bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of T Cell Subsets and Hypercholesterolemia of the Donor and Its Association with Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease
Authors: Rivera-Franco MM , León-Rodríguez Eucario , Gómez-Martín Diana
Published: December 2019

Background: Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is an important cause of death following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The association between cholesterol and aGVHD was previously described potentially resulting from pro-inflammatory responses associated with hypercholesterolemia. The aim of this study was to correlate T-cell subsets in donor bone marrow (BM) samples with their levels of cholesterol and associate these results with recipients who developed aGVHD and those who did not. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was performed in 39 donor samples. T-cell subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: Eleven (28%) donors had hypercholesterolemia. Donor samples with hypercholesterolemia had less Tregs compared to donors with normal levels of cholesterol (22.69 (IQR=30.6) cells/µL vs 52.62 (IQR=44.68) cells/µL, p=0.04). Among all individuals in the cohort, aGVHD was observed in 21%: 36% from donors with hypercholesterolemia versus 14% from donors with normal levels of cholesterol. Conclusion: As we described the association between hypercholesterolemia and diminished Tregs, our results might suggest that normalizing the levels of total cholesterol in the donor, prior performing allo-HSCT, might be an effective approach to diminish the risk of the receptor to develop aGVHD.
Resiliency, the Lived Experience of Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Karimi Rozveh Ali , Nikbakht Nasrabadi Alireza , Ghiyasvandian Shahrzad , Sayadi Leila , Vaezi Mohammad , Nabi Amjad Reza
Published: December 2019

Background: Hematopoetic stem cell transplantation is considered as a standard treatment for cancer patients to stay hopeful toward treatment outcome. However, these patients experience many complications which might affect different aspects of their life. The aim of this study was to investigate the lived experience of patients after hematopoetic stem cell transplantation and introduce supportive care strategies. Materials and Methods: In this study, Van Manen’s Hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used. Eleven patients (7 males and 4 females) were chosen by targeted sampling from visitors of Shariati Hospital’s outpatient clinic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and the final data were analyzed by MAXQDA 10 software. Results: Data analysis revealed that the main theme was resiliency with two sub-themes of “not surrendering to disease” and “feeling closer to God”. Conclusion: Participants declared that transplantation was like a second chance for life and considered this opportunity as a gift from God to overcome their disease. According to our findings, spirituality aids can help patients control the disturbances following HSCT and health professionals can use constructive strategies to support patients with spiritual needs.
Sleep Quality and Fatigue among Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Authors: Imanian Mahrokh , Imanian Mahsa , Karimyar Mahdi
Published: December 2019

Background: Breast cancer survivors make up a growing population facing treatment that poses long – standing adverse effects including chemotherapy- related sleep disorders and fatigue. There is limited knowledge of patients' lived experiences of chemotherapy- induced sleep disorders and fatigue. The aim of this study was to explore sleep quality and fatigue among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: One hundred fifteen patients were included in this census-based cross-sectional study. Data were collected through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Brief Fatigue Inventory four days after the chemotherapy session. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software version 13 and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant in all tests. Results: The mean hours of sleep were 5.6±1.83 in the range of 2 to 10 hours. The mean score of fatigue of participants was 5.59±1.67. Based on the cutting point, 57.4%, 20.9%, and 21.7% of participants had a moderate (4-6.9), mild (0.1-3.9), and severe (7-9.9) level of fatigue, respectively. The mean score of sleep quality among the participants was equal to 14.06±3.06, with a maximum and minimum of 7 and 21. The results of Spearman correlation coefficient showed that there is a significant relationship between fatigue and quality of sleep )0.210). Conclusion: Although the study findings revealed that patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy experience different degrees of sleep disorders and fatigue, there is a need for more detailed studies to improve the quality of sleep and reduce fatigue in these patients due to the little attention paid to this issue in the medical field.
Investigating the Relationship Between Breastfeeding Duration and Health Literacy in Primiparous Women Referring to Tehran Health Centers: An Application of Bayesian Poisson Regression Model
Authors: Hosseini Fatemeh , Rasekhi Aliakbar , Lamyian Minoor
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Breast milk is an ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants. Breastfeeding is associated with benefits of lifelong health for both infants and mothers. This study aims to investigate the factors affecting breastfeeding duration in primiparous women referring to Tehran health centers. Methods: In this analytical study, the population consisted of primiparous women of reproductive age who referred to Tehran health centers in 2015-2016 having a child aged 2-5 years. Data were collected by a questionnaire for measuring the level of Health Literacy for Iranian Adults (HELIA) in the urban population, a Socio-Economic Status (SES) questionnaire and interviews with mothers. Statistical analysis was done using Bayesian Poisson regression model and OpenBUGS software. Results: In the present study, the minimum and maximum of breastfeeding duration were one and 24 months respectively, and the median duration of breastfeeding was 20 months. Also, exclusive breastfeeding was reported at 50.5%. The variables age of mother (CI 95%: -0.01, -0.008), health literacy score (CI 95%: 0.01, 0.02) and the first-time breastfeeding more than one hour after birth (CI 95%: -0.34, -0.04) had significant relationship with breastfeeding duration. Conclusion: The health literacy score, the age of mother and the first-time breastfeeding more than one hour after birth had a significant relationship with breastfeeding duration. Therefore, considering the importance of the effect of maternal health literacy on breastfeeding, it is suggested that mothers of prepregnancy have the ability to obtain a high score of health literacy
Comparing the Forecasting Performance of Seasonal Arima and Holt -Winters Methods of Births at a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Ghana
Authors: Aryee George , Essuman Raymond , Djagbletey Robert , Owusu Darkwa Ebenezer
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Studies have shown periodic variations in the number of births using different mathematical models. A study conducted at the Korle-Bu teaching hospital obtained Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model on a monthly number of birth for an 11-year data. However, this study did not compare the obtained model with other forecasting methods to determine the method that will best explain the data. This study sought to compare seasonal SARIMA model with Holt-Winters seasonal forecasting methods for an 11-year time series data on the number of births.. Methods: Data were analysed in R software (version 3.3.3). Holt-Winters and seasonal ARIMA forecasting methods were applied to the birth data. The errors of the out – of-sample forecast of these methods were compared and the one with the least error was considered the best forecasting method. Results The in-sample forecasting errors showed that SARIMA (2,1,1) x (1,01,) was the best among the other models. The out-of-sample errors also showed that all the SARIMA models had lower errors compared to the Holt-Winters form of additive and multiplicative methods based on the forecasting accuracy indices of the monthly number of births for an 11-year period. It was also found that the months with very high statistically significant number of births over the period was from March to August. Conclusion: The SARIMA models were superior to the Holt-Winters models. This is essential for optimal forecasting of the number of births for planning and effective delivery of Obstetrics services.
Epidemiological Profile of Injury in Kermanshah in 2015-2016
Authors: Khoramdad Malihe , bayat Mohammad Reza , Khademi Nahid , Saniee Vida , Alimohamadi Yousef
Published: December 2019

