bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGEMBANGAN PENGUKURAN KOMPETENSI KEPRIBADIAN BERBANTUAN KOMPUTER UNTUK MAHASISWA BIMBINGAN DAN KONSELING
Authors: Lupyanto Limpid Sestu , Dwikurnaningsih Yari
Published: March 2017

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah pengembangan aplikasi komputer untuk mengukur
kompetensi kepribadian mahasiswa BK dalam rangka menjadi figur dari seorang guru BK yang memiliki kompetensi kepribadian yang disyaratkan. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian Research and Development (R&D). Teknik pengumpulan data awal tentang kompetensi kepribadian mahasiswa BK menggunakan skala kompetensi kepribadian disusun berdasarkan rumusan Standar Kualifikasi Akademik dan Kompetensi Konselor (SKAKK) yang tertuangkan dalam Peraturan Menteri Pendidikan Nasional (Permendiknas) No.27 Tahun 2008. Skala pengukuran terdiri 51 item pernyataan yang mencakup 4 aspek dan 17 indikator. Sedangkan teknik yang digunakan untuk memperoleh data validasi model menggunakan focuss group discussion (FGD). Teknik analisis data awal menggunakan deskriptif kuantitatif dan data hasil FGD menggunakan teknik analisis data deskriptif kualitatif. Komponen desain yang dihasilkan terdiri dari kata pengantar, rasional, tujuan, manfaat, program aplikasi skala pengukuran kompetensi kepribadian berbantuan komputer. Desain telah divalidasi oleh ahli BK dan hasilnya item-item yang disusun belum sepenuhnya mengacu pada indikator, karena itu item-item telah diperbaiki oleh peneliti. Desain juga telah divalidasi oleh ahli teknologi informasi dan dinilai sudah baik. Subjek penelitian untuk uji coba terbatas kepada tiga mahasiswa BK FKIP UKSW dan tiga dosen BK FKIP UKSW dan hasil dari uji coba desain membahas tentang struktur kalimat pada setiap item, penggunaan aplikasi memakai Microsoft Excel agar data lebih aman dan proses penginputan hasil pengerjaan yang lebih cepat. Setelah melakukan serangkaian pengujian terhadap seluruh sistem pada desain ini maka dapat dinyatakan bahwa desain ini sudah memenuhi kelayakan untuk dapat digunakan untuk mengukur kompetensi kepribadian mahasiswa BK.
PERBANDINGAN HASIL BELAJAR SISWA DALAM PEMBELAJARAN PKn DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN JIGSAW DAN GROUP INVESTIGATION DI KELAS VIII SMP NEGERI I BERGAS KABUPATEN SEMARANG
Authors: Mediatati Nani
Published: March 2017

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui ada tidaknya perbedaan yang signifikan hasil belajar siswa dalam pembelajaran PKn dengan menggunakan model pembelajaran jigsaw dan group investigation di kelas VIII SMP Negeri I Bergas semester genap tahun ajaran 2013/2014. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian eksperimen dengan desain eksperimen non equivalent control group design. Desain ini hampir sama dengan pretestpostest control group design, hanya pada desain ini kelompok eksperimen dan kelompok kontrol tidak dipilih secara random. Populasi dari penelitian ini adalah seluruh siswa kelas VIII SMP Negeri I Bergas, sedangkan sampel penelitian diambil kelas VIIIB sebagai kelas
eksperimen yang dilakukan pembelajaran menggunakan model jigsaw dan kelas VIIID sebagai kelas kontrol yang dilakukan pembelajaran menggunakan model group investigation.Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan tes dengan instrument soal pretes dan postes yang telah diuji validitas dan reliabilitasnya untuk mengukur hasil belajar siswa. Teknik analisis data menggunakan uji beda rerata dengan uji independent samplet-test menggunakan bantuan SPSS 16.00 for Windows yang didahului dengan uji normalitas dan uji homogenitas dari sampel. Hasil uji normalitas dan homogenitas menunjukkan bahwa kedua kelas berasal dari populasi yang berdistribusi normal dan mempunyai variansi yang homogen dengan nilai signifikansi lebih dari 5%. Hasil uji independent sample t-test dari pretes menunjukkan bahwa tidak ada perbedaan hasil belajar awal dari siswa kedua kelas dengan nilai signifikansi 0,849>0,05. Nilai rata-rata kelas eksperimen: 62,42 dan kelas kontrol: 62,79. Sedangkan dari postes menunjukkan adanya perbedaan hasil belajar akhir siswa kedua kelas dengan nilai signifikansi 0,003<0,05. Nilai rata-rata kelas eksperimen: 81,97 dan kelas kontrol : 76,36. Hasil penelitian ini dapat disimpulkan bahwa ada perbedaan yang signifikan hasil belajar siswa dalam pembelajaran PKn dengan menggunakan model jigsaw dan group investigation di kelas VIII SMP Negeri I Bergas. Hasil belajar siswa dari kelas yang dilakukan pembelajaran menggunakan model jigsaw lebih tinggi dari pada hasil belajar siswa dari kelas yang dilakukan pembelajaran menggunakan model group investigation.
HUBUNGAN PERSEPSI SISWA TERHADAP PROFESIONALITAS GURU EKONOMI DAN KEBERADAAN FASILITAS BELAJAR DENGAN MOTIVASI BELAJAR DI SMA KARTIKA III-1 BANYUBIRU KABUPATEN SEMARANG
Authors: Setyowati Ana , Ismanto Bambang
Published: March 2017

