bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activities of Methanol extracts from eight Syzygium species
Authors: Abdullah Siti Awanis , Jamil Shajarahtunnur
Published: July 2020

This study was carried out to investigate the phytochemical screening of the methanol crude extracts of the leaves, twigs, and heartwoods of eight Syzygium species (S. filiforme var. filiforme, S. papillosum, S. griffithii, S. pseudoformosum, S. claviflorum var. claviflorum, S. glaucum, S. syzygioides, and Eugenia Sp. 57). The analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, steroids, terpenes, and tannins except saponins in all plant extracts. Evaluation of the antioxidant activities were tested using DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays. All plant extracts showed good DPPH scavenging activity with the percentage inhibition more than 70 % at 100 ppm. The leaves and twigs of the methanol extracts of S. griffithii exhibited the most potent ferric ion reducer ranging from 1.03 ± 0.03 mM to 7.52 ± 0.49 mM and 1.43 ± 0.12 mM to 9.68 ± 0.38 mM FRAP equivalent, respectively. The heartwoods crude extract of S. syzygioides showed the most potent ferric ion reducer ranging from 1.20 ± 0.01 mM to 10.47 ± 0.12 mM FRAP equivalent. All of the leaves crude extracts showed potential antioxidant activities towards ABTS assay. The methanol extracts of the leaves of S. glaucum showed good SC50 value (116.90 mM) followed by S. papillosum (S2LM, SC50 value = 132.70 mM) and Eugenia Sp. 57 (S4LM, SC50 value = 143.10 mM). The twigs crude extracts of S. syzygioides (S8TM) and S. griffithii (S3TM) showed excellent antioxidant activity towards ABTS assay with the SC50 values of 130.60 mM and 145.40 mM, respectively. The crude extracts of S. syzygioides exhibited good antioxidant activity among the heartwoods extracts with the SC50 value of 96.20 mM.
Structure, physical properties, and flame retardancy of POE/NR/EG blend foams: Effect of crosslinking
Authors: Sawangpe Karnjana , Walong Alif , Kaesaman Azizon , Thongnuanchan Bencha , Sakai Tadamoto , Lopattananon Natinee
Published: July 2020

Elastomeric foams were produced by melt-mixing of polyethylene-octene elastomer (POE), natural rubber (NR), and expandable graphite (EG) in an internal mixer. The blend was later foamed by compression-molding method. EG was used as a filler to enhance flame retardancy of the blend foams.  Dicumyl peroxide (DCP) was used as curative to crosslink the blend foams. The influence of DCP content (0.5, 0.7, 0.9, and 1.0 part(s) by weight, pbw) on rheological properties, structure, density, mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, and flame retardancy of the POE/NR/EG blend foams was investigated. The rheological analysis showed that the melt strength/viscosity of the POE/NR/EG blend foams increased with more DCP addition due to promoted crosslinking in the blend foams. The cellular structural observation by SEM technique revealed that the POE/NR/EG blend foams had close-cell structure. Increasing DCP content, the blend foams had smaller cell and narrower cell size distribution. The degree of porosity, however, was highest for the foamed blends added with 0.7 pbw DCP, which brought about the lowest thermal conductivity. Furthermore, it was found that the density, tensile strength, elastomeric recovery, and compressive strength increased with increasing content of DCP, but the elongation at break decreased. The POE/NR/EG blend foams reached the horizontal burning level of HF-1, and their oxygen index increased in accordance with an increase of DCP content. The results indicated that an appropriate use of DCP was critical for the crosslinked POE/NR/EG blend foams with optimum cellular structure, providing the best improvement in thermal insulation properties and good flame retardancy.
Introducing SiOC as novel dielectric platform for photonic integration
Authors: Memon Faisal Ahmed , Qureshi Imran Ali , Memon Abdul Latif , Saba Erum
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we explore the potential of silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) as a novel dielectric platform for integrated photonics and present photonic waveguides. The interesting features of SiOC are its wide tunable window of refractive index and low absorption, that are considered key for large scale photonic integration. It is possible to tune SiOC refractive index from silica glass (1.45) to silicon carbide (3.2) that allows to realize a myriad of photonic passive devices. We have prepared SiOC thin films by employing reactive RF sputtering technique and examined their structural and optical properties using several techniques such as SEM, AFM, ellipsometry, profilometry, and prism coupling. For the first time, SiOC thin films with index of refraction of 1.554 at the standard telecom wavelength 1.55 μm are exploited for the fabrication of photonic waveguides and the propagation losses around 0.37 dB/mm are measured. SiOC photonic waveguides exhibit relatively higher index contrast with silica cladding when compared to traditional Ge-doped silica platform.
Novel Technology using polyacrylamide membranes for biological separations
Authors: Kenchath Smitha , Lim Benjamin , Kumar Krithika , Wee Wong Tee
Published: July 2020

