bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGARUH KROM TERHADAP SIFAT MEKANIK DAN STRUKTUR MIKRO PADA BESI COR NODULAR 400
Authors: Doloksaribu Martin
Published: September 2018

Besi Cor Nodular 400 (FCD 400) dengan standar komposisi 3,5~3,9%C, 2,5~2,9%Si, 0,3~0,5%Mn, maks 0,03%P, maks 0,02%S dan min 0,03%Mg. Besi Cor Nodular memiliki perpaduan sifat kekuatan dan keuletan. Pada aplikasi slider tebal diperlukan kepastian sifat ketahanan aus. Ketahanan aus ditingkatkan dengan meningkatkan kekerasan dan kekuatan tarik. Krom (Cr) merupakan unsur yang dapat meningkatkan kekerasan karena dapat berperan sebagai promotor perlit dan karbida. Pada pembuatan Besi Cor Nodular 400 ditambahkan Cr pada kisaran 0,03~0,1%. Uji tarik dan uji keras pada 0,033%Cr sebesar 431,68 N/mm2 dan 157 HB. Pada 0,074%Cr sebesar 599,28 N/mm2 dan 187 HB. Struktur mikro menunjukkan peningkatan sedikit struktur perlit.
PENGARUH METODE CERITA TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR SISWA PADA MATA PELAJARAN SEJARAH KEBUDAYAAN ISLAM KELAS III DI MI SIROJUL FALAH
Authors: Sugiarti Yani , Priatna Oking Setia , Nawawi Kholil
Published: September 2018

This study aims to determine the process of applying the method of class 3 stories on the subjects of SKI in MI SIrojul Falah, and to know the effect of 3rd class story method on the subjects of SKI in MI SIrojul Falah. The approach used in this study is quantitative research with the type of quasi-experimental research, in this study the selection of samples on experimental quasi type Non Equivalent Control Group Design is not done random sample selection but deliberately selected by the researchers ie with each sample control class 31 students and experimental class of 34 students. The instruments used in this research are: test, observation, and documentation. The process of applying story method on SKI subjects through ten stages are: Place of story, sitting position, story language, interesting, teacher intonation, appearance of figures, emotional appearance, sound imitation, moving, mastery of students who are not serious. The average post-test of the control class is 75.81 and the average post-test of the experimental class is 77.06 so Based on the acquisition of that value that -t arithmetic> -t table (-14.219> -2.035), for the experimental class then Ha be accepted. This means that in this experimental class the value of the test using the story method is higher than by using learning that does not use the method of story (lecture). In addition, researchers also observed the activities of teachers in the application of story methods, observation data resulted in the percentage of control class teachers without using the story method by 45%, and the percentage of experimental class teachers by applying the story method by 87%. So it can be concluded that there is a significant influence by applying the story method in learning, if the teacher knows and can apply the stages in the story method properly and correctly. So the application of story methods can affect student learning outcomes on SKI subjects are said to be effective and there are significant changes or improvements. This story method can be one of the alternative learning methods that can be applied in the learning process.
MENDORONG PENERAPAN E-LEARNING DI SEKOLAH
Authors: Chaeruman Uwes A.
Published: September 2018

Dalam era informasi dewasa ini, pendidikan menghadapi tantangan yang berbeda dengan era industri. Tantangan pendidikan abad 21 adalah membangun masyarakat berpengetahuan (knowledge-based society). Ciri masyarakat abad 21 menurut PBB adalah (1) memeliki keterampilan melek media dan TIK; (2) memiliki keterampilan berpikir kritis dan sistemik; (3) memiliki keterampilan memecahkan masalah; (4) memiliki keterampilan komunikasi efektif; dan (5) memiliki keterampilan bekerjasama secara kolaboratif. Guru, memainkan peranan penting dalam membangun keterampilan abad 21 ini dengan cara menerapkan konsep e-learning. Makalah ini membahas tentang penerapan e-learning oleh guru dalam konteks kelas. Oleh karena itu, makalah ini memfokuskan pada apa, mengapa dan bagaimana menerapkan e-learning dalam konteks kelas oleh guru di sekolah.
TEORI BELAJAR ROBERT M. GAGNE DAN IMPLIKASINYA PADA PENTINGNYA PUSAT SUMBER BELAJAR
Authors: Warsita Bambang
Published: September 2018

Teori belajar model nine instructional events Robert. M. Gagne ini membantu para guru, para perancang pembelajaran dan para pengembang program pembelajaran untuk memahami proses belajar yang terjadi di dalam diri peserta didik sehingga dapat mempengaruhi, memperlancar atau menghambat proses belajar peserta didik. Selain itu, model ini membantu kita untuk melakukan intervensi dengan mengembangkan Pusat Sumber Belajar (PSB), sehingga dapat meningkatkan efektivitas dan efisiensi kegiatan pembelajaran melalui pengembangan sistem instruksional. Dalam melaksanakan fungsi pengembangan sistem instruksional (instructional development), PSB menyediakan sumber-sumber belajar yang dapat dimanfaatkan oleh guru dan peserta didik.
Daftar Isi
Authors: Tim Redaksi Jurnal NFn
Published: September 2018

-
KELAYAKAN MODUL PRAKTIK DASAR-DASAR AKUTANSI BERBASIS SPREADSHEET DENGAN PENDEKATAN SIKLUS TRANSAKSI
Authors: Ariana I Made
Published: September 2018

