bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Synergic Potential of rGO/SiO2 as Hybrid Filler for BisGMA/TEGDMA Dental Composites
Authors: Alrahlah Ali , Khan Rawaiz , Al-Odayni Abdel-Basit , Saeed Waseem Sharaf , Bautista Leonel S. , Vohra Fahim
Published: December 2020

Graphene and graphene oxide based nanomaterials have attained immense significance in research because of their matchless physiochemical characteristics. Although potential biomedical applications of graphene have been extensively studied, however, dentistry related applications were rarely explored. This study aimed to investigate the effect of various percentages of surface modified reduce graphene oxide (S-rGO) in combination with SiO2 nanoparticles (bulk filler) on numerous physio-mechanical characteristics of acrylate-based (BisGMA/TEGDMA: 1:1 by wt.) composites. BisGMA/TEGDMA reinforced with 30 wt.% surface modified fumed-silica (S-A200) was considered as control group (base composite). Various concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 wt.%) of S-rGO were incorporated into the base composite via solution casting and high-speed mixing. The obtained composites were characterized for rheological properties before curing by using Rheometer (Anton Paar, USA) in the oscillatory mode under a frequency sweep over a range of angular frequency of 0.1–100 rad/s at 25 °C. The degree of conversion (DC) was measured by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A Nano-indentation test was carried out to obtain nano-hardness and elastic modulus. The surface roughness was measured by optical microscope (Bruker®), 3D non-contact surface profilometer. The structural and morphological properties were studied by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The mean and standard deviation were calculated and a simple mean comparisons test was performed for comparison using SPSS. The results revealed that the addition of a tiny proportion of S-rGO considerably increased the nano-indentation hardness, elastic modulus and DC. Conversely, a gradual reduction in viscosity was observed with increasing S-rGO concentration. The study demonstrates that a small fraction of S-rGO in combination with SiO2 could enhance physical, mechanical and rheological properties of acrylate based composites. Thus S-rGO/SiO2 combination could be used as a potential hybrid filler for dental nanocomposites.
Formation and Electrochemical Evaluation of Polyaniline and Polypyrrole Nanocomposites Based on Glucose Oxidase and Gold Nanostructures
Authors: German Natalija , Ramanaviciene Almira , Ramanavicius Arunas
Published: December 2020

Nanocomposites based on two conducting polymers, polyaniline (PANI) and polypyrrole (Ppy), with embedded glucose oxidase (GOx) and 6 nm size gold nanoparticles (AuNPs(6nm)) or gold-nanoclusters formed from chloroaurate ions (AuCl4−), were synthesized by enzyme-assisted polymerization. Charge (electron) transfer in systems based on PANI/AuNPs(6nm)-GOx, PANI/AuNPs(AuCl4−)-GOx, Ppy/AuNPs(6nm)-GOx and Ppy/AuNPs(AuCl4−)-GOx nanocomposites was investigated. Cyclic voltammetry (CV)-based investigations showed that the reported polymer nanocomposites are able to facilitate electron transfer from enzyme to the graphite rod (GR) electrode. Significantly higher anodic current and well-defined red-ox peaks were observed at a scan rate of 0.10 V s−1. Logarithmic function of anodic current (log Ipa), which was determined by CV-based experiments performed with glucose, was proportional to the logarithmic function of a scan rate (log v) in the range of 0.699–2.48 mV s−1, and it indicates that diffusion-controlled electrochemical processes were limiting the kinetics of the analytical signal. The most efficient nanocomposite structure for the design of the reported glucose biosensor was based on two-day formed Ppy/AuNPs(AuCl4−)-GOx nanocomposites. GR/Ppy/AuNPs(AuCl4−)-GOx was characterized by the linear dependence of the analytical signal on glucose concentration in the range from 0.1 to 0.70 mmol L−1, the sensitivity of 4.31 mA mM cm−2, the limit of detection of 0.10 mmol L−1 and the half-life period of 19 days.
Cell-Laden Gelatin Methacryloyl Bioink for the Fabrication of Z-Stacked Hydrogel Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Seo Jeong Wook , Moon Joon Ho , Jang Goo , Jung Woo Kyung , Park Yong Ho , Park Kun Taek , Shin Su Ryon , Hwang Yu-Shik , Bae Hojae
Published: December 2020

