bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGARUH KUALITAS PRODUK, DAN CITRA MEREK TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN PRODUK KOSMETIK WARDAH DI VARIA STORE - TANGERANG
Authors: . AHMAD
Published: September 2020

This research was done in order to analyze the variable effect (X1) namely Quality of Product to variable (Y) namely Purchasing Decision, variable effect (X2) namely Brand Image to variable (Y) namely Purchasing Decision, and variable effect (X1) namely Quality of Product and variable (X2) namely Brand Image to variable (Y) namely Purchasing Decision. This research was done by using a Survey Method. The population in this research were the use cosmetic produc Wardah in Varia Store Tangerang, taking of sample was done by Incidental Sampling technique, and the amount is 100 respondents. Whereas the data analysis was done by associative analysis, Validity test, Reability test,Hypotesist test, simple regression analysis, multiple regression analysis, simple correlation analysis, multiple correlation analysisand coefficient determination (RÂ²). Based on the analysis data which was done in this research, can be concluded that variable (X1) which is Quality of Product give an positive influence and significant impact on variable (Y)which is Purchasing Decision for Variable 89,0% effect (X2) which is Brand Image give an positive influence and significant impact on variable (Y)which is Purchasing Decision 90,0%. And Variable effect(X1) which is Quality of Product and variable (X2) which is Brand Image found positive and significant impact on variable (Y)which is Purchasing Decision for 89,0%. Value of F-count which is 9,179 is more than value of F-table which is 3,090. The result is Ho refused and Ha accepted. Whereas the residual is influenced by the other variable which didnâ€™t researched in this research.
PENGARUH KEPEMIMPINAN, MOTIVASI, DAN PELATIHAN TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN, STUDI PADA PT SURYA TOTO INDONESIA TBK. PLANT CIKUPA TANGERANG
Authors: . Masruri
Published: September 2020

Employee performance can be traced back to the behavior of people in their working place in accordance with their role in the company. Performance assessment is carried out to provide information as a basis for decision making in an effort to improve the quality of company services. There are many factors that influence employee performance including leadership, work environment, work placement, career development, training, education, attendance, work culture and others. The study sought to establish the effect of leadership, motivation and training on employee performance in PT Surya Toto Indonesia Tbk both individually and jointly. A survey method was applied using primary data obtained from the questionnaire. Population in this study was employees of PT. Surya Toto Indonesia Tbk plant Cikupa Tangerang. Sample size was 100 employees, consisted of permanent employee and contracted employee, using Stratified Random Sampling technique. Data quality was verified using validity test and reliability test. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression, T-test, F-test, coefficient of determination, and classical assumption test.The result of multiple linear regression analysis showed that leadership, motivation and training have positive influence to employee performance in PT Surya Toto Indonesia Tbk. This is indicated by positive regression coefficient numbers. It was also found that leadership, motivation and training have a significant effect to employee performance in PT Surya Toto Indonesia Tbk. indicated by the significance number generated in each variable below 0.05 from T-test and F-test. Based on the result of the coefficient of determination, the influence of leadership, motivation, and training variables on employee performance was 44.9% while the rest (100% - 44.9% = 54.1%) was explained by other variables that were not used in this study.
PENGARUH PERSEPSI, PEMAHAMAN, DAN RESIKO WAJIB PAJAK TERHADAP KETEPATAN PENYAMPAIAN SPT PPN MENGGUNAKAN E-FAKTUR
Authors: Widayati Neneng
Published: September 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui ketepatan penyampaian SPT PPN menggunakan e-Faktur. Variable dalam penelitian ini yaitu persepsi, pemahaman, dan resiko wajib pajak dalam menggunakan e-Faktur di Kantor Pelayanan Pajak Pratama Jakarta Kembangan. Jenis data yang digunakan adalah data primer berbentuk kuantitatif. Teknik analisis data untuk menguji hipotesis menggunakan analisis regresi berganda. Dalam penelitian ini dilakukan dengan metode survey melalui kuisioner yang diberikan langsung kepada responden. Jumlah responden disesuaikan dengan sampel yang akan diteliti yaitu sebanyak 70 responden. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa variabel persepsi dan pemahaman wajib pajak tidak berpengaruh signifikan dalam ketepatan penyampaian SPT PPN menggunakan e-Faktur, akan tetapi variable resiko berpengaruh signifikan dalam ketepatan penyampaian SPT PPN menggunakan e-Faktur.
1 PENGARUH LIKUIDITAS, AKTIVITAS DAN EFISIENSI PENGGUNAAN MODAL KERJA TERHADAP KINERJA KEUANGAN PADA PERUSAHAAN SUB SEKTOR OTOMOTIF YANG TERDAFTAR DI BURSA EFEK INDONESIA PERIODE 2014-2018
Authors: Pramesti Alysia , Suharno Hadi , Kulsum Umi
Published: September 2020

