bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A correlation study of cervical cytology on Pap smear with cervical biopsy in a tertiary hospital of Eastern Nepal
Authors: Mainali Nirajan , Homagai Neha , Nepal Niraj , Choudhary Prabesh
Published: September 2018

Background: Carcinoma cervix is among a curable cancer, if identified at an early stage. Pap smear is a simple, safe, noninvasive, outdoor and effective method for detection of lesions of the cervix but it fails to localize the lesion. Cervical biopsy, on the other hand is a gold standard but invasive technique.Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was done in Nobel medical college from January 16, 2017 to January 15, 2018 where all pap smears received in a Department of Pathology were included in the study. However, only cases that had undergone both Pap smear and cervical biopsy were compared. Out of the 1492 pap smears, 118 cases underwent biopsy. Correlation was then done regarding cytological and histological diagnosis.Results: Majority of the cytological findings were normal. 7 patients of HSIL revealed moderate dysplasia and higher lesions in biopsy. 2 cases were that of adenocarcinoma which were diagnosed as inflammatory smear in Pap smear.Conclusion: Cervical Pap smear is reliable screening test to identify high grade squamous cell lesions and carcinoma, but it fails to localize the lesion and adenocarcinoma is hard to identify in a pap smear. Hence, cervical biopsy should be carried out to confirm the findings of Pap smear and in case of strong clinical suspicion.
Effect of Demography Factor and Employee Engagement to Organizational Commitment
Authors: Hasanati Nida
Published: September 2018

Organizational Commitment is important topic  of organizational behavior, as it can affect job satisfaction, organizational citizenship,  turn over, and job performance  . The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of demographic factors (gender,years of experience ) and employee engagement  to organizational commitment . This study used  bank employees as many as 200 people, research instrumentuse Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ) and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-17). Analytical technique is use multiple regression and T- test. The result of analysis shows that demography factor and employee engagement simultaneously effect organizational commitment, besides it found that  between male and female organizational commitment employees is not different.
Epidemiology and treatment of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae bacteremia in a community hospital setting
Authors: Pang Sheena , Haghshenas Ehsan , Richardson David , Baqi Mahin
Published: September 2018

Background: Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) infections are a rapidly evolving global threat. With bacteremia mortality rates exceeding 40%, limited consensus exists regarding optimal antimicrobial treatment. Objectives: To characterize our institution’s CPE bacteremia population and describe the antimicrobial regimens used for treatment. Methods: A dual-centre retrospective chart review was conducted of adult CPE bacteremia patients admitted between January 1, 2010 and April 30, 2017. Baseline demographics included out-of-country hospitalization, causative organism, and susceptibilities. Treatment details included antimicrobial agent, dosing regimen, and use of monotherapy or combination therapy. Clinical outcomes included 30-day all-cause mortality and 30-day re-admission rates. Results: Thirteen cases of CPE bacteremia were reviewed. Nine patients had previously been hospitalized in the Indian subcontinent. Twelve isolates produced the New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1). All isolates were sensitive (n = 8) or intermediate (n = 5) to tigecycline. An equal number of cases were treated with monotherapy (n = 6) and combination therapy (n = 6). The most commonly prescribed antimicrobials were colistin (n = 7) and tigecycline (n = 8). The overall 30-day mortality and re-admission rates were 54% (7/13) and 50% (3/6), respectively, although the effect of potential confounders such as causative CPE, monomicrobial or polymicrobial infection, or delay in therapy were not considered. Conclusions: This study highlights the largest Canadian CPE bacteremia cohort to date. CPE bacteremia most commonly occurred in patients with prior hospitalization in the Indian subcontinent. Based on our antimicrobial susceptibility testing results, tigecycline may have a role as part of empiric therapy at our institution.
Qui chante la nation ? La patrimonialisation de la chanson au Québec depuis la Révolution tranquille
Authors: Lavoie Pierre
Published: September 2018

Dans cet article, l’auteur propose de revisiter les travaux antérieurs portant sur les rapports de la chanson à l’identité culturelle et au nationalisme québécois à la lumière de la notion de patrimonialisation et de ses concepts opératoires tels que le patrimoine « non autorisé » – unauthorised (Roberts et Cohen 2014). Il avance l’hypothèse que cette relecture de l’histoire de la musique populaire relativise et précise la teneur des récits vus comme hégémoniques, de même qu’elle souligne le caractère processuel, politique et constamment renouvelé des procédés de légitimation et de transmission dans le temps d’une mémoire collective de – ou par – la chanson. L’auteur expose ensuite différents modes de patrimonialisation tels que la remise de titres par l’Ordre national du Québec; les prix hommages du gala de l’ADISQ; et les pratiques de la communauté culturelle country-western québécoise. En résulte une prise en compte, ou du moins une valorisation, des procédés de patrimonialisation pratiques et populaires – tels que les festivals, l’autopromotion et les médias de niche – qui transmettent aussi, à l’extérieur des institutions légitimes, des legs identitaires et collectifs.
Developing an Evidence-Based Approach to Domestic Hygiene Which Protects Against Infection Whilst Also Addressing Sustainability Issues
Authors: Bloomfield Sally F.
Published: September 2018

