bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
معوقات السياسة النقدية وبرامج الإصلاح الاقتصادي لواقع الاقتصاد العراقي
Authors: جواد سجى فاضل
Published: January 2019

أن السياسة النقدية في العراق لم تشهد تحسناً كبيراً في دورها المطلوب منها، وهذا يعود الى جملة من التغيرات على أدائها ودورها في التأثير على المتغيرات الأقتصادية المهمة، اذ حصلت ظروف صعبة على المستوى السياسي والأقتصادي اسهمت في أضعاف دورها في العراق. فالحروب العسكرية الثلاثة في وقت قياسي دمرت البنى التحتية للأقتصاد العراقي، وأخرت عملية التنمية الأقتصادية والبشرية لعدة عقود بسبب الأستنزاف الكبير للموارد الطبيعية والبشرية والتي كانت يتمتع بها العراق والحصار الأقتصادي في أوائل التسعينات أوقع العراق في مشاكل اقتصادية وأجتماعية جمة منها. على سبيل الذكر الفساد الأدارى والمالي وضياع فرص الاستثمار وظهور المضاربات والأسواق الموازية، وتغير النظام السياسي في نيسان 2003 والغاء التشريعات والقوانين التي تحكم على السياسة النقدية بالتبعية لقرارات الدولة المركزية.

وبقدر تعلق الأمر بالسياسة النقدية فأن دورها كان مهماً في تقليل شدة الأختلالات أذ أستخدم البنك المركزي الأدوات المتاحة له بالتنسيق مع الوزارات المختصة الى جانب أعادة هيكلة الجهاز المصرفي وإعطاء دور للقطاع المصرفي الخاص  والمختلط.

ولكن ما زالت هناك أمكانية وضرورة تبني أجراءات تغيير أستخدام بعض أدواته المباشرة وغير المباشرة لتحقيق الهدف المنشود وتعميق دوره كمستشار للدولة في الأمور الصيرفية والمالية والأجتماعية لتأمين الأنسجام الأمثل بين مهمته والسياسة العليا للدولة.
متطلبات تحقيق التوازن المالي في العراق
Authors: حسن احمد صالح
Published: January 2019

إن لعجز الموازنة العامة الاتحادية والاختلالات الهيكلية التي يعاني منها الاقتصاد العراقي أثر في توجه البحث نحو طرح مجموعة من الإجراءات التي يمكن الاعتماد عليها في الأمد القريب لتكوين قاعدة أوسع من الإيرادات الغير نفطية تهدف إلى إصلاح الوضع المالي بما يضمن تحقيق ميزانية متوازنة الذي يجنب الحكومة خيارات صعبة تتمثل في خفض إملاءاتها المالية سواء الرأسمالية أو التشغيلية التي تؤدي إلى تبعات مالية واقتصادية كبيرة. في المقابل يتطلب من هذه الحكومة وضع إجراءات يتم الاعتماد عليها في الأمد البعيد هدفها ليس فقط إصلاح الوضع المالي بل إصلاح الوضع الاقتصادي برمته, على اعتبار إن التوازن المالي يرتبط ارتباط وثيق بالتوازن الاقتصادي. وقد استخدم البحث الاسلوب الاستقرائي وبشقيه الأول التحليل الوصفي والتحليل البياني لتوضيح الواقع المالي الحالي في العراق وما يتطلب من إجراءات لإصلاحه والثاني التحليل القياسي الذي يستند على متغيرين صافي الموازنة العامة (الفائض والعجز) والإيرادات العامة وللمدة (2004-2015). وللإحاطة بما تقدم فقد قسم البحث على اربعة أجزاء, تناول الأول منها مفهوم التوازن المالي, بينما تناول الجزء الثاني الإجراءات اللازمة لإصلاح الوضع المالي. في الوقت الذي ذهب فيه الجزء الثالث إلى النموذج القياسي لتوضيح قدرة الحكومة العراقية في تعزيز الوضع المالي في العراق, في حين عني الجزء الأخير بالاستنتاجات والتوصيات. وقد توصل البحث إلى مجموعة من الاستنتاجات التي أثبتت فرضيته مؤكداً إن الحكومة العراقية لم تتمكن في السنوات التي حققت فيها الموازنة فوائض مالية من بناء احتياطيات كبيرة تتيح لها قدراً من المرونة اتجاه الصدمات المالية. وعدم وجود برنامج حكومي واضح يعمل لإصلاح الوضع المالي من خلال تنويع أكبر للإيرادات العامة, مما جعل الموازنة العامة الاتحادية مرتبطة بأسعار النفط الخام.
Penerapan Perampasan Aset Di Indonesia Sebagai Upaya Pemulihan Kerugian Negara Dalam Perspektif Keuangan Negara
Authors: . Sukarno
Published: January 2019

