bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PEMIKIRAN HISAB RUKYAH KLASIK (Studi Atas Pemikiran Muhammad Mas Manshur al-Batawi)
Authors: Izzuddin Ahmad
Published: October 2017

Abstract: Islamic teachings in Indonesia have been influenced by ulama, or Islamic thinkers from Saudi Arabia (Haramin). One of these Islamic teaching areas is rukyyahhisab. One of prominent Islamic teachings on rukyah was spread by Mas Manshur al-Batawi. While, his teaching, which was based on Ptolomeus' Geocentrics theory, was being put aside as the Geocentric theory itself and was replaced by Heliosentrics theory, interestingly, his teaching is still widely used in deciding the starting Qomariyah month by many muslim communities in Indonesia, including al-Khairiyah al-Manshuriyah Jakarta and Pondok Pesantren Ploso Mojo Kediri,Â  East Java. Meanwhile, Mas Manshur al-Batawi admitted the existence of this loophole as well. Thus, I am interested in researching further on his Islamic thinking in this study.Abstract: Pemikiran keislaman di Indonesia pada umumnya merupakan hasil jaringan ulama dengan ulama-ulama di Arab Saudi (Haramain) tidak terkecuali pemikiran hisab rukyah di Indonesia. Sebagaimana pemikiran hisab rukyah Mas Manshur al-Betawi yang mana menurut lacakan sejarah merupakan hasil meguru dengan Syeh Abdurahman al-Misra yang masih menggunakan prinsip Geosentris dalam teori Ptolomeus. Oleh karena teori tersebut ditumbangkan oleh prinsip baru Heliosentris yang sudah teruji kebenarannya secara ilmiah, kiranya wajar manakala pemikiran hisab rukyah Mas ManshurÂ  yang masih berprinsip Geosentris, hasil hisabnya hanya dikatagoorikan hisab hakiki taqribi. Dan ini ternyata juga diakui secara gentlemnent oleh Mas Manshur sendiri dalam kitab Sulammun Nayyirain. Namun demikian, sampai sekarang sistem hisabnya masih banyak digunakan dasar penetapan awal bulan Qamariyah oleh sebagaian masyarakat muslim Indonesia, di antaranya yayasan al-Khairiyah al-Manshuriyah Jakarta dan Pondok Pesantren Ploso Mojo Kediri Jawa Timur.
Front Matter
Authors: Team Editorial
Published: October 2017

Volume 13, Nomor 2, Desember 2015
Back Matter
Authors: Team Editorial
Published: October 2017

Volume 13, Nomor 2, Desember 2015
ANALISIS KINERJA KEUANGAN PT. BANK MUAMALAT INDONESIA, Tbk. PERIODE 2009-2011 (PERBANDINGAN RASIO-RASIO KEUANGAN DAN ECONOMIC VALUE ADDED)
Authors: Nalim Nalim , Fitriyah Fitriyah
Published: October 2017

The performance of Bank Muamalat Indonesia (BMI) in 2011 increases its value continually for the stakeholders and contributes in national syariah banking development. Therefore, it is very important to analyze the financial performance in order to get the real description of the company. General financial analysis can be conducted by analyzing the financial ratio and Economic Value Added (EVA) approach. The result of the research shows that the best performance of BMI was in 2010 based on CAR and NPM values. According to ROA, ROE, and BOPO indicators, the best performance was in 2011. The EVA analysis shows that EVA value in the period of 2009-2011 was less than zero, which means that the best performance was not in the year. After getting the result of the financial ratio and EVA analysis, there is comparison between the interpretations of those financial performance results. The result of the comparison is significant. By using financial ratio approach, it shows that the bank has good remunerativeness. However, based on EVA analysis, the EVA value is less than zero, which means that BMI performance is not good. It can be concluded that the good performance based on financial ratio may become not good performance if we analyze it using EVA analysis.
PENGARUH PARTISIPASI ANGGARAN TERHADAP KINERJA MANAJERIAL MELALUI KEMAMPUAN INTERPERSONAL PEMIMPIN BERBASIS SYARIAH (STUDI KASUS PADA BMT DI KOTA PEKALONGAN)
Authors: Aji Gunawan , Kholili Nur
Published: October 2017

This research examines the effect of budget participation on managerial performance by using regression analysis. The research also reviews contingency theory to view the fit between budget participation, leaderhip style of Islamic and managerial performance using residual approach. The application of residual analysis is used to examine the interaction of fit between budget participation and Islamic leadership style an its impact on managerial performance. The application of this approach is expected to encourage the potency of â€œfit: and informative omdel forming in the contingency theory of management accounting in the future.Based on respon 38 manager of BMT in Pekalongan, the results of research shows that budgetary participation has no direct effect on managerial performance. As well as the leadership style of Islamic (sharia-based leader interpersonal skills) does not affect the relationship between budgetary participation and managerial performance.
Network Management--New Strategies in Elderly Services for Thai Government
Authors: Rattanapipat Suppamas , Chanpetch Suwit
Published: October 2017

