bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of Advanced Hydrogel-Based Cell Encapsulation Systems for Insulin Delivery in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Espona-Noguera Albert , Ciriza Jesús , Cañibano-Hernández Alberto , Orive Gorka , Hernández Rosa María , Saenz del Burgo Laura , Pedraz Jose
Published: November 2019

: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is characterized by the autoimmune destruction of β-cells in the pancreatic islets. In this regard, islet transplantation aims for the replacement of the damaged β-cells through minimally invasive surgical procedures, thereby being the most suitable strategy to cure T1DM. Unfortunately, this procedure still has limitations for its widespread clinical application, including the need for long-term immunosuppression, the lack of pancreas donors and the loss of a large percentage of islets after transplantation. To overcome the aforementioned issues, islets can be encapsulated within hydrogel-like biomaterials to diminish the loss of islets, to protect the islets resulting in a reduction or elimination of immunosuppression and to enable the use of other insulin-producing cell sources. This review aims to provide an update on the different hydrogel-based encapsulation strategies of insulin-producing cells, highlighting the advantages and drawbacks for a successful clinical application.
Encapsulation in Polymeric Nanoparticles Enhances the Enzymatic Stability and the Permeability of the GLP-1 Analog, Liraglutide, Across a Culture Model of Intestinal Permeability
Authors: Ismail Ruba , Bocsik Alexandra , Katona Gábor , Gróf Ilona , Deli Mária A. , Csóka Ildikó
Published: November 2019

The potential of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA NPs) to overcome the intestinal barrier that limits oral liraglutide delivery was evaluated. Liraglutide-loaded PLGA NPs were prepared by the double emulsion solvent evaporation method. In vitro release kinetics and enzymatic degradation studies were conducted, mimicking the gastrointestinal environment. The permeability of liraglutide solution, liraglutide-loaded PLGA NPs, and liraglutide in the presence of the absorption enhancer PN159 peptide was tested on the Caco-2 cell model. Liraglutide release from PLGA NPs showed a biphasic release pattern with a burst effect of less than 15%. The PLGA nanosystem protected the encapsulated liraglutide from the conditions simulating the gastric environment. The permeability of liraglutide encapsulated in PLGA NPs was 1.5-fold higher (24 × 10−6 cm/s) across Caco-2 cells as compared to liraglutide solution. PLGA NPs were as effective at elevating liraglutide penetration as the tight junction-opening PN159 peptide. No morphological changes were seen in the intercellular junctions of Caco-2 cells after treatment with liraglutide-PLGA NPs, confirming the lack of a paracellular component in the transport mechanism. PLGA NPs, by protecting liraglutide from enzyme degradation and enhancing its permeability across intestinal epithelium, hold great potential as carriers for oral GLP-1 analog delivery.
Design and Development of Liquid Drug Reservoirs for Microneedle Delivery of Poorly Soluble Drug Molecules
Authors: Kearney Mary-Carmel , McKenna Peter E. , Quinn Helen L. , Courtenay Aaron J. , Larrañeta Eneko , Donnelly Ryan F.
Published: November 2019

The poor aqueous solubility of existing and emerging drugs is a major issue faced by the pharmaceutical industry. Water-miscible organic solvents, termed co-solvents, can be used to enhance the solubility of poorly soluble substances. Typically, drugs with poor aqueous solubility and Log P > 3 are not amenable to delivery across the skin. This study investigated the use of co-solvents as reservoirs to be used in combination with hydrogel-forming microneedles to enhance the transdermal delivery of hydrophobic compounds, namely Nile red, olanzapine and atorvastatin. A custom-made Franz cell apparatus was fabricated to test the suitability of a liquid drug reservoir in combination with polymeric microneedles. A co-solvency approach to reservoir formulation proved effective, with 83.30% ± 9.38% of Nile red dye, dissolved in 1 mL poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG 400), permeating neonatal porcine skin over 24 h. PEG 400 and propylene glycol were found to be suitable reservoir media for olanzapine and atorvastatin, with approximately 50% of each drug delivered after 24 h. This work provides crucial proof-of-concept evidence that the manipulation of microneedle reservoir properties is an effective method to facilitate microneedle-mediated delivery of hydrophobic compounds.
Hydroxyl-Terminated Triazine Derivatives Grafted Graphene Oxide for Epoxy Composites: Enhancement of Interfacial and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Ma Lichun , Zhu Yingying , Wu Guangshun , Li Xiaoru , Tian Chongao , Wang Yuhang , Xu Longyu , Song Guojun
Published: November 2019

An effective approach to the fabrication of progressive epoxy nanocomposites by the incorporation of hydroxyl-terminated dendrimers functionalized graphene oxide (GO-TCT-Tris) is reported. The relationship between surface grafting, chemical construction, morphology, dispersion, and interfacial interaction as well as the corresponding mechanical properties of the composites were studied in detail. It was shown that hydroxyl-terminated triazine derivatives have been resoundingly bonded onto the GO surface through covalent bonding, which effectively improved the dispersion and compatibility of GO sheets in epoxy resin. The tensile and flexural tests manifested that the GO-TCT-Tris/epoxy composites exhibited greater tensile/flexural strength and modulus than either the pure epoxy or the GO/epoxy composites. For GO-TCT-Tris (0.10 wt%)/epoxy composite, the tensile strength and elastic modulus increased from 63 ± 4 to 89 ± 6 MPa (41.27%) and from 2.8 ± 0.1 to 3.6 ± 0.2 GPa (28.57%), and the flexural strength and modulus increased from 106 ± 5 to 158 ± 6 MPa (49.06%) and from 3.0 ± 0.1 to 3.5 ± 0.2 GPa (16.67%), respectively, compared to the pure epoxy matrix. Moreover, the fractographic analysis also illustrated the ameliorative interfacial interaction between GO-TCT-Tris and epoxy matrix.
Dielectric, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of l,d-Poly(Lactic Acid) Modified by 4′-Pentyl-4-Biphenylcarbonitrile and Single Walled Carbon Nanotube
Authors: Fryń Patryk , Bogdanowicz Krzysztof Artur , Krysiak Piotr , Marzec Monika , Iwan Agnieszka , Januszko Adam
Published: November 2019