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis hubungan persepsi siswa terhadap profesionalitas guru ekonomi dan keberadaan fasilitas belajar dengan motivasi belajar di SMA Kartika III-1 Banyubiru Kabupaten Semarang Jawa Tengah. Pengumpulan data penelitian ini dengan kuesioner. Penarikan sampel menggunakan teknik proportioned random sampling. Analisis data menggunakan alat analisis korelasi ganda dengan alat bantu SPSS versi 21. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan hasil perhitungan koefisien korelasi ganda sebesar 0,789 pada katagori tinggi. sehingga terdapat hubungan positif dan signifikan antara persepsi siswa terhadap profesionalitas guru ekonomi (X1) dan keberadaan fasilitas belajar (X2) di SMA Kartika III-1 Banyubiru. Hubungan persepsi siswa dengan profesionalitas Guru Ekonomi (X1) menunjukkan koefisien korelasi positif 0,765. Fasilitas belajar (X2) menunjukkan koefisien korelasi positif sebesar: 0,745. Penelitian ini diharapkan agar menjadi bahan pertimbangan bagi guru ekonomi untuk mampu membangun persepsi siswa dengan cara membangun profesionalitas guru, serta bagi kepala sekolah untuk memperhatikan keberadaan fasilitas belajar yang menunjang kegiatan dan motivasi belajar siswa.
PENINGKATAN KETERAMPILAN MENULIS NASKAH DRAMA SATU BABAK MENGGUNAKAN MODEL THINK-PAIR-SHARE BERBANTUAN ALAT PERAGA GAMBAR BERSERI
Authors: Suhartini Suhartini
Published: March 2017

 Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk meningkatkan keterampilan menulis naskah drama satu babak menggunakan model pembelajaran Think Pare Share. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian tindakan kelas yang diterapkan pada siswa kelas VIIIA SMPN1 Tanjungsari pada materi menulis naskah drama satu babak menggunakan alat peraga gambar berseri. Penelitian tindakan kelas (PTK) dalam penelitian ini dilaksanakan dalam dua siklus, yaitu proses tindakan pada siklus I dan siklus II. Penelitian tindakan kelas (PTK) dilaksanakan dalam proses pengkajian berdaur pada setiap siklusnya yakni perencanaan, pelksanaan tindakan, observasi, dan refleksi Berdasarkan analisis data diperoleh hasil ulangan harian meningkat. Peningkatan hasil tersebut sangat signifikan, 28 siswa memperoleh nilai di atas KKM dan rerata kelas menjadi 80,55 dan persentase ketuntasan sebesar 96,5%. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan ada peningkatan keterampilan dalam menulis naskah drama satu babak. Hal ini ditunjukkan pada hasil tes, yakni  28 orang (100%) memperoleh nilai di atas KKM, dengan nilai rata-rata 83,4. Simpulan penelitian adalah model pembelajaran Think Pair Share menggunakan alat peraga gambar berseri dapat meningkatkan keterampilan menulis naskah drama satu babak. Berdasarkan simpulan penelitian, maka dalam pembelajaran menulis naskah drama satu babak sebaiknya dapat menerapkan model pembelajaran Think Pair Share berbantuan alat peraga gambar berseri.
MANAJEMEN PEMBELAJARAN DIRECT INSTRUCTION DALAM PRAKTIKUM IPA SEBAGAI KUNCI KEBERHASILAN GURU IPA DI LABORATORIUM
Authors: Saputro Budiyono
Published: March 2017

Berdasarkan kenyataan di lapangan guru Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam (IPA) tidak terlepas dari pembelajaran praktikum. Pembelajaran Praktikum IPA memerlukan perencanaan, pelaksanaan dan evaluasi. Aspek perencanaan pembelajaran praktikum memerlukan waktu yang lebih dalam membuat Lembar Kerja Siswa (LKS), mempersiapkan alat dan bahan praktikum, dan alat evaluasi yang meliputi tiga ranah pendidikan yaitu: kognitif, afektif dan psikomotorik. Pembelajaran praktikum IPA lebih sesuai disampaikan dengan pembelajaran direct instruction. Perencanaan dan pelaksanaan pembelajaran direct instruction dalam praktikum IPA meliputi lima phase: phase pertama adalah guru menetapkan tujuan praktikum IPA, phase kedua guru mempersiapkan peragaan pengetahuan dan keterampilan sebelum praktikum dilaksanakan, phase ketiga guru mempersiapkan latihan terbimbing, phase keempat guru mempersiapkan umpan balik pembelajaran praktikum sesuai materi yang dilaksanakan, phase kelima guru mempersiapkan latihan lanjut dan transfer belajar. Evaluasi pembelajaran direct instruction dalam pembelajaran praktikum IPA dengan melaksanakan pre tes, pengamatan, pos tes dan penilaian hasil laporan praktikum. Dengan demikian kunci sukses guru IPA di laboratorium adalah guru melaksanakan manajemen pembelajaran praktikum IPA dengan benar.
PENDIDIKAN ‘BACK TO NATURE’: PEMIKIRAN JEAN JACQUES ROUSSEAU TENTANG PENDIDIKAN
Authors: Darmawan I Putu Ayub
Published: March 2017

Perkembangan pendidikan diwarnai dengan lahirnya berbagai pandangan yang melandasi pelaksanaan pendidikan. Salah satu tokoh yang mewarnai perkembangan pendidikan adalah Jean Jacques Rousseau. Karyanya yang terkenal adalah Social Contrack dan buku emile. Dalam bukunya, emile, Rousseau menuangkan pemikirannya tentang pendidikan yang kembali kepada alam dalam buku tersebut. Pandangan Rousseau tentang pendidikan diuraikan berdasarkan kelompok umur dan menekankan pada pendidikan yang kembali kepada alam.
KEEFEKTIFAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN VALUE CLARIFICATION TECHNIQUE DALAM MENGEMBANGKAN SIKAP SISWA
Authors: Tyas Sara Puspitaning , Mawardi Mawardi
Published: March 2017

