bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
nt Insight, 12(1): 79-97 79 ANALISIS KEMAMPUAN KERJA SEBAGAI VALUE DARI PENDIDIKAAN DAN PELATIHAN (Studi Pada Kantor Badan Kepegawaian Daerah Provinsi Bengkulu)
Authors: Widodo Slamet , Hadi Effed Darta
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study is to determine the role of job training to improve knowledge, skills, attitudes and personality in carrying out the functions and responsibilities toward the achievement of organizational goals. The method used in this study is a survey by conducting in depth-interviews to the employees of the Regional Personnel Board of Bengkulu Province. The results of this study indicate that in particular training or training that has been followed by employees can improve knowledge, work skills, and understanding of their work. This is shown in the way the work and how to solve problems effectively that can be done by employees. Practically the results of this study revealed that an organization needs human resources that have a good individual capacity such as knowledge, skills and understanding in the work. The education and training programs followed by employees are believed to have benefited from individual capacity building and capability, thereby impacting on the quality of services provided.
PENGARUH MOTIVASI, KEMAMPUAN, PERSEPSI PERAN TERHADAP KEPUASAN PEGAWAI DI DINAS KEBUDAYAAN DAN PARIWISATA PROVINSI BENGKULU
Authors: Fiona Febzi
Published: August 2019

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to investigated the influence of ability and role perception to employee job satisfaction) at Dinas Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata Provinsi Bengkulu. This research use quantitative methods and qualitative methods. Data that used in this research is primary data of questionnaire. Population of the current research is 157 people. Distributing questionnaires to employees at Dinas Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata Provinsi Bengkulu taken as many as 113 people with proportionate stratified random sampling methodsAnalysis technique that used in this research is Regression Analysis from software SPSS 17. The result indicates that ability have a positive and significant effect to job satisfaction, role perception have a positive and significant effect to job satisfaction.Keywords : Ability, Role Perception, Job Satisfaction
ANALISIS PENGARUH KUALITAS PRODUK, KUALITAS LAYANAN DAN HARGA TERHADAP KEPUASAN KONSUMEN (Studi Kasus Pada Konsumen Industry/ Toko Bakery di Kota Bengkulu)
Authors: Nofrianda Herry
Published: August 2019

Abstract: The objective of this research is to analyze the effect of product quality, service quality and price toward customer satisfaction on industry/ bakery shop in the Bengkulu city. This study is a descriptive research which aims to clarify the relationship or influence that exist between the variables studied. The type of data used a primary data that is collected from questionnaires. Respondents of this study is the customer industry/ bakery shop in Bengkulu city as many 2400 people were taken with the judgemental (purposive sampling) technique. The methods of data analysis used are descriptive analysis by using the mean, frequency distribution table and multiple linear regression analysis.  Based on the analysis, the result that the simultaneously product quality, service quality, and price is significantly impact on customer satisfaction industry/bakery shop in the Bengkulu city. The next in partial product quality and service quality is positively and significantly impact on customer satisfaction industry/bakery shop in the Bengkulu city, while the price is negative and significantly impact on customer satisfaction industry/ bakery shop in the Bengkulu city.Keyword: service, quality, satisfaction, bakery.
PENGARUH KONFLIK KERJA DAN STRES KERJA TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN PT POS INDONESIA (Persero) BENGKULU 38000
Authors: Erwandari Endi Pratama , Sari Anggri Puspita
Published: August 2019

This research aims to know the effect of work conflicts and working pressure toward employees’ performance of PT.Pos Indonesia (Persero) Bengkulu 38000. This research was an explanatory research by using quantitative research. Sample of this research was all of the population of the PT.Pos Indonesia (Persero) Bengkulu 38000 employee with total sample was 103 employee. To know the validity of the data, the researcher used validity and reliability of instrument. Meanwhile, to analyze the data, the researcher used double linier regression. Based on the result of analysis data, the researcher found that 1) concurrently work conflicts and working pressure give significant positive effect toward the employees’ performance of PT.Pos Indonesia (Persero) Bengkulu. 2) Partially work conflicts give significant positive effect toward the employees’ performance of PT.Pos Indonesia (Persero) Bengkulu. 3) Partially working pressure give significant positive effect toward the employees’ performance of PT.Pos Indonesia (Persero) Bengkulu.
EPIC MODEL: EFEKTIVITAS IKLAN DESTINASI WISATA KABUPATEN BANYUWANGI TERHADAP MINAT BERKUNJUNG ULANG WISATAWAN DOMESTIK
Authors: Suryaningsih Ika Barokah , Widi Nugraha Kristian Suhartadi
Published: August 2019

