bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Faktor Risiko Lingkungan dengan Kejadian ISPA pada Balita Di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Ingin Jaya Kabupaten Aceh Besar
Authors: Sofia Sofia
Published: March 2018

Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is still one public health problem that is important to note, because it is an acute illness and can even cause death in infants in developing countries, including Indonesia. In general, there are three the risk factors of ARI namely environmental factors, individual factors of children, and behavioral factors. The aim of research to find out the environmental risk factors with the incidence of  ARI  in Toddlers in Public Health Center of Ingin Jaya, Aceh Besar district. This type of research is an analytic survey with cross-sectional study approach. The sample size is calculated using the formula Lemeshow of 100 respondents, samples were taken randomly. Data analysis using Chi-Square test. The results showed that the level of humidity in the home (p= 0,039), smoking habits of family members in the home (p= 0,001), and the habit of using mosquito coils in the home (p= 0,003) as a risk factor for ISPA to children in Region Public Health Center of Ingin Jaya, Aceh Besar district. Conclusion, risk factor of ARI in the toddler that is a smoking habit, usage habit of mosquito coil and air humidity. Suggestions, the public in order to maintain air quality in the home environment to avoid various transmission of infectious diseases.Keywords: Air humidity, habits, environment, ARIPenyakit Infeksi Saluran Pernafasan Akut (ISPA) masih menjadi salah satu masalah kesehatan masyarakat yang penting untuk diperhatikan, karena merupakan penyakit akut dan bahkan dapat menyebabkan kematian pada balita di berbagai negara berkembang termasuk  Indonesia. Secara umum ada 3 (tiga) faktor risiko terjadinya ISPA yaitu faktor lingkungan, faktor individu anak, serta faktor perilaku. Tujuan penelitian untuk mengetahui faktor risiko lingkungan dengan kejadian ISPA pada Balita di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Ingin Jaya Kabupaten Aceh Besar. Jenis penelitian adalah survey analitik dengan pendekatan Crossectional study. Besarnya sampel dihitung dengan menggunakan rumus lameshow yaitu 100 responden, sampel diambil secara acak sederhana. Analisa data dengan menggunakan uji Chi-Square. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tingkat kelembaban udara dalam rumah (p=0,039), kebiasaan merokok anggota keluarga dalam rumah (p=0,001), dan kebiasaan menggunakan obat nyamuk bakar di dalam rumah (p=0,003) sebagai faktor risiko kejadian ISPA pada Balita di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Ingin Jaya Kabupaten Aceh Besar. Kesimpulan, faktor risiko ISPA pada balita yaitu kebiasaan merokok, kebiasaan penggunaan obat nyamuk bakar dan kelembaban udara. Saran, masyarakat agar dapat menjaga kualitas udara dilingkungan rumah agar terhindar dari berbagai penularan penyakit infeksi. Kata kunci: Kelembaban udara, kebiasaan, lingkungan, ISPA
Efektifitas Mengunyah Buah Apel dan Buah Bengkoang Terhadap Penurunan Indeks Plak Pada Murid Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Nurasiki Cut Aja , Amiruddin Amiruddin
Published: March 2018

Karies merupakan suatu penyakit yang disebabkan interaksi antara bakteri debris dan plak, diet serta gii. Pencegahan karies disertai dengan peningkatan kesehatan gigi telah menjadi tujuan utama dalam dunia keperawatan gigi sejak diketahui debris dan plak gigi merukakan faktor yang mendominasi penyebab karies gigi. Berdasarkan hasil yang diperiksa pada 10 anak 7 diatranya berkatagori plak buruk, dan 3 sedang. Tujuan penelitian ideks plak pada murid SD Negeri 1 Tanjung Kecamatan Lhoknga Aceh Besar Tahun 2016. Jenis Penelitian eksperimen semu dgn rancangan pre-test and post-test group design. Rancangan Penelitian ini dengan menggunakan dua kelompok subyek kelompok I mengkonsumsi buah apel dan kelompk II mengkonsumsi buah bengkoang yang berjumlah 160 orang.Hasil penelitian 160 orang murid SD Negeri 1 Tanjung sebelum mengunyah apel 1,59 dan sesudah menurun 0,74. Sedangkan sebelum menunyah bengkoang 1,71 dan sesudah 1,06. Terdapat perbedaan signifikan antara sebelum dan sesudah mengunyah apel p=0,000. Kesimpulannya mengunyah buah apel mempunyai efek yang lebih baik dibandingkan mengunyah bengkuang terhadap penurunan indek plak pada murid SD
Efektifitas Mengkomsumsi Wortel (Daucus-Carota) Aceh dan Wortel Medan Terhadap Perubahan Debris Indeks Pada Anak Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Wilis Ratna
Published: March 2018

