bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALISIS FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMENGARUHI PENERIMAAN PENGGUNA DALAM MENGGUNAKAN SISTEM ERP DENGAN STUDI KASUS PT XYZ
Authors: Handayani Putu Wuri , Yulianti .
Published: July 2016

Perkembangan ekonomi yang semakin cepat menyebabkan persaingan bisnis yang semakin ketat. Apalagi dengan adanya perkembangan teknologi yang semakin canggih, perusahaan-perusahaan tersebut berlomba-lomba dalam memanfaatkan teknologi untuk meningkatkan keunggulan kompetitif dan efisiensi kinerja perusahaan mereka dibandingkan pesaingnya. Salah satu investasi teknologi informasi yang populer saat ini adalah sistem Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) yaitu paket aplikasi yang menawarkan ”best practice” dalam menjalankan bisnis dengan menggunakan satu basis data yang dapat diakses oleh semua divisi dalam perusahaan. Terdapat banyak keuntungan yang dapat dirasakan oleh perusahaan dengan mengimplementasi sistem ERP, seperti mengurangi biaya produksi, meningkatkan integrasi data, dan mengurangi level inventori. Namun, sebagian besar implementasi sistem ERP yang telah dilakukan oleh beberapa perusahaan mengalami kegagalan. Salah satu faktor yang menyebabkan kegagalan ini adalah adanya resistensi pengguna terhadap perubahan. Resistensi dari pengguna ini juga menyebabkan perusahaan tidak dapat memaksimalkan keuntungan dari implementasi sistem ERP. Oleh karena itu, paper ini akan membahas mengenai faktor-faktor yang memengaruhi penerimaan pengguna dalam menggunakan sistem ERP. Faktor-faktor penerimaan ini didasarkan pada model penerimaan pengguna yang sudah ada pada penelitian sebelumnya yaitu model Unified Theory of Acceptance and Usage of Technology (UTAUT). An increasingly rapid economic development led to the increasingly stringent business competition. Especially with the development of increasingly sophisticated technology, these companies are competing in utilizing technology to enhance competitive advantage and efficiency of their company's performance than its competitors. One of the investment in information technology that is popular today is the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, is an application package that offers best practice of doing business by using a single database that is accessible by all divisions within the company. There are many advantages that can be felt by companies to implement ERP systems, such as reducing production costs, improve data integration, and reduce inventory levels. However, most implementations of ERP systems that have been done by some companies to fail. One of the factors that caused this failure is the presence of user resistance to change. Resistance from users has also led the company can not maximize the benefits of ERP system implementation. Therefore, this paper will discuss the factors affecting user acceptance of ERP systems in use. Acceptance factors are based on the user acceptance model that already exists in previous studies that model the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Usage of Technology (UTAUT).
IMPROVING EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF CONSULTATION PROCESS BETWEEN LECTURERS AND STUDENTS THROUGH AN INFORMATION SYSTEM SOFTWARE BASED INTRANET
Authors: Limanto Susana , Tjandra Ellysa
Published: July 2016

Students need to consult their problem such as final projects, academic problem, or personal problems to their lecturers. This consultation’s processes are helped by administrative staffs that make the processes relatively slow due to the high workload of the staffs. Therefore, this research tries to address this problem by creating intranet based information system to reduce the role of administrative staffs. This system provide several features such as schedule the regular consultation by lecturers, schedule the addition consultation by lecturers, cancel a scheduled consultations, change the schedule of consultations by lecturers, register for consultation by students, record the implementation consulting by lecturers, and reports. The consultation software was implemented at Informatics Engineering department, University ‘X’ for one month. After one month, a test was conducted involving five lecturers and twenty students. Testing result showed that the consultation process becomes more efficient, effective and satisfying. Mahasiswa perlu berkonsultasi mengenai masalah mereka seperti tugas akhir, masalah akademik, atau masalah pribadi kepada dosen mereka. Proses konsultasi ini dibantu oleh staf administrasi yang membuat proses relatif lambat karena beban kerja yang tinggi dari staf. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini mencoba untuk mengatasi masalah ini dengan menciptakan sistem informasi berbasis intranet untuk mengurangi peran staf administrasi. Sistem ini menyediakan beberapa fitur seperti menjadwalkan konsultasi rutin oleh dosen, jadwal konsultasi Selain oleh dosen, membatalkan konsultasi dijadwalkan, mengubah jadwal konsultasi dengan dosen, mendaftar untuk konsultasi oleh siswa, merekam pelaksanaan konsultasi dengan dosen, dan laporan. Perangkat lunak konsultasi diterapkan di departemen Teknik Informatika, Universitas ‘X’ selama satu bulan. Setelah satu bulan, tes dilakukan melibatkan lima dosen dan dua puluh siswa. Hasil pengujian menunjukkan bahwa proses konsultasi menjadi lebih efisien, efektif dan memuaskan.
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT BERBASIS LAYANAN: DESAIN DAN IMPLEMENTASI PROTOTIPE SISTEM
Authors: Hilman Muhammad Hafizhuddin , Setiadi Farisya , Sarika Ika , Budiasto Jarot , Alfian Rakhmat
Published: July 2016

