bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGEMBANGAN PEDOMAN DAN ACUAN KURIKULUM PENDIDIKAN ANAK USIA DINI (PAUD) KURIKULUM KELOMPOK BERMAIN
Authors: Napitupulu W. P.
Published: May 2018

Any curriculum for any level of educational program should be based upon national standards. It is in order to educate students to be good citizens as it is for early childhood education. Besides, the development of a curriculum should pay attention to political ideology, philosophy of knowledge, social context and learning models as well. So, will the curriculum of playgroup apply those aspects. In particular, it should also emphasize psychological aspects or stages of a child development. Criteria for a curriculum development are content, process, competencies, quality of teachers, and resources for learning.
Timely, Granular, and Actionable: Informatics in the Public Health 3.0 Era
Authors: Wang Y. Claire , DeSalvo Karen
Published: May 2018

Ensuring the conditions for all people to be healthy, though always the core mission of public health, has evolved in approaches in response to the changing epidemiology and challenges.

In the Public Health 3.0 era, multisectorial efforts are essential in addressing not only infectious or noncommunicable diseases but also upstream social determinants of health. In this article, we argue that actionable, geographically granular, and timely intelligence is an essential infrastructure for the protection of our health today.

Even though local and state efforts are key, there are substantial federal roles in accelerating data access, connecting existing data systems, providing guidance, incentivizing nonproprietary analytic tools, and coordinating measures that matter most.
State Indoor Tanning Laws and Prevalence of Indoor Tanning Among US High School Students, 2009–2015
Authors: Qin Jin , Holman Dawn M. , Jones Sherry Everett , Berkowitz Zahava , Guy Gery P.
Published: May 2018

Objectives. To examine the association between state indoor tanning laws and indoor tanning behavior using nationally representative samples of US high school students younger than 18 years.

Methods. We combined data from the 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2015 national Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (n = 41 313) to analyze the association between 2 types of state indoor tanning laws (age restriction and parental permission) and the prevalence of indoor tanning during the 12 months before the survey, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, and survey year, and stratified by gender.

Results. Age restriction laws were associated with a 47% (P < .001) lower indoor tanning prevalence among female high school students. Parental permission laws were not found to be associated with indoor tanning prevalence among either female or male high school students.

Conclusions. Age restriction laws could contribute to less indoor tanning, particularly among female high school students. Such reductions may reduce the health and economic burden of skin cancer.
Public Support for Gun Violence Prevention Policies Among Gun Owners and Non–Gun Owners in 2017
Authors: Barry Colleen L. , Webster Daniel W. , Stone Elizabeth , Crifasi Cassandra K. , Vernick Jon S. , McGinty Emma E.
Published: May 2018

Objectives. To compare public support for 24 different gun policies between gun owners and non–gun owners in 2017.

Methods. We fielded a national public opinion survey in January 2017 using an online panel to measure US adults’ support for 24 gun policies. We compared support among gun owners and non–gun owners.

Results. For 23 of the 24 policies examined, most respondents supported restricting or regulating gun ownership. Only 8 of 24 policies had greater than a 10-point support gap between gun owners and non–gun owners.

Conclusions. Policies with high public support and minimal support gaps by gun ownership status included universal background checks, greater accountability for licensed gun dealers unable to account for their inventory, higher safety training standards for concealed carry permit holders, improved reporting of records related to mental illness for background checks, gun prohibitions for persons subject to temporary domestic violence restraining orders, and gun violence restraining orders.

Public Health Implications. Although there are important areas where Americans disagree on guns, large majorities of both gun owners and non–gun owners strongly support measures to strengthen US gun laws.
Acoustic Downhole Oil/Water/Fines Separation (ADOWFS)
Authors: Abdel-Fattah Amr I.
Published: May 2018

The oil and gas industry's global need for downhole-oil/water-separation (DOWS) systems is increasing with reservoir maturation and rising water cuts in producing wells in an effort to reduce the costs and environmental impacts associated with managing large volumes of produced water. Currently, between 3 and 10 barrels of formation water are produced to the surface for every produced barrel of oil. In general, existing and emerging DOWS technologies use hydrocyclones, gravitational-separation, or membrane-separation techniques to separate oil from water downhole. These methods suffer from high cost and limited capacity, in addition to numerous systemic problems and mechanical-parts failure. They are hardly tunable to changes in flow rate or water cut, unless special valves and pumping systems are used, and they are not capable of separating fine solids from the fluid-stream downhole. Acoustic-separation techniques can provide a viable solution to these limitations and can add numerous advantageous functions. In this paper, we introduce the concept of the Acoustic Downhole Oil-Water-Fines Separation (ADOWFS) and its field implementation. ADOWFS is a three-phase separation technique that uses a sequence of acoustic standing-wave patterns along a production tube with a decreasing number of loops in the direction of flow. It is capable of simultaneously separating oil droplets and solid fines from the water stream in the production tube. Oil droplets are directed and concentrated in the center of the production tube so it can be lifted to the surface while solid fines are directed and concentrated near the tube's walls. Water can then be injected downhole into a nonproducing formation after removing the acoustically separated hydrocarbon residues and fines. ADOWFS, thus, not only increases the oil-to-water ratios in producing wells, but also reduces the risk of pore clogging and formation contamination if water is reinjected back in the formation. Moreover, ADOWFS allows instantaneous tuning by means of surface controls to meet changes in flow rates and water cuts and can be integrated into existing downhole-separation infrastructures (e.g., to replace the hydrocyclones). A set of proof-of-concept experiments that used direct microscopic visualization in a microfluidic channel demonstrated the instantaneous separation of micron-sized oil droplets and solid fines from water by exciting the proper acoustic standing-wave fields in the flow channel. The oil droplets and solid fines were separated by a distance of λ/4 (λ is the wavelength of the acoustic wave), which is the expected separation between the pressure nodal and antinodal planes of the standing wave.
PEMASARAN SYARIAH PADA LEMBAGA KEUANGAN MIKRO SYARIAH
Authors: Adinugraha Hendri Hermawan
Published: May 2018