Makanan berserat dan berair adalah makanan yang mengandung banyak serat dan juga air seperti pada buah–buahan dan sayur–sayuran, yang bersifat self cleansing (pembersihan) yang membutuhkan proses pengunyahan secara berulang–ulang seperti yang terdapat pada wortel.. Rata-rata kerusakan gigi penduduk sebayak 5 buah gigi/orang. Kondisi tersebut mencerminkan minimnya derajat kesehatan gigi dan mulut. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada tanggal 2 s/d 29 Agustus 2016 di Sekolah Dasar Negeri 26 Kota Banda Aceh. Populasi dan sampel keseluruhan subyek  yaitu seluruh anak usia 6 – 12 tahun sebanyak 194 anak, dari kelas 1sampai kelas 6 SD. Desain penelitian adalah eksperimen semu/quasi experimental yaitu memberikan perlakuan terhadap kelompok sampel. Adapun rancangan penelitian yang digunakan adalah sebelum dan sesudah perlakuan (pre and post test). Rancangan penelitian dengan menggunakan dua kelompok subyek yaitu kelompok sampel I mengkomsumsi wortel   Aceh dan  kelompok sampel ke II mengkomsumsi wortel Medan . Hasil penelitian menunjukkan terjadinya penurunan Debris indeks sebelum mengomsumsi wortel Aceh rerata debris indek  1,7,esesudah mengkonsumsi wortel Aceh menjadi 0,6 sedangkan untuk wortrel Medan sebelum mengkomsumsi 1,8 sedangkan sesudah mengkonsumsi terjadi penurunan yaitu 0,7. Ada perbedaan Debris Indeks sebelum dan sesudah mengkonsumsi Wortel Aceh dan Wortel Medan (p< 0,005) Disarankan pada pihak sekolah ,UKGS yang ada ataupun yang akan diprogramkan sekolah agar dapat memanfaatkan wortel untuk dikonsumsi sebagai salah satu upaya preventive dalam menurunkan prevalensi karies gigi.Kata kunci: Debris indeks, konsumsi, wortel
Hygiene Sanitasi Penjamah Makanan Terhadap Kandungan Escherichia Coli Diperalatan Makan Pada Warung Makan
Authors: Syahrizal Syahrizal
Published: March 2018

Hygiene dan sanitasi makanan merupakan hal penting mengingat bahwa makanan yang disajikan kepada konsumen harus terjaga dan terjamin kualitasnya demi keamanan pangan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hygiene sanitasi penjamah makanan terhadap kandungan E.coli pada peralatan makan di warung makan desa Batoh Kecamatan Lueng Bata Banda Aceh. Jenis penelitian bersifat deskriftif yaitu untuk mengetahui hygiene sanitasi penjamah makanan terhadap kandungan E.coli pada peralatan makan di 4 warung makan desa Batoh Kecamatan Lueng Bata Banda Aceh. Populasi dan sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah 4 penjamah makanan dari 4 warung makan di desa Batoh Kecamatan Lueng Bata Banda Aceh. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa personal hygiene penjamah warung makan Batoh termasuk kategori baik, terlihat dari hasil wawancara (100%) dan pengamatan (75%). Sanitasi tempat pengolahan makanan (75%) memenuhi syarat, dan sanitasi peralatan makanan (50%) memenuhi syarat, hasil pemeriksaan bakteri Escherichia coli didapatkan positif pada dua warung makan. Personal hygiene dan sanitasi tempat pengolahan makanan sudah memenuhi syarat, sedangkan sanitasi peralatan makan belum memenuhi syarat, dan adanya kandungan bakteri E.coli pada dua warung makan.Kata kunci:  Escherichia coli, penjamah makanan, peralatan makan
Kondisi Industri Tahu Berdasarkan Hygiene dan Sanitasi Di Kota Banda Aceh
Authors: Fajriansyah Fajriansyah
Published: March 2018

Hygiene dan sanitasi tidak dapat dipisahkan satu dengan yang lain karena erat kaitannya. Misalnya hygiene sudah baik karena mau mencuci tangan, tetapi sanitasinya tidak mendukung karena tidak cukup tersedia air bersih, maka mencuci tangan tidak sempurna. Industri tahu merupakan industri kecil yang pada umumnya dikelola dalam bentuk industri rumah tangga, sehingga perkembangannya selalu dihadapkan dengan permasalahan yang menyangkut bahan baku yaitu kedelai, ketersediaan, dan kualitas faktor produksi, tingkat keuntungan, pemasaran serta permodalan. Jenis penelitian ini adalah observasional Yaitu observasi yang melibatkan peneliti atau observer secara langsung dalam kegiatan pengamatan di lapangan. Jadi, peneliti bertindak sebagai observer, artinya peneliti merupakan bagian dari kelompok yang ditelitinya. Hasil Hygiene dan sanitasi industri tahu  di tinjau dari sarana penggunaan pemilihan bahan makanan usaha industri tahu, apabila telah memenuhi semua syarat. Hasil penelitian menunjukan, hygiene dan sanitasi industri tahu telah memenuhi semua syarat. Diharapkan pihak industri tahu meyediakan sarana prasarana yang mendukung untuk mendapat kualitas makanan yang baik.Kata Kunci: Bahan makanan, hygiene dan sanitasi, industri tahu
ANALISIS KEPATUHAN IMPLEMENTASI UU RI NOMOR 6 TAHUN 2014 TENTANG DESA PASAL 71 - 75 SERTA PERATURAN TURUNANNYA DI DESA SIMPANG EMPAT
Authors: Lusiono Eko Febri , Suharman Suharman
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this research is to analyze compliance of the village government implementing UU RI nomor 6 tahun 2014 about the village, especially on paragraph 71-75 and the derivatives regulation governing about village financial management cycle. The research method used is descriptive qualitative method. To obtain the data, writers used data collection techniques include gradual interview and documentation techniques. Based on data obtained from various sources concluded that there are three indicators to measure the level of compliance of the village administration in the village financial management cycle. Three indicators are visible from the village knowledge about the UU RI nomor 6 tahun 2014 and derivatives regulation on the financial management of the village, the village financial management cycle, and adherence to the village financial management principles. Guidance and supervision by the central and local governments is indispensable for the village government in managing the finances of the village. Implementation of the law is a form of village government compliance towards good governance.
IMPLEMENTASI DATA KEUANGAN DENGAN ZAHIR ACCOUNTING PADA PT. ANUGERAH ANALISIS SEMPURNA
Authors: Rachmawati Susan , Nurjanah Nurjanah
Published: March 2018

