bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Product obsolescence of cellular phone market in Indonesia: a consumer perspective
Authors: Maulia Rafika , Halimatussadiah Alin
Published: December 2018

Obsolescence leads to a shorter lifecycle of electronic products which results in generating more electronic waste (e-waste) and excessive use of natural resources to produce goods. It is basically a wearing out of technical or esthetical appliances. Unfortunately, there are only a few studies and data focused on the issue, especially in developing counties. The objective of this study is to show how the lifespan of cellular phone change overtime and to provide data about consumer behavior in the Indonesia’s cellular phone market. A total of 1.030 respondents were recruited from online survey in 13 most populous cities of Indonesia for consumer analysis. Panel regression Common Effect Model (CEM) and Chi-squared independent test were applied as the analytical tools. The result shows that both consumer contribute to the reduction of cellular phone lifecycle. It is confirmed that the lifespan of cellular phone is getting shorter by the year and by the ownership order. In addition, subjective considerations of discarding product significantly reduce cellular phone’s lifespan. Obsolescence is not only an issue that should be addressed to the manufacturers, but also as a responsibility for the consumers.
In defense of the old generation: the strategic options to sustain a vintage urea plant production
Authors: Pratiwi Diana Mutia , Sudarna
Published: December 2018

The Need for Urea Fertilizer supply is one of the essential factors for the development of the agricultural sector. However, due to the high energy usage and the increasing price of natural gas as the raw material, some of the old urea fertilizer industry was forced to shut down due to the inability to cover the high production cost. The purpose of this study is to analyze the alternative strategy for the urea industry to be more efficient and also produce good quality urea to remain sustainable. This paper will use descriptive analysis based on the Case Study compared to the literature and related references to find the appropriate and well-implemented alternative. Based on the study, several options can be purposed such as retrofitting in ammonia and urea plant mainly in syn-loop and high-pressure section, and by optimizing the feed ratio and process condition.
The application of phytoremediation method to wastewater treatment of nickel ore extraction industry based on the expert stakeholder perspective
Authors: Mayzarah Erikha Maurizka , Moersidik Setyo Sarwanto , Saria Lana
Published: December 2018

The use of chemical-based wastewater treatment method may cause harm to the environment. The aim of this research is to identify the flow application of wastewater treatment using phytoremediation method and summarize the perspective from stakeholders regarding the application based on long-term and short-term categories. In-depth interview was done with expert stakeholders from the sectors of government, private and academics. Subsequently, the scenario of wastewater treatment and the result of phytoremediation research that will be applied on nickel ore extraction industry were confirmed. Finally, a summary of the in-depth interview is shown on a form of a figure. The result shows that this method application needs effort and decision making from the company’s part that become the short-term issue for the company. However, on long-term side, phytoremediation is able to benefit the environment, social, and economy.
In searching the appropriate elements: study on the community’s environmental friendly behavior in daily activities to achieve an urban sustainability
Authors: Darmawan Dhywa , Mangundjaya Wustari Larasati , Herdiansyah Herdis
Published: December 2018

Environmentally friendly behavior has become an important part in achieving sustainable city. However, the implementation of environmentally friendly behavior in daily activities tends to get low participation. Therefore, this study aims to find out the factors that influence a person to behave in an environmentally friendly manner, especially from social and psychological aspects. This study using literature review and weighting based pairwise comparison as a method. Our study concluded, there are four groups of factors that influence the community in implementing environmental friendly behaviors, namely: internal factor (environmental knowledge and attitude), external factor (support from the government in providing environmental education, public facilities, and establish environmental policies and regulations), socio-demographic factor, and situational factor (financial aspects and the availability of good facilities/green product). Furthermore, external factors (such as government support in providing environmental education and public facilities) is the factor that most influence environmentally friendly behavior and also as a key factor in achieving a sustainable city.
Childhood vs adulthood health and cleanliness on educational outcome in Indonesia: moving towards Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Yusacc Restananda Nabilla , Muzayanah Irfani Fithria Ummul
Published: December 2018

As a key indicator in Sustainable Development Goals, good health and well-being, also clean water and sanitation is studied in this research. In Indonesia where infrastructure development is still advancing, the difference of those infrastructure when people are in childhood and adulthood could be very different. It is also interrelated to their health status. Early health is considered as important, if not more, to current health as in early years there are primary development happened to an individual, whether it is internal or external. Health is also linked to productivity such as educational outcomes. This study aims to explain the relationship of health and cleanliness between childhood and adulthood on educational outcomes. Using IFLS 5 data and multinomial logistic, the result is while cleanliness and infrastructure in childhood is found to be more important for higher education, current health and early health is just as strong.
Loving God, loving me, loving others, and loving the environment: a sustainability education for elementary school children
Authors: Suleeman Julia , Tarigan Jeny
Published: December 2018

