bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multispecies Biofilm In Vitro Screening Model of Dental Caries for High-Throughput Susceptibility Testing
Authors: Heersema Lara A. , Smyth Hugh D. C.
Published: May 2019

There is a current need to develop and optimize new therapeutics for the treatment of dental caries, but these efforts are limited by the relatively low throughput of relevant in vitro models. The aim of this work was to bridge the 96-well microtiter plate system with a relevant multispecies dental caries model that could be reproducibly grown to allow for the high-throughput screening of anti-biofilm therapies. Various media and inoculum concentrations were assessed using metabolic activity, biomass, viability, and acidity assays to determine the optimal laboratory-controlled conditions for a multispecies biofilm composed of Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans. The selected model encompasses several of the known fundamental characteristics of dental caries-associated biofilms. The 1:1 RPMI:TSBYE 0.6% media supported the viability and biomass production of mono- and multispecies biofilms best. Kinetic studies over 48 h in 1:1 RPMI:TSBYE 0.6% demonstrated a stable biofilm phase between 10 and 48 h for all mono- and multispecies biofilms. The 1:1:0.1 S. gordonii: S. mutans: C. albicans multispecies biofilm in 1:1 RPMI:TSBYE 0.6% is an excellent choice for a high-throughput multispecies model of dental caries. This high-throughput multispecies model can be used for screening novel therapies and for better understanding the treatment effects on biofilm interactions and stability.
Device-Measured Desk-Based Occupational Sitting Patterns and Stress (Hair Cortisol and Perceived Stress)
Authors: Ryde Gemma C. , Dreczkowski Gillian , Gallagher Iain , Chesham Ross , Gorely Trish
Published: May 2019

Background: Stress and poor mental health are significant issues in the workplace and are a major cause of absenteeism and reduced productivity. Understanding what might contribute towards employee stress is important for managing mental health in this setting. Physical activity has been shown to be beneficial to stress but less research has addressed the potential negative impact of sedentary behaviour such as sitting. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the relationship between device-measured occupational desk-based sitting patterns and stress (hair cortisol levels (HCL), as a marker of chronic stress and self-reported perceived stress (PS)). Methods: Employees were recruited from four workplaces located in Central Scotland with large numbers of desk-based occupations. Seventy-seven participants provided desk-based sitting pattern data (desk-based sitting time/day and desk-based sit-to-stand transitions/day), a hair sample and self-reported perceived stress. HCL were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and PS using the Cohen Self-Perceived Stress Scale. Linear regression models were used to test associations between desk-based sitting time/day, desk-based sit-to-stand transitions/day, HCL and PS. Results: There were no associations between any of the desk-based sitting measures and either HCL or PS. Conclusions: Desk-based sitting patterns in the workplace may not be related to stress when using HCL as a biomarker of chronic stress or PS. The relationship between sitting patterns and stress therefore requires further investigation.
Application of Graphene Oxide for Adsorption Removal of Geosmin and 2-Methylisoborneol in the Presence of Natural Organic Matter
Authors: Hafuka Akira , Nagasato Takahiro , Yamamura Hiroshi
Published: May 2019

We investigated the adsorption characteristics of geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) on graphene oxide (GO) in the absence and presence of natural organic matter (NOM). The graphene oxide had fast adsorption kinetics for both compounds because of its open-layered structure, with adsorption equilibrium being achieved within 15 min of contact. Although NOM did not affect the adsorption of geosmin on GO, it delayed that of MIB, probably because of competition for adsorption sites. The adsorption isotherms show that GO had a greater capacity for geosmin adsorption than for MIB because geosmin was more hydrophobic. Moreover, NOM interfered with the adsorption of MIB onto the GO, but increased the amount of adsorbed geosmin, which likely occurred because NOM increased the dispersibility of GO, which then increased the number of GO adsorption sites. The difference in the effects of NOM on GO adsorption of geosmin and MIB may be explained by their hydrophobicity. Although the adsorption of geosmin and MIB by GO was fast, its capacity to adsorb both compounds was substantially lower than that of activated carbon because of its higher hydrophilicity.
Percentile Curves for Body-Mass Index, Waist Circumference, Waist-To-Height Ratio and Waist-To-Height Ratio(Exp) in Croatian Adolescents
Authors: Zvonar Martin , Štefan Lovro , Kasović Mario
Published: May 2019

Purpose: The main purpose of the present study was to establish percentile curves for body-mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and WHtR(exp) in adolescents. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 1036 secondary-school students aged 15 to 18 years from eight randomly selected schools (55.3% girls). BMI, WC, WHtR and WHtR(exp) were calculated using standardized measuring protocol. The sex- and age-specific smoothed percentile curves with 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentile for each anthropometric measure were constructed using Cole’s LMS method. Results: In boys, both BMI and WC percentile curves increased by age, yet the 95th percentile curve for WHtR and WHtR(exp) decreased by age. In girls, the 95th percentile curve for BMI remained unchanged through the age of 15 to 18 years, yet the 90th and 95th percentile curves for WC and WHtR decreased by age. Conclusion: This is the first study in Croatia to establish combined BMI, WC, WHtR and WHtR(exp) percentile curves and add some new insight on anthropometric measures in 15- to 18-year-old adolescents.
Impacts of Artificial Underground Reservoir on Groundwater Environment in the Reservoir and Downstream Area
Authors: Sun Ya , Xu Shi Guo , Kang Ping Ping , Fu Yan Zhao , Wang Tian Xiang
Published: May 2019