Visiting a tourist destination is influenced by advertising through the internet, for example, facebook, Instagram, traveler blogger, kaskus, and so on. All tourism promotion processes are carried out online, so that tourists can search everything about tourist destinations that will be addressed wherever and whenever comfortably. This can foster interest in revisiting tourists for tourist destinations in Banyuwangi Regency. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of online advertising in all tourist destinations in Banyuwangi Regency, both nature-based tourism and Banyuwangi art-based tourism. Methods of data collection in this study using survey of all tourists who provide testimonials or expressions of tourism in Banyuwangi through online media. It is tourists who intend to visit tourist destinations in Banyuwangi Regency. Primary data is obtained from the results of questionnaires distributed to respondents distributed online through google.doc. The data analysis technique uses the EPIC method model which consists of four dimensions namely empathy, persuasion, impact and communication. Processing data to get the results of advertising effectiveness is used simple tabulation analysis, mean score, and EPIC rate. Based on the results of EPIC rate analysis, the EPIC rate value is 3.66 which if included in the EPIC rating scale Model is included in the effective category. Thus the advertisement of tourist destinations in Banyuwangi Regency is done using online media effectively against the interest of revisiting domestic tourists.
ANALISIS TINGKAT KESEHATAN BANK DENGAN PENERAPAN METODE RGEC (RISK PROFILE, GOOD CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, EARNINGS DAN CAPITAL) PADA PT.BANK BENGKULU
Authors: Fitriano Yun , Sofyan Ririn Marlina
Published: August 2019

This study aims to determine the health level of PT. Bank Bengkulu in the 2014-2016 period if measured using the RGEC method (Risk Profile, Good Corporate Governance, Earnings, and Capital). Based on the results of the assessment of bank soundness by applying the RGEC method at PT. Bank Bengkulu is seen from factors, namely 1. Risk Profile, the results of the 2014 NPL ratio of 0.39%, in 2015 amounted to 0.39%, and in 2016 amounting to 0.33% can be said to be very healthy. The results of the LDR ratio in 2014 amounted to 85.79%, in 2015 amounted to 91.05%, and in 2016 amounting to 93.31% this could be said to be quite healthy. 2. Good Corporate Governance in the 2014-2016 period of 89.33% can be said to be very healthy. 3. Eanings, the results of the 2014 ROA ratio amounted to 3.69%, in 2015 amounted to 3.29%, and in 2016 amounting to 3.02% this could be said to be very healthy. The results of the BOPO ratio in 2014 amounted to 74.10%, in 2015 amounted to 80.54%, and in 2016 amounting to 77.71% this could be said to be very healthy. 4. Capital, the results of the 2014 CAR ratio amounted to 16.99%, in 2015 amounted to 21.39%, and in 2016 amounting to 19.07% can be said to be very healthy. The results of the health research at PT. Bank Bengkulu in the 2014-2016 period showed that PT. The Bengkulu Bank gets PK 1, which is very healthy.
The Influence Of Satisfaction, Trust And Price Of Consumer Loyalty On Green Product (Case In Kandang Village Society Of Bengkulu City, Which Have Been Using Energy Saving Lighting Products)
Authors: Hayu Rina Suthia
Published: August 2019

The increasing concern for human health and environmental sustainability, has made the companies to innovate their products into environmentally friendly products. Loyalty became the goal of marketing strategies that can be built with satisfaction, trust and price. This research aims to analyze The influence of Satisfaction, Trust and Price of Consumer Loyalty on Green Product (Case in Kandang Village Society of Bengkulu city, which have been using Energy Saving Lighting Products).The data used are primary data, sample collection method used purposive sampling with the number of respondents to 120 people, but only 102 that could be incorporated into the analysis due to lack of completeness of the respondents in its response. The analytical method used is multiple linear regression approach with the help of the program Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 16.0. The results of this research found partially from the calculation of the coefficients obtained by the research for satisfaction variable t provide significant value of 0.240, the trust provide significant value for 0000, prices provide significant value for 0000. Because t count on the satisfaction variable value significantly greater than 0.05, which indicates partial satisfaction variables have no effect on consumer loyalty, while for trust and price variables as significant value 0.000 <0.05, which shows in partial trust and influence consumer loyalty energy savingt lighting products. From the calculation of the F test that examines the effect of simultaneously be known F calculated for the variables of satisfaction, trust, loyalty and the price is equal to 26,750 with a significant value of 0.000 ? 0.05 then this indicates that Satisfaction, Trust, and price simultaneously have a positive effect on consumer loyalty. The conclusion of this study are the variable of satisfaction has effect on loyalty consumers, but not significant, while trust and price, have an effect on consumer loyalty.
O conceito de paradigma em Thomas Kunh e Edgar Morin: similitudes e diferenças
Authors: Lemos Pedro Bruno Silva , Aquino Francisco José Alves de , Silva Solonildo Almeida da , Jucá Sandro César Silveira , Silva Francisco Euguenys Medeiros da , Freitas Saulo Ramos de
Published: August 2019

O presente artigo objetivou discutir o conceito de paradigma no pensamento de Thomas Kuhn e Edgar Morin. Em termos metodológicos, este estudo foi realizado por meio de uma pesquisa bibliográfica em artigos científicos e livros, sendo a abordagem de análise dos dados qualitativa. A pesquisa realizada evidenciou a centralidade do conceito de paradigma para as obras de Thomas Kuhn e Edgar Morin. Na obra de Kuhn o paradigma assume uma função estruturante da forma como os fenômenos são analisados e compreendidos. Em Morin, o referido conceito assume um significado amplo, sendo entendido como a matriz do pensamento ocidental. Concluiu-se que a principal diferença entre a conceituação de paradigma para Morin e Kuhn relaciona-se à abrangência deste conceito. Em relação às similitudes, ambos os autores entendem que o progresso científico opera necessariamente por meio da quebra e ruptura destes modelos de explicação da realidade, sendo inclusive esta a proposta central da teoria da complexidade desenvolvida por Edgar Morin.
A Formação Continuada de Professores e suas Implicações no Fazer Pedagógico
Authors: Gomes Antonio , Carvalho Edione Teixeira de , Maciel Cilene Maria Lima Antunes
Published: August 2019