PRIME technology is a novel preparative electrophoretic isolation method for the purification of biological proteins based on molecular size and charge. Molecular charge, generated by the choice of a suitable buffered pH system, is employed in combination with polyacrylamide hydrogel membranes of selected porosities to separate molecules. By using both size and charge as restrictive factors for purification, the PRIME method is able to isolate molecules with high yield and purity. In this paper, we discuss the use of PRIME technology in the purification of plasma proteins. In the present work, albumin at 93% purity was purified at high yield (98%). Using albumin-depleted plasma for further processing of immunoglobulins (IVIG), we were able to obtain an IVIG product yield as high as 92% and purity as high as 88%. Since PRIME does not use solvents or require sub-zero temperatures and is well-suited for plasma purification from modest plasma volumes, we propose the application of PRIME as a cost-effective and safe alternative to Cohn fractionation.
Natural gas sweetening polymeric membrane: Established optimum operating condition at 70% of CO2 concentration feed gas stream
Authors: Halim M. H. M. , Kadirkhan F. , Mustapa W. N. F. W. , Soh W. K. , Yeo S. Y.
Published: July 2020

PETRONAS embarks on breakthrough technology for natural gas sweetening in high CO2 gas fields. Membrane technology is found to be one with high potential and a promising technology for bulk CO2 removal from natural gas. It can be suited to wide operating conditions to process varied natural gas composition, pressure and temperature. This paper focuses on the extensive development of PETRONAS in-house membrane and its evaluation for gas separation performance for high CO2 feed gas at different operating conditions; eg. feed gas flowrate, temperature, pressure, CO2 concentration in mixed gas system, and permeate pressure. For all the cases in this study, samples were tested at optimum gas flowrate of 1000 standard cm3/min (sccm) to obtain representative membrane performance. Feed gas pressure and CO2 concentration have shown significantly affect membrane permeation properties; whereas feed gas temperature and permeate pressure showed negligible impact. There is a trade-off between permeance and selectivity when CO2 concentration is increased from 40% to 70%; where the CO2 permeance increased by 12% which consequently reduces CO2/CH4 selectivity by 15%. In summary, the membrane developed in this study demonstrates high pressure durability up to 50 bar and temperature up to 55oC with satisfactory gas separation performance in the presence of high CO2 concentration in feed gas (up to 70% CO2). This work is breakthrough in establishing the operational boundary of PETRONAS Membrane for technology development and deployment in monetizing high CO2 gas field.
Brain-computer interface algorithm based on wavelet-phase stability analysis in motor imagery experiment
Authors: Mohd Rafi Muhamad Firdaus , A Harris Arief Ruhullah , Swee Tan Tian , Leong Kah Meng , Tan Jia Hou , Chia Hiik Kelvin Ling , Tengku Alang Tengku Ahmad Iskandar , Yahya Azli , Sin Yin Joyce Sia , Foh Thye Matthias Tiong , Ahmed Malik Sameen
Published: July 2020

Severe movement or motor disability diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), cerebral palsy (CB), and muscular dystrophy (MD) are types of diseases which lead to the total of function loss of body parts, usually limbs. Patient with an extreme motor impairment might suffers a locked-in state, resulting in the difficulty to perform any physical movements. These diseases are commonly being treated by a specific rehabilitation procedure with prescribed medication. However, the recovery process is time-consuming through such treatments. To overcome these issues, Brain-Computer Interface system is introduced in which one of its modalities is to translate thought via electroencephalography (EEG) signals by the user and generating desired output directly to an external artificial control device or human augmentation. Here, phase synchronization is implemented to complement the BCI system by analyzing the phase stability between two input signals. The motor imagery-based experiment involved ten healthy subjects aged from 24 to 30 years old with balanced numbers between male and female. Two aforementioned input signals are the respective reference data and the real time data were measured by using phase stability technique by indicating values range from 0 (least stable) to 1 (most stable). Prior to that, feature extraction was utilized by applying continuous wavelet transform (CWT) to quantify significant features on the basis of motor imagery experiment which are right and left imaginations. The technique was able to segregate different classes of motor imagery task based on classification accuracy. This study affirmed the approach’s ability to achieve high accuracy output measurements.
New report of Laophonte cornuta Philippi,1840 (Copepoda: Harpacticoida) from the coral area, North of Tioman Island, South China Sea
Authors: Sham Azrina , Kassim Zaleha , Ahmad Zuhairi , Ismail Ahmad
Published: July 2020

Laophonte cornuta Philippi 1840 was first reported in rather temperate regions and later noted to extend their distribution to the warmer coasts. The earlier reports were based on specimen collected from bottom vegetation or sediment enriched in organic matter. The present study was carried out during the warm month phenomenon which struck coral areas in the South China Sea in 2016. Sediment core samples were collected by SCUBA divers in the coral areas at Pulau Tulai (2°54'24.84"N,104° 5'57.67"E) and Batu Malang (2°52'29.98"N,104° 8'47.92"E), in the northern part of Tioman Island. The bottom substrates were covered by mostly dead corals and coral rubbles. Taxonomic observation was carried out following the sorting and microscopic dissection process in the laboratory. The denticulate margin of somites along with blunt short spinules distributed on the surface as shown from the Scanning Electroscopic Microscopy (SEM) observation proves their morphological adaptation to survive between the coral rubbles and gravels in the study area. Other variation found is on the size of the caudal rami which is very much slender than those reported from colder regions. Except for the setae formula, it shared similar characters with L. paradduensis reported from Maldives and L. aeutirostris from Monterey Bay. The present specimen also shared some variation found in specimen reported from the Andaman Sea. L. cornuta reported from the Tioman Island might be able to endure the harsh environment due to their robust feature of the body surface.
Comparative study of solution concentration variations for polymer optical fibers sensor
Authors: Haroon Hazura , Mohd Nazri Muhamad Naeem , Idris Siti Khadijah , Abdul Razak Hanim , Mohd Zain Anis Suhaila , Salehuddin Fauziyah
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we report a comparative study of fiber optic sensors for the application of aqueous solutions concentration monitoring. A simple, economical, and efficient set-up for liquid concentration measurement system was developed using polymer optical fibers (POFs). Cornstarch, sucrose, and salt solutions with different concentrations were tested, and the output power and the refractive index obtained were compared. The sensitivity of the sensor is found ranging from 0.938 μW/ RIU to 96.9 μW/RIU in term of refractive index change and 0.04298 μW/molL-1 to 0.097 μW/molL-1 in terms of concentration. It has been found that the concentration is proportionally related to its refractive index where high refractive index will experience greater loss since the light rays tend to be refracted out of the fiber instead of being internally reflected. The experimental results also show that as the solution’s concentration increases, the output power decreases.
Temperature-dependent kinetics of aluminum leaching from peat clay
Authors: Mirwan Agus , Susianto Susianto , Altway Ali , Handogo Renanto
Published: July 2020