The rise of sharia finance industry that used “sharia branding” such as sharia banking, sharia mini market, sharia hotel, until sharia franchise resulted in conventional institutions are also diversifying sharia-compliant. Ideally this should be balanced by the application of such management is based on sharia like sharia marketing, but in reality many of them are not implementing it yet. Based on the above reasons, this research aims to understand the concept and implementation of sharia marketing at Micro Islamic Financial Institutions (Puskopsyah DIY) comprehensively. This study used a type of field research that is descriptive analytical. This study is also equipped with library research. Data collection techniques using triangulation method, while the data analysis techniques using taxonomic analysis with interactive model. The survey results revealed that implementation of sharia marketing concept in Puskopsyah DIY was good enough though not all aspects of running perfectly. For example, the facts on the ground show that not all product marketing process carried out by the prevailing fatwa supervised and issued by the Sharia Supervisory Board. Keywords: Sharia, Marketing, and Puskopsyah DIY.
STUDY OF INFLUENCE OF FREEZING-DEFROSTING ON THERMOPHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF MEAT SYSTEMS
Authors: Yancheva Marina , Dromenko Olena , Potapov Vladimir , Grinchenko Olga , Zhelieva Tetiana
Published: May 2018

There were studied thermophysical properties of meat systems, based on comminuted beef with different chemical compositions in the process of freezing-defrosting. It was demonstrated, that the morphological base of meat (the ratio of muscular, connective and fatty tissues) and its chemical composition essentially influence thermophysical properties in the process of freezing-defrosting. It was revealed, that under conditions of realization of freezing-defrosting cycle with the fat mass share increase, the temperature increase of the maximal speed of crystal creation, decrease of the cryoscopic temperature interval, increase of the share of moisture that changes its aggregate state in the cryoscopic temperature interval, increase of specific heat of the phase transfer in the cryoscopic temperature interval are observed in a meat system. The type of changes of the cryoscopic temperature interval allows to detect that fat essentially influences the process of freezing-defrosting. The realized studies of comparison of thermodynamic changes in meat systems at refrigerator processing allowed to determine the strategy of saving meat systems’ stability that is in providing meat proteins’ colloid stability and renewing initial properties of the meat raw material after storage and defrosting.
INVESTIGATIVE APPROACH IN OPERATIONS RESEARCH LEARNING USING MAXIMA SYSTEM
Authors: Kohut Uliana
Published: May 2018

In the article the problems of using the systems of computer mathematics (SCM) as a tool to support the teaching and research activities in the field of informatics and mathematics disciplines training are investigated. The role of SCM in the process of bachelors of informatics training and special aspects of pedagogical applications of these systems in the “Operations research” study is defined. The main characteristics of SCM MAXIMA and the ways of organizing access to it both in local and the cloud-oriented implementation are considered. The results of the pedagogical experiment on MAXIMA application to support the investigative approach to operation research study and the analysis of its conclusions are reported. The use of SCM Maxima in the process of “Operations research” teaching aims at the forming students’ ICT-competences, including in a cloud-based environment due to: the acquaintance with functional characteristics of SCM Maxima; developing skills of mathematical research of the applied tasks, in particular the construction of mathematical models; mastering programming in the SCM Maxima; obtaining the necessary knowledge base for studying other disciplines; increasing the level of informatics acquirement by means of the extensive use of SCM and cloud oriented systems in the educational process and research work. The aim of the research is justification of Maxima system use of in the process “Operations research” teaching in the pedagogical university as enchasing the investigative approach to learning and determination of the perspective ways of its introduction
Phosphorus Retention in Intact and Drained Prairie Wetland Basins: Implications for Nutrient Export
Authors: Badiou Pascal , Page Bryan , Akinremi Wole
Published: May 2018