Perkembangan tindak pidana korupsi di Indonesia, dapat dikatakan tidak lagi merupakan kejahatan biasa, akan tetapi sudah merupakan kejahatan yang sangat luar biasa, mengingat kompleksitas serta efek negatifnya. Untuk itu dalam pemberantasannya diperlukan upaya dengan cara-cara yang luar biasa juga. Permasalahan dalam pemberantasan korupsi adalah banyaknya prosedur yang harus dilalui dan lamanya waktu yang diperlukan dalam membuktikan tindak pidana korupsi sehingga terkadang menyulitkan pengembalian aset negara yang telah dicuri. Penelitian ini membahas bagaimana penerapan perampasan aset berdasarkan ketentuan United Nations Convenant Againts Corruption (UNCAC) tahun 2003 sebagai alternatif selain penerapan hukum pidana untuk melawan korupsi sebagai upaya pemulihan kerugian negara. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode pendekatan yuridis normatif dan analisis deskriptif kualitatif. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan kerugian negara, perbedaan penerapan perampasan aset dan hukum pidana, dan bagaimana perampasan aset diterapkan di Indonesia dalam proses pemulihan kerugian negara. Hasil penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa perampasan aset merupakan salah satu instrumen yang dapat diterapkan di Indonesia dalam rangka mengembalikan uang negara yang telah dicuri, sebagaimana konsep keuangan negara dalam pemulihan kerugian negara selain adanya sanksi administratif, perdata, ataupun pidana. Rekomendasi atas hasil penelitian ini bahwa perampasan aset ini dapat dikenakan kepada seorang pelaku kejahatan dalam keadaan yang tidak memungkinkan untuk menggunakan jalur pidana.
Analisis Varians Anggaran Belanja untuk Pengukuran Kinerja
Authors: Wahyu Niansyah Fitri Irka , Biswan Ali Tafriji
Published: January 2019

The quality of budgeting is an instrument to assess the performance of the entity. Analysis of budget execution can be engaged by comparing budget realization in LRA and budget in DIPA. The budgetary variances arise due to differences, but unfortunately the government has not been intensively using variance analysis as an evaluation of budgeting. The qualitative research with this case study approach aimed to analyze the variance of the budget and relate it to the performance assessment of Foreign Corporate and Individual Tax Service Office. The results showed the absorption rate of 94,42% with variance (difference) of IDR974.697.831 or equivalent to 5,58% for expenditure activities. The absorption of the budget encourages the achievement of output targets and Key Performance Indicators (IKU) that impact on the Performance Value Organization (NKO) at a good level of 93,57%. The study recommends the importance of reviewing the accuracy of the expenditure allocation and budgeting must also meet the criteria of Architecture and Performance Information (ADIK). ABSTRAK Kualitas penganggaran belanja merupakan instrumen untuk menilai kinerja satuan kerja. Analisis pelaksanaan anggaran dapat dilakukan dengan membandingkan realisasi anggaran pada Laporan Realisasi Anggaran (LRA) dan anggaran pada Daftar Isian Pelaksanaan Anggaran (DIPA). Varians anggaran belanja timbul akibat perbedaan, namun sayangnya pemerintah belum intensif menggunakan analisis varians sebagai evaluasi penganggaran. Penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus ini bertujuan menganalisis varians anggaran belanja dan mengaitkannya dengan penilaian kinerja KPP Badan dan Orang Asing. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan tingkat penyerapan anggaran 94,42% dengan varians (selisih) sebesar Rp974.697.831,00 atau setara dengan 5,58% untuk kegiatan belanja. Penyerapan anggaran tersebut mendorong tercapainya target keluaran dan Indikator Kinerja Utama (IKU) yang berdampak pada Nilai Kinerja Organisasi (NKO) pada level baik yakni 93,57%. Studi merekomendasikan agar ditinjau kembali apakah alokasi belanja telah didistribusikan pada pos-pos yang tepat sehingga realisasi lebih baik lagi. Penyusunan anggaran juga harus memenuhi kriteria Arsitektur dan Informasi Kinerja (ADIK) mengingat kompleksitas revisi jenis belanja.
The Role of Islamic Education in Social Change: A Case Study of the Elementary Schools of District Shaheed Benazir Bhuttu Abad, Sindh
Authors: Dehraj Mr. Mahboob Ali , Mahersar Mr. Rameez Ali
Published: January 2019

Pakistan came into being on the basis of two nation theory. There are number of subjects that are offered as compulsory at the secondary level of education. Islamic education is one of the subject that is compulsory at school level in Pakistan. Being a religious subject for Muslim students studying in Pakistani schools, it is considered to be important in character building. In this study, an attempt has been made to analyze the effectiveness of Islamic education in the educational system and gauge students’ perspectives on Islamic education as a character building tool. Survey method has been used to seek the objectives of the study. The population of the study includes students of secondary schools in District SBA. The Data has been collected through personal visits by giving questionnaires to students. The Percentage has been used in the analysis of the data. Major findings of the study suggest that Islamic education helps the students to become good citizen and plays a positive role as agents of social change in their local communities. Keywords: Pakistan, Educational Reformation, Deformation, Islam
The Mercy of the Prophet (SAW) towards Rivals: A Case Study of Treating Hypocrites in the Holy Era
Authors: al-Ra'ud Prof. Dr. Muhammad Abdul Razzaq , al-Abadila Prof. Dr. Hasan Abdul Jail
Published: January 2019

In the light of what has happened and is happening in the world today against the Prophet of mercy (SAW), who dealt with all mankind with mercy and peace either they were believers, non-believers or hypocrites, and remained merciful with humans of all kind both in the time of peace and war, hardship and ease, and in all circumstances. The article aimed to highlight the reality of the treatment of the Prophet (SAW) with a class of society known as hypocrites, and how he treated them with mercy and non violence, and apparently not submerged, indicating the various types of hypocrites and their enimity to IslÉm and the Holy Prophet (SAW),. The research also deals with the types of hypocrisy in the present day and how to deal with them in light of the teachings of Holy Prophet (SAW).