Changes in recent years mean that preventing infection through hygiene in home and everyday life has become increasingly important. In developing and promoting home and everyday life hygiene, a number of issues which represent a barrier to change need to be addressed and balanced against the need for effective hygiene. These include environmental and toxicity issues, and concerns about antibiotic resistance and whether we have become “too clean”. Education of the public is key, but this can only be achieved if hygiene practice is based on a simple, plausible approach to hygiene, which health professionals and the public can relate to. This in turn needs to be underpinned by an evidence base which demonstrates to health professionals and other hygiene stakeholders who communicate with the public that the procedures and products which they advise are capable of reducing infection risks to an acceptable level, with sustainable use of resource necessary to deliver hygiene such as water, heat, microbiocides etc. The purpose of this paper is to outline a multimodal targeted approach to home and everyday life hygiene based on risk management. This includes a framework for developing effective and sustainable hygiene practices, including hand hygiene, surface hygiene and laundering practices.
Honor Thy Lodgers? – Structure and Function of the Human Built Environment Microbiome
Authors: Egert Markus
Published: September 2018

The microbiome of the built environment (BE) and its interactions with the human occupants represent a new and highly interdisciplinary research field. The BE is characterized by a great microbial diversity as well as very fluctuating environmental conditions and sharp gradients of physicochemical parameters, which significantly shape the resident microbiomes. A great significance of the BE microbiome for human health is obvious, but far from being fully understood. However, there is a growing body of evidence that antimicrobial and probiotic strategies will have to be balanced in a well-considered manner to successfully manage the BE microbiome in a way that finally is most beneficial for human health.
Micrococcus luteus – An Alternative Test Germ for Testing the Hygienic Performance of Commercial Freshwater Dishwashers
Authors: Klapper Diana , Zinn Marc-Kevin , Schulze-Struchtrup Sarah , von Esmarch-Rummler Britta , Stamminger Rainer
Published: September 2018

Each consumer is entitled to have hygienically clean processed dishes and cutlery. Consequently, restaurants, caterers, canteens, nursing homes, kindergartens and hospitals are very concerned to avoid infecting their customers and patients. They are afraid of the spread of diseases by inadequately washed dishes, glasses and cutlery. This study deals with the verification of the hygienic performance of commercial freshwater dishwashers with the aid of bioindicators that are contaminated with the test soil BAMS and two different strains of microorganisms: Micrococcus luteus and Enterococcus faecium. The method used is described in the working paper “WD 00429001 Commercial warewashing machines – Hygiene requirements and testing.” Tests for heat resistance are carried out to check the temperature interval of Micrococcus luteus. Thereby, it is shown that the germ examined still shows vitality at a temperature of 70°C and a holding time of ten minutes. When testing the hygienic performance of the dishwashing programs tested, it is shown that not only temperature, but also the effects of the detergent are recognizable.
Вербальний інформаційний простір крізь призму мовної енергетики
Authors: Манакін Володимир
Published: September 2018

Розглянуто загадковий феномен енергії людської мови як одного зі складників вербального інформаційного простору в широкому розумінні цього терміна. Робиться спроба наукового пояснення цього феномену з погляду різних галузей знань.
Українськомовне книговидання в Тернополі 20–30-х років ХХ століття в умовах посилення утисків та цензурних обмежень
Authors: Решетуха Тетяна
Published: September 2018

У статті простежено діяльність видавництв Тернополя у 20–30 роки ХХ століття, їх нелегку боротьбу з цензурними обмеженнями, за утвердження українського друкованого слова.
La revisión de los grados universitarios: valoración de la convergencia europea del Grado en Publicidad y Relaciones Públicas en España
Authors: López Berna Sonia , Papí Gálvez Natalia , Martín Llaguno Marta
Published: September 2018

Este estudio sintetiza las valoraciones de informantes clave sobre la repercusión de la convergencia europea en la formación en Publicidad y Relaciones Públicas en España. Se recogen, mediante entrevistas enfocadas, las opiniones de académicos sobre la elaboración de los planes de estudio; las modificaciones en la oferta educativa; la relación entre la universidad y el ámbito empresarial o el interés de la academia por el estudio de la profesión. Los resultados destacan la especificidad del grado frente a la generalidad de la licenciatura como el cambio más significativo. La selección de las asignaturas en las universidades públicas ha estado condicionada por la plantilla de profesorado; la convergencia no ha alentado el estudio de los perfiles profesionales y la reacción entre la universidad y el sector profesional es aún escasa.
Analisis Pengukuran Kinerja Keuangan Pada PT HM Sampoerna Tbk
Authors: Dewata Evada , Sari Yuliana , Natoen Ardiyan , Husna Anisyah Latifatul
Published: September 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kinerja keuangan pada PT HM Sampoerna Tbk dengan metode Economic Value Added dan Market Value Added. Peneliti menggunakan data sekunder berupa  laporan keuangan  periode tahun 2010-2016. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pengukuran kinerja keuangan dengan menggunakan Economic Value Added didapat bahwa kinerja keuangan perusahaan berada di atas standar penilaian ini  berarti bahwa perusahaan Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kinerja keuangan pada PT HM Sampoerna Tbk dengan metode Economic Value Added dan Market Value Added. Peneliti menggunakan data sekunder mampu menciptakan nilai tambah ekonomis. Perhitungan kinerja keuangan dengan metode Market Value Added menunjukkan kinerja keuangan yang sudah cukup baik untuk setiap tahunnya.
Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Identifikasi Rumah Tangga Terindikasi Miskin Menggunakan Metode Simple Additive
Authors: Sobatnu Ferry , Suhel Henyningtyas , Hairidawati Rahmi
Published: September 2018