Artificial underground reservoirs have changed the hydrological cycle from its natural condition. This modification may trigger a series of negative environmental effects both at the local and regional levels. This study investigated the impact of the Wanghe artificial underground reservoir on groundwater flow and quality in the reservoir and its downstream area. Wanghe is a typical artificial underground reservoir scheme in China, which assumes the dual function of fresh-water preservation and control of seawater intrusion. The groundwater flow pattern has changed after the reservoir construction, and the water level in the reservoir rose rapidly. Evaluation of long-term groundwater level fluctuation suggested that the reservoir deprived the downstream aquifer of the runoff, which it received under the natural flow regime. A preliminary isotopic evaluation using 3H was developed to understand the groundwater flow and renewal rates in the study area. The uniform distribution of tritium levels in the reservoir indicated that the stored water was well-mixed in both horizontal and vertical directions. The intervention on groundwater circulation also made differences in groundwater renewal rates between stored and downstream water. Field investigations on groundwater nitrogen pollution showed that the construction of the artificial underground reservoir resulted in nitrate accumulation in the stored water. Agriculturally derived nitrate was the largest contributor, and NO 3 − concentration varied considerably over time due to fertilization and irrigation activities, rainfall, and denitrification. NO 3 − -N distributed homogeneously in the reservoir, which was attributed to the construction of the subsurface dam, land use pattern and artificial groundwater flow.
Spatial Difference of Transit-Based Accessibility to Hospitals by Regions Using Spatially Adjusted ANOVA
Authors: Chen Meijie , Chen Yumin , Wang Xiaoguang , Tan Huangyuan , Luo Fenglan
Published: May 2019

This paper proposes a spatial difference analysis method for evaluating transit-based accessibility to hospitals using spatially adjusted ANOVA. This method specializes in examining spatial variations of accessibility to hospitals by regions (i.e. administrative districts or subdistricts). The spatial lag model is applied to adjust traditional ANOVA, which reduces spatial dependency and avoids false rejection to null hypothesis. Multiple comparison methods are used for further detection of differences in accessibility between regions. After multiple comparison, accessibility within regions is classified into three levels. The study is conducted on two scales—administrative districts and subdistricts—to discuss spatial variations in macro and micro dimensions respectively in the central part of Wuhan, China. Accessibility is calculated by using a simple model and a gravity model. The final classification results showed that the spatially adjusted method is more reliable than the traditional non spatially adjusted one and the gravity model can better detect more hidden information about the inequal distribution of medical resources. It is also found that the subdistricts, which have significantly lower accessibility to hospitals than others, are mainly distributed in Hongshan and Qingshan district. Our study hopes to shed new lights in spatial difference analysis for accessibility and provide policy recommendations that would promote equality in provisions of public health services.
Navigation in Indoor Environments: Does the Type of Visual Learning Stimulus Matter?
Authors: Snopková Dajana , Švedová Hana , Kubíček Petr , Stachoň Zdeněk
Published: May 2019

This work addresses the impact of a geovisualization’s level of realism on a user’s experience in indoor navigation. The key part of the work is a user study in which participants navigated along a designated evacuation route previously learnt in a virtual tour or traditional 2D floor plan. The efficiency and effectiveness of completing the task was measured by the number of incorrect turns during navigation and completion time. The complexity of mental spatial representations that participants developed before and after navigating the route was also evaluated. The data was obtained using several qualitative and quantitative research methods (mobile eye tracking, structured interviews, sketching of cognitive maps, creation of navigation instructions, and additional questions to evaluate spatial orientation abilities). A total of 36 subjects (17 in the “floor plan” group and 19 in the “virtual tour” group) participated in the study. The results showed that the participants from both groups were able to finish the designated navigation route, but more detailed mental spatial representations were developed by the “virtual tour” group than the “floor plan” group. The participants in the virtual tour group created richer navigation instructions both before and after evacuation, mentioned more landmarks and could recall their characteristics. Visual landmark characteristics available in the virtual tour also seemed to support the correct decision-making.
An Improved Word Representation for Deep Learning Based NER in Indian Languages
Authors: A P Ajees , K Manju , Mary Idicula Sumam
Published: May 2019

Named Entity Recognition (NER) is the process of identifying the elementary units in a text document and classifying them into predefined categories such as person, location, organization and so forth. NER plays an important role in many Natural Language Processing applications like information retrieval, question answering, machine translation and so forth. Resolving the ambiguities of lexical items involved in a text document is a challenging task. NER in Indian languages is always a complex task due to their morphological richness and agglutinative nature. Even though different solutions were proposed for NER, it is still an unsolved problem. Traditional approaches to Named Entity Recognition were based on the application of hand-crafted features to classical machine learning techniques such as Hidden Markov Model (HMM), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Conditional Random Field (CRF) and so forth. But the introduction of deep learning techniques to the NER problem changed the scenario, where the state of art results have been achieved using deep learning architectures. In this paper, we address the problem of effective word representation for NER in Indian languages by capturing the syntactic, semantic and morphological information. We propose a deep learning based entity extraction system for Indian languages using a novel combined word representation, including character-level, word-level and affix-level embeddings. We have used ‘ARNEKT-IECSIL 2018’ shared data for training and testing. Our results highlight the improvement that we obtained over the existing pre-trained word representations.
The Application of 29Si NMR Spectroscopy to the Analysis of Calcium Silicate-Based Cement using Biodentine™ as an Example
Authors: Li Qiu , Hurt Andrew P. , Coleman Nichola J.
Published: May 2019