The leaching kinetics of aluminum from peat clay using 4 M HCl at dissimilar leaching temperatures (30–90 °C) was investigated. The maximum of aluminum recovery was 91.27% after 60 min of leaching in agitated Pyrex reactor at 90 °C. The model involved the concept of shrinking core in order to describe aluminum that is located inside the core solid particle of peat clay that shrinks as the extracted solute, and it assumed the unchanged particle structure, a first-order leaching kinetics mechanism and a linear equilibrium at the interface of solid-liquid. The proposed model was corresponding to fit experimental data and to simulate the aluminum leaching from peat clay with four fitting parameters of temperature, which was confirmed with the mass transfer coefficient (kc, cm/s), diffusion coefficient (De, cm2/s), and reaction rate constants (k, cm/s) by following an increasing trend with increasing temperature. Moreover, it was validated by the correlation coefficient (ccoef ≥ 0.9794), the root means square error (RMSE ≤ 0.485), the mean relative deviation modulus (E ≤ 3.290%), and the activation energy value (Ea = 19.15 kJmol-1). This model could describe the aluminum leaching kinetics from peat clay that suitable with experiment parameters and statistical criteria, by giving useful information for optimization, scaling-up, and design.
High Quality of Bacterial DNA Extraction from Corbicula fluminea Tissue in Kelantan
Authors: Dee Koh Han , Appalasamy Suganthi , Md Nasir Siti Nor Aini , Abdullah Faizuan , Mohamad Nor Maryana , Eh Rak Aweng
Published: July 2020

Corbicula fluminea served as a popular traditional food in Kelantan, Malaysia. This clam is highly consumed by the local people from the last decade. However, there is lack of the study that obtain high quality of bacterial metagenome deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction from C. fluminea. Improper DNA extraction protocol always fails to extract a high integrity of bacterial DNA bands. This study compares the effectiveness and efficiency of conventional cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) protocol, a commercial kit and modified CTAB protocol for bacterial DNA extraction from the soft tissue surface of raw C. fluminea. The instruments used to examine the quality of the extracted bacterial DNA were DeNovix DS-11 spectrophotometer, gel electrophoresis machine and UV transilluminator. The results showed that the bacterial DNA extracted from modified CTAB protocol the highest purity and integrity with the A₂₆₀/A₂₈₀ ratio of 1.92 ± 0.01 as well as the DNA band with minimum smear. This conclude that modified CTAB protocol is the best among the three extraction protocols for the bacterial extraction from the C. fluminea.
Preliminary Exploration of Professional Development Instrument for Lecturers in Malaysia
Authors: Faizuddin Ahmad , Jumahat Tajulashikin , Nordin Mohamad Sahari
Published: July 2020

Professional development is crucial for organization’s success to improve teaching-learning programs at higher learning education institutions. Many countries have developed various programs for lecturer training and development. However, there are barriers preventing them from taking the opportunities, especially finding the right time and the appropriate programs. This study explored the construct of lecturers’ professional development in teaching and learning after attending various trainings and workshops. The main objective of this study is to identify the underlying factor of the instrument based on Kirkpatrick’s Four Level Evaluation Framework namely reaction, learning, behaviour, and results. Using an 18-item instrument developed for an explorative inquiry, the present study measured and analysed responses from 100 higher education lecturers from randomly selected Public Higher Learning Institution, Private Higher Learning Institution, and Malaysia Technical University Network. Applying Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to identify the underlying dimensions of the instrument, this study suggested that lecturer’s professional development in teaching and learning is a one-dimension construct consisting of integrated dimensions of knowledge enhancement, knowledge relevancy, skills improvement, and skills practice.
Hubungan Antara Keterlibatan Ibu Bapa dalam Program Amali Solat di Sekolah Agama Kerajaan Johor (Relationship between Parents’ Engagement in Solat Practical Programme in Religious Schools of Johor)
Authors: Shahri Mohd Hidris , Safar Ajmain , Parman Mazlina
Published: July 2020

