bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Missionary Project: Creating of the “True Islam” on the example of the “The Bible and the Holy Qur’an on Aram” by Professor E. A. Malov (1885)
Authors: Mardanova D. Z.
Published: June 2019

The article deals with the mechanism of “blurring” the ideological boundaries between Islam and Christianity as adapted by the Russian missionary the Professor of the Russian Orthodox Academy in Kazan turcologist E.A. Malov (1835-1918) in his book “The Bible and the Holy Qur’an on Aram” (1885). The author analyses the development of the narrative, argumentation and language used by E.A. Malov. She highlights some specific features, which make the boundaries between the Muslim and Christian discourse less visible. She also uses methodology developed by the Dutch T. A. Van Dyck. The Russian Missionary E.A. Malov, according to the author used a number of ways to prove his thesis about the Islamic teaching to be inferior to that of the Christians, showed the obvious contradictions in approaching the Biblical personality of Adam by the two religions. The narrative as adopted by E.A. Malov was introduced in the form of a dialogue between himself and the imaginative “learned mullah”. Remarkably in the course of this discussions were not touched the traditional ”vulnerable” topics, such as Jesus Christ, the Theotokos, the teaching of the Trinity, etc. Instead used a “less vulnerable” personality, which is traditionally most similarly (but not identically) being approached by the Muslims and Christians. By using Adam as a subject of his discourse E.A. Malov made distinction between the Christian and Muslim approaches to this topic less visible and used the Christian meanings on purpose.
The Islamic World and Digital Threats of the 21st Century
Authors: Valiakhmetova G. N.
Published: June 2019

The article analyzes the stages and reasons for involvement of the Islamic world in digital wars and the cyber arms race. Digital threats are carried not only by Muslim states that claim to be regional leaders in the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, but also by non-state actors – groups of highly skilled hackers, hacktivists, «lone wolves», radical extremist Islamist groups. The realities of the digital age significantly enhance the heterogeneity and inconsistency of the modern Islamic world. It puts on the international agenda the question of increasing global cooperation in the cyber arm control process as well as the settlement of the most pressing issues of Muslim countries and communities.
Extraction and quantification of phthalates in plastic coca-cola soft drinks using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
Authors: Int Chem
Published: June 2019

Benzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid esters, also known as phthalates, are commonly used in the productions of plastics such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) plastics, non-polymers and adhesives. Phthalates are ubiquitous compounds which are difficult to measure in drinks and foods containing trace level. Phthalates have been associated with developmental alteration and endocrine disruption. This study was aimed at identifying and quantifying concentrations of four different phthalates namely; Diethyl phthalate (DEP), Bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Dimethyl phthalate (DMP), Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and diphenyl phthalate (DPhP), in plastic Coca-Cola soft drink purchased from five different strata or locations of University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Liquid-liquid extraction with dichloromethane was used for the extraction of the phthalates, followed by cleaned up in a silica gel column. This was followed by high performance liquid chromatographic analysis (HPLC) for quantification. The linear range of the HPLC calibration curve was 0 mg/L to 10 mg/L with a mean correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.998 and the percentage recovery was between 56 and 106%. This result indicated that DEHP had the highest concentration of 11.52±3.31 μg/mL. Heat and longer storage of plastic soft drinks increased the content of leached phthalates in the drinks; therefore consumers of plastic packaged drinks should desist from frequent intake to avoid chronic toxicity of phthalate esters.
Humor in University Teaching: Role of Teachers’ Achievement Goals and Self-efficacy for their use of Content-related Humor
Authors: Daumiller Martin , Bieg Sonja , Dickhäuser Oliver , Dresel Markus
Published: June 2019

Teachers’ content-related humor matters for the quality of higher education, however, little is known about the circumstances under which teachers use it. From a socio-cognitive perspective, teachers’ achievement goals and self-efficacy appear to be relevant personal precursors. We investigated their effects on content-related humor in two studies. In Study 1, 229 teachers (79 female; 159 PhDs; 33 full professors) participated with 387 courses while 10,296 students assessed the humor in these courses. Study 2 used a similar design for 45 teachers (20 female; 27 PhDs, 9 full professors), 116 course sessions, and 2,333 student assessments. Three-level-analyses pointed to substantial variance in students’ assessments of content-related humor which could be attributed to differences between courses/sessions within teachers (ICC=.12–.13) and between teachers themselves (ICC=.21). In both studies, performance (appearance component) avoidance goals emerged as negative predictors, and relational goals and self-efficacy as positive predictors of content-related humor, highlighting the relevance of instructors’ motivations for the use of instructional humor.
Microsaccade rate as a measure of drug response
Authors: Hampsey Elliot , Overton Paul , Stafford Tom
Published: June 2019