We report here the preparation and thermal, electrical and mechanical characterization of binary and ternary films based on l,d-poly(lactic acid) (l,d-PLA) and 4′-pentyl-4-biphenylcarbonitrile (5CB) and Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCN) with various weight ratio. The transitions for all investigated hybrid compositions detected by differential scanning calorimetry method were shifted to lower temperatures with increasing the concentration of 5CB in the mixture with polymer. Frequency domain dielectric spectroscopy method and thermal imaging together with polarized optical microscope were used to study electric and structural properties of created hybrid compositions. The best electrical conductivity was observed for hybrid composite l,d-PLA:5CB:SWCN with ratio 10:1:0.5 w/w/w - resistance of 41.0 Ω and thermal response up to 160 °C without causing any damages. Films in crystal form are much more inflexible than in amorphous and can be explain by the cold crystallization occurs at heating while the materials changed their physical state. The value of ε′ increases with increasing the 5CB admixture. Moreover, the addition of 5CB to l,d-PLA resulted in increased flexibility of polymeric base films. The best material flexibility and short-term strength were obtained for l,d-PLA sample with 9% 5CB content.
Thermomechanical Characterization and Modeling of Cold-Drawing of Poly(ethylene Terephthalate)
Authors: Oberer Jürgen , Schneider Konrad , Majschak Jens-Peter
Published: November 2019

The tensile testing of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate is observed until failure by IR thermography and optical strain measurement. The deformation can be subdivided in six deformation phases: elastic deformation, neck formation with a localized sharp temperature rise, neck propagation, which is also known as cold-drawing, with heat generation in a transition zone, crack initialization with local heating, crack growth, and rupture. These deformation phases are showing different mechanical and thermal reactions to the deformation. The initial and drawn samples are studied with differential scanning calorimetry. Alongside heating due to the dissipation of mechanical energy, latent heat due to strain-induced crystallization was detected. While the material is cold-drawn, a high dependence on the crosshead speed is found for the heat generation as well as the draw ratio, mechanical response, and morphological changes due to orientation and crystallization. For cold-drawing, a thermomechanical model is introduced, which is based on the first law of thermodynamics and reproduces the temperature distribution along the sample.
‘Can’t Hide from God’: On Forgiveness and the Unarmed Black Man
Authors: Morris Daniel A.
Published: November 2019

The recent deaths of unarmed black people, especially at the hands of law enforcement, have generated a troubling new ritual, in which the media publically asks family members if they will forgive their loved ones’ killers. The first task of this paper is to cast these petitions for forgiveness as ritual. The second task is to show that black responses to the question of forgiveness challenge this ritual. Esaw Garner, Audrey DuBose, and Allison Jean disrupt the ritual and call white audiences to repentance.
Evapotranspiration Data Product from NESDIS GET-D System Upgraded for GOES-16 ABI Observations
Authors: Fang Li , Zhan Xiwu , Schull Mitchell , Kalluri Satya , Laszlo Istvan , Yu Peng , Carter Corinne , Hain Christopher , Anderson Martha
Published: November 2019

Evapotranspiration (ET) is a major component of the global and regional water cycle. An operational Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) ET and Drought (GET-D) product system has been developed by the National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS) in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for numerical weather prediction model validation, data assimilation, and drought monitoring. GET-D system was generating ET and Evaporative Stress Index (ESI) maps at 8 km spatial resolution using thermal observations of the Imagers on GOES-13 and GOES-15 before the primary operational GOES satellites transitioned to GOES-16 and GOES-17 with the Advanced Baseline Imagers (ABI). In this study, the GET-D product system is upgraded to ingest the thermal observations of ABI with the best spatial resolution of 2 km. The core of the GET-D system is the Atmosphere-Land Exchange Inversion (ALEXI) model, which exploits the mid-morning rise in the land surface temperature to deduce the land surface fluxes including ET. Satellite-based land surface temperature and solar insolation retrievals from ABI and meteorological forcing from NOAA NCEP Climate Forecast System (CFS) are the major inputs to the GET-D system. Ancillary data required in GET-D include land cover map, leaf area index, albedo and cloud mask. This paper presents preliminary results of ET from the upgraded GET-D system after a brief introduction of the ALEXI model and the architecture of GET-D system. Comparisons with in situ ET measurements showed that the accuracy of the GOES-16 ABI based ET is similar to the results from the legacy GET-D ET based on GOES-13/15 Imager data. The agreement with the in situ measurements is satisfactory with a correlation of 0.914 averaged from three Mead sites. Further evaluation of the ABI-based ET product, upgrade efforts of the GET-D system for ESI products, and conclusions for the ABI-based GET-D products are discussed.
A Multi-Temporal Object-Based Image Analysis to Detect Long-Lived Shrub Cover Changes in Drylands
Authors: Guirado Emilio , Blanco-Sacristán Javier , Rigol-Sánchez Juan , Alcaraz-Segura Domingo , Cabello Javier
Published: November 2019

