bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near -infrared transillumination imaging of veins using low -cost camera and scattering suppression - validation of practicality of developed system
Authors: Tran Nghia Trung , Phan Ni Van To , Tran Tu Anh , Yamamoto Kohei , Namita Takeshi , Shimizu Koichi
Published: November 2018

Near-infrared (NIR) transillumination imaging is useful in many biomedical applications such as human biometrics and animal experiments. However, the image quality is generally poor due to the strong scattering in the body tissue. The authentication using the transillumination image of the palm vein and the finger vein is common these days, but there are some problems left such as misidentification and unidentifiability. To solve these problems with a simpler system than common ones, we have attempted to develop a biometric identification technique using the NIR transillumination and scattering suppression techniques. An array of LED's was placed at one side of the palm and a transillumination image was obtained with a low-cost CCD camera at another side of the palm. The image was processed by the deconvolution with the appropriate point spread function (PSF). The PSF was originally derived from the diffusion approximation of transport equation for the light source in turbid medium. We found that it can be applied for the scattering suppression in transillumination imaging of absorbing structure inside turbid medium. Even with the simple system, a clear vein image which was sufficient for authentication was obtained successfully.
Augmented Reality (AR) Sarana Promosi Obyek Pariwisata Jam Gadang Bukittinggi dan Pantai Wisata Carocok Pesisir Selatan
Authors: Permana Randy , Andrianof Harkamysah , Afira Riandana
Published: November 2018

This research is the development of one technology called Augmented Reality. Augmented Reality works by combining the real world with the virtual world to produce information to users. The tourism object of West Sumatra has quite promising potential, but the potential is still covered by weak management and promotion that are still not sufficient. This study seeks to create an Android-based Augmented Reality application to introduce tourism objects in West Sumatra with a focus on early development on tourism objects in the Clock Tower in Bukittinggi and Carocok Beach in the south coast. The results of this study make Augmented Reality technology a more innovative and attractive promotional media so that it can increase tourist interest to visit the tourism object.
UPAYA PEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT MELALUI DETEKSI DINI DAN PENGENDALIAN PENYAKIT DEGENERATIF PADA LANSIA DI DSN.KARANG PUCANG, DS.NGANCAR, KEC.PITU WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS PITU KABUPATEN NGAWI
Authors: Nisak Raudhotun , Maimunah Siti , Admadi Tri
Published: November 2018

Penyakit degeneratif merupakan penyakit kronik menahun yang banyak mempengaruhi kualitas hidup serta produktivitas seseorang. Peningkatan beberapa kejadian penyakit ini cenderung meningkat seiring bertambahnya usia sehingga lebih banyak dialami oleh lansia. Upaya pencegahan dan penanganan kejadian tersebut dapat dilakukan dengan tindakan deteksi dini dan sebagai dasar dalam pengendalian kejadian penyakit ini.

Pengabdian masyarakat ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui persentase kejadian hipertensi, gula darah, asam urat dan kolesterol pada lansia. Pengabdian ini dilakukan untuk meningkatkan kesadaran lansia untuk melakukan pemeriksaan secara dini dan berkala, khususnya melalui posyandu lansia.

Pengabdian masyarakat ini terdiri dari 3 kegiatan utama, yaitu jalan sehat,  pemeriksaan gula darah, asam urat, dan kolesterol dan pendidikan kesehatan bagi lansia tentang penyakit degeneratif. Hasil: Mayoritas lansia yang terlibat dalam pengabdian masyarakat ini adalah perempuan (72%). Rerata usia lansia middle age (59,74 ± 6,5),  lansia dengan normotensi sebanyak  57,4%, lansia dengan kadar glukosa normal sebanyak 96,3%, Kadar asam urat di atas normal sebanyak 90,7%, dan kadar kolesterol diatas normal sebanyak 61,1%.

Deteksi dini merupakan upaya dasar yang penting dilakukan dalam rangka pengendalian penyakit degeneratif pada lansia. Upaya pengendalian ini dapat dimulai dengan pendidikan kesehatan untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan lansia tentang kejadian penyakit degeneratif.

Kata Kunci: lansia, penyakit degeneratif
Pengaruh Brand Image (Citra Merek) terhadap Loyalitas Konsumen Produk Oli Pelumas Evalube di Kota Langsa
Authors: Yunaida Erni
Published: November 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh brand image (Citra Merek) terhadap loyalitas konsumen produk oli pelumas evalube di kota Langsa. Adapun sampel yang digunakan berjumlah 96 orang. Metode analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis regresi linier sederhana. Uji hipotesis yang dilakukan melalui uji parsial (uji t), dan uji koefisien determinasi (R2).Hasil uji t, brand image (citra merek) berpengaruh signifikan terhadap loyalitas konsumen produk oli pelumas evalube di kota Langsa Nilai koefisien determinasi (R2) diperoleh sebesar 0,375 atau 37,5% yang artinya variabel brand image (citra merek) memberikan pengaruh terhadap loyalitas konsumen sebesar 37,5% dan sisanya 62,5% dipengaruhi oleh variabel lain yang tidak diteliti dalam penelitian ini.
THE EFFECT OF TAX MORALITY, TAX CULTURE, AND GOOD GOVERNANCE TO TAXPAYERS COMPLIANCE
Authors: Khaerunnisa Indar , Wiratno Adi , Luthan Elvira
Published: November 2018

