bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of Modeled Channel Hydraulic Variables to Invasive and Native Riparian Vegetation
Authors: Martinez Adriana E.
Published: July 2017

Quantifying the roughness of riparian vegetation is important where it plays a dominant role by reducing water velocity. Vegetation roughness was calculated based on the plant characteristics of three dominant herbaceous plants, including one invasive, along the Sprague River, Oregon. E. palustris and invasive P. arundinacea exhibit higher and similar roughness values whereas C. vesicaria is lower. To determine differences, hydraulic channel conditions were modeled within NAYS 2DH. First, current conditions were modeled by populating the channel banks with roughness, plant density, and height of vegetation patches. Next, along the same reach, monocultures were modeled assuming dominance of individual species. In comparing the two native species to the invasive species, monoculture conditions show that plant density and roughness causes the native E. palustris to have the highest ability to decrease stream velocity. In areas where the invasive species is outcompeting E. palustris, such changes could cause increases in velocity and less stable bank surfaces.
Proposal for Measuring Quality of Decision Trees Partition
Authors: Zouggar Souad Taleb , Adla Abdelkader
Published: July 2017

To compute a partition quality for a decision tree, we propose a new measure called NIM “New Information Measure”. The measure is simpler, provides similar performance, and sometimes outperforms the existing measures used with tree-based methods. The experimental results using the MONITDIAB application (Taleb & Atmani, 2013) and datasets from the UCI repository (Asuncion & Newman, 2007) confirm the classification capabilities of our proposal in comparison to the Shannon measure used with ID3 and C4.5 decision tree methods.
A Knowledge Network and Mobilisation Framework for Lean Supply Chain Decisions in Agri-Food Industry
Authors: Chen Huilan , Liu Shaofeng , Oderanti Festus
Published: July 2017

Making the right decisions for food supply chain is extremely important towards achieving sustainability in agricultural businesses. This paper explores that knowledge sharing to support food supply chain decisions to achieve lean performance (i.e. to reduce/eliminate non-value-adding activities, or “waste” in lean term). The focus of the paper is on defining new knowledge networks and mobilisation approaches to address the network and community nature of current supply chains. Based on critical analysis of the state-of-the-art in the topic area, a knowledge network and mobilisation framework for lean supply chain management has been developed. The framework has then been evaluated using a case study from the food supply chain. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) has been used to incorporate expert's view on the defined knowledge networks and mobilisation approaches with respect to their contribution to achieving various lean performance objectives. The results from the work have a number of implications for current knowledge management and supply chain management in theory and in practice.
A Comparative Analysis of a Novel Anomaly Detection Algorithm with Neural Networks
Authors: Das Srijan , Dutta Arpita , Sharma Saurav , Godboley Sangharatna
Published: July 2017

Anomaly Detection is an important research domain of Pattern Recognition due to its effects of classification and clustering problems. In this paper, an anomaly detection algorithm is proposed using different primitive cost functions such as Normal Perceptron, Relaxation Criterion, Mean Square Error (MSE) and Ho-Kashyap. These criterion functions are minimized to locate the decision boundary in the data space so as to classify the normal data objects and the anomalous data objects. The authors proposed algorithm uses the concept of supervised classification, though it is very different from solving normal supervised classification problems. This proposed algorithm using different criterion functions has been compared with the accuracy of the Neural Networks (NN) in order to bring out a comparative analysis between them and discuss some advantages.
An Efficient Server Minimization Algorithm for Internet Distributed Systems
Authors: Mishra Swati , Panda Sanjaya Kumar
Published: July 2017

The increasing use of online services leads to an unequal distribution of the loads among the servers. As a result, the problem is to balance the loads among the servers such that the total number of active servers is minimized. One of the possible solutions is to transfer the loads from the underutilized server to a suitable server and make the underutilized server to sleep mode. In this paper, a server minimization algorithm (SMA) is proposed for the solution of server minimization and the load balancing problem. The proposed algorithm reduces the number of servers by merging the loads of the two least loaded servers. Then it determines the standard deviation of the server loads for load balancing. The proposed SMA is compared with an existing load balancing algorithm using the number of minimized servers, load standard deviation and load factor. The simulation results show the efficacy of the SMA.
WSN Management Self-Silence Design and Data Analysis for Neural Network Based Infrastructure
Authors: Kamila Nilayam Kumar , Dhal Sunil
Published: July 2017

In recent Wireless Sensor Network environment, battery energy conservation is one of the most important focus of research. The non-maintainable wireless sensor nodes need modern innovative ideas to save energy in order to extend the network life time. Different strategy in wireless sensor routing mechanism has been implemented to establish the energy conservation phenomenon. In earlier days, the nodes are dissipating maximum energy to communicate with each other(flooding) to establish the route to destination. In the next evolution of this research area, a clustering mechanism introduced which confirms the energy saving over the flooding mechanism. Neural Network is an advanced approach for self-clustering mechanism and when applied on wireless sensor network infrastructure, it reduces the energy consumption required for clustering. Neural network is a powerful concept with complex algorithms and capable to provide clustering solutions based on the wireless sensor network nodes properties. With the implementation of Neural Network on Wireless Sensor Network resolves the issues of high energy consumption required for network clustering. The authors propose a self-silence wireless sensor network model where sensor nodes change the sensing and transmitting mechanism by making self-silent in order to conserve the energy. This concept is simulated in neural network based wireless sensor network infrastructure of routing methodology and the authors observe that it extends the network life time. The mathematical analysis and simulation study shows the improved performance over the existing related neural network based wireless sensor routing protocols. Furthermore, the performance & related model parameters data set analysis provides the respective dependent relation information.
An Efficient Clustering in MANETs with Minimum Communication and Reclustering Overhead
Authors: Mir Mohd Yaseen , Das Satyabrata
Published: July 2017