Hydrogel-based scaffolds have been widely used to fabricate artificial tissues capable of replacing tissues and organs. However, several challenges inherent in fabricating tissues of large size and complex morphology using such scaffolds while ensuring cell viability remain. To address this problem, we synthesized gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) based bioink with cells for fabricating a scaffold with superior characteristics. The bioink was grafted onto a Z-stacking bioprinter that maintained the cells at physiological temperature during the printing process, without exerting any physical pressure on the cells. Various parameters, such as the bioink composition and light exposure time, were optimized. The printing accuracy of the scaffolds was evaluated using photorheological studies. The internal morphology of the scaffolds at different time points was analyzed using electron microscopy. The Z-stacked scaffolds were fabricated using high-speed printing, with the conditions optimized to achieve high model reproducibility. Stable adhesion and high proliferation of cells encapsulated within the scaffold were confirmed. We introduced various strategies to improve the accuracy and reproducibility of Z-stack GelMA bioprinting while ensuring that the scaffolds facilitated cell adhesion, encapsulation, and proliferation. Our results demonstrate the potential of the present method for various applications in tissue engineering.
Fabrication and Biocompatibility of Electroconductive Silk Fibroin/PEDOT: PSS Composites for Corneal Epithelial Regeneration
Authors: Bhattacharjee Promita , Ahearne Mark
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to develop matrices that can support human corneal epithelial cells and innervation by incorporating a conducting polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), into silk fibroin (SF). Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used as a crosslinking agent to enhance the mechanical properties of the matrices. The impact of PEDOT:PSS on the materials’ physical properties and cellular responses was examined. The electrical impedance of matrices decreased with increasing concentration of PEDOT:PSS suggesting improved electroconductivity. However, light transmittance also decreased with increasing PEDOT:PSS. Young’s modulus was unaffected by PEDOT:PSS but was increased by PVA. The viability of corneal epithelial cell on the matrices was unaffected by the incorporation of PEDOT:PSS except at the highest concentration tested 0.3% (w/v), which led to a cytotoxic response. These findings suggest that SF/PEDOT:PSS with a PEDOT:PSS concentration of 0.1–0.2% would be a suitable biomaterial for epithelium regeneration.
Multiple-Color Reflectors Using Bichiral Liquid Crystal Polymer Films and Their Applications in Liquid Crystal Displays
Authors: Liu Cheng-Kai , Li Ming-Hsien , Ting Chi-Lun , Fuh Andy Ying-Guey , Cheng Ko-Ting
Published: December 2020

Multiple-color reflectors using bichiral liquid crystal polymer films (BLCPFs) are investigated. The BLCPFs consist of alternate layers of two different single-pitch cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) layers, named CLC#A and CLC#B. The thickness of each CLC layer equals its single pitch length. The optical properties in terms of reflections, reflection-wavelength ranges, and distributions of reflection spectra of the BLCPFs that result from the fixed pitch length of CLC#A along with the decrease of the pitch length of CLC#B are qualitatively simulated and investigated. The results indicate that the above optical properties of the BLCPFs depend on the LC birefringence and pitch lengths of CLC#A and CLC#B layers. The concept of fabrication method of the BLCPFs by using polymerizable CLCs and thin films of poly(vinylalcohol) or photoalignment materials is discussed. They have potential practical applications in functional color filters, asymmetrical transmission systems, etc., owing to the multiple reflection bands of BLCPFs. Moreover, the BLCPFs, which can enhance the color gamut and light-utilization efficiency of light sources/LC displays, are reported herein.
Efficient Biofilms Eradication by Enzymatic-Cocktail of Pancreatic Protease Type-I and Bacterial α-Amylase
Authors: Jee Seung-Cheol , Kim Min , Sung Jung-Suk , Kadam Avinash A.
Published: December 2020

Removal of biofilms is extremely pivotal in environmental and medicinal fields. Therefore, reporting the new-enzymes and their combinations for dispersal of infectious biofilms can be extremely critical. Herein, for the first time, we accessed the enzyme “protease from bovine pancreas type-I (PtI)” for anti-biofilm properties. We further investigated the anti-biofilm potential of PtI in combination with α-amylase from Bacillus sp. (αA). PtI showed a very significant biofilm inhibition effect (86.5%, 88.4%, and 67%) and biofilm prevention effect (66%, 64%, and 70%), against the E. coli, S. aureus, and MRSA, respectively. However, the new enzyme combination (Ec-PtI+αA) exhibited biofilm inhibition effect (78%, 90%, and 93%) and a biofilm prevention effect (44%, 51%, and 77%) against E. coli, S. aureus, and MRSA, respectively. The studied enzymes were found not to be anti-bacterial against the E. coli, S. aureus, and MRSA. In summary, the PtI exhibited significant anti-biofilm effects against S. aureus, MRSA, and E. coli. Ec-PtI+αA exhibited enhancement of the anti-biofilm effects against S. aureus and MRSA biofilms. Therefore, this study revealed that this Ec-PtI+αA enzymatic system can be extremely vital for the treatment of biofilm complications resulting from E. coli, S. aureus, and MRSA.
Availability Improvements through Data Slicing in PLC Smart Grid Networks
Authors: Negirla Paul , Druță Romina , Silea Ioan
Published: December 2020

An electrical power grid, is an interconnected network for delivering electricity from producers to consumers. Electrical grids vary in size from covering a single building through national grids (which cover whole countries) to transnational grids (which can cross continents). As the rollout of smart meters continues worldwide, there are use-cases where common solutions fail and the network availability of certain meters is very low due to poor communication conditions. This paper proposes a data slicing model for large data files which have to travel securely and reliably throughout the Smart Grid. The manuscript addresses improvements for PRIME PLC network availability by using correct data slicing at the application level along a tuned transmission rate in accordance with the noise levels of the power grid. Successful communications, even at low rates, mean that no manual interaction from energy supplier operators is needed reducing the maintenance costs for both the energy companies as well as for the end user. Experiments on a low power electrical grid setup have been performed in order to evaluate availability improvements through the proposed method as well as the feasibility of remote firmware upgrades. The results have shown that the current approach has similar upgrade time results with a manual firmware upgrade performed through an optical probe. Moreover, the results show that the presented remote firmware upgrade method is reliable and practical.
Parents’ Views of a Classroom and Closed-Road Post-License Driving Program for Teen Drivers, Guard Your Life
Authors: Mims Lauren , Brooks Johnell O. , Jenkins Casey , Schwambach Breno , Gubitosa Daniel
Published: December 2020