Introduction: injuries as one of the main concerns of public health and social problem affect a wide range of population particularly in countries with low and middle incomes. In the present study, we aimed to describe the epidemiology of different types of injuries occurring in Kermanshah province, Iran, with an enormous sample size in 2015-2016. Methods: in this cross-sectional study we gathered the data from Health Vice-presidency of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences. In order to widen the study, we incorporated the subjects with a wide spectrum of injury types including Road Traffic Injury (RTI), burns, poisoning, drowning, suicide, animal bite, trauma, and violence. The subjects were taken from 20 distinct hospitals of 12 cities of Kermanshah province. Results: our data showed a total number of injuries to be 65,428 from March 2015 to March 2016 (65.4% male and 34.6% female). The average of total injured people was 29.20±18.9 (28.7±18.9 in men and 30±18.9 in women). We showed that individuals of 15-29 and 30-44 years old were the most vulnerable sectors in both male and female groups. The majority of injuries were due to road traffic and fall in men and female, respectively. The most and least frequent injuries occurred in Kermanshah and Gilan-e-Qarb cities, respectively. Conclusion: it was demonstrated in our study that age, gender, culture, and city are the factors determining the injury patterns. Therefore, these items can be regarded as the high-risk factors which may be integrated into the plans for preventing the possible injuries in health policies.
Effects of aerobic and resistance exercise program on physical adaptation in the elderly men patients with heart failure
Authors: Pourhabib Ali , Fotokian Zahra
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Diminished physiological tolerance induced heart failure among the elderly patients limit doing their daily activities. Exercising as a non-medical intervention is not usually mentioned for daily activities promotion. The current study was conducted aiming to explore the effects of aerobic and resistance exercise program on physical adaptation in the elderly men patients with heart failure.
Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial design. The study population was all the male elderlies suffering from heart failure type 2 and 3. All the 60 elderlies were randomly assigned using block-randomized allocation into the intervention and the control groups. The study field was Echocardiography ward at Imam Sajjad Hospital in Ramsar. The exercise program was performed for three months in the intervention group. The physical adaptation was assessed in four different time intervals (before 1, 2, and 3 months and also after intervention) and the results were compared between the groups. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Adaptation scores were calculated using the indices, including descriptive statistics and then the following tests were performed: independent and paired t-test, repeated ANOVA, and Bonferoni tests.
Results: The results showed a significant statistical difference between the mean scores of distances walked in 6 minutes in four points between the two groups (P≤0.001). The aerobic and resistance exercise programs had promoted the physical adaptation among the elderlies with heart failure as our results approved (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Aerobic and resistance exercises can help in promoting the physical adaptation in doing the daily activities in the elderly with heart failure.
PECULIARITIES OF TEACHING LISTENING USING AUTHENTIC ECOLOGICAL MATERIALS IN THE SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL
Authors: R. Zakirova Luiza , Y. Yashina Marianna , S. Shingareva Anna
Published: December 2019

Purposes: This article discusses the problem of listening comprehension as an important and integral part of everyday communication. Despite its impact on the process of language learning, the listening skill was for a long time relegated to a marginal place in foreign language curricula.