Biodentine is one of the most successful and widely studied among the second generation of calcium silicate-based endodontic cements. Despite its popularity, the setting reactions of this cement system are not currently well understood. In particular, very little is known about the formation and structure of the major calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel phase, as it is difficult to obtain information on this poorly crystalline material by the traditional techniques of powder X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In this study, the hydration reactions of Biodentine are monitored by XRD, FTIR, isothermal conduction calorimetry and, for the first time, 29Si magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (29Si MAS NMR) is used to investigate the structures of the anhydrous calcium silicate phases and the early C-S-H gel product. XRD analysis indicated that the anhydrous powder comprises 73.8 wt% triclinic tricalcium silicate, 4.45 wt% monoclinic β-dicalcium silicate, 16.6 wt% calcite and 5.15 wt% zirconium oxide. Calorimetry confirmed that the induction period for hydration is short, and that the setting reactions are rapid with a maximum heat evolution of 28.4 mW g−1 at 42 min. A progressive shift in the FTIR peak maximum from 905 to 995 cm−1 for the O-Si-O stretching vibrations accompanies the formation of the C-S-H gel during 1 week. The extent of hydration was determined by 29Si MAS NMR to be 87.0%, 88.8% and 93.7% at 6 h, 1 day and 1 week, respectively, which is significantly higher than that of MTA. The mean silicate chain length (MCL) of the C-S-H gel was also estimated by this technique to be 3.7 at 6 h and 1 day, and to have increased to 4.1 after 1 week. The rapid hydration kinetics of Biodentine, arising from the predominance of the tricalcium silicate phase, small particle size, and ‘filler effect’ of calcite and zirconium oxide, is a favorable characteristic of an endodontic cement, and the high values of MCL are thought to promote the durability of the cement matrix.
On the Acceptance of the Null That by Bilingual Catalan/Spanish L2 Learners of English
Authors: Llinàs-Grau Mireia , Bel Aurora
Published: May 2019

The research presented in this article aims at providing new data on L2 learner knowledge and recognition of the null that in complement clauses. The speech of English native speakers reveals a kind of variation which implies that where that may be present or absent in clauses selected by many common verbs such as say or think there is no preference for one of the two options. In this article, judgement data of bilingual Catalan/Spanish upper-intermediate and advanced L2 learners of English are analysed bearing in mind two possible factors that, according to previous research, may influence the acceptance of this phenomenon, level of proficiency and absence versus presence of instruction. A relevant issue regarding this construction is that performing like a native does not always imply using one grammatical structure in the target language and gradually doing away with the use of another ungrammatical one; it rather implies being able to detect native speaker frequency in the use of one of the two possible options, overt that usage or the null that. Our results show that learning in this domain depends more on degree in language proficiency than in the specific instruction provided, that both choices do not pose the same difficulty and that advanced L2 learners of English can display a native-like acceptance of the null that option. The option that presents more challenges is the one where there is no L1 facilitation.
The Evolution and Distribution of Microstructures in High-Energy Laser-Welded X100 Pipeline Steel
Authors: Wang Gang , Yin Limeng , Yao Zongxiang , Wang Jinzhao , Jiang Shan , Zhang Zhongwen , Zuo Cunguo
Published: May 2019

High-energy beam welding was introduced for pipeline steel welding to reduce pipeline construction costs and improve the efficiency and safety of oil and gas transportation. Microstructures and their distribution in X100 laser-welded joints, which determine the joints’ strength and toughness, are discussed in this paper. Welded joints were prepared by an automatic 10,000-watt robot-based disc laser-welding platform for 12.8 mm thick X100 pipeline steel. Then, the grain, grain boundary, orientation, and distribution pattern of each zone of the welded joints were studied by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) analysis techniques. The results showed that the grain boundary density, contents of the high-angle and low-angle grain boundaries, distribution states, and evolution trends of coincident site lattice (CSL) grain boundaries were essentially the same in each zone from the base metal (BM) to the weld of the X100 pipeline steel laser-welded joint. The relative content of grain boundaries above 55°, which were composed of the Σ3 type CSL grain boundary, showed a considerable impact on the mechanical properties of the joint. The content of twin grain boundaries was closely related to the thermal cycles of laser welding, and the effect of the cooling rate was greater than that of the process of austenization.
Phagocytosis of a PFOB-Nanoemulsion for 19F Magnetic Resonance Imaging: First Results in Monocytes of Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease and ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Nienhaus Fabian , Colley Denise , Jahn Annika , Pfeiler Susanne , Flocke Vera , Temme Sebastian , Kelm Malte , Gerdes Norbert , Flögel Ulrich , Bönner Florian
Published: May 2019

