bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of Fluid Bed Reactor of Ethylene Di Chloride Production in Abadan Petrochemical Based on Three-Phase Hydrodynamic Model
Authors: Faghih Seyed Mohammad , Kianfar Ehsan
Published: July 2018

The catalytic process of ethylene oxychlorination can be split into two steps,uiz.ethylenechlorination with the reduction of cupric chloride and reoxidation of the cuprous chloride by hydrogen chloride and oxygen. The transient process of 1,2-dichloroethane formation was observed by selected ion chromatography using a mass spectrometer. While the reaction exhibited first-order kinetics in regard to the concentration of cupric chloride, the dependency on ethylene concentration was interpreted by a Wachi & Yousuke and Carrubba mechanism. Optimal performance was achieved by impregnating ea. 5 wt % of copper into y-alumina powder and 64% of the copper contained in the alumina powder contributed to the formation of 1,2-dichloroethane.this study, constant adverse reactions were calculated due to the experimental data obtained from Abadan Petrochemical Unit and the speed equation of Wachi was modified. The reaction occurs at three phases of bubble, cloud, and emulsion and by increasing temperature and input gas velocity and keeping all the other parameters constant in several steps, the substrate was investigated and the conversion of ethylene and gross value for each test were calculated. Thus, with the determination of kinetic and dynamic parameters, the proper mathematical model was chosen and using this model, the conversion percent of ethylene was calculated and its actual amount and the percentage of error were calculated and compared based on information obtained from Abadan Petrochemical reactor under different conditions.
Integrationsmechanismen des Blended Learning im Fremdsprachenunterricht. Eine explorative Fallstudie
Authors: Pust Daniel
Published: July 2018

Verzahnung ist in Bezug auf Blended Learning (BL) ein Schlagwort, das die komplexe Relation von Präsenz- und Online-Lernen versinnbildlicht. Dass das Verhältnis der Lernmodi zueinander ein kritischer Faktor ist und deren wechselseitiger Einbeziehung eine wesentliche Funktion zukommt, darauf weisen mehrere Studien hin, die Probleme im Lernprozess auf ein Defizit an Integration zurückführen. Nach wie vor ist das Phänomen der Integration in BL-Umgebungen theoretisch nur ansatzweise erforscht. Um diese Forschungslücke zu schließen, untersucht diese Fallstudie mittels eines theoriegenerierenden Ansatzes Verfahren und Techniken, die Verbindungen zwischen den unterschiedlichen Lernmodi des BL etablieren. Auf Grundlage empirischer Daten, die zu einer BL-Unterrichtseinheit in einem DaF-Sprachkurs an einer irischen Universität erhoben wurden, wird ein Modell zu Integrationsmechanismen entwickelt, das Lehrenden wie Forschenden als Werkzeug dazu dienen kann, Integration in BL-Arrangements quantitativ wie auch qualitativ zu erfassen.
Effect of mud pack to eyes on psychological variables in healthy volunteers: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jogdand Reshma , Mooventhan A. , Manjunath NK
Published: July 2018

Background

Mud pack is one of the fundamental therapeutic procedures used in naturopathy to treat various diseases. There is a lack of scientific evidence for the use of mud-pack application in psychological variables. The present study aims at evaluating the effect of mud pack to eyes on psychological variables in healthy volunteers.

Materials and methods

Sixty healthy individuals with the age varied from 18 to 21 years were recruited and randomly divided into either mud-pack group (n=30) or wet-pack group (n=30). Mud-pack group received mud pack to eyes and wet-pack group received wet pack to eyes for a duration of 30 min/session (a total of 15 sessions). Psychological assessments like Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Perservative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ) and Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) were taken before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using statistical package for the social sciences, version 16.

Results

Result of this study showed a significant reduction in PTQ score and PANAS negative score in both mud-pack and wet-pack groups. But, a significant increase in MAAS score was observed only in the mud-pack group, unlike wet-pack group. However, there was no significant difference found in between group analysis.

Conclusions

Result suggests that though both mud pack and wet pack to eyes reduced the scores of PTQ and negative affects, only mud pack to eyes increased the state of mindfulness in healthy individuals.
In vitro anticholinesterase, antimonoamine oxidase and antioxidant properties of alkaloid extracts from kola nuts (Cola acuminata and Cola nitida)
Authors: Oboh Ganiyu , Ademosun Ayokunle O. , Ogunsuyi Opeyemi B. , Oyedola Esther T. , Olasehinde Tosin A. , Oyeleye Sunday I.
Published: July 2018

Background

The development of cholinesterase (ChE) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors for management of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has come with their undesirable side effects. Hence, research for potent but natural ChE and MAO inhibitors with little or no side effects is essential. This study investigated the potentials of alkaloid extracts from two Cola species as nutraceuticals for prevention and management of AD.

Methods

Alkaloid extracts were obtained from two Cola species (Cola nitida [KN] and Cola acuminata [KA]) by solvent extraction method. The extracts were characterized for their alkaloid contents using gas chromatography (GC). The effects of the extracts on ChE and MAO activities were investigated in vitro. Also, the extracts’ ability to inhibit Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenate, scavenge DPPH and OH radicals, as well as chelate Fe2+ were determined.