Tulisan ini memaparkan tentang keefektifan model pembelajaran Value Clarification Technique (VCT) pada mata pelajaran PKn dalam menumbuhkan sikap siswa kelas 4 SD. Subjek penelitian melibatkan siswa kelas tinggi SD Gendongan 01 Salatiga. Siswa 4A sebagai kelompok kontrol dan 4B sebagai kelompok eksperimen. Variabel dalam penelitian ini mencakup variabel tindakan pembelajaran dengan menggunakan model VCT pada kelas eksperimen dan pembelajaran konvensional pada kelas kontrol sebagai variabel bebas, sikap siswa sebagai variabel terikat, dan sikap awal siswa sebagai variabel kovariat. Pengumpulan data menggunakan instrumen skala sikap model Likert dan lembar observasi. Teknik analisis data menggunakan teknik deskriptif dan teknik statistik ANCOVA. Berdasarkan uji ANCOVA terhadap treatment pada kelompok kontrol dan kelompok eksperimen diperoleh hasil nilai F sebesar 9.884, pada taraf probabilitas 0,004; oleh karena nilai probabilitas tersebut < 0,05, maka H ditolak dan H diterima. Artinya bahwa penerapan model pembelajaran VCT memberikan dampak yang lebih tinggi secara signifikan dalam mengembangkan sikap terhadap globalisasi dibandingkan pembelajaran konvensional pada mata pelajaran PKn kelas tinggi. Perbedaan yang signifikan tersebut didukung oleh perbedaan rerata dua sampel penelitian, dimana rerata skor tingkat sikap siswa pada penerapan model pembelajaran VCT sebesar 86,28, sedangkan pada pembelajaran konvensional sebesar 71,39. Maknanya adalah bahwa perlakuan pembelajaran dengan model VCT memberikan dampak pengembangan sikap yang lebih tinggi secara signifikan daripada model pembelajaran konvensional.

 

 
PERLINDUNGAN HAK-HAK PEREMPUAN PASCA PERCERAIAN (STUDI TERHADAP PUTUSAN PENGADILAN AGAMA PALOPO)
Authors: Marwing Anita
Published: March 2017

This article aims to determine the women rights in Islam, in post-divorces and in knowing the analysis of judges’ decision in Palopo Religious Court regarding the women rights after divorcing. The findings showed that the judge's decision regarding the rights of women were concluded as follows; 1) the contested or talak divorce cases by verdict judgment did not cover the wives rights in which judges presumption should not decide the case on the outside of the charge materials (ultra-petition). So that, the judge did not have the courage to assign or guarantee legally the women rights after divorcing such as Mut'a, child custody, property rights if not being the charge materials. 2) The contested divorce cases did not cover any lawsuit regarding the wives rights. Although the judge had the ex officio rights in determining the wives rights whether requested or not, the judges of Palopo Religious Court were just in case of the cause of divorce where the husband and wife were not willing to be divorced. So, the judges utilized their ex officio rights to punish the husbands for providing Mut'a according to their ability and feasibility. 3) In reconvenes decision, it was clearly mentioned the wives rights in the judges’ decision in which they are Iddah living, Mut'ah, past living, and the child costs. At the living Iddah costs, it was decided by Palopo Religious Courts Palopo that it is not in the same nominal amount. It is also similar with the Mut'ah and children costs.
PERS ISLAM DI ERA KONVERGENSI MEDIA
Authors: Arnus Sri Hadijah
Published: March 2017

Pers function, beside as an information between the public and the government, also could be a transfer of social control and social values and culture in society too. The press can also be a media propaganda that conveys the teachings of Islam and Islamic values to people of Indonesian that dominant of in Muslim. But, in the era of media convergence at this time, press Islam in Indonesia is not able to develop properly. It is caused by a lack of capital from the manager of the press Islam, the lack of professional personal are educated to understand the combination of business activities, editorial, printing techniques and a variety of advanced devices and the lack of interest in reading among Muslims especially the themes of Islam. Thus resulting in less interesting views of Islam with media content that impressed "heavy" to read. Indutrialisasi of mass media today demanded the Islamic press is not the only idealism, but also develop media businesses to finance the smooth operation of the press, in addition to the need for professionalism of workers in managing the Islamic press media. Release Islam also needs to understand the market taste and class audience of readers who want a rational religious offerings, which can be digested by common sense and is relevant to the level of their lives. In addition to media contents, press Islam also should pay attention to their physical appearance that appeal to readers. With so releases Islam can survive amid tough competition in the era of media convergence
Atterberg Limits Prediction Comparing SVM with ANFIS Model
Authors: Sherzoy Mohammad Murtaza
Published: March 2017

Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy inference Systems (ANFIS) both analytical methods are used to predict the values of Atterberg limits, such as the liquid limit, plastic limit and plasticity index. The main objective of this study is to make a comparison between both forecasts (SVM & ANFIS) methods. All data of 54 soil samples are used and taken from the area of Peninsular Malaysian and tested for different parameters containing liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index and grain size distribution and were. The input parameter used in for this case are the fraction of grain size distribution which are the percentage of silt, clay and sand. The actual and predicted values of Atterberg limit which obtained from the SVM and ANFIS models are compared by using the correlation coefficient R2 and root mean squared error (RMSE) value.  The outcome of the study show that the ANFIS model shows higher accuracy than SVM model for the liquid limit (R2 = 0.987), plastic limit (R2 = 0.949) and plastic index (R2 = 0966). RMSE value that obtained for both methods have shown that the ANFIS model has represent the best performance than SVM model to predict the Atterberg Limits as a whole.
Analyzing The Statistics Function For Determination Of Oil Flow Rate Equation in New Productive Zone
Authors: Herawati Ira , Rita Novia , Novrianti Novrianti , Taufand Rosalia M
Published: March 2017