Draining of geographically isolated (no defined inlet or outlet) freshwater mineral soil wetlands has likely converted areas that acted historically as important P sinks to sources of P. To explore the role of wetland drainage on nonpoint‐source P pollution, differences in the chemical characteristics and P sorption parameters of drained and intact wetlands were investigated in a small watershed situated in the Prairie Pothole Region of southwestern Manitoba, Canada. Chemical characteristics and P sorption parameters varied across landscape positions, particularly for landscape positions that were submerged. Intact wetlands had slightly higher concentrations of organic and total P relative to drained wetlands, which is indicative of their P trapping capacity. More importantly, the maximum P sorption capacity and P buffering capacity of intact wetlands were 3.6 (1752 vs. 492 mg kg−1) and 17 (1394 vs. 84 L kg−1) times greater than those in drained wetlands. Conversely, equilibrium P concentrations and bioavailable P concentrations in drained wetlands were an order of magnitude greater than those in intact prairie wetlands. Our study suggests that intact prairie wetlands may be effective sinks for P. As a result, prairie wetlands may play an important role in mitigating nonpoint‐source pollution. Conversely, our findings suggest that drained prairie wetlands are potentially a high risk for P export and should be treated as important critical source areas within prairie watersheds.

Core Ideas

Wetland drainage has converted P sinks to sources.

Intact wetland sediment has higher P buffering capacity than drained wetlands.

Wetland drainage increases nonpoint‐source P pollution.
Approaches for Improving Field Soil Identification
Authors: Fan Zhaosheng , Wills Skye A. , Herrick Jeffrey E. , Nauman Travis W. , Brungard Colby W. , Beaudette Dylan E. , Levi Matthew R. , O'Geen Anthony T.
Published: May 2018

Core Ideas

The traditional dominant‐component‐based approach is not reliable for identifying soils.

We developed two approaches that can be used to identify soils with mobile devices.

A small set of easily collected field data could greatly improve soil identification.

Use of soil survey information by non‐soil‐scientists is often limited by their inability to select the correct soil map unit component (COMP). Here, we developed two approaches that can be deployed to smartphones for non‐soil‐scientists to identify COMP from the location alone or location together with easily observed field data (i.e., slope, depth to the restrictive layer, and soil texture by depth). In addition, we also compared the two newly developed approaches with a traditional approach identifying COMP based on the dominant COMP (DC‐based approach). All three approaches were tested with the Rapid Assessment of US Soil Carbon database and the combined USDA‐ NRCS Soil Survey Geographic database and the USDA‐NRCS State Soil Geographic Database. The results indicated that the observation‐based approach performed significantly better than the other two approaches, suggesting that a small set of easy‐to‐measure site‐specific observations could significantly improve COMP identification. The location‐ and DC‐based approaches had similar low performance overall. However, the location‐based approach slightly improved identifications over the DC‐based approach for cases where (i) there were multiple possible components within the soil map unit and (ii) the components were located in close proximity to a boundary of a different soil map unit polygon. The benefit of using the location‐based approach may be greater in specific soil survey areas where topography was the major factor leading to the creation of the map unit legend.
Inverse Estimation of Soil Hydraulic and Transport Parameters of Layered Soils from Water Stable Isotope and Lysimeter Data
Authors: Groh Jannis , Stumpp Christine , Lücke Andreas , Pütz Thomas , Vanderborght Jan , Vereecken Harry
Published: May 2018

Core Ideas

To determine the water retention curve from inverse modeling, θ and ψ need to be monitored.

δ18O ratios contained information to inversely estimate soil hydraulic parameters.

Different observation types should be combined in a single OF to estimate parameters.

Averages of local measurement could be described using effective parameters.

Accurate measurement of fluxes at lysimeter boundaries improved model parameterization.

Accurate estimates of soil hydraulic parameters and dispersivities are crucial to simulate water flow and solute transport in terrestrial systems, particularly in the vadose zone. However, parameters obtained from inverse modeling can be ambiguous when identifying multiple parameters simultaneously and when boundary conditions are not well known. Here, we performed an inverse modeling study in which we estimated soil hydraulic parameters and dispersivities of layered soils from soil water content, matric potential, and stable water isotope (δ18O) measurements in weighable lysimeter systems. We used different optimization strategies to investigate which observation types are necessary for simultaneously estimating soil hydraulic and solute transport parameters. Combining water content, matric potential, and tracer (e.g., δ18O) data in one objective function (OF) was found to be the best strategy for estimating parameters that can simulate all observed water flow and solute transport variables. A sequential optimization, in which first an OF with only water flow variables and subsequently an OF with transport variables was optimized, performed slightly worse indicating that transport variables contained additional information for estimating soil hydraulic parameters. Hydraulic parameters that were obtained from optimizing OFs that used either water contents or matric potential could not predict non‐measured water flow variables. When a bromide (Br−) tracer experiment was simulated using the optimized parameters, the arrival time of the bromide pulse was underestimated. This suggested that Br− sorbed onto clay minerals and amorphous oxides under the prevailing geochemical conditions with low pH values. When accounting for anion adsorption in the simulation, Br− concentrations were well predicted, which validated the dispersivity parameterization.
Specific Conductance as a Tracer of Preferential Flow in a Subsurface‐Drained Field
Authors: Smith Erik A. , Capel Paul D.
Published: May 2018

Core Ideas

An agricultural subsurface drain was used to quantify preferential flow paths.