Results

GC characterization revealed the presence of augustamine and undulatine as the predominant alkaloids in the extracts. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in the inhibitory effects of the extracts on ChE activities. However, KA extract exhibited significantly higher (P < 0.05) MAO inhibitory effect than KN. Also, KA extract inhibited Fe2+- induced malondialdehyde (MDA) production in rat brain homogenate more significantly than KN, while there was no significant difference in DPPH and OH radicals scavenging, as well as Fe2+-chelating abilities of the extracts.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed that KN and KA alkaloid extracts exhibited significant effect in vitro on biological pathways that may contribute to neuroprotection for the management of neurodegenerative diseases.
Testicular and spermatotoxic potential of methanol extract of red cultivar Allium cepa in rats
Authors: Adeoye Oyewusi J. , Olayinka Oridupa A. , Bernard Saba A. , Sikiru Olurode A. , Kofoworola Oyewusi I. , Olufemi Olukunle J. , Adekunle Adebiyi A.
Published: July 2018

Background

In both human and animals, especially in food and companion animal breeding farms, infertility is normally a challenge of great concern. Males have been found to be solely responsible for about 20–30% of infertility cases. Allium cepa (Onion), being one of the highly consumed spices worldwide, is usually overlooked as a possible reproductive toxicant. Most research on A. cepa document its medicinal effects. This study focused on toxicity potential of A. cepa to the male reproductive system. Spermatozoa morphological characteristics and testicular histopathology of male Wistar rats were accessed following administration of A. cepa methanol extract for 14 and 28 days.

Methods

The rats (55) were divided into groups A, B and C of 25, 25 and 5 rats, respectively. Group C served as the control and was administered distilled water (10 ml/kg), while groups A and B were subdivided into five groups of five rats each. Group A and B were administered A. cepa extract at various graded doses for 14 days and 28 days, respectively.

Results

The results revealed significantly increased (p < 0.05) percentage spermatozoa abnormalities, with significantly lower spermatozoa concentration, mass activity and percentage sperm motility when compared with the control group.

Conclusions

Conclusively, excessive (>100 mg/kg) and prolonged (>7 days) consumption or administration of Allium cepa (onion), including nutraceutical preparations of A. cepa has spermatotoxic effect and may damage germinal epithelial cells of the testicles. Toxicity of A. cepa is dose-dependent and beneficial effects may be maximized at doses ≤100 mg/kg for ≤7 consecutive days.
Incorporating SDC Module for ISI Compensation for a Long-Haul Co-OFDM System
Authors: Chauhan Anu , Vaish Arti
Published: July 2018

With the increase in demand of bandwidth hungry applications, it is recommended to develop a high data rate system for long-haul coherent optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (CO-OFDM). At a very high data rate, CO-OFDM signal experiences deterioration. At 50 Gbps, the signal experiences ISI effect and in order to overcome this ISI effect, a prolonged system has been developed to reach optimal ISI compensation technique. One of the prominent and competent techniques to enhance system performance is (SDCM) symmetrical dispersion compensation module. In order to make system more bandwidth efficient 4-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) with gray coding is applied and manual adjustments are done at receiver phase to decrease error vector magnitude (EVM). OFDM data stream is successfully transmitted over a distance of 4,000 km to compete the demand of long-haul CO-OFDM system. With different launch powers and laser linewidths, the performance of the system is enhanced in terms of Q-factor, SNR and EVM.
Neonatal Ogg1/Mutyh knockout mice have altered inflammatory gene response compared to wildtype mice in the brain and lung after hypoxia-reoxygenation
Authors: Rognlien Anne Gro W. , Wollen Embjørg J. , Atneosen-Åsegg Monica , Suganthan Rajikala , Bjørås Magnar , Saugstad Ola Didrik
Published: July 2018

Background

8-Oxoguanine DNA-glycosylase 1 (OGG1) and mutY DNA glycosylase (MUTYH) are crucial in the repair of the oxidative DNA lesion 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine caused by hypoxia-reoxygenation injury. Our objective was to compare the gene expression changes after hypoxia-reoxygenation in neonatal Ogg1-Mutyh double knockout mice (OM) and wildtype mice (WT), and study the gene response in OM after hyperoxic reoxygenation compared to normoxic.

Methods

Postnatal day 7 mice were subjected to 2 h of hypoxia (8% O2) followed by reoxygenation in either 60% O2 or air, and sacrificed right after completed reoxygenation (T0h) or after 72 h (T72h). The gene expression of 44 a priori selected genes was examined in the hippocampus/striatum and lung.

Results

We found that OM had an altered gene response compared to WT in 21 genes in the brain and 24 genes in the lung. OM had a lower expression than WT of inflammatory genes in the brain at T0h, and higher expression at T72h in both the brain and lung. In the lung of OM, five genes were differentially expressed after hyperoxic reoxygenation compared to normoxic.

