bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGARUH VARIABEL INTERNAL BANK DAN VARIABEL MAKROEKONOMI TERHADAP KINERJA KEUANGAN (STUDI BANK UMUM SYARIAH DI INDONESIA PERIODE 2014-2018)
Authors: Febriyanti Annisa Rahma , Shofawati Atina
Published: September 2020

This research aims to find out the effect of bank internal variabel and macroeconomics variabel toward islamic banks financial performance proxied by Return on Assets (ROA) simultaneously and partially. Bank internal variables consist of capital structure, operational efficiency, asset quality, and liquidity, while macroeconomics variables consist of inflation and real GDP growth. Methodology that used in this study is quantitative approach using panel regression as technique analysis. Sampel used 11 Islamic Bank in Indonesia regulated by Otoritas Jasa Keuangan and launched legally before 2014. Data collected from annual report 2014 until 2018 from each banks. Result found that capital structure, operational efficiency, dan asset quality have significantly negative effects on Return on Assets (ROA). Liquidity has positive significantly effects on Return on Assets. Inflation and Real GDP Growth have insignificantly affects Islamic Commercial Bank’s Financial Performance measured by Return on Assets.Keywords: Return on Assets, Capital Structure, Operational Efficiency, Assets Quality, Liquidity, Macroeconomic, Islamic Commercial Bank
PENGARUH SIKAP PADA IKLAN KOSMETIK HALAL WARDAH TERHADAP NIAT BERPERILAKU
Authors: Samodra Bunga Permata , Ratnasari Ririn Tri
Published: September 2020

Attitude is suggested to have a link to behavioral intention. This study examines the said information, using Wardah advertisement as a research object. Cosmetics and beauty products have been viewed as something essentials nowadays, brought about by the ease of a someone’s image shared on social media. Moreover, an advertisement from halal beauty products like Wardah which upholds Islamic values will generate positive attitude among Muslims. This attitude would affect customer’s behavioral intention. Using quantitative method and questionnaires which were distributed to Muslim female college students, it can be concluded that a person’s attitude towards Wardah advertisement relates to their behavioral intentions toward mentioned product. Kata kunci: Attitude, Behavioral Intention, Halal Cosmetics and Beauty Products, Islamic Advertising
PENGARUH HARGA KOMODITAS, KURS, INFLASI, FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI), DAN SUMBER DAYA MANUSIA (SDM) TERHADAP PEREKONOMIAN NEGARA OKI
Authors: Choiriyah Evi Aninatin Ni'matul , Auwalin Ilmiawan
Published: September 2020

This study aims to determine the effect of world commodity prices on agriculture, energy, fertilizer, metals and minerals, precious metals, inflation, exchange rate of the United States Dollar (USD), Foreign Direct Investment, human resources on economics of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) which is proxied in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the 2009-2018 period. In this study, there are two models regarding the human resources variable, namely total population and labor force. Random Effect Model (REM) is used in this study to examine the relationship of independent variables to the dependent variable, both partially and simultaneously. The findings of this study, both the first and second models show that commodity prices in the agriculture, fertilizer, metal and mineral sectors, Foreign Direct Investment, and inflation have a negative and significant effect on the GDP of the OIC countries. Meanwhile, commodity prices in the energy sector, precious metals, and the exchange rate of the United States Dollar (USD) have a positive and significant effect on the GDP of the OIC countries. As well as the human resources variable, both the population and the labor force also have a positive and significant effect on the GDP of the OIC countries. This paper can be considered for the government or related institutions and agencies in formulating policies or regulations to improve and maintain economic stability in each OIC member country.Keywords: Macroeconomics, World commodities prices, OIC, and GDP
Yields Losses Caused by Basal Plate Rot (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cepae) in Some Shallot Varieties
Authors: Hadiwiyono Hadiwiyono , Sari Kumala , Poromarto Susilo Hambeg
Published: September 2020

Basal plate rot or moler caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae (FOCe) is the most important disease of shallot. However, the information of crop losses attributed to the pathogen is still limited, especially related to resistance of shallot. This paper discusses the correlation between disease severity and resistance of some shallot varieties to yield losses. The experiment was arranged by Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with six varieties of shallot as treatments, each of which consisted of 20 shallots, with three times of replications. The independent variables were the disease severity of twisting leaf and rotting of shallot bulb. The association of disease severity versus yield losses in different varieties was based on the correlation analysis. The results showed that both variables were positively correlated to yield losses, which were significantly affected by the level of resistance. Yield losses in resistant and moderate varieties were at the ranges of 2.13-4.38 and 15, 27.26-40.04, respectively.
The Effects of Types of Manure and Mycorrhizal Applications on Sandy Soils on the Growth and Yield of Curly Red Chili (Capsicum annum L.)
Authors: Putra Sukmana Siswandana , Putra Eka Tarwaca Susila , Widada Jaka
Published: September 2020