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mendeskripsikan dan menguji kelayakan modul praktik dasar-dasar akuntansi berbasis spreadsheet dengan pendekatan siklus transaksi. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian dan pengembangan (Research & Development) model Borg & Gall yang difokuskan pada tahap pengujian kelayakan modul. Subjek uji coba adalah kelompok ahli dan pengguna. Data kualitatif dianalisis dengan teknik analisis kualitatif deskriptif, dan data kuantitatifÂ Â dianalisis dengan menggunakan teknik analisis persentase yaitu dengan membandingkan jumlah jawaban dalam 1(satu) butir dengan jumlah jawaban ideal dalam 1(satu) butir. Kelayakan modul praktik dasar-dasar akuntansi berbasis spreadsheet dengan pendekatan siklus transaksi ditentukan dengan membandingkan persentase aspek yang diukur dengan skala penilaian kelayakan. Simpulan penelitian ini adalah: (1) modulÂ  praktik dasar-dasar akuntansi berbasis spreadsheet dengan pendekatan siklus transaksi dikembangkan berdasarkan aplikasi akuntansi berbasis spreadsheet dengan pendekatan siklus transaksi, dan (2) modulÂ  praktik dasar-dasar akuntansi berbasis spreadsheet dengan pendekatan siklus transaksi sangat layak dari aspek isi, penyajian, kegrafikaan, dan kebahasaan. Sebagai tindak lanjut hasil penelitian disarankan untuk menggunakan modul praktik dasar-dasar akuntansi berbasis spreadsheet dengan pendekatan siklus transaksi dalam pembelajaran karena berdasarkan hasil penelitian, modul ini dinyatakan sangat layak untuk digunakan dalam pembelajaran. Modul ini juga sangat membantu dosen pengampu mata kuliah dan peserta didik dalam pembelajaran praktik dasar-dasar akuntansi.
MEDIA E-LEARNING BERBASIS CMS JOOMLA: PELENGKAP PEMBELAJARAN FISIKA SMA
Authors: Bakri Fauzi , Fajriani Farah , Muliyati Dewi
Published: September 2018

Pembelajaran abad 21 harus dilakukan tanpa dipengaruhi batasan ruang dan waktu. Pembelajaran ini harus ditunjang dengan media belajar yang kontekstual, dan multi representasi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menghasilkan perangkat e-learning berbasis Content Management System (CMS)Â  Joomla yang layak digunakan dalam pembelajaran fisika di SMA. Metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah metode penelitian dan pengembangan model Dick and Carey. Perangkat e-learning menampilkan paparan materi secara multi representasi. Materi diperkaya video pembelajaran, latihan soal, perangkat evaluasi pembelajaran, serta forum diskusi untuk memudahkan interaksi antar siswa dan guru. Siswa belajar secara mandiri, tanpa terbatas ruang maupun waktu. Perangkat media e-learning sudah melalui tahap evaluasi formatif dengan menggunakan instrumen skala likert 1-5. Hasil uji kelayakan materi medapat nilai 86,33, kelayakan media 86,3, kelayakan pembelajaran 92,14, uji coba lapangan untuk guru Fisika 91,78, dan uji coba lapangan dengan kuisioner 85,44. Hasil uji coba penggunaan media e-learning sebagai pelengkap pembelajaran memberikan nilai-gain sebesar 0,323. Dari hasil uji kelayakan dan uji lapangan tersebut maka media E-learning berbasis CMS Joomla yang telah dikembangkan dinyatakan layak digunakan dalam pembelajaran fisika SMA dengan kualitas sangat baik. Siswa mendapatkan tambahan pengetahuan cukup signifikan setelah melakukan pembelajaran secara mandiri melalui perangkat e-learning fisika ini. Hal ini mengindikasikan media e-learning fisika SMA yang dikembangkan dengan CMS Joomla dapat digunakan sebagai pelengkap pembelajaran fisika didik SMA.
PENINGKATAN HASIL BELAJAR HIMPUNAN DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN APLIKASI ISPRING SUITE 8
Authors: Martiningsih Raden Roro
Published: September 2018

Â Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh kurangnyaÂ  pemahaman peserta didik dalam materi himpunan di kelas VII B SMP Muhammadiyah 1 Surabaya. Hal ini disebabkan guru kurang tepat dalam memilih media pembelajaran yang digunakan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk meningkatkan kemampuan memahami himpunan menggunakan aplikasi iSpring Suite 8. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan dengan dua siklus, di mana setiap siklus diawali dengan perencanaan, tindakan, observasi, dan refleksi. Subyek penelitian adalah peserta didik kelas VII B SMP Muhammadiyah 1 Â Surabaya tahun pelajaran 2017/2018 semester ganjil dengan jumlah peserta didik 38 orang. Data dalam penelitian ini berupa penilaian proses yang diperoleh dari peserta didik dalam beraktivitas dan penilaian pada akhir siklus. Kemudian, data dianalisis untuk memperoleh gambaran tentang berhasil tidaknya pembelajaran yang telah dilakukan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ada peningkatan hasil belajar peserta didik dalam memahami himpunan setelah belajar menggunakan aplikasi iSpring Suite 8 tanpa animasi pada siklus pertama dan aplikasi iSpring Suite 8 dengan variasi animasi, penambahan video, background yang lebih menarik pada siklus kedua. Indikasi peningkatan hasil belajar didasarkan pada perolehan nilai pada siklus pertama dan siklus kedua
A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF GLUCOSAMINE-DIACEREIN AND UNIVESTIN – CHONDROITIN IN KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIC PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Authors: George Dr. Mathew , Joseph Dr. Lincy , Joseph Mrs Jeenu , Biju Becky Maria , Thomas Roshin
Published: September 2018

Background: Knee Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease showing increasing trend of occurrence in a population .It has lead to great morbidity and disability. Combinations which showed anti-inflammatory property and suppression of cartilage degeneration are better options for management of knee osteoarthritis. According to medical practice, quick relief within short period of exposure to drug therapy is preferred. This study was an attempt to compare the safety and effectiveness of diacerein-glucosamine and univestin-chondroitin combinations in knee osteoarthritic patients in a tertiary care hospital. These drugs are now prescribed by Indian physicians in the current scenario.