Climate change and human actions condition the spatial distribution and structure of vegetation, especially in drylands. In this context, object-based image analysis (OBIA) has been used to monitor changes in vegetation, but only a few studies have related them to anthropic pressure. In this study, we assessed changes in cover, number, and shape of Ziziphus lotus shrub individuals in a coastal groundwater-dependent ecosystem in SE Spain over a period of 60 years and related them to human actions in the area. In particular, we evaluated how sand mining, groundwater extraction, and the protection of the area affect shrubs. To do this, we developed an object-based methodology that allowed us to create accurate maps (overall accuracy up to 98%) of the vegetation patches and compare the cover changes in the individuals identified in them. These changes in shrub size and shape were related to soil loss, seawater intrusion, and legal protection of the area measured by average minimum distance (AMD) and average random distance (ARD) analysis. It was found that both sand mining and seawater intrusion had a negative effect on individuals; on the contrary, the protection of the area had a positive effect on the size of the individuals’ coverage. Our findings support the use of OBIA as a successful methodology for monitoring scattered vegetation patches in drylands, key to any monitoring program aimed at vegetation preservation.
Assessment of Integrated Water Vapor Estimates from the iGMAS and the Brazilian Network GNSS Ground-Based Receivers in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Mota Galdino V. , Song Shuli , Stępniak Katarzyna
Published: November 2019

There is pressing demand for knowledge improvement of the integrated water vapor (IWV) distribution in regions affected by heat islands that are associated with extreme rainfall events such as in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro (MARJ). This work assessed the suitability and evaluation of the spatiotemporal distribution of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) IWV from the cooperation of the International GNSS Monitoring and Assessment System (iGMAS) and the National Observatory (Observatório Nacional, ON) of Brazil, from the Brazilian Network for Continuous Monitoring (RBMC), and IWV products from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and radiosonde, jointly with surface meteorological data, in two sectors of the state of Rio de Janeiro from February 2015–August 2018. High variability of the near surface air temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) were observed among eight meteorological sites. The mean T differences between sites, up to 4.4 °C, led to mean differences as high as 3.1 K for weighted mean temperature (Tm) and hence 0.83 mm for IWV differences. Local grid points of MODIS IWV estimates had relatively good agreement with the GNSS-derived IWV, with mean differences from –2.4–1.1 mm for the daytime passages of the satellites TERRA and AQUA and underestimation from –9 mm to –3 mm during nighttime overpasses. A contrasting behavior was found in the radiosonde IWV estimates compared with the estimates from GNSS. There were dry biases of 1.4 mm (3.7% lower than expected) by radiosonde IWV during the daytime, considering that all other estimates were unbiased and the differences between IWVGNSS and IWVRADS were consistent. Based on the IWV comparisons between radiosonde and GNSS at nighttime, the atmosphere over the radiosonde site is about 1.2 mm and 2.3 mm wetter than that over the RBMC RIOD and iGMAS RDJN stations, respectively. The atmosphere over the site RIOD was 1.2 mm wetter than over that of RDJN for all three-hour means. These results showed that there were important variabilities in the meteorological conditions and in the distribution of water vapor in the MERJ. The data from the iGMAS RDJN station were feasible, together with those from the RBMC, MODIS, and radiosonde data, to investigate IWV in the region with occurrence of heat islands and peculiar physiographic and meteorological characteristics. This work recommends the magnification of the GNSS network in the state of Rio de Janeiro with the use of data from complete meteorological station collocated near every GNSS receiver, aiming to improve local IWV estimates and serving as additional support for operational numerical assimilation, weather forecast, and nowcast of extreme rainfall and flooding events.
How Knowledge about or Experience with Hydrogen Fueling Stations Improves Their Public Acceptance
Authors: Hienuki Shunichi , Hirayama Yoshie , Shibutani Tadahiro , Sakamoto Junji , Nakayama Jo , Miyake Atsumi
Published: November 2019

Hydrogen, which is expected to be a popular type of next-generation energy, is drawing attention as a fuel option for the formation of a low-carbon society. Because hydrogen energy is different in nature from existing energy technologies, it is necessary to promote sufficient social recognition and acceptability of the technology for its widespread use. In this study, we focused on the effect of initiatives to improve awareness of hydrogen energy technology, thereby investigating the acceptability of hydrogen energy to those participating in either several hydrogen energy technology introduction events or professional seminars. According to the survey results, participants in the technology introduction events tended to have lower levels of hydrogen and hydrogen energy technology knowledge than did participants in the hydrogen-energy-related seminars, but confidence in the technology and acceptability of the installation of hydrogen stations near their own residences tended to be higher. It was suggested that knowledge about hydrogen and technology could lead to improved acceptability through improved levels of trust in the technology. On the other hand, social benefits, such as those for the environment, socioeconomics, and energy security, have little impact on individual levels of acceptance of new technology.
Characterizing the Energy-Saving Behaviors, Attitudes and Awareness of University Students in Macau
Authors: Zhao Shujie , Song Qingbin , Wang Chao
Published: November 2019