Market demand for chilies continues to increase, so efforts are needed to increase the productivity of the chili plants. One of the efforts is by intensifying production factors such as applying fertilizers on beach sand which contain low nutrients and organic matter so that manure input is needed and also utilizes soil microbial technology in the form of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi which are relatively cheap economically and environmentally friendly. The purpose of this research was to study the effect of types of manure and mycorrhizal applications on the growth and yield of curly red chili. The research was arranged in a strip-plot Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) consisting of two factors with three replications. The first factor is the type of fertilizer (cow manure, chicken manure, guano fertilizer, quail manure and urea fertilizer) and the second factor is the application of mycorrhizae (with and without). This study concludes that quail manure increases plant height. The addition of chicken manure, guano fertilizer and quail manure multiplies the total fruit production. The application of mycorrhizae gives the same results on the growth and yield of chili.
The Potensial of Fusarium sp. and Chaetomium sp. as Biological Control Agents of Five Broad-Leaf Weeds
Authors: Soesanto Loekas , Mugiastuti Endang , Manan Abdul
Published: September 2020

Weeds are a major problem in crop cultivation, either in food crops, horticulture, plantations or forests and cause a decrease in the quality and quantity of production. Weed biocontrol, especially by using plant pathogenic fungi, has received attention but is still lacking in application. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential of Fusarium sp. and Chaetomium sp. as biological control agents against five broad-leaf weeds (Asystasia gangetica L., Ageratum conyzoides L., Synendrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn., Wedelia trilobata (L.) U.S. Hitchc. and Amaranthus spinosus L.). The variables observed were the incubation period, disease incidence, disease intensity, as well as weed fresh and dry weight. The results of this study showed that the two pathogenic fungi, Fusarium sp. and Chaetomium sp., can cause a more intensive disease in A. conizoides than A. spinosus. A. gangetica, S. nodiflora and W. trilobata; however, the fungi have not been able to inhibit the growth and kill the weeds. Therefore, improvement need to be done by modifying the media to increase the ability of fungi to control weeds.
Generation of Risk Information Based on Comprehensive Real-Time Analysis of Flooding and Landslide Disaster Occurrence Hazard and Social Vulnerability
Authors: Sano Hiroaki ,   National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience (NIED) 3-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0006, Japan, Usuda Yuichiro , Iwai Ichiro , Taguchi Hitoshi , Misumi Ryohei , Hayashi Haruo
Published: September 2020

It is important to discern in real time the risk level of rain-related disasters such as floods and landslides in order to maintain readiness against heavy-rainfall disasters and to decide on the suitable response measures. In this study, we developed an information processing technology that employs hazard information which indicates the risk of inundation or landslides. It also presents indices of social vulnerability and applies the spatial resolution functions of a geographic information system (GIS) to extract in real time the highly exposed and vulnerable areas that are faced with an increased risk of flooding or landslides. The technology’s validity was verified using a case study – namely, the heavy rainfall that accompanied a pressure front in August, 2019. The results show that, with respect to flood risks, we were able to extract in real time specific areas where flooding may be taking place, thus demonstrating the possibility of applying the technology to decide priorities in disaster response measures. Future issues are related to information dissemination, including the specific labeling and expressions that are easy for the user to understand as well as improving the user interface so as to facilitate delivery of relevant risk information in real time.
What Factors Contributed to the Torrential Rainfall of Hurricane Harvey over Texas?
Authors: Iizuka Satoshi ,   National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience (NIED) 3-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0006, Japan, Sakai Naoki
Published: September 2020

In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey brought an unprecedented amount of rainfall and catastrophic flooding to the Houston metropolitan area, as it stalled near the coast of Texas for several days after weakening to a tropical storm intensity. The present study examines the relationship between tropical cyclone rainfall totals over Texas and the track, residence time, rainfall intensity, and rainfall area coverage of past tropical cyclones that approached Texas after 1979. The most significant factor affecting rainfall totals over Texas is whether a tropical cyclone makes landfall on the central coast of Texas and travel inland. Another significant factor is the length of time a tropical cyclone resides near Texas. Rainfall intensity also contributes in part to rainfall totals over Texas, whereas contribution of rainfall area coverage is not significant. The track of a tropical cyclone traveling near Texas is controlled by the steering winds over Texas, while its residence time near Texas is related partly to the meandering of the subtropical jets. Rainfall rate depends on the intensity of tropical cyclone. No significant relationship between rainfall intensity and environmental moisture in the lower atmosphere is found in the present analysis. Furthermore, the extreme rainfall totals over Texas induced by Harvey can be attributed to the combined effect of extreme long-term stalling of Harvey near the central coast of Texas and the higher rainfall rate.
Consideration of Evacuation Drills Utilizing the Capabilities of People with Special Needs
Authors: Sugiyama Takashi , Yamori Katsuya ,   Department of Informatics, Kyoto University Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan,   Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
Published: September 2020