Oil rate will be decline at production time in a well. So, we have to produce in another layer who assume have a potential. Before we produce another layer who assumed have a potential, we need to predict oil rate to known how much oil gain. In this field research oil rate prediction in new productive zone was determine following by analogical data and near well references. In this method there is a difference determine of oil rate for each people. Cause of that, in this research using analysis statistical for oil rate predicting in new productive zone based on linear function for Productivity Index (PI) and polynomial function for watercut. Determining equation of linear and polynomial functions for oil rate prediction measuring by production and logging data for each well who assumed productive zone in area X field RMT. Based of statistically analysis for linear function known that coefficient determination (r2) = 0.9964 and polynomial function known that coefficient determination (r2) = 0.9993. This result indicated that we can use both of the functions for oil rate prediction in new productive zone in area X field RMT. After that, based on both of functions calculate oil rate prediction each wells in area X field RMT. So, known differences in oil rate prediction between oil rate data in area X field Y known is 28.13 BOPD or 0.78%.
Yoga Jam: Remixingkīrtanin the Art of Living
Authors: Jacobs Stephen
Published: March 2017

Yoga Jam are a group of musicians from the United Kingdom who are active members of the Art of Living, a transnational Hindu-derived meditation group. Yoga Jam organize events—also referred to as yoga raves and yoga remixes—that combine Hindu devotional songs (bhajans) and chants (mantras) with modern Western popular musical genres, such as soul, rock, and particularly electronic dance music. This hybrid music is often played in a clublike setting, and dancing is interspersed with yoga and meditation. Yoga jams are creative fusions of what at first sight seem to be two incompatible phenomena—modern electronic dance music culture and ancient yogic traditions. However, yoga jams make sense if the Durkheimian distinction between the sacred and the profane is challenged, and if tradition and modernity are not understood as existing in a sort of inverse relationship. This paper argues that yoga raves are authenticated through the somatic experience of the modern popular cultural phenomenon of clubbing combined with therapeutic yoga practices and validated by identifying this experience with a reimagined Vedic tradition.
Transcending the Pitch: Robin van Persie's “Inexpressible” Goal
Authors: Bronson Eric
Published: March 2017

Does it still make sense to talk about transcendence when so much of our lives is routinized, restricted, and under surveillance? Increasingly, secularists and theists are shifting their focus to modern sports arenas. When the Dutch striker Robin van Persie scored his “out of this world” goal against Spain at the 2014 World Cup, soccer fans and pundits alike had a difficult time making sense of it all. But when we look at the construction of the stadium, the lines on the pitch, and even the specific tiki-taka tactics employed by both coaches, we see how secular regulations help lay the foundation for the freeing transcendence of the modern sports fan.
Virtually Sacred: Sacred Space, Ritual, and Narrative in Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and The Talos Principle
Authors: Atkinson Andrew
Published: March 2017

This article explores the use of sacred space in contemporary video games, arguing that there are two dominant moments of unconsciously secular engagement with sacred space that are quite common in gaming, and are present, in particular, in the Assassin's Creed and Far Cry series—one attracting the gamer to the space, the second transgressing the rituals of reverence associated with the space. There is a third, less dominant, perhaps emerging trend in gameplay that recreates sacred space and attitudes according to the semiotics and/or spatial reconfiguration internal to the game. I critique this approach in Monument Valley, Fez, and The Talos Principle.
Metastatic clival chordoma: a case report of multiple extraneural metastases following resection and proton beam radiotherapy in a 5-year old boy
Authors: Rutkowski Martin J. , Birk Harjus S. , Wood Matthew D. , Perry Arie , Nicolaides Theodore , Ames Christopher P. , Gupta Nalin
Published: March 2017

The authors report the case of a 5-year-old boy in whom extraneural metastases developed 5 years after he underwent an occipitocervical fusion and transoral approach to treat a clival chordoma without local recurrence. Following primary resection, the patient's postoperative course was complicated by recurrent meningitis secondary to CSF leak, which responded to antibiotics, and communicating hydrocephalus, for which a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed. The patient then underwent postoperative proton beam radiotherapy. Five years following his initial presentation, surveillance imaging revealed a new asymptomatic lung mass for which the patient underwent thoracotomy and resection of the mass. Histological examination of the lung mass revealed findings consistent with a de-differentiated chordoma, confirming extraneural metastasis from the original tumor without evidence of local recurrence. Chest wall and scalp metastases subsequently developed, and the patient was started on an adjuvant chemotherapy regimen that included imatinib and rapamycin followed by subsequent nivolumab and an EZH2 inhibitor for recurrent, disseminated disease. Despite this patient's remote and distant metastases, primary gross-total resection for chordoma remains a critical treatment objective, followed by proton beam radiotherapy. This case illustrates the importance of interval posttreatment imaging and the emerging potential to treat chordoma with molecularly targeted therapies.
Synthesis of Trans-6-(4-Chlorobenzoyl)-7-(Aryl)-1,3-Dimethyl-6,7-Dihydrofuro[3,2-d]Pyrimidine-2,4-Diones Using Choline Hydroxide as an Efficient Catalyst in an Aqueous Medium
Authors: Salari Maryam , Hassanabadi Alireza , Mosslemin Mohammad H.
Published: March 2017