In the US, teenage drivers have an increased risk of being involved in crashes. To address this, post-license advanced driving programs have emerged. This study gains parents’ perspectives while observing their teens’ involvement in a post-license driving program focused on a hands-on introduction to emergency braking, skid recovery and the dangers of distracted driving. Parents completed a survey after the program, and for comparison purposes, the teens also completed a survey at the end of the program. While the parents only observed the program, the results revealed that most learned useful information and would consider additional training for themselves. Almost all teens and parents reported anticipating changing their driving behaviors, specifically by reducing distractions, having a heightened awareness and changing their driving position. These results suggest that parents benefited from simply observing the class.
Investigating Solid and Liquid Desiccant Dehumidification Options for Room Air-Conditioning and Drying Applications
Authors: Naik B. Kiran , Joshi Mullapudi , Muthukumar Palanisamy , Sultan Muhammad , Miyazaki Takahiko , Shamshiri Redmond R. , Ashraf Hadeed
Published: December 2020

This study reports on the investigation of the performance of single and two-stage liquid and solid desiccant dehumidification systems and two-stage combined liquid and solid desiccant dehumidification systems with reference to humid climates. The research focus is on a dehumidification system capacity of 25 kW designed for room air conditioning application using the thermal models reported in the literature. RD-type silica gel and LiCl are used as solid and liquid desiccant materials, respectively. In this study, the application of proposed system for deep drying application is also explored. Condensation rate and moisture removal efficiency are chosen as performance parameters for room air conditioning application, whereas air outlet temperature is chosen as performance parameter for deep drying application. Further, for a given range of operating parameters, influences of air inlet humidity ratio, flow rate, and inlet temperature on performance parameters of the systems are investigated. In humid climatic conditions, it has been observed that a two-stage liquid desiccant dehumidification system is more effective for room air conditioning application, and two-stage solid desiccant dehumidification system is more suitable for deep drying application in the temperature range of 50 to 70 °C, while single-stage solid desiccant and two-stage combined liquid and solid desiccant dehumidification systems are more effective for low temperature, i.e., 30 to 50 °C deep drying application.
Symmetric Properties of Eigenvalues and Eigenfunctions of Uniform Beams
Authors: Nurakhmetov Daulet , Jumabayev Serik , Aniyarov Almir , Kussainov Rinat
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the models of Euler–Bernoulli beams on the Winkler foundations are considered. The novelty of the research is in consideration of the models with an arbitrary variable coefficient of foundation. Qualitative results that influence the symmetry of the coefficient of foundation on the spectral properties of the corresponding problems are obtained, for which specific variable coefficients of foundation are tested using numerical calculations. Three types of fixing at the ends are studied: clamped-clamped, hinged-hinged and free-free. The conditions of the stiffness and types of beam fixing have been found for the set of eigenvalues of boundary value problems on a full segment and can be represented as two groups of the eigenvalues of certain problems on a half segment. Such qualitative spectral properties of a mechanical system can contribute to the creation of various algorithms for nondestructive testing, which are widely used in technical acoustics.
Efficacy of Autologous Fat Grafting in Restoring Facial Symmetry in Linear Morphea-Associated Lesions
Authors: Baserga Camilla , Cappella Annalisa , Gibelli Daniele M. , Sacco Raffaele , Dolci Claudia , Cullati Federico , Giannì Aldo Bruno , Sforza Chiarella
Published: December 2020

Morphea is a rare sclerotic autoimmune disorder primary affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissues. The linear head variants involve the facial area, with asymmetries and deformities. Eighteen patients with hemifacial deformity (age range 14–75 years) were assessed before surgery (T0), and after one (T1, 18 patients) or two (T2, six patients) surgical treatments of facial autologous fat grafting. A stereophotogrammetric reconstruction of the facial surface was obtained for each patient and a group of control subjects, and facial symmetry was quantified according to the root mean square distance between homologous areas of trigeminal innervation. Values obtained from the control subjects were used to calculate z-scores for patients. At T0, all facial thirds of the patients resulted significantly more asymmetrical than those of the control subjects (Mann–Whitney test, p < 0.05), while at T1, the symmetry of the middle facial third did not differ from that of control subjects (p = 0.263). At T2, the upper and the lower facial thirds also did not differ from the control values (p > 0.05). The faster result obtained in the facial middle third was in accord with clinical findings. In conclusion, autologous fat grafting significantly improved facial asymmetry after one (middle facial third) or two (lower and upper thirds) treatments; the outcomes were efficaciously quantified by stereophotogrammetry.
Automated Fitting Process Using Robust Reliable Weighted Average on Near Infrared Spectral Data Analysis
Authors: Silalahi Divo Dharma , Midi Habshah , Arasan Jayanthi , Mustafa Mohd Shafie , Caliman Jean-Pierre
Published: December 2020

With the complexity of Near Infrared (NIR) spectral data, the selection of the optimal number of Partial Least Squares (PLS) components in the fitted Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) model is very important. Selecting a small number of PLS components leads to under fitting, whereas selecting a large number of PLS components results in over fitting. Several methods exist in the selection procedure, and each yields a different result. However, so far no one has been able to determine the more superior method. In addition, the current methods are susceptible to the presence of outliers and High Leverage Points (HLP) in a dataset. In this study, a new automated fitting process method on PLSR model is introduced. The method is called the Robust Reliable Weighted Average—PLS (RRWA-PLS), and it is less sensitive to the optimum number of PLS components. The RRWA-PLS uses the weighted average strategy from multiple PLSR models generated by the different complexities of the PLS components. The method assigns robust procedures in the weighing schemes as an improvement to the existing Weighted Average—PLS (WA-PLS) method. The weighing schemes in the proposed method are resistant to outliers and HLP and thus, preserve the contribution of the most relevant variables in the fitted model. The evaluation was done by utilizing artificial data with the Monte Carlo simulation and NIR spectral data of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) fruit mesocarp. Based on the results, the method claims to have shown its superiority in the improvement of the weight and variable selection procedures in the WA-PLS. It is also resistant to the influence of outliers and HLP in the dataset. The RRWA-PLS method provides a promising robust solution for the automated fitting process in the PLSR model as unlike the classical PLS, it does not require the selection of an optimal number of PLS components.
The VP1u of Human Parvovirus B19: A Multifunctional Capsid Protein with Biotechnological Applications
Authors: Ros Carlos , Bieri Jan , Leisi Remo
Published: December 2020