Conclusion

For the first time, we report that Ogg1 and Mutyh in combination protect against late inflammatory gene activation in the hippocampus/striatum and lung after neonatal hypoxia-reoxygenation.
Analyses of predation behavior of the desert shrew Notiosorex crawfordi
Authors: Camargo Issac , Álvarez-Castañeda Sergio Ticul
Published: July 2018

The desert shrew Notiosorex crawfordi is the smallest mammal in the arid and semiarid areas of North America. It displays ecological adaptations that allow it to colonize environments inhospitable for other species in the Order Soricomorpha. Little is known about the natural history of this species; hence, this work reports the characteristics of foraging behavior, prey items, prey size and bite effectiveness on prey items of similar or larger size than these shrews. The behavior in captivity of two individuals of N. crawfordi captured in Baja California Sur was analyzed in glass terrariums, recording the locomotion, posture, food preferences, prey manipulation and bite effectiveness. Preference for prey items collected from the same transects/habitat as the shrews and differing in size and belonging to different groups of Arthropoda was evaluated, revealing a greater preference for scorpions, which were attacked within 1 min of being placed in the terrarium. Observations of foraging behavior of captive desert shrews show that prey items from the different arthropod groups and lizards become paralyzed at the first bite. The behavior displayed by the prey suggested the potential presence of toxins in the saliva of N. crawfordi.
Synthesis and NMR characterization of a spirosilole tetra-anion: a homogeneous four-electron reductant
Authors: Han Zhengang , Bai Lei , Huo Shuhui , Chen Jing , Lu Xiaoquan
Published: July 2018

The development of highly selective homogeneous electron transfer reagents is highly desirable for synthetic chemistry. An isolable spirosilole tetra-anion described in this paper has been proved to be a promising soluble electron transfer reagent. The reduction of octaphenyl-1,1′-spirobisilole (1) with lithium resulted in the formation of the isolable spirosilole tetra-anion in good yield. The tetra-anion (2) has been characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and cleanly underwent electron transfer reactions with dioxygen, carbonyl groups, and transition metal halides to yield reduction products with the regeneration of1.
Photonics of DNA/ruthenium(II) complexes
Authors: Kobayashi Norihisa , Minami Haruki , Nakamura Kazuki
Published: July 2018

In this review, we describe the investigation of a ruthenium [Ru(II)] complex-based, AC voltage-driven, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) device first. The ECL turn-on response time and intensity were dramatically improved by introducing the AC method. The turn-on response time was speeded up by increasing the applied frequency: 4 ms response time was achieved at 200 Hz, which was much faster than when using the DC method (1.5 s). We also introduced rutile-type titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) in a Ru(II) complex-based AC-ECL device. The ECL intensity and the lifetimes of the ECL device with TiO2 NPs were greatly improved compared to those of the device without nanoparticles. Then we tried to improve photoelectrochemical properties of the Ru(II) complex by combining it with DNA molecules. We fabricated a novel DNA/Ru(bpy)3
2+ hybrid film that could immobilize the ECL-active Ru(bpy)3
2+ onto the electrode surface through electrophoretic migration. The hybrid film contained unique micrometer-scale aggregates of Ru(bpy)3
2+ in the DNA matrix. Surprisingly, by using the DNA/Ru(bpy)3
2+ hybrid film for the ECL device, luminescence could be obtained at frequencies as high as 10kHz, which corresponds to a response time shorter than 100μs.
Crystal structure of methyl 4-(3,5-ditrifluoromethylphenyl)-2,7,7-trimethyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroquinoline-3-carboxylate — water (2/1), C22H21F6NO3
Authors: Chen Liyan
Published: July 2018

C22H21F6NO3, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 14.849(4) Å, b = 10.497(3) Å, c = 28.694(7) Å, β = 97.682(5)°, V = 4432(2) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0736, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.2405, T = 293(2) K.
Crystal structure of (E)-N-(4-bromo-2-(1-(hydroxyimino)ethyl)phenyl)benzamide, C15H13BrN2O2
Authors: Mphahlele Malose J.
Published: July 2018

C15H13BrN2O2, monoclinic, P21/c, a = 7.4754(3) Å, b = 17.6666(7) Å, c = 10.9145(4) Å, β = 103.520(1)°, V = 1401.48(9) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0290, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0713, T = 173(2) K.
Geclusterte Plastizität bei Langzeitpotenzierung: Wie starke Synapsen bestehen bleiben, um Langzeitgedächtnis aufrechtzuerhalten
Authors: Mikhaylova Marina , Kreutz Michael R.
Published: July 2018

Die Gedächtnisspeicherung erfordert, zumindest teilweise, die Langzeitpotenzierung (LTP) in den Synapsen der dendritischen Dornfortsätze aufrechtzuerhalten. Benachbarte Synapsen bilden häufig funktionelle Cluster. Gegenwärtig ist noch unklar, wie sich Cluster entwickeln, warum sie für längere Zeitabschnitte stabil sind, und wie Dornfortsätze innerhalb eines Clusters interagieren. In diesem Review werden wir einen Überblick über gegenwärtige Konzepte der geclusterten Plastizität geben, und wir werden die zellulären sowie die molekularen Mechanismen diskutieren, welche für die Stabilität der Dornfortsätze und die damit verbundenen Funktionen im Kontext mit LTP relevant sein können. Wir werden den Vorschlag machen, dass die Dynamik der initial gebildeten Cluster von der Kompartimentierung der Dendriten abhängt und dass die aktivitätsabhängige Genexpression dazu kommt, um die unterschiedlichen synaptischen Gewichtungen aufrechtzuerhalten. Wir werden diskutieren, wie für das Aufrechterhalten der geclusterten Plastizität eine Interaktion erfolgt zwischen den Mechanismen des synaptischen „Tagging“ (Etikettieren), der Anwesenheit sekretorischer Organellen in den Dendriten und dem Einbau der synaptischen Skalierungsfaktoren, welche durch unmittelbar-aktivierte Gene („immediate early genes, IEG) codiert werden.
Lignin-containing coatings for packaging materials
Authors: Javed Asif , Ullsten Henrik , Rättö Peter , Järnström Lars
Published: July 2018