A flat structure in MANETs based on proactive or reactive routing schemes face scalability problems with increase in both mobility and network size. Clustering offers hierarchical organization of mobile nodes by forming disjoint groups (clusters). So clustering techniques solve the scalability issue in large MANETs but, requires extra message exchange among mobile nodes for maintenance of cluster structure. Due to mobility in MANETs stability of cluster structure is greatly affected as such it often leads to Ripple effect of reclustering. In this paper, the authors present clustering algorithm that eliminates the requirement of frozen period and minimizes reclustering of entire network by locally repairing cluster structure that gets affected due to moment of head node. They have reduced the number of messages exchanged in their proposed work by including different range of transmission for each node and overall stability of entire structure is enhanced.
Analysis of the Dynamical Characteristics of the Firefly Algorithm
Authors: Shindo Takuya , Xiao Jianze , Kurihara Takuya , Jin'no Kenya
Published: July 2017

The firefly algorithm is a meta-heuristic algorithm, the fundamental principle of which mimic the characteristics associated with the blinking of natural fireflies. This paper, presents a rigorous analysis of the dynamics of the firefly algorithm, which the authors performed by applying a deterministic system that removes the stochastic factors from the state update equation. Depending on its parameters, the individual deterministic firefly algorithm exhibits chaotic behavior. This prompted us to investigate the relationship between the behavior of the algorithm and its parameters as well as the extent to which the chaotic behavior influences the searching ability of the algorithm.
Hybrid Mean-Variance Mapping Optimization for Non-Convex Economic Dispatch Problems
Authors: Khoa Truong H. , Vasant Pandian M. , Singh Balbir Singh Mahinder , Dieu V. N.
Published: July 2017

The economic dispatch (ED) is one of the important optimization problems in power system generation for fuel cost saving. This paper proposes a hybrid variant of mean-variance mapping optimization (MVMO-SH) for solving such problem considering the non-convex objective functions. The new proposed method is a hybrid variant of the original mean-variance mapping optimization algorithm (MVMO) with the embedded local search and multi-parent crossover to enhance its global search ability and improve solution quality for optimization problems. The proposed MVMO-SH is tested on different non-convex ED problem including valve point effects, multiple fuels and prohibited operating zones characteristics. The result comparisons from the proposed method with other methods in the literature have indicated that the proposed method is more robust and provides better solution quality than the others. Therefore, the proposed MVMO-SH is a promising method for solving the complex ED problems in power systems.
The Power of Unstructured Data
Authors: Paladino Armando E. , Hargiss Kathleen M. , Howard Caroline
Published: July 2017

This study examined the incorporation of tacit knowledge into corporate business intelligence and its impact on business performance, specifically analyzing individual productivity. Business productivity in relation to the use of knowledge has been investigated but using macro-dimensions not specifically oriented to individual workers' productivity. This study was based on externalization, one of the modes in the theory of organizational knowledge creation (that is, converting tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge). The findings on the literature stated that knowledge is the most important piece of business competitive advantage and that tacit knowledge is a key part of that knowledge. This research found that tacit knowledge did not influence individual engineers' productivity and as such did not affect business performance. Additionally, it found that tacit knowledge was not a factor that could be used to predict individual productivity. This research was the first attempt to investigate individual productivity in relation to tacit knowledge.
Project Management Education in Online Environments
Authors: Volz Stephen W.
Published: July 2017

This exploratory case study included a mixed methods approach using both qualitative and quantitative methods to review project management education programs in online environments in the United States. Accredited education programs through the Project Management Institute's Global Accreditation Center formed the basis of the research. The focus of this study was on the project management content used by online colleges and universities to teach project management to students. The findings help to provide recommendations for project management education to improve its delivery to students.
Heterogeneity in Digital Innovation: A Study of the e-Newspaper Case
Authors: Lund Jesper
Published: July 2017

This paper focuses on challenges that arise because of the heterogeneous nature of digital innovation. These challenges are studied through a case study involving a two year long research and development project concerning the development of the e-newspaper concept and a demonstrator based on e-paper technology. To enable the exploration of these challenges, a multi-method approach was chosen. The paper is built using a two-step process; first, presenting a framework based on a review of related literature identifying characteristics and aspects of heterogeneity in digital innovation, and secondly, applying this framework into the analysis of the e-newspaper case. Based on the empirical findings, the paper presents a discussion which elaborates on how digital innovation can be organized in order to address the identified challenges with heterogeneity in digital innovation. Furthermore, it is suggested that digital technology targeted towards everyday use is inherently leading to innovation networks of heterogeneous actors as well as heterogeneous users of digital innovation.
Metrics of Evolving Ego-Networks with Forgetting Factor
Authors: Sarmento Rui Portocarrero
Published: July 2017