With the number of data transactions that occur, if data collection is done manually much time wasted for financial data processing. Because many stages to be done to be able to produce financial statements. The resulting data is not necessarily accurate and appropriate. Accounting applications have been created to facilitate in making decisions on the business run. The use of computer accounting applications is very efficient and effective for a businessman or a trader in running his business. Processing financial data that only live input transaction data alone, can produce the desired report for decision making. By using Zahir Accounting the ease given is indeed designed as simple as possible so that users can easily understand the features provided. In the processing of data that has been inputted directly form the journal and also the financial statements. So it is very effective and efficient if using computer accounting application Zahir Accounting 5.1 version either beginners or professional.
EVALUASI PRESTASI BELAJAR MAHASISWA TERHADAP PERILAKU BELAJAR DAN MOTIVASI BELAJAR MAHASISWA DI PERGURUAN TINGGI KOTA PADANG PROVINSI SUMATERA BARAT
Authors: Yulianti Prima , Fitri Mellyna Eka Yan
Published: March 2018

The college students as an input in university have different attitudes and different assessments on teaching-learning process from one to another. This is due to differences in personal experience, family background, and culture. This is reflected in the students learning and motivation behavior. Population of the study are active student and sample was taken from several public universities and several private universities in Padang, West Sumatera. The sample was taken about 358 students. This study aims to determine the effect of learning behavior and learning motivation on student achievement, establish the factors of learning behavior and learning motivation that must be considered in order to increase student achievement. The Results of this study found that learning behavior and learning motivation influence student achievement at the significance level 5%. The other analysis obtained three factors for learning behavior (the process factors in learning, encouragement in learning and skills in Learning) and the three factors for motivation learning (diligence in learning, focus on interest in learning and learning inhibitors of motivation. This study also design a strategy to improve the achievement of student.
CANDI SUKUH SEBAGAI TEMPAT KEGIATAN KAUM RSI
Authors: Purwanto Heri
Published: March 2018

A lot of studies about temple Sukuh has been conducted before, but not to the extent in which it existed as the place for kaum Rsi. Sukuh Temple is a holy place located at the slope of Lawu Mountain, away from the cities. This definitely is an absolute requirement for a holy place for kaum Rsi. Many old heritages at Candi Sukuh complex support the argument that this temple was built by the Rsis or hermits. Based on that explanation, the research questions of this study are about what factors that indicate Sukuh Temple as the place for the Rsi, and in what kind of Karsyan. The methodology used in this study was conducted in two steps; that is data collection and analysis. The data collection was including observation and literature review. The data analysis was using qualitative analysis with symbol theory. The result of this study showed that based from the old heritages it was indicated that the Karsyan of Mandala Kedewaguruan. The life of the Rsi at Sukuh Temple was related to foods and drinks. They utilized the surrounding area for farming. The harvests are eggplants, coconuts, paddies, and vegetables. In addition, in religious context, the Rsi also did some teaching and learning activities. Kajian tentang Candi Sukuh cukup banyak dilakukan, namun hingga saat ini belum menyentuh pada eksistensinya sebagai tempat kegiatan kaum Rsi. Candi Sukuh merupakan bangunan suci yang terletak di lereng Gunung Lawu jauh dari keramaian. Hal ini sudah pasti memenuhi syarat mutlak bagi bangunan suci untuk kaum Rsi. Berbagai peninggalan masa lalu di kompleks Candi Sukuh menguatkan dugaan bahwa candi ini dibangun oleh para Rsi atau pertapa. Berdasarkan penjelasan tersebut, maka permasalahan dalam penelitian ini adalah unsur-unsur apa saja yang mengindikasikan bahwa Candi Sukuh sebagai tempat para Rsi dan termasuk karsyan berbentuk apa. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini melalui dua tahap yaitu metode pengumpulan dan analisis data. Pengumpulan data meliputi observasi dan kajian pustaka. Analisis yang digunakan ialah kualitatif dengan menggunakan teori simbol. Hasil dari penelitian ini bahwa dari berbagai macam benda-benda peninggalan masa lalu di objek penelitian menunjukkan karsyan berbentuk mandala kedewaguruan. Kehidupan kaum Rsi di Candi Sukuh berkenaan dengan makanan dan minuman. Mereka senantiasa memanfaatkan lahan lingkungan sekitar sebagai tempat bercocok tanam. Hasil panennya berupa terong, kelapa, padi, dan sayuran-sayuran. Selain, aktivitas dalam bidang keagamaan, kaum Rsi juga melakukan kegiataan belajar-mengajar.
Desert Dust Cloud Interactions and Natural Iron Enrichment Mechanism
Authors: SAYDAM A.cemal
Published: March 2018