People with special needs are at higher risk during a disaster than those without because of delayed disaster evacuation behaviors. Therefore, one of the top priorities in the field of disaster risk reduction is implementing evacuation support for the people with special needs. However, assistance is often limited, especially in areas with declining and aging populations. In addition, past evacuation activities for people with special needs have tended to focus on the barriers they face and assistance they need during evacuation rather than their utilizable capabilities. Therefore, this study considers evacuation drills that utilize the capabilities of people with special needs. An “indoor evacuation drill” was developed and the evacuation behaviors of residents with special needs were analyzed. An indoor evacuation drill is defined as an evacuation activity that participants carry out within their own homes – for example, evacuating from the bedroom to an exit. In coastal areas, such a drill helps residents prepare to evacuate their homes in case of a tsunami, while in mountainous regions, it helps them prepare for evacuation to the upper floors in case of a landslide. The study participants were residents of Hamamachi ward (a coastal area) and Kumai ward (a mountainous area) in Kuroshio town, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan. The results indicate that an indoor evacuation drill conducted in the participants’ living area, such as the entrance or second floor of their home, is easier to implement than usual disaster evacuation drills, and helps people with special needs regain autonomy in disaster risk reduction activities. Moreover, the participation rate of the target population in local evacuation drills increased after participating in the indoor evacuation drills. Existing evacuation drills often overlook people with special needs, and delays in disaster prevention for this population are often associated with their lack of interest in related activities. However, the results of this study suggest that disaster prevention activities themselves sometimes overlook the challenges faced by people with special needs and prevent them from participating.
The influence of appropriateness, technology and taxation information and discrimination against tax evasion.
Authors: Fitriyanti Ika , Fauzi Achmad , Armeliza Diah
Published: September 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisa pengaruh ketepatan pengalokasian, teknologi dan informasi perpajakan, dan diskriminasi terhadap penggelapan pajak (tax evasion).Populasi penelitian ini adalah wajib pajak orang pribadi yang terdaftar di KPP Pratama Jakarta Sunter.Sampel dalam penelitian ini ditentukan berdasarkan metode convenience sampling, data dikumpulkan dengan pembagian kuisioner.Metode analisis data penelitian yang digunakan adalah regresi linier berganda.Berdasarkan hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa ketepatan pengalokasian tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap penggelapan pajak, teknologi dan informasi perpajakan berpengaruh negatif dan signifikan terhadap penggelapan pajak, dan diskriminasi berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap penggelapan pajak.
TRANSFORMASI TATA KELOLA UNIT KERJA BIDANG ADMINISTRASI UMUM DAN KEUANGAN MELALUI PENGUATAN KELEMBAGAAN MENUJU PENCAPAIAN RENSTRA UNJ
Authors: Suryadi Suryadi , Pahala Indra , Dianta Karuniana
Published: September 2020

Peningkatan kualitas pada bidang Administrasi Umum dan Keuangan Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ) merupakan salah satu cara untuk mewujudkan target dari Rencana Strategis (Renstra) UNJ guna menghadapi tantangan perkembangan dunia pendidikan di masa depan dan tuntutan dari stakeholders. Peningkatan kualitas dilakukan dengan cara mengevaluasi capaian target dari masing-masing rencana kerja pada Bidang Administrasi Umum dan Keuangan, khususnya perihal kualitas Sumber Daya Manusia, serta pengelolaan Sarana dan Prasarana di UNJ.

Penelitian dilakukan di lingkungan PR II UNJ yang meliputi unit kerja BAUK dan BAPSI berdasarkan gagasan Nee mengenai new sociology economics institutionalism. Gagasan tersebut membagi mekanisme integrasi hubungan formal dan informal pada setiap level kausal, yakni pada tataran mikro (individu) yang dijelaskan sebagai sistem jaringan elemen dalam unit kerja pada penelitian, tataran messo (kelompok ataupun organisasi) yang dijelaskan sebagai bentuk tata kelola unit kerja pada penelitian, dan tataran makro berupa lingkungan kebijakan (policy environment) yang dijelaskan sebagai proses perumusan implementasi kebijakan unit kerja oleh pihak rektorat dalam penelitian. Penelitian dilaksanakan melalui 7 tahapan sesuai pendekatan metode Soft System Methodology (SSM).

Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa pada level makro, dalam melaksanakan tugasnya unit kerja bidang administrasi umum dan keuangan selalu melibatkan setiap elemen yang terdapat pada unit kerja ini sesuai dengan kebutuhan dari proses belajar mengajar dari masing-masing fakultas. Proses perumusan kebijakan yang dilakukan sudah sesuai dengan pendekatan Renstra, yakni harus sistemik, imajinatif, dan tidak terikat oleh kontinuetas kegiatan yang telah lalu. Sedangkan, pada level messo, dalam pelaksanaan proses tata kelola, para staf dalam unit ini masih mendapatkan masalah. Masalah yang terjadi terkait masalah akuntabilitas dan keterampilan Sumber Daya Manusia. Pada level mikro, setiap elemen memiliki tata perilaku, norma, kebiasaan, peraturan formal maupun informal dalam melakukan eksekusi setiap rumusan kebijakan yang telah dibuat oleh unit kerja ini. Namun, masih ditemukan masalah sistem jaringan yang menyulitkan bagi setiap elemen pada unit kerja ini.

