limit of 0.04 ng mL−1. This “on-off” time-resolved phosphorescence sensor was successfully applied for cadmium detection in spring water and clam samples, which provided a rapid and straightforward method.