The mechanical properties and chemical stability in water of self-supporting films made from aqueous solutions of starch and lignin, and the barrier properties of paperboard coated with solutions of these polymers have been studied. The dissolution of starch from the starch-lignin films in contact with the model liquids was decreased significantly when lignin was added to the starch films. The addition of ammonium zirconium carbonate (AZC) to the formulations as a crosslinking agent substantially increased the storage modulus of the starch-lignin films, which indicated that crosslinking had occurred. The addition of AZC to the formulations also led to a decrease in dissolution of both starch and lignin from the starch-lignin films in contact with model liquids. The effect of AZC on the water stability of the films was greater when the pH of the starch-lignin-AZC solution was adjusted with ammonia rather than NaOH. The addition of NH4Cl solution as a presumed catalyst to the recipe when the pH adjustment was performed with NaOH did not improve the effect of AZC on the water stability of the films. The water vapour transmission rate of the coated paperboard decreased slightly when AZC was added to the coating formulation.
The Shia armed groups and the future of Iraq
Authors: Rached Kardo , Bali Ahmed
Published: July 2018

The rising and acceleration of the Shia armed group in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon require a deep understanding of the root of the multi-dimensional conflicts in the Middle East. An appropriate and sufficient approach to the research about these militias would be from a viewpoint of an internal conflict rather than an external conflict. The legitimization of the existence of the majority of these militias, if not all of them, is the fight and the struggle against an entity which is the Sunni sect, that would assimilate them rather than integrating them peacefully. In this article, we try to identify the impact of the Shia militias in Iraq on the formation of the future of this country. We maintain that these armed groups will be a destabilizing factor for Iraq and its neighbors, and they will worsen and deepen the sectarian division in the Middle East. We assess these different groups from different perspectives, for example, using the Weberian theory that the state is the only entity that has a monopoly of violence; Ariel Ahram’s model of state-sponsored and government-sponsored militias; and finally the devolution of violence to these armed groups.
Despair as Defiance: Kierkegaard’s Definitions in “The Sickness unto Death”
Authors: Hannay Alastair
Published: July 2018

How are we to read and how translate the brief formulae with which ‟The Sickness unto Death” introduces two forms of ‛authentic despair’? In response to Michael Theunissen’s claim that, to conform with the actual drift of Kierkegaard’s thought, the first of the two forms of despair should be given priority, an alternative reading that conforms with the published ordering is defended on the strength of both the text itself and the development of Kierkegaard’s thought up to the time of its writing. The further aim, shared with Theunissen, is to widen the basis for assessing the continuing relevance of Kierkegaard’s analysis of despair.
Pluralism With Syncretism: A Perspective From Latin American Religious Diversity
Authors: Spica Marciano Adilio
Published: July 2018

The aim of this paper is to defend a type of pluralistic philosophical theory that addresses the specific characteristics of Latin American religious diversity. In order to do this, I will first try to show how, from a Latin American perspective, the discussion of religious diversity necessarily imposes the concept of syncretism and how this concept can be understood within the debate about diversity. After that, I will defend an understanding of religiosity that takes syncretism as something natural, given the functioning of our systems of practices and beliefs in general. Finally I will defend the advantages of a pluralistic philosophical perspective of religion that considers the phenomenon of syncretism and how it is necessary for an understanding of Latin American religiosity.
Phenomenology and Hermeneutics in Brazilian Religious Studies
Authors: Gross Eduardo
Published: July 2018

Brazilian Religious Studies have a short history, with prevalence of descriptive and social sciences approaches. Sometimes phenomenology and hermeneutics are perspectives claimed as philosophical guides or as methods to be used, but often obscurities remain among these claims. Critiques against such perspectives have been formulated, but these are not always careful regarding fundamental issues concerning them. With better clarification of phenomenological hermeneutics’ principles, it is possible to offer useful guidance for understanding Religious Studies as an important discipline in Humanities, without unbalanced views of it that favor simply an empiricist point of view.
An overview of conventional and alternative technologies for the production of ultra-low-sulfur fuels
Authors: Sikarwar Prerana , Gosu Vijayalakshmi , Subbaramaiah Verraboina
Published: July 2018

Environmental concerns have given a great deal of attention for the production of ultra-low-sulfur fuels. The conventional hydrodesulfurization (HDS) process has high operating cost and also encounters difficulty in removing sulfur compound with steric hindrance. Consequently, various research efforts have been made to overcome the limitation of conventional HDS process and exploring the alternative technologies for deep desulfurization. The alternative processes being explored for the production of ultra-low-sulfur content fuel are adsorptive desulfurization (ADS), biodesulfurization (BDS), oxidative desulfurization (ODS), and extractive desulfurization (EDS). The present article provided the comprehensive information on the basic principle, reaction mechanism, workability, advantages, and disadvantages of conventional and alternative technologies. This review article aims to provide valuable insight into the recent advances made in conventional HDS process and alternative techniques. For deep desulfurization of liquid fuels, integration of conventional HDS with an alternative technique is also proposed.
SDG-Specific Country Groups: Subregional Analysis of the Arab Region
Authors: Kunčič Aljaž
Published: July 2018