Hasil penelitian juga menunjukkan bahwa bentuk transformasi yang telah dilakukan oleh pihak Universitas Negeri Jakarta adalah dengan melakukan penguatan kelembagaan dalam hal tata kelola setiap unit kerja yang ada di universitas, termasuk dalam unit kerja bidang administrasi umum dan keuangan. Proses penguatan yang dilakukan adalah dengan melakukan perubahan bentuk tata kelola setiap unit kerja. Penguatan ini dilakukan dengan cara merubah standar tata kelola berdasarkan pada rancangan tata kerja dan organisasi badan layanan umum.
PENGARUH CR, DER, DAN NPM TERHADAP PERUBAHAN LABA PADA PERUSAHAAN JASA PERHOTELAN
Authors: Nazir Weilly Riduan , Budiharjo Roy
Published: September 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh Current Ratio, Debt to Equity ratio dan N et Profit Margin terhadap perubahan laba. Sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah perusahaan jasa Perhotelan di Bursa Efek Indonesia yang dipilih secara purposive sampling. Data yang digunakan adalah laporan keuangan pada tahun 2013 sampai 2017. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah perusahaan Jasa Perhotelan yang terdaftar di BEI pada periode 2013-2017, total 13 perusahaan dan  65 sampel. Ada 3 variabel independen, yaitu Current Ratio (CR) sebagai rasio likuiditas, Debt To Equity Ratio (DR) sebagai rasio solvabilitas, dan Net Profit Maargin (NPM) sebagai rasio profitabilitas. Berdasarkan pengujian variabel secara individu didapatkan bahwa CR dan DER tidak memiliki pengaruh signifikan terhadap perubahan laba, sedangkan NPM memiliki pengaruh signifikan terhadap perubahan laba.
DETERMINASI FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI BETA SAHAM DENGAN DER SEBAGAI VARIABEL MODERATING
Authors: Syamsul Bachri Khamidatuzzuhriyah
Published: September 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh likuiditas, asset growth, firm size, dan return on asset terhadap beta saham dengan debt to equity ratio sebagai variabel moderating. Populasi penelitian ini adalah perusahaan non-keuangan dalam indeks LQ-45 yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI) tahun 2014-2018 sebanyak 69 perusahaan. Melalui teknik purposive sampling diperoleh sampel sebanyak 22 perusahaan (110 unit analisis dengan 5 tahun pengamatan). Teknik analisis data menggunakan metode analisis regresi moderasi (MRA) dengan alat analisis software IBM SPSS 21. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan likuiditas dan return on asset berpengaruh positif tetapi tidak signifikan terhadap beta saham, firm size berpengaruh negatif tetapi tidak signifikan terhadap beta saham. Namun, asset growth menunjukkan pengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap beta saham. Selain itu, debt to equity ratio mampu memoderasi pengaruh asset growth dan firm size terhadap beta saham. Namun, debt to equity ratio tidak mampu memoderasi pengaruh likuiditas dan return on asset  terhadap beta saham.
Karakter Tax Avoidance dalam Memediasi Faktor-Faktor Ketepatan Waktu Penyampaian Laporan Keuangan
Authors: Anwar Choirul , Erlita Nisrina
Published: September 2020

This study aims to obtain empirical evidence about the influence of company commissioners, profitability, leverage and company size along with tax avoidance as a moderating variable on the timeliness of financial statement submission in manufacturing companies in Indonesia. The population in this study is manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) during 2014-2018 with a total of 41 companies.

The results of this study indicate that company commissioners, profitability and leverage have a significant effect on tax avoidance, while company size has no significant effect on tax avoidance as a mediating variable. Then the results of the tax avoidance intervention on the timeliness of financial reporting do not only show significant results but also do not mediate in character.
Faktor Penentu Struktur Modal : Bukti Empiris pada Indeks IDX30 di Bursa Efek Indonesia
Authors: Nur Fitriyanto  , Slamet Haryono
Published: September 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh faktor-faktor penentu struktur modal, seperti risiko bisnis, dividend payout ratio, peluang pertumbuhan, kepatuhan syariah, perisai pajak non hutang, profitabilitas dan tangibilitas terhadap leverage perusahaan dengan dimoderasi oleh ukuran perushaan. Populasi dari penelitian ini adalah perusahaan yang pernah masuk kriteria indeks IDX30, dengan metode purposive sampling didapatkan sampel penelitian sejumlah 15 perusahaan. Temuan model dengan moderasi variabel ukuran perusahaan, ditemukan pada risiko bisnis, dividend payout ratio, non-debt tax shield, profitabilitas dan tangibilitas perusahaan terhadap struktur modal.
A UME Kibble balance displacement measurement procedure
Authors: Ahmedov Haci , Celik Mehnet , Orhan Recep , Korutlu Beste , Ersoy Sahin , Hamid Ramiz
Published: September 2020

The redefinition of the kilogram in terms of Planck constant came into effect on 20 May 2019. The National Metrology Institute of Turkey (UME) realised the new definition by means of the oscillating magnet Kibble balance. The novel dynamical measurement procedure developed for Kibble balance in Turkey has the advantage of being less sensitive to environmental disturbances compared to the traditional Kibble balance experiments. Precise displacement measurements are performed either with Michelson or Fabry-Perot interferometers in worldwide Kibble balances. Moreover, most of them operate in a global vacuum. A commercial Michelson interferometer has been used in UME’s Kibble balance experiment. In this article, we determine the contribution of ultra-small oscillations to the Planck constant by taking simultaneous displacement measurements on two back-to-back mirrors attached to the piezoelectric transducer, undergoing an oscillatory motion with the Michelson and Fabry-Perot interferometers. The following novel measurement procedure makes such measurements possible in a regular laboratory environment. Otherwise, the experiment needs to be performed in a global vacuum. This is why we were required to investigate the resolution performances of these devices in laboratory conditions. As the expected relative uncertainty in the redefinition of kilogram is above the resolution uncertainties of both interferometers, we may conclude that a commercial Michelson interferometer will serve our purposes in our route to the redefinition of a kilogram by means of local vacuum.
Contribution of an interharmonic component to the sine-wave parameters estimators returned by the interpolated Discrete Fourier transform algorithm
Authors: Belega Daniel , Petri Dario , Dallet Dominique
Published: September 2020

