bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconciliation of quantum theory and gravitation via redefinition of time in a nondiscrete compressible fluid model of the universe with interactions governed by the Wheeler‐Feynman transactional theory in the quantum-equilibrium theory framework
Authors: Bility Moses Turkle
Published: January 2020

Recent evidence suggests that the structure and dynamics of planetary scale matter can be described using the wave equation in the form of the Schrödinger equation; thus, suggesting an underlining symmetry across all scales of the universe. Emerging evidences also demonstrate that
the complex social-behavior dynamics of animals and other forms of active matter mimic the dynamics of magnetic systems, and are accurately modeled using the framework of quantum theory. However, theoretical frameworks across the different scales of the universe are incompatible, and quantum
theory is primarily restricted to the subatomic/atomic scale. This work proposes that the philosophical assumptions concerning the concept time in current theoretical frameworks, as constituting the major barrier in extending quantum theory to all scales of the universe. Time is presumed to
be a dimension, in which dynamics occur, with the time dimension interpreted as asymmetric. This interpretation of the concept time contrasts with physics equations, which are time symmetric; and with emerging evidences from neuroscience, which demonstrate that the so-called time dimension
along with space dimensions are cognitive constructs. This work proposes a novel theoretical framework, in which the concept time is redefined as a measure of the magnitude of change in location within a nondiscrete compressible fluid universe, which is an enclosed structure. Time and distance
are equivalent, as both measure the magnitude of change in location. Matter and vacuum, along with all other constituents of the universe are redefined as demarcated structures, which are manifestations of differential specific energy densities, resulting from compressions and rarefactions.
Demarcation of structures denotes a quantum interaction, and the framework of Wheeler‐Feynman transactional theory governs analysis of the dynamics of said demarcated structures. Consequently, the nature and dynamics of demarcated structures at all scales is an emergent equilibrium
state of the universe resulting from transactional quantum interactions, which are analyzed using a novel theoretical framework, termed, Quantum-Equilibrium Theory. Per the predictions of Quantum-Equilibrium Theory, this work demonstrates reflection symmetry between the magnetic field and
gravitational field, thus unifying the magnetic force and the gravitational force. This work also demonstrates scale symmetry across atomic and galactic structures within the universe. Furthermore, this work demonstrates a continuous translational symmetry between the dynamics of nonactive
matter and active matter.
Green Architecture of Malay Traditional House Exhibitions
Authors: Cheong Chew Boon , Hamid Mohd Syaiful Rizal Abd , Isa Saifuddin
Published: January 2020

Mini Malaysia and ASEAN Cultural Park (MMACP) is one of the tourism spots in Melaka which showcases the Malay traditional houses from thirteen states in Malaysia. Most of the visitors viewing the houses depicting the culture of each states. Contrarily we revisited the park with a curiosity and we would like to know, “How far these Malay traditional houses portray the green architecture?” We designed this research in an exploratory, looking the Malay traditional houses found in MMACP and trace for their green architectural criteria. Through observation, we analysed the data from our field notes, photos, description found on the park's storyboards and explanations from the tour guides. We can conclude that the Malay traditional houses are green buildings that portray green architecture. From this research, we appreciate our forefathers' skills and wisdom, to build the houses that harmonise with the environment.
Cyber Counterintelligence
Authors: Duvenage Petrus , Sithole Thenjiwe , von Solms Basie
Published: January 2020

This article advances a conceptual framework for cyber counterintelligence (FCCI) as a theoretical construct, hopefully useful not only to this field's academic development, but also to sound practice. It is submitted within the context of the sharp increasing targeting of state and non-state actors by adversarial intelligence actors (such other nation states, crime syndicates and competitors). The signature role of cyber counterintelligence (CCI) is precisely the engagement, exploitation and neutralisation of such adversarial actors. CCI has been practised by nation states for well over a decade and has recently also been gaining traction in corporate board rooms and as an academic field. Sound theory is critical to not only CCI's academic evolvement but also to sound practice. The proposed FCCI comprises of eight notional building blocks essential to explaining what CCI is and how it works.
Facebook and Google as Regrettable Necessities
Authors: Frigato Pietro , Santos-Arteaga Francisco J.
Published: January 2020

The following article considers the results from two different studies, a European one involving over 20,000 respondents and an American one closing on 1,000, to illustrate how online platforms such as Facebook and Google can be defined as regrettable necessities. We define regrettable necessities as those whose consumption provides a direct disutility to consumers. That is, other than the standard utility derived from the access to a given service, a direct disutility in terms of privacy losses and preference manipulation results from their use. In addition, users acknowledge this fact and are aware of the disutility suffered, though not necessarily of its intensity, highlighting the fundamental strategic role played by these platforms in current voting environments.
Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship
Authors: Rascão José Poças
Published: January 2020

