bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peran Sistem Informasi Dalam Meningkatkan Investasi Asing Pada Sektor Properti Di Indonesia di Era Pasar Bebas
Authors: Agustiawan Yosi
Published: August 2017

Abstrak

Pasar bebas adalah hasil dari proses globalisasi yang telah menciptakan integrasi ekonomi antar negara. Artikel ini mengkaji dampak globalisasi di pasar properti global dan peran sistem informasi untuk meningkatkan investasi asing di Indonesia. Meningkatnya investasi asing langsung (Foreign Direct Investmen/FDI) yang mengalir ke negara berkembang termasuk Indonesia di berbagai sektor termasuk properti telah memberikan banyak manfaat untuk meningkatkan ekonomi. Buruknya peraturan kepemilikan tanah dan infrastruktur adalah masalah utama yang harus diatasi untuk menjaga agar investor asing masih berniat untuk menanamkan modalnya dalam pasar properti global. Sistem informasi dapat digunakan sebagai alat yang efektif untuk mengatasi masalah-masalah tersebut melalui penggunaan e-government dan perencanaan strategis implementasi sistem informasi dalam proyek infrastruktur.

Kata kunci: globalisasi, investasi asing, pasar properti global, e-government, sistem informasi.

Abstract

Cross-border relationships do not only affect many aspects but it also creates economic integration among countries. This essay examines the impact of globalization on the property market and the role of information system to promote foreign direct investment (FDI) in Indonesia. Allowing foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to those developing in various industries including property has clearly provided positive opportunities to improve their economic. Poor land regulations and infrastructure are the main issues that must be overcome to maintain foreign investor still intend to capitalize on the global property market. Information system can be used as effective tool to resolve those issues through e-government and trategic implementation in projects infrastructure.

Key word: globalization, foreign direct investment, global property market, e-government, system information
Segmentasi Citra menggunakan Support Vector Machine (SVM) dan Ellipsoid Region Search Strategy (ERSS) Arimoto Entropy berdasarkan Ciri Warna dan Tekstur
Authors: Hakim Lukman , Mutrofin Siti , Ratnasari Evy Kamilah
Published: August 2017

Abstrak

Segmentasi citra merupakan suatu metode penting dalam pengolahan citra digital yang bertujuan membagi citra menjadi beberapa region yang homogen berdasarkan kriteria kemiripan tertentu. Salah satu syarat utama yang harus dimiliki suatu metode segmentasi citra yaitu menghasilkan citra boundary yang optimal.Untuk memenuhi syarat tersebut suatu metode segmentasi membutuhkan suatu klasifikasi piksel citra yang dapat memisahkan piksel secara linier dan non-linear. Pada penelitian ini, penulis mengusulkan metode segmentasi citra menggunakan SVM dan entropi Arimoto berbasis ERSS sehingga tahan terhadap derau dan mempunyai kompleksitas yang rendah untuk menghasilkan citra boundary yang optimal. Pertama, ekstraksi ciri warna dengan local homogeneity dan ciri tekstur dengan menggunakan Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) yang menghasilkan beberapa fitur. Kedua, pelabelan dengan Arimoto berbasis ERSS yang digunakan sebagai kelas dalam klasifikasi. Ketiga, hasil ekstraksi fitur dan training kemudian diklasifikasi berdasarkan label dengan SVM yang telah di-training. Dari percobaan yang dilakukan menunjukkan hasil segmentasi kurang optimal dengan akurasi 69 %. Reduksi fitur perlu dilakukan untuk menghasilkan citra yang tersegmentasi dengan baik.

Kata kunci: segmentasi citra, support vector machine, ERSS Arimoto Entropy, ekstraksi ciri.

Abstract

Image segmentation is an important tool in image processing that divides an image into homogeneous regions based on certain similarity criteria, which ideally should be meaning-full for a certain purpose. Optimal boundary is one of the main criteria that an image segmentation method should has. A classification method that can partitions pixel linearly or non-linearly is needed by an image segmentation method. We propose a color image segmentation using Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification and ERSS Arimoto entropy thresholding to get optimal boundary of segmented image that noise-free and low complexity. Firstly, the pixel-level color feature and texture feature of the image, which is used as input to SVM model (classifier), are extracted via the local homogeneity and Gray Level Co-Occurrence Matrix (GLCM). Then, determine class of classifier using Arimoto based ERSS thresholding. Finally, the color image is segmented with the trained SVM model (classifier). This image segmentation result less satisfied segmented image with 69 % accuracy. Feature reduction is needed to get an effective image segmentation.

Key word: image segmentation, support vector machine, ERSS Arimoto Entropy, feature extraction.
Permasalahan Implementasi Sistem Informasi Di Perguruan Tinggi Swasta
Authors: Murtadho Mohamad Ali , Wahid Fathul
Published: August 2017