The viral protein 1 unique region (VP1u) of human parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a multifunctional capsid protein with essential roles in virus tropism, uptake, and subcellular trafficking. These functions reside on hidden protein domains, which become accessible upon interaction with cell membrane receptors. A receptor-binding domain (RBD) in VP1u is responsible for the specific targeting and uptake of the virus exclusively into cells of the erythroid lineage in the bone marrow. A phospholipase A2 domain promotes the endosomal escape of the incoming virus. The VP1u is also the immunodominant region of the capsid as it is the target of neutralizing antibodies. For all these reasons, the VP1u has raised great interest in antiviral research and vaccinology. Besides the essential functions in B19V infection, the remarkable erythroid specificity of the VP1u makes it a unique erythroid cell surface biomarker. Moreover, the demonstrated capacity of the VP1u to deliver diverse cargo specifically to cells around the proerythroblast differentiation stage, including erythroleukemic cells, offers novel therapeutic opportunities for erythroid-specific drug delivery. In this review, we focus on the multifunctional role of the VP1u in B19V infection and explore its potential in diagnostics and erythroid-specific therapeutics.
Emerging Role of PYHIN Proteins as Antiviral Restriction Factors
Authors: Bosso Matteo , Kirchhoff Frank
Published: December 2020

Innate immune sensors and restriction factors are cellular proteins that synergize to build an effective first line of defense against viral infections. Innate sensors are usually constitutively expressed and capable of detecting pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) via specific pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to stimulate the immune response. Restriction factors are frequently upregulated by interferons (IFNs) and may inhibit viral pathogens at essentially any stage of their replication cycle. Members of the Pyrin and hematopoietic interferon-inducible nuclear (HIN) domain (PYHIN) family have initially been recognized as important sensors of foreign nucleic acids and activators of the inflammasome and the IFN response. Accumulating evidence shows, however, that at least three of the four members of the human PYHIN family restrict viral pathogens independently of viral sensing and innate immune activation. In this review, we provide an overview on the role of human PYHIN proteins in the innate antiviral immune defense and on viral countermeasures.
SARS-CoV-2 Spike Alterations Enhance Pseudoparticle Titers and Replication-Competent VSV-SARS-CoV-2 Virus
Authors: Havranek Katherine , Jimenez Ariana , Acciani Marissa , Lay Mendoza Maria , Reyes Ballista Judith , Diaz Darren , Brindley Melinda
Published: December 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the most recent global pandemic that has caused more than a million deaths around the world. The spike glycoprotein (S) drives the entry and fusion of this virus and is the main determinant of cell tropism. To explore S requirements for entry under BSL2 conditions, S has been pseudotyped onto vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) or retroviral particles with varied success. Several alterations to S were demonstrated to improve pseudoparticle titers, but they have not been systematically compared. In this study, we produced pseudotyped VSV particles with multiple modifications to S, including truncation, mutation, and tagging strategies. The main objective of this study was to determine which modifications of the S protein optimize cell surface expression, incorporation into pseudotyped particles, and pseudoparticle entry. Removal of the last 19 residues of the cytoplasmic tail produced a hyper-fusogenic S, while removal of 21 residues increased S surface production and VSV incorporation. Additionally, we engineered a replication-competent VSV (rVSV) virus to produce the S-D614G variant with a truncated cytoplasmic tail. While the particles can be used to assess S entry requirements, the rVSV∆G/SMet1D614G∆21 virus has a poor specific infectivity (particle to infectious titer ratio).
Electrochemical Oxidation of Effluents from Food Processing Industries: A Short Review and a Case-Study
Authors: Martínez-Cruz Alfredo , Fernandes Annabel , Ciríaco Lurdes , Pacheco Maria José , Carvalho Fátima , Afonso Alexandra , Madeira Luís , Luz Silvana , Lopes Ana
Published: December 2020

A short review on the treatment of effluents from food processing industries by electrochemical oxidation (EO) was performed. Olive mill wastewater (OMW) and boron-doped diamond (BDD) are the most reported effluent and anode material, respectively. The addition of NaCl or Na2SO4 as supporting electrolytes is common in these studies, and their influence on the EO performance depends, among other things, on the anode material, since the electrolyte oxidation mechanism is different when active and non-active anode materials are utilized. A case-study on the application of a pilot plant, working in batch mode with recirculation, equipped with a BDD anode, to treat 4 L of OMW, slaughterhouse (SW) and winery (WW) wastewaters, with initial chemical oxygen demands (COD) of 20.5, 3.6 and 0.26 g L−1, respectively, is presented and discussed. In 16 h assays, 94% COD removal was achieved for OMW, and for SW and WW the Portuguese COD legal discharge limit of 150 mg L−1 was accomplished. Process efficiency decreased for lower organic load. NaCl addition increased COD removal in SW and WW, but presented an adverse effect for OMW COD removal, when compared to Na2SO4 addition. Nevertheless, lower specific energy consumptions were attained in chloride medium (48 Wh (g COD)−1).
The Role of Traditional Knowledge in Coastal Adaptation Priorities: The Pamunkey Indian Reservation
Authors: Hutton Nicole S. , Allen Thomas R.
Published: December 2020