A green and efficient synthesis of the trans-6-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-7-(aryl)-1,3-dimethyl-6,7-dihydrofuro[3,2-d]pyrimidine-2,4-diones has been achieved via a three-component, one-pot condensation of 2-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-oxoethyl)]isoquinolinium bromide with 1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid and an aromatic aldehyde in the presence of catalytic amounts of choline hydroxide in water under reflux conditions. This gives trans-6-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-7-(aryl)-1,3-dimethyl-6,7-dihydrofuro[3,2-d]pyrimidine-2,4-diones in excellent yield and in short reaction times.
A Sign Function Approach to Solve Algebraically Interval System of Linear Equations for Nonnegative Solutions
Authors: Chakraverty Snehashish , Hladík Milan , Mahato Nisha Rani
Published: March 2017

This paper deals with solving interval system of linear equations. The problem is to find a nonnegative algebraic solution. Based on sign function approach and using interval center and radius arithmetic operations, we propose an algorithm for computation of an algebraic interval solution vector. We also discuss fundamental properties of this solution vector, such as existence and uniqueness. Further, the nonnegative solution algorithm has been extended to other sign-restricted approach. Numerical examples of interval system of linear equations show efficiency of the algorithms presented.
A Predictor-corrector Infeasible-interior-point Algorithm for Semidefinite Optimization in a Wide Neighborhood
Authors: Kheirfam Behrouz
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we propose a predictor-corrector infeasible interior-point algorithm for semidefinite optimization based on the Nesterov-Todd scaling scheme. In each iteration, the algorithm computes the new iterate using a new combination of the predictor and corrector directions. Using the Ai-Zhang’s wide neighborhood for linear complementarity problems, and extended to semidefinite optimization by Li and Terlaky, it is shown that the iteration complexity bound of the algorithm is 𝒪(n54logε−1) , where n is the dimension of the problem and ɛ is the required precision.
Jumping Scattered Context Grammars
Authors: Meduna Alexander , Soukup Ondřej
Published: March 2017

Conceptually, jumping scattered context grammars coincide with their standard counterparts, but they work differently. Indeed, a jumping version can apply a rule of the form ( A1, A2, . . . , A n) → ( x1, x2, . . . , x n) so it simultaneously erases A1, A2, . . . , A n in the current sentential form while inserting x1, x2, . . . , x n possibly at different positions than the erased nonterminals. In fact, this paper introduces and studies scattered context grammars working under nine different jumping derivation modes, all of which give rise to the computational completeness. Indeed, the paper characterize the family of recursively enumerable languages by scattered context grammars working under any of these jumping modes. In its conclusion, the paper sketches application perspectives and formulates several open problems.
On Infinite Divisibility of Convolution and Mapping Kernels
Authors: Shin Kilho
Published: March 2017

Determining whether convolution and mapping kernels are always infinitely divisible has been an unsolved problem. The mapping kernel is an important class of kernels and is a generalization of the well-known convolution kernel. The mapping kernel has a wide range of application. In fact, most of kernels known in the literature for discrete data such as strings, trees and graphs are mapping (convolution) kernels including the q-gram and the all-sub-sequence kernels for strings and the parse-tree and elastic kernels for trees. On the other hand, infinite divisibility is a desirable property of a kernel, which claims that the c-th power of the kernel is positive definite for arbitrary c ∈ (0, ∞). This property is useful in practice, because the c-th power of the kernel may have better power of classification when c is appropriately small. This paper shows that there are infinitely many positive definite mapping kernels that are not infinitely divisible. As a corollary to this discovery, the q-gram, all-sub-sequence, parse-tree or elastic kernel turns out not to be infinitely divisible. Although these are a negative result, we also show a method to approximate the c-th power of a kernel with a positive definite kernel under certain conditions.
Exercise Training and Functional Connectivity Changes in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Healthy Elders
Authors: Chirles Theresa J. , Reiter Katherine , Weiss Lauren R. , Alfini Alfonso J. , Nielson Kristy A. , Smith J. Carson
Published: March 2017

Background: Effective interventions are needed to improve brain function in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), an early stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The posterior cingulate cortex (PCC)/precuneus is a hub of the default mode network (DMN) and is preferentially vulnerable to disruption of functional connectivity in MCI and AD.

Objective: We investigated whether 12 weeks of aerobic exercise could enhance functional connectivity of the PCC/precuneus in MCI and healthy elders.

Methods: Sixteen MCI and 16 healthy elders (age range = 60–88) engaged in a supervised 12-week walking exercise intervention. Functional MRI was acquired at rest; the PCC/precuneus was used as a seed for correlated brain activity maps.

Results: A linear mixed effects model revealed a significant interaction in the right parietal lobe: the MCI group showed increased connectivity while the healthy elders showed decreased connectivity. In addition, both groups showed increased connectivity with the left postcentral gyrus. Comparing pre to post intervention changes within each group, the MCI group showed increased connectivity in 10 regions spanning frontal, parietal, temporal and insular lobes, and the cerebellum. Healthy elders did not demonstrate any significant connectivity changes.

Conclusion: The observed results show increased functional connectivity of the PCC/precuneus in individuals with MCI after 12 weeks of moderate intensity walking exercise training. The protective effects of exercise training on cognition may be realized through the enhancement of neural recruitment mechanisms, which may possibly increase cognitive reserve. Whether these effects of exercise training may delay further cognitive decline in patients diagnosed with MCI remains to be demonstrated.
Diabetic ketoacidosis complicating pregnancy
Authors: Bryant S.N. , Herrera C.L. , Nelson D.B. , Cunningham F.G.
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND: Although diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in pregnancy can result in significant adverse consequences for both mother and fetus, the response to treatment, time course of recovery, and perinatal outcomes have not been well studied in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the precipitating factors, laboratory abnormalities, treatment strategies, and clinical recovery in pregnancies complicated by DKA.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study of pregnancies complicated by DKA between October 1999 and June 2015. The diagnosis was verified by hyperglycemia; anion gap >12 mEq/L, pH <7.3, HCO3 <15 mEq/L; and the presence of ketones. Each episode of DKA was reviewed and subsequent perinatal outcomes analyzed.