O presente artigo tem, como objetivo, o de investigar com os professores, visando descobrir onde, como e quando acontece a formação continuada destes, bem como verificar se esta formação recebida satisfazia-os ou não. Para tal propósito, utilizou-se da técnica de entrevista gravada com vinte professores. A pesquisa foi realizada em quatro escolas públicas de Mato Grosso, sendo duas em Cuiabá e duas em Pontes e Lacerda. Esta pesquisa é de natureza qualitativa e perpassou pelo viés da triangulação, sendo os dados categorizados, codificação e analisados pelo método da análise do conteúdo. Na pesquisa fora evidenciado que todos os entrevistados possuem formação de nível superior em várias áreas do conhecimento e que todos participavam da formação ofertada nas escolas e os mesmos tinham entre um a vinte cinco anos de experiência no magistério. Entre outros atenuantes fora evidenciado o grau de (in) satisfação dos professores, considerando a necessidade de os formadores conhecerem as necessidades e as realidades escolares. Ainda, na visão dos entrevistados, a formação continuada deveria ser realizada em serviço-loco do fazer pedagógico; entretanto, não significa que dessa forma resolverá de imediato as problemáticas de caráter pedagógico, mas possibilitará a um fazer docente pautado no tripé ação-reflexão-ação.
A incidência da lei Maria da Penha como elemento modificativo da competência criminal no julgamento do crime de maus-tratos: justiça comum ou juizado especial?
Authors: Abrantes Neto Ozório Nonato de , Santos Vanessa Érica da Silva
Published: August 2019

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo analisar a possibilidade da incidência da Lei 11.340/06 no crime de maus-tratos, previsto no art. 136 do Código Penal, quando se tratar de vítima do sexo feminino, como também a possibilidade de mudança da competência para o julgamento, tendo em vista que os maus-tratos são um crime de menor potencial ofensivo, com pena máxima inferior a dois anos, sendo de competência originária do Juizado Especial Criminal, admitindo-se todos os institutos despenalizadores trazidos pela Lei 9.099/95. Ademais, utilizou-se, neste trabalho, o método dedutivo, com a pesquisa em doutrinas, legislações e, principalmente, na jurisprudência. Por fim, concluiu-se que o entendimento que deve ser levado em consideração é o de que o julgamento do crime de maus-tratos perpetrado contra sujeito passivo do sexo feminino deve ser realizado pelos Juizados Especiais Criminais, uma vez que, para a caracterização dos maus-tratos, é necessária não apenas a relação de subordinação entre agente e vítima, mas também um especial fim de agir por parte do autor do crime, a teor do art. 136 do Código Penal, em respeito ao princípio da legalidade e ao princípio da responsabilidade subjetiva do Direito Penal. Isso porque o agente só pode ser punido por aquilo que estava em sua órbita de conhecimento e/ou intenção, bem como por aquilo que está expressamente previsto em lei.
THE INHIBITORY AND DESTRUCTIVE ACTION OF THE SILVER NANOPARTICLE PREPARATION ON BIOFILMS FORMED BY CLINICALLY RELEVANT MICROORGANISMS
Authors: Sukhina M. A. , Shelygin Yu. A. , Piyadina A. Yu. , Feldman N. B. , Ananyan M. A. , Lutsenko S. V. , Frolov S. A.
Published: August 2019

AIM: to obtain and investigate the activity of silver nanoparticles stabilized with arabinogalactan in relation to clinically relevant strains of filmforming microorganisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: silver nanoparticles were obtained by reduction from silver nitrate in the presence of arabinogalactan with additional stabilization with dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate. The shape and size of the nanoparticles were determined by the method of transmission electron microscopy, the zeta potential by the method of electrophoretic light scattering. The study of the effect of the nanoparticles on biofilm formation was carried out on 17 clinically relevant strains of bacteria isolated from blood culture and the clinical biomaterial of postoperative patients. RESULTS: the silver nanoparticles with an average diameter of 11.4 nm and a zeta potential of –24 mV were obtained. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the nanoparticles in relation to planktonic form of bacteria was 120 µg/ml; the use of the drug at a concentration of 100 µg/ml reduced the amount of CFU by 7 orders of magnitude compared with the initial culture. The study of the effect of silver nanoparticles on the formation of biofilms showed that, in the presence of the drug, the growth of biofilms was significantly reduced; at a drug concentration of 150 µg/ml, the growth of bacterial films was completely suppressed. Incubation of the formed daily biofilms with the silver nanoparticles in the concentration range from 150 to 120 µg/ml for 48 h resulted in the partial or complete destruction of the biopolymer matrix. CONCLUSION: the studied preparation of silver nanoparticles has a great potential for use in the treatment of infectious diseases caused by biofilm forming microorganisms.
Wireless Sliding MPPT Control of Photovoltaic Systems in Distributed Generation Systems
Authors: Martin Aranzazu D. , Cano Juan M. , Herrera Reyes S. , Vazquez Jesus R.
Published: August 2019