Methodology: The authors describe a great educational value of authentic materials used in a foreign language classroom to motivate, develop and increase listening skills at the senior stage of teaching. They found it necessary to admit that with the advent of communicative language teaching and the focus on proficiency, the teaching of listening started to increase. Obvious attention is paid to the practical use of available Internet resources that deal with ecological problems which are acute and need the urgent solution in contemporary society.

Results: The authors made an attempt to prove that listening should be fully integrated into the foreign language curriculum and given considerable "prime time" in-class activities and homework preparation. In addition, the methodological recommendations on the organization of the development of listening skills to improve the overall process of communication are presented.
Fundamentos para una interpretación alternativa de la cláusula del interviniente según la teoría de los delitos especiales
Authors: Muñoz García Miguel Ángel
Published: December 2019

El presente artículo critica la tesis jurisprudencial vigente sobre el interviniente, prevista en el inciso final del artículo 30 del Código Penal colombiano, según la cual la figura se aplica para el coautor de delito espe­cial sin cualificación, con base en la teoría de la participación de los sujetos extranei en los delitos especiales. Según esta concepción, solamente puede ser autor quien ostente la calidad especial exigida en el tipo penal, sin que sea viable recurrir al dominio del hecho, para fundamentar la punibilidad como interviniente del coautor extraño. Para tal efecto, se realiza una revisión biblio­gráfica del estado de la cuestión en materia de delitos especiales, se estudia la posición de la Sala Penal de la Corte Suprema de Justicia, y, al final, se sugiere una interpretación del ámbito de aplicación del interviniente.
Una aproximación al tipo penal de los acuerdos restrictivos de la competencia
Authors: Pardo Pardo David Leonardo
Published: December 2019

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo hacer un acercamien­to somero al delito de los acuerdos restrictivos de la competencia, con el fin de aportar herramientas útiles para cualquier operador jurídico, estudiante o docente que se vea abocado a tratar este delito; pero no solo eso, dado que las posturas acá defendidas no son absolutas, pues lo que se busca también es generar discusiones que nos lleven a un adecuado tratamiento de esta y otras conductas punibles con rasgos similares, es decir, los llamados delitos económicos.
Validation of Methods for Calculating Hydrogen Combustion in a Supersonic Model Air Flow Using the Experimental Data of Beach — Evans — Schexnayder
Authors: Kukshinov N.V. , Batura S.N. , Frantsuzov M.S.
Published: December 2019

This paper deals with numerical simulation of combustion of a hydrogen-air mixture in a supersonic flow. The simulation is based on solving the complete system of Navier-Stokes equations with closure using the turbulence model and detailed chemical kinetics. The mixing and combustion of a hydrogen-air fuel mixture is considered in the experimental formulation of Beach-Evans-Schexnayder. The effect of various kinetic mechanisms, turbulence models, TCI models, and boundary conditions on the solution is studied qualitatively and quantitatively. The relative errors of mass concentration of water for control sections are determined, and the methods’ boundaries are shown. Conclusions are drawn on the influence of turbulent mixing mechanisms and chemical kinetics on the combustion of hydrogen.
JK ROWLING’S THE TALES OF BEEDLE THE BARD: A MAGICAL REALISM ANALYSIS
Authors: Kusuma Agung
Published: December 2019

Literature plays an important role in psychological and social development of a child. Literature stimulates children’s imagination and sharpens their awareness of the world around them. It teaches our children about values, norms, equity, and firmly establishes the qualities of tolerance, compassion, sharing, caring, and ability to solve conflict. Therefore, it is undeniably important to shed a light on what our children read as they will project what they read in stories through their behavior. Using a post-colonial discourse, the writer put forward a well elaborate analysis and findings of magical realism study on JK Rowling’s short stories The Tales of Beedle the Bard. Moreover, the analysis focuses on how magical object describing the magical realism aspects is depicted as a part of human life and how it brings affects for the child readers. 
THE STRUCTURE AND MEANING OF KAWIH IN RONGGENG GUNUNG PERFORMANCE
Authors: Nurrachman Dian , Assiddiqi Hasbi , Rohanda Rohanda , Hidayat Deden
Published: December 2019