Fluorine-19 magnetic resonance imaging (19F MRI) with intravenously applied perfluorooctyl bromide-nanoemulsions (PFOB-NE) has proven its feasibility to visualize inflammatory processes in experimental disease models. This approach is based on the properties of monocytes/macrophages to ingest PFOB-NE particles enabling specific cell tracking in vivo. However, information on safety (cellular function and viability), mechanism of ingestion and impact of specific disease environment on PFOB-NE uptake is lacking. This information is, however, crucial for the interpretation of 19F MRI signals and a possible translation to clinical application. To address these issues, whole blood samples were collected from patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) and healthy volunteers. Samples were exposed to fluorescently-labeled PFOB-NE and particle uptake, cell viability and migration activity was evaluated by flow cytometry and MRI. We were able to show that PFOB-NE is ingested by human monocytes in a time- and subset-dependent manner via active phagocytosis. Monocyte function (migration, phagocytosis) and viability was maintained after PFOB-NE uptake. Monocytes of STEMI and SCAD patients did not differ in their maximal PFOB-NE uptake compared to healthy controls. In sum, our study provides further evidence for a safe translation of PFOB-NE for imaging purposes in humans.
Design, Synthesis, and Bioactive Screen In Vitro of Cyclohexyl (E)-4-(Hydroxyimino)-4-Phenylbutanoates and Their Ethers for Anti-Hepatitis B Virus Agents
Authors: Cui Xinhua , Zhou Min , Tan Jie , Wei Zhuocai , Wei Wanxing , Luo Peng , Lin Cuiwu
Published: May 2019

A series of oxime Cyclohexyl (E)-4-(hydroxyimino)-4-phenylbutanoates and their ethers were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) activities with HepG 2.2.15 cell line in vitro. Most of these compounds possessed anti-HBV activities, and among them, compound 4B-2 showed significant inhibiting effects on the secretion of HBsAg (IC50 = 63.85 ± 6.26 μM, SI = 13.41) and HBeAg (IC50 = 49.39 ± 4.17 μM, SI = 17.34) comparing to lamivudine (3TC) in HBsAg (IC50 = 234.2 ± 17.17 μM, SI = 2.2) and HBeAg (IC50 = 249.9 ± 21.51 μM, SI = 2.07). Docking study of these compounds binding to a protein residue (PDB ID: 3OX8) from HLA-A2 that with the immunodominant HBcAg18–27 epitope (HLA-A2.1- restricted CTL epitope) active site was carried out by using molecular operation environment (MOE) software. Docking results showed that behaviors of these compounds binding to the active site in HLA-A protein residue partly coincided with their behaviors in vitro anti-HBV active screening.
Role of Saponins in Plant Defense Against Specialist Herbivores
Authors: Hussain Mubasher , Debnath Biswojit , Qasim Muhammad , Bamisile Bamisope Steve , Islam Waqar , Hameed Muhammad Salman , Wang Liande , Qiu Dongliang
Published: May 2019

The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) is a very destructive crucifer-specialized pest that has resulted in significant crop losses worldwide. DBM is well attracted to glucosinolates (which act as fingerprints and essential for herbivores in host plant recognition) containing crucifers such as wintercress, Barbarea vulgaris (Brassicaceae) despite poor larval survival on it due to high-to-low concentration of saponins and generally to other plants in the genus Barbarea. B. vulgaris build up resistance against DBM and other herbivorous insects using glucosinulates which are used in plant defense. Aside glucosinolates, Barbarea genus also contains triterpenoid saponins, which are toxic to insects and act as feeding deterrents for plant specialist herbivores (such as DBM). Previous studies have found interesting relationship between the host plant and secondary metabolite contents, which indicate that attraction or resistance to specialist herbivore DBM, is due to higher concentrations of glucosinolates and saponins in younger leaves in contrast to the older leaves of Barbarea genus. As a response to this phenomenon, herbivores as DBM has developed a strategy of defense against these plant biochemicals. Because there is a lack of full knowledge in understanding bioactive molecules (such as saponins) role in plant defense against plant herbivores. Thus, in this review, we discuss the role of secondary plant metabolites in plant defense mechanisms against the specialist herbivores. In the future, trials by plant breeders could aim at transferring these bioactive molecules against herbivore to cash crops.
Polyoxometalate-Based Catalysts for CO2 Conversion
Authors: Cao Yanwei , Chen Qiongyao , Shen Chaoren , He Lin
Published: May 2019

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are a diverse class of anionic metal-oxo clusters with intriguing chemical and physical properties. Owing to unrivaled versatility and structural variation, POMs have been extensively utilized for catalysis for a plethora of reactions. In this focused review, the applications of POMs as promising catalysts or co-catalysts for CO2 conversion, including CO2 photo/electro reduction and CO2 as a carbonyl source for the carbonylation process are summarized. A brief perspective on the potentiality in this field is proposed.
Graphene Papers with Tailored Pore Structures Fabricated from Crumpled Graphene Spheres
Authors: Kang Je , Lim TaeGyeong , Jeong Myeong Hee , Suk Ji Won
Published: May 2019