This article investigates the contribution of a small-amplitude interharmonic component to the sine-wave parameter estimators returned by the classical interpolated discrete Fourier transform (IpDFT) algorithm. The analytical expressions for the frequency, amplitude, and phase estimation errors are derived herein by considering the IpDFT algorithm based on the maximum sidelobe decay (MSD) windows and by assuming the interharmonic frequency located at least one bin apart the unknown sine-wave frequency. The derived expressions allow us to analyse the impact of an interharmonic on the accuracies of the IpDFT frequency, amplitude, and phase estimators. The accuracies of the derived expressions are verified by means of both computer simulations and experimental results.
Influences on amplitude estimation using three-parameter sine fitting algorithm in the velocity mode of the Planck-Balance
Authors: Lin Shan , Rothleitner Christian , Rogge Norbert , Fröhlich Thomas
Published: September 2020

The Planck-Balance is a table-top version of a Kibble balance. In contrast to many other Kibble balances, the coil is moved sinusoidally and an ac rather than a dc signal is generated in the velocity mode. The three-parameter sine fitting algorithm is applied to estimate the amplitudes of the induced voltage and the coil motion, which are used to determine the force factor Bl of the voice coil of the electromagnetic force compensation balance. However, the three-parameter sine fitting algorithm is not robust against some perturbations, e.g. additive Gaussian white noise, quantization error, harmonic distortion, frequency error and time jitter. These effects have influences on the accuracy of the amplitude estimation. Based on numerical simulations and correlation analyses, the effects of these perturbations are determined. By optimizing measurement and data processing approach, the bias and standard deviation of the estimated amplitude can be effectively reduced, and thus the accuracy of the force factor Bl in the velocity mode can be improved.
Empagliflozin reduced long-term HbA1c variability and cardiovascular death: insights from the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial
Authors: Ceriello Antonio , Ofstad Anne Pernille , Zwiener Isabella , Kaspers Stefan , George Jyothis , Nicolucci Antonio
Published: September 2020

Background: Glucose variability has been associated with cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes, however, the interplay between glucose variability, empagliflozin and cardiovascular death has not been explored. In the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial, empagliflozin reduced the risk of cardiovascular death by 38%. We explore post-hoc the association between HbA1c variability and cardiovascular death, and the potential mediating effects of HbA1c variability on empagliflozin’s cardiovascular death reductions.Methods: In total, 7,020 patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease received placebo, empagliflozin 10 mg or 25 mg. We defined within-patient HbA1c variability as standard deviation, coefficient of variation and range of HbA1c measurements (%) post-baseline. First, we compared HbA1c variability until week 28 and 52 by Wilcoxon tests. We explored the association between cardiovascular death and HbA1c variability in placebo and pooled empagliflozin arms separately with landmark analyses at week 28 and 52, and additionally with HbA1c variability as a time-dependent co-variate. We used Cox regression models adjusted for baseline risk factors including changes in HbA1c from baseline to week 12, and the interaction term HbA1c variability* treatment.Results: HbA1c variability was lower with empagliflozin compared to placebo. In all Cox analyses, high HbA1c variability increased the risk for cardiovascular death in both treatment arms with no interaction with treatment: e.g.an increase in HbA1c variability of one unit for the standard deviation at week 28 was associated with a subsequent increased risk of CV death with HRs of 1.97 (95% CI 1.36, 2.84) and 1.53 (1.01, 2.31) in the placebo and empagliflozin groups, separately, interaction p-value 0.3615.Conclusions: HbA1c variability was reduced by empagliflozin and high values of HbA1c variability were associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death. Empagliflozin’s reduction in cardiovascular death did not appear to be mediated by reductions in HbA1c variability.ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01131676
The Problem of Pulmonary Artery Hypertension in End-Stage Renal Disease: Can Peritoneal Dialysis be the Solution
Authors: Alhwiesh Abdullah K. , Abdul-Rahman Ibrahim Saeed , Alshehri Abdullah M. , Alhwiesh Amani , Elnokeety Mahmoud , Essam Sayed , Sakr Mohamad , Al-Oudah Nadia , Abdulrahman Abdulla , Abdelgalil Moaz , Mansour Hany , El-Salamoni Tamer , Al-Oudah Nehad , Alayoobi Lamees , Aljenaidi Hend , Al-Harbi Ali , Mousa Dujanah , Abdulnasir Abdulghani , Skhiri Sami
Published: September 2020