Iron enrichment hypothesis have been tested on many
occasions by adding dissolved iron into the seawater. Though Mediterranean Sea
never depleted with iron it is one of the most oligotrophic water that exists
on earth. It’s shown that oceanic surface chlorophyll levels do in fact
regulated by the wet desert dust deposition, independent of the nutritional
load of the receiving body. The in cloud alteration of desert dust matrix and
its biological content is in fact responsible from the reaction mechanisms
initiated via the oxalate released by the prokaryotes. Solar light further
enhances the formation of dissolved iron via decarboxylation reaction. Thus
this paper explains the pathways of natural iron fertilization mechanisms that
can be regulated by seeding the clouds with appropriate desert dust hence
offers a means to control the chlorophyll concentration hence control on the
negative feedback mechanisms on climate.
3d Object Reconstruction from a Single Image
Authors: Arslan Ozan
Published: March 2018

This paper describes the
photogrammetric techniques and approaches developed for 3D object
reconstruction based on a single image. It is possible to get metric
information from a single view when the stereo-based photogrammetric technique
is not available. In this scope some advanced multidisciplinary techniques
which allow an automatic capture of meaningful elements for perspective models
from a single image are discussed
Bingöl İli Adaklı İlçesi Elma Üreticilerinin Tarımsal İlaç Kullanımında Bilgi Tutum ve Davranışlarının Değerlendirilmesi ve Ekonomik Analizi
Authors: Çelik Ali , Karakaya Ersin
Published: March 2018

Bu
araştırma, Bingöl ili Adaklı ilçesinde elma üretiminde tarımsal ilaç kullanımında
üreticilerin çevresel duyarlılıklarının belirlenmesi ve ilaç kullanımının
ekonomik analizinin yapılması amacıyla hazırlanmıştır. Araştırmada kullanılan
veriler 40 adet elma üreticisinden 2015 yılı üretim döneminde anket yöntemi ile
toplanmıştır. Verilerin analizinde frekans, ortalama ve yüzde gibi tanımlayıcı
istatistiklerden yararlanılmıştır. Ayrıca nominal ölçekli değişkenlerden oluşan
önemli görülen bazı verilerin birbiriyle ilişkisi olup olmadığını öğrenmek için
Ki-Kare bağımsızlık testi yapılmıştır. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre; yetiştiricilerin tamamı (%100)
tarım ilaçlarını zirai ilaç bayilerinden temin ettiklerini ifade etmişlerdir.
Yetiştiricilerin %50.9’u tarım ilacı seçiminde etki derecesine dikkat ederken,
tarım ilacı seçiminde %30.4 oranında tarım il ve ilçe müdürlükleri teknik
elemanlarının etkili olduğu sonucu saptanmıştır. Üreticilerin %50’si kullanılan
tarım ilaçlarını ahır veya barınakta, %35’i özel bir dolapta ve %15’i ise evin
herhangi bir yerinde depo ettiklerini, üreticilerin %50’si boşalan ilaç
kutularını bir yerde depolayıp daha sonra yakarak imha ettiklerini belirtirken,
%30’u genel çöp kutusuna attıklarını ve %20’si ise bahçenin bir kenarına
attıklarını ifade etmişlerdir. Toplam ilaçlama masrafları arazi büyüklüğü ≤ 4
dekar olan işletmelerde 100.50 TL, 5-8 dekar olan işletmelerde 155.75 TL ve ≥ 8
dekar olan işletmelerde ise 205.85 TL olarak saptanmıştır. Sonuç olarak;
üreticilerin örgütlenmeleri sağlanmalı, devlet destekleri konusunda yeni
politikalar belirlenerek üreticilerin sorunlarının çözülmesi hedeflenmelidir.
Connecting the Dots: The Foundation of American Empire
Authors: Harvey Douglas S.
Published: March 2018

Contrary to popular political pundit monkey chatter, the current political economy of the United States is not the result of the Bush Republicans, the Obama/Clinton Democrats, or even the Liberal/Conservative schism stemming from the New Deal era. The creation of the early American republic left numerous issues unresolved and set in motion machinery that has manifested itself in government by Wall Street bankers and war profiteers, a foreign policy dominated by militarism, and an economy hooked on war. By employing a potent combination of a close reading of the sources, good writing, and intellectual honesty, author William Hogeland connects the dots on the origins of corporate American hegemony.
Dombi Aggregation Operators of Neutrosophic Cubic Sets for Multiple Attribute Decision-Making
Authors: Shi Lilian , Ye Jun
Published: March 2018

The neutrosophic cubic set can describe complex decision-making problems with its single-valued neutrosophic numbers and interval neutrosophic numbers simultaneously. The Dombi operations have the advantage of good flexibility with the operational parameter. In order to solve decision-making problems with flexible operational parameter under neutrosophic cubic environments, the paper extends the Dombi operations to neutrosophic cubic sets and proposes a neutrosophic cubic Dombi weighted arithmetic average (NCDWAA) operator and a neutrosophic cubic Dombi weighted geometric average (NCDWGA) operator. Then, we propose a multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) method based on the NCDWAA and NCDWGA operators. Finally, we provide two illustrative examples of MADM to demonstrate the application and effectiveness of the established method.
Stable Isotopic Characteristics and Influencing Factors in Precipitation in the Monsoon Marginal Region of Northern China
Authors: Zhao Peipei , Tan Liangcheng , Zhang Pu , Wang Shengjie , Cui Buli , Li Dong , Xue Gang , Cheng Xing
Published: March 2018