The aim of this article is to contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between the academic fields of entrepreneurship and strategic management, based on the bibliographical references existing in these two fields. The structure of the article synthesizes the academic works existing in the two fields, seeking to generate new knowledge. The result can be used to increase the integration of these two areas of knowledge. First, it identifies apparent relationships and then focuses more in detail on some of the most important intersections, including strategic management in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups, recognizing the central role of the entrepreneur. The content and the process of strategic management are discussed, as well as its important link to the business plan. To conclude, clues are indicated for future investigations.
Game Theoretic Analysis of Insurgent Attacks, Government Protection, and International Intervention
Authors: Hausken Kjell , Ncube Mthuli
Published: January 2020

This article describes how a government failing to protect against insurgents may or may not be rescued by the international community. We find that when intervention is less probable, the insurgent and government fight harder and the insurgent more likely succeeds. Conversely, when intervention is more probable, the insurgent fights less expecting subsequent intervention, and the government protects less expecting international community rescue. Higher contest intensities cause comparably matched players to fight harder. The international community intervenes if its unit intervention cost is low weighted against the benefits of intervention.
Audit Quality and Readability of the Annual Reports
Authors: Deshmukh Ashutosh , Zhao Xin
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this article is to examine the effects of audit quality, as proxied by Big 4 auditors and industry specialization, on the readability of the annual reports. Assuming that higher audit quality is associated with better readability, the authors empirically test whether (1) the readability enhances if audited by the Big 4 auditor and (2) the readability enhances if audited by the industry-specialized auditor. The authors find that the firms audited by Big 4 firms have less readable annual reports. The industry specialization does not affect readability, though Big 4 industry specialists are positively associated with less readable annual reports. The results also indicate that longitudinally the annual reports are becoming less readable, and the determinants of readability of the annual reports are changing and evolving, as our results differ from Li (2008)'s study. The authors believe that in the opposing forces of plain English movement and evolving and changing financial environment, certainly, the latter is winning.
Centellaasiatica Morphotypes Differ Genetically as well as Macronutrients Content, Total Phenolic Content and Chemical Fingerprints of Leaves
Authors: Chandrasekara C. H. W. M. R. B. , Sumanarathne R. A. P. I. , Bandaranayake P. C. G.
Published: January 2020

Purpose: Centellaassiatica is an aromatic herb commonly grown in humid areas of tropical Asia. It has widely been used as a leafy vegetable and for medicinal preparations. Its medicinal and dilatory values have created a  high demand for fresh consumption and value added products. Assessing morphological, biochemical and genetic diversity of existing germplasm is the essential first step in cultivation and breeding efforts. Research Method: We analyzed leaf morphological characters, macro nutrient contents, total phenolic content and the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) profiles of five most commonly found C. assiatica morphotypes in Sri Lanka. The genetic diversity was assessed using inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) regions.  All morphotypes were collected and grown under controlled environmental conditions. Findings: There were clear morphological differences among different morphotypes. Further, there was a significant difference (P<0.05) among them in leaf macro nutrient content and total phenolic contents. The ISSR profiles and the HPLC profiles of Heengotukola are distinctly different from others. Originality/value: Results show the significance of selecting superior morphotypes and for industrial applications for maintaining the standards.
Teratoma involving adrenal gland – A case report and review of literature
Authors: Ban Amit , Satapara Jay , Rathod Ketan , Bahri Nandini
Published: January 2020

Teratomas are germ cell tumors which are mainly gonadal in origin. Other common extra-gonadal sites are mediastinal, sacro-coccygeal and pineal regions. Adrenal teratomas are extremely rare and primary adrenal teratomas are even rarer. We reported a case of primary adrenal teratoma in a 60-year-old male. We reviewed literature from 2000 to till date, and found 29 adult cases and 6 paediatric cases of adrenal teratoma. Usually, they are asymptomatic and identified as an incidental finding. Imaging modality such as USG, CT and MRI are useful in diagnosis. Though these tumors are mostly benign, malignant transformation may occur. Treatment includes surgical removal.
Slow Continued Fractions and Permutative Representations of
Authors: Linden Christopher
Published: January 2020

Representations of the Cuntz algebra ${\mathcal{O}}_{N}$ are constructed from interval dynamical systems associated with slow continued fraction algorithms introduced by Giovanni Panti. Their irreducible decomposition formulas are characterized by using the modular group action on real numbers, as a generalization of results by Kawamura, Hayashi, and Lascu. Furthermore, a certain symmetry of such an interval dynamical system is interpreted as a covariant representation of the $C^{\ast }$-dynamical system of the “flip-flop” automorphism of ${\mathcal{O}}_{2}$.
Cultivar, Plant Height and Fungicide for Integrated Control of Ramularia Spot and Increased Cotton Yield
Authors: De Souza Hugo Manoel , Dias Alfredo Ricieri , Theodoro Gustavo De Faria , Osório Christian Rones Wruck de Souza , Magalhães Fernando Fagner
Published: January 2020