Patients and Method: The study began only after getting the approval from Institutional Ethics Committee and obtaining Inform Consent from subjects. The study was conducted in the department of orthopedics in Pushpagiri Medical College hospital, Kerala. From140 patients who arrived at the Orthopedics OPD Pushpagiri medical college hospital, we sorted and selected only 64 patients based on the study criteria. We divided into two groups (32 each) one receiving diacerein-glucosamine and another receiving univestin chondroitin combinations. From these groups grade 1 and 2 patients are subdivided. They were assessed by WOMAC, KOOS, VAS, 6 minute walk test, and Standard ADR questionnaires (Naranjo’s) for measuring safety and effectiveness of drug combinations. Change in the short term effectiveness for both drugs measure was assessed before the start of treatment, and after 30 days of treatment.

Conclusion: For Grade 1 patients both drugs were equally effective. But for Grade 2 Patients diacerein-glucosamine combination therapy shows more benefit than univestin-chondroitin. However, semi-synthetic drug combination showed more safety profile than synthetic drug combination in the short term treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

Keywords : univestin –chondroitin , diacerein-glucosamine  , OA , WOMAC , KOOS , VAS
Diuretic activity of aqueous extract and smoothie preparation of Verbesina crocata in rat
Authors: Salazar Anuar Gómez , Pablo Saudy Saret Pérez , Estévez María Mirian Carmona , Meléndez María Estela Camargo
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diuretic activity of aqueous extract of Verbesina crocata at different doses in rat. The aqueous extract (100 and 400 mg/kg for decoction; 200 and 400 mg/kg for smoothie form), furosemide (4 mg/kg and vehicle were administered per os to rat. After 6 hours in metabolic cages, the urinary flow, glomerular ﬁltration rate and electrolyte balance (Na+ and K+) were assessed. All doses produced an increment of urinary flow and Na+/K+ excretion. Glomerular filtration rate was incremented only on smoothie form at 400 mg/kg. These findings provide a basis explaining the traditional folk medicine use of this plant as a diuretic agent.

Video Clip of Methodology:

Method for diuretic activity: 1 min 37 sec   Full Screen   Alternate   
Nephroprotective effect of Berberis baluchistanica against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rabbit
Authors: Pervez Samreen , Saeed Muhammad , Khan Haroon , Shahid Muhammad , Ullah Irfan
Published: September 2018

The present study was conducted to explore the protective effect of B. baluchistanica against gentamicin-induced renal toxicity in rabbits. Phytochemical investigations lead to the isolation of berberine and palmatine. The crude hydro-methanolic extract at various doses (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight) elicited strong nephroprotective effects by restoring various biomarkers which were deranged by gentamicin  such as creatinine, urea, serum uric acid levels (p<0.001) in plasma and urine output creatinine clearance, urinary protein and γ-glutamyl transferase level (p<0.001) in urine in a dose dependent manner. The mediators involved in oxidative stress such malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase levels were significantly (P˂0.05-0.001) modulated in kidney tissue homogenate. Correspondingly, there is a significant (P<0.05) recovery in kidney weight and % loss in body weight compare to GM group. From these results, it is possible that B. baluchistanica exhibited protective effect mediated through the presence of berberine  and palmatine.

Video Clip of Methodology:

Histopathology:   7 min 24 sec   Full Screen   Alternate  
Ameliorating effect of Berberis lycium root bark extracts against cisplatin-induced nephropathy in rat
Authors: Anwar Rukhsana , Sultan Rabeea , Batool Fasiha
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the sub-acute nephroprotective effect of Berberis lycium root bark extracts against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Aqueous and methanol extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg) were co-administered with cisplatin (4 mg/kg) for 19 days. Results showed that cisplatin significantly (ap<0.05) raised the serum creatinine, uric acid, urea level as well as tissue MDA level as compared to control group. It decreased GST activity, tGSH and catalase activity in rats.  Both extracts significantly reduced the serum creatinine, urea and uric acid levels. Moreover, GST, CAT activity and tGSH content were significantly (p<0.05) increased and MDA level was decreased. Histopathological examination showed that both extracts efficiently reversed the morphological changes and damage induced by cisplatin. It is concluded that both extracts of B. lycium root bark possess nephroprotective effect against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Video Clip of Methodology:

Histological study of rat kidney: 14 min 02 sec   Full Screen   Alternate
Antibacterial activities of endophytic fungi isolated from six Sri Lankan plants of the family Cyperaceae
Authors: Ratnaweera Pamoda B. , Walgama R. Chandula , Jayasundera Kinkini U. , Herath Suseema D. , Abira S. , Williams David E. , Andersen Raymond J. , De Silva E. Dilip
Published: September 2018

In a study designed to determine the antibacterial potential of endophytic fungi inhabiting plants of Cyperaceae family, 72 morphologically distinct endophytic fungi were isolated from six plants and their antibacterial activities against two Gram positive and three Gram negative pathogenic bacterial species were examined. Two antibacterial metabolites from two endophytes were also isolated and their chemical structures and minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined. Sixty six fungal extracts (92%) were active against at least one bacterium tested. Butyrolactone I isolated from the Aspergillus terreus and 9-epi viridol isolated from Trichoderma virens exhibited MIC values in the range 128-256 µg/mL against Gram positive Bacillus subtilits, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli. Both compounds were inactive against other micro-organisms tested. This study confirmed that Cyperaceae plants harbor numerous endophytes that produce antibacterial metabolites active against both Gram positive and, to a lesser extent, Gram negative bacteria.