Ronggeng Gunung is a combined performing art which thrives especially in southern Ciamis (including Pamarican and Banjarsari) and Pangandaran (including Padaherang and Kalipucang). Generally, this is almost the same as the conventional ronggeng, in which a dancer performs while being accompanied by gamelan (Javanese/Sundanese music instrument) and kawih (Sundanese songs). The main ronggeng dancer is a woman who wears a shawl as a part of the dance to invite males to dance with her. Allegedly, in its mythological narratives, Ronggeng Gunung was created from the grief of a princess who lost her beloved husband and her attempt of revenge toward the killer. This paper is actually intended to find out how are the structures and meanings of Kawih as an inseparable part of Ronggeng Gunung performance. This study applies structuralism as both theoretical approach and method, since it provides the theoretical framework to find out both the structural construction and the meaning of the Kawih. The result of this study shows that kawih accompanying Ronggeng Gunung performance represents a passionate romance of solace, unrequited love, as well as the cultural values of modesty, politeness, and the importance of solidarity in facing every problem encountered by human.  
CONTAGIOUSNESS OF POLITENESS ON YOUTUBE
Authors: Wardoyo Cipto
Published: December 2019

This study tries to shed a light on whether politeness strategies used in YouTube comment sections’ online discussion are contagious. Particularly, it explores the politeness strategies used in comments and replies from the three most popular videos in 2018 of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” YouTube channel. By using a qualitative design with computer - mediated discourse analysis approach, this study confirms that politeness strategies used in the comment sections are contagious. It is also revealed that impolite strategies dominate the whole discussions even in funny content and the level of impoliteness increases as the degree of disagreement gets higher. 
Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia in a Multipurpose Intensive Care Unit: One-Year Prospective Study
Authors: Costa Rui Dias , Baptista João Pedro , Freitas Ricardo , Martins Paulo Jorge
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Hospital-acquired pneumonia continues to be a frequent complication in the intensive care unit and an important cause of admission in the intensive care unit. The aim of our study was to evaluate the demography, incidence, risk factors, causative bacterial pathogens and outcome of all episodes of Hospital-acquired pneumonia in our unit.Material and Methods: Prospective observational study, at a tertiary university hospital during one year (2014) including all the cases of hospital-acquired pneumonia in the intensive care unit.Results: Sixty patients were identified with pneumonia. Thirty-five (58.3%) had an intensive care unit acquired pneumonia, corresponding to 6.9 cases/1000 intubation-days. Antibiotic treatment in the previous 30 days was present in 75% of the cases. The incidence of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii was 26.2%, 20.0% and 9.2%, respectively. Patients with late-onset hospital-acquired pneumonia (≥ 7 days) showed higher frequency of non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli isolates, and methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Combination therapy was performed in 67.0%, and de-escalation in 18.3%. The mortality rate was 18.3%. The adjusted odds ratio for intensive care unit mortality in the group of patients with non-intensive care unit acquired pneumonia was 5.2 (95% CI of 1.02 – 22.10; p = 0.046).Discussion: The knowledge of local bacterial flora and resistance patterns is of crucial importance and strongly recommended. This evidence increases the probability of success of empiric antibiotic therapy.Conclusion: S. aureus was the predominant causative agent of nosocomial pneumonia. The most frequent risk factor identified for infection with multidrug-resistant organisms was previous treatment with antibiotics. Multidrug-resistant organisms were present in 45% of documented hospital-acquired pneumonias. In admitted patients with non-intensive care unit acquired pneumonia, the intensive care unit mortality rate was nearly five times higher compared to intensive care unit acquired pneumonia.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DISCIPLINE AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE TOWARDS EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE
Authors: Linda Dian Rosa , Astuti Puji , Wijaya Satriya
Published: December 2019

Background: One of problems in an organization or company is poor performance of employees. For instance, they do not complete tasks or finish their job responsibilities on time. The preliminary data taken from one of companies in Surabaya showed that 184 employees did not come to work without any explanations, and 288 employees worked late.Aim: This study analyzed the relationships between discipline and emotional intelligence towards employee performance at the company.Method: The design of this research was analytical using a cross sectional approach. The population of this study was employees at Production and Maintenance Section of one company in Surabaya comprising of 155 people. Out of 155 employees, 89 respondents were taken as samples using a stratified random sampling technique. Then, the data were collected through a questionnaire and analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation test with a significance level of α 0.05.Results: This study showed that most of the respondents were very highly disciplined (94.4%) and had a highly emotional intelligence (74.2%). Lastly, most of them perform satisfyingly (50.6%). The results of the analysis test with Spearman’s rank correlation yielded p-value of 0.002 <α 0.05. It means there was a correlation between  discipline attitude and employee performance. The p-value 0.001 which was less than α-value of 0.05 showed that there was a correlation between emotional intelligence and employee performance.Conclusion: Discipline and emotional intelligence are prominent to determine employee performance at PT X. In order to improve the discipline and intelligence in the performance of the employees, the company should provide rewards based on employee’s achievements in the workplace. Key words: Emotional intelligence, Employee performance, Discipline.
DOSSIÊ TEMÁTICO 2019 - Materiais para o ensino de matemática nos primeiros anos escolares: condensando saberes pedagógicos e disciplinares
Authors: Rodrigues Valente Wagner
Published: December 2019