Abstrak Efektivitas implementasi sistem informasi dalam proses manajemen kelembagaan sering terhambat oleh banyak faktor. Sehingga mengakibatkan transformasi business process yang diharapkan dengan sistem informasi berakselerasi dengan cepat justru mengalami kemandekan. Pada penelitian ini mengkaji permasalahan dalam impelementasi sistem informasi di perguruan tinggi swasta. Dari hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat masalah yang sifatnya teknis dan non-teknis. Masalah teknis, diantaranya adalah internet, infrastruktur jaringan, perangkat komputer dan pendukungnya, keamanan sistem, integrasi sistem, ketersediaan sistem, dan pemeliharaan Teknologi Informasi (TI). Sedangkan masalah non-teknis dalam implementasi sistem informasi di perguruan tinggi swasta, yaitu penerimaan dan partisipasi, budaya dan perilaku, sumber daya manusia, perencanaan, manajemen dan tatakelola TI, organisasi, konten sistem informasi, anggaran dan biaya, serta dukungan pimpinan dan karakter kepemimpinan. Kata kunci: sistem informasi, masalah teknis, masalah non-teknis. Abstract The effectiveness of the implementation of information systems in the process of institutional management is often hampered by many factors. Resulting in business process transformation that is expected to accelerate quickly information systems precisely to stagnate. In this research study the problems in the implementation of information systems in private colleges. From the results of this study indicate that there are problems that are both technical and non-technical. Technical problems, which are internet, network infrastructure, computers and supporters, security systems, system integration, system availability, and Information Technology (IT) maintenance. While the non-technical issues in the implementation of information systems in private colleges, namely acceptance and participation, culture and behavior, human resources, planning, management and governance of IT, organizations content of information systems, budget and cost, support leadership and character of leadership. Key word: information systems, technical issues, non-technical issues.
Analisis Aplikasi Integrated Postal Operations System (IPOS) Pada PT. Pos Indonesia (Persero) KPRK Jombang Menggunakan Metode PIECES
Authors: Suyono Ayu Adelina , Indianiati Ulfiatin Nur , Rizki Enes Maulia , Hamidah Siti , Jannah Erliyah Nurul
Published: August 2017

Abstrak

PT. Pos Indonesia (Persero) Kantor Pemeriksa (KPRK) Jombang atau Kantor Pos Jombang merupakan Badan Usaha Milik Negara (BUMN) yang bergerak dalam bidang jasa pengiriman. Dalam proses bisnisnya, Kantor Pos Jombang menggunakan sebuah aplikasi bernama Integrated Postal Operations System (IPOS). Dalam artikel ini, penulis melakukan analisis pada Aplikasi IPOS untuk mengetahui penerapannya pada transaksi pengiriman surat dan barang di Loket Retail Kantor Pos Jombang dan mengetahui aspek PIECES (Performance, Information/Data, Economic, Control/Security, Efficiency, dan Service) dari Aplikasi IPOS. Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan penulis adalah wawancara, observasi, dan studi pustaka. Dari hasil analisis yang telah dilakukan, dapat disimpulkan bahwa Aplikasi IPOS sangat mendukung Kantor Pos Jombang dalam transaksi pengiriman surat dan barang. Aplikasi IPOS dapat mempercepat dan mempermudah proses transaksi pengiriman, serta dapat memberikan informasi yang akurat, tepat waktu, dan relevan.

Kata kunci: Proses Transaksi Pengiriman, Aplikasi IPOS, Metode PIECES.

Abstract

PT. Pos Indonesia (Persero) Kantor Pemeriksa (KPRK) Jombang or Jombang Post Office was the State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) which is engaged in delivery services. In its business processes, Jombang Post Office uses an application called Integrated Postal Operations System (IPOS). In this paper, authors analyzed IPOS to observe the PIECES (Performance, Information/Data, Economic, Control/Security, Efficiency, and Service) aspects of IPOS in the task of mail and goods delivery transaction in Retail Locket of Post Office Jombang. The, data collection methods used by the author are interview, observation, and literature study. From the analysis that has been done, it can be concluded that IPOS strongly supports Jombang Post Office in transaction of mail and goods delivery. IPOS can speed up and simplify the transaction of mail and goods delivery, and it can provide information that is accurate, timely, and relevant.

Key word: Transaction of Mail and Goods Delivery, IPOS, PIECES Methods.
Upaya Peningkatan Pelayanan Administrasi Kependudukan Menggunakan Teknologi Informasi: Rancang Bangun Sistem Informasi di Desa Sumbermulyo Kecamatan Jogoroto Kabupaten Jombang
Authors: Widya Moh. Anshori Aris , Agustiawan Yosi , Fibrian Ivan Dwi , Muttaqin Zainal
Published: August 2017

AbstrakDesa adalah unit terkecil pemerintahan yang secara hukum diakui oleh pemerintah Indonesia. Salah satu tugas pemerintahan desa adalah memberikan pelayanan administrasi kepada penduduknya. Akan tetapi, pelayanan ini masih belum sesuai dengan harapan masyarakat karena aparat desa masih menggunakan cara manual untuk mengolah data. Penelitian ini berupaya untuk mencari solusi untuk meningkatkan pelayanan administrasi di Desa Sumbermulyo, khususnya masalah kependudukan. Dari hasil penelitian, Desa Sumbermulyo membutuhkan sistem informasi untuk mempermudah pengolahan data kependukan. Untuk itu sebuah sistem administrasi kependudukan dibuat dengan menggunakan bahasa pemprograman Microsoft Visual Basic.Net 2008 dan sistem manajemen basis data MySQL untuk pengolahan datanya. Perangkat lunak ini mampu menghasilkan aplikasi berbasis grafis dan berjalan di sistem operasi Windows. Oleh karena itu, sistem informasi diharapkan akan mudah untuk diterapkan dan digunakan oleh aparat desa.Kata kunci : Administrasi Desa, Microsoft Visual Basic.Net 2008, Sistem Informasi. AbstractA Village as the smallest unit of authority which is legally recognized by Indonesian government obligated to serve its citizens. Unfortunately, public administrasion, especially demographic data, in Desa Sumbermulyo is very poor since its officers remain use manual procedure in daily services. This research found that Desa Sumbermulyo requires improving its services through information sytem implementation. Microsoft Visual Basic.Net 2008 and MySQL software can be utilized to create public administration information sistem. These software are be able to produce an application based on graphical user interface (GUI) and run in Windows operating sistem. Therefore, that information sistem will be simple to implement as well as simple to use.Keywords : Microsoft Visual Basic.Net 2008, MySQL, Information Sistem, Public administration.
Prediksi Kelulusan Mata Kuliah Menggunakan Hybrid Fuzzy Inference System
Authors: Izzah Abidatul , Widyastuti Ratna
Published: August 2017