In 22 human subjects we measured microsaccade count across 60 brief fixation trials both pre- and post- administration of 300mg of caffeine. There was a statistically significant reduction in average microsaccade count post-caffeine administration, with a moderate effect size (Cohen’s d of 0.42). Microsaccade count was stable within individuals across time points (Pearson’s r of 0.89). Sensitivity analysis suggests that the pre/post caffeine effect size is robust to choice of parameters used to identify microsaccades. Bootstrap resampling suggests that both the pre/post-caffeine difference and the across-time stability within individuals could be reliably assessed with far fewer trials. The results support the use of microsaccade count as both a trait measure of individual differences and a state measure of caffeine response. We discuss the results in the context of the theory that the superior colliculus is central to the generation of microsaccades and hence that microsaccade rate may be a useful assay for at least some drug-induced changes at the level of the colliculus: a potentially useful tool in the development of therapies for disorders that may involve collicular dysfunction such as ADHD.
Maternal Morbidity in Repeat Cesarean Sections
Authors: Singh Amit , Jha N , Shrestha K B , Singh S
Published: June 2019

Available with full text.
Rural Health, Medical camps and Karnali academy of Health Sciences
Authors: Aryal Binod
Published: June 2019

Available with full text.
Tuberculous Pericarditis: a case Report
Authors: Paudel S , Pal A , Neupane M
Published: June 2019

Not available.
A rare case of ruptured bicornuate uterus at Karnali Academy of Health Sciences
Authors: Shah R , Samal A M
Published: June 2019

Not available.
A rare case of neglected paediatric elbow dislocation treated with open reduction in tertiary care rural hospital of Nepal
Authors: Rawal M , Rokaya P K , Giri P K , Bhattarai R
Published: June 2019

Not available.
Report of KAHS Visit
Authors: Paudel Bishnu Hari
Published: June 2019

Not Available.
Structure and properties of multilayer plasma Ti-Cu coatings
Authors: Guchenko S.A. , Koval N.N. , Yurov V.M. , Krysina O.V. , Laurinas V.Ch. , Zavatskaya O.N.
Published: June 2019

In the article we used the cathodes Ti and Cu. The coatings were deposited on the steel samples by the ionplasma method on the HNB-6.6I1 vacuum unit while simultaneously spraying the above cathodes. Multilayer coatings were created as follows: Ti was applied within 2 minutes, then Ti + Cu were applied within 2minutes. Totally, 100 layers were applied in an atmosphere of argon and nitrogen. The Ti-Cu-N coatings synthesized by us possessed hardness with an average value of up to 32 GPa, an elastic modulus of 400– 550 GPa, a degree of elastic recovery of 0.69, and a plasticity index of about 0.15, which in terms of parameters is one of the best examples among the well-known hardening coatings. The results of the tribological studies showed that the Ti-Cu-N coating deposited on the optimum mode of vacuum-arc evaporation of a composite Ti-Cu cathode with plasma assisting on a solid substrate has a low friction coefficient, the averagevalue of which is μ = 0.31. The results of X-ray fluorescence analysis confirm the presence of copper in the test coating. Therefore, it can be assumed that copper, without forming its own crystalline phase and not being in the crystal lattice of other phases, is located on the crystallite boundaries in the amorphous state. Thetime it takes for the copper atoms to form a closed shell around the growing TiN crystallite determines the growth time of the crystallite and, accordingly, its size. The results of studies of structural-phase, tribological and physicomechanical characteristics at high temperatures confirmed that multi-layer Ti-Cu-N nitride coatings can be used as wear-resistant to protect products made of hard metal in the temperature range of 25–700 °С. At temperatures above 700 °С, the structure and properties of the protective layer undergo changes, the coating degrades and does not perform protective functions.
Gender aspects of the pain syndrome
Authors: Ostrovska K O
Published: June 2019

In recent years, the subject of sex differences in the pain experience attracts a growing interest. The epidemiological and clinical data indicate that women have increased risk of chronic pain, and according to some sources, even experience more intense pain. The hypothetical biological mechanisms underlying sex differences in pain perception consist in the modulating effects produced by sex hormones in relation to the neural substrate. This is confirmed by data on the distribution of gonadal hormones and their receptors in the areas of the peripheral and central nervous system that provide nociceptive transmission. The complexity of the estradiol and progesterone effects on pain sensitivity lies in the fact that, according to various data, both have pre-nociceptive and antinociceptive effects, and testosterone appears to be more characterized by antinociceptive properties. The lion’s share of researches demonstrates the effect of a clinical pain exacerbation during the menstrual cycle. There is irrefutable information about gender differences in responses to drug and non-drug pain treatment, although the results vary depending on a specific therapy and may depend on pain characteristics. Since the recommended dosage of a medication is often based on an “average” male weigh 70 kg, female patients may be facing the risk of increased therapeutic or adverse effects of a drug. The cause is in a higher average percentage of body fat, a lower mean body weight, which contributes to higher median drug concentrations compared with male patients. At present, the available evidence does not allow adapting the methods of pain syndrome treatment to a gender. However, such innovations are quite possible and desirable in the foreseeable future. Additional studies will be required to clarify the mechanisms that determine sex differences in pain responses in order to provide adequate pain relief, according to the patient’s needs.
Singular limits of the equations of compressible ideal magneto-hydrodynamics in a domain with boundaries
Authors: Ju Qiangchang , Schochet Steve , Xu Xin
Published: June 2019