Cotton is a crop with a high economic value, usually sprayed with large amounts of pesticides to control pests and diseases. Ramularia spot is a foliar disease that cause early defoliation and can compromise cotton yield; however, there is a need of information about the interaction of cultivars and plant height as a tool to improve ramularia control and increase yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the interaction between plant height, cultivar, and fungicides applied to the severity of the leaf spot and cotton yield. The experiment was carried on during the 2014/15 crop season in Chapadão do Sul, MS, Brazil. A randomized complete block design in a 2 × 3 × 3 factorial scheme was used, where the factors were plant heights (1 and 1.5 m), cultivar (FMT 701, FM 975, and FM 944) and type of fungicide (Negative control , FT1, and FT2). The fungicidal treatments consisted of sequential sprays of different fungicides, including the triazole, strobilurin, and carboxamide groups, recommended to farmers. The cultivar FM 975 showed greater ramularia spot progress curve when grown at 1 m height and without fungicide spray. The fungicides were efficient in reducing the severity of the ramularia spot and their use in shorter plants (1 m) increased yield. The cultivar FM 975 had the highest total yield.
Mindful Adaptations for Young Patients and Adults with Mild Cognitive Disabilities
Authors: Sikorski Jonathon , Hernandez-Gonzalez Olivia
Published: January 2020

Young patients often encounter behavioral and communication challenges when interacting with adults. Adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) experience similar difficulties. There is a need to develop strategies that teach young patients and adults with intellectual disabilities practical and applicable mindfulness skills to either augment or support other behavioral or medical interventions. Biofeedback is a useful tool to teach these populations ways to increase their internal awareness of how emotions influence physiological sensations, while mindfulness helps them to focus on the present moment to control their emotions. This article presents the cases of Max and Robin to illustrate how mindfulness and biofeedback interventions can be adapted for younger patients and adults with ID in clinical settings. Clinicians used tangible visuals and overemphasized gestures to facilitate the understanding of our patients. Following these strategies, patients were able to understand changes in their physiological and emotional responses using biofeedback and mindfulness.
Mindfulness Training Has Elements Common to Other Techniques
Authors: Peper Erik , Harvey Richard , Lin I-Mei
Published: January 2020

This article presents the argument that mindfulness-based meditation (MM) techniques are beneficial and share many of the same outcomes as similar mind-centered practices such as transcendental meditation, prayer, imagery, and visualization and body-centered practices such as progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), autogenic training (AT), and yoga. For example, many standardized mind-body techniques such as mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (a) are associated with a reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression, (b) can be mastered in relatively brief time frames, and (c) are relatively cost-effective. Functional magnetic resonance imaging studies suggest that MM, along with other mind-body techniques, can influence brain centers that regulate stress reactions (e.g., eliciting increased activity in cerebral areas related to attention and emotion regulation). Furthermore, MM and other mind-body techniques may provide benefit by mediating breathing processes that in turn regulate gamma aminobutyric acid, a major inhibitory neurotransmitter, which can quiet the overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system. This article compares the efficacy of mindfulness-based techniques to that of other self-regulation techniques and identifies components shared between mindfulness-based techniques and several previous self-regulation techniques, including PMR, AT, and transcendental meditation. The authors conclude that most of the commonly used self-regulation strategies have comparable efficacy and share many elements. The authors propose that additional research is needed to explore shared mechanisms among the self-regulation techniques and to identify any factors that might favor using one technique over another.
A Comparison of Archimedean Copula Models for approximating Bivariate Skew-Normal Distribution
Authors: Nanthakumar A.
Published: January 2020

This paper compares the performance of some Archimedean Copulas in approximating the bivariate skew-normal distribution. Our study shows Frank Copula is a better Archimedean Copula for approximating the bivariate skew-normal distribution.
Legitimita automatizovaného zpracování judikatury
Authors: Polčák Radim
Published: January 2020

Moderní metody zpracování velkých datových souborů umožňují mimo jiné provádět i detailní a sofistikované analýzy judikatury. Vedle základních vzájemných vazeb a odkazů lze analyzovat v prakticky neomezeném rozsahu i nejrůznější formální a obsahové aspekty soudních rozhodnutí v libovolně širokých souvislostech. Tento příspěvek se v kontextu aktuálního vývoje příslušných technologií zabývá informační kvalitou soudního rozhodnutí a jejím vztahem k informačním efektům užití judikatury v kontinentálně evropské právní kultuře. V diskusní části tohoto příspěvku pak je argumentována legitimita restriktivního regulatorního přístupu k analytickým nástrojům, jejichž užití by mohlo vést k omezení nezávislosti soudce.
Přehled aktuální judikatury II/2019
Authors: Collett Dominika , Kasl František , Klodwig Jakub , Kudláčková Ivana , Loutocký Pavel , Míšek Jakub , Novotná Tereza , Stárková Anna , Svoboda Jan , Vydrová Petra , Zibner Jan
Published: January 2020

Přehled aktuální judikatury práva informačních technologií druhé poloviny roku 2019. Judikáty jsou anotovány formátem FIRAC.
"Oriundi regni Portugalis". Portugueses en Mallorca al final de la Edad Media
Authors: BARCELÓ CRESPÍ Maria , CALDERÓN MEDINA Inés
Published: January 2020

La conquista de Ceuta en 1415 consolidó el acceso de los portugueses al Mediterráneo, desde entonces aumentó su presencia en la isla de Mallorca. A través de la documentación notarial se analiza la presencia y actividad de los portugueses en la ciudad de Mallorca al final de la Edad Media.