This study aims to determine how much influence liquidity, activity, and efficiency of the use of working capital on financial performance. This study includes several independent and dependent variables including: the independent variable is financial performance, while the dependent variable is liquidity, activity, and efficiency of the use of working capital. The population used in this study is a company engaged in the automotive sub sector listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during the 2014-2018 period, using a sampling technique in the form of saturated sampling. the number of samples of automotive sub-sector companies that fulfill criteria is 8 companies. Based on partial testing between liquidity (CR) and financial performance (ROA) shows that ð‘¡ð‘ð‘œð‘¢ð‘›ð‘¡(0.250) >ð‘¡ð‘¡ð‘Žð‘ð‘™ð‘’ (1.684). Because the significant value is 0.804> 0.05 which means it is not significant, then ð»0is rejected ð»ð‘Žis accepted. Activity shows that ð‘¡ð‘ð‘œð‘¢ð‘›ð‘¡(-5.002) >ð‘¡ð‘¡ð‘Žð‘ð‘™ð‘’(1.684). Because a significant value of 0.00 <0.05 which means significant, then ð»0is acceptedð»ð‘Žis rejected. Efficient use of working capital (NWC) shows that ð‘¡ð‘ð‘œð‘¢ð‘›ð‘¡ (-0,385) >ð‘¡ð‘¡ð‘Žð‘ð‘™ð‘’(1,684). Because the significant value is 0.703> 0.05 which means it is not significant, thenð»0is is rejected ð»ð‘Ž accepted. For the results of simultaneous hypothesis testing, namely the F test, the value of ð¹ð‘ð‘œð‘¢ð‘›ð‘¡ (10,531)>>ð¹ð‘¡ð‘Žð‘ð‘™ð‘’(2.87) with a significance level of 0.00 <0.05, it can be concluded that liquidity, activity and efficiency of working capital use on financial performance is influential simultaneously on financial performance.
PENGARUH KUALITAS PELAYANAN, KUALITAS PRODUK DAN KEPUASAN PELANGGAN TERHADAP RETENSI PELANGGAN STUDI KASUS ROTI BAKAR 88 PASAR LAMA TANGERANG
Authors: Anggraini Lina , Suharno Hadi , Kulsum Umi
Published: September 2020

This research was done to analyze the effect of variable (X1) quality of service to the variable (Y) that is customer retention, the influence of variables (X2) is the quality of products to variable (Y) that is customer retention, , the influence of variables (X3) is the customer satisfaction to variable (Y) that is customer retention and the effect of variable (X1) which is variable quality Comfort , variable (X2) is the quality of the product and variabel (X3) is the customer satisfaction simultaneously to variable (Y) customer retention. This research was conducted using a survey method. The population in this study is that consumers Roti Bakar 88Â  Pasar Lama Tangerang. Sampling with 100 respondents conducted by random sampling technique. While the analysis is done with the data, the classic assumption test hypothesis testing, validity, reliability, multiple regression analysis, multiple correlation analysis, and analysis of the coefficient of determination (R Â²). Based on data analysis performed in this study, it can be concluded that the variable (X1) quality of service and significant positive effect on the variable (Y) is 38% of customer retention. Variable (X2) is the product quality and significant positive effect on the variable (Y) is 11% of customer retention, Variable (X3) is the customer satisfaction and significant positive effect on the variable (Y) is 18% of customer retention. F-count value is greater than the value of 798,01 F-table is 0,39. So Ho rejected and Ha accepted. The rest was influenced by other variables not examined in this study.
OPTIMALISASI MEMBANGUN BRAND IMAGE TERHADAP CUSTOMER LOYALTY MELALUI CUSTOMER VALUE DAN CUSTOMER RETENTION SEBAGAI VARIABEL INTERVENING
Authors: Amelia Ratih , Ayani Selfitrida
Published: September 2020

Perguruan tinggi swasta pada saat sekarang ini terus dituntut untuk terus melakukan upaya perbaikan baik yang terjadi secara internal dan ekternal. Belum terkenalnya citra kampus menyebabkan perguruan tinggi akan sangat sulit bersaing. Hal inilah yang sering terjadi pada Politeknik Unggul LP3M. Dimana persepsi orang masih menggap kuliah harus di Universitas, Sekolah Tinggi dan Akademi. Kemudian selama ini istilah Politeknik masih asing dibenak orang banyak. Salah satu upaya yang dilakukan manajemen Politeknik Unggul LP3M yaitu dengan memaksimalkan program penerimaan mahasiswa baru melalui pemberian reward atau lebih dikenal dengan istilah member get member (MGM). Fokus utama dalam penelitian ini yaitu untuk menganalisis secara langsung 1) brand image terhadap customer value, 2) menganalisis brand image terhadap customer retention. Selanjutnya menganalisis secara tidak langsung 1) brand image terhadap customer loyalty melalui customer value 4) brand image terhadap customer loyalty melalui customer retention. Pendekatan penelitian ini yaitu analisis jalur. Populasi dalam penelitian ini mahasiswa aktif pada tahun ajaran 2018/2019 pada kampus Politeknik Unggul LP3M yang terdiri dari 5 program studi yang berjumlah 316. Sedangkan metode penentuan sampel dengan non probability sampling yaitu dengan cara accidental sampling. Dimana peneliti mengambil 250 mahasiswa aktif untuk dijadikan sampel. Pengumpulan data menggunakan kuesioner dengan skala likert.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa secara langsung 1) brand image berpengaruh signifikan terhahadap customer value, 2) brand image berpengaruh signifikan terhahadap customer retention. Sedangkan secara tidak langsung 3) brand image tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhahadap customer loyalty melalui customer value, 4) brand image berpengaruh signifikan terhahadap customer loyalty melalui customer retention.Kata Kunci: Brand Image, Value, Retention, Loyalty
PENGARUH CITRA MEREK, KUALITAS LAYANAN DAN PRODUK TERHADAP LOYALITAS NASABAH PT. BANK MAYBANK Tbk, CAPEM CITRA RAYA CIKUPA
Authors: Sukaesih Imas
Published: September 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis (1) sejauh mana pengaruh citra merek secara pasial terhadap loyalitas nasabah, (2)  sejauh mana  pengaruh kualitas layanan secara parsial terhadap loyalitas nasabah, (3) sejauh mana pengaruh produk secara parsial terhadap loyalitas nasabah (4)sejauh mana  pengaruh citra merek, kualitas layanan dan produk secara simultan terhadap loyalitas nasabah PT Bank Maybank Tbk,.Metode Penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian kuantitatif. Populasi penelitian ini adalah nasabah Bank Mega Cabang Pondok Indah. Sedangkan sampel penelitian sebesar 150 responden. Instrumen pengumpulan data disusun dalam angket yang menggunakan skala Likert. Analisis data dilakukan pada taraf signifikansi 95%.Terdapat Pengaruh Variabel Citra Merek, Kualitas Layanan dan Produk Secara Bersama Terhadap Loyalitas Nasabah Pada PT Bank Maybank.. Koefisien korelasinya adalah sebesar 0,659. Koefisien determinasi  sebesar  96,9 % variansi yang terjadi pada loyalitas nasabah dapat dijelaskan oleh Citra Merek, Kualita Layanan, dan Produk. Uji F Menghasilkan Fhitung sebesar 37,263 > F = 3,91 dengan persamaan regresi : Ŷ = -2,228 + 0,288 X1 + 0,216 X2 + 0,407 X3 Sehingga variabel Citra Merek, Kualitas Layanan dan Produk Secara bersama berpengaruh terhadap loyalitas nasabah PT. Bank Maybank. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini terdapat pengaruh Citra Merek, Kualitas Layanan dan Produk Secara Parsial Maupun Bersama terhadap Loyalitas Nasabah PT. Bank Maybank.Capem Citra Raya Cikupa Tangerang.Kata Kunci : Citra Merek, Kualitas Layanan, Produk, Loyalitas Nasabah
KAJIAN YURIDIS ATAS PELAKSANAAN PENGAWASAN TERHADAP JABATAN NOTARIS MENURUT UNDANG-UNDANG NOMOR 2 TAHUN 2014 DI KOTA TANGERANG
Authors: Lesmana Sri Jaya
Published: September 2020