Kemiskinan adalah suatu kondisi ketidakmampuan secara ekonomi untuk memenuhi standar hidup rata-rata masyarakat di suatu daerah. Kondisi ketidakmampuan ini ditandai dengan rendahnya kemampuan pendapatan untuk memenuhi kebutuhan pokok baik berupa pangan, sandang, maupun papan. Kemampuan pendapatan yang rendah ini juga akan berdampak berkurangnya kemampuan untuk memenuhi standar hidup rata-rata seperti standar kesehatan masyarakat dan standar pendidikan. Banjarmasin pada tahun 2014 memiliki jumlah penduduk sebanyak 666.223 jiwa. Angka ini meningkat pada tahun 2015 menjadi 675.440 jiwa. Berdasarkan sebaran jumlah penduduk kota Banjarmasin, dapat diketahui bahwa tingkat penduduk terbanyak berada di kecamatan Banjarmasin Selatan yaitu sekitar 23,34 persen. Pertambahan jumlah penduduk tersebut secara tidak langsung berdampak pada jumlah rumah tangga terindikasi miskin di Kota Banjarmasin. Untuk Mengetahui kajian identifikasi rumah tangga terindikasi miskin di Kelurahan Kelayan Selatan dengan analisis spasial SIG. Metode penelitian yang digunakan yaitu metode survey dengan pengambilan data secara acak (Proportional Random Sampling) dan menggunakan metode analisis pembobotan (scoring) dengan (SAW) Simple Additive Weighting. Hasil dari pembuatan peta rumah tangga terindikasi miskin Kelayan Selatan mencapai 1.109.748 (28,91%) dan tingkat rumah tangga tidak terindikasi miskin mencapai 1.225.977 (31.94%) beserta dengan informasi didalamnya yaitu data sekunder dan data primer
Strategi Pelayanan Teller Untuk Meningkatkan Kepuasan Nasabah Pada Pt Bri Kcp Kayutangi Banjarmasin
Authors: Imelda Sri
Published: September 2018

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mengetahui strategi pelayanan teller dalam melayani nasabah, dan strategi teller yang baik dalam melayani nasabah guna tercapainya kepuasan nasabah. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode deskriptif. Data yang digunakan data primer dan sekunder. Teknik menentukan sampel adalah non probability sampling. Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan cara observasi, wawancara, kuesioner, dan dokumentasi. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah teknik data descriptive kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan persentase terbesar  sebesar 18% nasabah merasa tidak puas terhadap pemberian solusi atas suatu permasalahan secara terinci dan paham (Assurance). Layanan teller yang diberikan PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk KCP Kayu Tangi Banjarmasin masih belum memuaskan. Untuk mengatasi permasalahan tersebut  PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk KCP Kayu Tangi Banjarmasin yaitu dengan meningkatkan kinerja pelayanan atau kualitas pelayanan menggunakan TERRA. Untuk mencapai kualitas pelayanan yang baik, ada beberapa hal yang harus diperhatikan oleh Teller antara lain pelanggan/nasabah adalah raja, teller adalah cerminan citra perusahaan, menciptakan kesan positif kepada nasabah. Menjaga penampilan seorang teller, menjaga keramahan dan kesopanan selama berinteraksi dan prinsip melayani dengan hati, dan meningkatkan lagi skill yang dimiliki teller seperti kesigapan/kecakapan kerja agar nasabah merasa puas.
Strategi Penetapan Tarif Sewa Ruang Konsensioner Bandar Udara Syamsudin Noor Banjarmasin
Authors: Yunida Riswan , Nuryadin Muhammad Teguh , Permanasari Linda , Nazlianoor Akhmad
Published: September 2018

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisa dan menemukan strategi yang dapat digunakan, mengetahui dan menganalisa sistem penetapan harga sewa ruang yang digunakan PT Angkasa Pura I (Persero) Cabang Bandar Udara Syamsudin Noor Banjarmasin. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif. Sumber data yang digunakan adalah data primer dan data sekunder dengan teknik pengumpulan data berupa, observasi, wawancara dan kuesioner. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan pada peneilitian ini adalah deskriptif kualitatif yaitu peneliti mendiskrpsilan dan menggambarkan sebuah fenomena dan temuan dalam penelitian yang berkaitan dengan penetapan tarif sewa konsensioner pada Bandara syamsuddin Noor Banjarmasin. Dalam hasil penilitian menunjukkan bahwa dengan adanya wacana pengembangan dan perubahan status Bandar Udara Syamsudin Noor Banjarmasin menjadi Bandara Internasional dengan status Bandara tipe A yang dengan kata lain akan dinaikan dari status sebelumnya yang hanya Bandara Domestik yang mengakibatkan banyak perusahaan lain tertarik ingin mengembangkan usahanya dengan menjadi mitra usaha PT Angkasa Pura I (Persero) dengan menyewa ruang-ruang yang tersedia di terminal Bandar Udara Syamsudin Noor Banjarmasin yang artinya PT Angkasa Pura I (Persero) perlu penetapkan dan menyesuaikan harga sewa ruang pada konsensioner terhadap pengembangan dan perubahan status bandara yang baru. Pendekatan strategi harga yang dipilih dan cocok untuk diterapkan dalam penelitian ini adalah strategi harga penetapan harga produk yang sudah mapan yaitu dengan menaikan harga tarif konsensioner yang didasarkan dari meningkatnya status bandara menjadi tipe A atau Internasional yang juga akan menambah profitabilitas dari tenant yang menyewa di Bandara Syamsuddin Noor Banjarmasin. Dan pendekatan strategi Harga yang kedua jga dilakukan dalam penelitian ini yaitu strategi kepemimpinan harga yaitu dengan berubahnya status bandara menjadi internasional dan dicanangkan Bandara Syamsuddin Noor menjadi Banjadara terbesar di Kalimantan maka Bandara Syamsuddin Noor akan menjadi pemimpin pasar dan juga berimbas pada konsensioner yang ada didalamnya karena pasar sasarmn akan lebih potensial dalam menghasilkan peningkatan keuntungan bagi tenant yang menyewa dan tentunya bagi Bandara Syamsuddin Noor itu sendiri.
Studi Literatur : Inkoporasi Keuangan Komersial Dan Sosial Islam Untuk Meningkatkan Konsistensi Sistem Keuangan Islam
Authors: Safrina Noor , Soehartono Akhmad , Noor Agung Baruna Setiawan
Published: September 2018