Singular limits of the equations of compressible ideal magneto-hydrodynamics with physical boundary conditions are considered. The uniform existence of classical solutions with respect to the Mach number and Alfvén number is established by energy methods. Under appropriate conditions on the initial data, convergence of the solutions of the original system is proved as the two small parameters tend to zero with the limiting solutions satisfying the two-dimensional incompressible flow.
Dynamics and stability of the 3D Brinkman–Forchheimer equation with variable delay (I)
Authors: Li Lu , Yang Xin-Guang , Li Xuezhi , Yan Xingjie , Lu Yongjin
Published: June 2019

The tempered pullback dynamics of the 3D Brinkman–Forchheimer equation with variable delay has been studied in this paper. With the different universes which has some topology property, the existence of minimal and unique family of pullback attractors were obtained. Moreover, the convergence of pullback attractors for the 3D Brinkman–Forchheimer equation as delay term vanishes is also been proved, i.e., the upper semi-continuity of attractors.
Innovative research on the construction of China’s youth physical health promotion service system based on sensor technology1
Authors: Xia Chenhong
Published: June 2019

There is a certain correlation between human health and actual exercise. This has always been one of the focuses of many scholars. When analyzing the movement of human body, a lot of modern technology and equipment need to be used. In order to better realize the physical health of young people in our country, the health service system based on sensor technology has been put forward. By introducing accelerometer technology, real-time data capture and analysis of human motion posture and movement trajectory were carried out. At the same time, the reliability of the algorithm was improved. In order to verify the feasibility of the method, a practical case was verified. Experimental results showed that the method was more scientific and reasonable in motion capture analysis.
Improvement of motor performance in children with cerebral palsy treated with exoskeleton robotic training: A retrospective explorative analysis
Authors: Digiacomo Fabio , Tamburin Stefano , Tebaldi Stefano , Pezzani Marco , Tagliafierro Mario , Casale Roberto , Bartolo Michelangelo
Published: June 2019

Background:

Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) is widely used in children with cerebral palsy (CP), but information about optimal intervention frequency and duration is still lacking and the current evidence about effect of RAGT on motor endurance and fitness is very preliminary.

Objective:

To investigate the effect of RAGT on motor performance and endurance in children affected by CP.

Methods:

Data from 14 consecutive children (6 females, age range: 4.6–15.8 years) affected by CP, who underwent a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program during a 18–24 month period, were retrospectively collected. Rehabilitation program included conventional physical therapy and RAGT (60/60 minutes, 20 daily sessions, 5 days/week). CP severity was stratified according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System. Clinical evaluation was performed by means of the six-minute walking test, the modified Ashworth scale, and RAGT measures (total distance, mean distance for session and speed).

Results:

Clinical outcomes and speed did not improve after treatment, while total distance ( p = 0.006) and mean distance for session ( p = 0.007) significantly improved.

Conclusions:

Our preliminary study suggests that RAGT combined with conventional treatment may improve motor performance and endurance in children with CP. Future randomized controlled trials comparing RAGT to conventional treatment are needed.
Migranti, religione ed economie locali: un'introduzione
Authors: Greco Donatella
Published: June 2019

L'autrice intende analizzare le implicazioni teoriche che intercorrono tra il fenomeno migratorio (con particolare riferimento alla presenza dei migranti nei territori "fragili"), il ruolo della religione nei processi d'insediamento e lo sviluppo di reti e pratiche economiche nell'accezione d'interesse del paradigma dei nested market. Come si relazionano questi tre elementi? Quali similitudini comuni linee interpretative legano gli apparati teorici di questi tre aspetti? Quali possono essere le occasioni di studio e approfondimento che possono nascere dall'analisi congiunta di questi tre concetti? Attraverso una breve analisi della letteratura di riferimento l'autrice intende evidenziare punti di contatto tra questi tre macro-temi, concentrandosi sull'impatto che queste convergenze possono avere sia nello sviluppo territoriale delle aree fragili sia nella più generale analisi dei processi e dei meccanismi d'integrazione dei migranti sul territorio nazionale e locale.
Invecchiamento e pensioni delle lavoratrici domestiche migranti. Uno studio comparativo tra il caso delle ucraine in Italia e il caso delle peruviane in Spagna
Authors: Vianello Francesca Alice , Escrivá Angeles
Published: June 2019

L'articolo indaga il fenomeno dell'invecchiamento delle lavoratrici migranti impiegate nel settore dei servizi domestici e di cura, offrendo una particolare angolatura a partire dalla comparazione di due flussi migratori che interessano donne di mezz'età: le peruviane in Spagna e le ucraine in Italia. L'analisi approfondisce il rapporto tra l'invecchiamento e i processi migratori. Il saggio, da un lato, illustra come gli inadeguati schemi pensionistici dei paesi di origine sono alla base delle scelte migratorie delle donne intervistate e, dall'altro lato, mette in luce quali sono le prospettive di pensionamento delle lavoratrici ucraine e peruviane, evidenziando il rischio che corrono di diventare pensionate povere. L'analisi si basa su dati raccolti nell'arco di un lungo periodo di tempo attraverso metodologie qualitative, quali interviste semi-strutturate, conversazioni aperte, osservazioni partecipanti ed etnografie multi-situate.
Abordagens dos usuários da informação por profissionais da informação e da informática
Authors: Rocha Eliane Cristina de Freitas
Published: June 2019