Background: Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) in the setting of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has important prognostic and therapeutic consequences. We estimated the prevalence of PAH among patients with ESRD treated with automated peritoneal dialysis (APD), investigated the effect of different variables and compared pulmonary artery pressure and cardiac function at the beginning and end of the study. Methods: The study that started on 2015 and extended till 2020. Thirty-one ESRD patients on APD were recruited after fulfilling inclusion criteria. Blood samples were collected from all patients for the biochemical and hematological data at the beginning of the study and every month and at the study termination. Total body water (TBW) and extracellular water (ECW) were calculated using Watson’s and Bird’s calculation methods. All patients were followed-up monthly by cardiologist for an echocardiographic examination. Cox regression analysis was used to assess the relation between different variables and PAH.Results: The mean age of the study population (n=31) was 51.23±15.24 years. PAH was found in 24.2% of the patients. Mean systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) and mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) were significantly higher in the APD patients at study initiation than at the end of the study (40.75 + 10.61 vs 23.55 + 9.20 and 29.66 + 11.35 vs 18.24 + 6.75 mmHg respectively, p = 0.001). The median ejection fraction was significantly lower in patients with PAH at zero point than at study termination [31% (27-34) vs 50% (46-52), p = 0.002]. Hypervolemia decreased significantly at the end of study (p <0.001) and correlated positively with the PAP (r = 0.371 and r = 0.369), p = 0.002). sPAP correlated with left ventricular mass index, hemoglobin level, and duration on APD.Conclusions: Long term PD (> 2 years) seemed to decrease pulmonary artery pressure, right atrial pressure and improve left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Risk factors for PAH in ESRD were hypervolemia, abnormal ECHO findings and low hemoglobin levels. Clinical and echocardiographic abnormalities and complications are not uncommon among ESRD patients with PAH. Identification of those patients on and transthoracic echocardiography may warrant further attention to treatment with APD.
What is the Efficacy of Beta-tricalcium Phosphate as Graft Material in Periodontal Infra-bony Defects? Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Al-Jasser Reham , AlSubaie Abdulelah , Alshehri Fayez
Published: September 2020

﻿Background: β-TCP is a synthetic grafting material (alloplasts)that can be used as allografts and xenografts in peridontal periodontal infra-bony defect. However, it is important to compare this material outcomes in such treatments when comparted to others Therefore, the aim of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of β-TCP in the regeneration of periodontal infra-bony defect. Methods: Three electronic databases (Cochrane, Pubmed, Embase) were searched up to March 2020. The inclusion criteria consist of regeneration of periodontal infra-bony defect via implementation of β-TCP in combination with other bone graft materials. Outcomes consisted of pocket depth reduction, clinical attachment level gain and bone fill. Results: Five studies were included according to inclusion criteria. β-TCP found to be superior than debridement alone while it shown comparable result to other bone grafts materials in term of pocket depth reduction, clinical attachment level gain and bone fill. the outcomes of the regenerative procedures of periodontal infra-bony defect with the use of β-TCP in combination with other growth factors seems to be superior than alone. Conclusion: β-TCP seems to be a promising material to be used in periodontal infra-bony defect regeneration. However, randomized clinical trials with larger sample size and more controlled study design are needed to support the findings.
Controllable spin switching in a single-molecule magnetic tunneling junction
Authors: Zhang Zhengzhong , Wang Ya , Wang Haiou , Liu Hao , Dong Liming
Published: September 2020

A new type of spin-current filter is proposed that consists of a single molecule magnet (SMM) coupled to two normal metal electrodes. It is shown that this tunneling junction can generate a highly spin-polarized current, whose spin polarization can be switched by means of magnetic fields and gate voltages applied to the SMM. This spin switching in the SMM tunnel junction arises from spin-selective single electron resonant tunneling via the lowest unoccupied molecular orbit of the SMM. The electron current spectrum is still spin polarized in the absence of an external magnetic field, which can help to judge whether the molecule’s spin state has reached the ground-state doublet |± S > . This device can be realized with current technologies and may have practical use in spintronics and quantum information.
Comparison of the impact of propofol versus sevoflurane on early postoperative recovery in living donors after laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: a prospective randomized controlled study
Authors: Han Sangbin , Park Jaesik , Hong Sang Hyun , Lim Soojin , Park Yong Hyun , Chae Min Suk
Published: September 2020

Background: Enhancing postoperative recovery of the donor is important to encourage living kidney donation. We investigated the effects of anesthetic agents (intravenous [IV] propofol versus inhaled [IH] sevoflurane) on the quality of early recovery of healthy living kidney donors after hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy (HALN) under analgesic intrathecal morphine injection. Methods: This single-center, prospective randomized controlled study enrolled 80 living donors undergoing HALN from October 2019 to June 2020 at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital. Donors were randomly assigned to the IV propofol group or IH sevoflurane group. To measure the quality of recovery, we used the Korean version of the Quality of Recovery-40 questionnaire (QoR-40K) on postoperative day (POD) 1, and ambulation (success rate, number of footsteps) 6–12 hours after surgery and on POD 1. The pain score for the wound site, IV opioid requirement, postoperative complications including incidences of nausea/vomiting, and length of in-hospital stay were also assessed.Results: The global QoR-40K score and all subscale scores (physical comfort, emotional state, physical independence, psychological support, and pain) were significantly higher in the IV propofol group than in the IH sevoflurane group. The numbers of footsteps at all time points were also higher in the IV propofol group. Donors in the IV propofol group had a lower incidence of nausea/vomiting, and a shorter hospitalization period.Conclusions: Total IV anesthesia with propofol led to better early postoperative recovery than that associated with IH sevoflurane.
The Bilateral Limb Deficit (BLD) Phenomenon During Leg Press: An Investigation Into Central And Peripheral Factors
Authors: Whitcomb Emily , Ortiz Oscar , Toner Jacqueline , Kuruganti Usha
Published: September 2020