This paper examines a classification system for grouping the Arab countries together based on characteristics most relevant to sustainable development goals (SDGs). It analyzes SDGs in Arab countries with cluster analysis, identifies the most appropriate decomposition of the region for each of the SDGs separately and describes the characteristics of the unique SDG performance groups. The results show that countries move often from a better to a worse group or vice versa, implying that different and SDG-specific subregional groups should be used for work on each individual SDG. Examining the overlap of cluster memberships by countries through a network perspective further identifies the most tightly knit country groups. The implications of findings are relevant for informative monitoring of SDGs on the subregional level, as well as policy recommendation sharing for and between similar countries, and enhancing peer learning capacity.
Chrysippus’ counterargument against the Master Argument: a reappraisal
Authors: De Vincentis Mauro Nasti
Published: July 2018

It is widely held that as a nego suppositum, Chrysippus’ response to Diodorus Cronus’ Master Argument is that the impossible “this man has died” follows from the possible “Dio has died”. A principal claim of this article is that Chrysippus was not actually committed, against Diodorus, to the tenet that there are deductions and conditionals whereby from the possible the impossible follows. I argue that this is most likely part of a Chrysippean exemplum fictum of a real dialectical discussion and it merely reflects a Chrysippean dialectical strategy, a merely instrumental agreement (συγχώρησις) with Diodorus on the admissibility of some single-premised arguments. As historical evidence for my conjecture I highlight two key passages by Sextus Empiricus which help to understand that Chrysippus’ real tenet was an ancient implicational counterpart of a deictic version of the Identity-Elimination Rule, whereas most likely, according to Diodorus the identitarian major premiss of this rule is redundant, so that it must be eliminated.
Effects of Coriandrum Sativum Extract and Simvastatin in Isopreterenol Induced Heart Failure in Rats
Authors: Siddiqi Aisha , Parveen Adila , Dhyani Neha , Hussain M. Ejaz , Fahim Mohammad
Published: July 2018

Heart failure is a syndrome, caused due to structural and functional cardiac abnormalities, characterized by changes in the hemodynamic and neurohumoral mechanisms. It is becoming a major health burden worldwide. More effective therapies are desperately needed. Coriandrum sativum (C. sativum), a traditional spice crop has been known to possess many biological and medicinal properties. The present study was designed to investigate the cardioprotective efficacy of C. sativum in rat model of isoproterenol induced heart failure. Heart failure was produced by injecting isoproterenol subcutaneously (85 mg/kg twice at an interval of 24 h). Oral efficacy of seed extract was assessed on hemodynamic profile, antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation, lipid profile, atherogenic indices, mRNA and protein expression of endothelin receptors (ETA and ETB) and histopathology. Treatment of heart failure rats with C. sativum orally (1g/kg b.wt) improved the altered hemodynamics, restored the cardiac antioxidant enzymes armory, attenuated oxidative stress, improved lipid profile, lowered atherogenic indices, decreased the levels of ETA and ETB receptor mRNA and protein, and restored the cardiac morphology. In conclusion, our results suggest C. sativum to be a cardioprotective agent in heart failure, possibly by the virtue of its ability to alleviate oxidative stress, improve lipid profile and endothelial dysfunction.
Effects of Scandium Addition on the Structural Stability and Ideal Strengths of Magnesium-Lithium Alloys
Authors: Zhang Meiguang , Yan Haiyan , Wei Qun
Published: July 2018

The effects of scandium (Sc) solute addition on the structural stability, mechanical strength, and electronic structure of magnesium-lithium (Mg-Li) ordered alloy were comprehensively studied by first-principles calculations. Two kinds of MgLi-Sc substitutional alloys (Mg-substituted Mg8−xLi8Scx and Li-substituted Mg8Li8−xScx) hold cubic lattice symmetry and become more stable with the increase in Sc content. The mechanical properties, including single crystal elastic constants, polycrystalline elastic moduli, and elastic anisotropy behaviors, have been systematically studied for two considered MgLi-Sc substitutional alloys. It was found that Mg8Li8−xScx exhibits larger elastic moduli than those of Mg8−xLi8Scx with the same Sc content; however, the derived elastic moduli of two substitutional alloys showed nonlinear variations as a function of Sc addition. Calculated stress–strain curves show an increasing of ideal tensile strengths and critical strains of the MgLi-Sc substitutional alloys along the <110> and <111> directions with Sc addition, indicating that the cubic MgLi-Sc substitutional alloy is mechanically harder and less brittle at higher Sc content. Furthermore, the developments of the electronic structures of two types of the studied alloys with increasing Sc addition were also investigated by the density of states and electronic localization function calculations.
Dealing with Meanings: a Neglected Step in the Gray’s Elegy Argument
Authors: Rosenkrantz Max
Published: July 2018