Este artigo apresenta reflexões originadas e ampliadas de trabalho de tese realizado sobre as abordagens dos usuários da informação por profissionais da informação e da informática, sob orientação da professora Adriana Bogliolo Sirihal Duarte. Apresenta discussão sobre o conceito de usuário da informação, de sistemas de informação e de produtos interativos como categorias distintas. No que diz respeito ao trabalho dos profissionais da informação e da informática, há o predomínio da abordagem tradicional dos estudos de usuários na prática de ambos os perfis profissionais, marcada pelo empirismo e tecnicismo.
Por uma pedagogia criadora e imaginativa: retratos de uma prática docente transformadora
Authors: Araujo Eliane Pawlowski Oliveira , Paula Claudio Paixão Anastácio de
Published: June 2019

A Ciência da Informação, pela inserção de pesquisadores de várias áreas interessados no estudo da informação enquanto objeto científico, acaba tornando-se, à parte qualquer polêmica a respeito, um campo interdisciplinar. Sua práxis pode se fortalecer enormemente se as investigações realizadas na área repercutirem no ensino numa perspectiva afinada com a noção segundo a qual o professor deve, obrigatoriamente, ser um pesquisador. Essa ideia, esboçada por Paulo Freire, parte do pressuposto de não ser possível o real ensino sem pesquisa, e vice-versa. O presente artigo procura destacar essa indissociação por meio da análise dos relatos de experiências vivenciados por vários alunos e colegas que cruzaram a trajetória da pesquisadora Adriana Bogliolo Sirihal Duarte, docente da Escola de Ciência da Informação da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Mais ainda, pretende apontar o percurso dessa professora, formada inicialmente em Ciência da Computação, que foi entremeado não só de relevante contribuição para a área, mas de uma prática educativa exercida com afetividade, alegria, capacidade científica e domínio técnico a serviço da mudança, características que Freire atribui ao professor ideal.
Expediente
Authors: Farias Maria Giovanna Guedes
Published: June 2019

Número especial dedicado ao grupo EPIC e em homenagem à Professora Adriana Bogliolo Sirihal Duarte.
Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction: The Case of Star Cruise Libra, Penang.
Authors: Ahmad Albattat , Mohammad Al-Laymoun , Khaled Alsardia , Ab Yajid Mohd Shukri , Ali Khatibi Abdol
Published: June 2019

Quality of service is a major competitive advantage within the tourism industry and cruise liners are no exception. In recent years, the Asian-Pacific company Star Cruises has striven to strengthen and retain the loyalty of its customer base in an increasingly challenging market. This study aims to look at the interface between Star Cruises’ service quality dimensions and customer satisfaction level by analyzing data on one of its ships, the Super Star Libra, with its homeport in Penang, Malaysia. An adapted version of the SERVQUAL model was used by the researchers to evaluate the quality of service and customer satisfaction aboard the Libra, as was a questionnaire, whose instruments were developed from past studies. 102 questionnaires were given out to and collected from passengers who had ridden aboard the Super Star Libra. Results indicated that service quality dimensions such as tangibility, responsiveness, reliability, assurance, and empathy had a significant bearing on customer satisfaction. The latter also helped determine which cruise customers would prefer to spend their vacations on in the future. The outcome of this research provides useful guidelines for cruises that intend to capitalize on the quality of their service to both maintain the satisfaction of their existing customers and attract more potential customers going forward.
Problems of adaptation of a
man to the conditions of information society
Authors: Gennadievich Danilyan Oleg , Petrovich Dzeban Alexander , Yurievich Kalinovsky Yury , Borisovna Zhdanenko Svetlana , Anatolievich Kalnytskyi Eduard
Published: June 2019

The authors ascertain the main features of adaptation of a man to the conditions of the information society. There was applied the whole complex of philosophical, general scientific and specific methods inherent in philosophical research in their interconnection and complementarity. The methodology of the research is based on the principles of systemic and structural-functional analysis. As a result of the study, it was ascertained that a man as the highest social value accumulates and fixes in the main forms of his life the interconnection of material and spiritual, which reflects in an integral form life as the objective reality, where his interconnected interests, moral values, ideals, his culture, religious preference and subjective understanding of the meaning of life are revealed. The spreading of information technology is accompanied by the virtualization of all spheres of human life. The main social problems of adaptation of a person to the changing conditions of the information society that are proposed to consider are as follows: the problem of linguistic communication, which forms the core of informatization, and the problem of information security of an individual. It is substantiated that new paradigms form new perceptions by a person of his/her place in relation to the information environment and, accordingly, a new awareness of oneself and his/her own rights and freedoms. Specificity of the modern information environment leads to the correction of existing natural and social mechanisms of a person’s adaptation and the development of new ones. Information technologies, having become the core of the modern civilization, change not only the quality and content of the life of a modern human, they threaten to transform the very way of his/her existence in the world. The transition to the information society can have unpredictable consequences. Therefore, the problems of formation of
information society, the development of adequate to the objective reality methods and means of its life are the collective concern of all mankind.
Poimanje slobode kao prirodnog prava
Authors: Šorđan Zdravko
Published: June 2019