Coastal reservations are increasingly vulnerable to hazards exacerbated by climate change. Resources for restoration projects are limited. Storm surge, storms, tidal flooding, and erosion endanger artifacts and limit livelihoods of tribes in coastal Virginia. GIS offers a platform to increase communication between scientists, planners, and indigenous groups. The Pamunkey Indian Tribe engaged in a participatory mapping exercise to assess the role of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) in coastal management decision-making and its capacity to address flooding. Priorities and strategies were spatially referenced using maps of potential sea level rise for 2040, 2060, and 2080, input into a resilience matrix to identify benchmarks for each phase of disaster resilience building, and contextualized with oral histories. Results highlight increased immediacy to protect housing and heritage sites along the shoreline as well as maintain access to the Reservation. Preferences toward structural solutions guided by and facilitating TEK options were expressed. Additional community capacities, tribal council support, federal assistance, impact assessments, and coordination would facilitate risk reduction project implementation. The screening process integrates TEK with planning and is transferable to neighboring tribes.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Polyamide 66; Evaluating the Feasibility of Photocatalysis as a Microfibre-Targeting Technology
Authors: Lee Jae-Mee , Busquets Rosa , Choi In-Cheol , Lee Sung-Ho , Kim Jong-Kyu , Campos Luiza C.
Published: December 2020

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been identified as main contributors to releasing microfibres into the environment, however, WWTPs do not have microfibre-targeting technologies. In this study, photocatalysis is evaluated as a potential technology to treat microfibres in WWTPs by studying the degradation of polyamide 66 (PA66) microfibres using ultraviolet (UV) and titanium dioxide (TiO2). PA66 microfibres suspended in deionised water were exposed to different combinations of UV and TiO2. The degradation of the PA66 microfibres was monitored by changes in mass, carbonyl index and morphology using microbalance, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The formation of by-products from the degradation of the fibres was evaluated by measuring the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the treated water. The degradation efficiency was optimised under UVC with a dose of 100 mg TiO2/L. Under these conditions, the PA66 microfibres presented a 97% mass loss within 48 h. The photocatalytic conditions applied generated a relatively low level of by-products (<10 mg/L of COD). Therefore, photocatalysis with TiO2 an UVC could potentially be a feasible technology to treat microfibres in WWTPs, although more investigation is required to establish if this treatment leads to the formation of nanofibres. Further work is needed to translate the present optimised conditions to WWTPs.
A Novel Method for the Automatic Extraction of Quality Non-Planar River Cross-Sections from Digital Elevation Models
Authors: Petikas Ioannis , Keramaris Evangelos , Kanakoudis Vasilis
Published: December 2020

Flood simulation and hydrodynamic modeling of river flow require a dense sequence of river cross-sections. These cross-sections should be perpendicular to the flow path and are usually obtained through an in-field survey that is both a costly and time-consuming procedure. An alternative way to get these river cross-sections is to extract them from Digital Elevation Models (DEM). The accuracy achieved, though, depends on the quality and the resolution of the DEM available. Although there are specialized computer programs available for this process, the entire work must be mainly done manually. Some researchers have presented methods for the automatic extraction, but the cross-sections “produced” are restricted to be planar. This restriction does not ensure that they are perpendicular to the flow at all positions and does not allow them to be close to each other. In this paper, a new method is presented that, along with the algorithm developed, is fully parametric and allows non-planar (or dog-legged) river cross-sections to be extracted. These cross-sections offer two important advantages: (a) they are perpendicular to the flow at each subsection; and (b) they allow a much denser sequence to be formed. Moreover, as the proposed procedure is fully parametric, it can be repeated as many times as necessary, simply by altering any of the specified parameters, until the desirable result is achieved.
Fazer das tripas cérebro: A Montanha Sagrada, de Alejandro Jodorowsky e o mito da superioridade intelectual europeia como forma de dominação e exploração colonial
Authors: Soares de Souza Lucas
Published: December 2020

O objetivo deste artigo é abordar três cenas do filme A montanha sagrada, de Alejandro Jodorowsky, à luz das discussões desenvolvidas pelas teorias decoloniais. Utilizamos como autores base a pesquisadora brasileira Maíra Zenun de Oliveira e o teórico estadunidense Robert Stam para pensar as relações entre arte, cinema e decolonialidade. A metodologia utilizada para pensar as temáticas propostas se estabeleceu através da identificação de pontos de contato entre os autores, pensando de que maneira o pensamento de ambos converge para uma possível leitura de imagens presentes no filme. Nesse sentido, foi construída uma leitura do fenômeno cinematográfico enquanto um elemento de resistência aos modos de funcionamento das lógicas colonizadoras, tendo em vista a intensificação dos debates em torno das questões identitárias na contemporaneidade.
Alan Araştırması ve Bilimkurgu Üzerinden İnsan-Teknoloji İlişkisine Bakış: Ankara’da Bir Rezidans ve J.G.Ballard’in “Gökdeleni”
Authors: TUNÇER Fatma
Published: December 2020