Keuangan Islam merupakan embrio kekuatan ekonomi di negara ini, di zamannya ia mampu menjadi sistem yang bisa mensejahterakan umatnya. Di masa krisis, ia mampu lolos dari kebangkrutan, sekalipun tidak mendapat bantuan dana BLBI. Konsep yang mengandung ke-Islaman ini harus menjadi kekuatan baru dalam membangkitkan kembali perekonomian negeri ini. Keuangan Islam ini berkembang pesat memainkan peranan penting dalam mengalokasikan sumber daya dan meningkatkan pembangunan ekonomi.

Tujuan penelitian ini yang merupakan studi literatur dari beberapa pendapat para ahli Ekonomi Islam, penelitian-penelitian sistem keuangan syariah dan tulisan-tulisan ilmiah lainnya, untuk mengungkapkan bahwa materi yang dijadikan bahasan mengenai integrasi keuangan komersial dan sosial Islam sangatlah diperlukan,  sebagai upaya untuk meningkatkan konsistensi sistem keuangan dan pembangunan sosial ekonomi di Indonesia.

Hasil dari studi literatur penelitian ini adalah, setidaknya ada lima langkah dalam mempercepat perkembangan sistem keuangan Islam, baik secaranasional maupun internasional.Pertama, perlunya memperkuat sistem pengaturan dan pengawasanlembaga keuangan Islam. Kedua, perlunya koordinasi dan kerjasama internasional. Ketiga, perlunya kolaborasi di tingkat pengawasan sistem keuangan Islam lintas negara. Keempat, perlunya model bisnis sistem keuangan Islam khususnya diperbankan syariah, dengan memberikan penekanan pada bisnis di sektor rillketimbang pasar keuangan. Kelima, perlunya penetapan acuan rate of return berdasarkan prinsip Islam yang sesungguhnya
Prototype Robot Memanjat Kendali Manual Berbasis Mikrokontroler Arduino Mega2560
Authors: Hidayat Rahmat , Zuraidah Zuraidah , Fadil Jazuli
Published: September 2018

Perkembangan ilmu pengetahuan dan teknologi dunia yang sangat pesat saat ini, membutuhkan kreatifitas yang cukup tinggi untuk membuat satu terobosan baru yang dapat diterapkan dalam dunia industri.  Salah satunya yaitu dalam penerapan sistem kendali yang banyak dibutuhkan dalam dunia industri dan masyarakat. Banyak peralatan elektronika  yang digunakan untuk menggantikan tugas manusia dalam melakukan hal-hal yang berbahaya yang tidak dapat secara langsung dilakukan oleh manusia. Prototype robot kendali manual berbasis mikrokontroler ini digunakan untuk meringankan pekerjaan yang dilakukan oleh manusia. Penggunaan pneumatic yang lebih effisien dan lebih ringan sangat cocok digunakan untuk robot kendali manual. Selain dalam bidang robotika, pneumatic juga banyak digunakan di dunia industri
Efektivitas Penggunaan Residual Current Circuit Breaker Sebagai Pengaman Manusia Terhadap Arus Bocor Akibat . Kegagalan Isolasi
Authors: Burhan Puhrani , Hasta W Sunu , Graha Setia , Watoni M Ali
Published: September 2018

Arus bocor dapat terjadi karena mengalirnya arus dari kawat fasa (yang bertegangan)  ke tanah  diakibatkan karena adanya kebocoran isolasi yang disebabkan pengkabelan yang buruk atau alat-alat yang dipakai salah sehingga timbulnya  percikan api yang dapat merusak instalasi listrik.

Arus bocor ini  sangat berbahaya bagi manusia.  bahkan bisa mengakibatkan resiko kematian.

Resiko kematian pada manusia ialah mengalirnya arus listrik ketubuh manusia dan sangat berbahaya bahwa aliran arus akan merusak dua fungsi tubuh yang vital yaitu pernapasan dan detak jantung, adapun skala resiko berdasarkan arus pengenal dan lamanya waktu kontak/waktu sentuh.