Salah satu dasar hukum yang mengatur tentang pengawasan terhadap Notaris dalam menjalanakan tugas dan jabatnnya adalah Pasal 1 butir 6 Undang-undang Jabatan Notaris, yang berbunyi : Majelis Pengawas adalah suatu badan yang mempunyai kewe-nangan dan kewajiban untuk melaksanakan pembinaan dan pengawasan terhadap Notaris. Peran Majelis Pengawas Daerah yang sebelumnya melakukan pengawasan dan pembinaan, setelah Un-dang-Undang No. 2 Tahun 2014 ini diberlakukan menjadi terpisah yaitu oleh Majelis Pengawas Daerah dan Majelis Kehormatan Notaris. Pembinaan oleh Majelis Kehormatan Notaris diatur di dalam Pasal 66A, sedangkan pengawasan dilakukan oleh Majelis Pengawas  Daerah yang diatur dalam Pasal 67. Pengawasan yang dilakukan oleh Pengawas selama ini terhadap Notaris dalam melaksanakan tugas dan jabatannya mempunyai dampak yang positif bagi pelaksanaan tugas Notaris. Alasannya bahwa pengawasan yang dilaksanakan oleh pengawas selama ini telah membawa dampak positif adalah bahwa pengawas telah melaksanakan tugasnya sesuai dengan peraturan perundang-undangan yang berlaku, dan Notaris sendiri sudah lebih hati-hati dalam melaksanakan tugasnya terutama dalam pembuatan akta atau isi akta. Selain itu dampak positif lainnya adalah Notaris sudah melaksanakan tugasnya dengan baik dan lebih bersifat profesional. Namun sistem pengawasan yang dilakukan oleh Pengawas selama ini, berdasarkan hasil penelitian belum mencapai sasaran yang diharapkan.
KEPATUHAN HUKUM KAWASAN DILARANG MEROKOK MENURUT TEORI LAWRENCE M. FRIEDMAN
Authors: Humulhaer Siti
Published: September 2020

Kepatuhan atau ketaatan hukum terhadap kaedah-keaedah pada umumnya, telah menjadi pokok permasalahan yang cukup banyak dibicarakan. Seperti yang telah kita ketahui bahwa asap rokok memiliki sifat yang berbahaya bagi orang yang menghisapnya, karena asap rokok mengandung nikotin dan tar yang dapat menyebabkan kecanduan dan dapat menyebabkan terjadinya kanker paru-paru. Di Indonesia terjadi peningkatan konsumsi tembakau selama 30 tahun, yaitu dari 33 milyar batang per tahun pada tahun 1970 menjadi 217 milyar batang pada tahun 2000. Persentase orangdewasa yang merokok meningkat dari 26,9% pada tahun 1995menjadi 31,5% pada tahun 2001. Pada tahun 2001, 62,2% dari pria dewasa merokok, dibandingkan pada tahun 1995, sebanyak 53,4%. Hanya 1,3% wanita dilaporkan merokok secara teratur pada tahun 2001 (WHO, 1998). Prevalensi pria dewasa yang merokok di pedesaan juga lebih tinggi daripada perkotaan (67,0% dibandingkan dengan 58,3%) dan 73% dari perokok tersebut tidak berpendidikan formal (Depkes RI 2009). Diperkirakan, konsumsi rokok Indonesia setiap tahun mencapai 199 milyar batang rokok. Akibatnya adalah kematian sebanyak 5 juta orang per tahunnya. Bila hal ini tidak dapat dicegah, maka jumlah kematian akan meningkat dua kali mendekati 10 juta orang per tahun pada 2020. Sasaran kawasan dilarang merokok adalah tempat umum, tempat kerja, tempat proses belajar mengajar, tempat pelayanan kesehatan, arena kegiatan anak-anak, tempat ibadah, dan angkutan umum. Yang kemudian sebagai kompensasi bagi perokok disediakan kawasan khusus untuk merokok yang tempatnya terpisah secara fisik atau tidak bercampur dengan kawasan dilarang merokok, dilengkapi alat penghisap udara atau memiliki sistem sirkulasi udara, dilengkapi asbak atau tempat pembuangan puntung rokok, dapat dilengkapi dengan data dan informasi bahaya merokok bagi kesehatan. Disebutkan pula pada penerapan peraturan, pengawasan dilakukan oleh Perangkat Daerah bersama-sama masyarakat dan/atau organisasi kemasyarakatan, seperti BPLHD, Dinas Kesehatan, Dinas Tramtib dan Limas, Dinas Pendidikan Dasar, Dinas Pendidikan Menengah dan Tinggi, Dinas Tenaga Kerja dan Transmigrasi, Dinas Pariwisata, Dinas Perhubungan, Dinas Bina Mental Spiritual dan Kesejahteraan Sosial, Walikota/Bupati, dan Perangkat Daerah lain sesuai dengan tugas dan fungsi masing-masing.
Measuring public support for European integration from population-level data using a Bayesian IRT model
Authors: Scotto di Vettimo Michele
Published: September 2020