This study mirrors the increasing importance of network management and also looks at about the devolution of elderly services or social services in general. This survey research was to develop a structural equation model of network management in elderly services. The sample consisted of 556 elderly service providers in Southern part of Thailand. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Findings show the structural equation model had a good fit with the empirical data (χ2 = 767.53, df = 279, RMSEA=0.064, CFI=0.98, SRMR=0.058). The model confirms that 6 factors: trust, mutuality, governance, administration, autonomy and, antecedents possessed effects on network performance. Trust had the highest positive direct effects on network performance, followed by mutuality, governance, and administration respectively, autonomy had negative direct effects and, antecedents only had indirect effect. Therefore, when governments have to work together with partners in elderly services, the problems become more complex so administrators should be concern about these constructs to provide service provisions so that a functional capacity can be maintained for elderly well-being.   Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 4, Issue-4: 232-239
Connective Tissue: Practice as Research in Cross-disciplinary Research Collaborations
Authors: Hansen Pil
Published: October 2017

Practice as Research (PaR and its associated forms) is becoming established within a knowledge paradigm encompassing a broad spectrum of different artistic research practices in the performing arts. In this short essay, Hansen first acknowledges and describes methodological characteristics of this work, which appear across different discussions and examples. The author’s primary objectives, however, are to look at PaR in relationship to broadly established scientific and interpretive research paradigms; to identify the points of negotiation that cross-disciplinary research entails; and to discuss the additional capacity of PaR as ‘connective tissue’ between, for example, creative practice and scientific research. These objectives are driven by the observation that contemporary socio-environmental challenges are too complex to be addressed through segregated, discipline-specific research alone.
The Larval Journey
Authors: Balkwill Peter
Published: October 2017

How does a creating theatre artist access inspiration; how are they able to push the bounds of their current practice and find news of working; how do they get to an original idea? This article might not be able to solve those direct questions but provides avenues toward the possibility of answers. We explore the abstract form in Larval Mask as well as larval shape to goad both our mind and body into the unknown fog of the creative cosmos, to see what happens when we release the pursuit of reaching for a predetermined “idea” and to simply explore the arrival of something unexpected. In this manner of process we are able to push the status quo on many different forms of theatre—in this case toward the advancement of puppetry.
To ‘Hack’ and Back: The Professional Actor as Researcher
Authors: Julien Martin
Published: October 2017

This article examines the idea of “articulating artistic practice” from the positionality of professional actors who also work as researchers within a practice-based research framework. Three main areas of concern are briefly outlined and unpacked: remuneration, scheduling, and aesthetic/practical goals and outcomes. Practice-based research is, by definition, interdisciplinary, and often intermedial. Highlighting some of the commonalities and differences that exist between professional performance practitioners and academic researchers is a necessary and fertile exercise in the quest to establish working methodologies and successful collaborations within the broader praxis of research models based in performance behaviours and technique.
Listening to Animals: Interspecies Understandings through Performance-Based Research
Authors: Sider Kimber
Published: October 2017

We live in an interspecies community, and yet much of the time only human perspectives are acknowledged or considered valid. In order for animal perspectives to be recognized, the mode of inquiry needs to privilege animal ways of knowing and being in the world; it needs to privilege performance, and practice-based research. This paper explores the potential and importance of engaging performance-based research in interspecies contexts. The analysis centers on the performance-based research project, Playing in Silence, which invites musicians to improvise with horses in an open and unstructured space. Playing in Silence demonstrates that through the shared language of performance, humans and horses can co-create understandings, expand knowledges, and learn about one another. Many humans spend an inordinate amount of time speaking about animals, but completely overlook the possibilities of speaking with animals, of learning with and from them, and of discovering their perspectives as unique individuals. However, by tuning into the nuances of another’s performance, through the reflexive inquiry of performance-based research, interspecies understandings can be found, challenging the dominant human-centric perspective of the world, and opening up new realms of understanding.
Are Network Planning Guidelines Based on Equal Access Equitable?
Authors: Mulley Corinne , Ma Liang , Clifton Geoffrey , Tanner Michael
Published: October 2017

Planning principles for public transport networks include simplicity, legibility, frequency, and spatial coverage. These principles are typically translated into a series of guidelines that set out the specific standards for network design within a jurisdiction. In practice, such guidelines usually concentrate on creating a bus network or on defining the role of buses within a multimodal network, as rail-based routes are regarded as fixed in location, and separate planning processes are typically used to design rail frequency and stopping patterns. The outcome of network planning gives rise to tradeoffs between the economic and institutional environments and is conditioned by historical legacy. Bus routes often continue because they have operated at that location. This paper offers a case study of Sydney, Australia, where network planning guidelines still place emphasis on equality of spatial coverage despite moving toward a more integrated approach to network planning. The paper asserts that guidelines focusing on equal spatial coverage may inadvertently promote inequity by not taking account of the difficulties (and therefore higher cost) of serving challenging topographical areas. The paper examines the equity impacts of implementing service planning guidelines on the basis of equal spatial coverage. Criteria relating to equity are established and then measured with the use of data on bus supply, journeys to work, and socioeconomics. The conclusions of the paper contribute to implementation of network planning, with many cities in Australia and elsewhere implementing similar guidelines to those in Sydney.
Transit and Real Estate Rents
Authors: Nelson Arthur C.
Published: October 2017