AbstrakPerguruan Tinggi merupakan salah satu institusi yang menyimpan data yang sangat informatif jika diolah secara baik. Prediksi kelulusan mahasiswa merupakan kasus di Perguruan Tinggi yang cukup banyak diteliti. Dengan mengetahui prediksi status kelulusan mahasiswa di tengah semester, dosen dapat mengantisipasi atau memberi perhatian khusus pada siswa yang diprediksi tidak lulus. Metode yang digunakan sangat bervariatif termasuk metode Fuzzy Inference System (FIS). Namun dalam implementasinya, proses pembangkitan rule fuzzy sering dilakukan secara random atau berdasarkan pemahaman pakar sehingga tidak merepresentasikan sebaran data. Oleh karena itu, dalam penelitian ini digunakan teknik Decision Tree (DT) untuk membangkitkan rule. Dari uraian tersebut, penelitian bertujuan untuk memprediksi kelulusan mata kuliah menggunakan hybrid FIS dan DT. Data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah data nilai Posttest, Tugas, Kuis, dan UTS dari 106 mahasiswa Politeknik Kediri pengikut mata kuliah Algoritma dan Struktur Data. Penelitian ini diawali dari membangkitkan 5 rule yang selanjutnya digunakan dalam inferensi. Tahap selanjutnya adalah implementasi FIS dengan tahapan fuzzifikasi, inferensi, dan defuzzifikasi. Hasil yang diperoleh adalah akurasi, sensitivitas, dan spesifisitas  masing-masing adalah 94.33%, 96.55%, dan 84.21%.Kata kunci: Decision Tree, Educational Data Mining, Fuzzy Inference System, Prediksi. AbstractCollege is an institution that holds very informative data if it mined properly. Prediction about student’s graduation is a common case that many discussed. Having the predictions of student’s graduation in the middle semester, lecturer will anticipate or give some special attention to students who would be not passed. The method used to prediction is very varied including Fuzzy Inference System (FIS). However, fuzzy rule process is often generated randomly or based on knowledge experts that not represent the data distribution. Therefore, in this study, we used a Decision Tree (DT) technique for generate the rules. So, the research aims to predict courses graduation using hybrid FIS and DT. Dataset used is the posttest score, tasks score, quizzes score, and middle test score from 106 students of the Polytechnic Kediri who took Algorithms and Data Structures. The research started by generating 5 rules by decision tree. The next is implementation of FIS that consist of fuzzification, inference, and defuzzification. The results show that the classifier give a good result in an accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity respectively was 94.33%, 96.55% and 84.21%.Keywords: Decision Tree, Educational Data Mining, Fuzzy Inference System, Prediction.
Effects of Sintering Temperature and Time on the Properties of Al-Cu PM Alloy
Authors: Gökçe A. , Findik F. , Kurt A. O.
Published: August 2017

Aluminium-based powder metallurgy (PM) alloys have a number of advantages over cast and wrought aluminium alloys. These PM alloys can be produced using either prealloyed or elemental premixes, with the latter offering a longer die life because of their softer nature compared with prealloyed powders. It is found that the use of an Al-Cu premixed PM alloy gives green density values higher than those of Al-Cu prealloyed systems reported in the literature. Most commercial aluminium PM alloys and alloy developments are based on the Al4Cu system. The amount of liquid phase has significant effects on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of sintered products. Lack of a liquid phase results in inadequate mechanical properties, while an excess of liquid phase causes distortion and shape deformation of the compacts formed by sintering. The objective of this study is to determine the properties of an Al4Cu PM alloy produced using an elemental premix. The effects of the amount of liquid phase on microstructural features and mechanical properties are assessed through thermal analyses. It is found that the optimum transverse rupture strength is obtained by sintering at 600 °C for 2 h.
Effect of Welding Parameters on Microstructure and Tensile Strength of Friction Stir Welded PA 6,6 Joints
Authors: Nandhini R. , Moorthy M. Kesava , Muthukumaran S.
Published: August 2017