This study proposes the use of Bayesian item response theory (IRT) models to measure public preferences towards Europe. IRT models address the limitations of single-question indicators and produce valid estimates of public latent attitudes over long time periods, even when available indicators change over time or present interruptions. The approach is compared with an alternative technique recently introduced in the study of EU public opinion, the Dyad Ratios algorithm. It shows that IRT models can both incorporate a more theoretically grounded individual-level model of response and produce more accurate estimates of latent public support for Europe. The measure is validated by showing its association both to alternative measures of EU support and to the vote share of Eurosceptic parties across Europe.
Long Non-coding RNA CCAT1 Acts as an Oncogene and Promotes Sunitinib Resistance in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Shan Liping , Liu Wei , Zhan Yunhong
Published: September 2020

Although sunitinib contributes to prolonging the progression-free survival of metastatic renal cell carcinoma significantly, the universal presence of resistance limits the initial response rate and restricts durable responses. The mechanisms involved in sunitinib resistance vary and need further investigation. We found long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) colon cancer-associated transcript-1 (CCAT1) overexpressed in sunitinib-resistant cells while declined in the parental cells. Moreover, lncRNA CCAT1 increased significantly in samples with resistance to sunitinib compared with those with responses to sunitinib. The reduction of CCAT1 suppressed cell growth and colony formation while triggering apoptosis. Inversely, the ectopic expression of c-Myc reversed the inhibition of cell growth and enhancement of apoptosis by the knockdown of CCAT1. We also verified that anti-apoptosis protein B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1) decreased along with the deregulation of CCAT1, whereas the expression of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 restored in cells that were transfected sh-CCAT1 and c-Myc simultaneously. Apart from the in vitro experiments, we demonstrated that knockdown of CCAT1 boosted response to sunitinib by performing sunitinib-resistant ACHN mouse models. Briefly, lncRNA CCAT1 conferred renal cell carcinoma resistance to sunitinib in a c-Myc-dependent manner, providing a novel target for improvement of sunitinib therapy.
Dietary Supplementation of Inorganic, Organic, and Fatty Acids in Pig: A Review
Authors: Ferronato Giulia , Prandini Aldo
Published: September 2020

Reduction of antibiotic use has been a hot topic of research over the past decades. The European ban on growth-promoter use has increased the use of feed additivities that can enhance animal growth performance and health status, particularly during critical and stressful phases of life. Pig farming is characterized by several stressful periods, such as the weaning phase, and studies have suggested that the proper use of feed additives during stress could prevent disease and enhance performance through modulation of the gastrointestinal tract mucosa and microbiome. The types of feed additive include acids, minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, yeast, nucleotides, and phytoproducts. This review focuses on commonly used acids, classified as inorganic, organic, and fatty acids, and their beneficial and potential effects, which are widely reported in the bibliography. Acids have long been used as feed acidifiers and preservatives, and were more recently introduced into feed formulated for young pigs with the goal of stabilizing the stomach pH to offset their reduced digestive capacity. In addition, some organic acids represent intermediary products of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), and thus could be considered an energy source. Moreover, antimicrobial properties have been exploited to modulate microbiota populations and reduce pathogenic bacteria. Given these potential benefits, organic acids are no longer seen as simple acidifiers, but rather as growth promoters and potential antibiotic substitutes owing to their beneficial action on the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).
Effects of Long-Term Selection in the Border Collie Dog Breed: Inbreeding Purge of Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Authors: Ács Virág , Kövér György , Farkas János , Bokor Árpád , Nagy István
Published: September 2020

Pedigree data of 13,339 border collie dog was collected along with canine hip dysplasia (CHD) and canine elbow dysplasia (CED) records (1352 CHD and 524 CED), and an inbreeding–purging (IP) model was created. Ancestral inbreeding coefficients were calculated by using a gene dropping simulation method with GRain 2.2 software. Cumulative logit models (CLM) for CHD and CED were fitted using a logit-link Poisson distribution and the classical (F_W), and ancestral inbreeding (F_BAL, F_KAL, and F_KAL_NEW) coefficients as linear regression coefficients. The effective population size was calculated from F_W and decreased in the examined period along with an increase of F_W; however, slight differences were found as a consequence of breeding dog imports. CHD values were lowered by the expansion of F_BAL, as the alleles had been inbred in the past. For CHD, signs of purging were obtained. There was a positive trend regarding the breeding activity (both sire and dam of the future litters should be screened and certified free from CHD and CED), as years of selection increased the frequency of alleles with favorable hip and elbow conformation. Division of the ancestral inbreeding coefficient showed that alleles that had been identical by descent (IBD) for the first time (F_KAL_NEW) had a negative effect on both traits, while F_KAL has shown favorable results for alleles IBD in past generations. Some authors had proven this phenomenon in captive populations or experimental conditions; however, no evidence of inbreeding purge has ever been described in dog populations. Despite the various breeding practices, it seems that alleles of these polygenic disorders could be successfully purged out of the population with long-term selection.
Homogenization of Ancient Masonry Buildings: A Case Study
Authors: Di Nino Simona , Zulli Daniele
Published: September 2020