This study aims to determine how the effect of the tax morality of the level of participation of citizens, the confidence level, the level of local autonomy, national pride, demographic factors, economic conditions, deterrence factors, and the tax system to tax compliance. how cultural influences taxes consist of the respondents to react to the tax culture is a relationship between the tax authorities and the taxpayer, tax regulations and the national culture of tax compliance. how the influence of good governance such as human resources, information technology, organizational structure, processes and procedures as well as financial resources and incentives for tax compliance of corporate entities registered in the National Construction Contractors Association of Indonesia. Data obtained by sending a questionnaire to the members of the Bogor City GAPENSI 80 respondents with data analysis using Partial Least Square (PLS). Hypothesis testing results show that the path coefficient relationship between tax morality of compliance of tax of 0.3655 and the value of t-statistic of 3.0149 (> 1.96), testing hypotheses for testing the path coefficient relationship between culture variable tax on tax compliance at 0.2352 and the value of t-statistic of 2.1832 (>1.96), and the third hypothesis testing path coefficient value of the relationship between good governance on tax compliance by 0.2983 with a t-statistic values of 2.5984 (>1.96).
THE IMPACT OF THE UNPAYABLE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE ON THE LIQUIDITY LEVEL AT PT ABC
Authors: Prasetya Syarief Gerald
Published: November 2018

The capability of a company to settle down its short-term liabilities hasbeen one factor to determine whether the financial of a company is good or not. Thiskind of capability is the liquidity level. One factor that has determined the company’sliquidity level whether it is huge or small one is depending on the total of the accountsreceivable owned by the company. The method of this research has applied theassociative descriptive method describing the connection of two or more variables.To identify the liquidity level of the company, it has been applying a proxy analysis ofliquidity ratio. Identifying the impact of the unpayable accounts receivable on theliquidity level has been applying a simple regression equation. The test result usingt-test has indicated a significant effect. Moreover, it has been noticed that the amountof unpayable account receivables has been determining the liquidity level of thecompany. The suggestion to increase the liquidity level is by reducing the totalamount of current liabilities.
THE INFLUENCE OF PERSONAL SOCIAL CULTURAL AND PSYCHOLOGY TOWARD PURCHASING DECISION SAMSUNG CELLPHONE
Authors: Hadi Wartoyo , Farida Golda
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate: the influence of social, cultural, psychological variables toward purchasing decision Samsung Cellphone on Oke Shop Bogor partially and simultaneously. The method used in this study was multiple regression. The result of this study was: partially, there are positive influence between social, cultural, personal, and psychological variables toward purchasing decision Samsung Cellphone on Oke Shop Bogor. The independent variable that influenced the most toward purchasing decision Samsung Cellphone is cultural variable. In the other hand, simultaneously using correlation product moment technique can be concluded that there is a positive strong and significant correlation.
Una traducción castellana inédita del siglo XVI de la Utopia de Tomás Moro: estudio del manuscrito II/1087 de la Real Biblioteca de Palacio
Authors: Castañ Víctor Lillo
Published: November 2018

The aim of this paper is to study an early Spanish translation of Utopia that has not received much scholarly attention. We are referring to the manuscript II/1087 of the Real Biblioteca de Palacio, an anonymous text without explicit date that is still unpublished although it is most probably the first complete rendering into a vernacular language of Thomas More's work. We cast light on the date of composition of the manuscript as well as the Latin text used by the anonymous translator. We also analyse the circumstances involved in the making of the text and we ponder the fidelity of the translation and the quality of the Spanish version by comparing it with the Latin text of Utopia. Finally, we draw some conclusions about the anonymous translator.
Yrkesfaglæreres profesjonelle kompetanse: En kvalitativ undersøkelse med Norge og Japan som kontekster
Authors: Aakre Bjørn Magne
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this article is to explore the characteristics of vocational teachers’ professional competences. Norway and Japan were chosen as contexts in the hope of finding possible contrasts and new perspectives. Grounded theory (GT) was used to generate concepts and theory from data collected through observations, interviews, and written sources. The results were summarized in two main categories: professional development and professional competences. The survey concludes that professional competences of vocational teachers are shaped by national culture, content of education, professional career and globalization. Furthermore, it was found that vocational teachers in Norway and Japan have different educational and vocational backgrounds, and their professional practices differ in autonomy and career development. Significant difference on vocational students’ completion rate in Norway and Japan was found. However, it is difficult to say how these differences are related to the competences of teachers. Professional ethics became a particularly interesting field to study, but also difficult considering the cultural differences. It is recommended to do further studies on this theme.
Special Issue on Reconfiguration Problems
Authors: Abu-Khzam Faisal , Fernau Henning , Uehara Ryuhei
Published: November 2018