Apresentação do dossiê "Materiais para o ensino de matemática nos primeiros anos escolares: condensando saberes pedagógicos e disciplinares".
Olhares para educação em terreiros de quimbanda
Authors: Soares Rodrigo Lemos , Tavares Mauro Dillmann
Published: December 2019

Este texto discute formas de educação em terreiros de Quimbanda, enquanto pedagogias culturais, que incidem na produção de corporeidades. Está orientado pelo campo dos Estudos Culturais, recorrendo ao fazer metodológico da Análise Cultural alicerçado na ideia de que os corpos são produzidos em meio à pedagogizações. Os terreiros são compreendidos como espaços educacionais que possuem, dentre seus propósitos, manter memórias, sinalizar a existência de culturas específicas, por meio da demarcação de identidades. Ao tornarmo-nos parte do terreiro os saberes que carregamos são compartilhados, tangenciando uma corresponsabilidade na educação de todos (as) envolvidos(as), tanto na prática religiosa, quanto nas relações que extrapolam estes espaços.
Barriers and Challenges to Service Delivery and Funding: A Case Study of a Nonprofit Organization in the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Martin-Howard Simone
Published: December 2019

There is limited qualitative case research focusing on the underreported voices of black and coloured men and women employed at nonprofit organizations (NPOs) and living in underserved communities of South Africa. The purpose of this single case study, then, is to explore barriers and challenges to service delivery and funding at one specific NPO in South Africa’s Western Cape Province (WCP). To do so, I rely on observations and indepth semistructured interviews with 11 staff members. According to a majority of the staff, religion and race are the primary barriers that prevent the organization from achieving its goals and objectives. Moreover, they note that poverty and poor living conditions, child abandonment and neglect as a result of maternal alcohol abuse, and racial and cultural tensions are contextual challenges that inhibit organizational effectiveness. While these barriers and challenges are specific to this particular NPO, the contextual factors that staff identified are evident in other townships in the WCP. As such, the findings from this study add to the knowledge of NPOs in the WCP and provide insights into how to improve service delivery for low-income and underserved populations in the region.
Financial Performance Analysis of Distressed Banks in Ghana: Exploration of Financial Ratios and Z-score
Authors: Juabin Matey
Published: December 2019

A robust bank industry is a major player in the stability of an economy. By way of financial ratios and Z-score, the study analysed UT Bank’s financial performance prior to the recent bank sector reforms in Ghana. Annual financials over a ten year period (2007-2016) were used. Debt management practices of UT Bank per the results obtained were quite on the hind side. Leverage and risk variables were poorly handled. Inability to meet creditors’ claims would have been eminent considering the average mean values of debt-to-assets and debt-to equity ratios of 0.76 and 0.90 respectively. The entire bank sector will be put on a sound footing if credit management practices of individual banks are refreshed. The bank industry regulator should tighten its supervisory and monitoring role over banks to help detect early signs of non-performing banks. The study further recommends that statutory lending limits of banks be re-enforced to uphold the threshold of 10 percent for unsecured loans and 25 percentage for secured loans of net owned funds of the bank.
Synthesis of Diabetic II Inhibitors Based on 2-mercaptobenzimidazole and their Molecular Docking Study
Authors: Taha Muhammad , Rahim Fazal , Hayat Shawkat , Selvaraj Manikandan , Farooq Rai Khalid , Ali Shah Sayed Adnan , Zakaria Zainul Amiruddin
Published: December 2019

In the search of potent α-amylase inhibitors, we have synthesized seventeen derivatives of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole bearing sulfonamide (1-17) and evaluated for their α-amylase inhibitory potential. All compounds display a variable degree of α-amylase activity having IC50 values ranging between 0.90 ± 0.05 to 11.20 ± 0.30 µM when compared with the standard drug acarbose having IC50 value 1.70 ± 0.10 µM. Compound 1, 2, 11, 12 and 14 having IC50 values 1.40 ± 0.10, 1.30 ± 0.05, 0.90 ± 0.05, 1.60 ± 0.05 and 1.60 ± 0.10 µM respectively were found many folds better than the standard drug acarbose. The remaining analogs showed good inhibitory potentials. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by HREI-MS, 1H and 13C-NMR. Structure activity relationship (SAR) has been recognized for all newly synthesized analogs. Through molecular docking study, binding mode of active analogs with α-amylase enzyme was confirmed.
Performance-Enhanced Non-Enzymatic Glucose Sensor Based on Graphene-Heterostructure
Authors: Sakr Mahmoud A , Elgammal Karim , Delin Anna , Serry Mohamed
Published: December 2019