With the aim of evaluating local and global dynamic mechanisms of a vast and historical masonry building, a homogeneous structural model is proposed here. It is realized with the assembly of othotropic plates and Timoshenko and pure shear beams as well. The identification of the constitutive parameters is carried out after realizing refined finite element models of building portions, and imposing energy or displacement equivalence with the corresponding homogeneous versions, depending on the complexity of the involved schemes. The outcomes are compared with those provided by experimental investigations, and help to give insight and interpretation on the dynamic behavior of the building.
Analysis of Serve and Serve-Return Strategies in Elite Male and Female Padel
Authors: Sánchez-Alcaraz Bernardino J , Muñoz Diego , Pradas Francisco , Ramón-Llin Jesús , Cañas Jerónimo , Sánchez-Pay Alejandro
Published: September 2020

This aim of this study was to analyze serve and return statistics in elite padel players regarding courtside and gender. The sample contained 668 serves and 600 returns of serves from 14 matches (7 male and 7 female) of the 2019 Masters Finals World Padel Tour. Variables pertaining to serve (number, direction, court side and effectiveness), return of serve (direction, height, stroke type and effectiveness) and point outcome were registered through systematic observation. The main results showed that the serving pair had an advantage in rallies, under 8 shots in women and under 12 shots in men. Statistical differences according to gender and court side were found. Female players execute more backhand and cross-court returns and use more lobs than men. On the right court, serves are more frequently aimed at the “T” and more down the line returns are executed when compared to the left side. Such knowledge could be useful to develop appropriate game strategies and to design specific training exercises based on actual competition context.
A Study on the Effect of O2 Diffusion on the Retention Time of Inert Agents
Authors: Kim GoonHo , Cha Ju-Hong , Jeong Jee-Hun , Lee Ho-Jun
Published: September 2020

Gaseous agents are widely used in fire extinguishing systems (FESs) when water extinguishing agents are unavailable. The extinguishing ability of the FES-gaseous agent is determined by the retention time (hold time) at which its concentration is maintained. In particular, the retention time of the inert agent is determined by the O2 inflow from the outside. However, current theoretical models for inert agents do not provide an accurate model for the diffusion of incoming O2. Specifically, because the theoretical equations do not include O2 diffusion or include too large a value, there is a large difference between the measured and theoretical retention times. Therefore, in this study, accurate O2 diffusion was verified through experimental and numerical analyses using three types of deactivators and reflected in the existing theoretical model. O2 diffusion was analyzed through the interface slope α and diffusion velocity vd. As a result, this proposed method can predict the retention time more accurately than existing theoretical models.
Photovoltaics on Landmark Buildings with Distinctive Geometries
Authors: Devetaković Mirjana , Djordjević Djordje , Radojević Milan , Krstić-Furundžić Aleksandra , Burduhos Bogdan-Gabriel , Martinopoulos Georgios , Neagoe Mircea , Lobaccaro Gabriele
Published: September 2020

This review study, framed in the Work group 4 “Photovoltaic in built environment” within the COST Action PEARL PV, CA16235, aims to examine applications of integrated and applied photovoltaic technologies on ten landmark buildings characterised by distinctive geometries, highlighting the aesthetics of their architecture and quality of PV integration based on a proposed set of seven criteria. The selected building samples cover a large design diversity related to the quality of PV systems integration into building envelope that could serve as a basis for general guidelines of best architectural and technological practice. After introducing the problem and defining the research methodology, an analysis of ten landmark buildings is presented, as representative models of aesthetics of their architecture, photovoltaic integration and implementation and energy performance. The study concludes with the main characteristics of photovoltaic integration on landmark buildings. The paper is intended to support both engineers and architects in comprehending the convergent development of contemporary architecture and photovoltaic technology, as well as the need for a closer collaboration, sometimes resulting in architectural masterworks that promote the diffusion of photovoltaics to the public.
Osteogenic Potential of Fast Set Bioceramic Cements: Molecular and In Vitro Study
Authors: Pasqualini Damiano , Comba Allegra , Annaratone Laura , Mola Virginia , Alovisi Mario , Breschi Lorenzo , Mazzoni Annalisa , Scotti Nicola , Cassoni Paola , Berutti Elio
Published: September 2020