 Melalui penelitian ini  besar nilai arus tambahan (arus pengenal) yang cukup   untuk mengaktipkan relai untuk memutus rangkaian (RCCB trip) adalah sebesar 29,4 mA., lebih kecil dari nilai arus kerja dari RCCB sebesar 30 mA. Sehingga RCCB tersebut  cukup  Efektif   Sebagai Pengaman Manusia Terhadap Arus Bocor Akibat . Kegagalan Isolasi
The Effects of Share Repurchase Announcements on Returns in the Malaysia Stock Market
Authors: Ong Tze San , Ng Pei San
Published: September 2018

This paper examines the market response surrounding the share repurchase announcements of Malaysia Listed Companies from years 2012 to 2016. One sample T-test was carried out to identify the abnormal return in the range before and after 20 days from share repurchase announcements. The result shows a significant positive abnormal return in the day of repurchase announcements and continuously until day 1 after the announcements. Multiple regression analysis was performed in order to identify the firm characteristic of share repurchase. The finding is supported with information asymmetric, which shows that stock market reacts more favorably through the repurchase announcements by small firms than large firms. This study is consistent with the signaling hypothesis that shows share repurchase announcement can be an effective tool in stabilizing the stock market in Malaysia. The finding of this study acts as a useful tool for managers and investors to improve their decisions on share repurchase announcements in Malaysia. Company’s managers can conduct share repurchase announcements that are able to make the stock market react positively in order to generate positive abnormal returns.
Revisiting the Existing Credit Rating Methods of Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Anwar S M Rakibul , Mustafa Riduanul , Tanzo Tanzina Tabassum
Published: September 2018

Credit rating of small and medium enterprises is more difficult because most of the SMEs information is not organized like the large corporate organizations. Traditionally used methods for corporate evaluation are not suitable directly for SMEs. For this reason, a comparative analysis is needed to compare the existing methods proposed by the different financial bodies. The aim of this paper is to make a comparative analysis of weight distribution in financial and non-financial factors in SMEs rating for the selected countries and to compare the indicators of proposed SMEs rating methods by ADB, ASEAN & Bangladesh Bank. After completing a comparative analysis, this paper reveals that these three methods give nearly similar weights to financial aspects whereas Bangladesh Bank adds two financial issues in different dimensions named bank relationship risk and financial security risk. Although these three methods have a similar weight for financial and non-financial aspects, there are differences among the indictors of non-financial aspects.
Biodegradable Contrast Agents for Photoacoustic Imaging
Authors: Yoo Su Woong , Jung Doyoung , Min Jung-Joon , Kim Hyungwoo , Lee Changho
Published: September 2018

Over the past twenty years, photoacoustics—also called optoacoustics—have been widely investigated and, in particular, extensively applied in biomedical imaging as an emerging modality. Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) detects an ultrasound wave that is generated via photoexcitation and thermoelastic expansion by a short nanosecond laser pulse, which significantly reduces light and acoustic scattering, more than in other typical optical imaging and renders high-resolution tomographic images with preserving high absorption contrast with deep penetration depth. In addition, PAI provides anatomical and physiological parameters in non-invasive manner. Over the past two decades, this technique has been remarkably developed in the sense of instrumentation and contrast agent materials. In this review, we briefly introduce state-of-the-art multiscale imaging systems and summarize recent progress on exogenous bio-compatible and -degradable agents that address biomedical application and clinical practice.
Performance of InGaN/GaN Light Emitting Diodes with n-GaN Layer Embedded with SiO2 Nano-Particles
Authors: Yom Hong-Seo , Yang Jin-Kyu , Polyakov Alexander , Lee In-Hwan
Published: September 2018

We demonstrate high-performance InGaN/GaN blue light emitting diodes (LEDs) embedded with an air-void layer produced by a dry-etch of nano-pillars in an n-GaN layer grown on patterned sapphire substrate (PSS), filling the space between nano-pillars with SiO2 nano-particles (NPs) and subsequent epitaxial overgrowth. The structure exhibits enhanced output power compared to similarly grown reference conventional LED without the air-void layer. This change in growth procedure contributes to the increase of internal quantum efficiency (IQE) and light extraction efficiency (LEE) resulting in a 13.5% increase of light output. LEE is 2 times more affected than IQE in the modified structure. Simulation demonstrates that the main effect causing the LEE changes is due to the emitted light being confined within the upper space above the air-void layer and thus enhancing the light scattering by the SiO2 NPs and preferential light via front surface.
Automatic Metallic Surface Defect Detection and Recognition with Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Tao Xian , Zhang Dapeng , Ma Wenzhi , Liu Xilong , Xu De
Published: September 2018

Automatic metallic surface defect inspection has received increased attention in relation to the quality control of industrial products. Metallic defect detection is usually performed against complex industrial scenarios, presenting an interesting but challenging problem. Traditional methods are based on image processing or shallow machine learning techniques, but these can only detect defects under specific detection conditions, such as obvious defect contours with strong contrast and low noise, at certain scales, or under specific illumination conditions. This paper discusses the automatic detection of metallic defects with a twofold procedure that accurately localizes and classifies defects appearing in input images captured from real industrial environments. A novel cascaded autoencoder (CASAE) architecture is designed for segmenting and localizing defects. The cascading network transforms the input defect image into a pixel-wise prediction mask based on semantic segmentation. The defect regions of segmented results are classified into their specific classes via a compact convolutional neural network (CNN). Metallic defects under various conditions can be successfully detected using an industrial dataset. The experimental results demonstrate that this method meets the robustness and accuracy requirements for metallic defect detection. Meanwhile, it can also be extended to other detection applications.
Alternative of Biogas Injection into the Danish Gas Grid System—A Study from Demand Perspective
Authors: Aryal Nabin , Kvist Torben
Published: September 2018