High‐frequency specific conductance was a tracer of water movement through the soil.

Preferential flow contributed up to 75% of the water in the subsurface drain.

Most preferential flow events were probably through macropores or surface cracks.

Specific conductance (SC), soil volumetric water content (VWC), and discharge were monitored on a subsurface agricultural drain for a 2‐yr period (2007–2008) to differentiate preferential flow paths from matrix flow paths. A major observation from the 2‐yr period was the fast SC decrease after relatively small rainfall events, often <5 mm. A total of 25 paired rainfall–SC events were classified, with an average preferential flow onset time (from the event start) after 1.7 h and maximum preferential flow after 2.4 h. A specific conductance end‐member mixing analysis (SC‐EMMA) was used to determine the volume of water that infiltrated through preferential flow pathways. The SC‐EMMA was used for 20 of the 25 paired rainfall–SC events; of the 20 classified events, the maximum preferential flow ranged from 11 to 75% of the total subsurface drain flow, with a mean maximum preferential flow of 31%. Overall, SC‐EMMA illustrated that a significant portion of the subsurface drain discharge can be attributed to preferential flow, mainly through macropores or other largely open preferential flow pathways. The other primary mechanism, antecedent moisture conditions shifts, could only be shown for four of the 25 classified events. Specific conductance as a tracer of preferential flow was shown to be an effective tool for distinguishing preferential flow to subsurface drains. Even during relatively dry periods, the SC had a substantial decrease shortly after a rainfall event contrary to the conventional idea that macropore flow starts only after all the smaller pores are saturated and surface ponding begins to occur.
Firm characteristics and capital structure adjustment
Authors: Pontoh Winston , Swandari Budiarso Novi
Published: May 2018

The adjustment for the firm capital structure is unclear from perspectives of trade-off theory, pecking order theory, life cycle theory, market timing theory, and free cash flow theory, since many research findings contradict each other. Adjustments for the capital structure are complex, since the conditions for each firm are different. The objective of this study is to provide empirical evidence of how firms adjust capital structure in relationship with maturity in context of trade-off, pecking order, free cash flow, and market timing theory. In terms of hypotheses testing, this study conducts logistic regression analysis with 138 Indonesian public firms as the sample in the observed period from 2010 to 2015. To distinguish the results, this study controls the sample by size and age based on the median. The study reports that preferences for the source of funds based on the cost of capital, internal conflict, and firm maturity indicate adjustments for the firm capital structure. Based on Indonesian firms, the form of capital structure in developing countries can refer to a single model or a combination of the trade-off model and pecking order model, as well as market timing.
Exploring the Use of Self-Regulation Strategies in Programming with Regard to Learning Styles
Authors: Ã‡AKIROÄžLU Ãœnal , ER BetÃ¼l , UÄžUR Nursel , AYDOÄžDU Esra
Published: May 2018

This study attempts to understand the relationship between learning styles of and self-regulated learning of pre-service computer teachers in a programming course. Studentsâ€™ strategies for self-regulation with regard to their learning styles were assessed on the basis of qualitative data in terms of programming course. The Turkish version of Felder Soloman learning style inventory was used to identify the studentsâ€™ learning styles. The results suggest that the characteristics of learning styles are somewhat related to self-regulation strategies. Time management was identified as a leading self-regulation strategy among learning styles, while shortcomings regarding target setting and self-efficacy strategies were prominent with almost all learning styles. Characteristics of other self-regulation strategies do not directly match with expected behaviors of learning styles in the context of learning programming. It is hoped that the study may shed light for instructors and instructional designers to design more appropriate settings for teaching programming taking learning styles in to consideration.Â
Rolling element bearings localized fault diagnosis using signal differencing and median filtration
Authors: Sawalhi Nader
Published: May 2018

With the increase complexity of bearings’ processing algorithms and the growing trend of using computationally demanding algorithms, it is advantageous to provide analysts with a simple to use and implement algorithm. In this spirit, this paper combines simple functions to provide machine condition analysts with the capacity to diagnose bearing faults without all the complexity and jargon that comes with existing methods. The paper proposes a simplified surveillance and diagnostic algorithm for diagnosing localized faults in rolling element bearings using measured raw vibration signals. The proposed algorithm is based on analyzing the frequency content obtained from applying a median filter on the squared derivative signal (first or higher derivatives) of the vibration signal. The combination of signal differencing and median filters provides a squared envelope signal, which can be used directly to diagnose faults. Signal differencing gives a measure of jerk forces and lifts the high frequency content of the signal. To select the optimum order of differentiation, Kurtosis and maximum correlated kurtosis (MCK) are proposed. Median filter usage represents a better alternative of normal low pass filtration. This completely suppresses impulses with large magnitudes, which may interfere with the diagnosis. The length of the median filter (odd number 3, 5, 7 etc.) is selected as such to include the first 10 harmonics of the defect frequency. Simulated signals are used to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm and give insights into the choices of the differentiation and smoothening orders. The proposed processing algorithm gives a first measure (surveillance) for detecting localized faults in rolling element bearings in a very simple way and can be employed in online learning and diagnosis systems. Results obtained from applying the algorithm on complex vibration signals from two types of gearboxes are compared with a well-established semi-automated technique with good correspondence.
A DPCA-based online fault indicator for gear faults using three-direction vibration signals
Authors: Jiang Liying , Cui Jianguo , Wang Jinglin
Published: May 2018