Pojava pokreta je obično reakcija na postojeće stanje i javljaju se kao duhovno nezadovoljstvo i negodovanje na devijantne pojave, želja za formiranjem novog identiteta, unutarnji nemir, duhovno gibanje; pokušaj da se dosegnu viši ciljevi; napor da se teorija prevede u praksu. Ako su
ispravno motivirani javljaju se kao sveti zanos, a bez tog zanosa nema i
ne može biti duhovne obnove. ‘’Svatko tko odbacuje utopiju ostavlja čovječanstvo na milost i nemilost istrumentalnoj racionalnosti’’, prepušta ga ‘’želji za moć’’ manipuliranju i diktaturi’'. (A.Heller) Oni
se, dakle, javljaju kao posljedica nezadovoljenih potreba, kao reakcija
na duhovnu anemičnost i inertnost, pa stoga streme ka većim duhovnim promjenama. Svaki novostvoreni život ima svoj ritam koji ne priznaje okoštale forme, i stremi harmoničnom zajedništvu.
Sistem Informasi Geografis Pemetaan Daerah Penyakit Rabies di Kabupaten Lima Puluh Kota
Authors: Defiariany Defiariany , Putra Ilham Eka , Putra Dion Pratama
Published: June 2019

Rabies is a disease caused by a virus and can be transmitted from animal to the human through a bite. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health of West Sumatra finds it is difficult to know the location of the area of rabies in 13 districts and 76 Village contained in Kabupaten Lima Puluh Kota because only in the form of data without knowing how many points the location of the area of rabies if mapped. This system will only process the information on the location of objects or locations where rabies in Kabupaten Lima Puluh Kota. By using the Hypertext Preprocessor Perl (PHP) programming language, Javascript, Google Maps API and imple-mented using a MySQL database. The benefits of this system is to help the farms and the Animal Health Department of West Sumatra. System is designed to determine the location of the area of rabies, showing a list/detailed information about which areas are infected with rabies disease that damages the human nervous system, displays a route and directions to the area, and calculate the distance from one location to another as well as the number of infected victims.
CFD Simulations – Efficient Tool for Designers of Industrial HVAC Applications
Authors: Straková Zuzana , Vojtaššák Jozef , Beňovský Peter , Koudelková Daniela
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study is to design industrial ventilation in the production hall. With respect to the many parameters which influence the appropriate proposal of industrial ventilation that need to be considered, there is a good chance for miscalculations when design the industrial ventilation. Especially when the heat loads from technology threaten the stability of construction of the building. There are two different ways of solution of aeration in the aluminium plant. There is only a natural ventilation using outside air in case of melting of aluminium and an adiabatic cooling for air inlet combined with natural ventilation. The results and practice has shown, that to use only an outside air is not sufficient and the temperature in the hall is really very high. Adiabatic cooling decreases the air inlet temperature in the production hall and improves the working conditions. A thermovision mapping of the technology was used prior to start the CFD modelling. The simulation emphasize the important effect of design and location of different elements on the functionality of ventilation proposal.
Coping with their Children’s Illnesses by Mothers Belonging to Double Income
Nuclear Families and their Use of Pediatric Emergency Services
Authors: Edagawa Chizuko , Sobue Ikuko
Published: June 2019

Objective: Among children using emergency medical services, those belonging to nuclear or double-income families account for the majority. This study examined double-income nuclear families’ coping with their children’s sickness and pediatric emergency service use by them, aiming to reduce such service use in non-emergency cases.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 mothers, who belonged to double-income nuclear families living in a prefecture, to examine the mother’s age, sick child’s age, number of children, coping with the child’s sickness, and pediatric emergency service use.

Results: Working full-time, most of the mothers belonging to double-income families tended to notice their children’s sickness after work. They examined the child’s pathological condition based on their parenting experience, and decided whether to use emergency medical services or wait and see. Anxiety in those lacking parenting experience was intensified by the necessity of using nocturnal or holiday medical services and the child’s young age, and alleviated by emergency medical service use. Sources of support for the mothers included: the husband, web searches, and a pediatric emergency telephone consultation service; such a service enhanced their sense of security, and provided them with guidance for appropriate medical service use. While feeling secure with their family doctors, the mothers were dissatisfied with nocturnal clinic services, systems and public information regarding doctors on duty on holidays, and long waiting times in hospitals/clinics due to crowdedness.

Conclusion: The results suggest the usefulness of pediatric emergency telephone consultation services for mothers belonging to double-income nuclear families and lacking parenting experience to reduce pediatric emergency service use by them in non-emergency cases.
Environmental Chemistry Lectures Based on System Thinking for University Students
Authors: Mizuno Kenta , Akitsu Takashiro
Published: June 2019