Graphene papers have great potential for various applications, such as electrodes in energy storage devices, protective coating, and desalination, because of their free-standing structure, flexibility, and chemical tunability. The inner structures of the graphene papers can affect their physical properties and device performance. Here, we investigated a way to fabricate graphene papers from crumpled reduced graphene oxide (rGO) spheres. We found that ultrasonication was useful for tailoring the morphology of the crumpled graphene spheres, resulting in a successful fabrication of graphene papers with tunable inner pore structures. The fabricated graphene papers showed changes in mechanical and electrical properties depending on their pore structures. In addition, the tailored pore structures had an influence on the electrochemical performance of supercapacitors with the fabricated graphene papers as electrode materials. This work demonstrates a facile method to fabricate graphene papers from crumpled rGO powders, as well as a fundamental understanding of the effect of the inner pore structures in mechanical, electrical, and electrochemical characteristics of graphene papers.
Electrochemical Detection of Ultratrace Lead Ion through Attaching and Detaching DNA Aptamer from Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Oxide Electrode
Authors: Yu Su Hwan , Lee Chang-Seuk , Kim Tae Hyun
Published: May 2019

This paper describes a simple strategy for the ultratrace level detection of Pb2+ ion based on G-quadruplex DNA and an electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) electrode. First, ERGO was formed on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) using cyclic voltammetry. Subsequently, a methylene blue (MB)-tagged, guanine-rich DNA aptamer (Apt) was attached to the surface of ERGO via π-π interaction, leading to the Apt-modified ERGO electrode. The presence of Pb2+ could generate the folding of Apt to a G-quadruplex structure. The formation of G-quadruplex resulted in detaching the Apt from the ERGO/GCE, leading to a change in redox current of the MB tag. Electrochemical measurements showed the proposed sensor had an exceptional sensitivity for Pb2+ with a linear range from 10−15 to 10−9 M and a detection limit of 0.51 fM. The sensor also exhibited high selectivity for Pb2+, as well as many other advantages, such as stability, reproducibility, regeneration, as well as simple fabrication and operation processes.
Sports Tournaments and Social Choice Theory
Authors: Smead Rory
Published: May 2019

Sports tournaments provide a procedure for producing a champion and ranking the contestants based on game results. As such, tournaments mirror aggregation methods in social choice theory, where diverse individual preferences are put together to form an overall social preference. This connection allows us a novel way of conceptualizing sports tournaments, their results, and significance. I argue that there are genuine intransitive dominance relationships in sports, that social choice theory provides a framework for understanding rankings in such situations and that these considerations provide a new reason to endorse championship pluralism.
Mindfulness of Death as a Tool for Mortality Salience Induction with Reference to Terror Management Theory
Authors: Moon Hyun Gong
Published: May 2019

In this article, I argue that “mindfulness of death” (maraṇasati) can be a tool to induce mortality salience and can have a positive psychological impact. The mindfulness of death is described in detail in the early Buddhist texts Aṅguttara Nikāya and Visuddhimagga. The texts stress that death should be consciously connected with temporality and mindfulness. Here, I look at the mindfulness of death in relation to the mortality salience of terror management theory. “Mortality salience” is a term proposed in terror management theory that means “the state of conscious activation of the thoughts of death”. In addition, after conscious activation of the thought of death, I examine the psychological changes, such as the increase of pro-social attitudes which emphasizes ethics and morality, and the emphasis on the intrinsic value of life due to the operation of a cultural worldview and self-esteem. In this paper, I conclude that mindfulness of death can be an effective tool to induce mortality salience.
So That It Might Become Clear: The Methods and Purposes of Narrative Abridgement in Early Modern Jain Purāṇic Composition
Authors: Clines Gregory M.
Published: May 2019

Scholars have long known that Jain authors from the early centuries of the common era composed their own versions of the story of Rāma, prince of Ayodhyā. Further, the differences between Jain and Brahminical versions of the narrative are well documented. Less studied are later versions of Jain Rāma narratives, particularly those composed during the early modern period. This paper examines one such version of the Rāma story, the fifteenth-century Sanskrit Padmapurāṇa by the Digambara author Brahma Jinadāsa. The paper compares Jinadāsa’s work with an earlier text, the seventh-century Sanskrit Padmapurāṇa, authored by Raviṣeṇa, as Jinadāsa explains that he has at hand a copy of his predecessor’s work and is recomposing it to make it “clear”. The paper thus demonstrates the multiple strategies of abridgement Jinadāsa employs in recomposing Raviṣeṇa’s earlier narrative and that, to Jinadāsa, this project of narrative abridgement was also one of clarification.
Evaluation of Gait Phase Detection Delay Compensation Strategies to Control a Gyroscope-Controlled Functional Electrical Stimulation System During Walking
Authors: Zahradka Nicole , Behboodi Ahad , Wright Henry , Bodt Barry , Lee Samuel
Published: May 2019

Functional electrical stimulation systems are used as neuroprosthetic devices in rehabilitative interventions such as gait training. Stimulator triggers, implemented to control stimulation delivery, range from open- to closed-loop controllers. Finite-state controllers trigger stimulators when specific conditions are met and utilize preset sequences of stimulation. Wearable sensors provide the necessary input to differentiate gait phases during walking and trigger stimulation. However, gait phase detection is associated with inherent system delays. In this study, five stimulator triggers designed to compensate for gait phase detection delays were tested to determine which trigger most accurately delivered stimulation at the desired times of the gait cycle. Motion capture data were collected on seven typically-developing children while walking on an instrumented treadmill. Participants wore one inertial measurement unit on each ankle and gyroscope data were streamed into the gait phase detection algorithm. Five triggers, based on gait phase detection, were used to simulate stimulation to five muscle groups, bilaterally. For each condition, stimulation signals were collected in the motion capture software via analog channels and compared to the desired timing determined by kinematic and kinetic data. Results illustrate that gait phase detection is a viable finite-state control, and appropriate system delay compensations, on average, reduce stimulation delivery delays by 6.7% of the gait cycle.
Trends in Occurrences of Systems Engineering Topics in Literature
Authors: Bhatia Garima , Mesmer Bryan
Published: May 2019