Video Clip of Methodology:

Column Chromatogrpahy: 15 min 34 sec   Full Screen   Alternate
Efficacy and safety of novel oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonists in the treatment of venous thromboembolism
Authors: Xu Maodi , Xue Qingquan , Pu Zhichen , Wu Zijing , Xie Haitang
Published: September 2018

The aim of this meta-analysis was to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of novel oral anticoagulants and vitamin K antagonists in the treatment of venous thromboembolism. A total of 6 studies met the inclusion criteria and a total of 19,350 patients with venous thromboembolism were included. Among them, rivaroxaban (3 RCTs, n=90/3,449/4,832); dabigatran (2 RCTs, n=200/2,539); edoxaban (1 RCT, n=8,240). The results of meta-analysis showed that the total bleeding rate after treatment with the vitamin K antagonist group was higher than with the new oral anticoagulant group (OR=0.82, 95% confidence interval 0.75-0.90, p<0.0001), and the difference was highly statistically significant. Overall, new oral anticoagulants are compara-ble to vitamin K antagonists, but new oral anticoagulants can reduce the occurrence of bleeding events and the safety was superior to vitamin K antagonists.
Safety & Efficacy of Propranolol and Amitriptyline Combination Therapy in Migraine Prophylaxis: A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Islam Mohammad Ariful , Shaikh Abdul Kader , Alam Sk Mahbub , Sultana Dahlia , Islam Md Saiful , Rashid Md Mamnur
Published: September 2018

Background: Combination of propranolol and amitriptyline drugs an be effective for migraine prophylaxis.Objective: The purpose of the present study was to see the safety and efficacy of propranolol and amitriptyline combination therapy in migraine prophylaxis.Methodology: This study randomized control trial was conducted in headache clinic at Banghabandhu Sheikh Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2012 to June 2014 for a period of two (02) years. Migraine patients with or without aura of 16 to 50 years of age, patients not on any prophylactic medication and patients willing to take part in the study were included for this study. Patients meeting all the criteria was randomized for two (02) treatment groups designated as the group A who were treated with Amitriptyline and the group B who were treated with the combination of amitriptyline and propranolol. Patients was followed for a three months period during which they were instructed to maintain a headache diary. The primary outcome evaluated was the proportion of patients in each group that achieved a 50% reduction in the number of days with headache. Secondary outcomes was reduction of visual analogue pain scale score, the number of days with headache per month, frequency of side effects and the proportion of patients abandoning the study before the end of medication. The causes of noncompliance and side effects was individually registered.Result: A total number of 8 0patietns were recruited for this study. During 1st visit among the patients in group A, duration of pain 1-4 hours 1 (2.5.0%), 5-8 hours 16(13.3%) and 9-12 hours 14(35.0%). In group B, duration of pain 1-4 hours 0(0.0%), 5-8 hours 18(15.0%) 9-12 were 21(52.5%), above 13 hours pain duration were 1(2.5%) (p>0.05). Duration of pain was recorded in final follow up among the patients. In group A, duration of pain 1-4 hours 24(60.0%), 5-8 hours 14(35.0%), 9-12 hours 2(5.0%). In group B, duration of pain 1-4 hours 28(70.0%), 5-8 hours 12(30.0%), 9-12 hours were not found (p>0.05). In group A, no adverse effect was found 26(65.0%), drowsiness 6(15.0%), dryness of mouth 6(15.0%), constipation 2(5.0%), fatigue and bradycardia were not found. In group B, no adverse effect was found 29(72.5%), drowsiness, dryness of mouth and constipation were not found, fatigue and bradycardia were 7(17.5%) and 4(10.0%). Number of attack and headache before treatment and subsequent follow up with medication it was found that number of attach and headache gradually decrease (p<0.05).Conclusion: In conclusion there is a significant changes of number of headache and attach in the amitriptyline and combine group.Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, 2018;4(1): 3-7
Changes of Quality of Semen after Swim up Method during Intrauterine Insemination: A Single Centered Experience in Dhaka City
Authors: Khanam Shafeya , Shati Morium Faruque , Shuvro Muqsuda Ashraf , Ahmed Sharmin , Obayed Trifa , Khanum Tahamina
Published: September 2018