Bu metin, 2017-2018 yılları arasında Ankara’nın Oran semtindeki bir rezidansta gerçekleştirilen alan araştırmasına dayalı gözlemlerle, James Graham Ballard’ın Gökdelen romanı arasındaki benzerlikler ve farklılıklar temelinde teknolojilerin sosyal rollerine dair bir karşılaştırmaya yer vermektedir. Bu çalışma, çeşitli teknolojik araçlarla donatılmış binalarda yaşayanların teknolojilerle kurdukları ilişkileri ve teknolojilere atfettikleri anlamlandırmaları işlemektedir. Bir kurgu romanını bu çalışma bağlamında anlamlı kılan husus, romanda görülen teknolojik araçlara erişim biçimlerindeki farklılıklar ve bu farklılıklara dayalı sınıfsal konumlanmanın rezidans sakinleri arasında da görülmesidir. Bu kapsamda teknolojilerin sosyal rolü; sınıfsal konum, statü, prestij, güç ve iktidar gibi birbirine işaret eden kavramlar, paralel bir şekilde hem bir kurgu eser hem de alan araştırması üzerinden tartışmaya açılacaktır. Sınıfsal konumlanmanın işleyişinde teknolojilerin işlevsel bir rol üstlendiğini göstermeyi amaçlayan bu çalışma, dışarıya karşı bireyin statüsünün ve ekonomik gücünün göstergesi olabilen teknolojilerin, sakinler arasında da kişilere otorite ve ayrıcalık kazandırabilen araçlara dönüşebileceğini ortaya koyabilmeye yöneliktir.
PENERAPAN PERATURAN MENTERI PENDIDIKAN DAN KEBUDAYAAN NOMOR 51 TAHUN 2018 TENTANG SISTEM ZONASI PENERIMAAN PESERTA DIDIK BARU DI SMA N 3 SEMARANG
Authors: Supraptiyaningrum Supraptiyaningrum , Muzayanah Muzayanah
Published: December 2020

Setiap negara mempunyai maksud dalam melaksanakan kesejahteraan terhadap rakyatnya. Negara Indonesia memiliki tujuan sebagaiamana yang telah dituangkan pada pembukaan UUD 1945 pada alinea ke-empat. Salah satunya yaitu untuk mencerdaskan kehidupan bangsa. Mencerdaskan kehidupan bangsa bertujuan untuk memastikan seluruh masyarakat Indonesia memperoleh kesempatan dalam mengenyam pendidikan tanpa pandang bulu. Berdasarkan Undang-Undang Nomor 20 Tahun 2003 dijelaskan bahwa tujuan pendidikan adalah mengembangkan potensi peserta didik. Kementerian Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan menerbitkan peraturan baru soal PPDB, yaitu sistem zonasi yang bertujuan menciptakan suatu pendidikan yang selaras dengan maksud negara serta memeratakan akses layanan bagi peserta didik, maka. Permendikbud Nomor 51 Tahun 2018 membagi atas 3 jalur, yaitu jalur zonasi, jalur prestasi, dan jalur perpindahan orang tua. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui peraturan sistem zonasi pada Permendikbud No 51 Tahun 2019, mengetahui bagaimana penerapan Permendikbud Nomor 51 Tahun 2018 di SMA Negeri 3 Semarang, serta hambatan yang terjadi serta bagaimana solusi yang ditawarkan. Hasil penelitan bahwa SMA Negeri 3 Semarang menerapkan pada Undang-Undang yang berlaku dengan menggunakan jalur PPDB antara lain jalur zonasi, jalur prestasi, jalur prestasi zonasi, dan juga jalur perpindahan orang tua. SMA Negeri 3 Semarang dalam pelaksanaan PPDB menggunakan sistem zonasi, mengakui bahwa banyak siswa berprestasi yang tersisihkan. Dengan demikian, Pemerintah Daerah Jawa Tengah memberikan wewenang kepada pihak SMA Negeri 3 Semarang untuk melaksanakan penerapan jalur tambahan yakni jalur prestasi, dan jalur prestasi zonasi, sehingga melalui jalur prestasi dan prestasi zonasi dapat meminimalisir siswa yang tersisih.

Kata kunci : Sistem Zonasi, Implementasi, Permendikbud.
El desempeño del docente universitario en la práctica áulica: revisión integrativa
Authors: Elizalde Ordoñez Humberto , Lázaro Alcántara Elaine , Cervera Vallejos Mirtha Flor , Aya Roa Kevin Julián
Published: December 2020

Objetivo: Describir y analizar el Desempeño del Docente Universitario en la Práctica Áulica. Método: revisión sistémica, integrativa de tipo exploratoria que consistió en la síntesis de datos e información relacionada al desempeño del docente universitario en la práctica áulica en libros, artículos académicos, científicos, revistas indexadas y otros trabajos similares revisados en plataformas digitales como: Scielo y Google académico, 24 artículos constituyeron la muestra. Resultados principales: la educación de los profesionales de enfermería evoluciona constantemente, la apropiada preparación de educadores de enfermería es importante para el desarrollo de conocimientos, habilidades y actitudes de los enfermeros. La práctica reflexiva es un concepto frecuentemente utilizado en enfermería, de hecho, se sugiere que la práctica reflexiva a menudo se confunde, pero existe cuando esta no se da por sentada, razón por la cual el resultado es más aprendizaje de la experiencia. Los avances técnicos y científicos con los que se enfrentan los profesionales de enfermería, conjuntamente con la mayor información que tiene el usuario, exigen una mayor calidad de atención. Conclusión general: El docente en la práctica áulica dista del rol vinculado al cuidado con la teoría, existiendo preferencia por lo técnico y teórico, por lo cual se hace necesario repensar la epistemología conveniente para la práctica y los planes de estudio con el fin de formar profesionales reflexivos.
Transición saludable a la discapacidad de la persona adulta con lesión medular
Authors: Fernandez Moya Monserrat , Ortega Jimenez Marcela
Published: December 2020