Examining past research using content analysis can provide detailed information about the trends a discipline has displayed over years or decades. Disciplines such as software engineering and hospitality management have used methods for analyzing topic frequencies in the past. This paper uses similar methods to study the presence of systems engineering topics in literature to understand the occurrence of approaches and metrics in the community over time. This paper reviews the trends of systems engineering topics over the years 1998–2016 by performing a content analysis of four systems engineering and design engineering journals. A mathematical analysis of the trends is performed using rank ordering and a rank correlation metric. The study shows that model-based approaches have grown significantly since the early 2000s, as advocated in the INOCSE MBSE initiative, while other approaches such as Taguchi’s method and axiomatic design have been seen less frequently in literature. Systems engineering metrics that have been frequently seen in literature include complexity, reliability, and quality. The results from this research provide a portrait of the systems engineering landscape.
The impact of environmental factors on the measurement of the normalized difference vegetation index
Authors: Attila Dobos  , Róbert Víg  , János Nagy
Published: May 2019

The level of nitrogen supply of a plant population can be quickly measured with non-destructive optical measurement devices and the differentiated determination of nitrogen shortage and the replenishment of nitrogen can also be carried out. The level of nitrogen supply is based on the fact that the chlorophyll content of crops is in close correlation with nitrogen content and that the amount of chlorophyll can be easily measured on the basis of the light absorption of chlorophyll molecules. The successfulness of optical measurements can be influenced by the change of weather  parameters; therefore, it is important to know the correlations between measurement results and weather parameters when it comes to practical use.The GreenSeeker Model 505 measurement device determines the relative chlorophyll content in the form of the Normalized DifferenceVegetation Index (NDVI) calculated on the basis of the intensity of the reflected red and infrared rays of light from the crop population. The measurements were performed in alfalfa population with 10 replications at five measurement heights and four measurement times. The weather parameters were measured by a weather station located in the middle of the alfalfa population and the correlations between the meteorological data and the NDVI values were examined. During the statistical evaluation of the results, it was established that the NDVI measurement is primarily influenced by the relative humidity of the air, secondly by air temperature and thirdly by wind speed. Relative humidity was in strong correlation with the NDVI values which were also influenced by the measurement height and time. Regression was not significant in the case of 20 cm  measurement height, but the measurements above 40 cm height showed significant correlations. The correlation was shown to be strong at each measurement time, but the influence of humidity was the lowest at 11:00 and 14:00.
Regional restructuring, reindustrialization and development of the higher education
Authors: Gyula Horváth
Published: May 2019

The development of the new economy in Hungary involves a complexity of economic and social processes. The sectoral structures and territorial location of the industy and the higher education show significant inequalities. Capital city concentration, low level of research orientation and insufficient linkages with industries are the most important barriers of the development of higher education and reindustrialization. The regional and cohesion policies need strong relations between economic restructuring and higher education development. The paper focuses on demonstrating the regional differences in these fields in southern and eastern Hungarian regions.
Alternatives of microclimate control in orchards
Authors: László Lakatos  , János Szél  , József Nyéki  , Zoltán Szabó  , Miklós Soltész
Published: May 2019