Based on stable hydrogen and oxygen isotope data (δ18O, δD) and meteorological observation data for complete hydrological annual precipitation from 2016 to 2017 in the monsoon marginal region of northern China (Fengxiang and Ningwu), the isotopic characteristics of precipitation and the sources of water vapor in these two regions combined were studied. The results showed that δ18O and δD values in the wet season (June through September) were higher than in the dry season (October to May of the following year) in Fengxiang and Ningwu. The intercept and slope of the meteoric water line in the two regions were somewhat low, revealing that the water vapor in the rainfall comes mainly from the tropical ocean. On a synoptic scale, significantly positive correlations among dry season precipitation, δ18O, and temperature manifested temperature effects, but in the wet season, the temperature effect was not significant. On a monthly scale, a relationship did not exist between the change in trend of the average value of monthly weighted δ18O in precipitation and the average temperature change value in the two regions. However, in the wet season, significantly negative relationships can be found between the average monthly weighted δ18O in precipitation and rainfall amount, which indicated a remarkable rainout effect. Further investigation revealed that continuous precipitation made the values of δ18O and δD more negative under the same source of water vapor (the rainout effect). Because the annual rainfall in the monsoon marginal region of Northern China is mainly made up of monsoon rainfall, the oxygen isotope index of geological and biological records, such as stalagmites and tree rings, which inherit meteoric water isotope information, can be used to reconstruct past rainfall changes in northern China.
Experimental Evaluation of Polyester and Epoxy–Polyester Powder Coatings in Aggressive Media
Authors: Stojanović Ivan , Šimunović Vinko , Alar Vesna , Kapor Frankica
Published: March 2018

Protective coatings are the most widely used corrosion protection method for construction materials in different environmental conditions. They isolate metals from aggressive media, making the structure more durable. Today, alongside good anti-corrosive properties, coatings need to be safe for the environment and harmless to those who apply them. The high volatile organic compound (VOC) content in conventional solvent-borne coatings presents a huge ecological problem. A solution for indispensable solvent emission reduction is the application of powder coatings. This study evaluates the corrosion performance and surface morphology of polyester and epoxy–polyester powder coatings. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), open circuit potential (OCP) measurement, salt spray chamber and humidity chamber testing followed by adhesion testing were used to investigate the protective properties of powder coatings. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) was used to analyse the surface morphology and chemical composition, whereas the microstructure and coating uniformity were determined by optical microscope examination. The research revealed a negative influence of coating surface texture on coating thickness and consequently a lack of barrier and adhesion properties. The epoxy–polyester powder coating showed a better performance than the polyester coating. All tested coatings showed uniform structure.
A Data Set of Portuguese Traditional Recipes Based on Published Cookery Books
Authors: Dias Alexandra , Dias Luís
Published: March 2018

This paper presents a data set resulting from the abstraction of books of traditional recipes for Portuguese cuisine. Only starters, main courses, side dishes, and soups were considered. Desserts, cakes, sweets, puddings, and pastries were not included. Recipes were characterized by the province and ingredients regardless of quantities or preparation. An exploratory characterization of recipes and ingredients is presented. Results show that Portuguese traditional recipes organize differently among the eleven provinces considered, setting up the basis for more detailed analyses of the 1382 recipes and 421 ingredients inventoried.
Development of Magnetostrictive Transducer Prototype for Blockage Detection on Molten Salt Pipes
Authors: Andrés-Mayor Héctor , Prieto Miguel , Villegas Pedro , Nuño Fernado , Martín-Ramos Juan , Pernía Alberto
Published: March 2018

In solar thermal power plants molten salt is often used to store and transport the energy that is collected during the day. The external pipe temperature is measured to activate an electric heating system if the temperature approaches the melting point. However, salt solidification cannot be completely excluded from the plant management. Once occurred, the location of a salt blockage is very complex due to the high temperature of the pipe. Therefore, when this problem arises, power plants have to stop production with the consequences in time and cost that this entails. Electro-magnetic acoustic transducers can be used as non-destructive testing systems for this application. A method for salt blockage detection is proposed that is applicable in straight sections of pipes by employing torsional guided waves that are generated with magnetostrictive transducers. The present paper deals with the transducer conception and the design of the power supply to activate it. Two alternatives are proposed and compared to determine the improvement in the amplitude/noise ratio. Finally, the experimental results show the performance of the equipment in a small prototype, thus validating the technique presented.
Computational Intelligence Approaches for Energy Load Forecasting in Smart Energy Management Grids: State of the Art, Future Challenges, and Research Directions
Authors: Fallah Seyedeh , Deo Ravinesh , Shojafar Mohammad , Conti Mauro , Shamshirband Shahaboddin
Published: March 2018