The aim of a photovoltaic (PV) system’s control is the extraction of the maximum power even if the irradiance, the temperature, or the parameters vary. To do that, a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm is required. In this work, a sliding control is designed to regulate the PV modules’ output voltage and make the panel work at the maximum power voltage. This control is selected to improve the robustness, the transient dynamic response, and the time response of the system under changeable environmental conditions, adjusting the duty cycle of the DC/DC converter. The DC/DC converter connected to the PV module output is a buck-boost converter. This configuration presents the advantage of providing voltages lower or higher than supplied by the photovoltaic modules to provide the required voltage to the load (including the voltages ceded by telecommunication loads, amongst others). In addition, a remote sliding control is developed to make the global supervision of the PV system in distributed generation grids. The designed algorithm is tested in an experimental platform, both locally and remotely connected to the base station, to prove the effectiveness of the sliding control. Thus, the communication effect in the control is also analyzed.
Hydrogen Desorption in Mg(BH4)2-Ca(BH4)2 System
Authors: Dematteis Erika M. , Baricco Marcello
Published: August 2019

Magnesium borohydride, Mg(BH4)2, and calcium borohydride, Ca(BH4)2, are promising materials for hydrogen storage. Mixtures of different borohydrides have been the subject of numerous researches; however, the whole Mg(BH4)2-Ca(BH4)2 system has not been investigated yet. In this study, the phase stability and the hydrogen desorption were experimentally investigated in the Mg(BH4)2-Ca(BH4)2 system, by means of XRD, ATR-IR, and HP-DSC. Mg(BH4)2 and Ca(BH4)2 are fully immiscible in the solid state. In the mechanical mixtures, thermal decomposition occurs at slightly lower temperatures than for pure compounds. However, they originate products that cannot be identified by XRD, apart from Mg and MgH2. In fact, amorphous phases or mixtures of different poorly crystalline or nanocrystalline phases are formed, leading to a limited reversibility of the system.
A Workflow for Optimization of Flow Control Devices in SAGD
Authors: Sidahmed Anas , Nejadi Siavash , Nouri Alireza
Published: August 2019

In McMurray Formation, steam assisted gravity drainage is used as the primary in-situ recovery technique to recover oil sands. Different geological reservoir settings and long horizontal wells impose limitations and operational challenges on the implementation of steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD). The dual-string tubing system is the conventional completion scheme in SAGD. In complex reservoirs where dual-string completion cannot improve the operation performance, operators have adopted flow control devices (FCDs) to improve project economics. FCDs secure more injection/production points along the horizontal sections of the SAGD well pairs, hence, they maximize ultimate bitumen recovery and minimize cumulative steam-oil ratio (cSOR). This paper will focus on the optimization of outflow control devices (OCDs) in SAGD reservoirs with horizontal wellbore undulations. We present the detailed optimization workflow and show the optimization results for various scenarios with well pair trajectory undulation. Comparing the results of the optimized OCDs case with a dual-string case of the same SAGD model shows improvements in steam distribution, steam chamber growth, bitumen production, and net present value (NPV).
An Investigation into the Effects of Weak Interfaces on Fracture Height Containment in Hydraulic Fracturing
Authors: Zheng Yongxiang , Liu Jianjun , Zhang Bohu
Published: August 2019

Hydraulic fracturing is an effective method for developing unconventional reservoirs. The fracture height is a critical geometric parameter for fracturing design but will be limited by a weak interface. Fracture containment occurs when fracture propagation terminates at layer interfaces that are weaker than the surrounding rock. It always occurs in multilayer formation. Therefore, the mechanism of fracture height containment guides fracture height control in hydraulic fracturing. In order to study the fracture containment mechanism, this paper first calculates the propagation behaviour of the fracture in 3D under the influence of a weak interface through a block discrete element method and analyzes the geometric characteristics of the fracture after it meets the weak interface. Then, the induced stress of the hydraulic fracture on the weak interface is calculated by fracture mechanics theory, and the mechanism of blunting at the fracture tip is explained. Then, two kinds of interface slippage that can lead to blunting of the fracture tip are discussed. Based on the behavior of shear slippage at the interface, a control method for multilayer fracturing in thin sand-mud interbed and pay zone fracturing in shale is proposed. The results show that the fracture height is still limited by the weak interface in the formation without the difference of in-situ stress and rock properties. Interface slippage is the main factor impeding fracture propagation. Fracture height containment can be adjusted and controlled by changing the angle between the hydraulic fracture, the interface, and the stress state to strengthen and stiffen the interface. This study has a certain guiding significance for fracture height control in the design of hydraulic fracturing of shale or thin sand-mud interbed reservoirs.
Assessment of Nutritional Intakes in Individuals with Obesity under Medical Supervision. A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Șerban Costela Lăcrimioara , Sima Alexandra , Hogea Corina Marcela , Chiriță-Emandi Adela , Perva Iulia Teodora , Vlad Adrian , Albai Alin , Nicolae Georgiana , Putnoky Salomeia , Timar Romulus , Niculescu Mihai Dinu , Puiu Maria
Published: August 2019