The conquest of Ceuta in 1415 strengthened the Portuguese access to the Mediterranean, increasing their presence on the Island of Majorca since then. The presence and actions of the Portuguese in the city of Majorca, at the end of the Middle Ages are analysed through the notarial documents.
Los orígenes de la Casa de Urrea: Linaje y patromonio en los reinos de Aragón y Valencia (siglos XII-XIII)
Authors: GARCÍA EDO Vicent
Published: January 2020

Nadie pone en duda que uno de los más nobles linajes del reino de Aragón era el de la Casa de Urrea, pero esa circunstancia no se corresponde con los pocos estudios que se les ha dedicado en las últimas décadas. Entre los asuntos pendientes estaba el relativo a sus orígenes, argumento de estas páginas, que ha permitido reconstruir la genealogía completa de los Urrea durante los siglos XII y XIII, así como elaborar una tabla de los señoríos acumulados en ese tiempo. La identificación de las esposas e hijos de los señores de Urrea también ayuda a conocer mejor las relaciones de interés que solían establecer las familias nobles para mantener su poder, en el reino de Aragón.

Although there is no doubt that one of the noblest lineages of the kingdom of Aragon was that of the House of Urrea, only a few studies have been dedicated to them in the last decades. In these pages we address one of the outstanding issues, which is that of its origins. We have been able to reconstruct the complete genealogy of the Urrea family through the 12th and 13th centuries, as well as to elaborate a list of the manors they accumulated during that time. The identification of the wives and children of the lords of Urrea has also helped to better understand the relationships of interest that noble families used to establish to maintain their power, in the kingdom of Aragon.
Angående bullshit og fake news
Authors: Hvidtfeldt Rolf
Published: January 2020

Når vi har lært at genkende bullshit-kernen i fake news-anklager, kan vi forsøge at følge George Lakoffs framing-anbefaling om at undlade at reproducere og dermed styrke dem unødigt. I nogle tilfælde kan man måske have held med rammende og præcist at påpege bullshit, hvor det forekommer. Men det forudsætter dels en forståelse for, hvad bullshit er, og hvordan det virker, og dels at folk allerede har blik for værdien af sandhed og sandfærdighed. Så kampen mod fake news kan næppe vindes på kort sigt, men kræver både udbredt demokratisk dannelse og en veletableret sandhedsværdsættende kultur.
Med flâneuren i massedigitaliseringens labyrinter
Authors: Herrie Maja Bak
Published: January 2020

Anmeldelse af Nanna Bonde Thylstrup: The Politics of Mass Digitization.Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2019.
The Description of Diet Adherence In Outpatient Clinic Diabetes Mellitus Type II dr. H. Marzoeki Mahdi Bogor Hospital
Authors: Abdi Raden Akmalul Fikri , Aryani Denissa Faradita
Published: January 2020

Objective:  This study aimed to describe the diethary adherence in outpatient clinic diabetes mellitus type II Doctor Haji Marzoeki Mahdi Bogor hospital based on the  schedule, type, and amount of food.

 

Methods: The design of this study used cross sectional with consecutive sampling method involving 109 respondents.

 

Results: The result of this study shows that most of respondent has non-adherence to diet especially adherence of food amount.

 

Conclusion: The recommendation of this study is to conduct further research on the factors that influence non-adherence of food amount.

 

Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, Medical Nutrition Therapy, Diethary Adherence
Nursing Process of Postoperative Children With Digestive Surgical Case in Children Surgical Ward
Authors: Utami Cintia Fajri , Waluyanti Fajar Tri
Published: January 2020

Objective: This scientific paper is aimed to provide an overview of nursing care post-operation in children with digestive surgery case as well as to provide an overview of the effect of non- pharmacological application of cutaneous stimulation cold application in reducing postoperative wound pain.

Methods: One example of pain management interventions that can be done is cutaneous stimulation. This technique aims to divert the child's attention to the tactile stimuli provided and inhibits the transmission process and pain perception so as to decrease the pain scale of the child.

Results: There were four nursing problems identified. They were acute pain, an imbalance of nutrients less than the body's needs, the risk of damage to the integrity of the skin, and the risk of infection.

Conclusion: The main problem is acute pain. The results of the intervention after five days of treatment concluded that the use of cold application could meet the desired outcome criteria in acute postoperative pain nursing problems.

 

Keywords: child, digestive surgery, non pharmacologic, pain, postoperative
AUDITORY STIMULATION OF QUR’ANIC MUROTTAL ON PATIENT WITH TUBERCULOUS MENINGITIS
Authors: Farid Raudha Ilmi , Yona Sri
Published: January 2020

Objective:One of serious complications of tuberculosis is tuberculous meningitis that affects the brain. Headache and pain are among clinical signs manifesting in patient with TB meningitis. Modification of interventions to treat pain in clients with TB meningitis is necessary. Providing stimulation of Qur'anic Murottal as an effort to relieve pain may be used as a modification of intervention.