Background: The bilateral limb deficit (BLD) phenomenon is the difference in maximal or near maximal force generating capacity of muscles when they are contracted alone or in combination with the contralateral muscles. It has been suggested that the BLD may be due to interhemispheric inhibition, however the origin of the deficit is yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to investigate central and peripheral factors responsible for the BLD during leg press using surface electromyography (EMG) and electroencephalography (EEG). Methods: Fourteen adults (age = 23.7 ± 4.7 years old) completed bilateral (BL), unilateral left (UL) and unilateral right (UR) isometric leg press exercises. Bilateral limb ratio (BLR) was calculated similar to previous studies and surface EMG from three muscles of the quadriceps femoris (vastus lateralis, vastus medialis and rectus femoris) were used to compare signal amplitude in each condition. Movement related cortical potentials (MRCPs) over the left and right motor cortex areas (C3 and C4, respectively) were used to assess brain activity asymmetries reflecting central factors. Results: The BLD was present in ten of the fourteen participants (mean BLR=81.4%). Mean RMS activity demonstrated differences in amplitudes between the quadriceps muscles, however no significant differences were noted between bilateral and unilateral conditions. No significant differences in MRCPs were observed between brain activity of the C3 and C4 electrodes in any of the conditions. Conclusion: This study noted the presence of BLD however the results did not provide evidence of significant limitations in either the EMG and EEG data.
Health Workers’ Perceptions on Where and How to Integrate Tobacco use Cessation Services into Tuberculosis Treatment; A Qualitative Exploratory Study in Uganda
Authors: Rutebemberwa Elizeus , Nyamurungi Kellen , Joshi Surabhi , Olando Yvonne , Mamudu Hadii M. , Pack Robert P.
Published: September 2020

Background: Tobacco use is associated with exacerbation of tuberculosis (TB) and poor TB treatment outcomes. Integrating tobacco use cessation within TB treatment could improve healing among TB patients. The aim was to explore perceptions of health workers on where and how to integrate tobacco use cessation services into TB treatment programs in Uganda.Methods: Between March and April 2019, nine focus group discussions (FGDs) and eight key informant interviews were conducted among health workers attending to patients with tuberculosis on a routine basis in nine facilities from the central, eastern, northern and western parts of Uganda. These facilities were high volume health centres, general hospitals and referral hospitals. The FGD sessions and interviews were tape recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis to identify themes.Results: Participants indicated that tobacco use cessation activities should be integrated in TB treatment starting from communities when people are still healthy. Cessation should also be implemented in health facilities including referral facilities, and be extended to those who have been healed as they go back to communities. This calls for collaborations beyond health workers to TB treatment supporters, peers and the media. Conclusions: Tobacco use cessation should take place in communities as well as health facilities. Partnerships with media and families are needed. Health system challenges need to be addressed to support effective implementation.
The Green Toad Example: A Comparison of Pattern Recognition Software
Authors: Burgstaller Stephan , Gollmann Günter , Landler Lukas
Published: September 2020

Background Individual identification of animals is important for assessing the size and status of populations. Photo-based approaches, where animals are recognized by naturally occurring and visually identifiable features, such as color patterns, are cost-effective methods for this purpose. We compared five available programs for their power to semi-automatically identify dorsal patterns of the European green toad (Bufotes viridis). Method We created a data set of 200 pictures of known identity, two pictures for each individual, and analyzed the percentage of correctly identified animals for each software. Furthermore, we employed a generalized linear mixed model to identify important factors contributing to correct identifications. We used these results to estimate the population size of our hypothetical population. Conclusions The freely available HotSpotter application was the software which performed by far the best for our green toad example, identifying close to 100% of the photos correctly. The animals’ sex highly significantly influenced detection probability, presumably because of sex-specific differences in the pattern contrast. Population estimates were close to the expected 100 for HotSpotter, but for the other applications population size was highly overestimated. Given the clarity of our results we strongly recommend the HotSpotter software, which is a highly efficient tool for individual pattern recognition.
Effect of COVID-19 Testing on Its Containment – An Indian Perspective
Authors: Kesharwani Vaibhav , Banjare Mayank
Published: September 2020