Background: Quality of semen is very important during intrauterine insemination.Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to observe the changes of quality of semen after swim up method during intrauterine insemination.Methodology: This analytical type of cross-sectional study was carried out at a private infertility centre (Central Hospital Limited, Dhaka) in Dhaka city of Bangladesh from January 2012 to December 2017 for a period of 6 years. Infertile couples who already had undergone natural cycles of super-ovulation for six months or whose duration of infertility was more than one year were included. Semen samples were collected by the process of masturbation in semen production room after three days of abstinence in sterile, labelled container. After production all samples were placed in an incubator at 37 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes for liquefaction. Routine semen analysis was performed using World Health Organizations’ (WHO) semen analysis criteria. Then the samples were randomly assigned to be processed either with swim-up or density-gradient procedure.Result: A total number of 789 male respondents were recruited for this study. The mean age with SD of the study population was 28.96±5.382 with the range of 19 to 46 years. The mean changes of sperm concentration before and after swim up method was 52.70±42.88 with the 95% confidence of 49.58 to 55.82 (p=0.000). The mean changes of sperm motility before and after swim up method was 29.03±14.849 with the 95% confidence of 30.11 to 27.95 (p=0.000). The mean changes of sperm morphology before and after swim up method was 23.96±11.328 (p=0.000).Conclusion: There is a significant changes of quality of semen after swim up method during intrauterine inseminationJournal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, 2018;4(1): 54-57
Generalized Paxos Made Byzantine (and Less Complex)
Authors: Pires Miguel , Ravi Srivatsan , Rodrigues Rodrigo
Published: September 2018

One of the most recent members of the Paxos family of protocols is Generalized Paxos. This variant of Paxos has the characteristic that it departs from the original specification of consensus, allowing for a weaker safety condition where different processes can have a different views on a sequence being agreed upon. However, much like the original Paxos counterpart, Generalized Paxos does not have a simple implementation. Furthermore, with the recent practical adoption of Byzantine fault tolerant protocols in the context of blockchain protocols, it is timely and important to understand how Generalized Paxos can be implemented in the Byzantine model. In this paper, we make two main contributions. First, we attempt to provide a simpler description of Generalized Paxos, based on a simpler specification and the pseudocode for a solution that can be readily implemented. Second, we extend the protocol to the Byzantine fault model, and provide the respective correctness proof.
Comparison of Closed Chamber and Eddy Covariance Methods to Improve the Understanding of Methane Fluxes from Rice Paddy Fields in Japan
Authors: Chaichana Nongpat , Bellingrath-Kimura Sonoko Dorothea , Komiya Shujiro , Fujii Yoshiharu , Noborio Kosuke , Dietrich Ottfried , Pakoktom Tiwa
Published: September 2018

Greenhouse gas flux monitoring in ecosystems is mostly conducted by closed chamber and eddy covariance techniques. To determine the relevance of the two methods in rice paddy fields at different growing stages, closed chamber (CC) and eddy covariance (EC) methods were used to measure the methane (CH4) fluxes in a flooded rice paddy field. Intensive monitoring using the CC method was conducted at 30, 60 and 90 days after transplanting (DAT) and after harvest (AHV). An EC tower was installed at the centre of the experimental site to provide continuous measurements during the rice cropping season. The CC method resulted in CH4 flux averages that were 58%, 81%, 94% and 57% higher than those measured by the EC method at 30, 60 and 90 DAT and after harvest (AHV), respectively. A footprint analysis showed that the area covered by the EC method in this study included non-homogeneous land use types. The different strengths and weaknesses of the CC and EC methods can complement each other, and the use of both methods together leads to a better understanding of CH4 emissions from paddy fields.
Clonal Heterogeneity Reflected by PI3K-AKT-mTOR Signaling in Human Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells and Its Association with Adverse Prognosis
Authors: Nepstad Ina , Hatfield Kimberley Joanne , Tvedt Tor Henrik Anderson , Reikvam Håkon , Bruserud Øystein
Published: September 2018

Clonal heterogeneity detected by karyotyping is a biomarker associated with adverse prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Constitutive activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-Akt-mechanistic target of rapamycin (PI3K-Akt-mTOR) pathway is present in AML cells, and this pathway integrates signaling from several upstream receptors/mediators. We suggest that this pathway reflects biologically important clonal heterogeneity. We investigated constitutive PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway activation in primary human AML cells derived from 114 patients, together with 18 pathway mediators. The cohort included patients with normal karyotype or single karyotype abnormalities and with an expected heterogeneity of molecular genetic abnormalities. Clonal heterogeneity reflected as pathway mediator heterogeneity was detected for 49 patients. Global gene expression profiles of AML cell populations with and without clonal heterogeneity differed with regard to expression of ectopic olfactory receptors (a subset of G-protein coupled receptors) and proteins involved in G-protein coupled receptor signaling. Finally, the presence of clonal heterogeneity was associated with adverse prognosis for patients receiving intensive antileukemic treatment. The clonal heterogeneity as reflected in the activation status of selected mediators in the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway was associated with a different gene expression profile and had an independent prognostic impact. Biological heterogeneity reflected in the intracellular signaling status should be further investigated as a prognostic biomarker in human AML.
Roles for the IKK-Related Kinases TBK1 and IKKε in Cancer
Authors: Durand Joel K. , Zhang Qing , Baldwin Albert S.
Published: September 2018

While primarily studied for their roles in innate immune response, the IκB kinase (IKK)-related kinases TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and IKKε also promote the oncogenic phenotype in a variety of cancers. Additionally, several substrates of these kinases control proliferation, autophagy, cell survival, and cancer immune responses. Here we review the involvement of TBK1 and IKKε in controlling different cancers and in regulating responses to cancer immunotherapy.
Removal of COD and Ammonia Nitrogen by a Sawdust/Bentonite-Augmented SBR Process
Authors: Mohajeri Parsa , Selamat Mohammad , Abdul Aziz Hamidi , Smith Carol
Published: September 2018