Key words: Muhamm’ad, Qiblah, Uhud, Hypocrites, Islam, Mercy
Taxonomic revision of the spider geckos of the genus gamura senso lato Blanford, 1874 (Sauria: Gekkonidae) in the Iranian Plateau
Authors: Hosseinian Yousefkhani Seyyed Saeed
Published: January 2019

In this study, we present an integrative systematic revision of the spider gecko, Agamura senso lato, in Iran. We sampled 56 geckos of this complex from its distributional range in Iran and western Pakistan and sequenced these for two mitochondrial markers, cytochrome b and 12S ribosomal RNA, and one nuclear marker, melano-cortin 1 receptor. We combined our molecular data with species distribution modelling and morphological examinations to clarify Agamura persica systematics and biogeography. Due to a lack of published data, we used only our data to investigate the spatial and temporal origin of spider geckos within a complete geographic and phylogenetic context. The phylogenetic analyses confirm the monophyly of Agamura. Among spider geckos, Rhinogekko diverged around the early-mid Miocene (17 Mya) from the Lut Block, and then Cyrtopodion diverged from the Agamura clade about 15 Mya in the mid-Miocene as a result of the uplifting of the Zagros Mountains. Subsequent radiation across the Iranian Plateau took place during the mid-Pliocene. Agamura kermanensis exhibits deep divergence from two other species of Agamura (A. persica and A. cruralis), whereas no geographical substructure was observed on the Iranian Plateau for A. persica and A. cruralis. Our findings reveal that diversification is consistent with a biogeographical model explained by different dispersal waves and vicariant events on the Iranian Plateau during the last 18 Mya. The divergence times between clades are compatible with orogenic events in southern Iran that resulted from the collision with Arabia. According to the genetic differentiation of both mtDNA genes (12S and cytochrome b), the systematic status of A. cruralis is confirmed, the new clade was distinguished from the genus Agamura, monophyly of Rhinogekko was confirmed and the allocation of Cyrtopodion gastrophole to the Cyrtopodion clade was confirmed.
Monitoring amphibian species with complex chromatophore patterns: a non-invasive approach with an evaluation of software effectiveness and reliability
Authors: Renet Julian
Published: January 2019

The estimation of demographic parameters in wild populations is strengthened by individual identification. For amphibians, various techniques are used to either temporarily or permanently mark individuals for identification. Photo-identification of body patterns offers a non-invasive technique. However, the reliability of photo-recognition software is key to the reliable estimation of the true demographic parameters. In the current study, we assessed the effectiveness of fully-automated and semi-automated software: Wild-ID and APHIS. We used the cryptic salamander Hydromantes strinatii as our study species. We used the False Rejection Rate (FRR) of Top 1, Top 5 and Top 10 matches of chest and cloaca pictures. Finally, we assessed the bias induced by our FRR for the estimation of population size through simulation. Wild-ID FRRs ranged from 0.042 to 0.093 while APHIS’ ranged from 0.227 to 0.547. Wild-ID was equally efficient with pictures from the chest and from the cloaca, while APHIS was significantly more efficient with chest pictures than cloaca pictures. Cropping pictures did not significantly improve Wild-ID effectiveness. Our Wild-ID FRRs are among the lowest ever obtained from pictures of an amphibian with a complex chromatophore pattern. Simulation showed that the Top 10 FRR from selected software Wild-ID induced a low bias 2.7% on the estimation of population size. The effectiveness and plasticity of Wild-ID provides opportunities for reliably monitoring amphibian species with complex colour patterns.
Longitudinal monitoring of turtle trade through Facebook in Vietnam
Authors: Pham Van Thong
Published: January 2019

Trade of turtles, for both food and pet, represents a substantial business in Vietnam, especially because this country is a
cross-bridge for wildlife trade from Indochina to China. Vietnam is also one of the main countries worldwide in terms of the number of Facebook members, and a considerable portion of the business has gone online through Facebook trading, including turtle trade. Here, the advertisements of turtles for sale in Vietnamese Facebook groups were monitored for the period 2013-2018, obtaining a total of 481 advertisement cases concerning 5,758 individuals belonging to 53 species and 12 families. There has been a rapidly rising trade of turtles online, especially in the last two years. Many traded species were allochthonous, but native species accounted for 22 species and over 36 % of the traded individuals. Most allochthonous species were traded as hatchlings and juveniles, whereas most of the native species were traded as subadults and adults, thus suggesting a high frequency of illegal trade in wild caught animals. Five traded native species are considered among the 50 most threatened turtle species in the world. Turtle trade occurred mostly in the two biggest cites of Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh city and Hanoi), which accounted for 68 % of the total trade. Turtle price varied substantially across species and by different lifestages (i.e. hatchlings, juveniles, sub-adults and adults), and increased considerably in comparison to 1993 estimates.
Weather During Key Growth Stages Explains Grain Quality and Yield of Maize
Authors: Butts-Wilmsmeyer Carrie J. , Seebauer Juliann R. , Singleton Lee , Below Frederick E.
Published: January 2019

Maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield and compositional quality are interrelated and are highly influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, total precipitation, and soil water storage. Our aim was to develop a regression model to account for this relationship among grain yield and compositional quality traits across a large geographical region. Three key growth periods were used to develop algorithms based on the week of emergence, the week of 50% silking, and the week of maturity that enabled collection and modeling of the effect of weather and climatic variables across the major maize growing region of the United States. Principal component analysis (PCA), stepwise linear regression models, and hierarchical clustering analyses were used to evaluate the multivariate relationship between weather, grain quality, and yield. Two PCAs were found that could identify superior grain compositional quality as a result of ideal environmental factors as opposed to low-yielding conditions. Above-average grain protein and oil levels were favored by less nitrogen leaching during early vegetative growth and higher temperatures at flowering, while greater oil than protein concentrations resulted from lower temperatures during flowering and grain fill. Water availability during flowering and grain fill was highly explanatory of grain yield and compositional quality.
Pharmacologic Considerations in the Disposition of Antibodies and Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Preclinical Models and in Patients
Authors: Lucas Andrew T. , Robinson Ryan , Schorzman Allison N. , Piscitelli Joseph A. , Razo Juan F. , Zamboni William C.
Published: January 2019

The rapid advancement in the development of therapeutic proteins, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), has created a novel mechanism to selectively deliver highly potent cytotoxic agents in the treatment of cancer. These agents provide numerous benefits compared to traditional small molecule drugs, though their clinical use still requires optimization. The pharmacology of mAbs/ADCs is complex and because ADCs are comprised of multiple components, individual agent characteristics and patient variables can affect their disposition. To further improve the clinical use and rational development of these agents, it is imperative to comprehend the complex mechanisms employed by antibody-based agents in traversing numerous biological barriers and how agent/patient factors affect tumor delivery, toxicities, efficacy, and ultimately, biodistribution. This review provides an updated summary of factors known to affect the disposition of mAbs/ADCs in development and in clinical use, as well as how these factors should be considered in the selection and design of preclinical studies of ADC agents in development.
Bifunctional Chloroplastic DJ-1B from Arabidopsis thaliana is an Oxidation-Robust Holdase and a Glyoxalase Sensitive to H2O2
Authors: Lewandowska Aleksandra , Vo Trung Nghia , Nguyen Thuy-Dung Ho , Wahni Khadija , Vertommen Didier , Van Breusegem Frank , Young David , Messens Joris
Published: January 2019

Members of the DJ-1 protein family are multifunctional enzymes whose loss increases the susceptibility of the cell to oxidative stress. However, little is known about the function of the plant DJ-1 homologs. Therefore, we analyzed the effect of oxidation on the structure and function of chloroplastic AtDJ-1B and studied the phenotype of T-DNA lines lacking the protein. In vitro oxidation of AtDJ-1B with H2O2 lowers its glyoxalase activity, but has no effect on its holdase chaperone function. Remarkably, upon oxidation, the thermostability of AtDJ-1B increases with no significant alteration of the overall secondary structure. Moreover, we found that AtDJ-1B transcript levels are invariable, and loss of AtDJ-1B does not affect plant viability, growth and stress response. All in all, two discrete functions of AtDJ-1B respond differently to H2O2, and AtDJ-1B is not essential for plant development under stress.
Comparative Analysis of Antioxidant and Anti-Amyloidogenic Properties of Various Polyphenol Rich Phytoceutical Extracts
Authors: Kleinrichert Kody , Alappat Bindhu
Published: January 2019

Though the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is not completely elucidated, it is generally accepted that the aggregation of toxic amyloid-β (Aβ) protein fibrils plays a major role in the disease’s onset and progression. Various phytoceutical compounds have been shown to attenuate Aβ toxicity and disrupt its aggregation, including various types of polyphenolic compounds. These polyphenolic compounds have also been found to demonstrate potent antioxidant activity, which may contribute to their anti-amyloidogenic properties. This study compares three plants, traditionally used for numerous medicinal purposes in Asian countries, including: Curcuma longa (Turmeric), Camellia sinensis (Green Tea), and Scoparia dulcis (Sweet Broomweed). Antioxidant effects of the crude, polyphenol rich phytoceutical extracts from these plants were analyzed using a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The ability of these extracts to prevent Aβ fibril formation was then carried out in order to establish a relationship between antioxidant activity and Aβ aggregation. A positive correlation between antioxidant efficacy and prevention of Aβ aggregation was demonstrated, indicating that antioxidant activity may play some role in preventing Aβ aggregation.
First-Principles Investigation on Type-II Aluminum-Substituted Ternary and Quaternary Clathrate Semiconductors R8Al8Si128 (R = Cs, Rb), Cs8Na16Al24Si112
Authors: Xue Dong , Myles Charles W.
Published: January 2019

Structural and vibrational properties of the aluminium-substituted ternary and quaternary clathrates R8Al8Si128 (R = Cs, Rb), Cs8Na16Al24Si112 are investigated. The equilibrium volume of R8Si136 expands when all Si atoms at the 8a crystallographic sites are replaced by Al. Formation of the Al–Si bond is thus anticipated to correlate with decreased guest vibration modes. Underestimation of the predicted lattice phonon conductivity κL (1.15 W m−1 K−1) compared to a previous experiment (1.9 W m−1 K−1) in Cs8Na16Si136 is thought to arise from our evaluation on the phonon mean free path λ using the “scattering centers” model. Accordingly, we expect that the “three-phonon” processes dominate the determination of the phonon relaxation time, leading to a more reasonable λ in the R8Al8Si128 system. Additionally, the “avoided-crossing” effect causes no appreciable difference in the sound speed for acoustic phonons in this framework. Starting with configuration optimization about aluminium arrangements in Cs8Na16Al24Si112, the calculated lattice parameter agrees well quantitatively with the experiment. The reduced Uiso of Cs from this calculation is anticipated to be primarily related to temperature-dependent quartic anharmonicity. Meanwhile, the predicted κL for Cs8Na16Al24Si112 remains not sensitive to the Al arrangement on 96g Wyckoff sites.
Stability and Heat Input Controllability of Two Different Modulations for Double-Pulse MIG Welding
Authors: Xue Jiaxiang , Xu Min , Huang Wenjin , Zhang Zhanhui , Wu Wei , Jin Li
Published: January 2019