For online monitoring and identifying gear faults, a new fault indicator is proposed based on a multivariate statistical technique, dynamic principal component analysis (DPCA), under variable load conditions. In this method, a tri-axial vibration sensor is used to acquire the 3-direction vibration signals of gear in the gear box because it can pick up more abundant fault information than a single axis sensor does. By monitoring the value of the fault indicator, the running state of the gear (normal condition or faults) can be directly identified according to the set thresholds without using any other fault classification methods. To verify the effectiveness, the proposed method is applied on the QPZZ-II rotating machinery fault simulation rig in which the root crack and the tooth broken faults are introduced into the gearbox’s driving gear. Experimental results show that the fault indicator not only can effectively reveal the health state of the gear, but also is without being influenced by the load fluctuation. And, the accuracy rate of fault diagnosis is over 96 %.
Novel gear fault diagnosis approach using native Bayes uncertain classification based on PSO algorithm
Authors: Chen Yongqi , Chen Yang , Dai Qinge
Published: May 2018

Traditionally, gear faults can be classified with the ignorance of the sample uncertainty. In this paper, a novel approach is proposed for the problem diagnosis of uncertain gear interval faults. First, a statistical property interval feature vector composed of mean, standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis, etc. is proposed. Then, the native Bayes uncertain classification (NBU) is used for the diagnostics of these uncertain gear interval faults. Conventionally, the NBU utilizes all the attributes to distinguish fault types. However, each fault type has its own distinct classification accuracy for different feature vector attributes. Thus, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to select the optimal feature vector attributes for each fault type in the NBU (NBU_PSO_EACH). The experimental results show: (1) the accuracy of the proposed method is better than that of NBU1, NBU2 or FBC; (2) in terms of accuracy, the proposed method is also more advanced than the method which selects the same optimal attributes for all fault types based on the PSO (NBU_PSO); (3) the proposed method can reduce the physical size of feature vectors.
Shaft crack detection during shut-down using continuous wavelet transform
Authors: Sathujoda Prabhakar , Dastgir Alistair
Published: May 2018

Shaft cracks in a rotor system may lead to destructive failure, if not detected at right time. The transient vibrations of a rotor system with a transverse breathing crack during rotor shut-down has been analyzed using Finite Element Method (FEM) for flexural vibrations. Since the vibration signals during shut-down are non-stationary, continuous wavelet transform (CWT) has been used to extract the crack feature when the rotor is decelerating through critical speed during shut-down. A parametric study for different crack depths has been studied for different decelerations and it is found that CWT can be effectively used to detect the crack during rotor shut-down.
Numerical analysis of solid liquid two phase abrasive flow polishing process for three stage variable diameter pipe
Authors: Li Jun Ye , Zang Xiang , Wang Bin Yu , Hou Ji Kun , Zhang Xin Ming , Xiong Hua
Published: May 2018

With the rapid development of technology and economy, rough machining has not been able to keep pace with the times. Heavy industry is more and more inclined to the field of precision and ultra-precision machining. During that time, abrasive flow machining technology emerged as the times require. The process of micro cutting is achieved through the contact between abrasive particles and workpiece, so that the accuracy of workpiece's inner surface can be polished, and the accuracy of workpiece improved, which is a representative polishing method. Taking the three-order variable diameter tube as the research object, this paper discusses the polishing characteristics of three level variable diameter pipe with solid liquid two phase abrasive flow. The removal pattern of abrasive flow micro cutting is analyzed, with the collision effect between abrasive particles and wall considered and ignored, which provides technical support for abrasive flow polishing variable diameter pipe parts.
Engine fault diagnosis based on multi-resolution analysis and dual microphones
Authors: Zeng Rong , Zeng Ruili , Mei Jianmin , Ding Lei
Published: May 2018

In order to diagnose the abnormal sound fault of the diesel without disassemble, dual microphones are used to collect noise signal of the engine in this paper, and the sound pressure signal is decomposed with wavelet decomposition technique. By comparing different wavelet decomposition techniques, it determines the sound feature parameter for fault diagnosis, and establishes a BP neural network for pattern recognition. The test result shows that diagnosing engine fault with dual microphones is accuracy, and it can be applied to diagnose the abnormal sound fault of engine.
Semi-seasonal groundwater forecast using multiple data-driven models in an irrigated cropland
Authors: Amaranto Alessandro , Munoz-Arriola Francisco , Corzo Gerald , Solomatine Dimitri P. , Meyer George
Published: May 2018