The Danish government has set an ambitious target to achieve 100% fossil independence across all energy sectors, which demands optimum utilization of renewable energy sources, such as wind and biogas, by 2050. Biogas production has increased, and the upgrading of biogas offers a broad range of applications, such as transportation, and gas grid injection for downstream utilization. The biogas has to meet natural gas quality prior to injection into the gas grid system. The investment costs of the gas grid, upgrading cost, and gas compression costs are the major challenges for integrating the biogas into the existing gas infrastructure. In this investigation, the Wobbe index (WI) for raw biogas and upgraded biogas was measured to evaluate the scenario for biogas injection into the gas grid system. It was found that raw biogas has to improve its WI from 28.3 MJ/m3(n) to a minimum of 50.76 MJ/m3(n) via upgrading, and compressed to 40 bar system, to supply the gas grid system for trading. Then, yearly gas consumption by larger gas consumers was studied to evaluate the alternative approach of biogas utilization to save upgrading and compression costs for gas grid injection.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Mg–6Al–1Sn–0.3Mn Alloy Sheet Fabricated through Extrusion Combined with Rolling
Authors: Peng Peng , Tang Aitao , Chen Xianhua , She Jia , Zhou Shibo , Song Jiangfeng , Pan Fusheng
Published: September 2018

Hot rolling was carried out in this study to modify the microstructures of an extruded Mg–6Al–1Sn–0.3Mn alloy sheet and investigate its effects on mechanical properties. After hot rolling, the grains and second phase of the extruded alloy sheet were remarkably refined, and the c-axis of a few grains was parallel to the transverse direction. The strength improvement was mainly attributed to the grain and Mg17Al12 particle refinement due to the Hall–Petch effect and the Orowan mechanism. The random orientation of the fine grains resulted in improving ductility and anisotropy.
A Review of Current Development of Graphene Mechanics
Authors: Cao Qiang , Geng Xiao , Wang Huaipeng , Wang Pengjie , Liu Aaron , Lan Yucheng , Peng Qing
Published: September 2018

Graphene, a two-dimensional carbon in honeycomb crystal with single-atom thickness, possesses extraordinary properties and fascinating applications. Graphene mechanics is very important, as it relates to the integrity and various nanomechanical behaviors including flexing, moving, rotating, vibrating, and even twisting of graphene. The relationship between the strain and stress plays an essential role in graphene mechanics. Strain can dramatically influence the electronic and optical properties, and could be utilized to engineering those properties. Furthermore, graphene with specific kinds of defects exhibit mechanical enhancements and thus the electronic enhancements. In this short review, we focus on the current development of graphene mechanics, including tension and compression, fracture, shearing, bending, friction, and dynamics properties of graphene from both experiments and numerical simulations. We also touch graphene derivatives, including graphane, graphone, graphyne, fluorographene, and graphene oxide, which carve some fancy mechanical properties out from graphene. Our review summarizes the current achievements of graphene mechanics, and then shows the future prospects.
Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Influence of Gut Microbe to Brain Signalling
Authors: Scriven Mary , Dinan Timothy G. , Cryan John F. , Wall Mary
Published: September 2018

The microbiome gut brain (MGB) axis consists of bidirectional routes of communication between the gut and the brain. It has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for multiple medical specialties including psychiatry. Significant numbers of preclinical trials have taken place with some transitioning to clinical studies in more recent years. Some positive results have been reported secondary to probiotic administration in both healthy populations and specific patient groups. This review aims to summarise the current understanding of the MGB axis and the preclinical and clinical findings relevant to psychiatry. Significant differences have been identified between the microbiome of patients with a diagnosis of depressive disorder and healthy controls. Similar findings have occurred in patients diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder and irritable bowel syndrome. A probiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidobacterium bifidum produced a clinically measurable symptom improvement in patients with depressive disorder. To date, some promising results have suggested that probiotics could play a role in the treatment of stress-related psychiatric disease. However, more well-controlled clinical trials are required to determine which clinical conditions are likely to benefit most significantly from this novel approach.
Re-Aeration on Stepped Spillways with Special Consideration of Entrained and Entrapped Air
Authors: Bung Daniel B. , Valero Daniel
Published: September 2018

As with most high-velocity free-surface flows, stepped spillway flows become self-aerated when the drop height exceeds a critical value. Due to the step-induced macro-roughness, the flow field becomes more turbulent than on a similar smooth-invert chute. For this reason, cascades are oftentimes used as re-aeration structures in wastewater treatment. However, for stepped spillways as flood release structures downstream of deoxygenated reservoirs, gas transfer is also of crucial significance to meet ecological requirements. Prediction of mass transfer velocities becomes challenging, as the flow regime differs from typical previously studied flow conditions. In this paper, detailed air-water flow measurements are conducted on stepped spillway models with different geometry, with the aim to estimate the specific air-water interface. Re-aeration performances are determined by applying the absorption method. In contrast to earlier studies, the aerated water body is considered a continuous mixture up to a level where 75% air concentration is reached. Above this level, a homogenous surface wave field is considered, which is found to significantly affect the total air-water interface available for mass transfer. Geometrical characteristics of these surface waves are obtained from high-speed camera investigations. The results show that both the mean air concentration and the mean flow velocity have influence on the mass transfer. Finally, an empirical relationship for the mass transfer on stepped spillway models is proposed.
Peiminine Protects against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Mastitis by Inhibiting the AKT/NF-κB, ERK1/2 and p38 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Gong Qian , Li Yanwei , Ma He , Guo Wenjin , Kan Xingchi , Xu Dianwen , Liu Juxiong , Fu Shoupeng
Published: September 2018