The study of reconfiguration problems has grown into a field of its own. The basic idea is to consider the scenario of moving from one given (feasible) solution to another, maintaining feasibility for all intermediate solutions. The solution space is often represented by a “reconfiguration graph”, where vertices represent solutions to the problem in hand and an edge between two vertices means that one can be obtained from the other in one step. A typical application background would be for a reorganization or repair work that has to be done without interruption to the service that is provided.
Differential-Evolution-Based Coevolution Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm for Bayesian Network Structure Learning
Authors: Zhang Xiangyin , Xue Yuying , Lu Xingyang , Jia Songmin
Published: November 2018

Learning the Bayesian networks (BNs) structure from data has received increasing attention. Many heuristic algorithms have been introduced to search for the optimal network that best matches the given training data set. To further improve the performance of ant colony optimization (ACO) in learning the BNs structure, this paper proposes a new improved coevolution ACO (coACO) algorithm, which uses the pheromone information as the cooperative factor and the differential evolution (DE) as the cooperative strategy. Different from the basic ACO, the coACO divides the entire ant colony into various sub-colonies (groups), among which DE operators are adopted to implement the cooperative evolutionary process. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed coACO outperforms the basic ACO in learning the BN structure in terms of convergence and accuracy.
An Exploratory Study of Consumer Attitudes toward Green Cosmetics in the UK Market
Authors: Lin Yifeng , Yang Shaohua , Hanifah Haniruzila , Iqbal Qaisar
Published: November 2018

People’s health awareness has extended from the food industry to the personal beauty industry. Consumers have increased their interest in natural ingredients, sustainable packaging, and other green elements of cosmetics. This research explores consumer attitudes toward green cosmetics. Data were collected through qualitative research instruments (focus groups) since the research aimed to discover in-depth consumer attitudes and feelings. There were 30 British females who agreed to be respondents in five focus groups. They were divided into five focus groups. The key findings of this research were the prevailing neutral attitudes toward green cosmetics due to the lack of knowledge and confusing market standards. The majority of respondents viewed price and performance as the most important factors when choosing cosmetics instead of green elements. However, given the growing awareness of natural and organic ingredients and green production, most respondents admitted the potential change of present neutral attitudes to be more supportive in the future. Green cosmetics is a new trend in the personal beauty industry. This study ascertains the consumer attitudes toward green cosmetics and calls for clearer green standards and regulations in the industry as well as advanced biotechnology to extract natural ingredients.
Monensin Alters the Functional and Metabolomic Profile of Rumen Microbiota in Beef Cattle
Authors: Ogunade Ibukun , Schweickart Hank , Andries Kenneth , Lay Jerusha , Adeyemi James
Published: November 2018

To identify differences in rumen function as a result of feeding monensin to beef cattle, rumen fluid metagenomics and metabolomics analyses were used to evaluate the functional attributes and metabolites of rumen microbiota in beef steers fed no or 200 mg/d of monensin. Eight rumen-fistulated steers were used in the study for a period of 53 days. Rumen fluid samples were collected on the last day of the experiment. Monensin increased the relative abundance of Selenomonas sp. ND2010, Prevotella dentalis, Hallella seregens, Parabacteroides distasonis, Propionispira raffinosivorans, and Prevotella brevis, but reduced the relative abundance of Robinsoniella sp. KNHs210, Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus, Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium symbiosum, Burkholderia sp. LMG29324, and Clostridium butyricum. Monensin increased the relative abundance of functional genes involved in amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism. A total of 245 metabolites were identified. Thirty-one metabolites were found to be differentially expressed. Pathway analysis of the differentially expressed metabolites revealed upregulated metabolic pathways associated with metabolism of linoleic acid and some amino acids. These findings confirm that monensin affects rumen fermentation of forage-fed beef cattle by modulating the rumen microbiome, and by reducing amino acid degradation and biohydrogenation of linoleic acid in the rumen.
Tail Tip Lesions in Mink (Neovison vison): Effects of an Additional Hammock in Multilevel Cages
Authors: Heimberg Celine , Jespersen Anna , Moe Randi
Published: November 2018

The occurrence of wounds in different anatomical regions, such as tail tip lesions, is an important welfare concern in farmed mink. This study investigated whether mechanical factors attributed to cage design in multilevel cages may be involved in the etiology of tail tip lesions. Specifically, effects of an additional hammock intended to reduce speed during transitions between cage levels and thereby assumed to lower the incidence and severity of tails hitting the wire mesh were investigated. Three mink farms and a total of 600 mink participated in the study. On each farm, brown female mink (n = 100) were either housed in multilevel cages equipped with plastic hammocks (placed either perpendicular or parallel to the sidewalls) or in standard multilevel cages without hammocks (n = 100). The study was conducted from December to March using singly housed females. Significant differences in the number of tail tip wounds were found between groups with a hammock installed in the cage vs. control groups in two of the farms (p = 0.029 and p = 0.031), with more wounds developing in cages without a hammock. Furthermore, there was a trend towards difference in the number of tail tip wounds in groups with hammocks installed perpendicular vs. groups with hammocks installed parallel to the cage sidewalls, but a potential farm effect cannot be ruled out. This study is the first to suggest that mechanical factors associated with cage design may play a role in the etiology of tail tip lesions in farmed mink. Further studies are needed to understand the causal relationship between cage design and tail tip lesions in mink.
Measurement of Unit Weight of Dry Sand Using Piezoelectric Sensor
Authors: Park Sung-Sik , Lee Jung-Shin , Lee Dong-Eun , Lee Jun-Cheol
Published: November 2018