RESULTS: During this period, we identified 33 women with 40 admissions (incidence: 0.2%). The majority of women had type 1 diabetes (67%), and almost all presented with nausea and vomiting (97%). Over half had poor compliance with prescribed insulin. The initial mean blood glucose was 380 mg/dL, within 6 hours, it was <200 mg/dL. By 12 hours, the acidosis had resolved in 90% of patients.

CONCLUSION: Nausea and vomiting is a prominent presenting feature of DKA in pregnancy. With aggressive insulin and resuscitation, hyperglycemia and acidosis improve rapidly. With current treatment, good perinatal outcomes can be expected.
Group B streptococcus colonization and HIV in pregnancy: A cohort study in Nigeria
Authors: Biobaku Oluwafunmilola R. , Olaleye Atinuke O. , Adefusi Olorunwa F. , Adeyemi Babalola A. , Onipede Anthony O. , Loto Olabisi M. , Imaralu John O.
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND: Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal infectious morbidity. HIV is prevalent among pregnant women in Nigeria.

AIM: To determine the rates of anogenital GBS colonization in our institution and compare GBS colonization rates between HIV positive and negative pregnant women.

METHODS: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted over 6 months. Patients were separated according to their HIV status: positive and negative. GBS colonization was assessed by vaginal and anal swabs collected at 35–37 weeks of gestation and cultured in Todd-Hewitt broth, followed by a confirmatory test. Socio-demographic characteristics and CD4 count were extracted from patient medical records. Secondary outcomes were identification of risk factors for GBS colonization, antibiotic sensitivity, and any association between CD4 count and GBS colonization. Appropriate statistical analysis was done.

RESULTS: A total of 200 patients attended the clinic; 67 HIV positive and 133 negative. Analyzed samples were 198; the overall prevalence of GBS was 18.2%. No significant difference in GBS colonization was noted between HIV positive (19.4% [ 13 ]) and negative patients (17.6% [ 23/131 ]). Most GBS isolates were susceptible to ampicillin (87%) and penicillin (81%). A high body mass index (BMI) was independently associated with GBS colonization (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.04–1.51). No association was observed between CD4 counts and GBS colonization.

CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of GBS colonization was observed in our institution. Colonization rates were independent of the HIV status but associated with a high BMI in HIV positive women.
Apollo Lab Diagnostics - A Revolutionary System to Improve Healthcare
Authors: Rahman Md Mizanur
Published: March 2017

Abstract not availablePulse Vol.9 January-December 2016 p.6
Soldierly Training in Two Merry Tales from More’s Dialogue of Comfort Against Tribulation
Authors: Avery Joshua
Published: March 2017

The essay below aims to add to an existing point of discussion in the critical literature on A Dialogue of Comfort, namely the soldierly nature of Vincent’s education. In my study, I hope to demonstrate, via close readings of the first two merry tales from Book Two, that these two narratives combine to encourage Vincent to reconsider his understanding of courage. The dialogue pushes Vincent to begin to see courage as a matter of self-governance, as transcendence of fear out of preference to a superior good, rather than a matter of mere self-assertion or fearlessness.
The Reduction of Vertical Interchannel Crosstalk: The Analysis of Localisation Thresholds for Natural Sound Sources
Authors: Wallis Rory , Lee Hyunkook
Published: March 2017

In subjective listening tests, natural sound sources were presented to subjects as vertically-oriented phantom images from two layers of loudspeakers, ‘height’ and ‘main’. Subjects were required to reduce the amplitude of the height layer until the position of the resultant sound source matched that of the same source presented from the main layer only (the localisation threshold). Delays of 0, 1 and 10 ms were applied to the height layer with respect to the main, with vertical stereophonic and quadraphonic conditions being tested. The results of the study showed that the localisation thresholds obtained were not significantly affected by sound source or presentation method. Instead, the only variable whose effect was significant was interchannel time difference (ICTD). For ICTD of 0 ms, the median threshold was −9.5 dB, which was significantly lower than the −7 dB found for both 1 and 10 ms. The results of the study have implications both for the recording of sound sources for three-dimensional (3D) audio reproduction formats and also for the rendering of 3D images.
Two- and Three-Photon Partial Photoionization Cross Sections of Li+, Ne8+ and Ar16+ under XUV Radiation
Authors: Hanks William , Costello John , Nikolopoulos Lampros
Published: March 2017

In this work, we present the photon energy dependence of the two- and three-photon cross sections of the two-electron Li+, Ne8+ and Ar16+ ions, following photoionization from their ground state. The expressions for the cross sections are based on the lowest-order (non-vanishing) perturbation theory for the electric field, while the calculations are made with the use of an ab initio configuration interaction method. The ionization cross section is dominated by pronounced single photon resonances in addition to peaks associated with doubly excited resonances. In the case of two-photon ionization, and in the non-resonant part of the cross section, we find that the 1D ionization channel overwhelms the 1S one. We also observe that, as one moves from the lowest atomic number ion, namely Li+, to the highest atomic number ion, namely Ar16+, the cross sections generally decrease.
Olefin Metathesis with Ru-Based Catalysts Exchanging the Typical N-Heterocyclic Carbenes by a Phosphine–Phosphonium Ylide
Authors: Arnedo Laia , Chauvin Remi , Poater Albert
Published: March 2017