This paper deals with the work done on friction stir welding of thermoplastic material PA 6,6. A specially designed welding tool was used for this polymer. The major process parameters like tool rotational speed, feed rate were varied to understand the physical changes of the polymer and to carry out characterization studies. In this study, an attempt was made to optimize the process parameters by using L9 orthogonal array approach. ANOVA analysis was used to explore the effect of process parameters. Tensile testing was performed to analyze the joint strength. Thus, in new exploration of using polyamide 6,6 as base material, a maximum joint strength of 37 MPa has been achieved. Optimum combination of process parameters were found by using ANOVA studies. Microstructure of the friction stir welded joints using scanning electron microscopy was done. The X-ray diffraction and the thermogravimetric analysis were done to determine the degree of crystallinity and the level of degradation of the friction stir welded joints.
Investigations on Tightness of Polymer-Metal Hybrids in Environments with Thermal, Media, and Mechanical Loads
Authors: Geck J.-M. , Jarka S. , Heim H.-P.
Published: August 2017

With polymer-metal hybrids becoming more commonly used as structural components it was investigated how they perform in complex environments with combined thermal, media, and mechanical loads. Special attention was put on media tightness under said loads. This paper sums up the activities of the polymer technology research group of the University of Kassel on hybrids produced by overmolding metal inserts. Investigations concerning joint strength and influence of (cyclic) temperature loads and chemical corrosion on media tightness of the joint were undertaken with different polymer-metal hybrid specimen geometries (simple and complex). In order to enhance adhesion and joint strength, different bonding agents and adhesives were used in the experiments. It could be shown that all joints of polymer-metal hybrids lost their tightness after being exposed to temperature ranges from 30 to +150°C due to their highly different thermal expansion behavior. An elastomeric intermediate layer of certain minimum thickness in order to compensate the relative movement of plastic and metal and thus maintain integrity of the joint regardless of temperatures is proposed.
In Silico Study of Polymer Sheet Drying Process
Authors: Bisotti F. , Licordari F. , Rossi F. , Masi M.
Published: August 2017

In the last decades polymer sheets have been developed and used for various purposes, for example with electronic devices or solar cells. After polymer processing, they present a high residue of polymer solvent that should be reduced. Indeed, a high presence of solvent could affect their electrical properties or cause high levels of pollution. In addition, uncontrolled drying process can cause bubble formation with consequent film breakage. The aim of this work is to simplify the phenomena involved in the drying process in order to develop a mathematical model able to predict the time evolution of the composition and the mass of the polymer sheet. The model proposed here, therefore, is aimed at stimulating the industrial process and the results were verified against experimental data collected with cellulose acetate-based polymeric sheets. In addition, thanks to its simplicity and to the very low system requirements and central processing unit (CPU) time, our model gives immediate views of the system behavior.
Mathematical Modeling of Electrically Charged Viscoelastic Jet
Authors: Samiee M. , Rafizadeh M.
Published: August 2017

In this project we performed a theoretical study of the electrospinning process. The electrospinning process typically consists of two phases. For the first part, we have studied Feng's model (2003) and used Phan-Thien Tanner (PTT) rheological model instead of Giesekus model which was used by Feng. A theoretical model for the jet is derived by using a thin filament approximation, and the resulting differential equations are solved numerically. For the second part of the jet, the basis of the modeling is the bead-spring approach first proposed by Reneker et al. (2000) and we added the evaporation effect to Reneker's model. The three dimensional equations describing the dynamics of the bending of electrospun jets are derived and the calculated behavior is compared with experimental observations of jets.
Mathematical Modelling of Vibration Response Characteristics for Dissimilar Hot Plate Welded Polyamide 6 Composite Beams
Authors: Kara M. , Öztoprak N. , Seçgin A. , Sayer S. , Yeni Ç. E.
Published: August 2017

This study is concerned with the mathematical modelling of the vibration response characteristic of a special dissimilar composite beam based on experimental modal analysis. Here, experimental modal analyses of three different dissimilar polyamide 6 composite beams, which are connected to each other by hot plate welding are performed. The measured natural frequencies are compared with finite element predictions for verification purposes. Modal information obtained by experiments is used to construct a mathematical model representing vibration response characteristic of beams by applying multi degree of freedom curve fitting method. The model showing modal characteristics of dissimilar beams is now ready to be used in different kinds of excitations to predict the frequency response of vibration.
Catalytic Performance of Fe(II)-Scorpionate Complexes towards Cyclohexane Oxidation in Organic, Ionic Liquid and/or Supercritical CO2 Media: A Comparative Study
Authors: Ribeiro Ana , Martins Luísa , Alegria Elisabete , Matias Inês , Duarte Tiago , Pombeiro Armando
Published: August 2017

The catalytic activity of the iron(II) C-scorpionate complexes [FeCl2{HC(pz)3}] 1 (pz = pyrazol-1-yl) and [FeCl2{HOCH2C(pz)3}] 2, and of their precursor FeCl2·2H2O 3, towards cyclohexane oxidation with tert-butyl hydroperoxide was evaluated and compared in different media: acetonitrile, ionic liquids (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, [bmim][PF6], and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate, [bmim][FAP]), supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2), and scCO2/[bmim][X] (X = PF6 or FAP) mixtures. The use of such alternative solvents led to efficient and selective protocols for the oxidation of cyclohexane. Moreover, tuning the alcohol/ketone selectivity was possible by choosing the suitable solvent.
Proposal of Physical-Statistical Model of Thermal Aging Respecting Threshold Value
Authors: Souček Jakub , Trnka Pavel , Hornak Jaroslav
Published: August 2017