Nowadays, treating the data as a continuous real-time flux is an exigence explained by the need for immediate response to events in daily life. We study the data like an ongoing data stream and represent it by streaming egocentric networks (Ego-Networks) of the particular nodes under study. We use a non-standard node forgetting factor in the representation of the network data stream, as previously introduced in the related literature. This way the representation is sensible to recent events in users' networks and less sensible for the past node events. We study this method with large scale Ego-Networks taken from telecommunications social networks with power law distribution. We aim to compare and analysis some reference Ego-Networks metrics, and their variation with or without forgetting factor.
The Politics of Establishing ICT Governance for Large-Scale Healthcare Information Infrastructures
Authors: Ulriksen Gro-Hilde , Pedersen Rune , Ellingsen Gunnar
Published: July 2017

In Norway, the focus on interoperability and communication across healthcare practices has increased the need to connect ICT portfolios at different levels of healthcare, into large-scale information infrastructures (II). Governing healthcare practices is exceptionally complex, due to the diverging goals and policies of the heterogeneous actors involved. Establish well-functioning ICT governance organizations to handle these large infrastructures is therefore important. Using information infrastructure theory, and governance literature from the IS field, this paper contributes with empirical insight to the longitudinal and political process of establishing ICT governance in a healthcare context, reporting from one of Norway's largest health ICT projects, situated in the North Norway Regional Health Authority in 2012–2016. Our focus was on the following research questions: How does organizational politics shape the process of establishing an ICT governance organization in a heterogeneous healthcare environment, and what does it take to establish such ICT governance organization?
Teaching and Learning Modelling and Specification Based on Mobile Devices and Cloud
Authors: Moreira Fernando , Ferreira Maria João
Published: July 2017

Teaching Requirements Engineering and, in particular modelling and specification requirements, at the higher education institutions is an “arduous” task according to the literature. In this way, it is proposed an approach that aims to contribute for filling this gap. So, in the context of a degree in Informatics, and following the guidelines of the Information Systems courses provided by ACM/AIS, we explore the Modeling and Specification (MS) of requirements using Unified Modelling Language (UML) integrated into the TLP (TLP-MS) activity of the BML Context Oriented (BML-CO) model. These activities (modelling and specification of requirements) are supported by the use of the Lucidchart tool in a collaborative environment.
New Pedagogical Approaches with Technologies
Authors: Conger Sue , Krauss Kirstin E.M. , Simuja Clement
Published: July 2017

This case study analyzes the availability and uses of teaching techniques and computing technologies in Grades 10, 11, and 12 Computer Applications Technology classes in a remote town in South Africa. The technologies and techniques trialed show promise of usefulness in being more engaging to student interest than the prior method. Human factors issues focus on ease of use and intuitiveness of technologies for both teachers and students. With 50-minute classes, if the technology becomes a hurdle rather than a vehicle for teaching a class concept, it defeats its own purpose. Thus, to be successful, technologies need to be selected carefully, matched to pedagogical goals, calibrated for student skills, installed, tested, and ready for use. Students need support, encouragement, and, occasionally, prodding to use new technology. Thus, ICTs in the classroom require a technologically and pedagogically knowledgeable teacher.
Using Mobile Technologies in Education
Authors: Marques Célio Gonçalo Cardoso , Manso António , Ferreira Ana Paula , Morgado Felisbela
Published: July 2017

The acquisition of reading skills is decisive for the academic achievement of students. However, learning to read is a complex process. With this in mind, several attempts have been made to find new educational approaches to enhance students' reading motivation. Considering the enormous potential of ICT for education and training, we have developed a digital repository of teaching and learning materials and a multiplatform application that runs on mobile devices: Letrinhas. This information system was designed to promote the development of reading and to provide tools for monitoring and assessing reading skills against the curricular targets set by the Ministry of Education. Letrinhas was evaluated by specialists and users and a high level of satisfaction was observed among students and teachers as time and effort spent to consolidate reading is considerably reduced with this application. This evaluation also enabled to identify features that will be available in the future.
Synthesis of Curcumin Analogues Monoketone from Cinnamaldehyde and their Inhibition Assay against Alpha-Glucosidase Enzyme
Authors: Mardianis Yunia , Anwar Chairil , Haryadi Winarto
Published: July 2017