In agricultural areas where groundwater is the main water supply for irrigation, forecasts of the water table are key to optimal water management. However, water management can be constrained by semiseasonal to seasonal forecast. The objective is to create an ensemble of water table one- to five-month lead-time forecasts based on multiple data-driven models (DDMs). We hypothesize that data-driven modeling capabilities (e.g., random forests, support vector machines, artificial neural networks (ANNs), extreme learning machines, and genetic programming) will improve naïve and autoregressive simulations of groundwater tables. An input variable selection method was used to carry the maximum information in the input (precipitation, crop water demand, changes in groundwater table, snowmelt, and evapotranspiration) and output relationship for the DDMs. Five DDMs were implemented to forecast groundwater tables in an unconfined aquifer in the Northern High Plains (Nebraska, USA). Root mean squared error (RMSE) and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency index were used to evaluate the skill of the model and three hydrologic regimes were determined statistically as high, mid, and low groundwater table levels. Additionally, varying storage regimes were used to construct rising and falling limbs in the tested well. Results show that all models outperform the baseline for all the lead times, ANNs being the best of all.
AN IMPLEMENTATION OF STAGE-FALL-DISCHARGE RELATIONSHIP ON DIGITAL COMPUTERS
Authors: WINGÅRD BO
Published: May 2018

The stage-discharge relation is defined by the complex interaction of channel characteristics, including area, shape, slope, and roughness of the cross-section. The combination of these effects has been designated control. The control is permanent if the stage-discharge relation it defines does not change with time, otherwise it is impermanent. The latter is designated a shifting control. The stage-discharge relation for a permanent control is established by simultaneous measurements of the two parameters stage and discharge, the relation is often described mathematically by a parabolic formula.

Controls may change because of the effects of a changing channel, backwater, rapidly changing stage, variable channel storage, and the freezing and breaking of ice. Backwater is produced when the normal water slope is decreased as the result of the normal stage being increased at some point downstream. This can result from the operation of a dam, an increase in discharge in a downstream tributary, or a rise in the stream into which the gaged stream empties. The effect of backwater is determined by introducing the slope or the fall through a reach of the channel downstream from the hydrometric station as a third parameter. This is graphically incorporated into a three-dimensional stage-fall-discharge relationship.

In Norway this relation is established by using Manning's formula and simultaneous measurements of discharge, stage, and fall (Hansson n. d., Westerberg 1920). In other methods a computational conversion of the measurements to a normal fall is made (Linsley, Kohler & Paulhus 1958). These methods give a graphical representation of the stage-fall-discharge relationship. They demand much work, are cumbersome in use, and badly adapted for conversion of stage measurements to discharges on digital computers.

The following describes a method well fitted for such conversions on computers. An eventual correction of the formulae used is also possible in a simple manner.
THE EFFECT OF WIND ON THE PRECIPITATION DISTRIBUTION OVER A HILLOCK
Authors: SANDSBORG JOHN
Published: May 2018

An account is given of precipitation measurements on a hillock carried out during June-November 1959 by means of a very dense network of gauges. It was found that the precipitation distribution in the area on a single rainfall could vary considerably owing to the wind conditions. The cause of this phenomenon seems to lie in the aerodynamical conditions around the hillock. When choosing sites for precipitation measurements such aerodynamic effects should be realized.
Apresentação Edição Especial Gestão Pública
Authors: OLIVEIRA Celmar Corrêa de , GARCIA Ricardo Letizia , MASTELLA Mauro , SANTOS Carlos Honorato Schuch
Published: May 2018

Apresentação do número especial em Gestão Pública.
Políticas públicas permanentes no Brasil: realidade ou ficção?
Authors: CRESTANI Dinamir Antônio , OLIVEIRA Celmar Corrêa de
Published: May 2018

O artigo analisa as características das políticas públicas implementadas pelo poder público a partir do reconhecimento dos direitos sociais previstos na Constituição Federal de 1988. Com a nova carta os direitos sociais receberam um novo tratamento e criaram diretrizes legais que obrigam o Estado a atendê-los. O estudo analisou o avanço dos direitos sociais e a postura exigida do poder público na gestão das prestações dos serviços, discutindo as dificuldades na execução e manutenção de políticas públicas relacionadas com a área social. O objetivo é identificar as políticas públicas, especialmente as sociais, estudando variáveis que qualificam as ações do poder público como política com caráter de permanência, como políticas públicas de Estado. O tema foi desenvolvido a partir de pesquisa qualitativa na bibliografia, utilizando-se de fontes de dados secundários. A pesquisa apresenta a posição de autores a respeito dos direitos sociais, políticas públicas e atuações dos governos. O trabalho conclui que as políticas públicas com viés essencialmente social possuem o caráter da permanência, escapando dos riscos da ingerência política do governante transitório, alcançando o nível de comprometimento de política pública permanente.
A lei 8.666/93 e o regime diferenciado de contratações, diferenças e semelhanças nas legislações
Authors: MINOZZO Elisandra Lidiane , OLIVEIRA Celmar Corrêa de
Published: May 2018