People with obesity in Romania are often under medical supervision, which is aimed to decrease body weight and treat accompanying metabolic disorders and cardiovascular implications. However, there is limited information regarding the implementation of dietary recommendations in adults with obesity. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of reaching the recommended intakes of macro- and micro-nutrients in adults with obesity under medical supervision. Individuals with obesity, recruited in the context of a study with a larger scope (NutriGen ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02837367), who were under medical supervision underwent four 24 h recalls in order to assess daily food intakes. Macro- and micro-nutrient intakes were computed, and the prevalence of reaching recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) for each nutrient was calculated. The majority of subjects did not meet the recommended intakes for most nutrients. Energy from fat exceeded the threshold of 35% recommended intake, even in the lowest quartile of energy intake. The micronutrients with less than 5% of individuals reaching the RDAs were vitamin D, vitamin E, fluoride, and omega-3 fatty acids for both males and females, and choline, magnesium, and potassium in females. The burden of inadequate nutrition in individuals with obesity should be acknowledged and properly addressed within efforts to reduce obesity rates and associated disorders.
Socioecological Correlates of Park-based Physical Activity in Older Adults: A Comparison of Hong Kong and Leipzig Parks
Authors: Zhang Ru , Duan Yanping , Brehm Walter , Wagner Petra
Published: August 2019

Aims: The present study aimed to examine and compare the socioecological correlates of park-based physical activity (PA) among Hong Kong and Leipzig older adults in terms of types of activity areas, perceived park environment, psychosocial factors, and the interactions between the perceived park environmental and psychosocial factors. Methods: Based on the SOPARC, systematic observations were conducted in six randomly selected urban parks in each city. A total of 317 Hong Kong (Mage = 69.96; SD = 6.81) and 311 Leipzig (Mage = 72.06; SD = 6.78) older adults from these six parks completed an interviewer-delivered survey measuring their perceived park environment, psychosocial variables, and park-based PA. Results: In both cities, the types of activity areas were positively associated with the number of older adults observed being active in parks. Psychosocial factors, especially self-efficacy and perceived barriers, had larger associations with park-based PA compared with the perceived park environment. The interaction between perceived park features and self-efficacy in the association with park-based PA was found in Leipzig, but not in Hong Kong. Conclusion: Findings of the current study contribute to the cross-cultural understanding of the socioecological correlates of park-based PA among older adults.
Formation and Properties of Biomedical Ti-Ta Foams Prepared from Nanoprecursors by Thermal Dealloying Process
Authors: Adamek Grzegorz , Kozlowski Mikolaj , Jurczyk Mieczyslawa , Wirstlein Przemyslaw , Zurawski Jakub , Jakubowicz Jaroslaw
Published: August 2019

The paper presents a promising method of preparation of titanium-based foams by the thermal dealloying method. The first step of this study was the Ti-Ta-Mg based nanopowder preparation using the mechanical alloying (MA) process performed at room temperature. The next step was forming the green compacts by cold pressing and then sintering with magnesium dealloying from the titanium-based alloy structure. The mechanism of the porous structure formation was based on the removal of magnesium from the titanium alloy at a temperature higher than the boiling point of magnesium (1090 °C). The influence of the Mg content on the formation of the porous Ti-30Ta foam has been investigated. The sintering stage was performed in vacuum. During the dealloying process, the magnesium atoms diffuse from the middle to the surface of the sample and combine to form vapors and then evaporate leaving pores surrounded by the metallic scaffold. The porosity, the mechanical properties as well as biocompatibility have been investigated. The titanium-based foam of high porosity (up to 76%) and the pore size distribution from nano- to micro-scale have been successfully prepared. For the medical applications, the Ti-Ta metallic foams have shown a positive behavior in the MTT test. The as-shown results clearly exhibit a great potential for thermal dealloying in the preparation of porous structures.
Crystallization Features of Amorphous Rapidly Quenched High Cu Content TiNiCu Alloys upon Severe Plastic Deformation
Authors: Glezer Alexander , Sitnikov Nikolay , Sundeev Roman , Shelyakov Alexander , Khabibullina Irina
Published: August 2019

In recent years, the methods of severe plastic deformation and rapid melt quenching have proven to be an effective tool for the formation of the unique properties of materials. The effect of high-pressure torsion (HPT) on the structure of the amorphous alloys of the quasi-binary TiNi–TiCu system with a copper content of more than 30 at.% produced by melt spinning technique has been analyzed using the methods of scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The structure examinations have shown that the HPT of the alloys with a Cu content ranging from 30 to 40 at.% leads to nanocrystallization from the amorphous state. An increase in the degree of deformation leads to a substantial change in the character of the crystallization reflected by the DSC curves of the alloys under study. The alloys containing less than 34 at.% Cu exhibit crystallization peak splitting, whereas the alloys containing more than 34 at.% Cu exhibit a third peak at lower temperatures. The latter effect suggests the formation of regions of possible low-temperature crystallization. It has been established that the HPT causes a significant decrease in the thermal effect of crystallization upon heating of the alloys with a high copper content relative to that of the initial amorphous melt quenched state.
Prediction Model for Mechanical Properties of Lightweight Aggregate Concrete Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Yoon Jin Young , Kim Hyunjun , Lee Young-Joo , Sim Sung-Han
Published: August 2019