 

Methods: This study used case study analysis of patient with meningitis TB in Neurology Ward of RSCM for 7 days. Patient was provided with murottal al qur'an stimulation for seven days and the level of pain was evaluated by using Adult Nonverbal Pain Scale instrument.

 

Results: The study result indicated that there was a decrease in pain level according to Adult Non-Verbal Pain Scale (ANVPS) score from 7 to 1.

 

Conclusion: The development of further research in audio stimulation application of murottal al qur'an on client with TB meningitis should be conducted as an innovation of nursing intervention for client affected by pain, especially TB meningitis.

 

Keywords: meningitis, murottal al qur’an, pain, tuberculosis
Analysis of Nursing Clinical Practice of Oral Hygiene on Patient with Hemorraghic Stroke – A Case Study
Authors: Durhayati Yuyun , Pompey Cut Sarida
Published: January 2020

Objective: The  purpose  of  this  case  study  was  to  analyze  the  oral  hygiene intervention performed by  nurse  in  stroke  hemorrhagic  patient  in  neurological  ward

 

Methods: .Oral hygiene interventions were performed by using 0.2% chlorhexidine twice daily for seven days. This case study used oral health assessment tool (OHAT) which the measurements were taken before and after the intervention every day

 

Results: There was a decrease in oral hygiene assessment score from 9 to 1 which implied an improvement in oral hygiene condition. This study also showed that family of stroke patient was able to perform oral hygiene practice to the patient after simulation performed firstly by nurses

 

Conclusion: The study recommends that oral hygiene by using 0.2% chlorhexidine needs to be delivered routinely by nurses and continues by the family at home care.

 

Keywords: chlorhexidine 0.2%, oral hygiene, stroke.
The relationship between sleep hygiene and sleep quality among residents of an elderly care institution in DKI Jakarta
Authors: Annisa Mutia , Wati Dwi Nurviyandari Kusuma
Published: January 2020

Objective: Elderly are at risk of poor slepp quality and other health problems due to reduced sleep satisfaction. The objective of this study was to explore the association between sleep hygiene and sleep quality in elderly.

Methods: This was a descriptive study with cross sectional design. The study was conducted in four elderly care institutions in Jakarta, Indonesia, involving a purposive sample of 103 elderly aged 60 to 111 years old. Data were collected using Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Results: Over half of the residents had poor sleep hygiene (51.5%) and more than three quarter (81.6%) had poor sleep quality. The study revealed that there was a highly significant relationship between sleep hygiene and sleep quality (p = 0.001). The study also showed that those with poor sleep hygiene were 7.834 times more likely to have poor sleep quality.

Conclusion: Nurses need to include interventions that may address residents’ sleep problems. They also need to promote sleep hygiene and improve residents’ sleep quality.
Keywords: elderly, institution, sleep hygiene, sleep quality
OLA1 is responsible for normal spindle assembly and SAC activation in mouse oocytes
Authors: Xie Di , Zhang Juan , Ding JinLi , Yang Jing , Zhang Yan
Published: January 2020

Background

OLA1 is a member of the GTPase protein family; unlike other members, it possess both GTPase and ATPase activities, and can bind and hydrolyze ATP more efficiently than GTP. OLA1 participates in cell proliferation, oxidative response, protein synthesis and tumorigenesis. However, whether OLA1 is also required for oocyte meiosis is still unknown.

Methods

In this study, the localization, expression, and functions of OLA1 in the mouse oocyte meiosis were examined. Immunofluorescent and confocal microscopy were used to explore the location pattern of OLA1 in the mouse oocyte. Moreover, nocodazole treatment was used to confirm the spindle-like location of OLA1 during mouse meiosis. Western blot was used to explore the expression pattern of OLA1 in the mouse oocyte. Microinjection of siRNA was used to explore the OLA1 functions in the mouse oocyte meiosis. In addition, chromosome spreading was used to investigate the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) activity.

Results

Immunofluorescent staining showed that OLA1 evenly distributed in the cytoplasm at germinal vesicle (GV) stage. After meiosis resumption (GVBD), OLA1 co-localized with spindles, which was further identified by nocodazole treatment experiments. Knockdown of OLA1 impaired the germinal vesicle breakdown progression and finally resulted in a lower polar body extrusion rate. Immunofluorescence analysis indicated that knockdown of OLA1 led to abnormal spindle assembly, which was evidenced by multipolar spindles in OLA1-RNAi-oocytes. After 6 h post-GVBD in culture, an increased proportion of oocyte which has precociously entered into anaphase/telephase I (A/TI) was observed in OLA1-knockdown oocytes, suggesting that loss of OLA1 resulted in the premature segregation of homologous chromosomes. In addition, the chromosome spread analysis suggested that OLA1 knockdown induced premature anaphase onset was due to the precocious inactivation of SAC. Taken together, we concluded that OLA1 plays important role in GVBD, spindle assembly and SAC activation maintenance in oocyte meiosis.
Marital Adjustment, Love, Personal Intimacy, Personality, Dyadic Coping and Spirituality on Marital Stability
Authors: Priyadharshini S. , Gopalan Rejani Thudalikunnil
Published: January 2020