Peiminine, an alkaloid extracted from Fritillaria plants, has been reported to have potent anti-inflammatory properties. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of peiminine on a mouse lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mastitis model remains to be elucidated. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effect of peiminine on LPS-induced mastitis in mice. LPS was injected through the canals of the mammary gland to generate the mouse LPS-induced mastitis model. Peiminine was administered intraperitoneally 1 h before and 12 h after the LPS injection. In vitro, mouse mammary epithelial cells (mMECs) were pretreated with different concentrations of peiminine for 1 h and were then stimulated with LPS. The mechanism of peiminine on mastitis was studied by hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E) staining, western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that peiminine significantly decreased the histopathological impairment of the mammary gland in vivo and reduced the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, peiminine inhibited the phosphorylation of the protein kinase B (AKT)/ nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2), and p38 signaling pathways both in vivo and in vitro. All the results suggested that peiminine exerted potent anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-induced mastitis in mice. Therefore, peiminine might be a potential therapeutic agent for mastitis.
Adapting Probabilistic Flooding in Energy Harvesting Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Koufoudakis George , Oikonomou Konstantinos , Tsoumanis Georgios
Published: September 2018

Technological advantages in energy harvesting have been successfully applied in wireless sensor network environments, prolonging network’s lifetime, and, therefore, classical networking approaches like information dissemination need to be readdressed. More specifically, Probabilistic Flooding information dissemination is revisited in this work and it is observed that certain limitations arise due to the idiosyncrasies of nodes’ operation in energy harvesting network environments, resulting in reduced network coverage. In order to address this challenge, a modified version of Probabilistic Flooding is proposed, called Robust Probabilistic Flooding, which is capable of dealing with nodes of about to be exhausted batteries that resume their operation after ambient energy collection. In order to capture the behavior of the nodes’ operational states, a Markov chain model is also introduced and—based on certain observations and assumptions presented here—is subsequently simplified. Simulation results based on the proposed Markov chain model and a solar radiation dataset demonstrate the inefficiencies of Probabilistic Flooding and show that its enhanced version (i.e., Robust Probabilistic Flooding) is capable of fully covering the network on the expense of increased termination time in energy harvesting environments. Another advantage is that no extra overhead is introduced regarding the number of disseminated messages, thus not introducing any extra transmissions and therefore the consumed energy does not increase.
Conformationally Restricted Peptides from Rice Proteins Elicit Antibodies That Recognize the Corresponding Native Protein in ELISA Assays
Authors: Barrera Nubia F. , Melgarejo Luz M. , Cruz-Gallego Maribel , Cortés Lina Jimena , Guzmán Fanny , Calvo Julio C.
Published: September 2018

The rice hoja blanca virus (RHBV), transmitted by the planthopper insect Tagosodes orizicolus, is a disease that attacks rice and generates significant production losses in Colombia. Fedearroz 2000 and Colombia I commercial rice varieties, which have different resistance levels to the disease, were selected in this study. To identify proteins associated to the insect and virus signaling, a comparative proteomics study was performed. By comparing proteomic profiles, between virus-infected and control group plants in two-dimensional electrophoresis, proteins exhibiting significant changes in abundance were found. In another test, peptide dendrimers containing sequences conformationally restricted to α-helix from four of those rice proteins were synthesized. In the experiment, sera from mice inoculated with peptide dendrimers could recognize the corresponding native protein in ELISA assays. Reported comparative proteomic results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of plant response to the RHBV and comprehensive tools for the analysis of new crop varieties. Besides, results from conformational peptide dendrimer approach are promising and show that it is feasible to detect proteins as markers, and may have biological applications by decreasing the susceptibility to proteolytic degradation.
Oligonucleotides Targeting Telomeres and Telomerase in Cancer
Authors: Schrank Zachary , Khan Nabiha , Osude Chike , Singh Sanjana , Miller Rachel J. , Merrick Collin , Mabel Alexander , Kuckovic Adijan , Puri Neelu
Published: September 2018

Telomeres and telomerase have become attractive targets for the development of anticancer therapeutics due to their involvement in cancer cell immortality. Currently, several therapeutics have been developed that directly target telomerase and telomeres, such as telomerase inhibitors and G-quadruplex stabilizing ligands. Telomere-specific oligonucleotides that reduce telomerase activity and disrupt telomere architecture are also in development as novel anticancer therapeutics. Specifically, GRN163L and T-oligos have demonstrated promising anticancer activity in multiple cancers types via induction of potent DNA damage responses. Currently, several miRNAs have been implicated in the regulation of telomerase activity and may prove to be valuable targets in the development of novel therapies by reducing expression of telomerase subunits. Targeting miRNAs that are known to increase expression of telomerase subunits may be another strategy to reduce carcinogenesis. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of current oligonucleotide-based anticancer therapies that target telomeres and telomerase. These studies may help design novel therapeutic approaches to overcome the challenges of oligonucleotide therapy in a clinical setting.
Effect of Storage Time and Temperature on Phenolic Compounds of Soybean (Glycine max L.) Flour
Authors: Prabakaran Mayakrishnan , Lee Ji-Hee , Ahmad Ateeque , Kim Seung-Hyun , Woo Koan-Sik , Kim Mi-Jung , Chung Ill-Min
Published: September 2018