The mechanical properties of lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC) depend on the mixing ratio of its binders, normal weight aggregate (NWA), and lightweight aggregate (LWA). To characterize the relation between various concrete components and the mechanical characteristics of LWAC, extensive studies have been conducted, proposing empirical equations using regression models based on their experimental results. However, these results obtained from laboratory experiments do not provide consistent prediction accuracy due to the complicated relation between materials and mix proportions, and a general prediction model is needed, considering several mix proportions and concrete constituents. This study adopts the artificial neural network (ANN) for modeling the complex and nonlinear relation between constituents and the resulting compressive strength and elastic modulus of LWAC. To construct a database for the ANN model, a vast amount of detailed and extensive data was collected from the literature including various mix proportions, material properties, and mechanical characteristics of concrete. The optimal ANN architecture is determined to enhance prediction accuracy in terms of the numbers of hidden layers and neurons. Using this database and the optimal ANN model, the performance of the ANN-based prediction model is evaluated in terms of the compressive strength and elastic modulus of LWAC. Furthermore, these prediction accuracies are compared to the results of previous ANN-based analyses, as well as those obtained from the commonly used linear and nonlinear regression models.
The Fitting of a Fiber-Reinforced-Plastic Complex Curved Surface and Its Orbit Optimization Model with Belt Grinding Line Contact
Authors: Xing Jiazheng , Xiao Guijian , He Yi , Huang Yun , Liu Shuai
Published: August 2019

The surface quality and profile accuracy of a radar fiberglass radome are determined by the manufacturing of the fiber-reinforced-plastic (FRP) complex curved mold. The surface quality, thickness uniformity, and shape accuracy of the mold seriously affect the temperature and deformation control during the manufacturing process of the radome, thus affecting the antenna’s serviceability, including its wave permeability and stability. Abrasive belt grinding is an effective method for processing FRP materials. However, issues regarding the profile fitting of the abrasive belt section line contact state and its influence on the precision of complex curved surfaces have not been solved, which seriously affects the processing quality. Here, an FRP complex curved surface mold surface based on the least-squares method was established. The local two-dimensional line contact and profile contour trajectory were obtained by the algorithm of optimal trajectory planning. Based on this, a grinding experiment was carried out. The experiments showed that the surface roughness based on this method was reduced from 0.503 to 0.289 μm, and the contour accuracy was improved by 16.9% compared with the conventional error. Through our analysis, the following conclusions can be drawn: the algorithm can effectively solve the problem of line contact surface fitting and significantly improve the precision of an FRP complex surface.
Effect of Caffeine Copigmentation of Anthocyanin Dyes on DSSC Efficiency
Authors: Juhász Junger Irén , Udomrungkhajornchai Suphawit , Grimmelsmann Nils , Blachowicz Tomasz , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: August 2019

Caffeine is known to influence the absorbance spectrum of anthocyanin dyes. Such dyes are often used as sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Natural dyes, like anthocyanins, yield only small DSSC efficiencies, but are of high interest since they are usually non-toxic and inexpensive. Here we report on the influence of copigmentation of anthocyanins, taken from commercially available tea, with caffeine. In this way, the efficiencies were increased for measurements with a solar simulator as well as with ambient light. In addition, the well-known pH dependence of the efficiency of DSSCs dyed with anthocyanins was shifted—while a pH value of 1–2 was ideal for pure anthocyanins used as dyes, a higher pH value of 2–3 was sufficient to reach the maximum efficiencies for caffeine-copigmented dyes. This means that instead of reducing the pH value by adding an acid, adding caffeine can also be used to increase the efficiency of DSSCs prepared with anthocyanins. Finally, a comparison of several literature sources dealing with anthocyanin-based DSSCs allows for evaluation of our results with respect to the work of other groups.
Characterization of Cytokines and Proliferation Marker Ki67 in Cleft Affected Lip Tissue
Authors: Pilmane Mara , Sidhoma Elga , Akota Ilze , Kazoka Dzintra
Published: August 2019

Background and objectives: Cleft lip palate takes the second place among all anomalies. The complex appearance of cytokines and proliferation markers has still not been clarified despite their possible crucial role in cleft tissue. Therefore, the aim of work was the detection of appearance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and proliferation marker Ki67, and their inter-correlations in cleft affected lip (CAL). Materials and Methods: The lip material was obtained from 16 children aged before primary dentition during plastic surgery. Control was obtained from 7 non-CAL oral tissue. Tissues were stained for IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and Ki67 immunohistochemically. Non-parametric statistic, Mann–Whitney and Spearman’s coefficient were used. Results: All cytokines positive cells were observed more into the epithelium. Statistically significant difference was seen between epithelial IL-1, IL-10, IL-8 and Ki67 positive cells and IL-10-, IL-4-containing connective tissue cells in comparison to the control. Strong positive correlation was detected in CAL epithelium between IL-10 and IL-8, IL-10 and IL-4, IL-10 and IL-1, IL-1 and IL-8, IL-1 and IL-4, IL-4 and IL-8, IL-8 and Ki67, IL-10 and Ki67, but moderate—in connective tissue between IL-1 and IL-10, IL-1 and IL-4. Conclusions: The CAL epithelium is the main source for the interleukins. Rich similar expression of IL-1 and IL-10 suggests the balance between pro-and anti-inflammatory tissue response on basis of dysregulated tissue homeostasis (increase of IL-8). The correlations between the different ILs-1, -4, -8, -10 in CAL epithelium seem to indicate the self-protection compensatory mechanism for intensification of local inflammatory-immune response without involvement of IL-6. The correlations between Ki67 and cytokines indicate the involvement of IL-8 and IL-10 in stimulation of cellular proliferation. IL-4 and IL-10 expression from CAL connective tissue simultaneously to IL-1, IL-4 and IL-10 inter-correlations there suggests the intensification of local immune response regulated probably by main pro-inflammatory cytokine—IL-1.
Sub-Atomic Resolution Crystal Structures Reveal Conserved Geometric Outliers at Functional Sites
Authors: Laulumaa Saara , Kursula Petri
Published: August 2019