It is universally agreed that in the “Gray’s Elegy Argument” (GEA) Russell raises a difficulty for the attempt to “speak about” meanings (the phrase is Russell’s) and that the difficulty, assuming it to be genuine, shows the very notion of meaning to be unintelligible. In this paper I try to show that in the GEA Russell considers and rejects an alternative way of manifesting an understanding of meanings—namely, by “dealing with” them (also Russell’s phrase). This step in the GEA has not, so far as I am aware, been noticed before.
Effect of Varying Self-myofascial Release Duration on Subsequent Athletic Performance
Authors: Phillips Jake , Diggin David , King Deborah L. , Sforzo Gary A.
Published: July 2018

Phillips, J, Diggin, D, King, DL, and Sforzo, GA. Effect of varying self-myofascial release duration on subsequent athletic performance. J Strength Cond Res 35(3): 746–753, 2021—Self-myofascial release (SMR) treatments can enhance joint range-of-motion and restore movement function. The effects of different SMR durations on athletic performance have yet to be examined. Twenty-four volunteers had ankle and knee joint range-of-motion assessed using modified weight-bearing and kneeling lunge (KL) tests. Vertical jump and pro-agility sprint performance were also examined. All tests were conducted before and immediately after 1 (SMR_1) and 5 minutes (SMR_5) of foam rolling, and immediately after a control (CONTR) condition. Results showed KL scores increased after SMR_5 (16.4%; effect size [ES] = 0.85) when compared with SMR_1 (12.5%; ES = 0.58). Weight-bearing lunge scores showed little change after either SMR treatment. The CONTR condition exhibited little effect on joint range-of-motion. Vertical jump performance decreased after SMR_5 (5.1%; ES = 0.26) but changed little after SMR_1 (0.7%; ES = 0.03) and CONTR (1.9%; ES = 0.10) conditions. Pro-agility performance improved slightly after SMR_1 (1.1%) but deteriorated after CONTR (1.2%) and SMR_5 (0.5%). Effect size calculations for changes in pro-agility sprint times were trivial across all conditions (0.06–0.15). Data suggest that extended periods of SMR may be recommended, should improvements in joint range-of-motion be required. If power output is a critical requirement of subsequent exercise/performance tasks, prolonged SMR treatment (i.e., 5 minutes) should be avoided. Practitioners should be cautious when implementing SMR treatments within warm-ups.
Influência do revestimento de ambientes na acústica de disparos de armas de fogo
Authors: Maia Araújo Victoria Sofia , Santos Carmo Shirlene Kelly , Santos Rogério de Jesus
Published: July 2018

O crescimento no número de empreendimentos da sociedade moderna provoca um aumento no emprego da alvenaria, uma vez que a mesma é um dos principais componentes de uma edificação. A alvenaria apresenta inúmeras funções, entre as quais se destacam a de resistir a cargas, impactos, resistir à ação do fogo, e proporcionar o conforto acústico, este último considerado como aspecto fundamental em uma edificação, principalmente por garantir a qualidade de vida e bem-estar das pessoas. Para atender a tal requisito, é necessária a implantação de materiais com características isolantes na alvenaria, o que garante o isolamento acústico do ambiente. Nessa perspectiva, o presente trabalho visa averiguar a eficácia de um revestimento feito com materiais isolantes do tipo placas de isopor e caixas de ovos, no intuito de comparar o seu isolamento acústico com o dos outros materiais mais convencionais utilizados nas construções. Para tanto, foram realizados ensaios de tiro, com uma pistola semiautomática de calibre .38, com munição .380 auto etog 95gr, medidos com a ajuda de um decibelimetro, para quantificar assim a intensidade sonora transmitida pela arma em cada disparo. Os ruídos foram medidos tanto no ambiente interno da sala como no externo, com a presença e ausência de revestimento, a fim de obter a transmissão do mesmo para outros compartimentos. A partir do ensaio foi possível comparar as medições, obtendo uma redução de 17.4 dBa no ambiente interno e 20.4 dBa no ambiente externo, comprovando satisfatoriamente, a capacidade de isolamento acústico dos materiais em questão.
Introdução à Biologia Forense
Authors: Botteon Victor Wilson
Published: July 2018

O livro intitulado “Introdução à Biologia Forense” foi idealizado pelos peritos criminais Claudemir Rodrigues Dias Filho e Pablo Abdon da Costa Francez, dos Estados de SP e PA, respectivamente, contando com a colaboração de diversos autores de renome da área.
Analysis of Science Process Skills of Summative Test Items in Physics of Grade X in Surakarta
Authors: Ratnasari D. , Sukarmin S. , Suparmi S. , Harjunowibowo D.
Published: July 2018

The objective of this research is to analyze the science process skills (SPS) of the summative test items in physics in Surakarta. This research used a descriptive method with content analysis, namely: summative test items in Academic Year 2015/2016 in Surakarta. Each item was analyzed based on science process skill indicators prepared and elaborated by the researchers. The result and discussion of the research showed that the SPS found in the summative test items in Physics in Surakarta included those of formulating hypotheses (2.88%), designing experiments (2.10%), interpreting data (5.10%), applying concepts (70.20%), communicating (6.64%), and drawing conclusions (13.08%) respectively.
Effectiveness of POGIL with SSI Context on Vocational High School Students’ Chemistry Learning Motivation
Authors: Yuliastini I. B. , Rahayu S. , Fajaroh F. , Mansour N.
Published: July 2018