This paper shows how sustainability education has been embedded as essential part of character development in one Christian school in Klaten, Jawa Tengah since the early 2000s. This has taken place as camps in the school area or live-in experiences in neighboring villages. Gradually, a more formal program as classroom lesson plans were deemed as important until one specific day was then devoted each week for this character development program. To serve this purpose, a general theme of love was chosen that was reflected in loving God, loving oneself, loving others, and loving the enviroment. From here, nine characters were chosen and used to be developed in each grade, from Grade 1 to Grade 6. These nine characters are loving God, compassion, responsibility, self-control, discipline, critical, positive, creative, and efficient. The barriers faced by the school staff and school boards in running this program were regarded as challenges to improve this important program. More importantly, parents are also supportive and acknowledging the advantages of having this program for the holistic development of their children.
Analysis of strategy for meeting students’ information needs in the digital era
Authors: Qastalani Gardito , Fauziah Kiki
Published: December 2018

This research focused on the strategy of fulfilling students’ information needs in the digital era.The purpose of this study is to identify strategies for meeting the informa6tion needs of students in the current digital era. This study uses a qualitative approach and case study method. Data collection is done by interviewing, observing, and analysing documents. The results of this study show that the strategy of fulfilling the information needs of students is by prioritising the internet such as e-journal, e-book, or search engine.
East Canal Flood as PDAM water resource DKI Jakarta
Authors: Pradafitri Wednes Suci , Moersidik Setyo Sarwanto , Abdini Chairil
Published: December 2018

Environmental pollution, resource degradation, and global warming are some examples of environmental problems that have occurred in various countries, including Indonesia. Poor quality, quantity, and continuity of raw water condition make water supply scarce. These problems can be overcome by an intervention to the demand and supply. One of the cities experience this condition is the province of DKI Jakarta. East Flood Canal (BKT) is one of the infrastructure facilities of DKI Jakarta province as a potential source of raw water supply. The study aims to analyze the factors affecting BKT water and the sustainability of BKT water in DKI Jakarta as the raw" water source of PDAM in terms of quality. Analysis of land use and social factors using GIS (Geographic Information System) and questionnaire methods. Analysis of the quality of BKT water using laboratory tests and literature studies. The results of this research are socio-economic activity and land use changes affect the water quality of BKT. The East Canal Flood can become the raw water source of PDAM DKI Jakarta through pre-treatment. This research is very important because it provides a new innovation in overcoming the problem of availability of raw water which is increasingly limited especially in DKI Jakarta.
Religion as a social adhesive: study of the patterns of religious diversity of rural communities in the village of Sembungan-Boyolali
Authors: Sarbini Sarbini , Suharso Putut , Sumarsono Dicky
Published: December 2018

For rural communities, religion is understood as the core of the value system to control the actions of the community in order to remain sustainable in accordance with the values of the religious teachings. Religious behavior is a sacred symbol that is based on religious teachings. This study uses a sociology of religion approach that attempts to describe the empirical reality of religious communities related to doctrine, beliefs, social behavior and functional teachings that give birth to religious phenomena. Research methods by collecting data through observation, interviews, and smoothing documentation that is narrated in descriptive-qualitative form with descriptive-interpretive analysis. The results of the study of rural communities have a tendency to make new meanings in sustainable life towards a system of values and religious norms that are confident and internalized in a homogeneous community environment, and express values of appreciation in the form of efforts to maintain togetherness through functional religious messages. When the new meaning of individuals in society results in an interest conflict that is influenced by the individual's social status, then the power of transcendent values is needed. The discovery of this new transcendent meaning is then called the awareness of social collectivity in society.
The construction of masculinity in male facial care product advertisement
Authors: Sarwono Billy K. , Fayardi Alifia Oktrina
Published: December 2018

Many studies are done on gender bias on women, but a little on men. If one of women’s stereotypes is wearing makeup, then one of men is no need taking care of his face. However, the consumption of male facial products has shown an up going trend. Ironically, it is not commonly perceived as users of facial care products, since they would be labeled as gay. This study aims to show that gender bias does not only happen to women but also men. In addition, the media is supposed to be the means to liberate and empower marginalized groups and not present news by reinforcing stereotypes of the group. The research question is how ads construct a masculine figure by emphasizing on his needs for facial treatment? The theoretical concepts used in this research are social construction of reality, stereotypes and fetishism while the method of data collection is semiotic text analysis through purposive selection. The results show that masculinity represented in the advertisement figures defines the stereotypes that fit with consumptive urban society behavior. Construction of the advertised product is not for the purpose of selling it for its function, but rather to support the exclusive image and identity of the target buyers.
Factor affecting the political knowledge of first-time voters: a survey on first-time voters in Indonesia
Authors: Nugroho Satrio
Published: December 2018

Democracy is prerequisite for a society that is active in politics. Political participation itself is measured by political knowledge This study wants to find out the extent of the political knowledge of first-time voters in Depok, West Java, and what factors make up their political knowledge. This study uses six concepts developed by Penny S Visser, namely self-interest, social identification, value-relevance, media use, attitude-importance, and attitude-relevant knowledge. By using path analysis method in testing, this research produces a model of modification that has been previously developed. After calculating the fit model coefficients, this study finds that the self-interest variable was removed from the model because it was not significant. Following this, it can be concluded that the knowledge of first-time voters in Depok is influenced by only four main factors.
Process of building frames in TV channels
Authors: Nugraha Tubagus Aditya , Eriyanto Eriyanto
Published: December 2018