Recently, pre-mixed bioceramics in fast set formulations have been increasingly utilized in clinical practice as an alternative to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) for their shorter setting time and better handling properties. However, the impact on their osteogenic potential, due to modifications in chemical composition to promote a fast setting, is still unclear. This molecular and in vitro study compared the osteogenic potential of root repairing material putty fast set (FSP) with root-repairing material putty (RRMPU), root-repairing material paste (RRMPA), Biodentine™ and MTA. The null hypothesis tested was that there are no differences among the tricalcium silicate materials in terms of osteogenic potential. Standardized discs were cultured with MG-63 human osteoblastic-like cells to assess biocompatibility, the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteogenic potential. Biocompatibility was evaluated at baseline and after 24 and 48 h. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed after 15 days. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVAs and Tukey’s post-hoc test (p < 0.05). All materials showed biocompatibility and bioactivity. ALP activity, which induces mineral nodule deposition, increased in all the cements tested, with a significant increase in RRMPU (p < 0.001) and FSP (p < 0.001) samples versus MTA. In vitro mineralization was significantly increased for RRMPU (p < 0.0001), FSP (p = 0.00012) and Biodentine™ (p < 0.0001) versus MTA. The bioceramics tested showed higher levels of biocompatibility and bioactivity than MTA; a higher capacity for mineralization was observed with RRMPU and FSP versus MTA.
Vertical Profiles of Wind-Blown Sand Flux over Fine Gravel Surfaces and Their Implications for Field Observation in Arid Regions
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Kimura Reiji , Wu Jing
Published: September 2020

We used a compact boundary layer wind tunnel equipped with a turbulence generator and a piezoelectric blown-sand meter to investigate the effects of the surface coverage of fine gravel on wind-blown sand flux. The vertical profile of wind-blown sand over a flat sand surface showed an exponential distribution at all wind speeds, whereas the profile over gravel surfaces of 20% or greater coverage showed a non-monotonic vertical distribution. At 20% to 30% gravel coverages, a peak of wind-blown sand flux developed between 6 and 10 cm above the ground at all wind speeds because of less energy loss due to grain-bed collisions at that level. To analyze the erosional state of wind-blown sand, we used the Wu–Ling index (λ) of the mass-flux density of sand-bearing wind. Values of λ for all gravel coverages were greater than 1 at all wind speeds, indicating an unsaturated (erosional) state. Moreover, we found that the wind-blown sand flux at 4 cm height accounted for about 20% of the total flux regardless of wind speed and gravel coverage. This finding can simplify future estimations of total near-surface wind-blown sand flux based on field observations because such measurements can be taken at just one height.
An Emotion Assessment of Stroke Patients by Using Bispectrum Features of EEG Signals
Authors: Wen Yean Choong , Wan Ahmad Wan Khairunizam , Mustafa Wan Azani , Murugappan Murugappan , Rajamanickam Yuvaraj , Adom Abdul Hamid , Omar Mohammad Iqbal , Zheng Bong Siao , Junoh Ahmad Kadri , Razlan Zuradzman Mohamad , Bakar Shahriman Abu
Published: September 2020

Emotion assessment in stroke patients gives meaningful information to physiotherapists to identify the appropriate method for treatment. This study was aimed to classify the emotions of stroke patients by applying bispectrum features in electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. EEG signals from three groups of subjects, namely stroke patients with left brain damage (LBD), right brain damage (RBD), and normal control (NC), were analyzed for six different emotional states. The estimated bispectrum mapped in the contour plots show the different appearance of nonlinearity in the EEG signals for different emotional states. Bispectrum features were extracted from the alpha (8–13) Hz, beta (13–30) Hz and gamma (30–49) Hz bands, respectively. The k-nearest neighbor (KNN) and probabilistic neural network (PNN) classifiers were used to classify the six emotions in LBD, RBD and NC. The bispectrum features showed statistical significance for all three groups. The beta frequency band was the best performing EEG frequency-sub band for emotion classification. The combination of alpha to gamma bands provides the highest classification accuracy in both KNN and PNN classifiers. Sadness emotion records the highest classification, which was 65.37% in LBD, 71.48% in RBD and 75.56% in NC groups.
Three-Dimensional Culture System of Cancer Cells Combined with Biomaterials for Drug Screening
Authors: Nii Teruki , Makino Kimiko , Tabata Yasuhiko
Published: September 2020

Anticancer drug screening is one of the most important research and development processes to develop new drugs for cancer treatment. However, there is a problem resulting in gaps between the in vitro drug screening and preclinical or clinical study. This is mainly because the condition of cancer cell culture is quite different from that in vivo. As a trial to mimic the in vivo cancer environment, there has been some research on a three-dimensional (3D) culture system by making use of biomaterials. The 3D culture technologies enable us to give cancer cells an in vitro environment close to the in vivo condition. Cancer cells modified to replicate the in vivo cancer environment will promote the biological research or drug discovery of cancers. This review introduces the in vitro research of 3D cell culture systems with biomaterials in addition to a brief summary of the cancer environment.
Venous Thromboembolism and Its Risk Factors in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Israel: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Barzilai-Birenboim Shlomit , Nirel Ronit , Arad-Cohen Nira , Avrahami Galia , Ben Harush Miri , Barg Assaf , Bielorai Bella , Elhasid Ronit , Gilad Gil , Toren Amos , Weinreb Sigal , Izraeli Shai , Elitzur Sarah
Published: September 2020

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious complication of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) therapy. The aim of this population-based study was to evaluate the rate, risk factors, and long-term sequelae of VTE in children treated for ALL. The cohort included 1191 children aged 1–19 years diagnosed with ALL between 2003–2018, prospectively enrolled in two consecutive protocols: ALL-IC BFM 2002 and AIEOP-BFM ALL 2009. VTEs occurred in 89 patients (7.5%). Long-term sequelae were uncommon. By univariate analysis, we identified four significant risk factors for VTEs: Severe hypertriglyceridemia (p = 0.005), inherited thrombophilia (p < 0.001), age >10 years (p = 0.015), and high-risk ALL group (p = 0.039). In addition, the incidence of VTE was significantly higher in patients enrolled in AIEOP-BFM ALL 2009 than in those enrolled in ALL-IC BFM 2002 (p = 0.001). Severe VTE occurred in 24 children (2%), all of whom had at least one risk factor. Elevated triglyceride levels at diagnosis did not predict hypertriglyceridemia during therapy. In a multivariate analysis of 388 children, severe hypertriglyceridemia and inherited thrombophilia were independent risk factors for VTE. Routine evaluation for these risk factors in children treated for ALL may help identify candidates for intervention.
Heterogeneous Photocatalysis Scalability for Environmental Remediation: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Younis Sherif , Kim Ki-Hyun
Published: September 2020