Supply Chain Management (SCM) adalah sebuah konsep pengaturan aliran proses perdagangan yang menghubungkan antara produsen, supplier, dan konsumen secara langsung. Dengan berevolusinya konsep perangkat lunak dan sistem informasi menuju era berbasis layanan, pengembangan SCM berbasis layanan menjadi sangat relevan. Studi kasus kebutuhan akan SCM berbasis layanan pada pengelola pusat perbelanjaan di Jakarta menjadi fokus pembahasan. Pada makalah ini dibahas sebuah model pengembangan sistem SCM berbasis layanan yang menghubungkan tiga stakeholder yang berperan dalam proses perdagangan pada pusat perbelanjaan modern.
FRAMEWORK FOR FAST BUILDING SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS SPECIFICATION
Authors: Singchai Ponglikit , Rivepiboon Wanchai
Published: July 2016

Software Requirements is an important process in software project. If the information is inaccurate or delayed, the next steps may have problems. If system analyst has the initial or suggestion documents which use software requirements specification of past software projects with similar knowledge, it can help system analyst to building the software requirements specification involves gathering requirements from users more efficient and faster. Therefore, we propose a framework for fast building the relationships of the software requirements specification of past software projects from the similarity of the requirements in each project using Bayesian network model for retrieving requirements with similar knowledge to the new project.
A STUDY ON CLOUD COMPUTING ADOPTION IN E-BUSINESS
Authors: Lim H.S. , Husain Wahidah
Published: July 2016

Cloud computing is an undeniable shift paradigm due to the rapid advancement in processors, distributed grid computing, disk storage and performance, Internet networking and virtualization techniques. Adoption of cloud computing in business creates some considerable business values. So basically this paper will concentrate on the study of the cloud adoption in business. Besides, this paper also aims to investigate the business benefit gained by adopting cloud computing in the business as well as the key challenges of cloud adoption in business.
DESIGNING PORTAL AMAZING NORTH SULAWESI AS PART OF INDONESIAN E-CULTURAL HERITAGE AND NATURAL HISTORY
Authors: Karouw Stanley , Wowor Hans
Published: July 2016

Digital preservation is one of the ways to make tourism of a nation keeps alive. The tourism of a nation rooted in its culture and nature. The wealth of these tourism spread in many entitites and areas such as cultures and natures. ICT role as key enabler to preserve this cultures and nature tourism. In this paper we proposed a Web Portal following eCultural Heritage and Natural History (eCHNH) Framework. This portal is to increase accessibility, provide availability and comply multi-content for culture and nature tourism of North Sulawesi. We used Agile Unified Process (AUP) Methodology to develop this web portal to emphasize user-oriented and object-oriented development paradigm. This agile-characteristic would produce web-based applications that meet user expectations and needs.
DEFINING KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY IN INDONESIAN GOVERNMENT: CASE STUDY HEAD OFFICE OF BADAN KEPEGAWAIAN NEGARA
Authors: Cahyaningsih Elin , Sukmiati Dieny , Chasanah Nur , Sensuse Dana Indra
Published: July 2016

Knowledge Management (KM) became a new concept of organizational development. Many organization starts to implement knowledge management including government. First step for implementing KM in organization is defining KM strategy. This research aims to define KM strategy byKM assessment from organization vision, mission and goals using balanced scorecard (BSC) methods to find KM performance indicator in each aspect of balanced scorecard variable. This study constructs SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) for processing and data analysis. The authors spread questionnaire at Head Office of Badan Kepegawaian Negara, Jakarta. The result of this research are KM strategies for implementing KM in Indonesian Government case study at Badan Kepegawaian Negara are monitoring program performance in order to create a working relationship and good personnel management as a learning activity for increasing organizational performance, raise up a teamwork culture within organization in to support business process in order to reach organizational performance and competitive advantage, increasing timeliness of service target achievement and standard time of customer service in order to increase organizational performance, and increasing the coordination effectiveness of program planning and budget as to increase the accountability of the organization, performance achievement and organizational performance.
ANALISIS MANAJEMEN PROYEK PERANGKAT LUNAK SISTEM INFORMASI AKUNTANSI PADA BIRO SISTEM INFORMASI PT. X
Authors: Primawati Alusyanti , Mustari Dewi
Published: July 2016

The software is an intermediary between system hardware computer with user as human. Based on the emerging software projects because of the importance of the functions already affects many functions in various aspects. Software projects that have become this need ultimately require management actions to manage the process in the project. Project management is necessary for the success of the project. Bereau Information System PT. X is one part of a company that provides software for functional PT. X. Analysis results from the concept of software project management information systems Bureau at PT. X when the process of designing application systems information accounting PT. X aims to answer how concept of project management Information Systems Bureau in designing the Accounting Information System applications. The methods used in this research is the study of the library with a general empirical approach based on experience and theories related to project management especially in software projects. The conclusions obtained that the activity of the management software on System Information Bureau is in compliance with the application of existing theory, but science is constantly evolving so as to do the development management activities after conducting evaluation regularly for the maintenance of long-term software project.
Patterns of Drug Resistance Among Tuberculosis Patients in West and Northwestern Iran
Authors: Sahebi Leyla , Ansarin Khalil , Mohajeri Parviz , Khalili Majid , Monfaredan Amir , Farajnia Safar , Zadeh Simin Khayyat
Published: July 2016

Background:

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among chronic infectious diseases.