Recently, an electro-mechanical impedance (EMI) technique has found wide application in the monitoring of concrete structures. This EMI technique was employed for measuring the unit weights of various grain sizes of sand and the relevant process is reported herein. A piezoelectric sensor (PZT, i.e., lead zirconate titanate sensor) was imbedded into small, medium, and large-sized grains of the Nakdong river sand and a surcharge was applied. The effect of an increase in unit weight owing to the surcharge was investigated in terms of the resonant frequency (peak frequency) and corresponding conductance at resonant frequency (peak conductance). A ceramic-coated PZT sensor was used to prevent the occurrence of a short circuit. The measured peak frequency and conductance from the PZT sensor were correlated with the unit weight of sand. With an increase in the unit weight of sand, the peak PZT frequency was found to have increased, however, the peak conductance was seen to have decreased. The peak PZT frequency and conductance were seen to be strongly correlated with the unit weight of Nakdong river sand except for the peak conductance of large grain sized sand.
Markov Chain Investigation of Discretization Schemes and Computational Cost Reduction in Modeling Photon Multiple Scattering
Authors: Yang Shangze , Xiao Di , Li Xuesong , Ma Zhen
Published: November 2018

Establishing fast and reversible photon multiple scattering algorithms remains a modeling challenge for optical diagnostics and noise reduction purposes, especially when the scattering happens within the intermediate scattering regime. Previous work has proposed and verified a Markov chain approach for modeling photon multiple scattering phenomena through turbid slabs. The fidelity of the Markov chain method has been verified through detailed comparison with Monte Carlo models. However, further improvement to the Markov chain method is still required to improve its performance in studying multiple scattering. The present research discussed the efficacy of non-uniform discretization schemes and analyzed errors induced by different schemes. The current work also proposed an iterative approach as an alternative to directly carrying out matrix inversion manipulations, which would significantly reduce the computational costs. The benefits of utilizing non-uniform discretization schemes and the iterative approach were confirmed and verified by comparing the results to a Monte Carlo simulation.
Peridynamic Analysis of Rail Squats
Authors: Freimanis Andris , Kaewunruen Sakdirat
Published: November 2018

Rail surface defects are a serious concern for railway infrastructure managers all around the world. They lead to poor ride quality due to excess vibration and noise; in rare cases, they can result in a broken rail and a train derailment. Defects are typically classified as ‘rail studs’ when they initiate from the white etching layer, and ‘rail squats’ when they initiate from rolling contact fatigue. This paper presents a novel investigation into rail squat initiation and growth simulations using peridynamic theory. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no other comprehensive study of rail squats has been carried out using this approach. Peridynamics are well-suited for fracture problems, because, contrary to continuum mechanics, they do not use partial-differential equations. Instead, peridynamics use integral equations that are defined even when discontinuities (cracks, etc.) are present in the displacement field. In this study, a novel application of peridynamics to rail squats is verified against a finite element solution, and the obtained simulation results are compared with in situ rail squat measurements. Some new insights can be drawn from the results. The outcome exhibits that the simulated cracks initiate and grow unsymmetrically, as expected and reported in the field. Based on this new insight, it is apparent that peridynamic modelling is well-applicable to fatigue crack modeling in rails. Surprisingly, limitations to the peridynamic analysis code have also been discovered. Future work requires finding an adequate solution to the matter-interpenetration problem.
Effect of Structure and Chemical Activation on the Adsorption Properties of Green Clay Minerals for the Removal of Cationic Dye
Authors: Amari Abdelfattah , Gannouni Hatem , Khan Mohammad I. , Almesfer Mohammed K. , Elkhaleefa Abubakr M. , Gannouni Abdelaziz
Published: November 2018

In this study, natural clay minerals with green appearance were treated with sulfuric acid. Mass percentage of acid (wt%), temperature (T), contact time (t) and liquid-to-solid mass ratio (R) are used as the prevailing factors that determine the extent of acid-activation. The values of these factors range from 15–50%, 60–90 °C, 1.5–6 h and 4–7, respectively. The study has focused on the structural changes as well as textural characteristics of the clay. Three activated clay samples were prepared under different treatment conditions. The samples were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), chemical analysis and N2 adsorption techniques. Characterization of the treated clay minerals exhibited significant structural changes to a greater extent of acid-activation, from being partially crystalline to being amorphous silica. The surface area and total pore volume of clay increased proportionally with the level of acid treatment. The average pore diameter behaved differently. During the strong acid treatment, a large increase in pore volume and the enlargement of the pore size distribution were observed. This suggests that considerable structural changes and partial destruction may have occurred in this condition. The removal of methylene blue, used as cationic dye, from aqueous solution by the batch adsorption technique on three prepared acid-activated clay samples was studied. The Langmuir model was found to agree well with the experimental data.
One-Pot Synthesis of Multi-Branch Gold Nanoparticles and Investigation of Their SERS Performance
Authors: Lv Weifeng , Gu Chenjie , Zeng Shuwen , Han Jiaguang , Jiang Tao , Zhou Jun
Published: November 2018