Currently, energy and its usage are the primary environmental issues in all countries and regions. As a special social group, university students not only have extremely high energy consumption needs, but they have more advanced consumption concepts. Understanding their energy-saving characteristics could provide foresight for predicting the energy-saving characteristics of future residents. Using data collected from 737 valid questionnaires, from five typical universities in Macau, this study investigated university students' energy-saving behaviors, attitudes and awareness, and analyzed the possible influencing factors. The results showed that the energy-saving behaviors and attitudes of respondents from five university were nearly the same. Meanwhile, 75.98% of the respondents clearly recognized that energy-savings behaviors are closely related to their daily study and life, and 96.61% of the university students thought that it is very necessary to save energy. In addition, 92.94% of students thought it was necessary to carry out energy-saving education in universities. The regression analysis indicated that “the relationship between energy-saving awareness and daily life” and “the necessity of energy-saving education” are positively correlated with the energy-saving awareness at the significance level of 1%, whereas the energy-saving behaviors, “give priority to energy-saving products” and “shut down your computer when going out”, are positively correlated with energy-saving awareness at the significance level of 10% and 5%, respectively. Finally, we proposed effective suggestions for raising the awareness of saving energy among university students.
Study of the Relationship between Government Expenditures and Economic Growth for China and Korea
Authors: Lee Jong Chan , Won Yi Joong , Jei Sang Young
Published: November 2019

On October 18, 2017, Chinese President Xi Jinping presented the blueprint for building a modernized socialist nation through the realization of the Xiao Kang (every nation enjoys a peaceful and affluent life; it is meaningless to eliminate the poor) social construction at the 19th Congress of China. Subsequent to the 2008 financial crisis, the world has moved on to the new economic status of the “new normal”. China has also entered the era of Xinchang Thai, which is moving from the high-growth to the moderate-growth phase. Therefore, the government of China emphasizes privatization, liberalization, and deregulation. China is also influenced by government policies due to the nature of socialism. This study confirms China’s current stage of economic development, based on Barro’s theory. Thus, we use a quantile regression model and examine the correlation between economic growth and functional classification of government expenditure during Xi Jinping’s term of office. Furthermore, we selected Korea as a comparative country, as the two countries have common features.
Extent of Bollworm and Sucking Pest Damage on Modern and Traditional Cotton Species and Potential for Breeding in Organic Cotton
Authors: Vonzun Seraina , Messmer Monika M. , Boller Thomas , Shrivas Yogendra , Patil Shreekant S. , Riar Amritbir
Published: November 2019

Resistance against cotton bollworm is one of the main arguments for the use of genetically modified (GM) Bt cotton around the globe. The use of GM is prohibited in organic systems and thus the remunerative value of organic cotton cultivation depends on effective bollworm control. In this study, we investigated the extent of bollworm and sucking pest damage in 68 different hybrid and varietal lines of Gossypium hirsutum and varietal lines of G. arboreum at two different locations with contrasting soil fertility and water dynamics. The damage potential of bollworms was assessed from open capsules at two time points. Sucking pests were assessed at three time points using a scoring method. G. arboreum varietal lines and G. hirsutum hybrids were on average significantly more tolerant than G. hirsutum varietal lines to bollworm under fertile and irrigated situations. For sucking pests, the G. arboreum varietal lines were clearly more tolerant than G. hirsutum hybrids and varietal lines. Since, recently, pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) became resistant against Bt cotton and pressure of sucking pests severely increased, screening of genetic resources and systems-based cotton breeding for bollworm and sucking pest tolerance will improve sustainability of organic and conventional cotton production.
Evaluation of the Effect of an Exhaust Reduction System in Fire Stations
Authors: Kim Soo Jin , Kang Jihyun , Kang Seong-Kyu , Ham Seunghon
Published: November 2019

Firefighters are known to be exposed to a variety of hazardous materials and combustion products during operational and training activities, as well as in fire stations. However, exposure to diesel exhaust emissions, classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), is also present in the fire station environment. In this study, concentrations of elemental carbon (EC), which is a surrogate of diesel exhaust and indoor air pollutants, has been measured to compare the effect of an exhaust reduction system (ERS) that was installed in the engine bays of two fire stations to mitigate indoor air pollution levels in the garage, duty offices, and dormitory/shower areas. The levels of most pollutants were reduced after the installation of the ERS. Pollutants may disperse inside of fire stations. Therefore, the ERS is a valuable strategy to mitigate pollutant exposure among firefighters and outdoor air pollution using the filtration ability of an ERS. The results of this study suggest that all truck bays should install an ERS to reduce pollutant exposure and that installation is especially necessary for EURO 3 fire vehicles.
Spatiotemporal Change Characteristics of Nodes’ Heterogeneity in the Directed and Weighted Spatial Interaction Networks: Case Study within the Sixth Ring Road of Beijing, China
Authors: Yang Jing , Yi Disheng , Liu Jingjing , Liu Yusi , Zhang Jing
Published: November 2019