This study aimed to examine the difference of Vocational High School students’ learning motivation after they were taught the topic of the electrolyte solution and redox reaction using POGIL model with SSI context, POGIL, and conventional learning. The research design used was quasi-experiment with the model of pre-test and post-test control group design. The research subjects were three classes with the similar initial ability. The data were obtained using SMTSL motivation questionnaire (r = 0.824) and analyzed using ANCOVA. The research results showed a significant difference in learning motivation between students taught using POGIL with SSI context, POGIL, and conventional learning. The students who were taught using POGIL with SSI context had the highest learning motivation compared to those taught using POGIL and conventional learning.
Students’ Scientific Explanation in Blended Physics Learning with E-Scaffolding
Authors: Oktavianti E. , Handayanto S. K. , Wartono W. , Saniso E.
Published: July 2018

This purpose of this research was to analyze the influence of blended physics learning with e-scaffolding on the gas kinetic theory to the students’ scientific explanation. This research used quasi-experimentation with one group pretest-posttest design. The population of this research included the grade XI students of Natural Sciences in SMA Negeri 1 Bangkalan. The proposed hypothesis was that the blended physics learning with e-scaffolding affected the students’ scientific explanation. The research results indicated that the students’ scientific explanation ability significantly increased after they experienced blended physics learning with e-scaffolding. All aspects of scientific explanation, that was the claim, evidence, and reasoning improved significantly.
The Instructional-Based Andro-Web Comics on Work and Energy Topic for Senior High School Students
Authors: Lesmono A. D. , Bachtiar R. W. , Maryani M. , Muzdalifah A.
Published: July 2018

This study aimed to determine the validation of Andro-web comics on Work and Energy topic. To achieve the objective, this study was designed referring to ADDIE model, i.e, Analysis, Design, Development or Production, Implementation or Deliver, and Evaluations. The Andro-web comics could be accessed using a digital comic application, Webtoon. It is downloadable in Play store or App store. The Andro-web comics is compatible with all devices including mobile devices (phone, tablet, iPod, PDA, and smartphone) and PC/Mac. Based on the expert judgment, the Andro-web comics is suitable for learning. The Instructional-Based Andro-Web Comics is alternative instructional materials for teachers to attract students’ attention and help them studying easily and practically as it provides an interesting illustration with simple language. It could also be used wherever and whenever without teacher’s guidance. Both teachers and students could communicate on the comment column which is available in the application without time and place limitation.
Metacognitive Skill Profiles of Chemistry Education Students in Solving Problem at Low Ability Level
Authors: Ijirana I. , Supriadi S.
Published: July 2018

The objective of this study was to categorize and describe the behavior of chemistry education students' metacognitive skills who had a low chemical understanding (low ability) in solving problems. The findings would be the basis of data for the development of instructional design on chemistry topics by utilizing metacognitive skill aspects. The subject of this study was two first-year students of chemical education, academic year 2016/2017 that joined a basic chemistry course at the low-level ability in Universitas Tadulako. Two subjects were picked through networking using a valid test comprehension. The subjects were determined regarding the percentage of low ability which was 87% of 79 students. The profile data of metacognitive skill were obtained through an essay test, think aloud and interview. The earned data were reviewed, grouped, encoded, and examined to see its credibility employing the method and time triangulation. The research found that both students of chemistry education having a low-level of basic chemistry adopted planning skills in solving problems which were the problem identifying, goal determining, and strategy managing. However, both did not use monitoring and evaluating skills.
The Model of Educational Reconstruction: Students’ Conceptual Knowledge on Solid State Chemistry Domain
Authors: Nursa'adah E. , Liliasari L. , Mudzakir A. , Barke H. D.
Published: July 2018

Solid state chemistry (SSC) concept is abstract yet makes it difficult for students. Considering students’ and scientist conception in designing a learning sequence, it is important to make scientific knowledge to be comprehensible for students. Model of Educational Reconstruction (MER) was adopted to define learning in order to develop students’ Conceptual Knowledge (CK) of the SSC concept. A sequence of learning activities was designed based on the MER.  The purpose of this study was to examine the use of MER in developing students’ CK. One group pre- and post-test experimental design employed in this study. CK on SSC structured essay test consisting of 26 items were developed to measure students’ CK before and after their involvement in learning. Paired sample t-tests were employed and the results showed significant differences in the overall domain-knowledge (p < .001).  In detail, students’ CK categorized into complete (C), incomplete (IC), misconception (M), incorrect (I), and no answer (NA). After the intervention, the number of students that answered correctly increased (57,4% complete and 21% incomplete). This study showed that MER was an effective learning design to develop students’ conceptual knowledge of chemistry concepts.
Spatial Intelligence and Students’ Achievement to Support Creativity on Visuospatial-Based Learning
Authors: Suprapto P. K. , Bin Ahmad M. Z. , Chaidir D. M. , Ardiansyah R. , Diella D.
Published: July 2018