Non-enzymatic glucose sensing is a crucial field of study because of the current market demand. This study proposes a novel design of glucose sensor with enhanced selectivity and sensitivity by using graphene Schottky diodes, which is composed of Graphene/Platinum Oxide/n-Silicon heterostructure. The sensor was tested with different glucose concentrations and interfering solutions to investigate its sensitivity and selectivity. Different structures of the device were studied by adjusting the platinum oxide film thickness to investigate its catalytic activity. It was found that the film thickness plays a significant role in the efficiency of glucose oxidation and hence in overall device sensitivity. Moreover, theoretical investigations were conducted using Density Function Theory (DFT) to better understand the detection method and the origins of selectivity. The working principle of the sensors puts it in a competitive position with other non-enzymatic glucose sensors. DFT calculations provided a qualitative explanation of the charges distributed across the graphene sheet within a system of a platinum substrate with D-glucose molecules above. The proposed graphene/PtO/n-Si heterostructure has proven to satisfy these factors, which opens the door for further developments of more reliable non-enzymatic glucometers for continuous glucose monitoring systems.
Integration of Abscisic Acid Signaling with Other Signaling Pathways in Plant Stress Responses and Development
Authors: Kumar Manu , Kesawat Mahipal Singh , Ali Asjad , Lee Sang-Choon , Gill Sarvajeet Singh , Kim Hyun Uk
Published: December 2019

Plants are immobile, and, to overcome harsh environmental conditions, such as drought, salt, and cold, they have evolved complex signaling pathways. Abscisic acid (ABA), an isoprenoid phytohormone, is a critical signaling mediator that regulates diverse biological processes in various organisms. Significant progress has been made in the determination and characterization of key ABA-mediated molecular factors involved in different stress responses, including stomatal closure and developmental processes, such as seed germination and bud dormancy. Since ABA-signaling is a complex signaling network that integrates with other signaling pathways, the dissection of its intricate regulatory network is necessary to understand the function of essential regulatory genes involved in ABA signaling. In the present review, we focus on two aspects of ABA signaling. First, the perception of the stress signal (abiotic and biotic) and the response network of ABA-signaling components that transduce the signal to the downstream pathway to respond to stress tolerance, regulation of stomata, and ABA signaling component ubiquitination. Second, ABA-signaling in plant development processes, such as lateral root growth regulation, seed germination, and flowering time regulation. Examining such diverse signal integration dynamics could enhance our understanding of the underlying genetic, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of ABA signaling networks in plants.
How a Strategic Scoping Canvas Can Facilitate Collaboration between Partners in Sustainability Transitions
Authors: Wigboldus Seerp , Brouwers Jan , Snel Herman
Published: December 2019

The commonly used words ‘transformation’ and ‘transition’ tend to lose their edge when used for any significant change process as is rather often the case. Partners and wider stakeholders in initiatives related to ‘sustainability transitions’ therefore often entertain different perspectives on what the strategic orientation of an initiative is or is meant to be. Common planning and design processes such as situation analysis and theories of change, however, often do not sufficiently cater to this dynamic. As a result, different actors may be pulling the initiative in different directions, undermining the overall partnership efforts. In this short contribution a strategic scoping canvas and an associated facilitation process are presented as a way of addressing such situations. Illustrations are provided of initial application in three cases related to food system transitions in Peru, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh, exploring the connectivity with approaches commonly used in the context of system transformations, including the Multi-Level Perspective on sustainability transitions, the Leverage Points approach, Capability Approach, and the theory of Large System Change. We conclude that the canvas and associated facilitation approach has proved useful in different contexts, offering opportunities for complementing existing methodologies, and potentially enhancing their efficacy in facilitated multi-stakeholder processes.
The Determination of Snow Albedo from Satellite Measurements Using Fast Atmospheric Correction Technique
Authors: Kokhanovsky Alexander , Box Jason E. , Vandecrux Baptiste , Mankoff Kenneth , Lamare Maxim , Smirnov Alexander , Kern Michael
Published: December 2019

We present a simplified atmospheric correction algorithm for the snow/ice albedo retrieval using single view satellite measurements. The validation of the technique is performed using Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) on board Copernicus Sentinel - 3 satellite and ground spectral or broadband albedo measurements from locations on the Greenland ice sheet and in the French Alps. Through comparison with independent ground observations, the technique is shown to perform accurately in a range of conditions from a 2100 m elevation mid-latitude location in the French Alps to a network of 15 locations across a 2390 m elevation range in seven regions across the Greenland ice sheet. Retrieved broadband albedo is accurate within 5% over a wide (0.5) broadband albedo range of the (N = 4,155) Greenland observations and with no apparent bias.
A Decade of Antifungal Leads from Natural Products
Authors: Aldholmi Mohammed , Marchand Pascal , Ourliac-Garnier Isabelle , Le Pape Patrice , Ganesan A.
Published: December 2019