For the past 50 years, the Johor state government through the Religious Education Division has been implementing an integrated solat (prayer) programme in the Johor State Government Religious Schools curriculum. Being the social investments in the spiritual development of Muslim students in Johor this program needs an evaluation of its effectiveness on the part of the parents. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore parents' perception of the programme impact on their children, and parental involvement in the programme at the religious schools in Mersing District, Johor. A quantitative-descriptive study using questionnaire was conducted on 235 families at Endau, Mersing religious school. Data from the questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS v17.0. The results show the overall effectiveness of the solat programme in the context of practice (M = 4.21). Similarly, for the solat component of recitation (M = 4.01) the level was high. The results of the correlation analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between parental involvement and the level of prayerful engagement in interaction and communication (r = 0826), whereas for parental involvement (r = 0.791).  This study also provides information and preview of the parental involvement in the effectiveness of the solat programme at religious school.
Penekanan Visi Dan Misi Pensyarah Cemerlang Pendidikan Islam Dalam Pelaksanaan Pengajaran Dan Pembelajaran (Emphasizing on the Vision and Mission of the Excellent Lecturers in Islamic Education throughout the Teaching and Learning Process)
Authors: Mohd Noor Ahmad Firdaus , Jasmi Kamarul Azmi , Abd Razak Muhd Imran , A Shukor Khairunnisa , Zainal Abidin Mohd Zahirwan Halim , Hassan Paiz
Published: July 2020

This article discusses the importance of vision and mission of the Islamic Education Lecturers (IELs) in teaching and learning (TnL). This study was fully conducted through qualitative method via case study. Six IELs were selected as participants and willing to be interviewed, and the data from the interview were supported by three Heads of Islamic Education Unit, 12 lecturers and 12 students. The data were triangulated with the data obtained through observation and document analysis. The data were analysed through N’Vivo software to generate a pattern of themes and characteristics of the vision and mission in TnL. The result found that there were six elements of vision and mission emphasized by the IELs in TnL. Five of them had formed a pattern. That five elements were; students receiving and appreciating, TnL objective achieved, spreading da’wah, moulding students attidtude and thinking, and achieving success in the world and the hereafter. Therefore, a model which is named as Model of the Vision and Mission Practice for the Excellent Islamic Education Lecturers was deloped. From the overall view, the emphasis on achieving mission and vision helps the IELs to successfully conduct TnL inside and outside classroom.
Manifestasi Kaedah Halaqah Pada Zaman Rasulullah Saw:Aplikasi Dalam Sistem Pengajian Pondok Terpilih Di Negeri Kelantan (Manifestation of Halaqah Methods in Rasulullah SAW era : Applications in Selected Pondok System in Kelantan)
Authors: Zainal Abidin Mohd Zahirwan Halim , Ismail Huzaimah , Mohd Noh Abd. Munir , Yusof@Salleh Muhammad Yusri , Hassan Paiz , Jelani Ahmad Bakhtiar
Published: July 2020

The halaqah method was practiced in Islamic education since the period of Prophet Muhammad PBUH in order for convey knowledge and education to the Muslims. Continuity in applying the halaqah method in Islamic education has been continued as a legacy in Islam to continue the culture of knowledge established by the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. The establishment of pondok institutions, especially in the state of Kelantan, has demonstrated the application of the halaqah method in the teaching and learning system. Hence, the objective of this study is to study the history of halaqah method in education practised by Rasulullah SAW and also the applications of halaqah method in selected pondok’s, Pondok Pasir Tumbuh, Kota Bharu and Pondok Lubuk Tapah, Pasir Mas, Kelantan. This study uses a qualitative method based entirely on document analysis, interviews and observations to compile the data needed. The results of the study show that the halaqah method is still being used in pondok’s institutions eventhough the current globalization have changed the education system including the Islamic education. The halaqah method is still releven for improved knowledge among the Muslim community especially in pondok’s institutions in Kelantan. For conclusion, the applications of the halaqah method is important in Islamic education especially in pondok’s institutions as a model for practicing the Prophet's PBUH sunnah.
Kaedah Pengukuran Penentuan Status Mualaf kepada Mukalaf dalam Konteks Malaysia (Deterministic Measurement Methods in Mualaf to Mukalaf Status in Malaysian Context)
Authors: Ab. Rahman Azman , Nordin Nurul Shazwani , Abd. Shakor Muhammad Faiz , Zakaria Mohamad Anwar , Syafiqah Nur Ain , Hamdan Mohammad Naqib
Published: July 2020

The convergence of Islam among the Muslims increased every year. This development is excellent and shows that Islam is a religion of mercy and is appropriate for all ages. The term mualaf or sibling is often used by the community or agency that manages, guides and protects the welfare of the mualaf. There are questions about the duration of the status different caliphs by state which lead to the need for the status caliphs to be studied in detail. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify the concept of mualaf and mukalaf according to the criteria set by Islamic scholars in defining a person as a mukalaf. This study will also examine the methodology for determining the status of mualaf to mukalaf based on the views of scholars and current needs. This study uses a qualitative approach to the documentation method. The results show that the method of determining the status of a mualaf to a mukalaf must meet the three main criteria, namely maturity, reason, and understanding of a given law. Further study of additional measures in determining the status of the mualaf to the mukalaf should be done to develop an instrument that can be used by the relevant agency. It is hoped that this study will serve as a reference and guide to the zakat management in Malaysia in developing the method of determining the status of mualaf to the mukalaf
Competency-Based Education in Medical Internship: Integrative Review
Authors: Teixeira Leonardo Campos , Pellis Isabela Castilho , Teixeira Émile Fernandes Spinassi , Vaz Rogério Saad , Prado Maria Rosa Machado
Published: June 2020