Spatial heterogeneity patterns in cities are an essential topic in geographic research and urban planning. This paper analyzes the spatial heterogeneity of places and reflects on the urban structure in cites based on spatial interaction networks. To begin with, we constructed 24 sequentially directed and weighted spatial interaction networks (DWNs) on the basis of points of interest (POIs) and taxi GPS data in Beijing. Then, we merged 24 sequential networks into four clusters: early morning, morning, afternoon, and evening. Next, we introduced the weighted D-core decomposition method in view of the complex network method and weighted distance in a geographic space in order to obtain the in-coreness/out-coreness of places. Finally, three indices (the entropy index, the node symmetry index, and the t-test) were used to measure the heterogeneity of places from both the strength dimension and the direction dimension. The results showed: (1) For the strength dimension, the spatiotemporal strength characteristics of the nodes in the DWN are uneven on weekdays or on the weekends, and the strength heterogeneity on weekdays is more obvious than on weekends; (2) for the direction dimension, out-flows and in-flows are different in the early morning and evening on weekends. In addition, the direction of the DWN is not obvious. The city networks present flat characteristics. This study used the weighted D-core method to identify the heterogeneity of nodes in the DWN, which has certain theoretical and practical value for the planning of urban and urban systems and the coordinated development of cities.
A Systemic and Contextual Framework to Define a Country’s 2030 Agenda from a Foresight Perspective
Authors: Oliveira Agatha , Calili Rodrigo , Almeida Maria Fatima , Sousa Manuel
Published: November 2019

A fundamental issue in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda at the national level refers to the systemic analysis of interactions of global targets, considering the context-specific understanding of these interactions within a long-term vision. Another critical issue is how to apply and combine different approaches and tools to provide a consistent analysis for evidence-based decision-making on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global targets. Consistent with both concerns, a systemic and contextual framework to prioritize SDG targets for a country’s 2030 Agenda is proposed, by integrating fuzzy multicriteria decision-making methods, prospective structural analysis, and network theory tools. The applicability of the proposed framework could be demonstrated through a socio-technical experiment carried out during 2018 for the definition of the 2030 Agenda in Brazil. The experiment is especially designed to bring methodological insights to this decision-making process, and empirical results highlight the targets that will drive the Brazilian 2030 Agenda. Although the empirical results presented in this paper are exclusive to Brazil, we believe that the proposed framework can be replicated in other countries, especially those that are going to prioritize the global targets to be included in their respective Agendas.
Electric Load Influence on Performances of a Composite Plant for Hydrogen Production from RES and its Conversion in Electricity
Authors: Carbone Rosario , Marino Concettina , Nucara Antonino , Panzera Maria Francesca , Pietrafesa Matilde
Published: November 2019

The analysis here presented investigates the influence of electrical load on the operational performances of a plant for hydrogen production from solar energy and its conversion in electricity via a fuel cell. The plant is an actual one, currently under construction, in Reggio Calabria (Italy), at the site of the Mediterranean university campus; it is composed of a Renewable Energy Source (RES) section (photovoltaic panels), a hydrogen production section, and a fuel cell power section feeding the electrical energy demand of the load. Two different load configurations have been analysed and simulations have been carried out through HomerTM simulation code. Results allow interesting conclusions regarding the plant operation to be drawn. The study could have a remarkable role in supporting further research activities aimed at the assessment of the optimal configuration of this type of pioneering plants, designed for feeding electrical loads, possibly, in a self-sufficient way.
Project-Based Learning through Information and Communications Technology and the Curricular Inclusion of Social Problems Relevant to the Initial Training of Infant School Teachers
Authors: Ortega-Sánchez Delfín , Jiménez-Eguizábal Alfredo
Published: November 2019

Project-based learning (PBL) is considered to be one of the most highly valued methods in the development and acquisition of competencies at all educational levels. From an interdisciplinary and collaborative focus, pupils acquire knowledge and skills through investigative tasks, with a view to responding to a problem or challenge, in the form of a final product. The methodological implementation of PBL in specific teacher-training contexts is especially useful for curricular inclusion and the didactic treatment of relevant contemporary social problems and socially alive questions. In this investigation, the assessment of the perceived learning of a group of infant-education teacher trainees (n = 59), following a teacher-training program on social problems, is analyzed. The program is designed on the basis of the principal methodologies of PBL and the operational integration of information and communications technology (ICT) (WebQuests). The study begins with the pre-experimental quantitative designs of a cross-cutting prospective nature with a control group. The results provide information on the special didactic potential of active methodologies, including PBL, for the creative development of thought processes and the acquisition of social competencies and good citizenship in relation to social problems on interdisciplinary curricular projects for infant education. Likewise, it is evident that PBL methodology through ICT facilitates the acquisition of technological competencies, linked to the development of social and communicative competencies, as well as cooperative–collaborative work.
A Haptic Model of Entanglement, Gauge Symmetries and Minimal Interaction Based on Knot Theory
Authors: Heusler Stefan , Ubben Malte
Published: November 2019

The Heegaard splitting of S U ( 2 ) is a particularly useful representation for quantum phases of spin j-representation arising in the mapping S 1 → S 3, which can be related to ( 2 j , 2 ) torus knots in Hilbert space. We show that transitions to homotopically equivalent knots can be associated with gauge invariance, and that the same mechanism is at the heart of quantum entanglement. In other words, (minimal) interaction causes entanglement. Particle creation is related to cuts in the knot structure. We show that inner twists can be associated with operations with the quaternions ( I , J , K ), which are crucial to understand the Hopf mapping S 3 → S 2. We discuss the relationship between observables on the Bloch sphere S 2, and knots with inner twists in Hilbert space. As applications, we discuss selection rules in atomic physics, and the status of virtual particles arising in Feynman diagrams. Using a simple paper strip model revealing the knot structure of quantum phases in Hilbert space including inner twists, a h a p t i c model of entanglement and gauge symmetries is proposed, which may also be valid for physics education.
Delmarva (DMV/1639) Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) Variants Isolated in Eastern Canada Show Evidence of Recombination
Authors: Hassan Mohamed S. H. , Ojkic Davor , Coffin Carla S. , Cork Susan C. , van der Meer Frank , Abdul-Careem Mohamed Faizal
Published: November 2019