The 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election (Pilkada) 2017 in Indonesia bore considerable political significance. Issues surrounding ethnicity, religion, and race (SARA) posed problems that characterized this election, which impacted not only the community, but also the media. News channel Metro TVs became one of the affected TV stations after it got labelled as a supporter of Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, former Jakarta governor who was accused of and imprisoned for blasphemy thoroughout his reelection. Many activities oppossing Metro TV were conducted, starting from petition, the destruction of its broadcasting tool, and attacks to its journalist. This research aims to discover the actors behind the formation news framing in Metro TV and also factors that caused the formation of such framing. This research uses a conceptual framework consisting of three factors, namely individual level, level of routine, and external level. Informants in this study are the staffs involved in Metro TV’ editorial program. This research uses qualitative methods, including observatory and in-depth interview. This research concludes that factors of individual level, level of routine, and external level are interrelated and supportive in Metro TV’s news framing in reporting Ahok.
More humorous employees, more eager to innovate: psychological capital explained
Authors: Suciati Indah , Salendu Alice , Gatari Eka
Published: December 2018

Previous studies show that researchers are interested in studying the relationship of humour with creativity and innovation. Using the broaden-and-build theory, the present study explores the relationship between humour and innovative work behaviour then explain its process by the mediating role of psychological capital. 172 employees participated in this study through a self-report questionnaire. The result shows that psychological capital fully mediates the relationship between humour and innovative work behaviour. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed along with the future research direction.
Life Cycle Analysis Methods on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Procedures in the Perspective of Sustainable Development
Authors: Pramudianto Andreas
Published: December 2018

Basically each product or service has its own life cycle. Life Cycle Analysis Method can be used to assess the impact of an activity both production and service activities. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or Analisis Mengenai Dampak Lingkungan (AMDAL) is one of the activities that must be fulfilled in order to obtain an environmental permit. EIA activities have a life cycle process that needs to be known and understood so that environmental permits can be obtained. Therefore this study aims to find out the use of the LCA method in EIA procedures. In addition, with the LCA method, EIA activities are expected to be well studied according to the function of this service. LCA can provide to reduce the least impact from environmental damage. This research will be useful for the development of environmental science, especially related to the study of environmental impacts, especially EIA. It is expected that the results of the study will provide a complete picture of the relevance of the LCA method with EIA and the benefits that can be taken. The results of this study will be an important recommendation for decision makers regarding the importance of EIA in development, especially sustainable development through the method used, namely LCA.
Addressing the environmental risk from the mudflow disaster in Sidoarjo
Authors: Pratama Boby Bagja , Supriatna
Published: December 2018

This research focuses on disaster mitigation of Sidoarjo Mudflow since 2005 until 2018. This research aims to analyze and mapping mudflow pattern since 2005. It uses Geographical Information System or spatial information as tools to describe and analyze major environmental problems. It examines data Landsat 7 and 8 Imagery between 2005 and 2018 for calculating the area of impact from Sidoarjo Mudflow. It takes further analysis from research which using Landsat Imagery to calculating sedimentation in Mahakam Rivers. Moreover, addressing the environmental risk at Madura Gulf from Sidoarjo Mudflow in the last few years, this research analyzes the impact of mudflow distribution pattern in and social adaptation in retrospective view. This research found that sedimentation fom the mudflow is making more difficult to calculate the impact and composing mitigation plans. To address the environmental risk from the mudflow disaster, explores spatial information regarding changes from Sidoarjo Mudflow to social adaptation, such as adaptation to looking for fishing area and fishing intensity.
Der interessante klinische Fall – reversibles amnestisches Syndrom bei einem Patienten mit Alkoholabhängigkeit
Authors: Kamp Daniel , Utlu Aylin , Burchert Karin , Franke Petra
Published: December 2018

Alkoholabhängige sind eine Risikopopulation für Vitaminmangelzustände, die zu variablen kognitiven Defiziten bis hin zu einem amnestischen Syndrom führen können. Wir berichten über einen alkoholabhängigen, fokal-neurologisch unauffälligen 58-jährigen Patienten mit amnestischem Syndrom, das sich nach Substitution mit Thiamin, Vitamin B12 und Folsäure im Beobachtungszeitraum von 22 Monaten vollständig reversibel zeigte.
Microvascular Compressicaude by Slinging a Tortuous Vertebrobasilar Artery to the Petrous Dura in Hemifacial Spasm: Technical Note
Authors: Chowdhury Forhad , Haque Mohammod , Rumi Jalal , Reza Monir
Published: December 2018

Objective In cases of hemifacial spasm caused by a tortuous vertebrobasilar artery (TVBA), the traditional treatment technique involves Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene), which can be ineffective and fraught with recurrence and neurological complications. In such cases, there are various techniques of arteriopexy using adhesive compositions, ‘suspending loops’ made of synthetic materials, dural or fascial flaps, surgical sutures passed around or through the vascular adventitia, as well as fenestrated aneurysmal clips. In the present paper, we describe a new technique of slinging the vertebral artery (VA) to the petrous dura for microvascular decompression (MVD) in a patient with hemifacial spasm caused by a TVBA.