Although the literature is mixed on the association between transit proximity and real estate values, it is scant in relation to transit proximity and real estate rents. With CoStar asking-rent data for real estate within 1-mi corridors of several light rail transit (LRT), bus rapid transit (BRT), streetcar transit (SCT), and commuter rail transit (CRT) systems, the association between transit corridor proximity and rents at 0.5 mi and between 0.5 and 1 mi of transit corridor centerlines is estimated. For the most part, SCT has the most robust outcomes. This result is notable because economic outcomes to SCT systems may be the least understood given their recent emergence. LRT systems also have significant, positive associations between rents and corridor location. In contrast, results for BRT are mixed, with no statistically significant association with office rent, a negative association with the retail first 0.5-mi distance band, but positive effects for rental apartments. Across all development types, proximity to CRT corridors either has insignificant associations or significant, negative ones. On the basis of transit type, implications are offered for land use planning along transit corridors.
Role of β-type natriuretic peptide as predictor of early post-operative outcomes in Chinese patients undergoing anesthesia
Authors: Chen Chun , Lin Lei
Published: October 2017

The purpose of the present study was to assess whether pre-operative and post-operative B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels could be used as the predictor of post-operative complications in Chinese patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia. A total of 80 adult patients were analyzed. Blood sample to measure BNP was collected from each patient before and after surgery to assess the relationship of pre-operative BNP with all possible clinical outcomes. Elevated BNP levels were associated with prolonged hospital stay and mortality. Our study results suggested that the high levels of BNP predict the prolong hospital stay, increased mortality, and increased usage of balloon pump. Also results suggested that the BNP is one of the key predictors of early post-operative outcomes in Chinese patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia.
From the Desk of Editor-in-Chief Vol. 7(3)
Authors: Khan Md Aminul Haque
Published: October 2017

Abstract not availableJ Enam Med Col 2017; 7(3): 119
Effects of Garlic (Allium sativum) on Blood Glucose Level in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Treated with Metformin
Authors: Shoshi Md Shefat Jahan , Akter Hasina
Published: October 2017

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous group of metabolic disorders with microvascular and macrovascular complications which are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Anti-diabetic drugs are available in modern medicine, but prolonged use of these drugs may produce some side effects. Garlic due to some of its active components can improve glycemic status.Objective: To observe the effect of garlic (Allium sativum) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with obesity.Materials and Methods: This prospective interventional study was carried out in the Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Sir Salimullah Medical College (SSMC), Dhaka from July 2014 to June 2015. Total 60 type 2 diabetes mellitus with obesity subjects of both sexes in the age range 40 to 60 years were included in this study. They were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria from Outpatient Department of Bangladesh Institute of Rehabilitation of Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorder (BIRDEM) Hospital, Dhaka. The subjects were divided into two groups by simple random sampling. One was Group A and another was Group B. The subjects (30) of Group A were supplemented only metformin at a dose of 1000 mg per day. The subjects (30) of Group B were supplemented metformin at a dose of 1000 mg and garlic in capsule form at a dose of 500 mg per day. They were studied two times, on day-1 (1st day of metformin treatment, Group A1), on 12 weeks (after 12 weeks of metformin treatment, Group A2). Subjects of Group B were also studied two times on day-1 (before supplementation of garlic, Group B1) and on 12 weeks (after 12 weeks supplementation of garlic and metformin, Group B2). Fasting blood glucose level and postprandial blood glucose level of all subjects were measured by glucose oxidiase method. Blood HbA1c level of all participants was measured by immunoassay method. The statistical analysis was done by using paired and unpaired samplet test.Results: In this study, the mean FBG and PPBG levels decreased nonsignificantly (p>0.05) after 12 weeks treatment of metformin in comparison to 1st day of metformin treatment. Again, the mean FBG and PPBG levels decreased significantly after 12 weeks supplementation of metformin and garlic compared to before supplementation of garlic (p<0.001) and after 12 weeks supplementation of metformin (p<0.05). Again, blood HbA1c level decreased nonsignificantly (p>0.05) after 12 weeks treatment of metformin and metformin and garlic supplementation compared to 1st day of metformin treatment and before supplementation of garlic.Conclusion: The present study reveals that garlic (Allium sativum) has significant effect on improvement of glycemic status.J Enam Med Col 2017; 7(3): 151-155
Cadmium: An Environmental Heavy Metal with Nephrotoxic Potency, Especially in Diabetic Population
Authors: Mitra Palash , Rahim Muhammad Abdur
Published: October 2017