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) infection in chickens can lead to an economically important disease, namely, infectious bronchitis (IB). New IBV variants are continuously emerging, which complicates vaccination-based IB control. In this study, five IBVs were isolated from clinical samples submitted to a diagnostic laboratory in Ontario, Canada, and subjected to detailed molecular characterization. Analysis of the spike (S)1 gene showed that these five IBVs were highly related to the Delmarva (DMV/1639) strain (~97.0% nucleotide sequence similarity) that was firstly isolated from an IB outbreak in the Delmarva peninsula, United States of America (USA), in 2011. However, the complete genomic sequence analysis showed a 93.5–93.7% similarity with the Connecticut (Conn) vaccine strain, suggesting that Conn-like viruses contributed to the evolution of the five Canadian IBV/DMV isolates. A SimPlot analysis of the complete genomic sequence showed evidence of recombination for at least three different IBV strains, including a Conn vaccine-like strain, a 4/91 vaccine-like strain, and one strain that is yet-unidentified. The unidentified strain may have contributed the genomic regions of the S, 3, and membrane (M) genes of the five Canadian IBV/DMV isolates. The study outcomes add to the existing knowledge about involvement of recombination in IBV evolution.
Synergies within the Water-Energy-Food Nexus to Support the Integrated Urban Resources Governance
Authors: Li Guijun , Wang Yongsheng , Li Yulong
Published: November 2019

Rapid urbanization poses great challenges to water-energy-food nexus (WEF-Nexus) system, calling for integrative resources governance to improve the synergies between subsystems that constitute the Nexus. This paper explores the synergies within the WEF-Nexus in Shenzhen city while using the synergetic model. We first identify the order parameters and their causal paths in three subsystems and set several eigenvectors under each parameter. Secondly, a synergetic model is developed to calculate the synergy degree among parameters, and the synergetic networks are then further constructed. Centrality analysis on the synergetic networks reveals that the centralities of food subsystem perform the highest level while the water subsystem at the lowest level. Finally, we put forward some policy implications for cross-sectoral resources governance by embedding the synergy degree into causal paths. The results show that the synergies of the Nexus system in Shenzhen can be maximized by stabilizing water supply, coordinating the energy imports and exports, and reducing the crops sown areas.
Assessment of the Effects of Wastewater Treatment Plant Modernization by Means of the Field Olfactometry Method
Authors: Kulig Andrzej , Szyłak-Szydłowski Mirosław
Published: November 2019

Methodological aspects of odor studies in ex-post analyses for Polish wastewater management facilities were analyzed based on the example of a modernized and enlarged wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Mazovia, in the vicinity of the Warsaw agglomeration. It is a mechanical–biological treatment plant with increased efficiency of biogen removal, using activated sludge in the treatment process, with a maximum hydraulic capacity of 60,000 m3/day. Olfactometric research was carried out by means of a method based on identification and characterization of the odor plume emitted from the examined source. This paper presents the results of odor intensity assessment (in sensory examinations according to a 6-stage scale) and odor concentration measurement (using portable field olfactometers) after the completion of the project, and compares them with similar studies conducted before the commencement of the investment. A total of 10 measurement series were carried out before modernization, and 12 after modernization of the WWTP. Odor concentration and intensity were determined, and the current meteorological situation was assessed at the measurement and observation points (receptors) located within the premises (in total 462 points) and around the WWTP (342 points). In each series of measurements on the windward side of the treatment plant, the background of air pollution with odorous substances was marked. The research showed that air flowing into the area of the sewage treatment plant is clean in terms of odor. During the research, basic sources of odor nuisance were identified, and their impact before and after modernization was characterized. The results presented in radar diagrams show changes in the percentage distribution of frequency of occurrence of individual intensity values at receptor points within and outside the area of the treatment plant. After modernization, a significant decrease in the concentration of odor emitted from the sludge dewatering building and sludge containers was determined. The air-tightness of the sewage channel (covered with concrete slabs and sealed) resulted in a significant decrease in the concentration of odor emitted from this source. Waste (in particular, sewage sludge) collected in the emergency waste storage yard was identified as the main source of odor nuisance. The waste, even after modernization, was an emitter of odorous compounds spreading outside the area of the WWTP. Nevertheless, as a result of the investment, the desired effect of reduction of the degree of odor nuisance was achieved.
Assessment of Changes in Annual Maximum Precipitations in the Iberian Peninsula under Climate Change
Authors: Garijo Carlos , Mediero Luis
Published: November 2019

Climate model projections can be used to assess the future expected behavior of extreme precipitation due to climate change. In Europe, the EURO-CORDEX project provides precipitation projections in the future under various representative concentration pathways (RCP), through regionalized outputs of Global Climate Models (GCM) by a set of Regional Climate Models (RCM). In this work, 12 combinations of GCM and RCM under two scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) supplied by the EURO-CORDEX project are analyzed in the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. Precipitation quantiles for a set of exceedance probabilities are estimated by using the Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) distribution function fitted by the L-moment method. Precipitation quantiles expected in the future period are compared with the precipitation quantiles in the control period, for each climate model. An approach based on Monte Carlo simulations is developed to assess the uncertainty from the climate model projections. Expected changes in the future are compared with the sampling uncertainty in the control period to identify statistically significant changes. The higher the significance threshold, the fewer cells with changes are identified. Consequently, a set of maps are obtained for various thresholds to assist the decision making process in subsequent climate change studies.
Simposio de Química Aplicada (SIQUIA)
Authors: Autores Varios
Published: November 2019