O Regime Diferenciado de Contratações (RDC) foi criado para atender as demandas específicas das obras da Copa das Confederações e a Copa do Mundo Fifa de 2013 e 2014, às Olimpíadas e Paraolimpíadas de 2016 e infraestrutura aeroportuária. No entanto, sua existência no ordenamento jurídico foi perdendo o caráter transitório através de alterações legislativas que ampliam a aplicabilidade do RDC. Este estudo objetiva verificar algumas das diferenças entre o RDC e a Lei 8.666/93, buscando responder à questão de pesquisa: o regime diferenciado de contratações torna de fato, mais eficiente, eficaz e efetivo o processo de contração na esfera pública? Para responder à questão proposta no trabalho, utilizou-se uma abordagem qualitativa, valendo-se de uma revisão bibliográfica. Comparou-se as leis em três pontos escolhidos: inversão de fases; contratação integrada e questão ambiental, buscando pautá-los pelos indicadores de eficiência, eficácia e efetividade. A conclusão aponta a Lei 8.666/93 é mais eficiente e mais efetiva quanto a exigência de elaboração de projeto básico pela Administração Pública, igualando-se em eficácia na ordem de fases da habilitação. O RDC é mais eficiente quanto a ordem das fases de habilitação e mais efetivo quanto a questão ambiental, igualando-se em eficácia.
Essentials and Perspectives of Computational Modelling Assistance for CNS-oriented Nanoparticle-based Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Kisała Joanna , Hęclik Kinga I. , Pogocki Krzysztof , Pogocki Dariusz
Published: May 2018

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a complex system controlling two-way substances
traffic between circulatory (cardiovascular) system and central nervous system (CNS).
It is almost perfectly crafted to regulate brain homeostasis and to permit selective transport of
molecules that are essential for brain function. For potential drug candidates, the CNSoriented
neuropharmaceuticals as well as for those of primary targets in the periphery, the extent
to which a substance in the circulation gains access to the CNS seems crucial. With the
advent of nanopharmacology, the problem of the BBB permeability for drug nano-carriers
gains new significance. Compared to some other fields of medicinal chemistry, the computational
science of nano-delivery is still premature to offer the black-box type solutions, especially
for the BBB-case. However, even its enormous complexity can spell out the physical
principles, and as such subjected to computation. The basic understanding of various
physicochemical parameters describing the brain uptake is required to take advantage of their
usage for the BBB-nano delivery. This mini-review provides a sketchy introduction of essential
concepts allowing application of computational simulation to the BBB-nano delivery design.
Comparative Assay of 2D and 3D Cell Culture Models: Proliferation, Gene Expression and Anticancer Drug Response
Authors: Souza Aline G. , Silva Isaura Beatriz B. , Campos-Fernandez Esther , Barcelos Leticia S. , Souza Jessica Brito , Marangoni Karina , Goulart Luiz R. , Alonso-Goulart Vivian
Published: May 2018

Background:

In vitro tests allow establishing experimental variables. However, in vitro results cannot
be extrapolated to in vivo tests. Considering that three-dimensional (3D) culture has been one of the best ways to
portray the in vivo system of most cell types, it is possible to carry out assays with a great clinical relevance for
the analysis of the screening, action and resistance of antitumor drugs.

Objective:

Thus, the objective of the present study was to compare between 2D and 3D cell culture forms to conclude
which is the most suitable model for preclinical in vitro drug testing.

Method:

We evaluated the proliferation, genetic expression and chemoresistance of prostate tumor cell lines, PC-
3, LNCaP and DU145. Prostate tumor cell lines PC-3, LNCaP and DU145 were treated with the antineoplastic
drugs paclitaxel and docetaxel and evaluated with cytotoxicity, cell proliferation and gene expression assays in
2D and magnetic 3D bioprinting cultures.

Results:

Lower cell proliferation rate, more resistance to paclitaxel and docetaxel and altered gene expression
profile was shown in 3D cell culture comparing with its 2D counterpart.

Conclusion:

3D cell culture exhibited a more similar behavior to in vivo systems, being a promising and more
reliable tool for the development of new drugs.
Dual Acting Isatin-heterocyclic Hybrids: Recent Highlights as Promising Pharmacological Agents
Authors: Maddela Srinubabu , Mathew Githa Elizabeth , Parambi Della Grace Thomas , Aljoufi Fakhria , Mathew Bijo
Published: May 2018

Background:

For the development of suitable lead molecules to different diseases is a highly challenging task for medicinal chemists. Nowadays, hybrid pharmacophore concept has developed as a useful structural modification tool in the drug design of new drug candidates for different diseases. Hybrid pharmacophore approach consists of combination of two or more pharmacophoric moieties from different biologically active compounds with complementary functions or different mechanisms of action into a single molecule. This often results in synergistic activity or enhanced drug efficacy.