This article introduces practical examples of undergraduate-level chemistry-based environmental science lectures and seminars by Prof. Akitsu. Sustainable and ecological issues are closely related to chemical problems, but there are also features that make each item complicated. We will take a structure that links problems and solutions such as the current status of environmental pollution, changes in fossil fuels, merits and demerits of power generation methods, conversion to renewable energy, new fire safety problems, and examples of further environmental pollution. Furthermore, blind solutions cannot address the "trade-off" relationship with a wide field of view, e.g., social scientific issues (cost, safety, and convenience, etc.). In this report, we describe an example where "system thinking" is desired for environmental problems that cannot be solved in a straight line.
CO2 Emission of Electric and Gasoline Vehicles under Various Road Conditions for China, Japan, Europe and World Average—Prediction through Year 2040
Authors: Dong Xue , Wang Bin , Yip Ho Lung , Chan Qing Nian
Published: June 2019

Many countries are making strategic plans to replace conventional vehicles (CVs) with electric vehicles (EVs), with the motivation to curb the growth of atmospheric CO2 concentration. While previous publications have mainly employed social-economic based models to predict CO2 emission trends from vehicles over the years, they do not account for the dynamics of engine and motor efficiency under different driving conditions. Therefore, this study utilized an experimentally validated vehicle dynamic model to simulate the consumption of gasoline and electricity for CVs and EVs, respectively, under eight driving cycles for different countries/regions. The CO2 emissions of CVs and EVs through 2040 were then calculated, based on the assumptions of the improvement of engine efficiency and composition of power supply chain over the years. Results reveal that, assuming that the current projections and assumptions remain valid, China would have the highest CO2 emission for EVs, followed by Japan, world average and the EU, mainly determined by the share of fossil fuels in the power grid. As for the influence of road conditions, the CO2 emission of CVs was found to be always higher than that of EVs for all countries/regions over the years. The difference is around 10–20% under highway conditions, and as high as 50–60% in crowded urban driving conditions.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles; Current Status and Future Prospect
Authors: Manoharan Yogesh , Hosseini Seyed Ehsan , Butler Brayden , Alzhahrani Hisham , Senior Bhi Thi Fou , Ashuri Turaj , Krohn John
Published: June 2019

The hazardous effects of pollutants from conventional fuel vehicles have caused the scientific world to move towards environmentally friendly energy sources. Though we have various renewable energy sources, the perfect one to use as an energy source for vehicles is hydrogen. Like electricity, hydrogen is an energy carrier that has the ability to deliver incredible amounts of energy. Onboard hydrogen storage in vehicles is an important factor that should be considered when designing fuel cell vehicles. In this study, a recent development in hydrogen fuel cell engines is reviewed to scrutinize the feasibility of using hydrogen as a major fuel in transportation systems. A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that can produce electricity by allowing chemical gases and oxidants as reactants. With anodes and electrolytes, the fuel cell splits the cation and the anion in the reactant to produce electricity. Fuel cells use reactants, which are not harmful to the environment and produce water as a product of the chemical reaction. As hydrogen is one of the most efficient energy carriers, the fuel cell can produce direct current (DC) power to run the electric car. By integrating a hydrogen fuel cell with batteries and the control system with strategies, one can produce a sustainable hybrid car.
In Vivo Biosensing Using Resonance Energy Transfer
Authors: Bhuckory Shashi , Kays Joshua C. , Dennis Allison M.
Published: June 2019

Solution-phase and intracellular biosensing has substantially enhanced our understanding of molecular processes foundational to biology and pathology. Optical methods are favored because of the low cost of probes and instrumentation. While chromatographic methods are helpful, fluorescent biosensing further increases sensitivity and can be more effective in complex media. Resonance energy transfer (RET)-based sensors have been developed to use fluorescence, bioluminescence, or chemiluminescence (FRET, BRET, or CRET, respectively) as an energy donor, yielding changes in emission spectra, lifetime, or intensity in response to a molecular or environmental change. These methods hold great promise for expanding our understanding of molecular processes not just in solution and in vitro studies, but also in vivo, generating information about complex activities in a natural, organismal setting. In this review, we focus on dyes, fluorescent proteins, and nanoparticles used as energy transfer-based optical transducers in vivo in mice; there are examples of optical sensing using FRET, BRET, and in this mammalian model system. After a description of the energy transfer mechanisms and their contribution to in vivo imaging, we give a short perspective of RET-based in vivo sensors and the importance of imaging in the infrared for reduced tissue autofluorescence and improved sensitivity.
The Pleiotropic Effects of Glutamine Metabolism in Cancer
Authors: Bott Alex , Maimouni Sara , Zong Wei-Xing
Published: June 2019

Metabolic programs are known to be altered in cancers arising from various tissues. Malignant transformation can alter signaling pathways related to metabolism and increase the demand for both energy and biomass for the proliferating cancerous cells. This scenario is further complexed by the crosstalk between transformed cells and the microenvironment. One of the most common metabolic alterations, which occurs in many tissues and in the context of multiple oncogenic drivers, is the increased demand for the amino acid glutamine. Many studies have attributed this increased demand for glutamine to the carbon backbone and its role in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle anaplerosis. However, an increasing number of studies are now emphasizing the importance of glutamine functioning as a proteogenic building block, a nitrogen donor and carrier, an exchanger for import of other amino acids, and a signaling molecule. Herein, we highlight the recent literature on glutamine’s versatile role in cancer, with a focus on nitrogen metabolism, and therapeutic implications of glutamine metabolism in cancer.
Modelling of Indicator Escherichia coli Contamination in Sentinel Oysters and Estuarine Water
Authors: Jeamsripong Saharuetai , Atwill Edward R.
Published: June 2019