The aim of the study was to find out which of the methods used to avoid damages of late frosts would be the most effective for the fruit growing practice. We tested the antifrost irrigation method in Debrecen-Pallag. For that purpose microjet sprayers are used, which are thrifty and does not need for that purpose large containers. With the aim to secure an even distribution of water, the sprayers are distributed on three levels: above and inside of the crown as well as on the level of trunks. On a large scale, a single microjet above the crown level would be sufficient. By means of a detailed analysis  served to set the optimum intervals between spraying phases: with each 15, 10, 5 and 3 minutes during half a minute. The synchronous presence of water and ice below the freezing point, the released freezing heat plus the water used much above the freezing point(9–10 °C) altogether maintains the temperature above around 0 °C near the flowers or growing fruitlets, meanwhile, the surrounding air cools down to -8 °C. The effectiveness of the generally used antifrost would be increased substantially by the former application of cooling irrigation, which delays the blooming date.
PENGARUH PROFESIONALITAS DAN MOTIVASI BERPRESTASI TERHADAP KEPUASAN KERJA DOSEN DI STBA
Authors: Laksananto Tito
Published: May 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara (1) Profesionalitas Dosen; dan (2) Motivasi Berprestasi; secara bersama-sama dengan (3) Kepuasan Kerja Kepuasan Kerja Dosen STBA. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada STBA, dengan metode penelitian survey dengan analisis korelasional. Populasi penelitian ini dosen berjumlah 225 orang dan yang dijadikan sampel sebanyak 75 orang dosen (30 untuk ujicoba dan 45 untuk penelitian), dipilih berdasarkan teknik acak sederhana (simple random sampling). Penelitian ini menggunakan tiga variabel yaitu, (1) Kepuasan Kerja Dosen (Y), (2) Profesionalitas dosen (X1) dan (3) Motivasi Berprestasi (X2). Sebelum instrument digunakan, terlebih dahulu dilakukan uji coba instrument. Validitas yang digunakan untuk instrument Kepuasan Kerja dosen, Profesionalitas dosen dan Motivasi Berprestasi adalah validitas konstruk. Demikian juga koefisien reliabilitas instrumen Kepuasan Kerja Dosen, Profesionalitas dosen dan Motivasi Berprestasi dicari dengan rumus alpha cronbach (KR-21) Dalam penelitian ini terdapat tiga kesimpulan pokok, yaitu (1) terdapat hubungan positif antara Profesionalitas dengan Kepuasan Kerja Dosen STBA, (ry1) =0,527 dengan =  37,07 + 0,687 X1; (2) Terdapat hubungan Motivasi Berprestasi dengan Kepuasan Kerja Dosen (ry2) = 0,566 dengan = 40,73 + 0,787X2); dan (3) terdapat hubungan positif antara Profesionalitas Dosen dan Motivasi Berprestasi secara bersama-sama dengan Kepuasan Kerja Dosen (ry12) = 0,641 dengan  =  -6,954 + 0.440X1 + 0,571X2. Kesimpulan : 1) makin tinggi Profesionalitas Dosen, akan makin tinggi pula Kepuasan Kerja Dosen, 2) makin tinggi Motivasi Berprestasi, akan makin tinggi pula Kepuasan Kerja Dosen dan 3) makin tinggi Profesionalitas Dosen dan makin baik Motivasi Berprestasi Dosen secara bersama-sama akan makin tinggi pula Kepuasan Kerja Dosen. Saran agar Ketua dapat memotivasi dosen dengan memberikan penghargaan dan pengakuan terhadap prestasi dosen dan dosen menyadari bahwa kepuasan kerja tidak hanya ditentukan oleh penghasilan yang diperoleh.
Kata Kunci : Profesionalitas, Motivasi Berprestasi, Kepuasan Kerja Dosen
ПРОФЕСІОГРАФІЧНИЙ ПІДХІД У ВИЗНАЧЕННІ СТАНДАРТІВ ПРОФЕСІЙНОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ ПЕРСОНАЛУ ДЕРЖАВНОЇ СЛУЖБИ
Authors: Zahorodniuk Sergiy
Published: May 2019

В статті висвітлено підходи, принципи і методи визначення стандартів професійної діяльності персоналу державної служби. Дослідження різних категорій посад за допомогою даних методів дає можливість визначити вимоги, які ставляться перед державним службовцем професійно-посадовою діяльністю. На їх основі визначається перелік професійно важливих та індивідуальних психофізіологічних якостей необхідних для її виконання. Відповідно до них підбираються психодіагностичні методи оцінки професійно важливих та особистісних якостей державних службовців для удосконалення кадрових технологій і змісту професійного навчання. За результатами дослідження автор дійшов висновку, що дослідження професійної діяльності держслужбовців потребує встановлення психологічної структури вимог й особливостей посад різних категорій, проектування психологічної структури державного органу. Реалізація цих завдань можлива при допомозі ґрунтовних професіографічних та психографічних досліджень професійної діяльності персоналу державної служби у різноманітних управлінських ситуаціях – від типових і штатних до кризових та екстремальних.
MANAJEMEN LIKUIDITAS DALAM KERANGKA KERJA DUAL BANKING SYSTEM
Authors: Kornitasari Yenny , Manzilati Asfi
Published: May 2019

Pengelolaan likuiditas merupakan masalah yang sangat kompleks dalam kegiatan operasional suatu bank. Pemicu utama kebangkrutan bank, baik bank yang besar maupun bank yang kecil, bukanlah karena kegagalan pada pembiayaan yang menyebabkan kerugian, melainkan lebih kepada ketidakmampuan bank untuk melakukan pengelolaan likuiditas. Artikel ini membahas manajemen likuiditas pada Dual Banking System. Ditemukan bahwa pengelolaan likuiditas dengan menggunakan SBIS maupun melalui transaksi PUAS belum mampu menjawab problem riil yang dihadapi perbankan syariah dalam mengalokasikan idle money yang diakibatkan oleh adanya overliquid.
DETERMINAN PROFIT DISTRIBUTION MANAGEMENT BANK SYARIAH DI INDONESIA PERIODE 2008-2011
Authors: Mulyo Gagat Panggah , Mutmainah Siti
Published: May 2019

Studi ini bertujuan menganalisa faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi manajemen distribusi laba (PDM) in bank syariah Indonesia. Koleksi data dilakukan dengan metode purposive sampling dari 5 bank (Bank Muamalat, Bank Syariah Mandiri, Bank Mega Syariah, Bank Bukopin Syariah dan Bank Rakyat Indonesia Syariah). Hasil mengndikasikan bahwa kecukupan modal, proporsi pendanaan non investasi, eliminasi penghapusan aset produktif, memiliki pengaruh positif pada PDM. Efektivitas pendaanaan depositor dan proporsi pendanaan depositir memiliki pengaruh negatif pada PDM, sedangkan pertumbuhan Produk Domestik Bruto dan umur bank tidak memiliki pengaruh pada PDM.
MENGAPA PERBANKAN SYARIAH MASIH DISAMAKAN DENGAN PERBANKAN KONVENSIONAL?
Authors: Rahmanti Virginia Nur
Published: May 2019