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been used to describe the first turnover of an olefin metathesis reaction calling for a new in silico family of homogenous Ru-based catalysts bearing a phosphine–phosphonium ylide ligand, with ethylene as a substrate. Equal to conventional Ru-based catalysts bearing an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand, the activation of these congeners occurs through a dissociative mechanism, with a more exothermic first phosphine dissociation step. In spite of a stronger electron-donating ability of a phosphonium ylide C-ligand with respect to a diaminocarbene analogue, upper energy barriers were calculated to be on average ca. 5 kcal/mol higher than those of Ru–NHC standards. Overall, the study also highlights advantages of bidentate ligands over classical monodentate NHC and phosphine ligands, with a particular preference for the cis attack of the olefin. The new generation of catalysts is constituted by cationic complexes potentially soluble in water, to be compared with the typical neutral Ru–NHC ones.
Stochastic Residential Harmonic Source Modeling for Grid Impact Studies
Authors: Ye Gu , Nijhuis Michiel , Cuk Vladimir , Cobben J.F.G.
Published: March 2017

With the introduction of more non-linear loads, e.g., compact fluorescent lamps, electric vehicles, photovoltaics, etc., the need to determine the harmonic impact of the residential load is rising, illustrated by the many studies performed on their harmonic impact. Traditionally, these studies are performed for a single new device and single penetration level, neglecting the harmonic interaction between new types of devices, as well as giving little information at which moment in time possible problems may arise. A composite approach to access the impact of harmonic sources on the distribution network is therefore proposed. This method combines a bottom-up stochastic modeling of the residential load with harmonic measurement data and harmonic load-flows all based on a scenario analysis. The method is validated with measurement data and shows a good prediction of the current level of harmonics in a residential neighborhood for the current situation. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method, case studies are performed on the IEEE European Low Voltage Test Feeder. These case studies show a marked difference between applying individual device-based models and a composite modeling approach, demonstrating why the proposed approach is an adequate method for the determination of the impact of new devices on the harmonics.
The Influence of the Ratio of Nitrate to Ammonium Nitrogen on Nitrogen Removal in the Economical Growth of Vegetation in Hybrid Constructed Wetlands
Authors: Abbasi Haq , Vasileva Viliana , Lu Xiwu
Published: March 2017

Growing vegetables economically in the use of constructed wetland for wastewater treatment can play a role in overcoming water and food scarcity. Allium porrum L., Solanum melongena L., Ipomoea aquatica Forsk., and Capsicum annuum L. plants were selected to grow in hybrid constructed wetland (CW) under natural conditions. The impact of the ratio of nitrate to ammonium nitrogen on ammonium and nitrate nitrogen removal and on total nitrogen were studied in wastewater. Constructed wetland planted with Ipomoea aquatica Forsk. and Solanum melongena L. showed higher removal efficiency for ammonium nitrogen under higher ammonium concentration, whereas Allium porrum L.-planted CW showed higher nitrate nitrogen removal when NO3–N concentration was high in wastewater. Capsicum annuum L.-planted CW showed little efficiency for both nitrogen sources compared to other vegetables.
Self-Assembly of Colloidal Nanocomposite Hydrogels Using 1D Cellulose Nanocrystals and 2D Exfoliated Organoclay Layers
Authors: Okamoto Takumi , Patil Avinash , Nissinen Tomi , Mann Stephen
Published: March 2017

Stimuli-responsive colloidal nanocomposite hydrogels are prepared by exploiting non-covalent interactions between anionic cellulose nanocrystals and polycationic delaminated sheets of aminopropyl-functionalized magnesium phyllosilicate clays.
Clinical Prediction of Suicide and Undetermined Death: A Pseudo-Prospective Clinical and Medico-Legal Study of Substance Abusers
Authors: Brådvik Louise , Berglund Mats , Frank Arne , Löwenhielm Peter
Published: March 2017

This study examines aspects of prediction of suicide and death of undetermined intent. We investigated all consecutive, autopsied patients between 1993 and 1997 who had been in contact with the Addiction Centre in Malmö from 1968 onwards. The staff was asked, shortly after autopsy but before they knew of the manner of death, if they thought the patient had committed suicide. The case records were blindly evaluated, and toxicological autopsy findings for alcohol in blood samples investigated. The specificity of prediction was 83% and significantly more often correct than the sensitivity, which was only 45% for suicide and for suicide/death of undetermined intent (93% versus 39%). Suicidal communication was more often considered non-serious before death of undetermined intent than before suicide. The former could be predicted by ideation but not by suicide attempt reported in case records, unlike suicide, which was predicted by both. The undetermined group also showed higher levels of alcohol in the blood at autopsy. We concluded that more serious clinical investigation of suicidal feelings, which may be hidden and not taken seriously, and treatment of alcohol use disorders with active follow-up appear urgent in the efforts to prevent suicide.
Traffic-Related Air Pollution and Childhood Asthma: Recent Advances and Remaining Gaps in the Exposure Assessment Methods
Authors: Khreis Haneen , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark
Published: March 2017