The synthesis of curcumin analogues monoketone as target compounds from cinnamaldehyde and inhibition assay against alpha-glucosidase enzyme had been performed. The stepwise of synthesis was performed by aldol condensation Claisen-Schmidt reaction andused ketones variation to give curcumin analogues monoketone. The antidiabetic activity of curcumin analogues was carried out by inhibition test against alpha-glucosidase enzyme isolated from rotten rice (Oryza sativa). The first step of synthesis was started by reacting cinnamaldehyde and monoketones such as acetone (curcumin analog A [(1E,3E,6E,8E)-1,9-diphenyl-1,3,6,8-nanotetraen-5-one]), cyclopentanone (curcumin analog B [(2E,5E)-2,5-bis ((E)-3-phenylallylidene) cyclopentanone], and cyclohexanone (curcumin analog C [(2E,6E)-2,6-bis [(E)-3-phenylallylidene] cyclohexanone]) in ethanol as solvent. The synthesis was carried out in base condition (KOH) by stirring at 52 °C for 50 minutes. The structures of all products were identified by using FTIR, direct inlet-MS, 1H-and 13C-NMR. Futhermore, the activity of curcumin analogues was tested against with alpha-glucosidase enzyme inhibition. The results show that the curcumin analogues (A-C) were yielded in 85.57; 72.15; and 82.97%, respectively as yellow solid. The melting point of curcuminanalogues (A-C) were at 116.60-122.40; 196.20-200.10; and 142.30-148.10 °C, respectively. The inhibition of alpha-glucosidase enzyme indicated that the curcumin analog B was potential to inhibit alpha-glucosidase enzyme with the highest activity by giving inhibition percentage of about 70.71% at 2.5 mM.
Synthesis Isoflavones Derivate: 7-Hydroxy-3',4’-Dimethoxyisoflavone, 7,3’,4’-Trimethoxyisoflavone and 7-O-Acetyl-3’,4’-Dimethoxyisoflavone
Authors: Matsjeh Sabirin , Anwar Chairil , Solikhah Eti Nurwening , Alimuddin Andi Hairil , Sitta Pradhanti Anggie
Published: July 2017

Some Isoflavones 7-hydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyisoflavone (2), 7,3',4'-trimethoxyisoflavone (3) and 7-O-acetyl-3',4'-dimethoxyisoflavone (4) have been synthesized through cyclization reaction of deoxybenzoine using a reagent mixture BF3.Et2O , DMF and POCl3. The DMF reagent was added aiming to add one carbon to form isoflavone 1. The deoxybenzoine (3,4-dimethoxybenzyl-2', 4'-dihydroxyphenylketone, (1) was synthesized by reacting 3,4-dimethoxy benzyl carboxylic acid and resorcinol through Friedel Craft acylation using a Lewis acid (BF3) as a catalyst. The isoflavones 1 was converted into isoflavone 2 via methylation reaction using dimethylsulfate (DMS) and K2CO3 and conversions into isoflavone3 through acetylation reaction using acetylchloride. The results were analyzed using FTIR, GC-MS and 1H NMR spectrometers. Deoxybenzoine derivatives of 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl-2',4'-dihydroxy phenylketone was yielded in 57% with m.p 171-172 °C. The isoflavone 1, 2 and 3 was produced in 58, 52 and 53 % yield, respectively.
New Lubricant from Used Cooking Oil: Cyclic Ketal of Ethyl 9,10-Dihydroxyoctadecanoate
Authors: Kurniawan Yehezkiel Steven , Anwar Muslih , Wahyuningsih Tutik Dwi
Published: July 2017

A new ketal cyclic from ethyl 9,10-dihydroxyoctadecanoate with acetone had been synthesized by reflux and sonochemical method. The synthesis was performed via several steps of reaction, i.e.: transesterification, hydrolysis, oxidation with 1% KMnO4 in basic condition, esterification, and ketalization. The structures of the products were confirmed by FTIR, GC-MS, 1H- and 13C-NMR spectrometers. Direct transesterification of used cooking oil produced a mixture of ethyl ester in 82.94% yield meanwhile hydrolysis of this mixture gave free fatty acids mixture in 88.46% yield. Hydroxylation reaction of free fatty acids mixture yielded a white powder of 9,10-dihydroxyoctadecanoic acid in 46.52% yield. Esterification of 9,10-dihydroxyoctadecanoic acid and ethanol catalyzed by sulfuric acid with reflux condition for 4 hours and sonochemical method, respectively yielded 90% and 93.8% of ethyl 9,10-dihydroxystearate. In the other side, the utilization of KSF montmorillonite as catalyst conducted with reflux gave 52% in yield of ester. Furthermore, the use of acetone in 45 minutes sonochemical method with montmorillonite KSF catalyst gave cyclic ketal (ethyl 8-(2,2-dimethyl-5-octyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)octanoate) as a yellow viscous liquid in 53.30% yield. From physicochemical properties –density, kinematic viscosity, viscosity index, total acid number, total base number and iodine value- gave the conclusion that this novel compound is potential biolubricant candidates to be developed.
Conversion of Green House CO2 Gas into Useful Hydrocarbon Gasses by Photoreduction Method over TiO2/SiO2 from Volcanic Ash
Authors: Wahyuni Endang Tri , Roto Roto , Iqbah Indra P.
Published: July 2017