The phenolic compounds (PC) of soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) varies mainly based on factors like genetics, the environment, and also the food processing techniques used. The effect of storage time and temperature on the phenolic acids and isoflavones composition of raw soybean flour (RWSF) and roasted soybean flour (RSF) were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Based on the analysis results, 56 PC and free amino acids were detected in the RWSF and RSF. The total phenolic content (TPC) was 301.59 µg/g in the control RWSF and 257.47 µg/g in the control RSF. In the analysis, eight types of phenolic acids and one flavonoid group belonging to the isoflavone group were detected. When comparing storage conditions of RWSF, 24 and 48 weeks of storage showed higher concentration of phenolic acids. In RSF, the percentage of total acetyl glucosides was high, but the outcome was reversed after 2 weeks. This study had identified that the composition of PC in RWSF and RSF were affected when the storage temperature increased and the storage time lengthened.
Novel Riboflavin-Inspired Conjugated Bio-Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Richtar Jan , Heinrichova Patricie , Apaydin Dogukan Hazar , Schmiedova Veronika , Yumusak Cigdem , Kovalenko Alexander , Weiter Martin , Sariciftci Niyazi Serdar , Krajcovic Jozef
Published: September 2018

Flavins are known to be extremely versatile, thus enabling routes to innumerable modifications in order to obtain desired properties. Thus, in the present paper, the group of bio-inspired conjugated materials based on the alloxazine core is synthetized using two efficient novel synthetic approaches providing relatively high reaction yields. The comprehensive characterization of the materials, in order to evaluate the properties and application potential, has shown that the modification of the initial alloxazine core with aromatic substituents allows fine tuning of the optical bandgap, position of electronic orbitals, absorption and emission properties. Interestingly, the compounds possess multichromophoric behavior, which is assumed to be the results of an intramolecular proton transfer.
Liposomes Loaded with Cisplatin and Magnetic Nanoparticles: Physicochemical Characterization, Pharmacokinetics, and In-Vitro Efficacy
Authors: Toro-Cordova Alfonso , Flores-Cruz Mario , Santoyo-Salazar Jaime , Carrillo-Nava Ernesto , Jurado Rafael , Figueroa-Rodriguez Pavel A. , Lopez-Sanchez Pedro , Medina Luis A. , Garcia-Lopez Patricia
Published: September 2018

With the aim improving drug delivery, liposomes have been employed as carriers for chemotherapeutics achieving promising results; their co-encapsulation with magnetic nanoparticles is evaluated in this work. The objective of this study was to examine the physicochemical characteristics, the pharmacokinetic behaviour, and the efficacy of pegylated liposomes loaded with cisplatin and magnetic nanoparticles (magnetite) (Cis-MLs). Cis-MLs were prepared by a modified reverse-phase evaporation method. To characterize their physicochemical properties, an evaluation was made of particle size, ζ-potential, phospholipid and cholesterol concentration, phase transition temperature (Tm), the encapsulation efficiency of cisplatin and magnetite, and drug release profiles. Additionally, pharmacokinetic studies were conducted on normal Wistar rats, while apoptosis and the cytotoxic effect were assessed with HeLa cells. We present a method for simultaneously encapsulating cisplatin at the core and also embedding magnetite nanoparticles on the membrane of liposomes with a mean vesicular size of 104.4 ± 11.5 nm and a ζ-potential of −40.5 ± 0.8 mV, affording a stable formulation with a safe pharmacokinetic profile. These liposomes elicited a significant effect on cell viability and triggered apoptosis in HeLa cells.
Application of Centrifugal Partition Chromatography for Bioactivity-Guided Purification of Antioxidant-Response-Element-Inducing Constituents from Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba
Authors: Kim Myeong Il , Kim Ji Hoon , Syed Ahmed Shah , Kim Young-Mi , Choe Kevin Kyungsik , Kim Chul Young
Published: September 2018

Activity-guided separation of antioxidant response element (ARE)-inducing constituents from the rhizomes of Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba was performed by the combination of centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) and an ARE luciferase reporter assay. From 3 g of the active n-hexane fraction, one polyacetylene, (6E,12E)-tetradeca-6,12-dien-8,10-diyne-1,3-diyl diacetate (47.3 mg), and two sesquiterpenes, atractylenolide I (40.9 mg), and selina-4(14),7(11)-dien-8-one (6.0 mg) were successfully isolated by CPC with n-hexane–ethyl acetate–methanol–water (8:2:8:2, v/v). The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were determined by 1H- and 13C-NMR and ESI-MS. Among the isolated compounds, (6E,12E)-tetradeca-6,12-diene-8,10-diyne-1,3-diol diacetate and selina-4(14),7(11)-dien-8-one increased ARE activity 32.9-fold and 16.6-fold, respectively, without significant cytotoxicity, when 5 µM sulforaphane enhanced ARE activity 27.1-fold. However, atractylenolide I did not increase ARE activity at 100 µM, and showed cytotoxicity at concentrations over 10 µM.
Molecular Recognition via Hydrogen Bonding in Supramolecular Complexes: A Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Martinez-Felipe Alfonso , Brebner Fraser , Zaton Daniel , Concellon Alberto , Ahmadi Sara , Piñol Milagros , Oriol Luis
Published: September 2018

We assess the assembly of supramolecular complexes by hydrogen bonding between azocompounds and a diacylaminopyridine monomer by temperature-dependent Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The electronic delocalisation in the supramolecular rings formed by multiple hydrogen bonds stabilises the complexes, which coexist with dimeric species in temperature-dependent equilibria. We show how the application of readily available molecular modelling and spectroscopic techniques can predict the stability of new supramolecular entities coexisting in equilibria, ultimately assessing the success of molecular recognition.
Electrochemical Engineering of Nanoporous Materials
Authors: Santos Abel
Published: September 2018

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