Medical education has undergone profound changes, currently, some medical courses are working competency-based education. This type of education is used in medical residences, however, at the medical internship, it is still not very used. Along with changes in teaching, assessments also had to adapt to contemplate the teaching-learning process. The present work aimed to review articles dealing with competency-based education in the medical internship since this area provides the medical student with the opportunity to experience the professional reality in practice. This is an integrative review study of published articles PubMed and BVS. After the search, the articles were filtered and a total of four publications addressing “internship”, “competency” and “medicine. It was found that competency-based education still is something new and that is gradually being structured in the medical internship, so maybe there are few studies on this topic. Another important point evaluated in the analyzed articles, is the evaluation based on the period of 2015 to 2019 bases on skill and it was realized that it is also something that requires more research on this subject. It was concluded that competency-based education and how to evaluate it is a field that requires more research.
Visita domiciliaria y participación de las familias en la educación
Authors: Razeto-Pavez Alicia Cristina
Published: July 2020

ste artículo explora el proceso de visitas domiciliarias hechas a familias por parte de trabajadores sociales ubicados en las escuelas. La metodología fue cualitativa, e implicó hacer entrevistas a los trabajadores sociales y la observación de campo durante el proceso de visitas domiciliarias. Los resultados muestran que las visitas domiciliarias se utilizan principalmente en casos de ausentismo escolar y con el propósito de obtener información. De este modo, las familias se sienten más valoradas por la escuela.
Probability of Uncontrolled External Leakage During the Production Phase of a Subsea Well
Authors: Alves André L. R. , Netto T. A.
Published: July 2020

This work presents a methodology for evaluating the uncontrolled external leakage probability of a subsea well during the production phase. Based on a barrier diagram, an algorithm for possible leak path identification is proposed, considering different operation modes: gas lift operation, free-flowing, or well closed at the subsea Christmas tree. Considering the equivalency between these paths and the minimum cut sets from a fault tree modeling, the uncontrolled external leakage probability is calculated using the upper bound approximation. The effect of common cause failures is considered for the failure mode fail-to-close-valve. The instantaneous availability function of each component is considered. Non-repairable, repairable, and periodically tested items are used. Probability distribution parameters are estimated in order to make a case study. The failure rate functions determined are used as input for the proposed model, regarding the following failure modes: fail-to-close, external-leakage, and internal-leakage at the closed position. Finally, failure probability results and sensitivity analysis are demonstrated for a base case study. Parameters like time between tests, inspections, and component reliability are varied in order to identify the impact on the uncontrolled external leakage probability. The main objective of the proposed methodology is to support decision-making on the well integrity management system during the production phase of a subsea well. To this end, actual and reliable input data should be considered.
Estimation of Silicon Wafer Coating Thickness Using Ultrasound Generated by Femtosecond Laser
Authors: Liu Peipei , Yi Kiyoon , Sohn Hoon
Published: July 2020

As one of the fastest-growing technologies over the past half century, integrated circuit (IC) packaging is getting smaller and more complex. For example, typical silicon wafers in modern IC packaging have thicknesses ranging from several to tens of micrometers, and their coating layers are in the range of a few nanometers. Because the silicon wafer is the main substrate in IC packaging, it is important to accurately measure the geometry of a silicon wafer, especially its coating thickness, for process monitoring and quality control. In this study, an ultrafast ultrasonic measurement system is developed using a femtosecond laser for silicon wafer coating thickness estimation. The proposed technique provides the following unique features: (1) an ultrafast ultrasonic measurement system using a femtosecond laser is developed specifically for silicon wafer coating thickness estimation; (2) the developed system can estimate the thickness of a coating layer in the range of sub-micrometer; (3) except for the wave speed in the coating material, coating thickness can be estimated without any other prior knowledge of the coating material properties or substrate characteristics such as optical constants; and (4) the thermal effects on the ultrasonic waves propagating within a thin coating layer are explicitly considered and minimized for coating thickness estimation. Using the developed system, validation tests were successfully performed on gold-coated silicon wafers with different coating thicknesses.
REVIEWS OF ACOUSTICAL PATENTS
Authors: Fulop Sean A.
Published: July 2020

The purpose of these acoustical patent reviews is to provide enough information for a Journal reader to decide whether to seek more information from the patent itself. Any opinions expressed here are those of the reviewers as individuals and are not legal opinions. Patents are available via the internet at the USPTO website and using Google Patents.
Xenogenization of tumor cells by fusogenic exosomes in tumor microenvironment ignites and propagates antitumor immunity
Authors: Kim Gi Beom , Nam Gi-Hoon , Hong Yeonsun , Woo Jiwan , Cho Yakdol , Kwon Ick Chan , Yang Yoosoo , Kim In-San
Published: July 2020