Myelin protein 2 (P2) is a peripheral membrane protein of the vertebrate nervous system myelin sheath, having possible roles in both lipid transport and 3D molecular organization of the multilayered myelin membrane. We extended our earlier crystallographic studies on human P2 and refined its crystal structure at an ultrahigh resolution of 0.72 Å in perdeuterated form and 0.86 Å in hydrogenated form. Characteristic differences in C–H…O hydrogen bond patterns were observed between extended β strands, kinked or ending strands, and helices. Often, side-chain C–H groups engage in hydrogen bonding with backbone carbonyl moieties. The data highlight several amino acid residues with unconventional conformations, including both bent aromatic rings and twisted guanidinium groups on arginine side chains, as well as non-planar peptide bonds. In two locations, such non-ideal conformations cluster, providing proof of local functional strain. Other ultrahigh-resolution protein structures similarly contain chemical groups, which break planarity rules. For example, in Src homology 3 (SH3) domains, a conserved bent aromatic residue is observed near the ligand binding site. Fatty acid binding protein (FABP) 3, belonging to the same family as P2, has several side chains and peptide bonds bent exactly as those in P2. We provide a high-resolution snapshot on non-ideal conformations of amino acid residues under local strain, possibly relevant to biological function. Geometric outliers observed in ultrahigh-resolution protein structures are real and likely relevant for ligand binding and conformational changes. Furthermore, the deuteration of protein and/or solvent are promising variables in protein crystal optimization.
Strategies of Luminescent Gold Nanoclusters for Chemo-/Bio-Sensing
Authors: He Zhi , Shu Tong , Su Lei , Zhang Xueji
Published: August 2019

Recent booming advances in luminescent gold nanoclusters (AuNCs), have prompted the development of novel fluorescent sensors. The luminescent AuNCs possess unique and intriguing physical and chemical properties including responsive photoluminescence and peroxide-like activity, providing abundant potentials for sensing strategy design. As of now, a wide variety of chem-/bio-sensors based on AuNCs have been developed and reviewed according to varied analytes. In this review, from a different point of view, we follow the route of how those sensors realize their functions and focus on the actual roles AuNCs play, in order to hierarchically and logically display the recent progress in the sensing applications of AuNCs. This review not only opens new windows to understand the development of sensors based on AuNCs but can also inspire broader and deeper utilization of luminescent nanomaterials.
Next Generation Sequencing-Based Transcriptome Predicts Bevacizumab Efficacy in Combination with Temozolomide in Glioblastoma
Authors: Adilijiang Alimu , Hirano Masaki , Okuno Yusuke , Aoki Kosuke , Ohka Fumiharu , Maeda Sachi , Tanahashi Kuniaki , Motomura Kazuya , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Yamaguchi Junya , Wakabayashi Toshihiko , Natsume Atsushi
Published: August 2019

Glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and malignant brain tumor, is classified according to its isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation status in the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) brain tumor classification scheme. The standard treatment for GBM is maximal resection, radiotherapy, and Temozolomide (TMZ). Recently, Bevacizumab (Bev) has been added to basic therapy for newly diagnosed GBM, and monotherapy for recurrent GBM. However, the effect of IDH1 mutation on the combination of Bev and TMZ is unknown. In this study, we performed transcriptomic analysis by RNA sequencing with next generation sequencing (NGS), a newly developed powerful method that enables the quantification of the expression level of genome-wide genes. Extracellular matrix and immune cell migration genes were mainly upregulated whereas cell cycle genes were downregulated in IDH1-mutant U87 cells but not in IDH1-wildtype U87 cells after adding Bev to TMZ. In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted for further investigations to verify these results, and the addition of Bev to TMZ showed a significant antitumor effect only in the IDH1-mutant GBM xenograft model. Further studies of gene expression profiling in IDH1 mutation gliomas using NGS will provide more genetic information and will lead to new treatments for this refractory disease.
Preventive Conservation of Cultural Heritage: Biodeteriogens Control by Aerobiological Monitoring
Authors: Ruga Luigia , Orlandi Fabio , Fornaciari Marco
Published: August 2019