Our history began about 4.5 billion years ago when our solar system was formed and earth started to take a shape. We are being blessed with uncountable number of, known and unknown, natural resources. We are dependent on them as such that sometimes we cannot even notice their presence. Besides enormous beneficial impacts, the environment we live in is a huge reservoir of toxic metals. Our health is under constant risk due to increasing chronic exposure of such metals that adversely affect the quality of life of people. The deterioration of human health due to exposure to heavy metals has become a major issue of concern worldwide. Although adverse health effects caused by heavy metals have been known for a long time, exposure to heavy metals continues, and is even increasing in some parts of the world, particularly in developing countries. One such heavy metal with a high toxicity found in the earths crust, associated with zinc, lead and copper ores is cadmium. Exposure to cadmium has long been recognized as a health hazard, both in industry and in general populations with high exposure. The parts of body that are potentially affected from exposures to cadmium mainly involve the kidney, liver, lung, heart and bone. There is also a positive association between cadmium exposure and increased nephrotoxicity in patients with diabetes mellitus. The objective of this paper is to review available information on possible toxicities specially nephrotoxicity of cadmium on human health in general and also in diabetic population.J Enam Med Col 2017; 7(3): 156-161
Unfamiliar Large Soft Tissue Sarcoma in A 70-Year-Old Lady
Authors: Yasmin Tarana , Amin Mashah Binte
Published: October 2017

Abstract not availableJ Enam Med Col 2017; 7(3): 170-171
Educational needs of Japan’s dementia care workforce: results of a national online survey
Authors: Annear Michael J. , Nagasawa Fumi , Terawaki Kano , Nagarekawa Fuyuko , Gao Xin , Otani Junko
Published: October 2017

Dementia prevalence is increasing in Japan commensurate with population ageing. This study addresses the paucity of research concerning the dementia education needs of Japanese health workers who care for older adults. A random sample of 117 aged care workers was generated from government lists of institutions and services across eight regions of Japan. Volunteer respondents completed an online survey concerning perceptions of dementia, professional educational needs and demographic information. Japanese aged care workers identified a high prevalence of dementia among their clients and acknowledged the value of professional education; however, they only reported moderate levels of dementia knowledge and confidence with care provision. Educational preferences included learning about non-pharmacological treatments for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, workshop and mentor-based programmes, and incentivising education through formal certification and targeting content to professions. This research may inform the development of educational interventions for aged care workers, which may ultimately affect care for people with dementia.
Scheduling Non-Preemptible Jobs to Minimize Peak Demand
Authors: Yaw Sean , Mumey Brendan
Published: October 2017

This paper examines an important problem in smart grid energy scheduling; peaks in power demand are proportionally more expensive to generate and provision for. The issue is exacerbated in local microgrids that do not benefit from the aggregate smoothing experienced by large grids. Demand-side scheduling can reduce these peaks by taking advantage of the fact that there is often flexibility in job start times. We focus attention on the case where the jobs are non-preemptible, meaning once started, they run to completion. The associated optimization problem is called the peak demand minimization problem, and has been previously shown to be NP-hard. Our results include an optimal fixed-parameter tractable algorithm, a polynomial-time approximation algorithm, as well as an effective heuristic that can also be used in an online setting of the problem. Simulation results show that these methods can reduce peak demand by up to 50% versus on-demand scheduling for household power jobs.
Optimization of Air Traffic Control Training at the Federal Aviation Administration Academy
Authors: Updegrove Jessica , Jafer Shafagh
Published: October 2017

This paper investigates current and future uses of simulation in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) training program to identify potential improvement areas in the areas of simulation technologies and course content. Once identified, recommendations for changes to the current training program are made. A literature review of the current training techniques used at the FAA Academy and training centers was conducted. In addition, interviews were held and surveys were distributed to collect data regarding a variety of ATC training interest areas, such as virtual reality, current maintenance schedules, and simulator features. Finally, a cost-benefit analysis was conducted to determine the potential improvement areas with the highest feasibility for implementation and the highest potential to reduce training costs and/or time. The primary findings of this research revealed three feasible improvement areas to the current training process and simulation technologies: (1) reducing the dependence on instructors during simulation training, (2) utilizing web-based training methods, and (3) updating current simulator systems to include new features, such as recording and playback features. These changes were recommended to be implemented first, with voice recognition and virtual reality improvement areas being recommended as priority focus areas for future studies and/or implementation.
Air Traffic Security: Aircraft Classification Using ADS-B Message’s Phase-Pattern
Authors: Leonardi Mauro , Di Gregorio Luca , Di Fausto Davide
Published: October 2017

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) is a surveillance system used in Air Traffic Control. With this system, the aircraft transmits their own information (identity, position, velocity, etc.) to any equipped listener for surveillance scope. The ADS-B is based on a very simple protocol and does not provide any kind of authentication and encryption, making it vulnerable to many types of cyber-attacks. In the paper, the use of the airplane/transmitter carrier phase is proposed as a feature to perform a classification of the aircraft and, therefore, distinguish legitimate messages from fake ones. The feature extraction process is described and a classification method is selected. Finally, a complete intruder detection algorithm is proposed and evaluated with real data.
Interactive Effects of N-, P- and K-Nutrition and Drought Stress on the Development of Maize Seedlings
Authors: Studer Christoph , Hu Yuncai , Schmidhalter Urs
Published: October 2017