Energy management systems are designed to monitor, optimize, and control the smart grid energy market. Demand-side management, considered as an essential part of the energy management system, can enable utility market operators to make better management decisions for energy trading between consumers and the operator. In this system, a priori knowledge about the energy load pattern can help reshape the load and cut the energy demand curve, thus allowing a better management and distribution of the energy in smart grid energy systems. Designing a computationally intelligent load forecasting (ILF) system is often a primary goal of energy demand management. This study explores the state of the art of computationally intelligent (i.e., machine learning) methods that are applied in load forecasting in terms of their classification and evaluation for sustainable operation of the overall energy management system. More than 50 research papers related to the subject identified in existing literature are classified into two categories: namely the single and the hybrid computational intelligence (CI)-based load forecasting technique. The advantages and disadvantages of each individual techniques also discussed to encapsulate them into the perspective into the energy management research. The identified methods have been further investigated by a qualitative analysis based on the accuracy of the prediction, which confirms the dominance of hybrid forecasting methods, which are often applied as metaheurstic algorithms considering the different optimization techniques over single model approaches. Based on extensive surveys, the review paper predicts a continuous future expansion of such literature on different CI approaches and their optimizations with both heuristic and metaheuristic methods used for energy load forecasting and their potential utilization in real-time smart energy management grids to address future challenges in energy demand management.
Predicting Potential Fire Severity Using Vegetation, Topography and Surface Moisture Availability in a Eurasian Boreal Forest Landscape
Authors: Fang Lei , Yang Jian , White Megan , Liu Zhihua
Published: March 2018

Severity of wildfires is a critical component of the fire regime and plays an important role in determining forest ecosystem response to fire disturbance. Predicting spatial distribution of potential fire severity can be valuable in guiding fire and fuel management planning. Spatial controls on fire severity patterns have attracted growing interest, but few studies have attempted to predict potential fire severity in fire-prone Eurasian boreal forests. Furthermore, the influences of fire weather variation on spatial heterogeneity of fire severity remain poorly understood at fine scales. We assessed the relative importance and influence of pre-fire vegetation, topography, and surface moisture availability (SMA) on fire severity in 21 lightning-ignited fires occurring in two different fire years (3 fires in 2000, 18 fires in 2010) of the Great Xing’an Mountains with an ensemble modeling approach of boosted regression tree (BRT). SMA was derived from 8-day moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) evapotranspiration products. We predicted the potential distribution of fire severity in two fire years and evaluated the prediction accuracies. BRT modeling revealed that vegetation, topography, and SMA explained more than 70% of variations in fire severity (mean 83.0% for 2000, mean 73.8% for 2010). Our analysis showed that evergreen coniferous forests were more likely to experience higher severity fires than the dominant deciduous larch forests of this region, and deciduous broadleaf forests and shrublands usually burned at a significantly lower fire severity. High-severity fires tended to occur in gentle and well-drained slopes at high altitudes, especially those with north-facing aspects. SMA exhibited notable and consistent negative association with severity. Predicted fire severity from our model exhibited strong agreement with the observed fire severity (mean r2 = 0.795 for 2000, 0.618 for 2010). Our results verified that spatial variation of fire severity within a burned patch is predictable at the landscape scale, and the prediction of potential fire severity could be improved by incorporating remotely sensed biophysical variables related to weather conditions.
Karyotype Variability and Inter-Population Genomic Differences in Freshwater Ostracods (Crustacea) Showing Geographical Parthenogenesis
Authors: Symonová Radka , Vrbová Iva , Lamatsch Dunja , Paar Jürgen , Matzke-Karasz Renate , Schmit Olivier , Martens Koen , Müller Stefan
Published: March 2018

Transitions from sexual to asexual reproduction are often associated with polyploidy and increased chromosomal plasticity in asexuals. We investigated chromosomes in the freshwater ostracod species Eucypris virens (Jurine, 1820), where sexual, asexual and mixed populations can be found. Our initial karyotyping of multiple populations from Europe and North Africa, both sexual and asexual, revealed a striking variability in chromosome numbers. This would suggest that chromosomal changes are likely to be accelerated in asexuals because the constraints of meiosis are removed. Hence, we employed comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) within and among sexual and asexual populations to get insights into E. virens genome arrangements. CGH disclosed substantial genomic imbalances among the populations analyzed, and three patterns of genome arrangement between these populations: 1. Only putative ribosomal DNA (rDNA)-bearing regions were conserved in the two populations compared indicating a high sequence divergence between these populations. This pattern is comparable with our findings at the interspecies level of comparison; 2. Chromosomal regions were shared by both populations to a varying extent with a distinct copy number variation in pericentromeric and presumable rDNA-bearing regions. This indicates a different rate of evolution in repetitive sequences; 3. A mosaic pattern of distribution of genomic material that can be explained as non-reciprocal genetic introgression and evidence of a hybrid origin of these individuals. We show an overall increased chromosomal dynamics in E. virens that is complementary with available phylogenetic and population genetic data reporting highly differentiated diploid sexual and asexual lineages with a wide variety of genetic backgrounds.
Squeezed Interstitial Water and Soil Properties in Pleistocene Blue Clays under Different Natural Environments
Authors: Fidelibus Maria , Argentiero Ilenia , Canora Filomena , Pellicani Roberta , Spilotro Giuseppe , Vacca Gaetano
Published: March 2018