Objective:

The goal of this cross-sectional study (2011-2013;2013) was to examine the patterns of TB drug resistance among HIV-negative pulmonary TB patients in regions near the Iranian border.

Method:

To this end, MTB isolates were harvested from 300 HIV-negative, pulmonary smear-positive TB patients from the northwest and west Iranian border provinces. Isolates were subjected to first and second-line drug susceptibility testing by the 1% proportion method. Demographic and clinical data were provided using a questionnaire and information from patient records. Results were analyzed using SPSS-18.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 52.03 years and 54.3% were male. The prevalence of resistance to any TB drug was 13.6% (38 cases). Eleven percent of the new treatment TB group (28 patients) and 40.7% of the retreatment TB group (11 patients) were resistant to all TB drugs. Twelve (4.3%) patients had multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) (2.38% in the new TB treatment group and 23.1% in the retreatment group). One patient had extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). There was a statistically significant relationship between TB drug resistance and smoking (p=0.02) and a history of migration from village to city (p=0.04), also between TB drug resistance and recurrence of TB in patients that had previously received treatment (p<0.001).

Conclusion:

Knowledge of drug resistance patterns for new and previously treated cases is critical for effective control of MDR-TB in different regions of the country. The burden of MDR-TB in retreatment cases was high. Previous TB treatment was one of the most important mokers and those who had a history of rural to urban migration were at high risk for the occurrence of TB drug resistance.
Practical Considerations for Well Performance Analysis and Forecasting in Shale Plays
Authors: Ilk D. , Blasingame T. A. , Houzé O.
Published: July 2016

Analysis and forecasting of well performance data in unconventional reservoirs is and will likely remain problematic as there is considerable uncertainty related to our current lack of understanding of the fluid flow phenomenon in low/ultra-low permeability reservoir systems.There are many unknowns which are the primary sources of the uncertainty on production performance.To name a few, these can be stated as the link between flow in nano scale and macro scale, effect of natural fractures and stress fields/geomechanics, pressure/stress dependent dynamic reservoir properties (e.g., permeability), Pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) properties at nano scale, extent of drainage area, etc. Recently, a great amount of research has been performed to understand and relate these issues to well performance analysis and forecasting, but still no conclusive answer has been provided.The objective of this paper is to briefly discuss the specifics of flow in low permeability systems and models to represent well performance then present a methodology to analyze and forecast production data.
Phase equilibria in the system Ca4Al6O12SO4 – Ca2SiO4 – CaSO4 – H2O referring to the hydration of calcium sulfoaluminate cements
Authors: Winnefeld Frank , Lothenbach Barbara
Published: July 2016

This paper presents thermodynamic calculations of the stable hydrate assemblages in calcium sulfoaluminate cements containing different amounts of ye’elemite, calcium sulfate and belite. The ternary diagrams developed in this paper can be used directly to assess the long-term composition of such calcium sulfoaluminate cements containing belite. The phase diagram was validated using experimental data from literature. The ternary diagrams developed can be used to read out directly the stable hydrate assemblage of calcium sulfoaluminate cements containing belite based on their initial composition.
Implications of Firms Having Both Highly Negative Accruals and Cash Flows for Test of Accruals Anomaly
Authors: Kim Jung Hoon , Kim Young Jun
Published: July 2016

SYNOPSIS

This study provides evidence that the weak (asset-deflated) accruals anomaly is attributable to firms having both highly negative accruals and cash flows. These firms yield highly negative future stock returns, which weakens the accruals anomaly by depressing overall future stock returns of the lowest accruals portfolio while reinforcing the cash flows anomaly. Among accruals components, accounts payable, depreciation, and non-current accruals capture their declining economic fundamentals and drive away the accruals anomaly. Additionally, we document that firms having both highly negative accruals and cash flows can account for the nonexistence of the accruals anomaly for loss firms, and reconcile the weak asset-deflated accruals anomaly with the robust earnings-deflated accruals anomaly (i.e., percent accruals). Overall, our findings suggest that implications of negative accruals depend on the level of cash flows, and a small subset of firms having both highly negative accruals and cash flows may distort the results of accruals anomaly tests.
Nrf2-Mediated Neuroprotection Against Recurrent Hypoglycemia Is Insufficient to Prevent Cognitive Impairment in a Rodent Model of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: McNeilly Alison D. , Gallagher Jennifer R. , Dinkova-Kostova Albena T. , Hayes John D. , Sharkey John , Ashford Michael L.J. , McCrimmon Rory J.
Published: July 2016