El Simposio de Química Aplicada (SIQUIA) es un evento bianual realizado por el programa de química de la Universidad del Quindío, en el participan investigadores a nivel nacional e internacional, dando a conocer resultados de investigaciones en diversas áreas de la química y su aplicación nivel académico e industrial. Este año, en su IX versión la temática principal fueron la nanociencia y nanotecnología, por lo que paralelo se realizó el I Congreso Internacional de Nanoquímica, Nanofísica y Nanomedicina (I CINNN) resaltando la importancia de estas áreas a nivel nacional e internacional.
STATUS AND ACTUAL PROBLEMS OF POTATO-GROWING IN RUSSIA
Authors: Zhevora Sergey , Anisimov Boris , Simakov Evgeny , Oves Elena , Zebrin Sergey
Published: November 2019

Being one of the basic food products in the Russian Federation, potatoe requires special attention to themselves as a crop from the certification bodies of seed material. Currently, in the Russian Federation, 83.5% of the used seed material of potatoes meets the requirements of the standard. However, this situation cannot be considered satisfactory, since the mass producers of potatoes continue to use non-certified seed. The article proposes measures to remedy this situation.
Ottoman Justice Thought in Tanzimat Period and Transitional Justice: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: KAPLAN Yunus
Published: November 2019

One of the debates about contemporary political philosophy is related to historical perspective upon the Transitional Justice. This debate focuses on the probability of historical perspective will work in the Transitional Justice practices. In addition to this, in the evaluations concerning Transitional Justice, recently happened events and implemented reforms are taken into account and historical examples are not frequently referred. In the present work, by starting from this thesis, we will scrutinize the reforms made in American Reconstruction and Ottoman Tanzimat eras in terms of transitional justice. By taking both eras into consideration as two cases, we sought to question the possibility of historical perspective in the work. The work is limited to the legal arrangements and structural reforms in the considered eras. In the conclusion of the work, it is seen that the legal and structural reforms in both eras, which had the characteristics of transitional period, failed. In spite of this, it is probable to say that the taken steps related to justice formed the basis of many constitutional and legal reforms in the future. Additionally, these two cases demonstrate the significance of historical perspective in the studies of transitional justice.
Hindistan Ehl-i Hadis Ekolünde Şerh Geleneği - Azîmâbâdî’nin (ö. 1911) Avnu’l-Ma’bûd Adlı Eseri
Authors: ERASLAN Abdulvasıf
Published: November 2019

Peygamber
mirası olan hadis ve sünnetin doğru bir şekilde anlaşılmasına yönelik çabalar
sahabeyle başlamış sonraki dönemlerde artarak devam etmiştir. İlk etapta
bireysel soru ve cevaplar şeklinde tezahür eden bu çabalar, tedvin ve tasnif
döneminden sonra şerh vb. faaliyetler olarak kendini göstermiştir.  Müstakil hadis eserlerine yönelik şerh
çalışmalarının ilk ürünü hicri IV. asır itibariyle vücuda getirilmiş, sonraki
asırlarda bu türden eserlerin sayısı artarak devam etmiştir. Hadislerin
anlaşılması ve yorumlanmasına yönelik ortaya çıkan bu eserlerden biri de yakın
bir dönemde (XIX. yüzyılda) Hind bölgesinde Ebû Dâvûd’un Sünen’i üzerine
Azîmâbâdî (ö. 1911) tarafından yazılan Avnu'l-Ma'bûd adlı şerhtir. Bu şerhin
tanınması ve tanıtılması Hind bölgesinde hadis ilmine yönelik çalışmalara da
ışık tutacaktır. Nurullah Agitoğlu tarafından yazılan Hindistan Ehl-i Hadis
Ekolünde Şerh Geleneği -Azîmâbâdî’nin (ö. 1911) Avnu’l-Ma’bûd Adlı Eseri adlı
çalışma, bu yönde sarfedilmiş çabanın bir ürünüdür. Geniş çerçevede şerh
geleneği dar çerçevede ise Azîmâbâdî’nin Avnu'l-Ma'bûd adlı eserinin tanınması
adına bu çalışma önem arz etmektedir.
Yeni Bir İslami Edebiyat Teorisi Doğrultusunda Evrensellik
Authors: ABUKHUDAİRİ Arif Karkhi
Published: November 2019