Reinforcing danger signal by delivering viral antigens on cancer cells with fusogenic exosomes enhances anti-tumor immunity.
Long-term heat-storage ceramics absorbing thermal energy from hot water
Authors: Nakamura Yoshitaka , Sakai Yuki , Azuma Masaki , Ohkoshi Shin-ichi
Published: July 2020

Heat energy bank: Accumulated heat energy is eternally preserved and extracted on demand by pressure.
DeepH&M: Estimating single-CpG hydroxymethylation and methylation levels from enrichment and restriction enzyme sequencing methods
Authors: He Yu , Jang Hyo Sik , Xing Xiaoyun , Li Daofeng , Vasek Michael J. , Dougherty Joseph D. , Wang Ting
Published: July 2020

A deep learning–based model predicts single-CpG hydroxy/methylation levels from cheaper orthogonal epigenetic profiling methods.
Single-dose mRNA therapy via biomaterial-mediated sequestration of overexpressed proteins
Authors: Khalil Andrew S. , Yu Xiaohua , Umhoefer Jennifer M. , Chamberlain Connie S. , Wildenauer Linzie A. , Diarra Gaoussou M. , Hacker Timothy A. , Murphy William L.
Published: July 2020

Nanostructured mineral coatings delivering chemically modified or unmodified therapeutic mRNA improve diabetic wound healing.
The structure of the RCAN1:CN complex explains the inhibition of and substrate recruitment by calcineurin
Authors: Li Yang , Sheftic Sarah R. , Grigoriu Simina , Schwieters Charles D. , Page Rebecca , Peti Wolfgang
Published: July 2020

This study shows how RCAN1, a key protein in Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease, modulates CN function.
Photonic paper: Multiscale assembly of reflective cellulose sheets in
Lunaria annua
Authors: Guidetti G. , Sun H. , Marelli B. , Omenetto F. G.
Published: July 2020

Lunaria annua
plants grow fruits in the form of mechanically strong, low-density (70% air), reflective cellulose sheets.
Trypanosoma cruzi Ikiakarora (TcIII) Draft Genome Sequence
Authors: Gómez Inmaculada , Rastrojo Alberto , Lorenzo-Díaz Fabián , Sánchez-Luque Francisco José , Macías Francisco , Aguado Begoña , Valladares Basilio , Requena José María , López Manuel Carlos , Thomas M. Carmen
Published: July 2020

Trypanosoma cruzi
shows a genetic diversity that has been associated with the variability of clinical manifestations, geographical distribution, and preferential parasite-vector interactions. In an effort to better understand this genetic variability, here, the draft genome of
T. cruzi
strain Ikiakarora (discrete typing unit TcIII), which has been associated with the sylvatic cycle, is reported.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Baboon Simian Foamy Virus Isolated from an Infected Human
Authors: Shankar Anupama , Shanmugam Vedapuri , Switzer William M.
Published: July 2020

We obtained the full-length genome of a simian foamy virus (SFV) from an infected human. This virus originated from a baboon (
Papio
species, strain SFVpxx_hu9406). The genome is 13,113 nucleotides long with the canonical SFV genome structure. Phylogenetically, SFVpxx_hu9406 clustered closely with SFVpan_V909/03F from a captive baboon and other Cercopithecidae SFVs.
Sequences of Endophytic Fungal and Bacterial Communities from Araucaria araucana [(Molina) K. Koch, 1869] in the Coastal and Andes Mountain Ranges, Chile
Authors: Alarcón Jaime , Márquez Sebastián , Teunisse Guus , Mendoza Carlos , Meneses Claudio , Baldini Aida , Parra Patricio , Zamora Pablo , Boehmwald Freddy , Castro-Nallar Eduardo
Published: July 2020

Here, we report the results from PCR and sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) genes from needle, branch, trunk, and root samples of
Araucaria araucana
, plus soil and associated insects, collected along the entirety of its geographic distribution in Chile (January 2017 and 2018).
Complete Genome Sequence of a 2019 Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) Strain Causing a COVID-19 Case in Morocco
Authors: Lemriss Sanaâ , Souiri Amal , Amar Narjis , Lemzaoui Nabil , Mestoui Omar , Labioui Mohamed , Ouaariba Nabil , Jibjibe Ayoub , Yartaoui Mahmoud , Chahmi Mohamed , El Rhouila Marouane , Sellak Samiha , Kandoussi Nadia , El Kabbaj Saâd
Published: July 2020

Here, we report a complete genome sequence obtained for a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) strain isolated from a nasopharyngeal swab specimen of a Moroccan patient with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Health professionals donating work hours: an initiative for improving access to healthcare in Brazil: case study and initial results
Authors: Ribeiro João Paulo Nogueira , Riera Rachel
Published: July 2020

Background

Even with a universal public health system, the Brazilian population faces inequalities on access to healthcare. Long queues for medical appointments, caused by lack of professionals, space and equipment, are barriers for those who cannot pay for treatments. However, health professionals working in the private sector may have free hours at their clinics which they can donate.

Objectives

We report the implementation of a non-governmental initiative for connecting health professionals willing to volunteer and patients needing healthcare services, and present the initial results concerning access to healthcare.

Methods

The network ‘Horas da Vida’ was created in Brazil to connect health professionals and patients. We analysed the number of patients and professionals involved, specialties, visits and services provided, and economic values.