Global climate change is likely to increase the risk of frequent drought. Maize, as the principal global cereal, is particularly impacted by drought. Nutrient supply may improve plant drought tolerance for better plant establishment during seedling growth stages. Thus, this study investigated the interactive effects of drought and the application of the nutrients N, P and K either individually or in combination. The maize seedlings were harvested between 12 and 20 days after sowing, and the leaf area, shoot fresh and dry weight and root dry weight were determined, and shoot water content and root/shoot dry weight ratio were calculated. Among the N, P and K fertilization treatments applied individually or in combination, the results showed that there was generally a positive effect of combined NPK and/or NP nutrient supply on shoot growth such as leaf area, shoot fresh and dry weight at day 20 after sowing under both well-watered and drought conditions compared with no nutrient supply. Compared with the effect of N and P nutrient supply, it seems that K was not limiting to plant growth due to the mineralogical characteristics of the illitic-chloritic silt loam used, which provided sufficient K, even though soil tests showed a low K nutrient status. Interestingly, the root/shoot ratio remained high and constant under drought regardless of NPK application, while it decreased with NPK applications in the well-watered treatment. This suggests that the higher root/shoot ratios with N, NP, PK and NPK under drought could be exploited as a strategy for stress tolerance in crop plants.
The Physical Chemistry of Pesticides in Soil and Water
Authors: Gamble Donald
Published: October 2017

Soils are the ultimate examples of physically and chemically irregular mixtures. They are also dynamic. Early investigators consequently did not understand the physical chemistry of pesticides in soil and water. By taking shortcuts instead of trying to understand the physical chemistry, they measured the wrong variables, used the wrong units, calculated the wrong parameters, and totally ignored chemical stoichiometry. Theoretical concepts for the physical chemistry of pesticides in soil have been published during the last quarter century. They are experimentally supported. Yet, chemically incorrect descriptions persist in the literature to this day. That has serious environmental and economic consequences. In particular, government regulators make legally binding pesticide decisions based on computer predictions that are wrong by 1 to 3 orders of magnitude. This needs the attention of scientists, governments, and multinational corporations.
Prospects for Genetic Improvement in Internal Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Rice
Authors: Rose Terry , Kretzschmar Tobias , Waters Daniel L. E. , Balindong Jeanette , Wissuwa Matthias
Published: October 2017

While improving the efficiency at which rice plants take up fertiliser nitrogen (N) will be critical for the sustainability of rice (Oryza sativa L.) farming systems in future, improving the grain yield of rice produced per unit of N accumulated in aboveground plant material (agronomic N use efficiency; NUEagron) through breeding may also be a viable means of improving the sustainability of rice cropping. Given that NUEagron (grain yield/total N uptake) is a function of harvest index (HI; grain yield/crop biomass) × crop biomass/total N uptake, and that improving HI is already the target of most breeding programs, and specific improvement in NUEagron can only really be achieved by increasing the crop biomass/N uptake. Since rice crops take up around 80% of total crop N prior to flowering, improving the biomass/N uptake (NUEveg) prior to, or at, flowering may be the best means to improve the NUEagron. Ultimately, however, enhanced NUEagron may come at the expense of grain protein unless the N harvest index increases concurrently. We investigated the relationships between NUEagron, total N uptake, grain yield, grain N concentration (i.e., protein) and N harvest index (NHI) in 16 rice genotypes under optimal N conditions over two seasons to determine if scope exists to improve the NHI and/or grain protein, while maintaining or enhancing NUEagron in rice. Using data from these experiments and from an additional experiment with cv. IR64 under optimum conditions at an experimental farm to establish a benchmark for NUE parameters in high-input, high yielding conditions, we simulated theoretical potential improvements in NUEveg that could be achieved in both low and high-input scenarios by manipulating target NHIs and grain protein levels. Simulations suggested that scope exists to increase grain protein levels in low yielding scenarios with only modest (5–10%) reductions in current NUEagron by increasing the current NHI from 0.6 to 0.8. Furthermore, substantial scope exists to improve NUEveg (and therefore NUEagron) in high-yielding scenarios if maintaining current grain protein levels of 7.3% is not essential.
Association between the Prevalence of Indigestible Foreign Objects in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Slaughtered Cattle and Body Condition Score
Authors: Nongcula Vikhaya , Zhou Leocadia , Nhundu Kenneth , Jaja Ishmael
Published: October 2017