Method A 50-year-old taxi driver presented with a left-sided severe hemifacial spasm. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain showed a large tortuous left-sided vertebral artery impinging and compressing the exit/entry zone of the 7th and 8th nerve complex. After a craniotomy, a TVBA was found impinging and compressing the entry zone of the 7th and 8th nerve complex. Arachnoid bands attaching the artery to the nerve complex and the pons were released by sharp microdissection. Through the upper part of the incision, a 2.5 × 1 cm temporal fascia free flap was harvested. After the fixation of the free flap, a 6–0 prolene suture was passed through its length several times using the traditional Bengali sewing and stitching techniques to make embroidered quilts called Nakshi katha. The ‘prolenated’ fascia was passed around the compressing portion of the VA. Both ends of the fascia were brought together and stitched to the posterior petrous dura to keep the TVBA away from the 7th and 8th nerves and the pons.

Result The patient had no hemifacial spasm immediately after the recovery from the anesthesia. A postoperative MRI of the brain showed that the VA was away from the entry zone of the 7th and 8th nerves.

Conclusion The ‘prolenated’ temporal fascia slinging technique may be a very good option of MVD in cases in which the causative vessel is a TVBA.
Pregnancy of Unknown Location: The Value of Frozen Section Analysis and Its Relation to Beta-hCG Levels and Endometrial Thickness
Authors: Odeh Marwan , Qasoum Ayat , Tendler Rene , Kais Mohamad , Khamise Farah Rola , Bornstein Jacob
Published: December 2018

Objective Frozen section examination is a rapid method for identifying products of conception in endometrial curetting, yet its accuracy is inconclusive. The purposes of this study is to determine the accuracy of frozen section analysis of endometrial curetting in pregnancies of unknown location, and to verify the relation of β-human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) level and endometrial thickness to the assessed accuracy.

Methods We reviewed data from January 2009 to December 2014 of diagnostic curettages from women with suspected ectopic pregnancies sent for frozen section examination at a medical center. A frozen section diagnosis was considered accurate if it concurred with the final pathologic diagnosis.

Results Of 106 frozen section studies, the diagnosis was accurate in 94 (88.7%). Of 79 specimens interpreted as negative on frozen sections (no products of conception noted), 9 (11.4%) were positive on final pathologic review. Three of the 27 (11.1%) specimens interpreted as positive by a frozen section failed to demonstrate products of conception on a final pathologic section. The sensitivity of frozen sections in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy was 72.7%, specificity 95.9%, positive predictive value 88.9%, negative predictive value 88.6%, and accuracy 88.6%. A statically significant correlation was found between β-hCG level and high accuracy of the frozen section technique (p < 0.001). No correlation was found between endometrial thickness and the accuracy of the frozen section technique.

Conclusion The accuracy of frozen section examination was high and was found to correlate with β-hCG level, but not with endometrial thickness.
Der Zebrafisch als in vivo-Modellsystem für Adipositas und assoziierte Erkrankungen
Authors: Kiess W. , Körner A. , Landgraf K.
Published: December 2018

Viele Erkenntnisse über Mechanismen, die für die Entstehung von Adipositas, und den damit einhergehenden Adipositas-assoziierten Erkrankungen, relevant sind, sind mit Hilfe der Modellorganismen Maus oder Ratte erarbeitet worden. In den letzten Jahren hat sich der Zebrafisch als weiteres, sehr geeignetes in-vivo-Modellsystem etabliert, da er verschiedene Vorteile gegenüber Maus und Ratte und anderen Modellorganismen aufweist. Zudem sind wesentliche Aspekte der Regulation des Energiemetabolismus, welche bei der Entstehung von Adipositas und Adipositas-assoziierten Folgeerkrankungen beim Menschen eine Rolle spielen, im Zebrafisch konserviert. Dies beinhaltet unter anderem Mechanismen der zentralen Regulation des Sättigungsgefühls, der Fettzellentwicklung, der ernährungsbedingten Anhäufung von Fettgewebe sowie der Körperfettverteilung. Aufgrund dessen stellt der Zebrafisch ein geeignetes in vivo-Modellsystem für die Untersuchung von Prozessen dar, welche in die Entstehung von Adipositas und deren Folgeerkrankungen involviert sind.
Lack of correlation between C-V hysteresis and capacitance frequency dispersion in accumulation of metal gate/high-k/n-InGaAs metal-oxide-semiconductor stacks
Authors: Pazos S. M. , Aguirre F. L. , Tang K. , McIntyre P. , Palumbo F.
Published: December 2018