This research intended to know how the spatial intelligence and students' achievement support the creativity of prospective student teachers. This study was conducted on the subject of plant anatomy with visuospatial-based learning. The visuospatial-based learning model used in this study is called the wimba learning model. The method of this research was a quantitative /quasi-experiment with the pre- and post-test group design. The population was fourth-semester students in four classes of Biology Education who took Plant Anatomy course in 2017 in a university situated a small town, West Java, Indonesia. The sample of this research was two classes picked using the purposive sampling regarding their homogenous sampling of having the same relative ability. The treatments for each class was that the use of the deductive and inductive approach. The variables measured were spatial intelligence, students’ achievement and creativity of TCIA (Test of Creative Imagery Abilities). The data processing adopting multiple correlation tests with SPSS was to see the relationship between the variables. The results showed that spatial intelligence and students’ achievement could support creativity at a moderate level, indicated by the value of Rdeductive = 0,451 and Rinductive = 0,474, Rinductive > Rdeductive, which meant that the inductive approach was better to support creativity. In conclusion, spatial intelligence and students’ achievement could support creativity, especially the inductive approach. The results of this study could be useful to improve the creativity of prospective biology teachers.
Strengthening Students’ Characters and Ecopreneurship through Science, Environment, Technology, and Society Course
Authors: Martini M. , Rosdiana L. , Subekti H. , Setiawan B.
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this research was to strengthen characters and ecopreneurship of students who enrolled in science, environment, technology, and society (SETS) course. The focus of the students’ characters in this study included responsibility, discipline, creative and innovative, commitment, and cooperative. This course supports the students to develop ecopreneurship to create products from organic and inorganic waste treatments. To achieve the purpose of this research, a teaching and learning package including syllabus, lesson plan, and assessment criteria were developed using the Research and Development (R&D) method. A total of 42 science education undergraduates and two experts were involved in this research. The data were collected through validation sheets, observation sheets, and assessment of students’ecopreneurship products. The validation results showed that the developed teaching and learning package categorized as very good. In this course, six stages of learning were implemented including identifying a problem, making a plan, conducting an observation, collecting information, exhibiting a product, and writing ideas. The observation results showed that the overall developed teaching and learning package was effective to support the students’ learning in each of the six stages. Moreover, the improvement in students’ scores on the focused characters was observed. At the end of the course, the students’ ecopreneurship products were also accomplished. Nine of the products were made of organic waste, while the two of them were recycled from inorganic waste. Thus, it concluded that the course of science, environment, technology, and society could strengthen the students’ characters and ecopreneurship.
The Development of Gravity Comic Learning Media Based on Gorontalo Culture
Authors: Ntobuo N. E. , Arbie A. , Amali L. N.
Published: July 2018

The aim of the study was to develop Gravity comic learning media based on Gorontalo culture for V grade Elementary School students. The type of the research was developmental referring to the design of 4-D model according to Thiagarajan, Semmel, and Semmel (1974) which consisted of 4 stages; define, design, develop and disseminate. The results of this study indicated that the developed gravity comic are valid and could increase students’ responses to learning. This cultural-based comic introduces Gorontalo regional cultures. The percentage of the students’ active participation was 93.27% for limited trial and the average students’ active participation in field trial was 94.94%. The students’ learning result gave 86.75% of classical completeness data for the limited test class, while the field test class obtained an average percentage of 87.37%, and categorized as very good. Therefore, the developed Comic of Gravity materials was declared valid, practical and effective. In sum, it would be useful for science learning process in grade V of Elementary School.
Out-of-Home Care and Subsequent Preterm Delivery: An Intergenerational Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Can , Vinnerljung Bo , Östberg Viveca , Gauffin Karl , Juarez Sol , Cnattingius Sven , Hjern Anders
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVES:

Adverse early-life experience may affect preterm delivery later in life through priming of stress response. We aim to investigate the links between out-of-home care (OHC) experience in childhood, as a proxy of severe adversities, on subsequent risk of preterm delivery.

METHODS:

A register-based national cohort of all women born in Sweden between 1973 and 1977 (N = 175 821) was crosslinked with information on these women’s subsequent deliveries as recorded in the Swedish medical birth register. During 1986–2012, 343 828 livebirths of these women were identified. The associations between women’s OHC experience and her risk of preterm delivery were analyzed through logistic regression models, adjusting for women’s own preterm birth, intrauterine growth, and childhood socioeconomic situation.

RESULTS:

Compared with women that never entered OHC, women with OHC experience up to and after age 10 were both associated with increased risks of preterm delivery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.23 [95% confidence interval 1.08–1.40] and aOR = 1.29 [1.13–1.48], respectively). Women who experienced OHC before or at 10 years of age had increased risk of both spontaneous and medically indicated preterm delivery (aOR = 1.19 [1.03–1.38] and aOR = 1.27 [1.02–1.59], respectively). Women who experienced OHC after age 10 had a more pronounced risk of medically indicated preterm delivery (aOR = 1.76 [1.44–2.16]) than for spontaneous preterm delivery (aOR = 1.08 [0.92–1.27]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Women who were placed in OHC in childhood had increased risk of preterm delivery independent from their own perinatal history. Stress response, as 1 consequence of early life adversities, may take its toll on women’s reproductive health and their offspring, calling for integrative efforts in preventing early life adversity.