In order to decrease CO2 level, converting the gas into hydrocarbon fuel gasses has been performed by using photoreduction method under TiO2/SiO2 photocatalysis. The silica (SiO2) for TiO2/SiO2 preparation was purified from volcanic ash, that mixed with TiO2 suspended in water. The photoreduction process of CO2 was carried out in a batch technique, by exposing CO2 and water vapor in the presence of TiO2/SiO2 photocatalyst with UV lamp for 24 h. The gasses produced from the photoreduction were determined by gas chromatography method. In the research, the effects of HCl and HNO3 as hydrogen ion supplier were also evaluated. The research results indicate that the photoreduction of CO2 with the water vapor over the photocatalyst of TiO2/SiO2-volcanic ash has successfully produced methane and ethylene as fuel gasses, while in the presence of TiO2 no ethylene was resulted. The methane produced by TiO2/SiO2 was observed to be larger than by TiO2 powder. The content of TiO2 in TiO2/SiO2 with low level strongly influenced the yield of the products. In contrast, the yield was independent on the TiO2 content in high level. The presence of the acids was found to increase the methane produced , and no ethylene was formed, but instead, methanol was resulted. The effect of HCl was higher than HNO3.
Zeolite Loaded Alginate Membrane for CO2 and CH4 Separation
Authors: Adawiyah Syardah U. , Suratman Adhitasari , Wahyuni Endang Tri
Published: July 2017

Natural zeolite-incorporated alginate membranes were subjected for the gas separation of CO2 and CH4. High concentration of CO2 as biogas product can decrease the combution heat. Therefore, the membrane permeability and selectivity of CO2 and CH4 were investigated. The zeolite-incorporated alginate membranes were prepared using solution technique. The effects of zeolite on the performance and the thickness of membranes for gas separation were analyzed. The membranes were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Brunaur Emmet Teller (BET) and Barret Joyner Hallenda (BJH).The result of permeability and selectivity show that membrane can flow CO2 and resist CH4. CO2 permeability increased simultaneously with an increase of zeolite content in the polymer matrix. The thickness of membrane influenced the flux of CO2 gas. CO2 Permeability increased simultaneously with a decrease of membrane thickness. The membrane containing rasio of mass alginate:zeolite 10:2 and thickness of 0.1267 mm shows the best permeability. According BJH result, pore diameter of membrane is 3.64 Å, while kinetic diameter of CO2 is 3.30Å and kinetic diameter of CH4 is 3.80Å. This was explained performance of membrane was molecular sieving.
Mathematical Modelling of Oryzanol Separation from Rice Bran Oil by Silica-Based Batch Adsorption: Equilibrium and Mass Transfer Rate
Authors: Susanti Ari Diana , Sediawan Wahyudi Budi , Wirawan Sang Kompiang , Budhijanto Budhijanto
Published: July 2017

Mathematical modelling of batch adsorption of Oryzanol separation from Rice Bran Oil (RBO) has been set-up and tested by generated experimental data. The proposed model takes into account mass transfer and equilibrium phenomena. The effects of intra-particle gradient were considered, so the adsorption rate is controlled by the rate of solute mass transfer from the bulk liquid to the surface of particles and the intra-particle diffusion. In this model, the rate of Oryzanol mass transfer from the bulk liquid to the surface of the particle is described by film theory, while the intra-particle diffusion is assumed to be through the liquid inside the pore. Furthermore the Oryzanol in the liquid in the pore was assumed to be in equilibrium with the Oryzanol on the adjacent pore surface, in which equilibrium model applied was coefficient distribution approach. The values of the parameters involved in the models were obtained by curve fitting to the experimental data. It turned out that model proposed can quantitatively describe the batch adsorption of Oryzanol adsorption from rice bran oil with silica gel.
Mineralogy Variation of Zeolites, Structural Deformation and its Impact to Tuffaceous Sandstone Diagenetic Anomaly in Kebo-Butak Formation, Sumberan, Yogyakarta
Authors: Payana Kresna Dwi , Karimullah Ahmad Radian , Fahmita Rini , Titisari Anastasia Dewi
Published: July 2017

The diagenetic process is critical issue to understand the possibility of petroleum systems. Diagenetic mechanism to help make a deep understanding of tectonic and lithology perspective that accelerates it. This paper attempts to find out about the anomaly of tuff diagenesis in Sumberan, Gunung Kidul (near the east borderline of Yogyakarta province), and the main factor affecting it. The research area is belonging to Kebo–Butak formation (Southern Mountain zone) of late Oligocene to the early Miocene age that deforms to creating a complex geological structure. It indicates the diagenetic factors of the rocks in the shallow surface are caused by overburden pressure and it could create shear failure. Overburden pressure causes physical and chemical character changes of rock. Its physical characteristics can be seen from the change of rock compaction. Meanwhile, the chemical characteristics shown by mineral composition is changed. Sumberan has three units of lithology, they are tuffaceous siltstone, tuffaceous sandstone and sandy tuff. Uniquely, the topside of outcrop experiences further diagenesis than the bottomside proven by transformation of tuff to montmorillonite and zeolite. Joints and faults become main structural control that commonly NE-SW direction and sinistral characteristic with massive thrust and normal faulting. The method used in this research is geological structure measurement, lithology identification, and sample laboratory report. Structural measurement is purposed to figure out tectonic orientation and mechanism, meanwhile, laboratory identification consists of petrology, petrography, lithostratigraphy, and XRD. The result of the study shows that overburden pressure does not fully control anomaly of tuff diagenetic. The anomaly is controlled by mineralogy variation of every single bed and dynamic paleostress of the research area.
Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using o-Hydroxybenzoic, p-Hydroxybenzoic, and o,p-Dihydroxybenzoic Acids as Reducing Agents
Authors: Susanthy Dian , Fadliah Fadliah , Wahyuni Endang Tri , Santosa Sri Juari
Published: July 2017