It remains uncertain whether recurrent nonsevere hypoglycemia (Hypo) results in long-term cognitive impairment in type 1 diabetes (T1D). This study tested the hypothesis that specifically in the T1D state, Hypo leads to cognitive impairment via a pathological response to oxidative stress. Wild-type (Control) and nuclear factor–erythroid 2 p45–related factor 2 (Nrf2) null mice were studied. Eight groups of mice (Control and Nrf2−/− ± T1D and ± Hypo) were subject to recurrent, twice-weekly, insulin or saline injections over 4 weeks, after which cognitive function was assessed and brain tissue analyzed. Recurrent moderate hypoglycemia in T1D, but not Control, mice significantly impaired cognitive performance, and this was associated with hippocampal oxidative damage and inflammation despite an enhanced expression of Nrf2 and its target genes Hmox1 and Nqo1. In Nrf2−/− mice, both T1D and Hypo independently resulted in impaired cognitive performance, and this was associated with oxidative cell damage and marked inflammation. Together, these data suggest that Hypo induces an Nrf2-dependent antioxidant response in the hippocampus, which counteracts oxidative damage. However, in T1D, this neuroprotective mechanism is insufficient to prevent neuronal oxidative damage, resulting in chronic deficits in working and long-term memory.
The State of Veterinary Dental Education in North America, Canada, and the Caribbean: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Anderson Jamie G. , Goldstein Gary , Boudreaux Karen , Ilkiw Jan E.
Published: July 2016

Dental disease is important in the population of pets seen by veterinarians. Knowledge and skills related to oral disease and dentistry are critical entry-level skills expected of graduating veterinarians. A descriptive survey on the state of veterinary dental education was sent to respondents from 35 veterinary schools in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. Using the online SurveyMonkey application, respondents answered up to 26 questions. Questions were primarily designed to determine the breadth and depth of veterinary dental education from didactic instruction in years 1–3 to the clinical year programs. There was an excellent response to the survey with 86% compliance. Learning opportunities for veterinary students in years 1–3 in both the lecture and laboratory environments were limited, as were the experiences in the clinical year 4, which were divided between community-type practices and veterinary dentistry and oral surgery services. The former provided more hands-on clinical experience, including tooth extraction, while the latter focused on dental charting and periodontal debridement. Data on degrees and certifications of faculty revealed only 12 programs with board-certified veterinary dentists. Of these, seven veterinary schools had residency programs in veterinary dentistry at the time of the survey. Data from this study demonstrate the lack of curricular time dedicated to dental content in the veterinary schools participating in the survey, thereby suggesting the need for veterinary schools to address the issue of veterinary dental education. By graduation, new veterinarians should have acquired the needed knowledge and skills to meet both societal demands and professional expectations.
Intensification of rice based cropping system incorporating short duration oilseed mustard varieties
Authors: Hassan L , Quddus MA , Khan MAH , Ali Mohammed
Published: July 2016

An attempt was taken to transform Aman-fallow-Boro cropping pattern into Aman-rapeseed and mustard-Boro for three years beginning from Rabi 2011-12. Two components viz. Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh (BAU) and Bittohin Chashi Somaj Kallayan Sangstha (BCSKS) executed the programme under the leadership of BAU. Three upazillas viz. Mymensingh Sadar, Muktagacha & Haluaghat of Mymensingh district were under BAU component. Whereas, the upazillas Bagha of Rajshahi, Ishwardi of Pabna and Lalpur of Natore districts were under BCSKS component. A total of 1200 farmers (300+400+500 for 1st, 2nd & 3rd years) were taken into consideration to grow rapeseed and mustard in between Aman & Boro. Each of the farmers were provided with 1kg rapeseed and mustard seeds, necessary fertilizers, insecticide, fungicide & irrigation costs. Five rapeseed and mustard varieties namely BARI sarisha 14 & 15, BINA sarisha 4 & 7 and Unnata Tori 7 were used. Before rapeseed and mustard cultivation, all the farmers grew Aman rice &Boro rice after harvesting it. Among the five rapeseed and mustard varieties BARI sarisha 14 & 15, BINA sarisha 4 and Unnata Tori 7 were found to be suitable for the cropping pattern Aman-rapeseed and mustard-Boro. These varieties matured between 76.9 to 84.1 days. Per hectare seed yield of the varieties ranged from 1266.5 kg (Unnata Tori 7) to 1822.0 kg (BARI sarisha 14) with an average of 1544.6 kg. On an average per hectare cost of production, gross income & gross return from rapeseed and mustard were tk. 27770, 78180 and 50471, respectively. On an average, over three years gross income and gross return obtained from Aman and Boro rice were tk. 52,273 &22237 and tk. 71,138 & 30,935 per hectare, respectively. Thus, an additional income of tk. 50471 obtained by the farmers for growing rapeseed and mustard in between Aman & Boro over that of Aman & Boro only, and cropping intensity of the farmers raised into 300%.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 13(1): 1-6, June 2015
Growth parameters and leaf biomass yield of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana, Bertoni) as influenced by different soil types of Bangladesh
Authors: Zaman MM , Chowdhury MAH , Chowdhury Tanzin
Published: July 2016