Artefact conditions need to be continuously monitored to avoid degradation effects naturally caused by time and public exploitation in order to increase the value of cultural assets. In this way, the atmospheric analysis of both biological and chemical pollutants potentially present inside conservation environments represents valid support for the adoption of preventive conservation actions by evaluating periodically the presence of risk for the same artefacts. The aim of the present study was to analyze the fungal particles, potentially biodeteriogen, through aerobiological volumetric monitoring, particularly inside valuable historical, artistic, and cultural sites. Different exposition and conservation typologies of the artefacts with different flows of visitors were considered. The applied methodologies have furnished a reliable description of biological air pollution due to the presence of fungal spores—moreover, they have allowed for the prevention of risk situations and the measurement of their evolution in order to limit degradation processes. Through aerobiological monitoring, it was possible to provide important indications for interventions of prevention, conservation and restoration of cultural heritage in indoor environments.
A Novel Differential High-Frequency Current Transformer Sensor for Series Arc Fault Detection
Authors: Bao Guanghai , Gao Xiaoqing , Jiang Run , Huang Kai
Published: August 2019

Fault arc detection is an important technology to ensure the safe operation of electrical equipment and prevent electrical fires. The high-frequency noise of the arc current is one of the typical arc characteristics of almost all loads. In order to accurately detect arc faults in a low-voltage alternating-current (AC) system, a novel differential high-frequency current transformer (D-HFCT) sensor for collecting high-frequency arc currents was proposed. The sensitivity and frequency band of the designed sensor were verified to ensure that the acquisition requirements of the high-frequency current were satisfied. A series arc fault simulation experiment system was built, and resistive, inductive, and non-linear load and high-power shielding load experiments were carried out. Experiments showed that the sensor output signal was close to zero in the non-arc state, and the sensor output response was a high-frequency glitch in the arc state. The results were consistent for different loads, and the discrimination between normal and fault states was obvious, which proved that the sensor is suitable for series arc fault detection.
Quantum Dots—Assisted 2D Fluorescence for Pattern Based Sensing of Amino Acids, Oligopeptides and Neurotransmitters
Authors: Zabadaj Marcin , Ciosek-Skibińska Patrycja
Published: August 2019

Quantum dots (QDs) are very attractive nanomaterials for analytical chemistry, due to high photostability, large surface area featuring numerous ways of bioconjugation with biomolecules, usually high quantum yield and long decay times. Their broad absorption spectra and narrow, sharp emission spectra of size-tunable fluorescence make them ideal tools for pattern-based sensing. However, almost always they are applied for specific sensing with zero-dimensional (0D) signal reporting (only peak heights or peak shifts are considered), without taking advantage of greater amount of information hidden in 1D signal (emission spectra), or huge amount of information hidden in 2D fluorescence maps (Excitation-Emission Matrixes, EEMs). Therefore, in this work we propose opposite strategy—non-specific interactions of QDs, which are usually avoided and regarded as their disadvantage, were exploited here for 2D fluorescence fingerprinting. Analyte-specific multivariate fluorescence response of QDs is decoded with the use of Partial Least Squares—Discriminant Analysis. Even though only one type of QDs is studied, the proposed pattern-based method enables to obtain satisfactory accuracy for all studied compounds—various neurotransmitters, amino-acids and oligopeptides. This is a proof of principle of the possibility of the identification of various bioanalytes by such fluorescence fingerprinting with the use of QDs.
Diesel or Electric Jeepney? A Case Study of Transport Investment in the Philippines Using the Real Options Approach
Authors: Agaton Casper Boongaling , Guno Charmaine Samala , Villanueva Resy Ordona , Villanueva Riza Ordona
Published: August 2019

The Philippines is moving towards a more sustainable public transport system by introducing a public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program with electric jeepneys (e-jeepneys) and modernized diesel jeepneys. Despite its potential to address problems related to air pollution, traffic congestion, dependence on fuel imports, and carbon emissions, transport groups show resistance to the adoption of the government program due to costs and investment risk issues. This study aims to guide transport operators in making investment decisions between the modernized diesel jeepney and the e-jeepney fleet. Applying the real options approach (ROA), this research evaluates option values and optimal investment strategies under uncertainties in diesel prices, jeepney base fare price, electricity prices, and government subsidy. The optimization results reveal a better opportunity to invest in the e-jeepney fleet in all scenarios analyzed. Results also show a more optimal decision strategy to invest in the e-jeepney immediately in the current business environment, as delaying or postponing investment may incur opportunity losses. To make the adoption of the e-jeepney more attractive to transport operators, this study further suggests government actions to increase the amount of subsidy and base fares, establish public charging stations, and continue efforts to rely on cleaner, cheaper, and renewable sources of electricity.
Growing Culture of Fake Dentistry Globally, including Malaysia. Calling for Multidisciplinary Action for Patient Safety.
Authors: CHE MUSA Muhd Firdaus , HASSAN Yang Rafidah
Published: August 2019

Fake dentistry is a term used to describe any dental procedures done by bogus, unqualified dentists who perform various dental procedure without proper educational background. In Malaysia, a well-trained, qualified dentist is required to register to ensure they are committed in ensuring a professional, safe, high quality and ethical dental practice. The issues of fake dentistry had gone worldwide; not only involving the emerging of  fake practitioners but also raises concerns over the authenticity of dental equipment being used and available in the global market. This necessitates the interaction between the profession, public and dental suppliers. A qualified dentists is strictly recommended to continuously liaise with licensed dental dealers in order to get a constant supply of genuine dental products and equipment for their clinics. The public must be able to identify the authenticity of a practitioner’s academic claims by examining their practice and checking whether they are registered to ensure they all possess a license in good standing and that their educational claims are authentic.