This study was performed to improve the ability to predict the concentrations of Escherichia coli in oyster meat and estuarine waters by using environmental parameters, and microbiological and heavy metal contamination from shellfish growing area in southern Thailand. Oyster meat (n = 144) and estuarine waters (n = 96) were tested for microbiological and heavy metal contamination from March 2016 to February 2017. Prevalence and mean concentrations of E. coli were 93.1% and 4.6 × 103 most probable number (MPN)/g in oyster meat, and 78.1% and 2.2 × 102 MPN/100 mL in estuarine water. Average 7-day precipitation, ambient air temperature, and the presence of Salmonella were associated with the concentrations of E. coli in oyster meat (p < 0.05). Raw data (MPN/g of oyster meat and MPN/100 mL of estuarine water) and log-transformed data (logMPN/g of oyster meat and logMPN/100 mL of estuarine water) of E. coli concentrations were examined within two contrasting regression models. However, the more valid predictions were conducted using non-log transformed values. These findings indicate that non-log transformed data can be used for building more accurate statistical models in microbiological food safety, and that significant environmental parameters can be used as a part of a rapid warning system to predict levels of E. coli before harvesting oysters.
Critical Success Factors of a Drug Traceability System for Creating Value in a Pharmaceutical Supply Chain (PSC)
Authors: Silva Ronaldo Brito da , Mattos Claudia Aparecida de
Published: June 2019

The general objective of this study was to identify and prioritize the critical success factors required for the adoption of a system to create value for pharmaceutical supply chain stakeholders, and the pharmaceutical supply network as a whole, by using a multi-perspective framework that combines elements of the technology–organization–environment (TOE) contexts for enterprises. The methodology is based on a literature review and expert interviews following the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). This paper identifies and prioritizes 18 critical success factors from three categories: technological, organizational, and environmental. From a practical point of view, this research contributes to the literature by providing expert insight on the topic of drug traceability, especially in terms of how possible values can be captured by companies.
Adsorption Performance of Activated-Carbon-Loaded Nonwoven Filters Used in Filtering Facepiece Respirators
Authors: Okrasa Małgorzata , Hitz Jörn , Nowak Aleksandra , Brochocka Agnieszka , Thelen Christoph , Walczak Zbigniew
Published: June 2019

Filtering nonwovens loaded with activated carbon are among the most popular materials used in the construction of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) with anti-odour properties that can be used for respiratory protection at workplaces where the occupational exposure limits of harmful substances are not exceeded. Such FFRs, in addition to a polymer filter material of varying effectiveness, also contain a layer of activated-carbon-loaded nonwoven filter, which limits the quantity of chemical compounds entering the breathing zone. The aim of this work was to analyse the influence of challenge concentration (20–120 ppm), relative humidity (2–70%), flow rate (20–55 L/min), and flow pattern (steady-state and pulsating) on the breakthrough of polymer/carbon nonwovens. A commercial activated-carbon-loaded nonwoven filter was used in this study. Its morphology and textural parameters were determined using optical microscopy, image processing, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurements at 77 K. Breakthrough experiments were carried out using cyclohexane vapours to assess adsorption characteristics of polymer/carbon media. The results showed that the breakthrough times decreased with increasing challenge concentration (up to 30%), relative humidity (up to 73%), and flow rate (up to 72%). The pulsating flow pattern was found to be more favourable in terms of odour reduction efficiency (up to 30%). The results indicate that all of these factors should be considered during selection and performance assessment of respirators used for odour relief.
XRD-Thermal Combined Analyses: An Approach to Evaluate the Potential of Phytoremediation, Phytomining, and Biochar Production
Authors: Fancello Dario , Scalco Jessica , Medas Daniela , Rodeghero Elisa , Martucci Annalisa , Meneghini Carlo , De Giudici Giovanni
Published: June 2019

A method for evaluating the potential of reuse of biomasses for economic purposes is here presented starting from a case study. Juncus acutus plants and rhizospheres were harvested from abandoned Zn–Pb mine areas of southwest Sardinia (Italy). Thermogravimetry and Differential Thermal analyses were performed to evaluate the temperatures at which significant reactions occur. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis was carried out on raw samples and on samples heated ex-situ (by a conventional diffractometer) or in-situ (by synchrotron-based diffraction). Raw samples mainly consist of quartz, phyllosilicates, and feldspars with minor amounts of sulfides, sulfates, and Fe, Pb, and Zn carbonates, concentrated in the rhizosphere. After heating, Zn and Fe oxides and willemite are observed in internal roots and stems, revealing the presence of these metals in the plant tissues. In-situ heating was less effective than ex-situ in revealing minor phases in organic samples, probably because the scarcity of oxygen within the sample holder did not allow the degradation of organic compounds and the oxidation of sulfides, resulting in a low quality XRD signal even if obtained with the high resolution ensured by a synchrotron light source. This method can be applied to plants from polluted sites for metal exploitation, and/or to biomasses from unpolluted sites for biochar production, since both applications take advantage of the knowledge of the minerals formed after heating.
Smad4 Feedback Enhances BMPR1B Transcription in Ovine Granulosa Cells
Authors: Abdurahman Anwar , Du Xing , Yao Yilong , Sulaiman Yiming , Aniwashi Jueken , Li Qifa
Published: June 2019