The aging of electrical insulation material or a system is a main issue for designers of high-voltage (HV) machines. Precise determination of the life cycle of electrical insulation is one way of improving the efficiency of electrical machines involved in the production and transmission of electrical energy. Much effort has been devoted to preparing statistical or physical methods of Electrical Insulating System (EIS) life time estimation in the real operation of electrical machinery. The main aim of this paper is to introduce a new physical-statistical model of thermal aging respecting the threshold value. This model is based on thermal aging model and the main difference between this model and previously published models is taking into account the threshold value of degradation factor. The complete design of this model is presented in this paper, including functions defining the threshold value of the effect of the degradation factor depending on the temperature. Proposed model was verified by accelerated thermal aging test at selected temperatures (160, 170, 180 °C) and time intervals (0, 120, 240 h) on a commonly used transformer board. The breakdown voltage was set as an indicating parameter of the level of thermal aging and was measured according to standard IEC 60243-1. Collected data from these measurements were used for threshold value determination (431.23 K) and verification of proposed physical-statistical model of thermal aging respecting the threshold value.
Advanced Measurement and Simulation Procedure for the Identification of Heat and Mass Transfer Parameters in Dynamic Adsorption Experiments
Authors: Velte Andreas , Füldner Gerrit , Laurenz Eric , Schnabel Lena
Published: August 2017

Thermally-driven heat pumps can help to mitigate CO2 emissions by enhancing the efficiency of heating systems or by driving cooling systems with waste or solar heat. In order to make the thermally-driven systems more attractive for the end consumer, these systems need a higher power density. A higher power density can be achieved by intensifying the heat and mass transfer processes within the adsorption heat exchanger. For the optimization of this key component, a numerical model of the non-isothermal adsorption dynamics can be applied. The calibration of such a model can be difficult, since heat and mass transfer processes are strongly coupled. We present a measurement and simulation procedure that makes it possible to calibrate the heat transfer part of the numerical model separately from the mass transfer part. Furthermore, it is possible to identify the parts of the model that need to be improved. For this purpose, a modification of the well-known large temperature jump method is developed. The newly-introduced measurements are conducted under an inert N2 atmosphere, and the surface temperature of the sample is measured with an infrared sensor. We show that the procedure is applicable for two completely different types of samples: a loose grains configuration and a fibrous structure that is directly crystallized.
Design of a Control System for a Maglev Planar Motor Based on Two-Dimension Linear Interpolation
Authors: Xing Feng , Kou Baoquan , Zhang Lu , Yin Xiangrui , Zhou Yiheng
Published: August 2017

In order to realize the high speed and high-precision control of a maglev planar motor, a high-precision electromagnetic model is needed in the first place, which can also contribute to meeting the real-time running requirements. Traditionally, the electromagnetic model is based on analytical calculations. However, this neglects the model simplification and the manufacturing errors, which may bring certain errors to the model. Aiming to handle this inaccuracy, this paper proposes a novel design method for a maglev planar motor control system based on two-dimensional linear interpolation. First, the magnetic field is divided into several regions according to the symmetry of the Halbach magnetic array, and the uniform grid method is adopted to partition one of these regions. Second, targeting this region, it is possible to sample the electromagnetic forces and torques on each node of the grid and obtain the complete electromagnetic model in this region through the two-dimensional linear interpolation method. Third, the whole electromagnetic model of the maglev planar motor can be derived according to the symmetry of the magnetic field. Finally, the decoupling method and controller are designed according to this electromagnetic model, and thereafter, the control model can be established. The designed control system is demonstrated through simulations and experiments to feature better accuracy and meet the requirements of real-time control.
Model Predictive Direct Power Control for Nonredundant Fault Tolerant Grid-Connected Bidirectional Voltage Source Converter
Authors: Jin Nan , Guo Leilei , Yao Gang
Published: August 2017

This paper proposes a model predictive direct power control scheme for nonredundant fault tolerant grid-connected bidirectional voltage source converter (BVSC) with balanced dc-link split capacitor voltage and high reliability. Based on the operation analysis of fault-tolerant BVSC with phase leg faults, a power predictive model of three-phase four-switch fault-tolerant topology in αβ coordinates is established, and the space voltage vectors with unbalanced dc-link split capacitor voltage are analyzed. According to the power predictive model and cost function, the optimal space voltage vector is selected to achieve a flexible, smooth transition between inverter and rectifier mode with direct power control. Pulse width modulation and phase locked loop are not required in the proposed method. The constraint of dc-link voltage constraint is designed for the cost function to achieve a central point of dc-link voltage offset suppression, which can reduce the risk of electrolytic capacitor failure for over-voltage operation. With the proposed control method, the converter can work continuously in both inverter mode and rectifier mode, even if phase leg faults occur. The simulation and experimental results show good steady-state and dynamic performance of the proposed control scheme to enhance the reliability of bidirectional power conversion.
Improving the Traffic Model to Be Used in the Optimisation of Mass Transit System Electrical Infrastructure
Authors: López-López Álvaro , Pecharromán Ramón , Fernández-Cardador Antonio , Cucala Asunción
Published: August 2017