India, a country with 28 states and 8 Union territories has seen a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases over a period. While the entry of COVID-19 was random in various states, some states have managed the containment while in some states it has exponentially grown. COVID-19 disease is both virulent and contagious and this disease is not yet having a vaccine or medicine.In this study, research has been done on 4 months of data in 28 states and 8 Union territories. When the study is being conducted India had close to 1.3 million cases ranking 3rd in the world. Therefore, the sample size is quite enough to establish the hypothesis. The study is focused on analyzing and synthesizing testing levers along with population and number of cases. Two constructs namely "Proactiveness Index and Infection Ration" have been devised considering 3 different levers of population, testing, and cases. A relationship has been established and it has been found that in most of the cases Proactive Index and Infection Ration has an inverse relationship i.e. higher the proactive index, the lower the infection ration.
WITHDRAWN: Experimental Study on Characteristics of Reactance Dispersion of Water Bearing Coal
Authors: Lei Dongji , Li Jian , Meng Hui , Wang Yajuan
Published: September 2020

As an emerging geophysical exploration method, complex resistivity method is a potential non-invasive one for evaluating hydrofracturing effect. Reactance X is an important parameter of complex resistivity method. Compared with the traditional parameter resistance R, reactance has advantages such as distinct dispersion characteristics, clear conduction mechanism and rich information. In this paper, reactance X of four kinds of coal sample with different water saturation was tested, their dispersion characteristics were analyzed, and their conductive mechanism was studied. The results show that, (1) the characteristic curve of reactance dispersion presents a three-stage law when the water saturation is low, and a two-stage law when the water saturation is high,to some extent, the water content of coal body and the effect of hydraulic fracturing are distinguished;(2) polarization is the cause of dispersion, in which low frequency is induced polarization, high frequency is dielectric polarization, and electromagnetic induction is the interference phenomenon in the frequency band of induced polarization; (3) spectrum extremum frequency point is sensitive to changed water saturation. Extremum points of different coal rank are concentrated in 100-1000Hz. This frequency band can serve as the dominant frequency band for evaluating coal seam water saturation. This paper gives new insight into the evaluation of coal seam hydrofracturing effect by complex resistivity method.
Quick Evaluation of Lower Leg Ischemia in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease by Time Maximum Intensity Projection CT Angiography: A Pilot Study
Authors: Zhang Daming , Zhou Xueyan , Zhang Haiping , Fan Xiaobing , Lin Zehong , Xue Huadan , Wang Yining , Jin Zhengyu , Chen Yuexin
Published: September 2020

Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the new method of time maximum intensity projection (t-MIP) which was postprocessed from dynamic computed tomographic angiography (dyn-CTA) in diagnosing peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Methods: A population of 34 patients with known PAD was examined with a combined CTA protocol consisting of an s-CTA of the lower extremity and a dyn-CTA scan of the calves. For each lower leg, t-MIP images consisting of the MIP0 (sagittal MIP), and MIP+θ (45degree lateral MIP), MIP-θ (-45degree lateral MIP) were automatically generated from dyn-CTA. An objective evaluation of vascular CT attenuation of the best enhancement phase of dyn-CTA and t-MIP was measured; subjective evaluation of vessel stenosis and occlusion with a score was assigned for t-MIP and s-CTA. A comparison between the CT attenuation of t-MIP and dyn-CTA was made, so was the runoff score of t-MIP and s-CTA.Results: The CT attenuation of t-MIP CTA of three vascular segments from 68 lower extremities was higher than that of the best enhancement phase of dyn-CTA and s-CTA, with statistical significant difference at posterior tibial artery and fibular artery (all p＜0.05) . There were strong correlations (r ≥0.75, p < 0.05) of runoff scores between t-MIP and s-CTA. Conclusions: There is potential clinical application of t-MIP for assisting with the diagnosis of lower leg vascular stenosis in dyn-CTA with reliable diagnostic accuracy and convenient immediacy.
Extracts and essential oil of two medicinal plants as a candidate against urinary tract infection caused by multi-drug resistance E. coli
Authors: Ahmadian Mohammad , Moghaddam Mohammad Javad Mehdipour
Published: September 2020

Background: The antimicrobial activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the two plants, including Eryngium caucasicum Trautv (EtEc, AqEc) and Froriepia subpinnata (EtFs, AqFs), as well as the essential oil of Eryngium caucasicum (EoFs) on MDR E. coli spp. isolated from the urine samples were examined. Methods: Microdilution and agar well diffusion methods were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and inhibition zone diameter of the extracts and essential oil. Reverse-phase High- performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-mass) were applied for phytochemical analyses of extracts and essential oil ingredients. Results: The inhibitory rate based on MIC of AqEc, EtEc, AqEc, EtEc and EoEs on total isolates were 37.6%, 43%, 31.2%, 40.9% and 53.8%, respectively. The killing rate based on MBC of AqEc, EtEc, AqEc, EtEc and EoFs on total isolates were 15.1%, 20.4%, 12.9%, 24.7% and 34.4%, respectively. EoFs, with the exception of cephalothin, chloramphenicol, pipiracillin and carbapenems, can be used as an alternative to 12 of the 18 antibiotics used (P<0.01). Compounds with antimicrobial activity including quercetin, catechin, terpenes, alcohols and aromatic molecules in extracts and essential oils have been identified and measured, but chlorogenic acid polyphenol could not be identified in any of the plant products. Conclusion: It seems that the extracts and essential oil studied have the potential to be used as native materials to treat urinary tract infections as well as food preservatives or other products.