Results

In 2016, 1748 professionals were involved with the network. 6967 services were provided (1831 consultations) to 1974 patients, most of whom were unemployed and with low income, and 20% were illiterate. Medical, dental, nutritional, physical therapy or psychological consults, simple therapeutic procedures, eyeglasses, and educational services were provided by psychologists (29%), dentists (6%), nutritionists (5%) and physical therapists (5%). Only 5% of physicians were general practitioners. We calculated the cost of care at R$985 979.21 in 2016 (or US$314 446.74 on 18 September 2017).

Conclusions

The Horas da Vida network made it easy to organise a schedule and identify free hours in the clinics that could be used for volunteering and for providing health assistance to a large number of socially deprived and economically vulnerable patients.
Is it Kawasaki shock syndrome, Kawasaki-like disease or pediatric inflammatory multisystem disease? The importance of semantic in the era of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Koné-Paut Isabelle , Cimaz Rolando
Published: July 2020

A few weeks after the peak of the global 2019 novel coronavirus disease pandemic, cases of shock, multisystem inflammation and severe myocarditis have occurred in children and adolescents, generating some concerns and above all many questions. An almost immediate association raised with shock syndrome related to Kawasaki disease (KD). However, in light of bo/th experience and literature have taught us about severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) infection, and what already known on the epidemiology of KD, we suggest here the hypothesis of a new ‘post-viral’ systemic inflammatory disease related to excessive adaptive immune response rather than a form of KD caused by SARS-COV-2. We discuss analogies and differences between the two forms.
Association between breed and renal biomarkers of glomerular filtration rate in dogs
Authors: Coyne Michael , Szlosek Donald , Clements Celeste , McCrann Donald , Olavessen Lauren
Published: July 2020

Background

Kidney disease, especially chronic kidney disease (CKD), is common in older dogs. The biomarkers symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and creatinine (Cr) are indicators of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This retrospective study used these biomarkers to identify groups at risk of decreased GFR at the breed level.

Methods

Data from dogs with a single serum chemistry result that included Cr and SDMA submitted between July 2015 through December 2017 were included. Dogs were identified by breed and age group. Decreased GFR was defined as Cr above 1.9 mg/dl or SDMA above 18 µg/dl.

Results

Fourteen breeds had a significantly higher percentage of dogs with increased SDMA or Cr for one or more age groups. Geriatric and senior Shetland sheepdogs, Yorkshire terriers and Pomeranians were significantly more likely to have increased renal biomarkers. Boxers were identified with significantly increased renal biomarkers in the age groups spanning two months to 10 years of age.

Conclusion

Evidence of decreased GFR occurred commonly in older dogs of most breeds, especially geriatric dogs greater than 10 years of age, but there were some exceptions, with more significant changes affecting younger animals of several breeds. The combination of SDMA and Cr identified more cases of decreased GFR than either SDMA or Cr alone.
Exploring Supersymmetric CP Violation after LHC Run 2 with Electric Dipole Moments and B Observables
Authors: Arbey A. , Ellis J. , Mahmoudi F.
Published: July 2020

We consider the prospects for measuring distinctive signatures of the CP-violating phases in the minimal supersymmetric extension of the Standard Model (MSSM) in light of the limits on sparticle masses from searches at the LHC. We use the code to evaluate model predictions and scan the parameter space using a geometric approach that maximizes CP-violating observables subject to the current upper limits on electric dipole moments (EDMs). We focus on the possible CP-violating asymmetry $$A_{\mathrm{CP}}$$ACP in $$b \rightarrow s \gamma $$b→sγ decay and on a possible CP-violating contribution to the $$B_s - {\overline{B}}_s$$Bs-B¯s mass difference $$\Delta M^{NP}_{B_s}$$ΔMBsNP, as well as future measurements of the EDMs of the proton, neutron and electron. We find that the current LHC and EDM limits are consistent with values of $$A_{\mathrm{CP}}$$ACP, $$\Delta M^{NP}_{B_s}$$ΔMBsNP and the proton EDM that are measurable with the Belle-II detector, LHCb and a proposed measurement of the proton EDM using a storage ring, respectively. Measurement of a non-zero proton EDM would constrain $$A_{\mathrm{CP}}$$ACP significantly, but it and a CP-violating contribution to $$\Delta M^{NP}_{B_s}$$ΔMBsNP could still be measurable, along with neutron and electron EDMs. A more accurate measurement of $$A_{\mathrm{CP}}$$ACP with the current central value would favour stop and chargino masses within reach of future LHC runs as well as a potentially measurable value of $$\Delta M^{NP}_{B_s}$$ΔMBsNP.
Unexpected Behaviors in a Single Mesh Josephson Junction Based Self-Reproducing Autonomous System
Authors: Talla F. Calvin , Tchitnga Robert , Fotso P. H. Louodop , Kengne Romanic , Nana Bonaventure , Fomethe Anaclet
Published: July 2020