Water pollutant removal by biomass adsorbent has been considered innovative and cost-effective, and thus commendable for application in industry. However, certain important aspects have been overlooked by researchers, namely the efficiency in the operation time and pollutant removal. In this research, landfill leachate samples with organic components were treated using a bentonite-enriched sawdust-augmented sequencing batch reactor (SBR) process. By modifying the pH, the sawdust samples were categorized into three groups: the acidic, the alkaline, and the neutral. To bentonite samples, the pH-adjusted sawdust was added at 10%, 20%, and 30% amounts by mass, respectively. At the optimum aeration rate of 7.5 L/min and contact period of 22 h, the treatment achieved 99.28% and 95.41% removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and NH3-N with bentonite, respectively. For both pollutants, in the presence of sawdust, the removal was only reduced by about 17% with the contact period reduced to 2 h, which was a considerable achievement.
Solar-Driven Thermochemical Water-Splitting by Cerium Oxide: Determination of Operational Conditions in a Directly Irradiated Fixed Bed Reactor
Authors: Arribas Lucía , González-Aguilar José , Romero Manuel
Published: September 2018

Concentrated solar energy can be transformed into electricity, heat or even solar fuels, such as hydrogen, via thermochemical routes with high exergetic efficiency. In this work, a specific methodology and experimental setup are described, developed to assess the production of hydrogen by water splitting making use of commercial cerium oxide, ceria (CeO2), in a solarized reactor. A fixed bed reactor, directly irradiated by a 7 kWe high flux solar simulator (HFSS) was used. Released H2 and sample temperature levels were continuously monitored. Three tests were carried out consisting of three consecutive redox cycles each, with irradiances in the range of 1017–2034 kWm−2. It was necessary to achieve a compromise between sample temperatures (higher temperatures lead to higher reduction rates) and sample stability, since absorbed radiation can degrade a sample at lower temperature (1280–1480 °C) than in a conventional infrared oven (T > 2000 °C). Irradiating the surface of the sample with an irradiance of 2034 kWm−2 (270 W of total radiation power) during 9.5 min eventually degraded the sample, resulting in a conversion into stoichiometrically reduced oxide (Ce2O3) of 11%. A similar conversion was achieved (9.7%) after 2 min of irradiation at 270 W (100% of radiation), but without irreversibly damaging the sample.
THD Reduction in Wind Energy System Using Type-4 Wind Turbine/PMSG Applying the Active Front-End Converter Parallel Operation
Authors: Salgado-Herrera Nadia Maria , Campos-Gaona David , Anaya-Lara Olimpo , Medina-Rios Aurelio , Tapia-Sánchez Roberto , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Juan Ramon
Published: September 2018

In this paper, the active front-end (AFE) converter topology for the total harmonic distortion (THD) reduction in a wind energy system (WES) is used. A higher THD results in serious pulsations in the wind turbine (WT) output power and several power losses at the WES. The AFE converter topology improves the capability, efficiency, and reliability in the energy conversion devices; by modifying a conventional back-to-back converter, from using a single voltage source converter (VSC) to use pVSC connected in parallel, the AFE converter is generated. The THD reduction is achieved by applying a different phase shift angle at the carrier of digital sinusoidal pulse width modulation (DSPWM) switching signals of each VSC. To verify the functionality of the proposed methodology, the WES simulation in Matlab-Simulink® (Matlab r2015b, Mathworks, Natick, MA, USA) is analyzed, and the experimental laboratory tests using the concept of rapid control prototyping (RCP) and the real-time simulator Opal-RT Technologies® (Montreal, QC, Canada) is achieved. The obtained results show a type-4 WT with a total output power of 6 MVA, generating a THD reduction up to 5.5 times of the total WES current output by Fourier series expansion.
Implementation Strategy of Convolution Neural Networks on Field Programmable Gate Arrays for Appliance Classification Using the Voltage and Current (V-I) Trajectory
Authors: Baptista Darío , Mostafa Sheikh Shanawaz , Pereira Lucas , Sousa Leonel , Morgado-Dias Fernando
Published: September 2018

Specific information about types of appliances and their use in a specific time window could help determining in details the electrical energy consumption information. However, conventional main power meters fail to provide any specific information. One of the best ways to solve these problems is through non-intrusive load monitoring, which is cheaper and easier to implement than other methods. However, developing a classifier for deducing what kind of appliances are used at home is a difficult assignment, because the system should identify the appliance as fast as possible with a higher degree of certainty. To achieve all these requirements, a convolution neural network implemented on hardware was used to identify the appliance through the voltage and current (V-I) trajectory. For the implementation on hardware, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) was used to exploit processing parallelism in order to achieve optimal performance. To validate the design, a publicly available Plug Load Appliance Identification Dataset (PLAID), constituted by 11 different appliances, has been used. The overall average F-score achieved using this classifier is 78.16% for the PLAID 1 dataset. The convolution neural network implemented on hardware has a processing time of approximately 5.7 ms and a power consumption of 1.868 W.
An Adaptive Weighted Pearson Similarity Measurement Method for Load Curve Clustering
Authors: Lin Rongheng , Wu Budan , Su Yun
Published: September 2018