It is estimated that South Africa’s population will be above 65 million in 2050. Thus, food production needs to triple to alleviate poverty and food insecurity. However, infectious and non-infectious diseases affect livestock productivity, thereby hampering food supply. Non-infectious disease/conditions caused by the consumption of solid waste material are rarely reported. Hence, this study investigates the occurrence and type of indigestible foreign objects (IFOs) in the stomach of slaughtered cattle in two high-throughput abattoirs (n = 4424) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study revealed that metallic and non-metallic indigestible objects had an overall prevalence of 63% in cattle slaughtered in Queenstown abattoir (QTA, (n = 1906)) and 64.8% at the East London abattoir (ELA, (n = 2518)). Most of the IFOs were found in the rumen (64.2% and 70.8%) and reticulum (28.5% and 20.6%) at QTA and ELA respectively. The leading IFOs in the stomach of cattle at QTA were plastics (27.7%), poly bezoars (10.7%) and ropes (10.7%), while poly bezoars (19.8%), ropes (17.6%) and stones (10.7%) were the main IFOs seen in cattle at ELA. The study showed a statistical significance (p < 0.05) between body condition score and the prevalence of indigestible objects in cattle. The study concluded that litter and waste containing IFOs could pose a threat to livestock health and productivity. The practice of good animal husbandry and efficient solid waste management will mitigate the problem of animals consuming IFOs.
The FLASH Facility: Advanced Options for FLASH2 and Future Perspectives
Authors: Faatz Bart , Braune Markus , Hensler Olaf , Honkavaara Katja , Kammering Raimund , Kuhlmann Marion , Ploenjes Elke , Roensch-Schulenburg Juliane , Schneidmiller Evgeny , Schreiber Siegfried , Tiedtke Kai , Tischer Markus , Treusch Rolf , Vogt Mathias , Wurth Wilfried , Yurkov Mikhail , Zemella Johann
Published: October 2017

Since 2016, the two free-electron laser (FEL) lines FLASH1 and FLASH2 have been run simultaneously for users at DESY in Hamburg. With the installation of variable gap undulators in the new FLASH2 FEL line, many new possibilities have opened up in terms of photon parameters for experiments. What has been tested so far is post-saturation tapering, reverse tapering, harmonic lasing, harmonic lasing self-seeding and two-color lasing. At the moment, we are working on concepts to enhance the capabilities of the FLASH facility even further. A major part of the upgrade plans, known as FLASH2020, will involve the exchange of the fixed gap undulators in FLASH1 and the implementation of a new flexible undulator scheme aimed at providing coherent radiation for multi-color experiments over a broad wavelength range. The recent achievements in FLASH2 and the current status of plans for the further development of the facility are presented.
Preparation of the Nanostructured Radioisotope Metallic Oxide by Neutron Irradiation for Use as Radiotracers
Authors: Seo Sang-Ei , Choi Seong-Ho
Published: October 2017

Metallic oxides manganese dioxide (MnO2), samarium oxide (Sm2O3), and dysprosium oxide (Dy2O3) with nanorod-like structures were synthesized by the hydrothermal synthesis method, respectively. Subsequently, the nanostructured radioisotopes MnO2 with Mn-56, Sm2O3 with Sm-153, and Dy2O3 with Dy-165 were prepared by neutron irradiation from the HANARO research reactor, respectively. The three different elements, Mn, Sm, and Dy, were selected as radiotracers because these elements can be easily gamma-activated from neutrons (activation limits: 1 picogram (Dy), 1–10 picogram (Mn), 10–100 picogram (Sm)). Furthermore, the synthesized radioisotopes can be used as radiotracers in Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis as the rare earth metals Dy and Sm were not present in the Korean environment. The successful synthesis of the radioisotope metallic oxides was confirmed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, and gamma spectroscopy analysis. The synthesized nanostructured radioisotope metallic oxides may be used as radiotracers in scientific, environmental, engineering, and industrial fields.
Multi-Layer Metallization Structure Development for Highly Efficient Polycrystalline SnSe Thermoelectric Devices
Authors: Kim Yeongseon , Yoon Giwan , Cho Byung Jin , Park Sang Hyun
Published: October 2017

Recently, SnSe material with an outstanding high ZT (Figure of merit) of 2.6 has attracted much attention due to its strong applicability for highly efficient thermoelectric devices. Many studies following the first journal publication have been focused on SnSe materials, not on thermoelectric devices. Particularly, to realize highly efficient intermediate-temperature (600~1000 K) thermoelectric modules with this promising thermoelectric material, a more thermally and electrically reliable interface bonding technology needs to be developed so that the modules can stably perform their power generation in this temperature range. In this work, we demonstrate several approaches to develop metallization layers on SnSe thermoelectric legs. The single-layer metallization shows limitations in their electrical contact resistances and elemental diffusions. The Ag/Co/Ti multi-layer metallization results in lowering their electrical contact resistances, in addition to providing more robust interfaces. Moreover, it is found to maintain the interfacial characteristics without any significant degradation, even after heat treatment at 723 K for 20 h. These results can be effectively applied in the fabrication of thermoelectric devices or modules that are made of the SnSe thermoelectric materials.
Influence of Odd and Even Alkyl Chains on Supramolecular Nanoarchitecture via Self-Assembly of Tetraphenylethylene-Based AIEgens
Authors: Salimimarand Mina , La Duong , Bhosale Sidhanath , Jones Lathe , Bhosale Sheshanath
Published: October 2017