In the literature, existing Josephson junction based oscillators are mostly driven by external sources. Knowing the different limits of the external driven systems, we propose in this work a new autonomous one that exhibits the unusual and striking multiple phenomena among which coexist the multiple hidden attractors in self-reproducing process under the effect of initial conditions. The eight-term autonomous chaotic system has a single nonlinearity of sinusoidal type acting on only one of the state variables. A priori, the simplicity of the system does not predict the richness of its dynamics. We also find that a limit cycle attractor widens to a parameter controlling coexisting multiple-scroll attractors through the splitting and the inverse splitting of periods. Multiple types of bifurcations are found including period-doubling and period-splitting (antimonotonicity) sequences to chaos, crisis and Hopf type bifurcation. To the best of our knowledge, some of these interesting phenomena have not yet been reported in similar class of autonomous Josephson junction based circuits. Moreover, analytical investigations based on the Hopf theory analysis lead to the expressions that determine the direction of appearance of the Hopf bifurcation, confirming the existence and determining the stability of bifurcating periodic solutions. To observe this latter bifurcation and to illustrate the theoretical analysis, numerical simulations are performed. Chaos can be easily controlled by the frequency of the linear oscillator, the superconducting junction current, as well as the gain of the amplifier or circuit component values. The circuit and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA)-based implementation of the system are presented as well.
REAL OPTION SIGNALING GAMES OF DEBT FINANCING USING EQUITY GUARANTEE SWAPS UNDER ASYMMETRIC INFORMATION
Authors: WANG QIUQI , KWOK YUE KUEN
Published: July 2020

We analyze the real option signaling game models of debt financing of a risky project under information asymmetry, where the firm quality is only known to the firm management but not outsiders. The firm decides on the optimal investment timing of the risky project that requires upfront fixed funding cost and subsequent operating costs. The fixed funding cost is financed via either direct bank loan or entering into a three-party equity guarantee swap (EGS) that involves a bank granting the loan and third party guarantor. Under the EGS agreement, the guarantor is obligated to pay all the future coupon stream to the bank upon default of the firm. In return for the provision of the guarantee, the guarantor obtains certain proportional share of equity of the firm at the time when the swap agreement is signed. The share of equity demanded by the guarantor depends on the outside investors’ belief on the firm quality. The low-type firm has the incentive to mimic the investment strategy of being high-type in terms of investment timing and share of equity. The high-type firm may adopt the appropriate separating strategy by speeding up investment or choosing an alternative financing choice. The resulting loss of the real option value of the investment opportunity represents the information cost under separating strategies. We examine the incentive compatibility constraints faced by the firm under different quality types and discuss characterization of the separating and pooling equilibriums. Unlike the usual assumption of perpetuity of investment opportunity, our real option model assumes the time window of the investment opportunity to be finite. We explore how the information cost and nature of separating and pooling equilibriums evolves over the finite time span of the investment opportunity. The information costs and investment thresholds exhibit interesting time-dependent behaviors. We examine the firm’s investment and financing choice between EGS and the direct bank loan against time and other parameters via comparison of the corresponding information costs and investment thresholds.
Autocorrelation values of quaternary cyclotomic sequence of length 2pm
Authors: Liu Huaning , Chen Xiaolin
Published: July 2020

We completely determine the autocorrelations of the quaternary cyclotomic sequences over [Formula: see text] of length [Formula: see text] presented in [P. Ke and S. Zhang, New classes of quaternary cyclotomic sequence of length [Formula: see text] with high linear complexity, Inf. Process. Lett. 112 (2012) 646–650] in general without the restrictions about [Formula: see text].
A Jackknife Model Averaging Analysis of RMB Misalignment Estimates
Authors: Cheung Yin-Wong , Wang Wenhao
Published: July 2020

We adopt the Jackknife Model Averaging (JMA) technique to conduct a meta-regression analysis of 925 renminbi (RMB) misalignment estimates generated by 69 studies. The JMA method accounts for model selection and sampling uncertainties, and allows for non-nested model specifications and heteroskedasticity in assessing effects of study characteristics. The RMB misalignment estimates are found to be systematically affected by the choices of data, the theoretical setup and the empirical strategy, in addition to publication attributes of these studies. These study characteristic effects are quite robust to the choice of benchmark study characteristics, to alternative model averaging methods including the heteroskedasticity-robust Mallows approach, the information criterion approach, and the Bayesian model averaging. In evaluating the probabilistic property of RMB misalignment estimates implied by hypothetical composites of study characteristics, we find the evidence of a misaligned RMB, in general, is weak.
Slipstream Deformation of a Propeller-Wing Combination Applied for Convertible UAVs in Hover Condition
Authors: Leng Yuchen , Bronz Murat , Jardin Thierry , Moschetta Jean-Marc
Published: July 2020

Convertible unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) combines advantages of convenient autonomous launch/recovery and efficient long range cruise performance. Successful design of this new type of aircraft relies heavily on good understanding of powered lift generated through propeller-wing interactions, where the velocity distribution within propeller slipstream is critical to estimate aerodynamic forces during hover condition. The present research studied a propeller-wing combination with a plain flap. A 5-hole probe measurement system was built to construct three-dimensional (3D) velocity field at a survey plane after wing trailing edge. The study has found that significant deformation of propeller slipstream was present in the form of opposite transverse displacement on extrados and intrados. The deformation could be enhanced by flap deflections. Velocity differences caused by the slipstream deformation could imply local variation of lift distribution compared to predictions from conventional assumptions of cylindrical slipstream. An analytical method was developed to reasonably estimate the position of deformed slipstream centreline. The research underlined that the mutual aspect of propeller-wing interaction could be critical for low-speed aerodynamic design.