La Lesión Medular (LM) representa un evento catastrófico para la persona que adquiere esta discapacidad, durante el proceso de adaptación la persona está expuesta a diversas complicaciones y secuelas derivadas de esta condición.  Los fenómenos complejos requieren teoría para comprender e interpretar las relaciones entre conceptos. Objetivo: presentar una derivación teórica y proponer un modelo sobre la teoría de transición saludable a la discapacidad de la persona adulta con Lesión Medular. Material y métodos: se realizó una derivación teórica mediante la metodología propuesta por J. Fawcett. Resultados: adaptación de la Teoría de rango medio de las transiciones en personas adultas con discapacidad por Lesión Medular. Conclusiones: el modelo puede ser útil para explicar cómo las personas en proceso de adaptación a la discapacidad por Lesión Medular, logran el bienestar y cuáles son los factores que influyen durante el proceso.
El daño resarcible en el Código Civil y Comercial de la Nación Argentina
Authors: Furlotti Silvina Carmen
Published: December 2020

El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar cuál es la noción  de daño resarcible que adopta el Código Civil y Comercial de la República Argentina. Si es la lesión a derechos o intereses no contrarios al ordenamiento jurídico o las consecuencias dañosas de esa lesión. Las implicancias prácticas  de este análisis se observan en la cuantificación de los daños causados a la integridad sicofísica o por fallecimiento de la persona humana. Es decir,  si se indemniza la lesión en si misma (en abstracto) o las consecuencias patrimoniales y no patrimoniales que ella proyecta sobre la damnificada (en concreto). Se analizará la doctrina y la jurisprudencia argentina para finalmente arribar a la conclusión de que el Código Civil y Comercial contempla un daño evento amplio pero, solo, son resarcibles las consecuencias patrimoniales y no patrimoniales que dicha lesión provoca a la víctima
La reconfiguración del derecho humano a migrar: tensiones entre los principios de igualdad y no discriminación en Argentina y Ecuador
Authors: Jaramillo Verónica , Santi Pereyra Silvana Estefania
Published: December 2020

A comienzos del nuevo milenio, la ratificación de las normas de derechos humanos en los países latinoamericanos y la incorporación, lenta, de esos estándares internacionales a la legislación local, fueron el telón de fondo del reconocimiento del derecho a migrar como derecho humano en la ley migratoria de Argentina (2004) y la Carta Magna de Ecuador (2008). En este artículo exponemos cómo el derecho humano a migrar se reconfigura en Argentina y Ecuador, según distintos momentos políticos y cambios de flujos migratorios. Adoptando el método del estudio de caso desde una mirada comparada, observamos que, la evolución de los últimos veinte años, se han presentado algunas disposiciones, leyes y prácticas adoptadas en estos dos países que interpelan los principios de igualdad y no discriminación en el cumplimiento efectivo de los derechos y que se tornan en material para nuestro análisis.
Design de serviços: um estudo sobre inovação em características e competências de processos para cocriação de valor
Authors: Silva Alan Felismino da , Secomandi Fernando Del Caro , Oliveira André Ribeiro de
Published: December 2020

O setor de serviços vem apresentando impactos econômicos significativos nos últimos anos. O contexto é favorável para o crescimento da área de design de serviços, a fim de melhorar a tomada de decisões do provedor de um serviço pelo ponto de vista de seus clientes. Esta pesquisa apresenta um estudo aplicado em uma academia de musculação sobre fluxogramas de processos e inovação em serviços orientado à melhoria das suas atividades. Explorando uma lacuna sobre recursos no diagrama Process Chain Network (PCN), esta pesquisa conclui que a combinação do diagrama PCN de Sampson (2015) com o quadro conceitual de características de serviços de Gallouj Weinstein (1997) simplifica a complexidade cognitiva do processo pela visualização de toda cadeia de serviço e alinha as expectativas dos provedores e usuários, pela análise dos recursos tangíveis, intangíveis e conhecimentos tácitos necessários para estrutura e representação visual de um serviço.
Design, energia solar por conversão fotovoltaica e artefato de medição
Authors: Silveira Flavia Aparecida , Schmid Aloísio Leoni
Published: December 2020

Este estudo aborda a melhoria da integração dos sistemas fotovoltaicos na arquitetura e no design. Para isso, questiona-se como mensurar a variação da energia elétrica produzida pela conversão fotovoltaica da energia solar, considerando a orientação, a inclinação da superfície coletora e a tecnologia de conversão, na cidade de Curitiba, Paraná. Com base na teoria da conversão da energia fotovoltaica, simulações realizadas em estudos anteriores e utilizando características do Design Science Research é desenvolvido um artefato para medição de radiação solar em condições energeticamente sub-ótimas. Para isso são utilizados módulos de silício policristalino, silício amorfo e filme fotovoltaico orgânico como tecnologias de conversão. O artefato é criado com o intuito de demonstrar possibilidades de aplicação da tecnologia tanto em produtos de design quanto em projetos arquitetônicos.
Naturalized Epistemology and the Normative
Authors: Turp Michael-John
Published: December 2020