The Tetraphenylethylene (TPE) based dumbbell shaped molecules TPE-Pi, TPE-Su, TPE-Az, and TPE-Se were synthesised bearing odd-even alkyl chains containing 7, 8, 9 and 10 carbons respectively. These molecules reveal typical Aggregation Induced Emission (AIE) behaviour. The influence of the odd or even alkyl chain length was shown by studying the morphology of self-assembled nanostructures formed in a range of tetrahydrofuran (THF)/water solvent systems. For example, with a water fraction of 80%, TPE derivatives with odd alkyl chains (TPE-Pi and TPE-Az) self-assembled into nanosphere structures, while TPE-Su with 8 alkyl chains formed microbelts and TPE-Se with 10 alkyl chains aggregated into flower-like superstructures. These TPE derivatives also revealed interesting mechanochromic properties upon grinding, fuming and heating, which reveal the importance of molecular stacking in the crystal structure to the luminescent properties of the aggregates .The mechanochromic properties of TPE-Pi, TPE-Su, and TPE-Az were also demonstrated by the process of grounding, fuming, and heating.
Inter-Building Effect and Its Relation with Highly Reflective Envelopes on Building Energy Use: Case Study for Cities of Japan
Authors: Yuan Jihui , Farnham Craig , Emura Kazuo
Published: October 2017

The built environment with respect to building envelope designs and the surrounding micro-environment significantly affects building energy use. The influence of the inter-building effect (IBE) on building energy use cannot be ignored and thermal properties of building envelopes also largely affect building energy use. In order to evaluate the influence of IBE and its relation with highly-reflective (HR) building envelopes on building energy use, the building energy use under three simulated scenarios was quantitatively analyzed using the building energy optimization software “BEopt” for five cities of Japan. Analysis indicated that when the simulated building is neighbored by other buildings, an envelope coated with HR material is more effective than lowly-reflective (LR) material to reduce building energy use. A simulated single building without surrounding buildings and a LR envelope has the highest building energy use among the three simulated scenarios. This study also showed the influence of IBE on building energy savings is stronger in cities with lower latitudes.
Existence of Order-Preserving Functions for Nontotal Fuzzy Preference Relations under Decisiveness
Authors: Bevilacqua Paolo , Bosi Gianni , Zuanon Magalì
Published: October 2017

Looking at decisiveness as crucial, we discuss the existence of an order-preserving function for the nontotal crisp preference relation naturally associated to a nontotal fuzzy preference relation. We further present conditions for the existence of an upper semicontinuous order-preserving function for a fuzzy binary relation on a crisp topological space.
Simulation Models to Evaluate the Value Creation of the Grass-Roots Participation in the Enhancement of Public Real-Estate Assets with Evidence from Italy
Authors: Mangialardo Alessia , Micelli Ezio
Published: October 2017

In recent years, new forms of enhancement of public real-estate assets have been developed in Italy. These are based on initiatives promoted by a citizenry eager to pursue their cultural, creative, and entrepreneurial activities in unused assets. The aim of this paper is to estimate the value generated by these bottom-up enhancement processes and to evaluate their economic feasibility from the perspective of the administration owner of the asset, beside any other considerations concerning local development or social capital improvement. The uncertainty affecting grass-roots participation and the value creation process is relevant. Therefore, the adopted approach combines Discounted Cash Flow Analysis (DCFA) with dynamic simulation models and the Monte Carlo methodology. The results highlight a significant value creation process: value appraisals appear to be below valuations made before the market downturn of 2008, but higher with respect to the current market values.
Novel Mechanisms of ALK Activation Revealed by Analysis of the Y1278S Neuroblastoma Mutation
Authors: Guan Jikui , Yamazaki Yasuo , Chand Damini , Van Dijk Jesper , Ruuth Kristina , Palmer Ruth , Hallberg Bengt
Published: October 2017

Numerous mutations have been observed in the Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) in both germline and sporadic neuroblastoma. Here, we have investigated the Y1278S mutation, observed in four patient cases, and its potential importance in the activation of the full length ALK receptor. Y1278S is located in the 1278-YRASYY-1283 motif of the ALK activation loop, which has previously been reported to be important in the activation of the ALK kinase domain. In this study, we have characterized activation loop mutations within the context of the full length ALK employing cell culture and Drosophila melanogaster model systems. Our results show that the Y1278S mutant observed in patients with neuroblastoma harbors gain-of-function activity. Secondly, we show that the suggested interaction between Y1278 and other amino acids might be of less importance in the activation process of the ALK kinase than previously proposed. Thirdly, of the three individual tyrosines in the 1278-YRASYY-1283 activation loop, we find that Y1283 is the critical tyrosine in the activation process. Taken together, our observations employing different model systems reveal new mechanistic insights on how the full length ALK receptor is activated and highlight differences with earlier described activation mechanisms observed in the NPM-ALK fusion protein, supporting a mechanism of activation more in line with those observed for the Insulin Receptor (InR).
Styrene Oxidation to Valuable Compounds over Nanosized FeCo-Based Catalysts: Effect of the Third Metal Addition
Authors: Oliveira Ana Paula Saraiva , Gomes Igor Santos , Oliveira Alcineia Conceição , Filho Josue M. , Saraiva Gilberto Dantas , Soares João Maria , De Sousa Francisco Ferreira , Campos Adriana
Published: October 2017