Gold nanoparticles with multiple branches have attracted intensive studies for their application in sensing of low trace molecules. A large number of the merits found on the gold nanoparticles for the above applications are attributed to the strong localized surface plasmon resonance excited by the incident radiation. However, a facile and flexible way of synthesizing the multi-branch gold nanoparticles with tunable localized surface plasmon resonance frequency is still a challenge for the plasmonic research field. Herein, we report an efficient one-pot synthesis of multi-branch gold nanoparticles method that resembles a seed-medicated approach while using no further chemicals except chloroauric acid, ascorbic acid and 4-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazinyl]-ethanesulfonic acid. By controlling the amounts of ascorbic acid volumes in the reaction mixture, the morphology and the localized surface plasmon resonance frequency of the synthesized multi-branch gold nanoparticles can be manipulated conveniently. Moreover, using the 4-Mercaptobenzoic acid as the Raman reporter, the multi-branch gold nanoparticles show superior surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy characteristics that can be potentially used in chemical and biological sensing.
Title IX Mandated Reporting: The Views of University Employees and Students
Authors: Newins Amie , Bernstein Emily , Peterson Roselyn , Waldron Jonathan , White Susan
Published: November 2018

Per Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972, many university employees are mandated reporters of sexual assault. University employees (N = 174) and students (N = 783) completed an online survey assessing knowledge and opinions of this reporting requirement. University employees and students generally reported being quite knowledgeable of reporting requirements. Most university employees indicated they would report an incident disclosed by a student, but students were fairly ambivalent about whether they would disclose to faculty members. Nearly one in five students (17.2%) indicated that Title IX reporting requirements decreased their disclosure likelihood. These findings suggest that mandated reporting policies, as well as how they are presented to students and faculty, should be examined in order to increase compliance and facilitate disclosure.
Effect of Shear Walls on the Active Vibration Control of Buildings
Authors: El Ouni Mohamed Hechmi , Laissy Mohamed Y. , Ismaeil Mohammed , Ben Kahla Nabil
Published: November 2018

The study aims to assess the impact of shear walls on active vibration control of the buildings. It has evaluated the design of a smart 20-story building equipped with an Active Mass Damper to mitigate earthquakes. The design has combined shear walls with an Active Mass Damper (AMD) added on the top floor. The control configuration used a force actuator combined with a displacement sensor and was examined with Direct Velocity Feedback. The effect of the presence of wall braces in the design of tall buildings on the performances as well as the control effort has been studied. The results have stated that the shear walls designed for mitigating earthquake loads are capable of reducing the displacement of the tall building somewhat but failed to reduce the acceleration of the top floor. The combination between shear walls and AMD has incredible damping capability on the displacement and acceleration of the building. However, the shear walls tend to increase the control cost since they require more control energy.
Catalyst-Doped Anodic TiO2 Nanotubes: Binder-Free Electrodes for (Photo)Electrochemical Reactions
Authors: Yoo Hyeonseok , Kim Moonsu , Kim Yong-Tae , Lee Kiyoung , Choi Jinsub
Published: November 2018

Nanotubes of the transition metal oxide, TiO2, prepared by electrochemical anodization have been investigated and utilized in many fields because of their specific physical and chemical properties. However, the usage of bare anodic TiO2 nanotubes in (photo)electrochemical reactions is limited by their higher charge transfer resistance and higher bandgaps than those of semiconductor or metal catalysts. In this review, we describe several techniques for doping TiO2 nanotubes with suitable catalysts or active materials to overcome the insulating properties of TiO2 and enhance its charge transfer reaction, and we suggest anodization parameters for the formation of TiO2 nanotubes. We then focus on the (photo)electrochemistry and photocatalysis-related applications of catalyst-doped anodic TiO2 nanotubes grown on Ti foil, including water electrolysis, photocatalysis, and solar cells. We also discuss key examples of the effects of doping and the resulting improvements in the efficiency of doped TiO2 electrodes for the desired (photo)electrochemical reactions.
Full-Spectrum Photocatalytic Activity of ZnO/CuO/ZnFe2O4 Nanocomposite as a PhotoFenton-Like Catalyst
Authors: Li Zhenzhen , Chen Huabin , Liu Wenxia
Published: November 2018

Deriving photocatalysts by the calcination of hydrotalcite-like compounds has attracted growing interest for extending their photocatalytic activity to the visible and even near-infrared (NIR) light regions. Herein, we describe the acquisition of a ZnO/CuO/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite with good photoFenton-like catalytic activity under UV, visible and near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation by optimizing the calcination temperature of the coprecipitation product of Zn2+, Cu2+ and Fe3+. The ZnO/CuO/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite is composed of symbiotic crystals of ZnO, CuO and ZnFe2O4, which enable the nanocomposite to show absorption in the UV, visible and NIR light regions and to produce a transient photocurrent in the presence of H2O2 under NIR irradiation. The full-spectrum photoFenton-like catalyst shows improved performance for the degradation of methyl orange with an increasing amount of H2O2 and is very stable in the recycling process. We believe that the ZnO/CuO/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite is a promising full-spectrum photoFenton-like catalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants.
Three Component Controls in Pillared Metal-Organic Frameworks for Catalytic Carbon Dioxide Fixation
Authors: Noh Jinmi , Kim Dasom , Lee Jihyun , Yoon Minyoung , Park Myung Hwan , Lee Kang Mun , Kim Youngjo , Kim Min
Published: November 2018