The correlation between capacitance-voltage hysteresis and accumulation capacitance frequency dispersion of metal gate/high-k/n-InGaAs metal-oxide-semiconductor stacks is experimentally assessed. Samples fabricated employing forming gas annealing (FGA) or substrate air exposure to obtain different densities of defects were thoroughly characterized and the results were compared with previous literature on the topic. Results indicate a lack of correlation between capacitance-voltage hysteresis and accumulation capacitance dispersion with frequency, suggesting that defects with remarkably different kinetics are involved in each phenomenon. This is assessed through the dependence of the capacitance-voltage hysteresis with DC bias and stress time, observing that permanent interface defect depassivation under bias has no effect on the hysteresis width after stress. Overall, capacitance-voltage hysteresis probes slow trapping mechanisms throughout the oxide and the bandgap, which are consistent with the negative charge trapping characteristic of the current-time curves for FGA samples at constant voltage stress. Instead, accumulation capacitance frequency dispersion probes defects with short trapping/detrapping characteristic times that can be linked to the stress induced leakage current of air exposed samples under constant DC stress. Experimental results indicate that each effect must be assessed separately due to the large difference in the kinetics of the probed defects.
Effects of vacuum annealing on the electron mobility of epitaxial La-doped BaSnO3 films
Authors: Cho Hai Jun , Onozato Takaki , Wei Mian , Sanchela Anup , Ohta Hiromichi
Published: December 2018

Wide bandgap (Eg ∼ 3.1 eV) La-doped BaSnO3 (LBSO) has attracted increasing attention as one of the transparent oxide semiconductors since its bulk single crystal shows a high carrier mobility (∼320 cm2 V−1 s−1) with a high carrier concentration (∼1020 cm−3). For this reason, many researchers have fabricated LBSO epitaxial films thus far, but the obtainable carrier mobility is substantially low compared to that of single crystals due to the formation of the lattice/structural defects. Here we report that the mobility suppression in LBSO films can be lifted by a simple vacuum annealing process. The oxygen vacancies generated from vacuum annealing reduced the thermal stability of LBSO films on MgO substrates, which increased their carrier concentrations and lateral grain sizes at elevated temperatures. As a result, the carrier mobilities were greatly improved, which does not occur after heat treatment in air. We report a factorial design experiment for the vacuum annealing of LBSO films on MgO substrates and discuss the implications of the results. Our findings expand our current knowledge on the point defect formation in epitaxial LBSO films and show that vacuum annealing is a powerful tool for enhancing the mobility values of LBSO films.
Thin-film stabilization of LiNbO3-type ZnSnO3 and MgSnO3 by molecular-beam epitaxy
Authors: Fujiwara Kohei , Minato Hiroya , Shiogai Junichi , Kumamoto Akihito , Shibata Naoya , Tsukazaki Atsushi
Published: December 2018

In polar crystals, cooperative ionic displacement produces a macroscopic spontaneous polarization. Among such polar materials, LiNbO3-type wide bandgap oxides are particularly appealing because they offer useful ferroelectric properties and also potentially lead to multiferroic materials. Using molecular-beam epitaxy, we investigated the thin-film growth of high-pressure phase LiNbO3-type ZnSnO3 and discovered a polar oxide candidate, MgSnO3. We found that LiNbO3-type substrates play an essential role in the crystallization of these compounds, though corundum-type Al2O3 substrates also have the identical crystallographic arrangement of oxygen sublattice. Optical transmittance and electrical transport measurements revealed their potential as a transparent conducting oxide. Establishment of a thin-film synthetic route would be the basis for exploration of functional polar oxides and research on conduction at ferroelectric interfaces and domain walls.
Spin wave propagation properties across configurational antiferro/ferro-magnetic transitions
Authors: Kuźma D. , Montoncello F. , Sobieszczyk P. , Wal A. , Giovannini L. , Zieliński P.
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this numerical study, performed within the micromagnetic framework and the dynamical matrix method, is to understand how the propagation of spin waves in a macrospin chain is affected by a configurational rearrangement of the magnetization, induced by a progressive variation of a magnetic field. Our macrospins are modelized through thin cylinders with elliptical cross sections that display a monodomain, bistable magnetization distribution; hence, the allowed magnetization configurations of the chain are either antiferromagnetic (AF) or ferromagnetic (FM). We illustrate the peculiar features of spin waves in the AF and FM configurations concerning the dispersion relations, phase amplitude variations and localization, and precession ellipticity, as a function of the applied field, particularly close to the critical field values at which the configurational rearrangements occur (AF-to-FM or vice versa). A remarkable effect that arises on the mode frequency and bandwidth across a configurational transition is the frequency invariance of specific Bloch waves, particularly attractive for processing the spin wave signals in low dissipation magnon-spintronic devices.
Room temperature operation of InAsSb quantum dashes laser near 1.8 μm based on InP (001) substrate
Authors: Wang Dongbo , Zhuo Ning , Gu Zenghui , Zhao Yue , Cheng Fengmin , Zhang Jinchuan , Zhai Shenqiang , Liu Junqi , Liu Shuman , Liu Fengqi , Wang Zhanguo
Published: December 2018