Marital Stability is interpreted as whether a couple in a marriage remains together, instead of separating or getting divorced. It is also called as marital longevity or duration of marriage. The aim of the study is to find the relationship between different psychosocial factor (marital adjustment, love, personal intimacy personality, dyadic coping, and spirituality) and marital stability. For the purpose of sampling, thirty married couples were randomly selected using stratified random sampling. The measuring tools used were Locke-Wallace marital adjustment questionnaire (Marital adjustment), Love scale (Love), Personal assessment of intimacy in relationship (Personal intimacy), Big five inventory (personality), Dyadic coping inventory (Dyadic coping) and the daily spiritual experience scale (Spirituality).Six null hypotheses were raised and tested using descriptive and inferential statistics (Percentage, mean, standard deviation and correlation). The research finding shows that there is a significant negative correlation between sexual intimacy and marital stability(r= -.44 and p<.01). All other variables (Marital adjustment, love, personal intimacy, personality, dyadic coping and spirituality) are not shown to be contributing to marital stability.
Comparative Study of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid and a Commercial Demulsifier for Treating Crude Oil Emulsions
Authors: O. Victor-Oji C. , J. Chukwu U. , Akaranta O.
Published: January 2020

Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL), a natural phenolic liquid extracted from locally sourced raw materials, and Phasetreat-4633 (a commercial demulsifier) were diluted with xylene and butanol and used as demulsiﬁers in the treatment of crude oil emulsions. Laboratory simulated crude oil emulsions dosed with different concentrations of CNSL and PT-4633 were the basis for comparison of demulsifier performance via the bottle test method.

Different factors affecting demulsiﬁcation efﬁciency such as; water content, demulsifier concentration, and solvent type were investigated at 10%, 30%, and 50% water content. The data obtained showed that the rate of water separation increases with increasing concentration and water content of the demulsifiers and emulsion respectively. Among the demulsifier-solvent combination employed in this study, Phasetreat-4633 in butanol recorded the most efficient water separation with optimal (100%) separation recorded after 5 minutes at 40 ppm and 50 ppm concentration, 50% water content and 60℃.

From the obtained results, the investigated demulsiﬁers have great potential with butanol as a solvent in the resolution of crude oil emulsions in shorter times. This behavior can be attributed to the synergetic effect of butanol as a solvent. Hence, butanol can be regarded as a better solvent substitute to xylene, due to its attributive synergetic effect, low cost and toxicity levels, unlike xylene which is more toxic and expensive.
Determining Critical Weeding Period in Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) Under Rain Fed Condition in Western Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Teame Goitom , Gebregergs Gebremedhin , Gebremedhin Zerabruk , Gramy Darge
Published: January 2020

Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) belongs to the order of Fabales, Faboideae sub family and Fabaceae or Leguminosae family. The field experiment was carried out in 2014-2016 main growing seasons at Humera and Kebabo with the aim of determining critical weeding period. The experiment was conducted in RCBD design replicated three times and consists of 15 treatments. The crop was kept weed-free for the first 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 days after sowing and then remained weedy till harvest or kept weedy for the same periods and then remained weed- free till harvest. Weed free and weedy treatments till harvest were included as controls for comparison. Mungbean variety of Arkeb was sown at a distance of plant to plant 5 cm and row to row 40 cm and the plot area was 10 m2. The combine analysis of three winter seasons revealed that unrestricted weed growth significantly reduce yield of mungbean by 52% compared to completely weed free. Mungbean seed yield increased when the duration of weed infestation period decreased. Yield components such as number of pods per plant didn’t show significant difference, while number of seeds per pod and 100 seed weight shown significant difference. The critical weeding period for mungbean was 10-20 and 30-40 days after sowing.
The Effect of Aqueous Extract of Artemisia aucheri Seed on Acanthamoeba In vitro
Authors: Pazoki Ramin , Raeeni Mansooreh Ghasemi Nejad , Ghaffarifar Fatemeh , Saryazdi Amir Karimipour , Bineshian Farahnaz
Published: January 2020

Aim: Acanthamoeba cause dangerous diseases in humans such as encephalitis and keratitis as an opportunistic pathogen. Due to the antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-Acanthamoeba and anti-leishmania activities of Artemisia, the aim of this study is investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Artemisia aucheri seed on Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts in vitro.

Materials and Methods: Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts were propagated in appropriate culture medium. Aqueous extract of Artemisia aucheri were prepared at concentrations of 2000, 1000, 500, 250, 125 and 62.5 μg/ml and were added to both protozoa forms (trophozoites and cysts). Then, three techniques including trypan blue, MTT and flowcytometry were used to investigate the effect of this extract on Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts.

Results: It was found that increasing the time and concentration of aqueous extract of Artemisia aucheri seed significantly reduced the number of live Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts (P ≤0.05). At the concentration of 2000 µg/ml the number of live trophozoites was 0% and at the concentration of 62.5 µg/ml the number of live trophozoites was 57.7%.