In this review, we discuss novel natural products discovered within the last decade that are reported to have antifungal activity against pathogenic species. Nearly a hundred natural products were identified that originate from bacteria, alga, fungi, sponges and plants. Fungi were the most prolific source of antifungal compounds discovered during the period of review. The structural diversity of these antifungal leads encompasses all the major classes of natural products including polyketides, shikimate metabolites, terpenoids, alkaloids and peptides.
Tests to Ensure the Minimum Methane Concentration for Gas Engines to Limit Atmospheric Emissions
Authors: Borowski Marek , Życzkowski Piotr , Łuczak Rafał , Karch Michał , Cheng Jianwei
Published: December 2019

During the extraction of hard coal in Polish conditions, methane is emitted, which is referred to as mine gas. As a result of the desorption of methane, a greenhouse gas is released from coal seams. In order to reduce atmospheric emissions, methane from coal seams is captured by a methane drainage system. On the other hand, methane, which has been separated into underground mining excavations, is discharged into the atmosphere with a stream of ventilation air. For many years, Polish hard coal mines have been capturing methane to ensure the safety of the crew and the continuity of mining operations. As a greenhouse gas, methane has a significant potential, as it is more effective at absorbing and re-emitting radiation than carbon dioxide. The increase in the amount of methane in the atmosphere is a significant factor influencing global warming, however, it is not as strong as the increase in carbon dioxide. Therefore, in Polish mines, the methane-air mixture captured in the methane drainage system is not emitted to the atmosphere, but burned as fuel in systems, including cogeneration systems, to generate electricity, heat and cold. However, in order for such use to be possible, the methane-air mixture must meet appropriate quality and quantity requirements. The article presents an analysis of changes in selected parameters of the captured methane-air mixture from one of the hard coal mines in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin in Poland. The paper analyses the changes in concentration and size of the captured methane stream through the methane capturing system. The gas captured by the methane drainage system, as an energy source, can be used in cogeneration, when the methane concentration is greater than 40%. Considering the variability of CH4 concentration in the captured mixture, it was also indicated which pure methane stream must be added to the gas mixture in order for this gas to be used as a fuel for gas engines. The balance of power of produced electric energy in gas engines is presented. Possible solutions ensuring constant concentration of the captured methane-air mixture are also presented.
Machine Learning-Based Node Selection for Cooperative Non-Orthogonal Multi-Access System Under Physical Layer Security
Authors: Salem Mohammed Ahmed , Abd.Aziz Azlan Bin , Al-Selwi Hatem Fahd , Alias Mohamad Yusoff Bin , Kim Geok Tan , Mahmud Azwan , Bin-Ghoot Ahmed Salem
Published: December 2019

Cooperative non-orthogonal multi access communication is a promising paradigm for the future wireless networks because of its advantages in terms of energy efficiency, wider coverage and interference mitigating. In this paper, we study the secrecy performance of a downlink cooperative non-orthogonal multi access (NOMA) communication system under the presence of an eavesdropper node. Smart node selection based on feed forward neural networks (FFNN) is proposed in order to improve the physical layer security (PLS) of a cooperative NOMA network. The selected cooperative relay node is employed to enhance the channel capacity of the legal users, where the selected cooperative jammer is employed to degrade the capacity of the wiretapped channel. Simulations of the secrecy performance metric namely the secrecy capacity ($C_S$) are presented and compared with the conventional technique based on fuzzy logic node selection technique. Based on our simulations and discussions the proposed technique outperforms the existing technique in term the of secrecy performance.
Research of Labor Interests in the Personnel Management System
Authors: Lobanova Tatiana
Published: December 2019

The issue of actualization of labor interests as a motivational driver and one of the sources of labor productivity is little-studied in applied and organizational psychology. The study given in the paper fills some “blanks” of this problem. The leading approach to research is the motivational system proposed on the basis of theoretical analysis and the developed psychological model of labor interests. Using the methods of a special survey, questioning and interview guides, the analysis and comparative assessment of the labor interests of 50 candidates for the service manager position (entertainment and restaurant industry field) was conducted; as well as of 45 employees in this industry aged 18 to 25. The main results of the paper show the connection of labor interests with the company's personnel management system, namely with the processes of selection, adaptation, and training. It was revealed that the candidates selected for the service manager position were of primary group interest and financial incentive was secondary. At the same time, financial incentive contributed to the successful passage of the adaptation period. Occupational interests of employees depended on their education and job specifics. Career interests were influenced by the time spent with the company. The recommendations necessary for employers to create the conditions corresponding to the leading labor interests of employees were substantiated.
Workplace Victimization in the Public Sector: Evidence on Negative Affectivity and Conflict Styles
Authors: Suyono Joko
Published: December 2019