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by reduction of AgNO3 with o-hydroxybenzoic, p-hydroxybenzoic and o,p-dihydroxybenzoic acids as reducing agents was investigated. This research was conducted to determine the effect of the position and number of hydroxyl groups towards the size, shape and stability of the resulted AgNPs. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) of AgNPs was characterized by UV/Vis spectrophotometer, the shape and size of AgNPs was determined by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). The results showed that the reducing agent that has substituents in the para position (p-hydroxybenzoic acid) has the higher reduction ability than the others. AgNPs were yielded by all types of reducing agents in alkaline system. Reducing agents which have greater number of substituents (o,p-dihydroxybenzoic acid) could produce AgNPs with smaller concentration of AgNO3 than the others. AgNPs that was produced by reducing agent having substituents on the para position (p-hydroxybenzoic acid) was more stable and smaller particle size, i.e. 34 ± 1.78 nm than reducing agent that has substituent on the ortho para positions (with particle size 45 + 3.67 nm) and ortho positions (with particle size 70 ± 4.96 nm).
The RIKEN-RAL Muon Facility and the Application of Muons for Studies of Magnetic Properties of Nano-Materials
Authors: Watanabe Isao , Yoon Sung Won , Suprayoga Edi , ADAM Noraina , Mohd-Tajudin Saidah Sakinah , Sari Dita Puspita , Asih Retno , Astuti Fahmi , Angel Julia , Umar Muhamad Darwis , Sulaiman Shukri , Mohamed-Ibrahim Mohamed Ismail
Published: July 2017

An overview of the RIKEN-RAL Muon Facility is reported. The RIKEN-RAL Muon Facility has been established at the Rutherford-Appleton Laboratory in the UK in 1992 and started to be in used for material science studies from 1994 by applying intense pulsed muon beams. More than 380 publications have been published in international journals and more than 100 domestic and international collaborations have been organized. As an example of those collaborative studies, a preliminary result of one recent experimental study on the magnetism in gold nano-cluster is reported. Additionally, a recent computational result on a local effect induced by an injected muon is reported in order to show how the presence of the muon leads to a local deformation of the crystal structure, thus changing the muon’s own position in finding the final stopping site self consistently.
Post-Treatments to Enhance Vertical Alignment of ZnO Nanorods on Glass Substrates by Hydrothermal Deposition
Authors: Kartini Indriana , Apriyana Wuri , Chotimah Chotimah , Arryanto Yateman , Wang Lian Zhou
Published: July 2017

Vertically aligned nanorods ZnO have been deposited hydrothermally on the pre-coated ZnO seeded-glass substrates. Enhanced vertical alignment is achieved as a result of combined film post-treatments. Dipped-drawn and immersed-washing the as-synthesized ZnO films in water as well as quenching of the hydrothermal were proposed to hinder excessive deposition and engineer the growth of ZnO nanorods. The XRD patterns shows suppressed growth of ZnO crystallite along (101) with increased textural coefficients on (002), TC002, from 3.94 to 5.23. Dense vertically aligned bundles of ZnO nanorods may reach up to 0.75 μm length. Bandgap energy of the resulted ZnO nanorod thin films were ranging from 3.69 to 3.79 eV, wider than those of bulk ZnO. Hydrothermal technique with simple post-treatments of immersed-washing and hydrothermal quenching has offered robust and efficient method to prepare vertically-aligned 1-D ZnO nanorods potential as photoanodes for dye-sensitized solar cells.
Chirality Analysis on a Square Chiral Metamaterial
Authors: Partini Juliasih , Abraha Kamsul , Hermanto Arief
Published: July 2017

We have analyzed the chirality of terahertz (THz) wave emission from a square chiral metamaterial. The sample was manufactured with a periodic structure formed by a square pattern of chiral with different depth on a silver film. We have yield the specific polarization rotation in the THz region when the THz wave is emitted from a square chiral metamaterial. The THz emissions from these chiral metamaterials were elliptic polarization. A square chiral metamaterial was shown circular dichroism and optical activity properties at different frequencies. The ellipticity and rotation angle will reach a maximum value at a frequency of 1.2 THz and 0.6 THz, respectively. The results were indicated the possibility to controlled the polarization with chiral metamaterial structures.
A Listeria-Derived Polypeptide Promotes In Vivo Activation of NK Cells for Antitumor Therapy
Authors: Ortiz Amber L , Lenz Laurel L
Published: July 2017