Gradually emerging from the so-called “linguistic turn,” philosophy in the second half of the twentieth century witnessed what we might follow P. M. S. Hacker in describing as a “naturalistic turn.” This change of direction, an abandonment of traditional philosophical methods in favour of a scientific approach, or critics would say a scientistic approach, has met with widespread approval. In the first part of the paper I look to establish the centrality of the normative to the discipline of epistemology. I then turn to examine Quine's attempt to reduce normative discourse to instrumental rationality, and the more fully developed accounts provided by Stich, Kornblith and Papineau. I argue that these accounts fail because they insist on a constitutive connection between desires and the ends of epistemic activity. I conclude with the suggestion that a more plausible position severs this connection, in favour of an objective, externalist account of ends and reasons.
Reference, Description, and Explanation. Where Metaphysics Went Wrong?
Authors: Kołodziejczyk Sebastian Tomasz
Published: December 2020

The classical arguments against metaphysics provided by Immanuel Kant, neopositivists and recently by analytical philosophers focus on the problem of meaning. In my paper I would like to shed a little bit of light on different dimensions of this problem in the metaphysical discourse and make a proposition how to overcome the difficulties that arise from this kind of discourse.
Omnipotence and the Vicious Circle Principle
Authors: Amini Majid
Published: December 2020

The classical paradox of the stone, namely, whether an omnipotent being can create a stone that the being itself cannot lift is traditionally circumvented by a response propounded by Thomas Aquinas, that even omnipotent beings cannot accomplish the logically impossible. However, in their paper “The New Paradox of the Stone,” Alfred R. Mele and M.P. Smith attempt to reinstate the paradox without falling foul of the Thomistic logical constraint. According to Mele and Smith, instead of interpreting the paradox as posing a competition between a pair of omnipotent beings—represented by God at two different times—the paradox can be reformulated as posing a question about simultaneous competition between a pair of omnipotent beings. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to probe the possibility of the simultaneous existence of two omnipotent beings in view of the theological arguments for the “unicity of the omnipotent.”
Heidegger’s Notion of Religion: The Limits of Being-Understanding
Authors: Brook Angus
Published: December 2020

In the last two decades, the question of religion has become a central concern of many philosophers belonging to the Continental philosophical tradition. As the interest in religion has grown within Continental philosophy, so also has the question of Martin Heidegger’s relationship with religion. This paper poses the question of what religion meant to Martin Heidegger in the development of phenomenology as ontology; how he preconceived the notion of religion and why he eventually denied any authenticity to religion. In engaging with this question, the paper will also attempt to disclose some delimitations of Heidegger’s approach to religion.
Hobbes’s Theory of State. The Structure and Function of State as the Key to its Enduring
Authors: Charchuła Jarosław
Published: December 2020

Thomas Hobbes bequeathed to us a comprehensive system, the interpretation of which remains a matter of disagreement even today. In his political theory, he pays most attention to the state community. He deliberates over the reasons for its origin, its decline and fall. Among the more detailed issues dealt within his reflections, the more important ones are the following: the concept of the state of nature, human motivation, the state of war and peace, as well as considerations concerning the social contract. In order to be consistent in his argument, Hobbes also deals with the analysis of the structures of the state, the division of power and with the functions a state should perform. Due to these deliberations, he finally arrives at the secret of the state’s durability. Though it is certainly the case that, since his times, the socio-political situation and circumstances have changed, many of the solutions postulated by Hobbes have not lost their value.
Tadeusz Szubka: Filozofia analityczna. Koncepcje, metody, ograniczenia
Authors: Duchliński Piotr
Published: December 2020

The article reviews the book Filozofia analityczna. Koncepcje, metody, organiczenia [Analytic Philosophy. Concepts, Methods, Limitations], by Tadeusz Szubka.
God and Toleration
Authors: Chen Xunwu
Published: December 2020

The enduring debate on the question of whether an omnipotent, omniscient God exists amid the existence of evils in the world is crucial to understanding religions. Much recent discussion has taken an approach in which the focal question is whether we can cognitively—for example, logically, evidentially, and the like—and rationally justify that God’s full power and full goodness cannot be doubted amid the existence of evils. In this paper I argue that we can reasonably assume that God exists in an evil-afflicted world if he chooses to do so and if he tolerates evils. We can reasonably argue that he does exist in an evil-afflicted world because he chooses to tolerate evils for whatever reasons. I would like to make a stronger claim: he tolerates evils in order to give humankind a chance to grow in knowledge of good and evils by combating evils, which implies that his toleration of evils imposes a task on humankind to combat evils.
Bonum est causa mali
Authors: Walsh Terrance
Published: December 2020

How to explain the existence of evil if being by its very nature is good? My paper examines an interesting and perhaps significant parallel between two exponents of the metaphysical tradition usually thought to stand widely apart, Thomas Aquinas and Hegel. I argue that Hegel's system shares certain features of Aquinas' convertibility thesis (S.T. 1, 5, 1), that upon closer inspection will yield a set of interesting reflections not only about the problem of evil, but also about the limits and possibilities of metaphysical method. I discuss Aquinas' thesis of the convertibility of being and good and how it determines his treatment of evil. I then construct a Hegelian version of convertibility and argue that Hegel's system fails for similar reasons to provide a satisfactory account of the problem of evil. This leads to my central question: should the inadequacy of traditional approaches to evil call for a reversal or abandonment of metaphysics, or invite a deeper reflection about reality that would not subsume the world's darkness under what Hans Blumenberg once called "metaphysics of light"?