Load curve data from advanced metering infrastructure record the consumers’ behavior. User consumption models help one understand a more intelligent power provisioning and clustering the load data is one of the popular approaches for building these models. Similarity measurements are important in the clustering model, but, load curve data is a time series style data, and traditional measurement methods are not suitable for load curve data. To cluster the load curve data more accurately, this paper applied an enhanced Pearson similarity for load curve data clustering. Our method introduces the ‘trend alteration point’ concept and integrates it with the Pearson similarity. By introducing a weight for Pearson distance, this method helps to keep the whole contour of the load data and the partial similarity. Based on the weighed Pearson distance, a weighed Pearson-based hierarchy clustering algorithm is proposed. Years of load curve data are used for evaluation. Several user consumption models are found and analyzed. Results show that the proposed method improves the accuracy of load data clustering.
Synchronous Resonant Control Technique to Address Power Grid Instability Problems Due to High Renewables Penetration
Authors: Mehrasa Majid , Pouresmaeil Edris , Pournazarian Bahram , Sepehr Amir , Marzband Mousa , Catalão João P. S.
Published: September 2018

This paper presents a synchronous resonant control strategy based on the inherent characteristics of permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSG) for the control of power converters to provide stable operating conditions for the power grid under high penetration of renewable energy resources (RERs). The proposed control technique is based on the small signal linearization of a dynamic model with grid specifications, load-current-based voltages, and power converter currents. A combination of the linearized dynamic model with the PMSG swing equation and resonant controller leads to a control technique with synchronous features and appropriate inertia for the control of converter-based power generators. As the main contribution of this work, an extra functionality is proposed in the control loop of the proposed model to solve the inherent inconveniences of conventional synchronous generators. Also, a comprehensive collaboration between interfaced converter specifications and PMSG features is achieved as another contribution of the proposed control technique, and this can guarantee accurate performance under various conditions. A current perturbation curve is introduced to assess the variations of the grid frequency and voltage magnitude under operation of the interfaced converters controlled by the proposed control technique. Moreover, by taking into account the load-based voltages, the effects of the current perturbation components are investigated. The proposed model is simulated in MATLAB/Simulink environment to verify the high performance of the proposed control technique over the other existing control methods.
In Situ Studies on the Characteristics of Strata Structures and Behaviors in Mining of a Thick Coal Seam with Hard Roofs
Authors: Lan Yiwen , Gao Rui , Yu Bin , Meng Xiangbin
Published: September 2018

The movements of overburden induced by mining a thick coal seam with a hard roof extend widely. The effects of breakages in the hard strata on the strata behaviors might vary with the overlying strata layers. For this reason, we applied a test method that integrated a borehole TV tester, borehole-based monitoring of strata movement, and monitoring of support resistance for an in situ investigation of a super-thick, 14–20 m coal seam mining in the Datong mining area in China. The results showed that the range of the overburden movement was significantly high, which could reach to more than 300 m. The key strata (KS) in the lower layer main roof were broken into a ‘cantilever beam and voussoir beam’ structure. This structure accounted for the ‘long duration and short duration’ strata behaviors in the working face. On the other hand, the hard KS in the upper layer broke into a ‘high layer structure’. The structural instability induced intensive and wide-ranging strata behaviors that lasted for a long time (two to three days). Support in the working face were over-pressured by large dynamic factors and were widely crushed, while the roadways were violently deformed. Hence, the structure of a thick coal seam with a hard roof after mining will form a ‘cantilever beam and voussoir beam and high layer structure’, which is unique to a large space stope.
Productivity and Costs of Two Beetle-Kill Salvage Harvesting Methods in Northern Colorado
Authors: Han Hee , Chung Woodam , She Ji , Anderson Nathaniel , Wells Lucas
Published: September 2018

Two ground-based timber harvesting methods have been commonly used for beetle-kill salvage treatments after a bark beetle epidemic in northern Colorado. A “lop and scatter” method uses a mobilized stroke delimber to delimb and buck trees at the stump, leaving tree tops and limbs on the forest floor, while a whole-tree harvesting method brings the entire tree to the landing where it is delimbed and bucked, and thus produces logging residue piles at the landing as a byproduct. We conducted a detailed comparative time study of the two harvesting methods to develop productivity and cost models and compared the performance of the two methods under various site conditions. We applied the productivity and cost models to lodgepole pine forest stands totaling 3400 hectares of the Colorado State Forest State Park to estimate salvage harvesting costs for each forest stand and identify the least costly harvesting options. The results show that the estimated stump-to-truck timber production costs were $30.00 per oven dry ton (odt) for lop and scatter and $23.88 odt−1 for the whole-tree method in our study harvest unit. At the forest level, the estimated average stump-to-truck costs were $54.67 odt−1 and $56.95 odt−1 for lop and scatter and whole-tree harvesting, respectively. Skidding distance and downed trees affect the harvesting costs of both methods, but their influence appears to be more significant on the whole-tree method.
v-Mapper: An Application-Aware Resource Consolidation Scheme for Cloud Data Centers
Authors: Abbasi Aaqif Afzaal , Jin Hai
Published: September 2018

Cloud computing systems are popular in computing industry for their ease of use and wide range of applications. These systems offer services that can be used over the Internet. Due to their wide popularity and usage, cloud computing systems and their services often face issues resource management related challenges. In this paper, we present v-Mapper, a resource consolidation scheme which implements network resource management concepts through software-defined networking (SDN) control features. The paper makes three major contributions: (1) We propose a virtual machine (VM) placement scheme that can effectively mitigate the VM placement issues for data-intensive applications; (2) We propose a validation scheme that will ensure that a cloud service is entertained only if there are sufficient resources available for its execution and (3) We present a scheduling policy that aims to eliminate network load constraints. We tested our scheme with other techniques in terms of average task processing time, service delay and bandwidth usage. Our results demonstrate that v-Mapper outperforms other techniques and delivers significant improvement in system’s performance.
The Early Recognition and Management of Sepsis in Sub-Saharan African Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Morton Ben , Stolbrink Marie , Kagima Wanjiku , Rylance Jamie , Mortimer Kevin
Published: September 2018