BMPR1B is a type 1B receptor of the canonical bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/Sma- and mad-related protein (Smad) signaling pathway and is well known as the first major gene associated with sheep prolificacy. However, little is known about the transcriptional regulation of the ovine BMPR1B gene. In this study, we identified the ovine BMPR1B gene promoter and demonstrated that its transcription was regulated by Smad4. In sheep ovarian follicles, three transcriptional variants of BMPR1B gene with distinct transcription start sites were identified using 5′ RACE assay while variants II and III were more strongly expressed. Luciferase assay showed that the region −405 to −200 nt is the PII promoter region of variant II. Interestingly, two putative Smad4-binding elements (SBEs) were detected in this region. Luciferase and ChIP assay revealed that Smad4 enhances PII promoter activity of the ovine BMPR1B gene by directly interacting with SBE1 motif. Furthermore, in the ovine granulosa cells, Smad4 regulated BMPRIB expression, and BMPRIB-mediated granulosa cells apoptosis. Overall, our findings not only characterized the 5’ regulatory region of the ovine BMPR1B gene, but also uncovered a feedback regulatory mechanism of the canonical BMP/Smad signaling pathway and provided an insight into the transcriptional regulation of BMPR1B gene and sheep prolificacy.
Skullcapflavone II Inhibits Degradation of Type I Collagen by Suppressing MMP-1 Transcription in Human Skin Fibroblasts
Authors: Lee Young Hun , Seo Eun Kyoung , Lee Seung-Taek
Published: June 2019

Skullcapflavone II is a flavonoid derived from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis, a herbal medicine used for anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer therapies. We analyzed the effect of skullcapflavone II on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and integrity of type I collagen in foreskin fibroblasts. Skullcapflavone II did not affect the secretion of type I collagen but reduced the secretion of MMP-1 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Real-time reverse transcription-PCR and reporter gene assays showed that skullcapflavone II reduced MMP-1 expression at the transcriptional level. Skullcapflavone II inhibited the serum-induced activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways required for MMP-1 transactivation. Skullcapflavone II also reduced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activation and subsequent MMP-1 expression. In three-dimensional culture of fibroblasts, skullcapflavone II down-regulated TNF-α-induced MMP-1 secretion and reduced breakdown of type I collagen. These results indicate that skullcapflavone II is a novel biomolecule that down-regulates MMP-1 expression in foreskin fibroblasts and therefore could be useful in therapies for maintaining the integrity of extracellular matrix.
Multi-Sensor Activity Monitoring: Combination of Models with Class-Specific Voting
Authors: Mo Lingfei , Zeng Lujie , Liu Shaopeng , Gao Robert X.
Published: June 2019

This paper presents a multi-sensor model combination system with class-specific voting for physical activity monitoring, which combines multiple classifiers obtained by splicing sensor data from different nodes into new data frames to improve the diversity of model inputs. Data obtained from a wearable multi-sensor wireless integrated measurement system (WIMS) consisting of two accelerometers and one ventilation sensor have been analysed to identify 10 different activity types of varying intensities performed by 110 voluntary participants. It is noted that each classifier shows better performance on some specific activity classes. Through class-specific weighted majority voting, the recognition accuracy of 10 PA types has been improved from 86% to 92% compared with the non-combination approach. Furthermore, the combination method has shown to be effective in reducing the subject-to-subject variability (standard deviation of recognition accuracies across subjects) in activity recognition and has better performance in monitoring physical activities of varying intensities than traditional homogeneous classifiers.
Prebiotic Soup Components Trapped in Montmorillonite Nanoclay Form New Molecules: Car-Parrinello Ab Initio Simulations
Authors: Carrascoza Mayén Juan Francisco , Rydzewski Jakub , Szostak Natalia , Blazewicz Jacek , Nowak Wieslaw
Published: June 2019

The catalytic effects of complex minerals or meteorites are often mentioned as important factors for the origins of life. To assess the possible role of nanoconfinement within a catalyst consisting of montmorillonite (MMT) and the impact of local electric field on the formation efficiency of the simple hypothetical precursors of nucleic acid bases or amino acids, we performed ab initio Car–Parrinello molecular dynamics simulations. We prepared four condensed-phase systems corresponding to previously suggested prototypes of a primordial soup. We monitored possible chemical reactions occurring within gas-like bulk and MMT-confined four simulation boxes on a 20-ps time scale at 1 atm and 300 K, 400 K, and 600 K. Elevated temperatures did not affect the reactivity of the elementary components of the gas-like boxes considerably; however, the presence of the MMT nanoclay substantially increased the formation probability of new molecules. Approximately 20 different new compounds were found in boxes containing carbon monoxide or formaldehyde molecules. This observation and an analysis of the atom–atom radial distribution functions indicated that the presence of Ca2+ ions at the surface of the internal MMT cavities may be an important factor in the initial steps of the formation of complex molecules at the early stages of the Earth’s history.