Heterogeneous photocatalysis is an ecofriendly technique for purifying organic pollutants in environmental systems. While pilot-scale photoreactors have explored photocatalytic system upscalibility, their practical implementation is restricted for various reasons. These include feed composition alteration, complicated photoreactor designs, high operation and synthesis costs, photocatalyst poisoning, low quantum yield under solar irradiation, fast exciton recombination, and low reuse or regeneration capabilities. In this paper, we highlight the photocatalyst scalability challenges for real-world applications. We also provide an in-depth discussion on photocatalyst opportunities for effective air and water pollution control. Lastly, we offer a contemporary perspective on photocatalysis scale-up for the real environmental treatment.
Presenilin-2 and Calcium Handling: Molecules, Organelles, Cells and Brain Networks
Authors: Pizzo Paola , Basso Emy , Filadi Riccardo , Greotti Elisa , Leparulo Alessandro , Pendin Diana , Redolfi Nelly , Rossini Michela , Vajente Nicola , Pozzan Tullio , Fasolato Cristina
Published: September 2020

Presenilin-2 (PS2) is one of the three proteins that are dominantly mutated in familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD). It forms the catalytic core of the γ-secretase complex—a function shared with its homolog presenilin-1 (PS1)—the enzyme ultimately responsible of amyloid-β (Aβ) formation. Besides its enzymatic activity, PS2 is a multifunctional protein, being specifically involved, independently of γ-secretase activity, in the modulation of several cellular processes, such as Ca2+ signalling, mitochondrial function, inter-organelle communication, and autophagy. As for the former, evidence has accumulated that supports the involvement of PS2 at different levels, ranging from organelle Ca2+ handling to Ca2+ entry through plasma membrane channels. Thus FAD-linked PS2 mutations impact on multiple aspects of cell and tissue physiology, including bioenergetics and brain network excitability. In this contribution, we summarize the main findings on PS2, primarily as a modulator of Ca2+ homeostasis, with particular emphasis on the role of its mutations in the pathogenesis of FAD. Identification of cell pathways and molecules that are specifically targeted by PS2 mutants, as well as of common targets shared with PS1 mutants, will be fundamental to disentangle the complexity of memory loss and brain degeneration that occurs in Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Processing of Functional Composite Resins Using Deep Eutectic Solvent
Authors: Xue Jing , Wang Jing , Feng Daoshuo , Huang Haofei , Wang Ming
Published: September 2020

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs)—a promising class of alternatives to conventional ionic liquids (ILs) that have freezing points lower than the individual components—are typically formed from two or more components through hydrogen bond interactions. Due to the remarkable advantages of biocompatibility, economical feasibility and environmental hospitality, DESs show great potentials for green production and manufacturing. In terms of the processing of functional composite resins, DESs have been applied for property modifications, recyclability enhancement and functionality endowment. In this review, the applications of DESs in the processing of multiple functional composite resins such as epoxy, phenolic, acrylic, polyester and imprinted resins, are covered. Functional composite resins processed with DESs have attracted much attention of researchers in both academic and industrial communities. The tailored properties of DESs for the design of functional composite resins—as well as the effects of hydrogen bond on the current polymeric systems—are highlighted. In addition to the review of current works, the future perspectives of applying DESs in the processing of functional composite resins are also presented.
Proteomics in Deaths by Drowning: Diagnostic Efficacy of Apolipoprotein A1 and α-1 Antitrypsin, Pilot Study
Authors: Hernández-Romero Diana , Sánchez-Rodríguez Encarnación , Osuna Eduardo , Sibón Agustín , Martínez-Villanueva Miriam , Noguera-Velasco José A. , Pérez-Cárceles María D.
Published: September 2020

Drowning is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The pathophysiology of drowning is complex and, sometimes, interpretation of the circumstances of death in the autopsy becomes the main source of information in its diagnosis. New advances in medical research, such as proteomics, especially in forensic pathology, are still in the development. We proposed to investigate the application of Mass Spectrometry-based technologies, to identify differentially expressed proteins that may act as potential biomarkers in the postmortem diagnosis of drowning. We performed a pilot proteomic experiment with the inclusion of two drowned and two control forensic cases. After applying restrictive parameters, we identified apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) and α-1 antitrypsin as differentially expressed between the two diagnostic groups. A validation experiment, with the determination of both proteins in 25 forensic cases (16 drowned and 9 controls) was performed, and we corroborated ApoA1 higher values in the drowning group, whereas α-1 antitrypsin showed lower levels. After adjusting by confounder factors, both remained as predictive independent factors for diagnosis of drowning (p = 0.010 and p = 0.022, respectively). We constructed ROC curves for biomarkers’ levels attending at the origin of death and established an ApoA1 cut-off point of 100 mg/dL. Correct classification based on the diagnosis criteria was reached for 73.9% of the cases in a discriminant analysis. We propose apolipoprotein A1 (with our cutoff value for correct classification) and α-1 antitrypsin as valuable biomarkers of drowning. Our study, based on forensic cases, reveals our proteomic approach as a new complementary tool in the forensic diagnosis of drowning and, perhaps, in clinical future implications in drowned patients. However, this is a pilot approach, and future studies are necessary to consolidate our promising preliminary data.
Scale-Up Evaluation of a Composite Tumor Marker Assay for the Early Detection of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kim Dong Su , Ham Won Sik , Jang Won Sik , Cho Kang Su , Choi Young Deuk , Kang Suki , Kim Bora , Kim Kook Jin , Lim Eun Ji , Rha Sun Young , Ku Ja Hyeon , Kwak Cheol , Kim Hyeon Hoe , Jeong Chang Wook , Cho Nam Hoon
Published: September 2020