20.
yüzyıl ortalarında, Ortadoğu ve özellikle Mısır’da İslami yazar ve
entelektüeller etkin bir şekilde İslami edebiyatı isimlendirmekle meşguldüler.
Bu konuda aralarında Seyyid Kutub, Muhammed Kutub ve Nejib el-Kilani’nin
başlıca eserleri de bulunan birçok Arapça kitap kaleme alındı ve Malayca ve
Endonezce dillerine çevrildi. Tüm bu eserler arasında, Muhammed Kutub’un İslam Düşüncesinde Sanat isimli
kitabının Ahmed Kemal Abdullah, Şahnun Ahmed, Muhammed Kemal Hasan, İsmail
İbrahim, Muhammed Buhari Lubis ve İslami edebiyat teorisi üreten diğer Malay
yazarları üzerinde muazzam bir etkisi oldu. Bu makalede, “evrensellik”
(el-‘âlemiyye) kavramına dayanan yeni bir İslami edebiyat teorisi önerilir.
Makalenin birinci kısmında mevcut teoriler gözden geçirilirken sonuç kısmında
İslami edebiyat kavramı, mesajı ve İslami edebiyatı diğer dünya
edebiyatlarından ayıran yedi temel özellik gibi birçok konu tartışılır.
Grek Şârihlerden İbn Rüşd’e Değin Aristoteles’in Θ/Theta Kitabı’nın Hâricî Tarihi
Authors: SEVİNDİK Abdürrezzak
Published: November 2019

Makalenin
gâyesi, Aristoteles’in Θ/Theta (Metafizik IX.) Kitabı’nın hâricî tarihini İbn
Rüşd’ün Metafizik şerhleri bağlamında ortaya koymaktır. İbn Rüşd, Telhîsu Mâ
ba‘de’t-tabî‘a’da Theta Kitabı’nı mana ve mahiyetini temel alarak yorumlamış,
Metafizik’i oluşturan kitapların özgün dizilimini takip etmemiştir. Buna karşın
Tefsîru Mâ ba‘de’t-tabî‘a’da Metafizik’in özgün dizilimini takip etmiş, Θ/Theta
Kitabı’nı da orijinal metnini temel alarak ibâre odaklı yorumlamıştır. İbn Rüşd
ibâre odaklı yaklaşımı dolayısıyla bu yorum sürecinde Θ/Theta Kitabı’nın Astat/Ustâz/Eustathius-İshak
b. Huneyn (ö. M.S. 910) tarafından yapılmış Arapça çevirilerinden
yararlanmıştır. Astat ve İshak b. Huneyn, Aristoteles’in eserlerinin doğrudan
doğruya Grekçe’den Arapça’ya çevirilerinde ihtisaslaşmış mütercimlerdir.
Astat’ın ve İshak b. Huneyn’in çeviri tavırlarına bakıldığında Grekçe metne
kelime kelime bağlı kaldıkları görülür. Bu yönden söz konusu çeviriler, İbn Rüşd’ün
lafzî yorumunu desteklemiştir. Diğer yandan İbn Rüşd, Θ/Theta Kitabı yorumunda
Grek şârih İskender Afrodisî’den etkilenmiştir. İskender Afrodisî ile İbn
Rüşd’ün lafzı temel alan şerh etme yöntemleri benzerdir. Bu bakımdan İbn
Rüşd’ün Theta Kitabı Şerhi, onun saf Aristotelesçi yaklaşımını ortaya koyar.
БЕРЕГОВЫЕ ВОДОПАДЫ КУРИЛЬСКИХ ОСТРОВОВ КАК ОБЪЕКТ ТУРИЗМА
Authors: Vasina M.V.
Published: November 2019

Водопады Курильских островов представляют большой интерес с точки зрения туризма, и особенно все большей популярностью пользуется туризм береговых зон. Береговая линия Курил весьма изрезана, в ее пределах встречается множество интересных объектов, в том числе и водопады. Курилы можно справедливо назвать краем водопадов. На этих островах их более 300, и каждый год открываются все новые. Почти на каждом острове Курильской гряды можно найти летящую воду . Большой вклад в изучение водопадов Сахалинской области внес ученый и путешественник Андрей Клитин. Он обошел пешком крупнейшие острова Курильской гряды Кунашир, Итуруп, Уруп, Симушир, Онекотан и Парамушир, открыл и нанес на карту множество новых водопадов, составил точное описание своих маршрутов. Его описания до сих пор берутся за основу путешественниками. К этим водопадам можно добавить также водопады, самостоятельно обнаруженные автором, и пока не обозначенные на карте. С помощью электронного ресурса Google Earth автором обнаружены новые водопады на овах Шиашкотан, Расшуа, тихоокеанской стороне овов Симушир и Онекотан. Эти открытия , безусловно, требуют полевого подтверждения. В статье предлагается разработка нескольких водопадных береговых маршрутов, продолжительностью 12 дня, по островам Кунашир, Итуруп, Уруп, Онекотан и Парамушир.

The waterfalls of the Kuril Islands are of great interest from the point of view of tourism, especially the increasing popularity of tourism on coastal zones. The coastline of the Kuril Islands is highly indented. It is found a lot of interesting objects, including waterfalls. The Kuril Islands rightly can be called the land of waterfalls. On these Islands more than 300, and every year discover the new waterfalls. Almost every island of the Kuril ridge it is possible to find waterfalls. A great contribution to the study of waterfalls Sakhalin region has made scientist and traveler Andrey Klitin. He went to the largest of the Kuril Islands Kunashir, Iturup, Urup, Simushir, Onekotan and Paramushir, discovered and mapped many new waterfalls, was an accurate description of himself routes. His descriptions still are the foundation by the travelers. To these waterfalls, you can also add waterfalls, independently discovered, and it is not marked on the map. Using the eresource Google Earth were found by the author a new waterfalls on the Islands of Shiashkotan, Rasshua, Pacific side of the Islands Simushir and Onekotan. These discoveries, of course, require experimental confirmation. The article proposes the elaboration of several waterfall coastal trails, lasting 12 days, to the Islands of Iturup, Kunashir, Urup, Paramushir and Onekotan.