Immunotherapies have shown promise in the treatment of cancer, but more potent and targeted therapies are needed. NK cells are lymphocytes with an innate ability to recognize and lyse tumor cells. When activated, they also produce type II IFN-γ to orchestrate the activity of other immune cells. Strategies to elicit NK cell activation in vivo have potential usefulness in antitumor immunotherapies. In this study, we report on a strategy to stimulate NK cell activation and antitumor activity in mice with established B16.F10 murine melanomas. We and others previously observed that NK cells are rapidly activated during infection by pathogens such as the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. A secreted L. monocytogenes virulence protein, p60, and a fragment of p60 termed L1S were previously shown to stimulate innate immune responses and promote NK cell activation. We purified recombinant L1S and characterized its activity in cell culture studies. Recombinant L1S protein was also observed to promote accumulation and robust NK cell activation in the lungs when given via intratracheal instillation to control and tumor-bearing mice. Importantly, therapeutic administration of a single L1S dose was found to significantly reduce the number and area of metastatic tumor nodules on the lungs of mice with established B16.F10 murine melanomas. Depletion studies showed that these antitumor effects were dependent on NK cells and IFN-γ. These data provide proof of concept that administration of a single immune-modulating microbial polypeptide can be used to therapeutically boost NK cell in vivo activation and promote antitumor responses.
Taking the next step in biobanking research infrastructures: A narrative overview
Authors: Larsson Anthony
Published: July 2017

BioBanking and Molecular Resource Infrastructure in Sweden (BBMRI.se) was set up in 2009 in order to harmonise the standards and processes of biobanking. The present study is a qualitative narrative overview aimed at evaluating published studies on medical and/or biobank research infrastructure. Web of Science (WOS) and PubMed databases were searched to find studies on largescale medical research infrastructures. A total of 145 articles were found, but only merely 17 made it past the exclusion criteria. Eleven of the 17 articles listed first authors affiliated with European countries. Most of the articles discussed the need for “research infrastructures” while not addressing the subject in any detail. Consequently, this study concluded that there is a pressing need for deeper and more extensive multidisciplinary collaboration, especially on how research infrastructures are structured, managed, and branded.
Clinical impact of omega-3 consumption on the management of chronic heart failure
Authors: Mohammad Marwan , Houmsse Mahmoud
Published: July 2017

Interest in omega-3 has grown dramatically since the observation that Eskimos have a high level of omega-3 due to high fish consumption that was associated with a low incidence of myocardial infarction. This was thought to be related to its antithrombotic effect due to inhibition of platelet aggregation. Subsequently, several studies indicated a potential beneficial impact of omega-3 in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease including chronic heart failure (CHF) especially in patients with reduced ejection fraction. Despite the progress in the medical and device management of CHF, a significant number of patients with this clinical syndrome do not respond to current therapy. In addition, CHF remains a condition of a high morbidity, hospitalization and mortality. Therefore, clinicians got interested in exploring any potential benefit in the care of patients with CHF. Potential benefits of omega-3 in the management of CHF patients have been evaluated and showed possible positive effect on the progression of CHF through several mechanisms. These include the improvement of endothelial function, reduction of vascular tone, reduction of platelet aggregability, and improvement of myocardial function. This review article cites data from several experiments pertaining to the benefits of omega-3 in patients with CHF. The aim is to review the mechanisms, potential benefits, and possible therapeutic implications of omega-3 in patients with CHF. Results show that there is a significant difference in patients who intake omega-3 versus those who do not. This article is proof that there are other methods to treating CHF than what is prescribed in modern medicine.
Anal extrusion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt: A new case
Authors: Ajaj Seraj , Taleb Faisal
Published: July 2017

Ventriculoperitoneal shunting is an established surgical treatment of hydrocephalus. However, the procedure may be associated with a variety of complications which can occur in immediate perioperative period or on follow-up. Migration of the peritoneal catheter can occur. We report an unusual case of per anal extrusion of shunt tubing in a 6-month-old infant.
Nurses' and doctor's attitude to patient education barriers in Najran armed forces Hospital, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Harrabi Imed , Al Ghamdi Saad , Alinah Xilavi
Published: July 2017

Objective: We aimed to assess nurses' and doctor's attitude to patient education barriers in Najran Armed Forces Hospital (NAFH).

Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional study targeting health care professionals in NAFH. The study was conducted during April 2015. The studied participants were all nurses and doctors who work in NAFH. Anonymous self-administered questionnaires were used to obtain information on sociodemographic background including age, gender, marital status and professional category. The questionnaire collected data on attitudes to barriers of participation in patient education. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the main qualitative and quantitative variables. Chi-square was used to compare percentages. P-value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: A total of 128 nurses (n= 106) and doctors (n= 22) participated in the study. Most of the participants (71.9%) were female. The mean age was 33.8±8.1 years with statistical difference between males and females (36.2±8.8 years among males vs. 32.7 ±7.6 years among females; p=0.03). Participants believed that shortness of time (68.8%), lack of common language and culture for communication with patient (91.6%) and the lack of patient's motivation for learning (85.7%) were the most important causes of insufficiency of patient education.