Dewasa ini atmosfer syariah semakin digemari masyarakat Indonesia. Namun sayangnya esensi syariah tampaknya belum terintegrasi di dalam akad-akad transaksi syariah. Beberapa penelitian mengungkapkan bahwa terdapat beberapa factor yang memicunya. Penelitian ini menggunakan metodologi interpretif dengan metode fenomenologi. Kesimpulan dari penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat dua faktor yang memicu mengapa perbankan syariah masih diidentikkan dengan perbankan konvensional, yaitu karena faktor standard dan SDM. Standar yang berupa PSAK syariah dinilai belum sepenuhnya syar’i dan implementatif. Alasan kedua terkait dengan pemahaman SDM perbankan syariah tentang syariah. Sejauh yang mereka pahami, syariah berarti sekedar bebas riba. Inilah yang menyebabkan jarak antara kajian teori dan praktik menjadi semakin lebar.
ANALISIS ALTERNATIF PEMBIAYAAN TAKE OVER BERDASARKAN PRINSIP SYARIAH (HAWALAH)
Authors: Zaky Achmad
Published: May 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menjelaskan kesesuaian karakteristik akad dan prinsip syariah, serta implikasi perlakuan akuntansi masing-masing alternatif yang ditawarkan oleh Fatwa DSN MUI Nomor: 31/DSN-MUI/VI/2002 tentang pengalihan hutang. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode studi kepustakaan (library research), dimana data-data diperoleh dari buku, jurnal, maupun catatan penelitian terdahulu. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa masing-masing alternatif yang merupakan rangkaian akad qardh, ijarah, murabahah, syirkah al milk dan ijarah muntahiyah bit at tamlik menghadapi kendala pada ketidaksesuaian dengan prinsip dan karakteristik transaksi syariah, meskipun telah difatwakan oleh DSN MUI. Selain itu, masing-masing alternatif yang ditawarkan memiliki implikasi perlakuan akuntansi yang relatif kompleks.
DETERMINAN NON PERFORMING FINANCING (NPF) PADA INDUSTRI BANK PEMBIAYAAN RAKYAT (BPR) SYARIAH DI INDONESIA
Authors: Yasin Ach. , Widiastuti Tika
Published: May 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan menguji determinan Non Performing Financing (NPF) pada industri Bank Pembiayaan Rakyat (BPR) syariah di Indonesia. Data berupa laporan keuangan bank pembiayaan rakyat syariah dari triwulan I, tahun 2007 sampai triwulan II, tahun 2014. Sampel yang digunakan sebanyak 163 BPR syariah dari triwulan I, tahun 2007 sampai triwulan II, Tahun 2014 dengan menggunakan teknik analisis regresi berganda. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa variabel Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Tingkat Inflasi (INF), Rasio Pembiayaan Bagi Hasil terhadap Total Pembiayaan (MMR) dan Margin Murababah berpengaruh terhadap Non Performing Financing (NPF), sedangkan Financing to Deposit Ratio (LDR) tidak berpengaruh.
ANALISIS PERILAKU PERBANKAN SYARIAH DALAM DUAL BANKING SYSTEM
Authors: Ismail Munawar , Manzilati Asfi , Kornitasari Yenny
Published: May 2019

Tujuan dari penulisan ini adalah untuk mengkaji terkait dengan mekanisme transmisi kebijakan moneter yang berlaku di perbankan syariah selama ini dengan pendekatan kualitatif untuk memberikan gambaran secara sistematis, faktual dan akurat mengenai fenomena yang ditulis. Berdasarkan pada hasil kajian bahwa Bank Indonesia selaku otoritas moneter sementara ini belum menyiapkan kebijakan moneter secara khusus untuk ditransmisikan melalui perbankan syariah dalam mekanisme dual banking system sehingga selama ini secara tidak langsung masih mengacu pada BI Rate sebagai acuan dalam kebijakan moneter syariah.
“Pahit”nya garam: sebuah studi dramaturgi
Authors: As’ad Achmad Fawaid , Setiawan Achdiar Redy , Mulawarman Aji Dedi , Kamayanti Ari
Published: May 2019

Abstrak

Artikel ini menelaah tentang ketertindasan petani garam di Pamekasan Madura. Melalui pendekatan dramaturgi, terungkap kuasa tengkulak dan perusahaan di balik tengkulak mulai dari sebelum proses produksi hingga penjualan garam rakyat. Petani garam tidak mempunyai wewenang untuk menentukan harga jual garam. Tengkulak garam mempunyai otoritas untuk memasok garam ke perusahaan garam dan menekan harga dari petani atas dasar interaksi sosio-budaya. “Pahit”nya garam bagi petani turut dipicu oleh kebijakan pemerintah yang tidak pro petani garam, termasuk kebijakan garam impor yang semakin menekan harga garam rakyat.

 

Abstract

This article examines the oppression of salt farmers in Pamekasan Madura. Through discussing dramaturgy, it was revealed the power of middlemen and companies behind middlemen starting from the production process to selling salt of the people. Salt farmers do not have the authority to determine the selling price of salt. Salt middlemen have the authority to supply salt to salt companies and transfer prices from farmers on the basis of socio-cultural relations. The "bitter" salt for farmers is also triggered by government policies that are not pro salt farmers, including important salt policies that increasingly increase people's salt prices.