Studies dating almost a century relate clay properties with the structure of the diffuse double layer (DDL), where the charged surfaces of clay crystal behave like an electric capacitor, whose dielectric is the interstitial fluid. The intensity of the inner electric field relates to the concentration and type of ions in the DDL. Other important implications of the model are less stressed: this part of the clay soil system, energetically speaking, is conservative. External contribution of energy, work of overburden or sun driven capillarity and long exposure to border low salinity waters can modify the concentration of pore-waters, thus affecting the DDL geometry, with electric field and energy storage variations. The study of clay soils coming from various natural geomorphological and hydrogeological contexts, determining a different salinity of interacting groundwater, shows how the clay interaction with freely circulating waters at the boundaries produces alterations in the native pore water salinity, and, at the nano-scale, variations of electric field and stored energy from external work. The swelling and the shrinkage of clay soil with their volumetric and geotechnical implications should be regarded as variations of the electrostatic and mechanical energy of the system. The study is based on tests on natural clay soil samples coming from a formation of stiff blue clays, widespread in southern Italy. Geotechnical identification and oedometer tests have been performed, and pore waters squeezed out from the specimens have been analyzed. Tested samples have similar grain size, clay fraction and plasticity; sorted according to the classified geomorphological/hydrogeological contexts, they highlight good correlations among dry density, mechanical work performed in selected stages of the oedometric test, swelling and non-swelling behaviour, and electrical conductivity of the squeezed pore waters. The work performed for swelling and non-swelling samples shows well-defined differences; this endorse the relevance of pore-water salinity in determining the volumetric state of clay soils under overburden and specific hydrogeological border conditions, which together define a specific energetic state.
Springtime Flood Risk Reduction in Rural Arctic: A Comparative Study of Interior Alaska, United States and Central Yakutia, Russia
Authors: Kontar Yekaterina , Eichelberger John , Gavrilyeva Tuyara , Filippova Viktoria , Savvinova Antonina , Tananaev Nikita , Trainor Sarah
Published: March 2018

Every spring, riverine communities throughout the Arctic face flood risk. As the river ice begins to thaw and break up, ice jams—accumulation of chunks and sheets of ice in the river channel, force melt water and ice floes to back up for dozens of kilometers and flood vulnerable communities upstream. Via a comparative analysis between two flood-prone communities in Alaska and Yakutia (Siberia), this study examines key components of flood risk—hazards, exposure, and vulnerability, and existing practices in flood risk reduction in rural Arctic. The research sites are two rural communities—Galena (Yukon River) and Edeytsy (Lena River), which sustained major ice-jam floods in May 2013. The data was acquired through a combination of direct observations on site, review of documents and archives, focus group discussions, and surveys. Five focus groups with US and Russian representatives from disaster management agencies revealed a few similar patterns as well as significant differences in flood risk reduction strategies. The main differences included higher reliance on mechanical and short-term ice jam and flood mitigation efforts (e.g., ice-jam demolition) in the Russian Arctic, and lack of a centralized flood management model in the US. Surveys conducted among population at risk during the site visits to Edeytsy (November 2015) and Galena (March 2016) revealed higher satisfaction levels with the existing flood risk reduction efforts among Edeytsy residents. Survey respondents in Galena indicated the lack of ice jam removal and other flood prevention measures as the key drawback in the existing flood management. Historical analysis, conducted via the disaster Pressure and Release (PAR) model, revealed that springtime flood risk in both regions results from complex interactions among a series of natural processes that generate conditions of hazard, and human actions that generate conditions of communities’ exposure and vulnerability. The analysis revealed colonial heritage, top-down governance, and limited inclusion of local communities in the decision-making as the driving forces of vulnerability in both regions. Seasonal weather patterns and regional river channel morphology determine the location, severity, and duration of floods. The analysis also revealed the importance of continuous communication between all stakeholders in timely and effective flood risk management in both regions.
The NLS-Based Nonlinear Grey Multivariate Model for Forecasting Pollutant Emissions in China
Authors: Pei Ling-Ling , Li Qin , Wang Zheng-Xin
Published: March 2018

The relationship between pollutant discharge and economic growth has been a major research focus in environmental economics. To accurately estimate the nonlinear change law of China’s pollutant discharge with economic growth, this study establishes a transformed nonlinear grey multivariable (TNGM (1, N)) model based on the nonlinear least square (NLS) method. The Gauss–Seidel iterative algorithm was used to solve the parameters of the TNGM (1, N) model based on the NLS basic principle. This algorithm improves the precision of the model by continuous iteration and constantly approximating the optimal regression coefficient of the nonlinear model. In our empirical analysis, the traditional grey multivariate model GM (1, N) and the NLS-based TNGM (1, N) models were respectively adopted to forecast and analyze the relationship among wastewater discharge per capita (WDPC), and per capita emissions of SO2 and dust, alongside GDP per capita in China during the period 1996–2015. Results indicated that the NLS algorithm is able to effectively help the grey multivariable model identify the nonlinear relationship between pollutant discharge and economic growth. The results show that the NLS-based TNGM (1, N) model presents greater precision when forecasting WDPC, SO2 emissions and dust emissions per capita, compared to the traditional GM (1, N) model; WDPC indicates a growing tendency aligned with the growth of GDP, while the per capita emissions of SO2 and dust reduce accordingly.
Individual and Neighborhood Stressors, Air Pollution and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Hazlehurst Marnie , Nurius Paula , Hajat Anjum
Published: March 2018