Aluminum alloy welding frequently experiences difficulties such as heat input control, poor weld formation, and susceptibility to pore generation. We compared the use of two different modulations for double-pulse metal inert gas (MIG) welding to reduce the heat input required to generate oscillations in the weld pool. The stabilities of rectangular wave-modulated and trapezoidal wave-modulated double-pulse MIG welding (DP-MIG and TP-MIG) were analyzed by examining their welding processes and weld profiles. We found that the transitional pulse in TP-MIG welding results in smoother current transitions, softer welding arc sounds, and a highly uniform fish-scale pattern. Therefore, TP-MIG welding is more stable than DP-MIG welding. The effects of these double-pulse modulation schemes on welding input energy are presented. We propose methods for reducing welding input energy by varying the number of pulses or the pulse base time of low-energy pulse train while keeping the welding current and welding arc stable and unchanged. Compared to DP-MIG welding, TP-MIG welding reduces the input energy by 12% and produces finer grain sizes, which increases weld hardness. Therefore, TP-MIG welding offers a new approach for heat input control in DP-MIG welding of aluminum alloys. The results of this work are significant for aluminum alloy welding.
Metal-to-Insulator Transition in Ultrathin Manganite Heterostructures
Authors: Liao Zhaoliang , Zhang Jiandi
Published: January 2019

Thickness-driven phase transitions have been widely observed in many correlated transition metal oxides materials. One of the important topics is the thickness-driven metal to insulator transition in half-metal La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 (LSMO) thin films, which has attracted great attention in the past few decades. In this article, we review research on the nature of the metal-to-insulator (MIT) transition in LSMO ultrathin films. We discuss in detail the proposed mechanisms, the progress made up to date, and the key issues existing in understanding the related MIT. We also discuss MIT in other correlated oxide materials as a comparison that also has some implications for understanding the origin of MIT.
Screening Contract Excitation Models Involving Closed-Loop Supply Chains Under Asymmetric Information Games: A Case Study with New Energy Vehicle Power Battery
Authors: Zhu Xiaodong , Yu Lingfei
Published: January 2019

In closed-loop supply chain systems for power battery remanufacturing, recycling and dismantling tasks will be relegated to third-party recyclers. This has significant disadvantages, inasmuch as the asymmetric exchange of information regarding the level of recycling capacity and effort after signing a contract fiscal risks to the manufacturers. The purpose of this paper is to study the “adverse selection” of recyclers and “moral hazards” hidden in their purported effort levels, based on Information Screening Models in the principal-agent theory. Our information screening model for revenue sharing will be presented, and subsequently verified using numerical simulation to demonstrate the impact of the screening contract on the expected returns of both parties. Our results show that the sharing coefficient of the remanufacturing revenue for low-capability recyclers is distorted downwards, and only truthful reporting can retain profits. High-capacity recyclers will obtain additional information while retaining profit. At the same time, as the proportion of high-capacity recyclers in the market increases, the expected return of the entrusting party increases. One critical area where this will impact the Chinese economy is in the area of new energy vehicles. We investigate a case study of our approach in new energy vehicles, which are being used to reduced CO 2 emissions, but have environmentally hazardous batteries that must be recycled safely and economically.
Experimental Study on the Reinforcement of Prestressed Concrete Cylinder Pipes with External Prestressed Steel Strands
Authors: Zhao Lijun , Dou Tiesheng , Cheng Bingqing , Xia Shifa , Yang Jinxin , Zhang Qi , Li Meng , Li Xiulin
Published: January 2019

The prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP) suffers from cracks and degrades due to the prestress loss which is induced by wire breakage. Reinforcement with external prestressed strands is an option to return the deteriorating pipe’s ability to withstand internal pressures. This reinforcement contributes to actively compensating for the prestress loss caused by broken wires at an economic price. The crack propagation in the core is constrained by the strands. Moreover, the high tensile strength of strands does not decrease with an increase in the bending angle. It is also unnecessary to dewater the pipes during construction. To evaluate the reinforcement effect, a prototype test of a PCCP was performed in an assembled apparatus. The apparatus was mainly constituted by two PCCPs whose internal diameter is 2000 mm. The status of each component of the pipe was measured by resistance strain gauges in three sections along the axial direction at inverted (360°), crown (180°), and spring-line (90°, 270°) orientations. The maximum width of the cracks in the outer concrete core at spring-line reduced from 1.2 to 0.1 mm after strengthening. The cracks of the core concrete changed slightly when the internal water pressure increased to the design pressure of 0.9 MPa. The strengthened pipe was capable of sustaining the design internal water pressure and the water tightness property was in a good state. The strains of the steel strands were all below the tensile strain level. The reinforcement of the PCCP with external prestressed steel strands is able to meet the strengthen requirement of the test.
Laser-Induced Plasma Measurements Using Nd:YAG Laser and Streak Camera: Timing Considerations
Authors: Rabasovic Maja S. , Rabasovic Mihailo D. , Marinkovic Bratislav P. , Sevic Dragutin
Published: January 2019