Among the different approaches for minimising the energy consumption of mass transit systems (MTSs), a common concern for MTS operators is the improvement of the electrical infrastructure. The traffic on the lines under analysis is one of the most important inputs to the studies devoted to improving MTS infrastructure, since it represents where and how frequently it is possible to save energy. However, on the one hand, MTS electrical studies usually simplify the traffic model, which may lead to a misrepresentation of the energy interactions between trains. On the other hand, if the stochastic traffic is rigorously modelled, the size of the simulation problem could grow excessively, which in turn could make the time to obtain results unmanageable. To cope with this issue, this paper presents a method to obtain a reduced-size set of representative scenarios. Firstly, a traffic model including the most representative stochastic traffic variables is developed. Secondly, a function highly correlated with energy savings is proposed to make it possible to properly characterise the traffic scenarios. Finally, this function is used to select the most representative scenarios. The representative scenario set obtained by the application of this method is shown to be sufficiently accurate with a limited number of scenarios. The traffic approach in this paper improves the accuracy with respect to the usual traffic approach used in the literature.
Transformer Paper Expected Life Estimation Using ANFIS Based on Oil Characteristics and Dissolved Gases (Case Study: Indonesian Transformers)
Authors: Prasojo Rahman A. , Diwyacitta Karunika , Suwarno  , Gumilang Harry
Published: August 2017

This article presents an algorithm for modelling an Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) for power transformer paper conditions in order to estimate the transformer’s expected life. The dielectric characteristics, dissolved gasses, and furfural of 108 running transformers were collected, which were divided into 76 training datasets and another 32 testing datasets. The degree of polymerization (DP) of the transformer paper was predicted using the ANFIS model based on using the dielectric characteristics and dissolved gases as input. These inputs were analyzed, and the best combination was selected, whereas CO + CO2, acidity, interfacial tension, and color were correlated with the paper’s deterioration condition and were chosen as the input variables. The best combination of input variables and membership function was selected to build the optimal ANFIS model, which was then compared and evaluated. The proposed ANFIS model has 89.07% training accuracy and 85.75% testing accuracy and was applied to a transformer paper insulation assessment and an estimation of the expected life of four Indonesian transformers for which furfural data is unavailable. This proposed algorithm can be used as a furfural alternative for the general assessment of transformer paper conditions and the estimation of expected life and provides a helpful assistance for experts in transformer condition assessment.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation Study of a Novel Membrane Contactor for Simultaneous Carbon Dioxide Absorption and Stripping
Authors: Chang Hsuan , Gan Hau-Yu , Chen Yih-Hang , Ho Chii-Dong
Published: August 2017

Physical absorption is a potential technology for economic carbon capture due to its low energy consumption, however, the absorption efficiency of current systems must be improved. In this study, novel hybrid absorption/stripping membrane contactors (HASMCs) for physical solvent carbon capture are proposed. The simultaneous absorption and stripping within one module provides instant regeneration of the solvent and results in the enhancement of absorption. HASMCs with parallel-flow and cross-flow configurations and using empty or spacer-filled channels are investigated by rigorous computational fluid dynamics simulation. The internal profiles of transmembrane mass fluxes reveal that cross-flow HASMCs are much more effective than the parallel-flow ones and the modules using spacer-filled channels give better performance than the ones using empty channels. The mass transfer coefficients of HASMCs are much higher than predicted by correlations in the literature.
Determination of Single Sugars, Including Inulin, in Plants and Feed Materials by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Refraction Index Detection
Authors: Weiß Kirsten , Alt Manuela
Published: August 2017

The exact and reliable detection of sugar monomers and fructans provides important information for the evaluation of carbohydrate metabolism in plants and animals. Using the HPLC method; a large number of samples and single sugars; with both high sensitivity and selectivity; may be analysed. It was shown that the described method—using a Nucleosil column loaded with Pb2+ ions; a refractive index detector (RID); and HPLC-grade water as the eluent—gives precise and reproducible results regarding the detection of individual sugars in extracts of plants and feed materials. The method can be applied for the detection of sucrose; maltose; lactose; xylose; glucose; galactose; arabinose; fructose; ribose; and mannitol. Furthermore; depending on the plant material; the sugars verbascose; stachyose; and raffinose can be separated. The peaks were well resolved and the reproducibility of the analysis; with 94–108% of recovery (RC) and relative standard deviation (RSD) of up to 5%; was very good. The method was successfully applied to a variety of green forages and samples of sugar beet pulp silages. It is also possible to determine fructan with inulin as a standard; together with the other sugars; or alone by a different protocol and column.
Not Its Own Meaning: A Hermeneutic of the World
Authors: Kastrup Bernardo
Published: August 2017

The contemporary cultural mindset posits that the world has no intrinsic semantic value. The meaning we see in it is supposedly projected onto the world by ourselves. Underpinning this view is the mainstream physicalist ontology, according to which mind is an emergent property or epiphenomenon of brains. As such, since the world beyond brains isn’t mental, it cannot a priori evoke anything beyond itself. But a consistent series of recent experimental results suggests strongly that the world may in fact be mental in nature, a hypothesis openly discussed in the field of foundations of physics. In this essay, these experimental results are reviewed and their hermeneutic implications discussed. If the world is mental, it points to something beyond its face-value appearances and is amenable to interpretation, just as ordinary dreams. In this case, the project of a Hermeneutic of Everything is metaphysically justifiable.
Acceleration Mechanisms of Skin Wound Healing by Autologous Micrograft in Mice
Authors: Jimi Shiro , Kimura Masahiko , De Francesco Francesco , Riccio Michele , Hara Shuuji , Ohjimi Hiroyuki
Published: August 2017