Nanosized FeCo-based solids were prepared via distinct preparation procedures. The catalytic performances of the solids for styrene oxidation in the presence of hydrogen peroxide were evaluated. The addition of promoters in FeCo such as Sn, Mo, or Cu was also investigated. The catalysts were characterized with XRD, Raman spectroscopy, TEM, chemical analyses, EPR and SEM-EDS. Of these solids obtained via four different methods, the catalyst prepared via the NC and CM procedures enabled a partial incorporation of the Sn into the FeCo matrix forming a very active phase, namely the Heusler alloy. This was ascribed to the high initial dispersion of Sn as a promoter into the FeCo matrix, which led to available FeCoSn (FCS) particles well dispersed and stable on the catalyst surface. In the case of incorporating Mo or Cu to the nanosized FeCo catalyst, a poor stability towards leaching was observed when operating under the same reaction conditions. Cu was much less active than both Sn and Mo, mainly leading to acetophenone, ethylbenzene, 2-phenyl ethanol, 2-phenyl acetic acid, and 2-phenyl acetaldehyde products. The best catalytic results under the optimized reaction conditions, especially at 50 °C and styrene/H2O2 molar ratio of 1 were achieved with nanosized FCS. This solid had a conversion of ca. 70% and selectivity for aldehydes of ca. 27%, and the selectivity for the condensation products was 29%.
Hydrogen Production via Water Dissociation Using Pt–TiO2 Photocatalysts: An Oxidation–Reduction Network
Authors: Guayaquil-Sosa J. F. , Calzada Alan , Serrano Benito , Escobedo Salvador , De Lasa Hugo
Published: October 2017

Several TiO2 based semiconductors with different Pt loadings are prepared using incipient impregnation, wet impregnation and the sol-gel method. These photocatalysts are evaluated in the Photo-CREC-Water II Photoreactor for hydrogen production via water dissociation, using an organic renewable scavenger (ethanol). Results obtained show the influence of the photocatalyst preparation in the production of hydrogen and in the observed quantum yields. Furthermore, it is established that the reaction networks leading to hydrogen production, using various photocatalysts, share common features. This analysis is developed by both identifying and quantifying different chemical species and their changes with irradiation time. Key species in this oxidation–reduction network are hydrogen, hydrogen peroxide, ethanol, methane, ethane, acetaldehyde and carbon dioxide. On this basis, it is shown that under an inert gas atmosphere, ethanol consumption is sub-stoichiometric. This points towards simultaneous ethanol consumption and the formation of the ethanol scavenger.
Evaluation of Accelerated Ageing Tests for Metallic and Non-Metallic Graffiti Paints Applied to Stone
Authors: Sanmartín Patricia , Cappitelli Francesca
Published: October 2017

Graffiti are increasingly observed on urban and peri-urban buildings and their removal requires a huge financial outlay by local governments and agencies. Graffiti are not usually removed immediately, but rather over the passage of time, viz. months or even years. In this study, which forms part of a wider research project on graffiti removal, different methods (gravimetric analysis, examination of digital images, colour and infrared measurements) were used to evaluate the performance of accelerated ageing tests (involving exposure to humidity, freeze-thawing cycles and NaCl and Na2SO4 salts) for graffiti painted on stone. Silver (metallic) and black (non-metallic) graffiti spray paints were applied to two types of igneous rock (granite and rhyolitic ignimbrite) and one sedimentary rock (fossiliferous limestone, i.e., biocalcarenite). The metallic and non-metallic graffiti spray paints acted differently on the stone surfaces, both chemically and physically. Older graffiti were found to be more vulnerable to weathering agents. The ageing test with NaCl and particularly Na2SO4, both applied to granite, proved the most severe on the paints, yielding more detrimental and faster artificial ageing of the type of material under study.
Enhanced Manifold of States Achieved in Heterostructures of Iron Selenide and Boron-Doped Graphene
Authors: Cantatore Valentina , Panas Itai
Published: October 2017

Enhanced superconductivity is sought by employing heterostructures composed of boron-doped graphene and iron selenide. Build-up of a composite manifold of near-degenerate noninteracting states formed by coupling top-of-valence-band states of FeSe to bottom-of-conduction-band states of boron-doped graphene is demonstrated. Intra- and intersubsystem excitons are explored by means of density functional theory in order to articulate a normal state from which superconductivity may emerge. The results are discussed in the context of electron correlation in general and multi-band superconductivity in particular.