Background: Current levels of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) are associated with the development of childhood asthma, although some inconsistencies and heterogeneity remain. An important part of the uncertainty in studies of TRAP-associated asthma originates from uncertainties in the TRAP exposure assessment and assignment methods. In this work, we aim to systematically review the exposure assessment methods used in the epidemiology of TRAP and childhood asthma, highlight recent advances, remaining research gaps and make suggestions for further research. Methods: We systematically reviewed epidemiological studies published up until 8 September 2016 and available in Embase, Ovid MEDLINE (R), and “Transport database”. We included studies which examined the association between children’s exposure to TRAP metrics and their risk of “asthma” incidence or lifetime prevalence, from birth to the age of 18 years old. Results: We found 42 studies which examined the associations between TRAP and subsequent childhood asthma incidence or lifetime prevalence, published since 1999. Land-use regression modelling was the most commonly used method and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was the most commonly used pollutant in the exposure assessments. Most studies estimated TRAP exposure at the residential address and only a few considered the participants’ mobility. TRAP exposure was mostly assessed at the birth year and only a few studies considered different and/or multiple exposure time windows. We recommend that further work is needed including e.g., the use of new exposure metrics such as the composition of particulate matter, oxidative potential and ultra-fine particles, improved modelling e.g., by combining different exposure assessment models, including mobility of the participants, and systematically investigating different exposure time windows. Conclusions: Although our previous meta-analysis found statistically significant associations for various TRAP exposures and subsequent childhood asthma, further refinement of the exposure assessment may improve the risk estimates, and shed light on critical exposure time windows, putative agents, underlying mechanisms and drivers of heterogeneity.
BDNF Variants May Modulate Long-Term Visual Memory Performance in a Healthy Cohort
Authors: Avgan Nesli , Sutherland Heidi , Spriggens Lauren , Yu Chieh , Ibrahim Omar , Bellis Claire , Haupt Larisa , Shum David , Griffiths Lyn
Published: March 2017

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in numerous cognitive functions including learning and memory. BDNF plays an important role in synaptic plasticity in humans and rats with BDNF shown to be essential for the formation of long-term memories. We previously identified a significant association between the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism (rs6265) and long-term visual memory (p-value = 0.003) in a small cohort (n = 181) comprised of healthy individuals who had been phenotyped for various aspects of memory function. In this study, we have extended the cohort to 597 individuals and examined multiple genetic variants across both the BDNF and BDNF-AS genes for association with visual memory performance as assessed by the Wechsler Memory Scale—Fourth Edition subtests Visual Reproduction I and II (VR I and II). VR I assesses immediate visual memory, whereas VR II assesses long-term visual memory. Genetic association analyses were performed for 34 single nucleotide polymorphisms genotyped on Illumina OmniExpress BeadChip arrays with the immediate and long-term visual memory phenotypes. While none of the BDNF and BDNF-AS variants were shown to be significant for immediate visual memory, we found 10 variants (including the Val66Met polymorphism (p-value = 0.006)) that were nominally associated, and three variants (two variants in BDNF and one variant in the BDNF-AS locus) that were significantly associated with long-term visual memory. Our data therefore suggests a potential role for BDNF, and its anti-sense transcript BDNF-AS, in long-term visual memory performance.
Hybrid Coatings Enriched with Tetraethoxysilane for Corrosion Mitigation of Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel in Chloride Contaminated Simulated Concrete Pore Solutions
Authors: Figueira Rita , Callone Emanuela , Silva Carlos , Pereira Elsa , Dirè Sandra
Published: March 2017

Hybrid sol-gel coatings, named U(X):TEOS, based on ureasilicate matrices (U(X)) enriched with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), were synthesized. The influence of TEOS addition was studied on both the structure of the hybrid sol-gel films as well as on the electrochemical properties. The effect of TEOS on the structure of the hybrid sol-gel films was investigated by solid state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. The dielectric properties of the different materials were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The corrosion behavior of the hybrid coatings on HDGS was studied in chloride-contaminated simulated concrete pore solutions (SCPS) by polarization resistance measurements. The roughness of the HDGS coated with hybrids was also characterized by atomic force microscopy. The structural characterization of the hybrid materials proved the effective reaction between Jeffamine® and 3-isocyanate propyltriethoxysilane (ICPTES) and indicated that the addition of TEOS does not seem to affect the organic structure or to increase the degree of condensation of the hybrid materials. Despite the apparent lack of influence on the hybrids architecture, the polarization resistance measurements confirmed that TEOS addition improves the corrosion resistance of the hybrid coatings (U(X):TEOS) in chloride-contaminated SCPS when compared to samples prepared without any TEOS (U(X)). This behavior could be related to the decrease in roughness of the hybrid coatings (due TEOS addition) and to the different metal coating interaction resulting from the increase of the inorganic component in the hybrid matrix.
In-Situ Studies of Structure Transformation and Al Coordination of KAl(MoO4)2 during Heating by High Temperature Raman and 27Al NMR Spectroscopies
Authors: Wang Min , You Jinglin , Sobol Alexander , Lu Liming , Wang Jian , Xie Yingfang
Published: March 2017

Recent interest in optimizing composition and synthesis conditions of functional crystals, and the further exploration of new possible candidates for tunable solid-state lasers, has led to significant research on compounds in this family MIMIII(MVIO4)2 (MI = alkali metal, MIII = Al, In, Sc, Fe, Bi, lanthanide; MVI = Mo, W). The vibrational modes, structure transformation, and Al coordination of crystalline, glassy, and molten states of KAl(MoO4)2 have been investigated by in-situ high temperature Raman scattering and 27Al magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) spectroscopy, together with first principles density functional simulation of room temperature Raman spectrum. The results showed that, under the present fast quenching conditions, Al is present predominantly in [AlO6] octahedra in both KAl(MoO4)2 glass and melt, with the tetrahedrally coordinated Al being minor at approximately 2.7%. The effect of K+, from ordered arrangement in the crystal to random distribution in the melt, on the local chemical environment of Al, was also revealed. The distribution and quantitative analysis of different Al coordination subspecies are final discussed and found to be dependent on the thermal history of the glass samples.