Single-stack InAsSb self-assembled quantum dashes (QDashes) laser grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy based on InP (001) substrate is reported. High-quality InAsSb quantum dashes have been acquired under the optimized growth conditions, such as substrate temperature, growth rate, deposition thickness and V/III ratio. Surface QDashes morphologies have been characterized by atomic force microscopy whereas the ones buried in active region have been investigated by transmission electron microscope with high resolution X-ray Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy to confirm the antimony composition. Double channel waveguide laser with 40 μm width ridge has been fabricated by standard optical lithography and wet etching. Pulsed room temperature operation demonstrates the wavelength from 1.72 to 1.79 μm for different injection currents. In addition, the laser peak output power can exceed 600 mW with 12.8% of differential quantum efficiency and even under continuous wave operation, the maximum optical power still remains 26 mW.
Effect of heat treatment on thermoelectric properties of tungsten-rhenium thin-film thermocouples by RF magnetron sputtering
Authors: Zhang Zhongkai , Tian Bian , Du Zhe , Lin Qijing , Shi Peng , Ren Wei , Zhao Na , Jiang Zhuangde
Published: December 2018

Tungsten-rhenium thin-film thermocouples (TFTCs) are designed by finite element analysis (FEA) and fabricated based on radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering technology to meet the requirement of high temperature measurement in narrow space. The changes with thickness and thermoelectric property (including Seebeck coefficient, repeatability error) of TFTCs are investigated under different heat treatment time and temperature by the result of morphology observation and heat recycling experiment analysis to optimize heat treatment process parameters. The repeatability error of tungsten-rhenium TFTCs with heat treatment at 300 °C for 6 hours can reach to ±1.028%. The electromotive force behavior (EMF) experiments shows the average Seebeck coefficient of heat treated tungsten-rhenium TFTCs reach to 18.92 µV/°C when the temperature difference is 1165 °C (hot junction temperature is 1327 °C) in inert gases protection environment. The thermoelectric service properties of tungsten-rhenium TFTCs sensor have been improved to be a viable replacement candidate for high temperature measurement in narrow space through this technology.
Effects of long-term physical exercise on skeletal muscles in senescence-accelerated mice (SAMP8)
Authors: Takigawa Kaho , Matsuda Rintaro , Uchitomi Ran , Onishi Takumi , Hatazawa Yukino , Kamei Yasutomi
Published: December 2018

We examined the effect of long-term exercise on the prevention of sarcopenia using a senescence-accelerated-prone mice (SAMP8) model. Mice were housed in a wheel cage for 25 weeks to increase voluntary exercise. At week 23, endurance running capacity was examined using a treadmill. In a treadmill running test, the wheel cage group had increased endurance running capacity, which suggests that aging-related loss of muscle function was recovered by long-term exercise. Mice were sacrificed and microarray analysis revealed that genes involved in protein synthesis and degradation were upregulated in the skeletal muscles of the wheel cage group, suggesting accelerated protein turnover. Total body and adipose tissue weights decreased following the use of the wheel cage. Thus, long-term, spontaneous physical exercise may assist in recovering from aging-related sarcopenia (loss of muscle function) and obesity.
Technical approaches to reduce interference of Fetal calf serum derived RNA in the analysis of extracellular vesicle RNA from cultured cells
Authors: Driedonks Tom A. P. , Twilhaar Maarten K. Nijen , Nolte‐'t Hoen Esther N. M.
Published: December 2018

Foetal calf serum (FCS) is a common supplement of cell culture medium and a known source of contaminating extracellular vesicles (EV) containing RNA. Because of a high degree of sequence similarity among homologous non‐coding RNAs of mammalian species, residual FCS‐RNA in culture medium may interfere in the analysis of EV‐RNA released by cultured cells. Recently, doubts have been raised as to whether commonly used protocols for depletion of FCS‐EV efficiently remove FCS‐RNA. Moreover, technical details in FCS‐EV depletion protocols are known to vary between labs, which may lead to inter‐study differences in contaminating FCS‐RNA levels. Here, we investigated how technical modifications of EV‐depletion protocols affect the efficiency with which bovine RNAs are depleted from FCS, and determined the contribution of contaminating bovine RNA to EV‐RNA purified from cell cultures. Our data show differences in depletion efficiency between and within various classes of small non‐coding RNA. Importantly, we demonstrate that variations in FCS‐EV depletion protocols affect both the quantity and type of residual FCS‐RNAs in EV‐depleted medium. By using optimised FCS‐EV depletion protocols combined with methods for high‐grade purification of EV the levels of contaminating bovine RNA in EV populations isolated from cell culture medium can be reduced. With illustrative datasets we also demonstrate that the abundance of a specific RNA in cell culture EV can only be determined if measured relative to background levels of this RNA in medium control samples. These data highlight the need for optimisation and validation of existing and novel FCS‐EV depletion methods and urge for accurate descriptions of these methods in publications to increase experimental reproducibility.
Astrocytes and microglia: Models and tools
Authors: Guttenplan Kevin A. , Liddelow Shane A.
Published: December 2018