Three components of pillared metal-organic frameworks (MOFs, three components = metal ion, carboxylic acid ligand, and N-chelating ligand) were controlled for CO2 cycloaddition catalysts to synthesize organic cyclic carbonates. Among the divalent metals, Zn2+ showed the best catalytic activity, and in DABCO (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane)-based MOFs, hydroxy-functionalized DMOF-OH was the most efficient MOF for CO2 cycloaddition. For the BPY (4,4’-bipyridyl)-type MOFs, all five prepared BMOFs (BPY MOFs) showed similar and good conversions for CO2 cycloaddition. Finally, this pillared MOF could be recycled up to three times without activity and crystallinity loss.
Emerging Roles of Diacylglycerol-Sensitive TRPC4/5 Channels
Authors: Mederos y Schnitzler Michael , Gudermann Thomas , Storch Ursula
Published: November 2018

Transient receptor potential classical or canonical 4 (TRPC4) and TRPC5 channels are members of the classical or canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channel family of non-selective cation channels. TRPC4 and TRPC5 channels are widely accepted as receptor-operated cation channels that are activated in a phospholipase C-dependent manner, following the Gq/11 protein-coupled receptor activation. However, their precise activation mechanism has remained largely elusive for a long time, as the TRPC4 and TRPC5 channels were considered as being insensitive to the second messenger diacylglycerol (DAG) in contrast to the other TRPC channels. Recent findings indicate that the C-terminal interactions with the scaffolding proteins Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1 and 2 (NHERF1 and NHERF2) dynamically regulate the DAG sensitivity of the TRPC4 and TRPC5 channels. Interestingly, the C-terminal NHERF binding suppresses, while the dissociation of NHERF enables, the DAG sensitivity of the TRPC4 and TRPC5 channels. This leads to the assumption that all of the TRPC channels are DAG sensitive. The identification of the regulatory function of the NHERF proteins in the TRPC4/5-NHERF protein complex offers a new starting point to get deeper insights into the molecular basis of TRPC channel activation. Future studies will have to unravel the physiological and pathophysiological functions of this multi-protein channel complex.
Chemical Sensing Applications of Carbon Nanotube-Deposited Optical Fibre Sensors
Authors: Tan Yung Chuen
Published: November 2018

Carbon nanotubes are unique one-dimensional materials which can experience a modification in their optical properties as the chemical composition of their ambient environment varies. One of the ways to interrogate these variations in optical properties is through the use of optical fibres. As such, their integration with optical fibre technology would potentially allow for the development of devices for various chemical sensing applications.
Tuning Nucleation Sites to Enable Monolayer Perovskite Films for Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Yan , Li Xiaolei , Chu Qianqian , Dong Hui , Yao Jiantao , Zhou Yong , Yang Guanjun
Published: November 2018

The nucleation site plays a critical role in achieving the full coverage of perovskite film at both the macroscopic and microscopic scales, and it is systematically investigated for the first time in this study. The results show that under natural conditions, the incomplete coverage of perovskite film is due to both heterogeneous nucleation and homogeneous nucleation. The established concentration field and temperature field in the precursor solution show that there are two preferential nucleation sites, i.e., the upper surface of the precursor solution (homogeneous nucleation) and the surface of the substrate (heterogeneous nucleation). The nucleation sites are tuned by decreasing the drying pressure from the atmosphere to 3000 Pa, and then to 100 Pa, and then the microstructures of the perovskite films change from an incomplete coverage state to a monolayer full coverage state, and then to a bilayer full coverage state. At last, when the full coverage perovskite films are assembled into perovskite solar cells, the photovoltaic performance of the monolayer perovskite solar cells is slightly greater than that of the bilayer perovskite solar cells. The electrochemical characterization shows that there is more restrained internal recombination of the monolayer perovskite solar cells compared with bilayer perovskite solar cells.
Growth of Atomic Layer Deposited Ruthenium and Its Optical Properties at Short Wavelengths Using Ru(EtCp)2 and Oxygen
Authors: Müller Robert , Ghazaryan Lilit , Schenk Paul , Wolleb Sabrina , Beladiya Vivek , Otto Felix , Kaiser Norbert , Tünnermann Andreas , Fritz Torsten , Szeghalmi Adriana
Published: November 2018