We describe a streak camera system that is capable of both spatial and spectral measurements of laser-induced plasma. The system is based on a Hamamatsu C4334 streak camera and SpectraPro 2300i spectrograph. To improve the analysis of laser-induced plasma development, it is necessary to determine the timing of laser excitation in regard to the time scale on streak images. We present several methods to determine the laser signal timing on streak images—one uses the fast photodiode, and other techniques are based on the inclusion of the laser pulse directly on the streak image. A Nd:YAG laser (λ = 1064 nm, Quantel, Brilliant B) was employed as the excitation source. The problem of synchronization of the streak camera with the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is also analyzed. A simple modification of the spectrograph enables easy switching between the spectral and spatial measurement modes.
Investigation of Reactant Conversion in the Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Using Spatially Resolved State of Charge Mapping
Authors: Ghimire Purna C. , Bhattarai Arjun , Schweiss Rüdiger , Scherer Günther G. , Wai Nyunt , Lim Tuti M. , Yan Qingyu
Published: January 2019

Segmented cells enable real time visualization of the flow distribution in vanadium redox flow batteries by local current or voltage mapping. The lateral flow of current within thick porous electrodes, however, impairs the local resolution of the detected signals. In this study, the open circuit voltage immediately after the cessation of charge/discharge is used for the mapping of reactant conversion. This quantity is not hampered by lateral flow of current and can be conveniently transformed to the corresponding state of charge. The difference between theoretically calculated and experimentally determined conversion (change in the state of charge) across the electrode is used to determine local variations in conversion efficiency. The method is validated by systematic experiments using electrodes with different modifications, varying current densities and flow configurations. The procedure and the interpretation are simple and scalable to any size of flow cell.
Mobile Microfluidics
Authors: Alistar Mirela
Published: January 2019

Microfluidics platforms can program small amounts of fluids to execute a bio-protocol, and thus, can automate the work of a technician and also integrate a large part of laboratory equipment. Although most microfluidic systems have considerably reduced the size of a laboratory, they are still benchtop units, of a size comparable to a desktop computer. In this paper, we argue that achieving true mobility in microfluidics would revolutionize the domain by making laboratory services accessible during traveling or even in daily situations, such as sport and outdoor activities. We review the existing efforts to achieve mobility in microfluidics, and we discuss the conditions mobile biochips need to satisfy. In particular, we show how we adapted an existing biochip for mobile use, and we present the results when using it during a train ride. Based on these results and our systematic discussion, we identify the challenges that need to be overcome at technical, usability and social levels. In analogy to the history of computing, we make some predictions on the future of mobile biochips. In our vision, mobile biochips will disrupt how people interact with a wide range of healthcare processes, including medical testing and synthesis of on-demand medicine.
Special Issue: Cancer Biomarkers and Targets in Digestive Organs
Authors: Yee Nelson S. , Lee Nikki P.
Published: January 2019

The identification and development of cancer biomarkers and targets have greatly accelerated progress towards precision medicine in oncology. [...]
Artificial Neural Network Estimation of the Effect of Varying Curing Conditions and Cement Type on Hardened Concrete Properties
Authors: Kaplan Gökhan , Yaprak Hasbi , Memiş Selçuk , Alnkaa Abdoslam
Published: January 2019

The use of mineral admixtures and industrial waste as a replacement for Portland cement is recognized widely for its energy efficiency along with reduced CO2 emissions. The use of materials such as fly ash, blast-furnace slag or limestone powder in concrete production makes this process a sustainable one. This study explored a number of hardened concrete properties, such as compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, dynamic elasticity modulus, water absorption and depth of penetration under varying curing conditions having produced concrete samples using Portland cement (PC), slag cement (SC) and limestone cement (LC). The samples were produced at 0.63 and 0.70 w/c (water/cement) ratios. Hardened concrete samples were then cured under three conditions, namely standard (W), open air (A) and sealed plastic bag (B). Although it was found that the early-age strength of slag cement was lower, it was improved significantly on 90th day. In terms of the effect of curing conditions on compressive strength, cure W offered the highest compressive strength, as expected, while cure A offered slightly lower compressive strength levels. An increase in the w/c ratio was found to have a negative impact on pozzolanic reactions, which resulted in poor hardened concrete properties. Furthermore, carbonation effect was found to have positive effects on some of the concrete properties, and it was observed to have improved the depth of water penetration. Moreover, it was possible to estimate the compressive strength with high precision using artificial neural networks (ANN). The values of the slopes of the regression lines for training, validating and testing datasets were 0.9881, 0.9885 and 0.9776, respectively. This indicates the high accuracy of the developed model as well as a good correlation between the predicted compressive strength values and the experimental (measured) ones.
Physical vs. Aesthetic Renovations: Learning from Swedish House Owners
Authors: Bravo Giangiacomo , Pardalis Georgios , Mahapatra Krushna , Mainali Brijesh
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we identify the socio-economic attributes and attitudes that have influenced house owners in renovating their homes in the past. Our study is based on responses to an online questionnaire survey of 971 house owners living in Kronoberg County in Sweden. Results showed that the interest and willingness of the house owners to perform a renovation varied depending on their demographic background and the age of the house. The latter positively affected past renovations, only when combined with the residence time. Furthermore, the age of house owners strongly and positively affected the probability of performing aesthetic type of renovations, because of a long time of residence in the house. Younger, town living, and highly educated house owners seem to be more concerned regarding saving energy, which motivated them to perform physical renovations on their house. Our results also suggest that income, level of education, and place of residence have an effect on renovation decisions only through their effect on the energy concern of house owners, and a varied effect on renovation decisions, when combined with the time of residence in the house.
IGFBP7 Drives Resistance to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition in Lung Cancer
Authors: Wu Shang-Gin , Chang Tzu-Hua , Tsai Meng-Feng , Liu Yi-Nan , Hsu Chia-Lang , Chang Yih-Leong , Yu Chong-Jen , Shih Jin-Yuan
Published: January 2019

Patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive lung cancer show a dramatic response to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, acquired drug resistance eventually develops. This study explored the novel mechanisms related to TKI resistance. To identify the genes associated with TKI resistance, an integrative approach was used to analyze public datasets. Molecular manipulations were performed to investigate the roles of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) in lung adenocarcinoma. Clinical specimens were collected to validate the impact of IGFBP7 on the efficacy of EGFR TKI treatment. IGFBP7 mRNA expression in cancer cells isolated from malignant pleural effusions after acquired resistance to EGFR-TKI was significantly higher than in cancer cells from treatment-naïve effusions. IGFBP7 expression was markedly increased in cells with long-term TKI-induced resistance compared to in TKI-sensitive parental cells. Reduced IGFBP7 in TKI-resistant cells reversed the resistance to EGFR-TKIs and increased EGFR-TKI-induced apoptosis by up-regulating B-cell lymphoma 2 interacting mediator of cell death (BIM) and activating caspases. Suppression of IGFBP7 attenuated the phosphorylation of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-IR) and downstream protein kinase B (AKT) in TKI-resistant cells. Clinically, higher serum IGFBP7 levels and tumors with positive IGFBP7-immunohistochemical staining were associated with poor TKI-treatment outcomes. IGFBP7 confers resistance to EGFR-TKIs and is a potential therapeutic target for treating EGFR-TKI-resistant cancers.
Rice Husk Derived Porous Silica as Support for Pd and CeO2 for Low Temperature Catalytic Methane Combustion
Authors: Liu Dongjing , Seeburg Dominik , Kreft Stefanie , Bindig René , Hartmann Ingo , Schneider Denise , Enke Dirk , Wohlrab Sebastian
Published: January 2019

The separation of Pd and CeO2 on the inner surface of controlled porous glass (CPG, obtained from phase-separated borosilicate glass after extraction) yields long-term stable and highly active methane combustion catalysts. However, the limited availability of the CPG makes such catalysts highly expensive and limits their applicability. In this work, porous silica obtained from acid leached rice husks after calcination (RHS) was used as a sustainable, cheap and broadly available substitute for the above mentioned CPG. RHS-supported Pd-CeO2 with separated CeO2 clusters and Pd nanoparticles was fabricated via subsequent impregnation/calcination of molten cerium nitrate and different amounts of palladium nitrate solution. The Pd/CeO2/RHS catalysts were employed for the catalytic methane combustion in the temperature range of 150–500 °C under methane lean conditions (1000 ppm) in a simulated off-gas consisting of 9.0 vol% O2, and 5.5 vol% CO2 balanced with N2. Additionally, tests with 10.5 vol% H2O as co-feed were carried out. The results revealed that the RHS-supported catalysts reached the performance of the cost intensive benchmark catalyst based on CPG. The incorporation of Pd-CeO2 into RHS additionally improved water-resistance compared to solely Pd/CeO2 lowering the required temperature for methane combustion in presence of 10.5 vol% H2O to values significantly below 500 °C (T90 = 425 °C).
A Novel Synthetic Route to Prepare High Surface Area Mayenite Catalyst for TCE Oxidation
Authors: Intiso Adriano , Martinez-Triguero Joaquin , Cucciniello Raffaele , Proto Antonio , Palomares Antonio Eduardo , Rossi Federico
Published: January 2019

Mayenite (Ca12Al14O33) was synthesized by a novel route based on the use of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as a soft templating agent. The material was tested for the total oxidation of trichloroethylene in the gas phase and the catalytic performance was analysed when using different initial amounts of PMMA in the catalyst synthesis. The results were compared with those obtained with a mayenite synthetized by a classical hydrothermal method. The highest activity in terms of TCE conversion was achieved in the presence of mayenite prepared using 10% w/w of PMMA; its activity was also higher than that of the hydrothermal mayenite. The surface area and the number of superoxide anions (O2−) seem to be the main properties determining the catalytic activity of the material.
The Role of Surface Texture on the Photocatalytic H2 Production on TiO2
Authors: Pellegrino Francesco , Sordello Fabrizio , Minella Marco , Minero Claudio , Maurino Valter
Published: January 2019

It has been often reported that an efficient and green photocatalytic dissociation of water under irradiated semiconductors likely represents the most important goal for modern chemistry. Despite decades of intensive work on this topic, the efficiency of the water photolytic process under irradiated semiconductors is far from reaching significant photocatalytic efficiency. The use of a sacrificial agent as hole scavenger dramatically increases the hydrogen production rate and might represent the classic “kill two birds with one stone”: on the one hand, the production of hydrogen, then usable as energy carrier, on the other, the treatment of water for the abatement of pollutants used as sacrificial agents. Among metal oxides, TiO2 has a central role due to its versatility and inexpensiveness that allows an extended applicability in several scientific and technological fields. In this review we focus on the hydrogen production on irradiated TiO2 and its fundamental and environmental implications.
A 2-D model for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Preliminarily Validated on Local Values
Authors: Conti Bruno , Bosio Barbara , McPhail Stephen John , Santoni Francesca , Pumiglia Davide , Arato Elisabetta
Published: January 2019

Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (IT-SOFC) technology offers interesting opportunities in the panorama of a larger penetration of renewable and distributed power generation, namely high electrical efficiency at manageable scales for both remote and industrial applications. In order to optimize the performance and the operating conditions of such a pre-commercial technology, an effective synergy between experimentation and simulation is fundamental. For this purpose, starting from the SIMFC (SIMulation of Fuel Cells) code set-up and successfully validated for Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells, a new version of the code has been developed for IT-SOFCs. The new release of the code allows the calculation of the maps of the main electrical, chemical, and physical parameters on the cell plane of planar IT-SOFCs fed in co-flow. A semi-empirical kinetic formulation has been set-up, identifying the related parameters thanks to a devoted series of experiments, and integrated in SIMFC. Thanks to a multi-sampling innovative experimental apparatus the simultaneous measurement of temperature and gas composition on the cell plane was possible, so that a preliminary validation of the model on local values was carried out. A good agreement between experimental and simulated data was achieved in terms of cell voltages and local temperatures, but also, for the first time, in terms of local concentration on the cell plane, encouraging further developments. This numerical tool is proposed for a better interpretation of the phenomena occurring in IT-SOFCs and a consequential optimization of their performance.
Pt–Ni Seed-Core-Frame Hierarchical Nanostructures and Their Conversion to Nanoframes for Enhanced Methanol Electro-Oxidation
Authors: Chen Shutang , Wu Haibin , Tao Jing , Xin Huolin , Zhu Yimei , Chen Jingyi
Published: January 2019

Pt–Ni nanostructures are a class of important electrocatalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. This work reports a systematic study on the reaction mechanism of the formation of Pt–Ni seed-core-frame nanostructures via the seeded co-reduction method involving the Pt seeds and selective co-reduced deposition of Pt and Ni. The resultant structure consists of a branched Pt ultrafine seed coated with a pure Ni as rhombic dodecahedral core and selective deposition of Pt on the edges of the cores. Both the type of Pt precursor and the precursor ratio of Pt/Ni are critical factors to form the resulting shape of the seeds and eventually the morphology of the nanostructures. These complex hierarchical structures can be further graved into hollow Pt–Ni alloy nanoframes using acetic acid etching method. The larger surface area and higher number of low coordinate sites of the nanoframes facilitate the electrocatalytic activity and stability of Pt–Ni alloy for methanol oxidation as compared to their solid counterparts. This study elucidates the structural and compositional evolution of the complex nanoarchitectures and their effects on the electrocatalytic properties of the nanostructures.
Synthesis, Performance and Emission Quality Assessment of Ecodiesel from Castor Oil in Diesel/Biofuel/Alcohol Triple Blends in a Diesel Engine
Authors: Hurtado Beatriz , Posadillo Alejandro , Luna Diego , Bautista Felipa M. , Hidalgo Jose M. , Luna Carlos , Calero Juan , Romero Antonio A. , Estevez Rafael
Published: January 2019

This research aims to promote the use of second-generation biofuels based mainly on Castor oil, which is not adequate for food use, and Sunflower oil as a standard reference for recycled oils. They have been applied in the production of Ecodiesel, a biofuel that integrates glycerol as monoglyceride, employing sodium methoxide as homogeneous catalyst and ethanol as solvent, but operating in milder conditions than in the synthesis of conventional biodiesel in order to obtain a kinetic control of the selective transesterification. The behavior of biofuels has been evaluated in a conventional diesel engine, operating as an electricity generator. The contamination degree was also evaluated from the opacity values of the generated smokes. The different biofuels here studied have practically no differences in the behavior with respect to the power generated, although a small increase in the fuel consumption was obtained in some cases. However, with the biofuels employed, a significant reduction, up to 40%, in the emission of pollutants is obtained, mainly with the blend diesel/castor oil/alcohol. Besides, it is found that pure Castor oil can be employed directly as biofuel in triple blends diesel/biofuel/alcohol, exhibiting results that are very close to those obtained using biodiesel or Ecodiesel.
Oxidative Stress Induces Telomere Dysfunction and Senescence by Replication Fork Arrest
Authors: Coluzzi Elisa , Leone Stefano , Sgura Antonella
Published: January 2019

Oxidative DNA damage, particularly 8-oxoguanine, represents the most frequent DNA damage in human cells, especially at the telomeric level. The presence of oxidative lesions in the DNA can hinder the replication fork and is able to activate the DNA damage response. In this study, we wanted to understand the mechanisms by which oxidative damage causes telomere dysfunction and senescence in human primary fibroblasts. After acute oxidative stress at telomeres, our data demonstrated a reduction in TRF1 and TRF2, which are involved in proper telomere replication and T-loop formation, respectively. Furthermore, we observed a higher level of γH2AX with respect to 53BP1 at telomeres, suggesting a telomeric replication fork stall rather than double-strand breaks. To confirm this finding, we studied the replication of telomeres by Chromosome Orientation-FISH (CO-FISH). The data obtained show an increase in unreplicated telomeres after hydrogen peroxide treatment, corroborating the idea that the presence of 8-oxoG can induce replication fork arrest at telomeres. Lastly, we analyzed the H3K9me3 histone mark after oxidative stress at telomeres, and our results showed an increase of this marker, most likely inducing the heterochromatinization of telomeres. These results suggest that 8-oxoG is fundamental in oxidative stress-induced telomeric damage, principally causing replication fork arrest.