Glial cells serve as fundamental regulators of the central nervous system in development, homeostasis, and disease. Discoveries into the function of these cells have fueled excitement in glial research, with enthusiastic researchers addressing fundamental questions about glial biology and producing new scientific tools for the community. Here, we outline the pros and cons of in vivo and in vitro techniques to study astrocytes and microglia with the goal of helping researchers quickly identify the best approach for a given research question in the context of glial biology. It is truly a great time to be a glial biologist.
Intersectin-1 interacts with the golgin GCC88 to couple the actin network and Golgi architecture
Authors: Makhoul Christian , Gosavi Prajakta , Duffield Regina , Delbridge Bronwen , Williamson Nicholas A. , Gleeson Paul A.
Published: December 2018

The maintenance of the Golgi ribbon relies on a dynamic balance between the actin and microtubule networks; however, the pathways controlling actin networks remain poorly defined. Previously, we showed that the trans-Golgi network (TGN) membrane tether/golgin, GCC88, modulates the Golgi ribbon architecture. Here, we show that dispersal of the Golgi ribbon by GCC88 is dependent on actin and the involvement of nonmuscle myosin IIA. We have identified the long isoform of intersectin-1 (ITSN-1), a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Cdc42, as a novel Golgi component and an interaction partner of GCC88 responsible for mediating the actin-dependent dispersal of the Golgi ribbon. We show that perturbation of Golgi morphology by changes in membrane flux, mediated by silencing the retromer subunit Vps26, or in a model of neurodegeneration, induced by Tau overexpression, are also dependent on the ITSN-1-GCC88 interaction. Overall, our study reveals a role for a TGN golgin and ITSN-1 in linking to the actin cytoskeleton and regulating the balance between a compact Golgi ribbon and a dispersed Golgi, a pathway with relevance to pathophysiological conditions.
Actomyosin contractility modulates Wnt signaling through adherens junction stability
Authors: Hall Eric T. , Hoesing Elizabeth , Sinkovics Endre , Verheyen Esther M.
Published: December 2018

Actomyosin contractility can influence the canonical Wnt signaling pathway in processes like mesoderm differentiation and tissue stiffness during tumorigenesis. We identified that increased nonmuscle myosin II activation and cellular contraction inhibited Wnt target gene transcription in developing Drosophila imaginal disks. Genetic interactions studies were used to show that this effect was due to myosin-induced accumulation of cortical F-actin resulting in clustering and accumulation of E-cadherin to the adherens junctions. This results in E-cadherin titrating any available β-catenin, the Wnt pathway transcriptional coactivator, to the adherens junctions in order to maintain cell–cell adhesion under contraction. We show that decreased levels of cytoplasmic β-catenin result in insufficient nuclear translocation for full Wnt target gene transcription. Previous studies have identified some of these interactions, but we present a thorough analysis using the wing disk epithelium to show the consequences of modulating myosin phosphatase. Our work elucidates a mechanism in which the dynamic promotion of actomyosin contractility refines patterning of Wnt transcription during development and maintenance of epithelial tissue in organisms.
Level Spacings and Nodal Sets at Infinity for Radial Perturbations of the Harmonic Oscillator
Authors: Beck Thomas , Hanin Boris
Published: December 2018

We study properties of the nodal sets of high-frequency eigenfunctions and quasimodes for radial perturbations of the harmonic oscillator. In particular, we consider nodal sets on spheres of large radius (in the classically forbidden region) for quasimodes with energies lying in intervals around a fixed energy $E$. For well-chosen intervals we show that these nodal sets exhibit quantitatively different behavior compared to those of the unperturbed harmonic oscillator. These energy intervals are defined via a careful analysis of the eigenvalue spacings for the perturbed operator, based on analytic perturbation theory and linearization formulas for Laguerre polynomials.
Prevalence and Incidence of Zika Virus Infection Among Household Contacts of Patients With Zika Virus Disease, Puerto Rico, 2016–2017
Authors: Rosenberg Eli S , Doyle Kate , Munoz-Jordan Jorge L , Klein Liore , Adams Laura , Lozier Matthew , Weiss Kevin , Sharp Tyler M , Paz-Bailey Gabriela
Published: December 2018

Background

Little is known about the prevalence or incidence of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in settings affected by the 2015–2016 Zika pandemic and associated risk factors. We assessed these factors among household contacts of patients with ZIKV disease enrolled in a cohort study in Puerto Rico during 2016–2017.

Methods

Household contacts of index case patients completed a questionnaire and gave specimens for real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunoglobulin M enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay testing to detect ZIKV infection. We measured the prevalence of ZIKV infection among contacts and associated individual and household factors, examined sexual transmission using a sexual-networks approach, and assessed incident infection among initially uninfected household contacts 2–4 months later.

Results

Of 366 contacts, 34.4% had evidence of ZIKV infection at enrollment, including 11.2% by RT-PCR. Having open doors and windows that were either screened (prevalence ratio [PR], 2.1 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.2–3.6]) or unscreened (PR, 2.5 [95% CI, 1.5–4.1]) was associated with increased prevalence. Sexual partners were more likely to both be RT-PCR positive relative to other relationships (odds ratio, 2.2 [95% CI, 1.1–4.5]). At follow-up, 6.1% of contacts had evidence of incident infection.