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the aqueous extract of Artemisia aucheri has anti-acanthamoeba activity and seems to have beneficial pharmacological effects on some diseases and complications caused by Acanthamoeba. Further research is needed to determine this issue.
NF‐kB signaling in cardiomyocytes is inhibited by sevoflurane and promoted by propofol
Authors: Oda‐Kawashima Keiko , Sedukhina Anna S. , Okamoto Naoki , lytvyn Mariya , Minagawa Kimino , Iwata Teppei , Kumai Toshio , Sato Eri , Inada Eiichi , Yamaura Ayako , Sakamoto Miki , Roche‐Molina Marta , Bernal Juan A. , Sato Ko
Published: January 2020

Both inhalational and intravenous anesthetics affect myocardial remodeling, but the precise effect of each anesthetic on molecular signaling in myocardial remodeling is unknown. Here, we performed in silico analysis to investigate signaling alterations in cardiomyocytes induced by inhalational [sevoflurane (Sevo)] and intravenous [propofol (Prop)] anesthetics. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐kB) signaling was inhibited by Sevo and promoted by Prop. Moreover, nuclear accumulation of p65 and transcription of NF‐kB‐regulated genes were suppressed in Sevo‐administered mice, suggesting that Sevo inhibits the NF‐kB signaling pathway. Our data demonstrate that NF‐kB signaling is inhibited by Sevo and promoted by Prop. As NF‐kB signaling plays an important role in myocardial remodeling, our results suggest that anesthetics may affect myocardial remodeling through NF‐kB.
PVDF‐based composites containing PZT particles: How processing affects the final properties
Authors: Brunengo Elisabetta , Castellano Maila , Conzatti Lucia , Canu Giovanna , Buscaglia Vincenzo , Stagnaro Paola
Published: January 2020

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)‐based composites containing up to 30 vol % of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) particles were prepared by: (a) different techniques, melt blending and solvent casting; and (b) different molding procedures, a single‐step and a two‐step hot‐pressing method. The obtained samples were characterized in order to study how the processing affects their final properties. Results indicate that the different molding processes have a strong effect on polymorphism and molecular relaxations of PVDF as well as on dielectric response of the composite materials, that results enhanced by the two‐step molding. The preparation technique influences the filler dispersion and, consequently, the elastic modulus of the composites, but without remarkably impacting on other properties. This suggests the possibility of preparing performing composites by a solvent‐free and easily scalable technique (i.e., melt blending) and obtaining suitable dielectric characteristics, very important for application of such kind of materials, just by tuning the molding conditions. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 137, 48871.
Hippocampal Neuroimaging‐Informed Clinical Trial Enrichment Tool for Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment Using Open Data
Authors: Conrado Daniela J. , Burton Jackson , Hill Derek , Willis Brian , Sinha Vikram , Stone Julie , Coello Neva , Wang Wenping , Chen Danny , Nicholas Timothy , Gold Michael , Hartley Emily , Kern Volker D. , Romero Klaus
Published: January 2020

Our goal was to assess the enrichment utility of hippocampal volume (HV) as an enrichment biomarker in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) clinical trials, and, hence, develop an HV neuroimaging‐informed clinical trial enrichment tool. Modeling of integrated longitudinal patient‐level data came from open‐access natural history studies in patients diagnosed with aMCI—the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)‐1 and ADNI‐2—and indicated that a decrease of 1 cm3 with respect to the analysis dataset median baseline intracranial volume‐adjusted HV (ICV‐HV; ~ 5 cm3) is associated with > 50% increase in disease progression rate as measured by the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale–Sum of Boxes. Clinical trial simulations showed that the inclusion of aMCI subjects with baseline ICV‐HV below the 84th or 50th percentile allowed an approximate reduction in trial size of at least 26% and 55%, respectively. This clinical trial enrichment tool can help design more efficient and informative clinical trials.
Teaching turbulent flow through pipe fittings using computational fluid dynamics approach
Authors: Gajbhiye Bhavesh D. , Kulkarni Harshawardhan A. , Tiwari Shashank S. , Mathpati Channamallikarjun S.
Published: January 2020

The largest network of fluid transportation in the world is through pipelines. During the transportation of fluids through pipes, several “fittings” are used in the piping system such as elbows, T‐junctions, reducers, expanders, bends, couplings, valves, etc. The flow complexities in pipe fittings are accounted for the pressure drop in piping network design. The pressure drop is estimated using the loss coefficient or equivalent length method using standard charts. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a reliable tool to estimate pressure drop and understand nonidealities in pipe fittings. The use of CFD in the advanced level course in transport phenomena/fluid flow for piping network design can help students to implement modern mathematical tools as well as evaluate standard protocols followed in the industries. In this article, an interactive teaching methodology has been implemented to investigate the hydrodynamics in various pipe fittings (elbow, bend, Tee, and reducer) by actually visualizing the flow. The three‐dimensional flow visualization is used to demonstrate the nonidealities such as separation, swirling, dead zones, etc. The CFD simulations of pipe fittings provided a new learning experience to the students that would help them to predict the pressure drops in industrial piping network systems. The outcome from the students' survey showed that the proposed CFD methodology assisted them to gain a better understanding of conventional Chemical Engineering subjects of “Transport Phenomena” and “Fluid Dynamics” in an innovative way.
Establishing the need for a low‐cost Canadian debt relief procedure
Authors: Schwartz Saul , Ben‐Ishai Stephanie
Published: January 2020