High-density ruthenium (Ru) thin films were deposited using Ru(EtCp)2 (bis(ethylcyclopentadienyl)ruthenium) and oxygen by thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD) and compared to magnetron sputtered (MS) Ru coatings. The ALD Ru film growth and surface roughness show a significant temperature dependence. At temperatures below 200 °C, no deposition was observed on silicon and fused silica substrates. With increasing deposition temperature, the nucleation of Ru starts and leads eventually to fully closed, polycrystalline coatings. The formation of blisters starts at temperatures above 275 °C because of poor adhesion properties, which results in a high surface roughness. The optimum deposition temperature is 250 °C in our tool and leads to rather smooth film surfaces, with roughness values of approximately 3 nm. The ALD Ru thin films have similar morphology compared with MS coatings, e.g., hexagonal polycrystalline structure and high density. Discrepancies of the optical properties can be explained by the higher roughness of ALD films compared to MS coatings. To use ALD Ru for optical applications at short wavelengths (λ = 2–50 nm), further improvement of their film quality is required.
Education for the Sustainable Global Citizen: What Can We Learn from Stoic Philosophy and Freirean Environmental Pedagogies?
Authors: Whiting Kai , Konstantakos Leonidas , Misiaszek Greg , Simpson Edward , Carmona Luis Gabriel
Published: November 2018

In support of sustainable development, the United Nations (UN) launched its Global Education First Initiative (GEFI) with the aims of accelerating progress towards universal access to education, good quality learning and the fostering of global citizenship. This paper explores how and to what extent Stoic virtue ethics and critical Freirean ecopedagogies can advance the UN’s vision for progressive educational systems with transformative societal effects. We propose an integrated solution that provides ecopedagogical concepts a more robust philosophical foundation whilst also offering Stoicism additional tools to tackle 21st-century problems, such as climate change and environmental degradation. The result of the paper is the preliminary theoretical underpinnings of an educational framework that encompasses planetary-level concerns and offers a fuller expression of the terms “sustainable development” and “global citizen”.
HLS Based Approach to Develop an Implementable HDR Algorithm
Authors: Saha Rappy , Banik Partha Pratim , Kim Ki-Doo
Published: November 2018

Hardware suitability of an algorithm can only be verified when the algorithm is actually implemented in the hardware. By hardware, we indicate system on chip (SoC) where both processor and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) are available. Our goal is to develop a simple algorithm that can be implemented on hardware where high-level synthesis (HLS) will reduce the tiresome work of manual hardware description language (HDL) optimization. We propose an algorithm to achieve high dynamic range (HDR) image from a single low dynamic range (LDR) image. We use highlight removal technique for this purpose. Our target is to develop parameter free simple algorithm that can be easily implemented on hardware. For this purpose, we use statistical information of the image. While software development is verified with state of the art, the HLS approach confirms that the proposed algorithm is implementable to hardware. The performance of the algorithm is measured using four no-reference metrics. According to the measurement of the structural similarity (SSIM) index metric and peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), hardware simulated output is at least 98.87 percent and 39.90 dB similar to the software simulated output. Our approach is novel and effective in the development of hardware implementable HDR algorithm from a single LDR image using the HLS tool.
Piecemeal Integration: Explaining and Understanding 60 Years of European Union Forest Policy-Making
Authors: Pülzl Helga , Wydra Doris , Hogl Karl
Published: November 2018

This article looks at forest policy as empirical case study of European integration. By applying different theoretical lenses of European integration approaches (neo-functionalism, liberal intergovernmentalism, three institutionalist approaches and constructivism), it seeks to explain and understand the integration of forest policy in the European Union during the policy’s emergence (1958 to 1960s), expansion (1970 to late 1990s) and stabilization period (late 1990s to now). The findings clearly show that, to a certain extent, all European integration theories have their merits for the analysis. However, none of the employed integration theories alone can explain all the relevant aspects of the broader developments in EU forest policy. No individual theory can help explain why forest policy developed only incrementally and why it has been weakly institutionalized. This article, therefore, argues to combine them so as to establish a clearer picture of the driving factors and constraints. As each of the grand theories has its weak spots, it is further argued that scholars of European studies should work across a broader theoretical spectrum as only this would allow light to be shed on blind spots in empirical investigation over longer time periods.
Approximate Controllability of Semilinear Stochastic Integrodifferential System with Nonlocal Conditions
Authors: Anguraj Annamalai , Ramkumar K.
Published: November 2018

The objective of this paper is to analyze the approximate controllability of a semilinear stochastic integrodifferential system with nonlocal conditions in Hilbert spaces. The nonlocal initial condition is a generalization of the classical initial condition and is motivated by physical phenomena. The results are obtained by using Sadovskii’s fixed point theorem. At the end, an example is given to show the effectiveness of the result.
Charity Begins at Home: A Lab-in-the-Field Experiment on Charitable Giving
Authors: Eckel Catherine C. , Priday Benjamin A. , Wilson Rick K.
Published: November 2018