Soils of different types affect crop production according to their capability as a nutrient supplier based on plant requirement. Soil provides physical support to plant as well as supplies necessary water and nutrient elements for plant growth and development. Suitable soil for stevia cultivation in Bangladesh is yet to be identified. A high concentrate sweetness producer plant, stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) was grown in earthen pots in some soils of Bangladesh to choose the most suitable soil/s for the growth and leaf yield of stevia. Seven soil types namely acid, calcareous, non-calcareous, charland, saline, peat and acid sulphate were used as treatments. The soils were mostly light grey in colour and clay to clay loam in texture. Bulk density, particle density and field capacity ranged from 1.24-1.45, 2.20-2.58 and 27.03-30.19%, respectively. pH, EC and organic matter content ranged from 3.90-8.00, 0.25-14.00 dS m-1 and 0.88-16.40%, respectively. Total N, exchangeable K, available P and S contents ranged from 0.05-0.96%, 0.17-0.70 cmol kg-1 soil, 3-12 and 11-735 ?g g-1 soil, respectively. Different soil types significantly influenced the growth and leaf yield of stevia. The highest values of plant height, branch and leaf number, leaf area, fresh and dry weight of leaves were obtained from the plant grown in non-calcareous soil which was identical with the plant those grown on acid soil while the lowest values of all the parameters were found from the plant grown in acid sulphate soil. Leaf biomass yield increase ranged from 16.18% in peat soil and 90.11% in non-calcareous soil over acid sulphate soil. The performance of the soils in terms of stevia leaf production was of the order non-calcareous> acid> calcareous> charland> saline(4.43 dS m-1)> saline(6.08 dS m-1)> saline(8.68 dS m-1)> peat >acid sulphate soils. The overall results suggest that farmers could be advised to grow stevia either in non-calcareous soil or acid soils of Bangladesh.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 13(1): 31-37, June 2015
Poverty alleviation through micro-credit: Evidence of BRAC credit program
Authors: Bhuyian MA Sayeed , Mankhin B , Tipu SU , Rahman MM
Published: July 2016

The paper presents the extent of poverty alleviation through micro-credit of Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) women beneficiaries in upgrading their economic and social status. The study was conducted three villages in Birampur upazila under Dinajpur district. Out of 442 populations, 88 women beneficiaries were randomly selected which constituted the sample. Data were collected during 20th February to 20th March,2009 using interview schedule. Coefficient of correlation(r) was computed in order to explore relationship between the selected characteristics of the women beneficiaries and their poverty alleviation. Only 4.5% population had high poverty alleviation while the highest proportion (61.4%) of the women had moderate poverty alleviation in participating BRAC micro-credit activities. The findings showed that age, family size and duration of involvement with BRAC had no relation with their poverty alleviation. Education, farm size, family income, Cosmo politeness, availability of BRAC micro-credit and attitude towards BRAC had positive relationship with their poverty alleviation. New loan is not issued until final repayment of installment as identified by the beneficiaries as the main problem.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 13(1): 87-92, June 2015
Technical efficiency of Boro rice production in Bangladesh: A case of bio-slurry application
Authors: Kabir H , Musharraf M , Haque MM , Khan M
Published: July 2016

The main objective of this study is to estimate the impact of bioslurry to Boro rice production in Bangladesh. Translog production function through Stochastic Frontier Apoproach (SFA) was applied for estimating the efficiency of Boro production. Data were collected from biogas users in the four district of Bangladesh: Mymensingh, Pabna, Thakurgaon and Dinajpur. Biogas users have received significant impact from bio-slurry to Boro rice production while chemical fertilizers have no significant impact to same production. The production efficiency of biogas users is notably different from traditional farms. The efficiency differences are explained mostly by farm size, year of education, family size and off-farm income. Bio-slurry could be applied for reducing application of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and labour requirement that lead to more organic agriculture practices with producing more output, earn more income and save foreign currency.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 13(1): 101-108, June 2015
Traditional rice storage facilities and options for safe storage: A study in some selected flood-prone areas under Bhola district
Authors: Hasan MK , Abedin MZ , Islam T , Rahman MZ
Published: July 2016

The study aimed at identifying the existing rice storage facilities, problems and prospects at farmers level in some selected five unions in two flood-prone upazillas under Bhola district of Bangladesh. The farmers suggested policy options for safe storage of rice are also discussed. The selection of Upazilas and villages were done purposively whereas the sample households were selected randomly using stratified random sampling technique with arbitrary allocation. The farmers were classified as small, medium and large based their land ownership. Data on the average rice production, consumption, storage volume and costs of storage and losses of rice in different storage structures/containers from selected 50 farmers of study areas were collected through pre-tested questionnaire. The farmers generally used traditional storage structures such as Dole, Berh, Motka, Jala, Gola, Plastic drum and Gunny/Plastic bags for storing rice. Plastic drum, Gunny and Plastic bags and Motka/Jala were found more economical for the farmers considering the capital cost, expected life and storage loss. Over 90% of the farmers felt the need for training on safe storage and over 80% of the small and medium farmers were interested in getting government help through loans, grants, etc. About 60% of the farmers expressed their interest on cooperative storage system to store and protect their food grains during the time of floods. Farmers opined to construct storage structures at an easily accessible place within their village or union under common or cooperative storage systems. The proposed storage system, on implementation, could be managed or overseen by a committee elected/selected by the cooperative society members.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 13(1): 125-130, June 2015
Real Time Information Based Energy Management Using Customer Preferences and Dynamic Pricing in Smart Homes
Authors: Rasheed Muhammad , Javaid Nadeem , Awais Muhammad , Khan Zahoor , Qasim Umar , Alrajeh Nabil , Iqbal Zafar , Javaid Qaisar
Published: July 2016