The purpose of the study is to analyze negative affectivity and conflict styles as potential causes of workplace victimization. A sample survey of 100 respondents was conducted in the public sector in Indonesia. Multiple regression analysis was used in the study to test the hypothesis. Results suggested that there was a significant relationship between negative affectivity and perceived victimization. Furthermore, we found that conflict styles were related to perceived victimization. Obliging style and integrating style had a negative relationship with perceived victimization. Meanwhile, the dominating style was positively related to perceived victimization. This study investigated empirically workplace victimization in the public sector from the victims’ perspective. Caution should be exercised in generalizing the results. Future studies can investigate both victims' and perpetrator's perspectives in the analysis of workplace victimization. Also, future research should pay attention to the extent to which certain types of leaders, organizational factors and person behaviors influence victimization. An understanding of individual determinants will help an organization to prevent victimization in the environment. Also, the organization should have a certain mechanism to protect employees from workplace victimization. To the extent of the author’s knowledge, this research is one of the few studies that has been made from the victim’s perspective of workplace victimization in the public sector in Indonesia.
The Disclosure of Financial and Non-Financial Performance via Narrative Communication: Islamic Bank Annual Report
Authors: Wachid Fatchul , Yunita Danis Nurul
Published: December 2019

The main aim of this study is to compare and analyses the financial performance and non-financial analyses related to the corporate governance of Islamic banks, as reported in narrative communication. It also examines the presence of board impression management in leading the company through level optimism, positive emotion, and so on. The data is obtained from the annual report of two Islamic banks, which are BankIslami Pakistan Limited (BIP) from Pakistan and Warba Bank (WB) from Kuwait during 2012-2016. However, the analyses excluding 2014 because WB only provides a report in the Arabic language. Financial and other non-financial aspects comprising of country analysis, company-level analysis and narrative quality analysis are conducted to investigate the effect of how social system covers nation and company culture, governance structure, and management quality influence the performance of Islamic banks. The comprehensive content analysis method is used to measure the suitability of Islamic value and the impact of the non-financial institution; therefore, it can be the main contribution of this paper. The study found, in the financial aspects, WB has better performance that contributes to IFDI indicators and able to provide information about the source and disbursement zakat fund. Further, in non-financial performance found both Islamic banks still lack information in delivering detail contracts via uqud, environmental aspect, and code ethic of the employee. However, BIP poses bad political affairs in corruption level and role-duality within board structure that can contribute to the lack of transparency and the absence of independence.

 
Mini Special Issue on Establishment of Interdisciplinary Research Cluster of Disaster Science
Authors: Imamura Fumihiko
Published: December 2019

Since the start of the 21st century, major disasters, such as the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, have caused tremendous damage. The scope of the impact has spread across borders because global chains and the like have diversified. Consequently, disaster prevention and mitigation for reduction is now an important issue in the international community. To advance disaster reduction, it has been necessary to combine the humanities and social sciences with medical science and natural sciences as well, and Tohoku University has become the base of disaster prevention. What activities have begun, and for what purpose? I would like to find out and deepen my interest through this mini special feature.

The first part gives the background and objectives of the world’s top research cluster for disaster science. The second part presents survival study, or how to protect oneself from disasters such as tsunamis. Survival study is highly unique to this cluster. Reclassifying is proposed to compile the causes of death indicated by autopsy and systematizing deaths in the event of a disaster. Next, efforts in the humanities and social sciences to preserve the folk performing arts left in the community are presented. It has been pointed out that once local communities and connections are lost in disasters and its recovery faces more difficulty.
Identifying Criteria for Designing Risk Communication System in Palu, Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Selamet Juhri ,   Center for Science and Technology Policy Research, University of Colorado Boulder 1333 Grandview Avenue, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
Published: December 2019

The 2018 Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia signaled the failure of a risk communication system, causing Indonesia to be accused of mishandling the natural disaster. Many criticisms focused on allegations that the country’s meteorology and geophysics agency canceled the tsunami alert too early and misinformed public, that the sirens weren’t operable to warn local people, the tidal buoys did not work to send the tsunami signal, consequently, causing casualties. Improving the risk communication system raises the following question: what are the criteria for designing a risk communication system for areas in the disaster-prone zone? This paper employs multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) as a framework that is integrated with the combination of technical and cultural risk communication to provide such an answer. As for the findings, this study includes sixteen indicators that are distributed among nine criteria of a risk communication system within two types of measurement: qualitative and quantitative. It suggests that a risk communication system shall work better on a two-way process. Stakeholders’ and decision-makers’ involvement and public participation are required to make better decisions because it leads to better awareness of risks and greater acceptance of risk management strategies that are jointly agreed upon.