A micrograft technique, which minces tissue into micro-fragments >50 μm, has been recently developed. However, its pathophysiological mechanisms in wound healing are unclear yet. We thus performed a wound healing study using normal mice. A humanized mouse model of a skin wound with a splint was used. After total skin excision, tissue micro-fragments obtained by the Rigenera protocol were infused onto the wounds. In the cell tracing study, GFP-expressing green mice and SCID mice were used. Collagen stains including Picrosirius red (PSR) and immunohistological stains for α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), CD31, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and neutrophils were evaluated for granulation tissue development. GFP-positive cells remained in granulation tissue seven days after infusion, but vanished after 13 days. Following the infusion of the tissue micrograft solution onto the wound, TGF-β1 expression was transiently upregulated in granulation tissue in the early phase. Subsequently, αSMA-expressing myofibroblasts increased in number in thickened granulation tissue with acceleration of neovascularization and collagen matrix maturation. On such granulation tissue, regenerative epithelial healing progressed, resulting in wound area reduction. Alternative alteration after the micrograft may have increased αSMA-expressing myofibroblasts in granulation tissue, which may act on collagen accumulation, neovascularization and wound contraction. All of these changes are favorable for epithelial regeneration on wound.
Modeling the Colchicum autumnale Tubulin and a Comparison of Its Interaction with Colchicine to Human Tubulin
Authors: Spasevska Ivana , Ayoub Ahmed , Winter Philip , Preto Jordane , Wong Gane , Dumontet Charles , Tuszynski Jack
Published: August 2017

Tubulin is the target for many small-molecule natural compounds, which alter microtubules dynamics, and lead to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. One of these compounds is colchicine, a plant alkaloid produced by Colchicum autumnale. While C. autumnale produces a potent cytotoxin, colchicine, and expresses its target protein, it is immune to colchicine’s cytotoxic action and the mechanism of this resistance is hitherto unknown. In the present paper, the molecular mechanisms responsible for colchicine resistance in C. autumnale are investigated and compared to human tubulin. To this end, homology models for C. autumnale α-β tubulin heterodimer are created and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations together with molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann calculations (MM/PBSA) are performed to determine colchicine’s binding affinity for tubulin. Using our molecular approach, it is shown that the colchicine-binding site in C. autumnale tubulin contains a small number of amino acid substitutions compared to human tubulin. However, these substitutions induce significant reduction in the binding affinity for tubulin, and subsequently fewer conformational changes in its structure result. It is suggested that such small conformational changes are insufficient to profoundly disrupt microtubule dynamics, which explains the high resistance to colchicine by C. autumnale.
Isorhamnetin and Quercetin Derivatives as Anti-Acetylcholinesterase Principles of Marigold (Calendula officinalis) Flowers and Preparations
Authors: Olennikov Daniil N. , Kashchenko Nina I. , Chirikova Nadezhda K. , Akobirshoeva Anzurat , Zilfikarov Ifrat N. , Vennos Cecile
Published: August 2017

Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) is one of the most common and widespread plants used medicinally all over the world. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-acetylcholinesterase activity of marigold flowers, detect the compounds responsible and perform chemical analysis of marigold commercial products. Analysis of 23 varieties of C. officinalis flowers introduced into Siberia allowed us to select the Greenheart Orange variety due to the superior content of flavonoids (46.87 mg/g) and the highest inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (IC50 63.52 µg/mL). Flavonoids, isorhamnetin and quercetin derivatives were revealed as potential inhibitors with the application of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) activity-based profiling. Investigation of the inhibitory activity of isorhamnetin glycosides demonstrated the maximal potency for isorhamnetin-3-О-(2′′,6′′-di-acetyl)-glucoside (IC50 51.26 μM) and minimal potency for typhaneoside (isorhamnetin-3-O-(2′′,6′′-di-rhamnosyl)-glucoside; IC50 94.92 µM). Among quercetin derivatives, the most active compound was quercetin-3-О-(2′′,6′′-di-acetyl)-glucoside (IC50 36.47 µM), and the least active component was manghaslin (quercetin-3-O-(2′′,6′′-di-rhamnosyl)-glucoside; IC50 94.92 µM). Some structure-activity relationships were discussed. Analysis of commercial marigold formulations revealed a reduced flavonoid content (from 7.18–19.85 mg/g) compared with introduced varieties. Liquid extract was the most enriched preparation, characterized by 3.10 mg/mL of total flavonoid content, and infusion was the least enriched formulation (0.41 mg/mL). The presented results suggest that isorhamnetin and quercetin and its glycosides can be considered as potential anti-acetylcholinesterase agents.
Micro-Mechanical Viscoelastic Properties of Crosslinked Hydrogels Using the Nano-Epsilon Dot Method
Authors: Mattei Giorgio , Cacopardo Ludovica , Ahluwalia Arti
Published: August 2017