This paper presents real time information based energy management algorithms to reduce electricity cost and peak to average ratio (PAR) while preserving user comfort in a smart home. We categorize household appliances into thermostatically controlled (tc), user aware (ua), elastic (el), inelastic (iel) and regular (r) appliances/loads. An optimization problem is formulated to reduce electricity cost by determining the optimal use of household appliances. The operational schedules of these appliances are optimized in response to the electricity price signals and customer preferences to maximize electricity cost saving and user comfort while minimizing curtailed energy. Mathematical optimization models of tc appliances, i.e., air-conditioner and refrigerator, are proposed which are solved by using intelligent programmable communication thermostat ( iPCT). We add extra intelligence to conventional programmable communication thermostat (CPCT) by using genetic algorithm (GA) to control tc appliances under comfort constraints. The optimization models for ua, el, and iel appliances are solved subject to electricity cost minimization and PAR reduction. Considering user comfort, el appliances are considered where users can adjust appliance waiting time to increase or decrease their comfort level. Furthermore, energy demand of r appliances is fulfilled via local supply where the major objective is to reduce the fuel cost of various generators by proper scheduling. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithms efficiently schedule the energy demand of all types of appliances by considering identified constraints (i.e., PAR, variable prices, temperature, capacity limit and waiting time).
Who Is Vulnerable to Dengue Fever? A Community Survey of the 2014 Outbreak in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Chen Bin , Yang Jun , Luo Lei , Yang Zhicong , Liu Qiyong
Published: July 2016

Unprecedented dengue fever (DF) outbreaks impel China to develop useful disease control strategies. Integrated vector management (IVM) focuses on identifying vulnerable populations and interrupting human–vector contact; however, vulnerable populations have not been clearly identified in China. We conducted a case-control study during the initial stage of the 2014 DF outbreak in Guangzhou, China to assess risk factors for DF infection. Cases were randomly sampled from the National Notifiable Infectious Disease Reporting Information System (NNIDRIS). Controls were healthy individuals recruited from 17 DF infected communities through cluster sampling. A structured questionnaire on demographics, knowledge, practices, and living environment was administered to participants (165 cases; 492 controls). Logistic regression models identified characteristics of vulnerable populations. Awareness of dengue (OR = 0.08, 95% CI = 0.04–0.17), removing trash and stagnant water from around the residence (OR = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.00–0.17), and using mosquito repellent oils (OR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.16–0.81) were protective factors. Living in an old flat or shed (OR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.18–4.79) was a risk factor. Coils and bed nets were not protective due to incorrect knowledge of use. Using mosquito repellent oils and other protective measures can reduce vulnerability to DF infection.
Exploring the Relationship between Remotely-Sensed Spectral Variables and Attributes of Tropical Forest Vegetation under the Influence of Local Forest Institutions
Authors: Agarwal Shivani , Rocchini Duccio , Marathe Aniruddha , Nagendra Harini
Published: July 2016

Conservation of forests outside protected areas is essential for maintaining forest connectivity, which largely depends on the effectiveness of local institutions. In this study, we use Landsat data to explore the relationship between vegetation structure and forest management institutions, in order to assess the efficacy of local institutions in management of forests outside protected areas. These forests form part of an important tiger corridor in Eastern Maharashtra, India. We assessed forest condition using 450 randomly placed 10 m radius circular plots in forest patches of villages with and without local institutions, to understand the impact of these institutions on forest vegetation. Tree density and species richness were significantly different between villages with and without local forest institutions, but there was no difference in tree biomass. We also found a significant difference in the relationship between tree density and NDVI between villages with and without local forest institutions. However, the relationship between species richness and NDVI did not differ significantly. The methods proposed by this study evaluate the status of forest management in a forest corridor using remotely sensed data and could be effectively used to identify the extent of vegetation health and management status.
Immunogenic Human Papillomavirus Pseudovirus-Mediated Suicide-Gene Therapy for Bladder Cancer
Authors: Hojeij Rim , Domingos-Pereira Sonia , Nkosi Marianne , Gharbi Dalila , Derré Laurent , Schiller John , Jichlinski Patrice , Nardelli-Haefliger Denise
Published: July 2016

Bladder cancer is the second most common urological malignancy in the world. In 70% of cases it is initially diagnosed as non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and it is amenable to local treatments, with intravesical (IVES) Bacillus-Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy being routinely used after transurethral resection of the lesion. However, this treatment is associated with significant side-effects and treatment failures, highlighting the necessity of novel strategies. One potent approach is the suicide-gene mediated therapy/prodrug combination, provided tumor-specificity can be ensured and anti-tumor immune responses induced. Using the mouse syngeneic orthotopic MB49-bladder tumor model, here we show that IVES human papillomavirus non-replicative pseudovirions (PsV) can pseudoinfect tumors with a ten-fold higher efficacy than normal bladders. In addition, PsV carrying the suicide-gene herpes-simplex virus thymidine kinase (PsV-TK) combined to Ganciclovir (GCV) led to immunogenic cell-death of tumor cells in vitro and to MB49-specific CD8 T-cells in vivo. This was associated with reduction in bladder-tumor growth and increased mice survival. Altogether, our data show that IVES PsV-TK/GCV may be a promising alternative or combinatory treatment for NMIBC.
Modifications in Glass Ionomer Cements: Nano-Sized Fillers and Bioactive Nanoceramics
Authors: Najeeb Shariq , Khurshid Zohaib , Zafar Muhammad , Khan Abdul , Zohaib Sana , Martí Juan , Sauro Salvatore , Matinlinna Jukka , Rehman Ihtesham
Published: July 2016

Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are being used for a wide range of applications in dentistry. In order to overcome the poor mechanical properties of glass ionomers, several modifications have been introduced to the conventional GICs. Nanotechnology involves the use of systems, modifications or materials the size of which is in the range of 1–100 nm. Nano-modification of conventional GICs and resin modified GICs (RMGICs) can be achieved by incorporation of nano-sized fillers to RMGICs, reducing the size of the glass particles, and introducing nano-sized bioceramics to the glass powder. Studies suggest that the commercially available nano-filled RMGIC does not hold any significant advantage over conventional RMGICs as far as the mechanical and bonding properties are concerned. Conversely, incorporation of nano-sized apatite crystals not only increases the mechanical properties of conventional GICs, but also can enhance fluoride release and bioactivity. By increasing the crystallinity of the set matrix, apatites can make the set cement chemically more stable, insoluble, and improve the bond strength with tooth structure. Increased fluoride release can also reduce and arrest secondary caries. However, due to a lack of long-term clinical studies, the use of nano-modified glass ionomers is still limited in daily clinical dentistry. In addition to the in vitro and in vivo studies, more randomized clinical trials are required to justify the use of these promising materials. The aim of this paper is to review the modification performed in GIC-based materials to improve their physicochemical properties.
EMT in Breast Carcinoma—A Review
Authors: Felipe Lima Joema , Nofech-Mozes Sharon , Bayani Jane , Bartlett John
Published: July 2016

The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular program that is involved in embryonic development; wound healing, but also in tumorigenesis. Breast carcinoma (BC) is the most common cancer in women worldwide, and the majority of deaths (90%) are caused by invasion and metastasis. The EMT plays an important role in invasion and subsequent metastasis. Several distinct biological events integrate a cascade that leads not only to a change from an epithelial to mesenchymal phenotype, but allows for detachment, migration, invasion and ultimately, colonization of a second site. Understanding the biological intricacies of the EMT may provide important insights that lead to the development of therapeutic targets in pre-invasive and invasive breast cancer, and could be used as biomarkers identifying tumor subsets with greater chances of recurrence, metastasis and therapeutic resistance leading to death.
Austalides S-U, New Meroterpenoids from the Sponge-Derived Fungus Aspergillus aureolatus HDN14-107
Authors: Peng Jixing , Zhang Xiaomin , Wang Wei , Zhu Tianjiao , Gu Qianqun , Li Dehai
Published: July 2016

Three new meroterpenoids, named austalides S-U (1–3), were isolated from the culture of a sponge-derived fungus Aspergillus aureolatus HDN14-107, together with eleven known austalides derivates (4–14). Their structures, including absolute configurations, were assigned on the basis of NMR, MS data, and TDDFT ECD calculations. Compound 1 is the first case of austalides with the terpene ring fused to the chroman ring in trans configuration. Compounds 3 and 5 exhibited activities against influenza virus A (H1N1), with IC50 values of 90 and 99 μM, respectively.
Combining Electro-Osmotic Flow and FTA® Paper for DNA Analysis on Microfluidic Devices
Authors: Wimbles Ryan , Melling Louise , Shaw Kirsty
Published: July 2016

FTA® paper can be used to protect a variety of biological samples prior to analysis, facilitating ease-of-transport to laboratories or long-term archive storage. The use of FTA® paper as a solid phase eradicates the need to elute the nucleic acids from the matrix prior to DNA amplification, enabling both DNA purification and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based DNA amplification to be performed in a single chamber on the microfluidic device. A disc of FTA® paper, containing a biological sample, was placed within the microfluidic device on top of wax-encapsulated DNA amplification reagents. The disc containing the biological sample was then cleaned up using Tris-EDTA (TE) buffer, which was passed over the disc, via electro-osmotic flow, in order to remove any potential inhibitors of downstream processes. DNA amplification was successfully performed (from buccal cells, whole blood and semen) using a Peltier thermal cycling system, whereupon the stored PCR reagents were released during the initial denaturing step due to the wax barrier melting between the FTA® disc and PCR reagents. Such a system offers advantages in terms of a simple sample introduction interface and the ability to process archived samples in an integrated microfluidic environment with minimal risk of contamination.
Simultaneous Determination of Eight Alkaloids in Rat Plasma by UHPLC-MS/MS after Oral Administration of Coptis deltoidea C. Y. Cheng et Hsiao and Coptis chinensis Franch
Authors: Liu Lu , Wang Zhi-Bin , Song Yang , Yang Jing , Wu Li-Jun , Yang Bing-You , Wang Qiu-Hong , Wang Li-Qian , Wang Ru-Xuan , Yang Chun-Juan
Published: July 2016

A ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method was successfully developed and validated for the identification and determination of eight alkaloids: tetrahydropalmatine (A); palmatine (B); magnoflorine (C); columbamine (D); berberine (E); worenine (F); berberrubine (G) and coptisine (H) in rat plasma, which are the active components in Coptis deltoidea C. Y. cheng et Hsiao (CCY) and Coptis chinensis Franch (CF). The chromatographic separation of analytes was successfully achieved on an Agilent SB-C18 column (1.8 µm, 150 mm × 2.1 mm) using a programme with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and water containing 0.3% acetic acid at a flow rate of 0.25 mL/min. The analytes were detected with a triple quadrupole tandem MS in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode and an electrospray ionization (ESI) source in positive mode. The validated method showed good linearity over a wide concentration range (r2 > 0.991), and lower limits of quantification (LLOQ) less than 1.1 ng/mL for all analytes, and matrix effects ranged from 85.2% to 106.8%. The mean extraction recoveries were no less than 86.4%, and the precision and accuracy were within the acceptable limits. All analytes were proven to be stable during sample storage and analysis procedures. The method validation results demonstrated that the proposed method was sensitive, specific, and reliable, which could lay a foundation for the pharmacokinetic study of eight analytes after oral administration of CCY and CF in subsequent studies.
Comparison of Three Non-Imaging Angle-Diversity Receivers as Input Sensors of Nodes for Indoor Infrared Wireless Sensor Networks: Theory and Simulation
Authors: Mendoza Beatriz , Rodríguez Silvestre , Pérez-Jiménez Rafael , Ayala Alejandro , González Oswaldo
Published: July 2016

In general, the use of angle-diversity receivers makes it possible to reduce the impact of ambient light noise, path loss and multipath distortion, in part by exploiting the fact that they often receive the desired signal from different directions. Angle-diversity detection can be performed using a composite receiver with multiple detector elements looking in different directions. These are called non-imaging angle-diversity receivers. In this paper, a comparison of three non-imaging angle-diversity receivers as input sensors of nodes for an indoor infrared (IR) wireless sensor network is presented. The receivers considered are the conventional angle-diversity receiver (CDR), the sectored angle-diversity receiver (SDR), and the self-orienting receiver (SOR), which have been proposed or studied by research groups in Spain. To this end, the effective signal-collection area of the three receivers is modelled and a Monte-Carlo-based ray-tracing algorithm is implemented which allows us to investigate the effect on the signal to noise ratio and main IR channel parameters, such as path loss and rms delay spread, of using the three receivers in conjunction with different combination techniques in IR links operating at low bit rates. Based on the results of the simulations, we show that the use of a conventional angle-diversity receiver in conjunction with the equal-gain combining technique provides the solution with the best signal to noise ratio, the lowest computational capacity and the lowest transmitted power requirements, which comprise the main limitations for sensor nodes in an indoor infrared wireless sensor network.
Time-Resolved Fluorescent Immunochromatography of Aflatoxin B1 in Soybean Sauce: A Rapid and Sensitive Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Wang Du , Zhang Zhaowei , Li Peiwu , Zhang Qi , Zhang Wen
Published: July 2016

Rapid and quantitative sensing of aflatoxin B1 with high sensitivity and specificity has drawn increased attention of studies investigating soybean sauce. A sensitive and rapid quantitative immunochromatographic sensing method was developed for the detection of aflatoxin B1 based on time-resolved fluorescence. It combines the advantages of time-resolved fluorescent sensing and immunochromatography. The dynamic range of a competitive and portable immunoassay was 0.3–10.0 µg·kg−1, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.1 µg·kg−1 and recoveries of 87.2%–114.3%, within 10 min. The results showed good correlation (R2 > 0.99) between time-resolved fluorescent immunochromatographic strip test and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Soybean sauce samples analyzed using time-resolved fluorescent immunochromatographic strip test revealed that 64.2% of samples contained aflatoxin B1 at levels ranging from 0.31 to 12.5 µg·kg−1. The strip test is a rapid, sensitive, quantitative, and cost-effective on-site screening technique in food safety analysis.
La littérature pour la jeunesse et le genre : un corpus face à ses contradictions ?
Authors: Manuelian Marie , Magnan-Rahimi Nathalie , Laroque Lydie
Published: July 2016

Si de nombreuses études se sont déjà intéressées à l'expression du sexisme dans les œuvres littéraires destinées à la jeunesse, cet article à trois mains porte plus spécifiquement un regard critique sur les ouvrages étudiés à l'école de par leur qualité littéraire ou leur volonté de lutter contre les stéréotypes de genre. Tout d'abord, parce que l'étude de la place de la littérature de jeunesse non sexiste, dans l'offre générale de textes, permet de mesurer le décalage entre la prise en compte progressive des droits des femmes et l'évolution, plus contrastée, des politiques éditoriales. Ensuite, parce que les textes antisexistes peuvent être porteurs de contradictions internes, révélatrices de la difficulté d'éviter toute forme de stéréotypes et de préjugés dans les œuvres pour la jeunesse. Pour finir, l'analyse de l'expression du genre dans les listes officielles de littérature de jeunesse révèle, là aussi, des contradictions entre les valeurs de certaines des œuvres sélectionnées et les ambitions affirmées par le ministère de l'Éducation nationale.