Conclusions

This study identified sexual contact as a risk factor for ZIKV infection. Persons living with ZIKV-infected individuals should be a focus of public health efforts.
Wine for the Table: Self-Construal, Group Size, and Choice for Self and Others
Authors: Wu Eugenia C , Moore Sarah G , Fitzsimons Gavan J
Published: December 2018

This research examines how consumers make unilateral decisions on behalf of the self and multiple others, in situations where the chosen option will be shared and consumed jointly by the group—for instance, choosing wine for the table. Results across six studies using three different choice contexts (wine, books, and movies) demonstrate that such choices are shaped by the decision-maker’s self-construal (independent vs. interdependent) and by the size of the group being chosen for (large vs. small). Specifically, we find that interdependent consumers consistently make choices that balance self and others’ preferences, regardless of group size. In contrast, the choices of independent consumers differ depending on group size: for smaller groups, independents make choices that balance self and others’ preferences, while for larger groups, they make choices that more strongly reflect their own preferences. Via mediation and moderation, the data show that differential attention to others underlies the combined effect of self-construal and group size on the joint consumption choices that consumers make for the self and others.
Revenue Management without Commitment: Dynamic Pricing and Periodic Flash Sales
Authors: Dilmé Francesc , Li Fei
Published: December 2018

A seller has a fixed number of goods to sell by a deadline. At each time, he posts a regular price and decides whether to hold a flash sale. Over time, buyers privately enter the market and strategically time their purchases. If a buyer does not purchase when she arrives, she can pay an attention cost to recheck the regular price afterwards, or she can wait for future flash sales where she may obtain a good at a discounted price. In the unique Markov perfect equilibrium, the seller sporadically holds flash sales to lower the stock of goods. A flash sale increases the willingness to pay of future buyers, but decreases the willingness to pay of buyers who arrive early in the game. When it is very likely that a buyer will obtain a good in a flash sale, the seller holds a “big” initial flash sale for all but one unit of the good.
Femoral Neck Fractures in Young Patients: State of the Art
Authors: Chan Daniel S.
Published: December 2018

Femoral neck fractures in young patients are uncommon but are often associated with surgical challenges and complications. The quality of reduction, more than time to surgery, has the most impact on optimizing outcomes and function. There is no consensus in the best fixation construct for these fractures. Neck shortening and varus collapse are the most common challenges of current fixation options. Use of newer implants is being reported with cautious optimism, and further studies are needed.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level V.
Novel Treatment Options for the Surgical Management of Young Femoral Neck Fractures
Authors: Levack Ashley E. , Gausden Elizabeth B. , Dvorzhinskiy Aleksey , Lorich Dean G. , Helfet David L.
Published: December 2018

In physiologically young patients with displaced femoral neck fractures, surgical treatment is aimed at achieving fracture union while preserving native hip anatomy and biomechanics. The intracapsular environment, tenuous vascular supply, and unfavorable hip biomechanics contribute to the high complication rates seen after osteosynthesis of these fractures. Conventional fixation methods for osteosynthesis of femoral neck fractures include multiple cancellous screws, fixed-angle dynamic implants, and fixed-angle length-stable constructs. Despite several biomechanical and clinical studies evaluating various surgical options, the optimal fixation construct to allow healing and prevent nonunion of displaced femoral neck fractures is not known. This article will review the clinical data regarding conventional fixation constructs and describe the technique and rationale behind 2 novel alternative treatment options for these challenging fractures. The surgical technique and clinical examples for constructs involving multiple cannulated screws/Pauwels screw augmented with a fibular strut graft, as well as a novel fixed-angle locking plate with controlled dynamic compression, are presented.
Non-performing loans and monetary policy dynamics in Ghana
Authors: Asiama Rexford Kweku , Amoah Anthony
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The sharp rise in non-performing loans (NPLs) with its associated effect on financial institutions in Ghana has become very alarming. This has led to the collapse of distressed institutions and associated repercussions such as loss of private savings, investments, businesses and livelihoods. The purpose of this paper is to test the hypothesis that the monetary policy rate can be used to influence NPLs in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Using quarterly data spanning from 2000 to 2016, the authors used the autoregressive distributed lag econometric approach to estimate the effect of monetary policy on the percentage growth of NPLs in Ghana. The results are presented for both short-run and long-run periods.

Findings

In the short run, the authors find evidence of no statistically significant effect of monetary policy on the percentage growth of NPLs. However, in the long run, the authors find a statistically significant effect of monetary policy on the percentage growth of NPLs.

Practical implications

The authors recommend that policymakers should focus on building a strong financial environment, so that monetary policy can be used to influence the commercial bank’s interest rate. In effect, this will help reduce the growth of NPLs, reduce risk and attract competitors into the financial market, increase asset base, increase credit to support viable ventures and subsequently boost economic growth in Ghana.

Originality/value

The paper shows its value by using quarterly data whereas most literature have considered annual data. Also, the paper includes a policy variable measured by the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) as the key variable of interest which is normally not the case with most studies.