Engineering materials that recapitulate pathophysiological mechanical properties of native tissues in vitro is of interest for the development of biomimetic organ models. To date, the majority of studies have focused on designing hydrogels for cell cultures which mimic native tissue stiffness or quasi-static elastic moduli through a variety of crosslinking strategies, while their viscoelastic (time-dependent) behavior has been largely ignored. To provide a more complete description of the biomechanical environment felt by cells, we focused on characterizing the micro-mechanical viscoelastic properties of crosslinked hydrogels at typical cell length scales. In particular, gelatin hydrogels crosslinked with different glutaraldehyde (GTA) concentrations were analyzed via nano-indentation tests using the nano-epsilon dot method. The experimental data were fitted to a Maxwell Standard Linear Solid model, showing that increasing GTA concentration results in increased instantaneous and equilibrium elastic moduli and in a higher characteristic relaxation time. Therefore, not only do gelatin hydrogels become stiffer with increasing crosslinker concentration (as reported in the literature), but there is also a concomitant change in their viscoelastic behavior towards a more elastic one. As the degree of crosslinking alters both the elastic and viscous behavior of hydrogels, caution should be taken when attributing cell response merely to substrate stiffness, as the two effects cannot be decoupled.
Synthesis of Bi2S3/BiVO4 Heterojunction with a One-Step Hydrothermal Method Based on pH Control and the Evaluation of Visible-Light Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Zhao Deqiang , Wang Wenwen , Zong Wenjuan , Xiong Shimin , Zhang Qian , Ji Fangying , Xu Xuan
Published: August 2017

The band gaps of bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) and bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) are about 2.40 eV and 1.30 eV, respectively. Although both BiVO4 and Bi2S3 are capable of strong visible light absorption, electron–hole recombination occurs easily. To solve this problem, we designed a one-step hydrothermal method for synthesizing a Bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3)/Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) heterojunction using polyvinylpyrrolidone K-30 (PVP) as a structure-directing agent, and 2-Amino-3-mercaptopropanoic acid (l-cysteine) as a sulfur source. The pH of the reaction solution was regulated to yield different products: when the pH was 7.5, only monoclinic BiVO4 was produced (sample 7.5); when the pH was 8.0 or 8.5, both Bi2S3 and BiVO4 were produced (samples 8.0 and 8.5); and when the pH was 9.0, only Bi2S3 was produced (sample 9.0). In sample 8.0, Bi2S3 and BiVO4 were closely integrated with each other, with Bi2S3 particles formed on the surface of concentric BiVO4 layers, but the two compounds grew separately in a pH solution of 8.5. Visible-light photocatalytic degradation experiments demonstrated that the degradation efficiency of the Bi2S3/BiVO4 heterojunction was highest when prepared under a pH of 8.0. The initial rhodamine B in the solution (5 mg/L) was completely degraded within three hours. Recycling experiments verified the high stability of Bi2S3/BiVO4. The synthesis method proposed in this paper is expected to enable large-scale and practical use of Bi2S3/BiVO4.
Sinulariolide Suppresses Cell Migration and Invasion by Inhibiting Matrix Metalloproteinase-2/-9 and Urokinase through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Human Bladder Cancer Cells
Authors: Cheng Te-Chih , Din Zhong-Hao , Su Jui-Hsin , Wu Yu-Jen , Liu Chih-I
Published: August 2017

Sinulariolide is a natural product extracted from the cultured-type soft coral Sinularia flexibilis, and possesses bioactivity against the movement of several types of cancer cells. However, the molecular pathway behind its effects on human bladder cancer remain poorly understood. Using a human bladder cancer cell line as an in vitro model, this study investigated the underlying mechanism of sinulariolide against cell migration/invasion in TSGH-8301 cells. We found that sinulariolide inhibited TSGH-8301 cell migration/invasion, and the effect was concentration-dependent. Furthermore, the protein expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) MMP-2 and MMP-9, as well as urokinase, were significantly decreased after 24-h sinulariolide treatment. Meanwhile, the increased expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were in parallel with an increased concentration of sinulariolide. Finally, the expressions of several key phosphorylated proteins in the mTOR signaling pathway were also downregulated by sinulariolide treatment. Our results demonstrated that sinulariolide has significant effects against TSGH-8301 cell migration/invasion, and its effects were associated with decreased levels of MMP-2/-9 and urokinase expression, as well as increased TIMP-1/TIMP-2 expression. The inhibitory effects were mediated by reducing phosphorylation proteins of the PI3K, AKT, and mTOR signaling pathway. The findings suggested that sinulariolide is a good candidate for advanced investigation with the aim of developing a new drug for the treatment of human bladder cancer.
Preparation of Porous Stainless Steel Hollow-Fibers through Multi-Modal Particle Size Sintering towards Pore Engineering
Authors: Allioux Francois-Marie , David Oana , Etxeberria Benavides Miren , Kong Lingxue , Pacheco Tanaka David , Dumée Ludovic
Published: August 2017

The sintering of metal powders is an efficient and versatile technique to fabricate porous metal elements such as filters, diffusers, and membranes. Neck formation between particles is, however, critical to tune the porosity and optimize mass transfer in order to minimize the densification process. In this work, macro-porous stainless steel (SS) hollow-fibers (HFs) were fabricated by the extrusion and sintering of a dope comprised, for the first time, of a bimodal mixture of SS powders. The SS particles of different sizes and shapes were mixed to increase the neck formation between the particles and control the densification process of the structure during sintering. The sintered HFs from particles of two different sizes were shown to be more mechanically stable at lower sintering temperature due to the increased neck area of the small particles sintered to the large ones. In addition, the sintered HFs made from particles of 10 and 44 μm showed a smaller average pore size (<1 μm) as compared to the micron-size pores of sintered HFs made from particles of 10 μm only and those of 10 and 20 μm. The novel HFs could be used in a range of applications, from filtration modules to electrochemical membrane reactors.