Charities operate at different levels: national, state, or local. We test the effect of the level of the organization on charitable giving in a sample of adults in two Texas communities. Subjects make four charitable giving “dictator game” decisions from a fixed amount of money provided by the experimenter. Three decisions target different charitable organizations, all of which have a disaster-relief mission, but differ in the level of operation. The fourth targets an individual recipient, identified by the local fire department as a victim of a fire. One of the four is selected randomly for payment. Giving is significantly higher to national and local organizations compared to state. We find a higher propensity to donate and larger amount donated to the individual relative to all organizations. Subsequent analysis compares a number of demographic and attitudinal covariates with donations to specific charities. In a second decision, subjects instead indicate which of their four prior decisions they would most prefer to implement. Here we see that a majority of subjects prefer the gift to the individual.
Fanconi Anaemia-Like Mph1 Helicase Backs up Rad54 and Rad5 to Circumvent Replication Stress-Driven Chromosome Bridges
Authors: García-Luis Jonay , Machín Félix
Published: November 2018

Homologous recombination (HR) is a preferred mechanism to deal with DNA replication impairments. However, HR synapsis gives rise to joint molecules (JMs) between the nascent sister chromatids, challenging chromosome segregation in anaphase. Joint molecules are resolved by the actions of several structure-selective endonucleases (SSEs), helicases and topoisomerases. Previously, we showed that yeast double mutants for the Mus81-Mms4 and Yen1 SSEs lead to anaphase bridges (ABs) after replication stress. Here, we have studied the role of the Mph1 helicase in preventing these anaphase aberrations. Mph1, the yeast ortholog of Fanconi anaemia protein M (FANCM), is involved in the removal of the D-loop, the first JM to arise in canonical HR. Surprisingly, the absence of Mph1 alone did not increase ABs; rather, it blocked cells in G2. Interestingly, in the search for genetic interactions with functionally related helicases and translocases, we found additive effects on the G2 block and post-G2 aberrations between mph1Δ and knockout mutants for Srs2, Rad54 and Rad5. Based on these interactions, we suggest that Mph1 acts coordinately with these helicases in the non-canonical HR-driven fork regression mechanism to bypass stalled replication forks.
Factors Underlying Racial Disparities in Sepsis Management
Authors: DiMeglio Matthew , Dubensky John , Schadt Samuel , Potdar Rashmika , Laudanski Krzysztof
Published: November 2018

Sepsis, a syndrome characterized by systemic inflammation during infection, continues to be one of the most common causes of patient mortality in hospitals across the United States. While standardized treatment protocols have been implemented, a wide variability in clinical outcomes persists across racial groups. Specifically, black and Hispanic populations are frequently associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality in sepsis compared to the white population. While this is often attributed to systemic bias against minority groups, a growing body of literature has found patient, community, and hospital-based factors to be driving racial differences. In this article, we provide a focused review on some of the factors driving racial disparities in sepsis. We also suggest potential interventions aimed at reducing health disparities in the prevention, early identification, and clinical management of sepsis.
Determinants of Dividend Payout Decisions: A Dynamic Panel Data Analysis of Turkish Stock Market
Authors: Bostanci Faruk , Kadioglu Eyup , Sayilgan Guven
Published: November 2018

This study analyzes the firm-specific factors affecting the dividend payout decisions of the companies whose shares are traded on the Borsa Istanbul stock exchange. To this end, the dynamic panel regression is applied to 853 observations of yearly average of 106 companies listed on the Borsa Istanbul between 2009 and 2015. According to results from the Arellano–Bover/Blunder-Bond two-step system generalized method of moments, a statistically significant positive effect on dividend payout was found in the relationship between the dividend payout of the previous year, the company’s return on equity and the market value/book value ratio, liquidity and the company’s size. The demonstration of a positive relationship between dividend payout and return on equity supports the free cash flow hypothesis and the positive relationship with the previous year’s dividend payout ratio supports the dividend smoothing hypothesis for Turkey.
TGF-β Signaling and the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition during Palatal Fusion
Authors: Nakajima Akira , F. Shuler Charles , Gulka Alexander O. D. , Hanai Jun-ichi
Published: November 2018

Signaling by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β plays an important role in development, including in palatogenesis. The dynamic morphological process of palatal fusion occurs to achieve separation of the nasal and oral cavities. Critically and specifically important in palatal fusion are the medial edge epithelial (MEE) cells, which are initially present at the palatal midline seam and over the course of the palate fusion process are lost from the seam, due to cell migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and/or programed cell death. In order to define the role of TGF-β signaling during this process, several approaches have been utilized, including a small interfering RNA (siRNA) strategy targeting TGF-β receptors in an organ culture context, the use of genetically engineered mice, such as Wnt1-cre/R26R double transgenic mice, and a cell fate tracing through utilization of cell lineage markers. These approaches have permitted investigators to distinguish some specific traits of well-defined cell populations throughout the palatogenic events. In this paper, we summarize the current understanding on the role of TGF-β signaling, and specifically its association with MEE cell fate during palatal fusion. TGF-β is highly regulated both temporally and spatially, with TGF-β3 and Smad2 being the preferentially expressed signaling molecules in the critical cells of the fusion processes. Interestingly, the accessory receptor, TGF-β type 3 receptor, is also critical for palatal fusion, with evidence for its significance provided by Cre-lox systems and siRNA approaches. This suggests the high demand of ligand for this fine-tuned signaling process. We discuss the new insights in the fate of MEE cells in the midline epithelial seam (MES) during the palate fusion process, with a particular focus on the role of TGF-β signaling.