Conclusion: the exploration of health professional attitudes concerning patient education issues is an essential precursor to a debate about how barriers may be overcome, and about the appropriate skill mix and employment arrangements required to manage health care services in the future.
Measuring obesity: Fat or fit!
Authors: Anaizi Nasr
Published: July 2017

Obesity is widely recognized as a major global health challenge because of its strong association with multiple cardiometabolic risk factors including diabetes, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. It compromises the quality of life and shortens life expectancy. This minireview discusses firstly the physiological mechanisms involved in energy homeostasis including peptidergic signalling of hunger and satiety from the GI tract mediated by the gut hormones (ghrelin, CCK, PYY, GIP, GLP-1,), and the status of energy stores from the adipose tissue mediated primarily by leptin, secondly, the field methods used in clinical practice to estimate the degree of obesity and lastly, management of the obese patient.
Kallmann syndrome with short stature and pituitary hypoplasia
Authors: Baki Salwa , El Latifi Raja , El Mghari Ghizlane , El Ansari Nawal
Published: July 2017

Kallmann syndrome (KS) is a rare disease in which hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia co-exist. In KS, the gonadotropic deficiency is isolated, the other pituitary hormones, especially the growth hormone, are preserved. We report the case of a 17 year old male having a sporadic case of KS associated with growth retardation. The diagnosis was based on hormonal workup and specific features on the MRI. The pituitary gland was hypoplastic. The patient was diagnosed to have Kallmann's syndrome with short stature associated to pituitary hypoplasia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case to be described in the literature combining KS, short stature and hypoplastic pituitary gland.
Cardiac telemetry 2016: An overview of guidelines and clinical practice
Authors: Mohammad Marwan , John Sonya
Published: July 2017

The pervasive technology of cardiac monitoring has greatly advanced patient care for several decades. Since its advent, telemetry has been used in a variety of settings to guide medical management in patients who are either acutely or non-acutely ill. Evidence from several studies supports the benefits of the 2004 American Heart Association (AHA) telemetry guidelines in stratifying patients into 3 groups based on their individual cardiac event risk. It has been shown to reduce hospital costs without compromising patient care as well as eliminate overflow of telemetry units. This article reviews the AHA cardiac telemetry guidelines and evaluates the current status of its implementation, the general benefits, as well as its limitations.
Abstracts of the fourth clinical congress of the gulf chapter of the American association of clinical endocrinologists; 3-5 November 2016; Dubai, UAE. I. lectures, symposia and meet the expert sessions
Authors: Al Jayyousi Amin , Beshyah Salem , Alzarhrani Ali , Aljuhani Nasser , Al Saleh Yousef
Published: July 2017

This is the first part of the advance abstracts of the fourth clinical congress of the Gulf Chapter of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists to be held on 3-5 November 2016. The declared educational objectives of the congress was to give a “state of the art in endocrine practice”. To this end, the organizing committee invited international and regional key opinion leaders to meet the objectives of the congress. We present here abstracts of the congress as submitted by the authors after minimal restyling and editing to suit the publication requirements of the journal. Many major issues and topical themes with wide interests in the profession were addressed in plenary lectures. Symposia were organized to suite the specific educational needs of the target audience subgroups. Practical issues were addressed in “Meet the Expert”-type of interactive workshops. We hope that by publishing them in this open access journal we extend the benefit to those who could not make it to the live presentations.
First beneficial use of dapagliflozin for treatment of post-bariatric hypoglycemia: Case report and hypothesis
Authors: Beshyah Salem
Published: July 2017

Background: Hypoglycemia is a significant complication of post-bariatric surgery. Case history: A 46 year old woman was referred for further management. She had had a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery in 2012. She lost over 20 kilograms of weight. Pre-opertaively, a single HbA1c was borderline at 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) which improved to 41-44 mmol/mol. In November 2013, she started to experience symptoms suggestive of hypoglycemia. Dietary adjustments were advised and a trial of metformin and saxagliptin was given on basis of wide fluctuation of blood glucose with a remarkable early postprandial hyperglycemia followed by hypoglycemia. She stopped both medications due to gastrointestinal side effects. Renal and liver disease and hypoadrenalism were all excluded. We started her on increasing doses of Acarbose (an alpha glucosidase inhibitor) up to 100 mgs with each meal but she experienced minimal improvement in hypoglycemia. A a trial of Dapagliflozin, a sodiumglucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT 2) inhibitor, in a standard daily dose of 10 mgs in addition to Acarbose was offered to the patient (from 6th October 2015). The theoretical basis were explained to her and she consented verbally to this. Within 2 weeks, she experienced remarkable symptomatic improvement associated with reduction of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia documented on self-monitoring of blood glucose. The patient reduced Acarbose progressively to a complete cessation on her own accord. She remained well controlled solely on Dapagliflozin 10 mgs daily. The improvement is sustained for 12 months. The effect was further confirmed by 1 week off and one week on Dapagliflozin using flash glucose monitoring. Conclusions: This is the first report of a beneficial use of SGLT2 inhibition primarily for post-bariatric hypoglycemia. SGLT2 inhibitors may have a role in managing gastric bypass hypoglycemia.
Decision making status with older minors: An ethical dilemma
Authors: Vest Matthew , Elkhammas Elmahdi , Rink Britton , Nash Ryan
Published: July 2017

Clinical ethical issues arise on a daily basis for medical clinicians. We report and discuss a case of an older minor. A 16-year old female, with a complicated clinical history following a heart transplant, developed irreversible complications from her underlying medical condition that was largely attributed to noncompliance with recommendations from her medical team. Because of her minor status, she was ultimately unable to make healthcare decisions. The patient's healthcare team collectively agreed that she had minimal chances of surviving. We will discuss the ethical aspects of decision-making regarding her critical care.