The early detection of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) using tumor markers remains an attractive prospect for the potential to downstage the disease. To validate the scale-up clinical performance of potential tumor markers for RCC (as a single marker and as a composite tumor marker composed of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), L-Plastin (LCP1), and non-metastatic cells 1 protein (NM23A)), the scale-up assay was performed. Patients with RCC from multiple domestic institutes were included in the clinical evaluation for reassessment and improvement of the established triple markers of our product. For the diagnostic performance of the composite markers, the best-split cutoff points of each marker (147 pg/mL for NNMT, 1780 pg/mL for LCP1, and 520 pg/mL for NM23A) were installed. Serum levels of NNMT, LCP1, and NM23A were greatly increased in subjects with RCC (p < 0.0001). In 1042 blind sample tests with control individuals (n = 500) and patients with RCC (n = 542), the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the composite three-marker assay were 0.871 and 0.894, respectively, and the resulting AUC (Area under Curve) of ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) was 0.917. As a single marker, the diagnostic accuracies of NNMT, LCP1, and NM23A, as estimated by ROC, were 0.833, 0.844, and 0.601, respectively. The composite three-marker assay with NNMT, LCP1, and NM23A is a more improved novel serum marker assay for the early detection of RCC in cases of renal mass or unknown condition. The NNMT, LCP1, and NM23A triple marker assay could be a powerful diagnostic tumor marker assay to screen the early stage of RCC.
Bayesian Edge Detector Using Deformable Directivity-Aware Sampling Window
Authors: Huang Ren-Jie , Wang Jung-Hua , Tseng Chun-Shun , Tu Zhe-Wei , Chiang Kai-Chun
Published: September 2020

Conventional image entropy merely involves the overall pixel intensity statistics which cannot respond to intensity patterns over spatial domain. However, spatial distribution of pixel intensity is definitely crucial to any biological or computer vision system, and that is why gestalt grouping rules involve using features of both aspects. Recently, the increasing integration of knowledge from gestalt research into visualization-related techniques has fundamentally altered both fields, offering not only new research questions, but also new ways of solving existing issues. This paper presents a Bayesian edge detector called GestEdge, which is effective in detecting gestalt edges, especially useful for forming object boundaries as perceived by human eyes. GestEdge is characterized by employing a directivity-aware sampling window or mask that iteratively deforms to probe or explore the existence of principal direction of sampling pixels; when convergence is reached, the window covers pixels best representing the directivity in compliance with the similarity and proximity laws in gestalt theory. During the iterative process based on the unsupervised Expectation-Minimization (EM) algorithm, the shape of the sampling window is optimally adjusted. Such a deformable window allows us to exploit the similarity and proximity among the sampled pixels. Comparisons between GestEdge and other edge detectors are shown to justify the effectiveness of GestEdge in extracting the gestalt edges.
Determination of the Effective Electromagnetic Parameters of Complex Building Materials for Numerical Analysis of Wireless Transmission Networks
Authors: Choroszucho Agnieszka , Butrylo Boguslaw , Steckiewicz Adam , Stankiewicz Jacek Maciej
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we present the method for determination of effective electromagnetic parameters of complex building materials. By application of the proposed algorithm, it is possible to analyze electromagnetic field distribution for large-scale problems with heterogeneous materials. The two-dimensional numerical model of building components (hollow brick) with periodic boundary conditions was solved using the finite-difference time-domain method (FDTD) and discussed. On this basis, the resultant transmission coefficient was found and then the equivalent relative permeability and electric conductivity of heterogeneous dielectric structures, in the developed homogenization algorithm, were identified. The homogenization of material properties was achieved by performing a multi-variant optimization scheme and finally, selecting optimal electric parameters. Despite the analysis of heterogeneous building materials, the presented algorithm is shown as a tool for the homogenization of complex structures when scattering of a high-frequency electromagnetic field is considered.
Study on Characteristics of Enhancement-Mode Gallium-Nitride High-Electron-Mobility Transistor for the Design of Gate Drivers
Authors: Tang Sheng-Yi
Published: September 2020

An enhancement-mode gallium-nitride high-electron-mobility transistor (E-mode GaN HEMT) operated at high frequency is highly prone to current spikes (di/dt) and voltage spikes (dv/dt) in the parasitic inductor of its circuit, resulting in damage to the power switch. To highlight the phenomena of di/dt and dv/dt, this study connected the drain, source, and gate terminals in series with inductors (LD, LS, and LG, respectively). The objective was to explore the effects of di/dt and dv/dt phenomena and operating frequency (fS) on drain-to-source voltage (Vds), drain-to-source current (Ids), and gate-to-source voltage (Vgs). The experimental method comprised two projects: (1) establishment of a measurement system to assess the change of electrical characteristics of the E-mode GaN HEMT and (2) change of the fS and the inductances (i.e., LD, LS, and LG) in the circuit to measure the changes in Vds, Ids, and Vgs, thus summarizing the experimental results. According to the experimental results on electrical characteristics, a gate driver circuit may be designed to drive and protect the E-mode GaN HEMT while being actually applied to a 120-W synchronous buck converter with an output voltage of 12 V and an output current of 10 A.