Sepsis is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan African adults. Standardised management pathways have been documented to improve the survival of adults with sepsis from high-resource settings. Our aim was to assess the current evidence base for early sepsis interventions (recognition, empirical antibiotics, and resuscitation) in resource-poor settings of sub-Saharan Africa. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINHAL Plus databases to identify interventional studies for the early recognition and management of sepsis in sub-Saharan Africa (1 January 2000 to 1 August 2018) using a protocol-driven search strategy: adults, protocolised care pathway, and sub-Saharan Africa. We identified 725 publications of which three met criteria for final selection. Meta-analysis from two randomised controlled trials demonstrated that mortality was increased by ‘early goal-directed therapy’ interventions that increased fluid resuscitation (R.R. 1.26, 95% C.I. 1.00–1.58, p = 0.045; I2 53%). The third observational cohort study demonstrated improved survival after implementation of protocolised management for sepsis (mortality 33.0% vs. 45.7%, p = 0.005). No study incorporated standardised protocols for empirical antibiotic administration. High rates of pneumonia and mycobacteraemia were reported. There has been little research into the early recognition and management of sepsis in sub-Saharan Africa. Interventional trials of early goal-directed therapy have, to date, increased mortality. There is an urgent need to develop effective strategies to improve outcomes for adults with sepsis in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Sensitivity, Specificity and Accuracy of Warning Signs in Predicting Severe Dengue, the Severe Dengue Prevalence and Its Associated Factors
Authors: Ahmad Mohd Hanief , Ibrahim Mohd Ismail , Mohamed Zeehaida , Ismail Nabilah , Abdullah Muhammad Amiruddin , Shueb Rafidah Hanim , Shafei Mohd Nazri
Published: September 2018

Objectives: To study Malaysian dengue clinical practice guideline (CPG) warning signs (WS) in predicting severe dengue (SD) and its associated factors among confirmed cases presented to a teaching hospital in north-eastern Malaysia in 2014. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in February 2015 using secondary data acquired from the hospital records. There were 2607 confirmed dengue cases presented to Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) in 2014. Seven hundred patients were selected after proportionate stratified random sampling conducted according to the number of cases in 12 different months in 2014. Data were collected and analysed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: Severe dengue outcomes represented 4.9% of cases. The prevalence of any of WS in SD was 91.2%. The most common WSs prior to SD were persistent vomiting (55.9%), and abdominal pain/tenderness (52.9%). The most sensitive warning sign in detecting SD was abdominal pain (59%). Specificity of individual WS were generally good, especially of clinical fluid accumulation (99%), hepatomegaly (98%) and mucosal bleeding (93%). Factors associated with SD were persistent vomiting (Adjusted odds ratio (aOR)): 2.41), mucosal bleeding (aOR: 4.73) and haematocrit rise with rapid platelet drop (aOR: 2.74). Conclusion: A focus on sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and association of a number of particular WS should be emphasized in order to better predict severe dengue outcomes.
Cystic Fibrosis Mortality in Childhood. Data from European Cystic Fibrosis Society Patient Registry
Authors: Zolin Anna , Bossi Anna , Cirilli Natalia , Kashirskaya Nataliya , Padoan Rita
Published: September 2018

Data collected in the European Cystic Fibrosis Society Patient Registry (ECFSPR) database were used to investigate whether risk factors for death in childhood and adolescents CF patients have different impact in countries of different income. In this way, it is possible to recognize where interventions could improve the quality of care and survival in these patients. We matched deceased and alive patients by age, country, year of follow-up. Multivariable logistic models were developed. In the years of this study, the ECFSPR collected information on 24,416 patients younger than 18 years: 7830 patients were from countries with low/middle income and 16,586 from countries with high income; among these the dead are 102 and 107 (p < 0.001), respectively. The use of oxygen, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) below 40% and BMI standard deviation score (SDS) below −2 represent risk factors for death. However, some patients from countries with high income remain alive even if their values of FEV1% and BMI-SDS were low, and some deceased patients from countries with high income had high values of FEV1% (>60%). Evaluation of mortality in pediatric age may reflect the availability of resources for CF diagnosis and treatment in some countries.
Chinese Urban Hui Muslims’ Access to and Evaluation of Cardiovascular Diseases-Related Health Information from Different Sources
Authors: Yang Lei , Mao Yuping , Jansz Jeroen
Published: September 2018

This research aims to identify the sources that urban Hui Muslims access to get health information related to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and how they evaluate the information from different sources. This paper focuses on health information related to cardiovascular diseases among Hui Muslims. The data was gathered by means of an online survey administered on mobile devices. To put the answers given by Hui Muslims into perspective and make a comparison between Hui Muslims and the Han people, we also gathered information from Han—the dominant group in China. The results showed that Chinese Hui Muslims mostly used mediated sources, while Han people mainly used interpersonal sources. Both Hui Muslims and Han people trusted and preferred health information about cardiovascular diseases provided by health organizations, doctors, and healthcare providers. The information given by religious leaders was trusted the least, although Hui Muslims were significantly more positive about religious authority than the Han people. The current results are relevant for Chinese health information promoters and can help them diffuse CVD health information more effectively to urban Hui Muslims.