Objective:

To develop the suitable leads for different diseases there will be a lot of scope to study the substitution of heterocyclic moieties on the different positions of isatin ring. The broad and potent activities of the isatin and their derivatives have been established them as pharmacologically significant scaffolds. In this review, an attempt has been made with specifically emphasizing the hybridization of Isatin with different derivatives of heterocyclic compounds on the different positions of the isatin ring (aryl ring, isatin nitrogen and C2/C3 carbonyl moieties).

Conclusion:

This review highlighted the recent advances of dual acting isatin-heterocyclic hybrids presenting various pharmacological activities viz., anticancer, antitubercular, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial.
QSAR and Docking Studies on Piperidyl-cyclohexylurea Derivatives for Prediction of Selective and Potent Inhibitor of Matriptase
Authors: Mirza Agha Zeeshan , Shamshad Hina
Published: May 2018

Background: QSAR models as PLS, GFA, and 3D were developed for a series of matriptase
inhibitors using 35 piperidyl-cyclohexylurea compounds. The training and test sets were divided into a
set of 28 and 8 compounds, respectively and the pki values of each compound were used in the analysis.

Methods:

Docking and alignment methodologies were used to develop models in 3D QSAR. The best
models among all were selected on the basis of regression statistics as r2, predictive r2 and Friedman
Lack of fit measure. Hydrogen donors and rotatable bonds were found to be positively correlated properties
for this target. The models were validated and used for the prediction of new compounds. Based
on the predictions of 3D-QSAR model, 17 new compounds were prepared and their activities were predicted
and compared with the active compound. Prediction of activities was performed for these 18
compounds using consensus results of all models. ADMET was also performed for the best-chosen
compound and compared with the known active.

Results and Conclusion:

The developed model was able to validate the obtained results and can be
successfully used to predict new potential and active compounds.
The unmet needs of caregivers of stroke survivors: A review of the content of YouTube videos (Preprint)
Authors: Denham Alexandra, M.J. , Baker Amanda, L , Spratt Neil, J , Wynne Olivia , Hunt Sally , Sharma-Kumar Ratika , Bonevski Billie
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Content produced by caregivers of stroke survivors on online video sharing platforms such as YouTube may be a good source of knowledge regarding caregivers’ unmet needs and caregiving experiences.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to examine content, quantity and quality of YouTube videos that specifically target and discuss the needs and concerns of caregivers of stroke survivors.

METHODS

YouTube was systematically searched using six select search strings. The first 20 videos retrieved from each search string were screened against the eligibility criteria and included if they were: developed by either adult caregivers of stroke survivors and focused on caregivers’ needs and concerns; or professional organisations and depicted first-hand testimonials of the needs and concerns of caregivers of stroke survivors. A pre-determined coding schedule was used to report the rate of unmet needs in each video: (1) Impact of Caregiving on Daily Activities; (2) Relationship; (3) Emotional and Psychological; (4) Comprehensive Stroke care; (5) Information; and (6) Spirituality. General video characteristics were also reported.

RESULTS

Of the 132 videos screened, 26 individual videos were included in the analysis. Most videos were developed in the USA (61.5%) and featured spouses of stroke survivors (65.47%). The most common types of videos were video blogs (vlogs) in which the main content featured the caregiver(s) diarising their daily thoughts and feelings (n=16, 48.5%). In total, 291 unmet needs were reported by caregivers of stroke survivors, with an average of 11.2 unmet needs per video. The most common unmet needs domain was ‘Impact of Caregiving on Daily Activities’ which made up 44% of the unmet needs reported. The most frequently reported sub-category was ‘Financial Impact’, appearing 24 times in 26 videos (92.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Content produced by caregivers of stroke survivors on YouTube may be used as a tool for caregivers to provide and receive support through online communication. YouTube videos offer insight into the unmet needs of caregivers of stroke survivors across countries and healthcare systems, and may be used as an additional resource for stroke services to disseminate health information and support to caregivers. Further research is needed to investigate other online platforms to address the unmet needs of caregivers of stroke survivors.
Nigeria’s Unity, Development and Civil Society: The Imperative of Good Governance
Authors: Chukwuemeka Emma E. O. , Ezeodili Walter , Aduma Aloysius
Published: May 2018

Before the arrival of the British imperialist, there was no united entity called Nigeria. There was also nothing like political infrastructure known as “regions”. Nigeria comprises of about 250 ethnic groups who were doing things as entity of their own before the British colonizers integrated Nigeria to be one. The merger could be described as “forced union”. The introduction of indirect rule by the British imperial master orchestrated divide and rule in Nigeria, it also gave rise to ethnic consciousness. It is on this backdrop that this study evaluated the role of governance in Nigeria’s unity with a view to identifying the areas of problems. Survey research method was adopted. Data collected through questionnaire were analyzed using Z-test. Myriads of factors were identified as responsible for disunity and separatist agitation in Nigeria. The factors were critically discussed and suggestions proffered. Essentially it is the position of the paper that there should be reduction of scarcity and inequality through revolutionary development. Development which should be predicated on equity and fairness. The rotation of power to ensure that all ethnic groups are given opportunity is also recommended. Also the paper recommended that the emphasis on ethnicity/tribe or place of origin in official forms should be abolished.