Psychosocial and environmental stress exposures across the life course have been shown to be relevant in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Assessing more than one stressor from different domains (e.g., individual and neighborhood) and across the life course moves us towards a more integrated picture of how stress affects health and well-being. Furthermore, these individual and neighborhood psychosocial stressors act on biologic pathways, including immune function and inflammatory response, which are also impacted by ubiquitous environmental exposures such as air pollution. The objective of this study is to evaluate the interaction between psychosocial stressors, at both the individual and neighborhood level, and air pollution on CVD. This study used data from the 2009–2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) from Washington State. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) measured at the individual level, and neighborhood deprivation index (NDI) measured at the zip code level, were the psychosocial stressors of interest. Exposures to three air pollutants—particulate matter (both PM2.5 and PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2)—were also calculated at the zip code level. Outcome measures included several self-reported CVD-related health conditions. Both multiplicative and additive interaction quantified using the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), were evaluated. This study included 32,151 participants in 502 unique zip codes. Multiplicative and positive additive interactions were observed between ACEs and PM10 for diabetes, in models adjusted for NDI. The prevalence of diabetes was 1.58 (95% CI: 1.40, 1.79) times higher among those with both high ACEs and high PM10 compared to those with low ACEs and low PM10 (p-value = 0.04 for interaction on the multiplicative scale). Interaction was also observed between neighborhood-level stressors (NDI) and air pollution (NO2) for the stroke and diabetes outcomes on both multiplicative and additive scales. Modest interaction was observed between NDI and air pollution, supporting prior literature on the importance of neighborhood-level stressors in cardiovascular health and reinforcing the importance of NDI on air pollution health effects. ACEs may exert health effects through selection into disadvantaged neighborhoods and more work is needed to understand the accumulation of risk in multiple domains across the life course.
An Optimization Study on Listening Experiments to Improve the Comparability of Annoyance Ratings of Noise Samples from Different Experimental Sample Sets
Authors: Di Guoqing , Lu Kuanguang , Shi Xiaofan
Published: March 2018

Annoyance ratings obtained from listening experiments are widely used in studies on health effect of environmental noise. In listening experiments, participants usually give the annoyance rating of each noise sample according to its relative annoyance degree among all samples in the experimental sample set if there are no reference sound samples, which leads to poor comparability between experimental results obtained from different experimental sample sets. To solve this problem, this study proposed to add several pink noise samples with certain loudness levels into experimental sample sets as reference sound samples. On this basis, the standard curve between logarithmic mean annoyance and loudness level of pink noise was used to calibrate the experimental results and the calibration procedures were described in detail. Furthermore, as a case study, six different types of noise sample sets were selected to conduct listening experiments using this method to examine the applicability of it. Results showed that the differences in the annoyance ratings of each identical noise sample from different experimental sample sets were markedly decreased after calibration. The determination coefficient (R2) of linear fitting functions between psychoacoustic annoyance (PA) and mean annoyance (MA) of noise samples from different experimental sample sets increased obviously after calibration. The case study indicated that the method above is applicable to calibrating annoyance ratings obtained from different types of noise sample sets. After calibration, the comparability of annoyance ratings of noise samples from different experimental sample sets can be distinctly improved.
Evolution and Stress Responses of Gossypium hirsutum SWEET Genes
Authors: Li Wei , Ren Zhongying , Wang Zhenyu , Sun Kuan , Pei Xiaoyu , Liu Yangai , He Kunlun , Zhang Fei , Song Chengxiang , Zhou Xiaojian , Zhang Wensheng , Ma Xiongfeng , Yang Daigang
Published: March 2018

The SWEET (sugars will eventually be exported transporters) proteins are sugar efflux transporters containing the MtN3_saliva domain, which affects plant development as well as responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. These proteins have not been functionally characterized in the tetraploid cotton, Gossypium hirsutum, which is a widely cultivated cotton species. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the cotton SWEET gene family. A total of 55 putative G. hirsutum SWEET genes were identified. The GhSWEET genes were classified into four clades based on a phylogenetic analysis and on the examination of gene structural features. Moreover, chromosomal localization and an analysis of homologous genes in Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium raimondii, and G. hirsutum suggested that a whole-genome duplication, several tandem duplications, and a polyploidy event contributed to the expansion of the cotton SWEET gene family, especially in Clade III and IV. Analyses of cis-acting regulatory elements in the promoter regions, expression profiles, and artificial selection revealed that the GhSWEET genes were likely involved in cotton developmental processes and responses to diverse stresses. These findings may clarify the evolution of G. hirsutum SWEET gene family and may provide a foundation for future functional studies of SWEET proteins regarding cotton development and responses to abiotic stresses.
From the Psychiatrist’s Couch to Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Bipolar Disease in a Dish
Authors: Hoffmann Anke , Sportelli Vincenza , Ziller Michael , Spengler Dietmar
Published: March 2018

Bipolar disease (BD) is one of the major public health burdens worldwide and more people are affected every year. Comprehensive genetic studies have associated thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with BD risk; yet, very little is known about their functional roles. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are powerful tools for investigating the relationship between genotype and phenotype in disease-relevant tissues and cell types. Neural cells generated from BD-specific iPSCs are thought to capture associated genetic risk factors, known and unknown, and to allow the analysis of their effects on cellular and molecular phenotypes. Interestingly, an increasing number of studies on BD-derived iPSCs report distinct alterations in neural patterning, postmitotic calcium signaling, and neuronal excitability. Importantly, these alterations are partly normalized by lithium, a first line treatment in BD. In light of these exciting findings, we discuss current challenges to the field of iPSC-based disease modelling and future steps to be taken in order to fully exploit the potential of this approach for the investigation of BD and the development of new therapies.