Canada does not have a low‐cost bankruptcy option for debtors with low incomes and low assets. In this article, we present empirical evidence of the need for such an option by estimating the number of debtors who might benefit from it. We then review the successful low‐cost bankruptcy options in operation in New Zealand and in the United Kingdom and recommend that Canada adopt a similar system.
End‐of‐year reports illustrate need for renewed focus on parity in 2020
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: January 2020

As the close of 2019 approached, the mental health community absorbed a double gut punch in the form of two reports seriously questioning the effectiveness of insurance parity protections. As advocates look to 2020, they speculate as to whether these indictments of the status quo in behavioral health coverage will generate momentum toward meaningful reform in the coming months.
Rituximab utilization for approved and off‐label nononcology indications and patients’ experiences with the Patient Alert Card
Authors: Sarsour Khaled , Beckley‐Kartey Senam , Melega Simone , Odueyungbo Adefowope , Kirchner Petra , Khalife Natasha , Bangs Joanne
Published: January 2020

This study used retrospective chart review and survey data to evaluate: (1) off‐label use of rituximab (MabThera®/Rituxan®) in autoimmune conditions and (2) patients’ receipt and knowledge of the Patient Alert Card (PAC), a risk minimization measure for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and serious infections. Anonymized patient data were collected from infusion centers in Europe from December 2015 to July 2017. Adults receiving rituximab in the same centers were provided a self‐administered survey. Outcomes included patterns of off‐label rituximab use for nononcology indications, and evaluation of patients’ receipt and knowledge of the PAC and its impact. Of 1012 patients in the retrospective chart review, 70.2% received rituximab for rheumatoid arthritis or granulomatosis with polyangiitis/microscopic polyangiitis, and 29.8% received rituximab off label. Among 524 survey participants, 32.8% reported receiving the PAC, 59.3% reported not receiving the PAC and 7.9% did not know whether they received the PAC. A total of 72.4% of patients reported that they were unaware that some patients receiving rituximab experience PML. A higher proportion of PAC recipients identified PML as a potential risk of rituximab than nonrecipients (37.8% vs 19.9%); 58.3% of PAC recipients had poor awareness of PML. Most PAC recipients (90.0%) and nonrecipients (85.5%) correctly answered that they should seek medical attention for infection symptoms. In conclusion, approximately 30% of patients received off‐label rituximab. Most patients reported not receiving the PAC or having knowledge of PML but demonstrated understanding of the recommended action in the event of infection symptoms, regardless of PAC receipt.
Filter bank‐based multiple access in next‐generation satellite uplinks: A DVB‐RCS2‐based experimental study
Authors: Dalakas Vassilis , Kofidis Eleftherios
Published: January 2020

In the context of the on‐going evolution of satellite communications (SatCom) systems to their next generation, and in the direction of their integration with fifth generation (5G) terrestrial networks, it is of interest to study in depth the applicability in realistic SatCom of waveforms that have shown promise to meet the 5G requirements. This paper presents a comparative study, based on total degradation (TD) over a range of output back‐off (OBO) values, on out‐of‐band emission and spectral efficiency, of frequency division multiple access (FDMA) schemes employing offset quadrature amplitude modulation‐based filter bank multi‐carrier (FBMC /OQAM), classical orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), and their single‐carrier counterparts to illustrate the potential gains from the integration of the FBMC waveforms in the satellite context and standards. The air interface simulated follows the digital video broadcasting (DVB) family of standards for the satellite uplink, considering both time and frequency synchronization impairments and two typical input constellations. Our results confirm the superiority of the single‐carrier (SC) schemes in such a nonlinear environment. The SC‐FBMC waveform is shown to be the most practical candidate since it is shown to attain a TD performance similar to that of SC‐OFDM at absolutely no cost in spectral efficiency.
Dynamical axion misalignment with small instantons
Authors: Buen-Abad Manuel A. , Fan JiJi
Published: January 2020

Abstract

We present a new mechanism to relax the initial misalignment angle of the QCD axion and raise the cosmological bound on the axion decay constant. The QCD axion receives a contribution from small UV instantons during inflation, which raises its mass to the inflationary Hubble scale. This makes the axion start rolling down its potential early on. In the scenario, the standard model Yukawa couplings of quarks are dynamical, being of order one during the inflationary era and reducing to their standard model values once it ends. This means that after inflation the contribution of the small instantons is suppressed, and the axion potential reduces to the standard one from the usual IR instantons. As a result, when the axion starts to oscillate again after inflation, the initial misalignment angle is suppressed due to the dynamics during inflation. While the general idea of dynamical axion misalignment has been discussed in the literature before, we present in detail the major bottleneck on the mismatching between the minima of the axion potentials during and after inflation, and how it is circumvented in our scenario via the Froggatt-Nielsen mechanism. Taking into account of all the constraints, we find that the axion decay constant could be raised to the GUT scale, 1015 GeV, in our scenario.