bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analisis Sistem Rantai Pasok Minyak
Authors: Harisnanda Fajri , Amaly Ikhlashia , Gusman Alan Mario , Febriani Fulti , Zamer Alwedria , Elisya Wina
Published: May 2017

PT Pertamina is a large company engaged in oil business, non-fuel, gas, petrochemicals and lubricants both in Indonesia and outside Indonesia. Therefore, special attention should be given to the supply chain system that applied this company, because taking into consideration the supply chain, companies can ensure that the resulting product in good condition, transported properly, and ensure that the resulting product arrives in the hands of consumers by the state good also. Moreover, taking into consideration the supply chain, companies can also improve the efficiency and productivity of the enterprise and can increase customer confidence in the company.Keywords: supply chain, efficiency, productivity, distribution
Model Lokasi-Alokasi Bantuan Logistik Catastrophic Berbasis Masjid di Kota Padang
Authors: Ariyana Nofa
Published: May 2017

Padang is one of the most vulnerable area of earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia. Therefore, it is necessary to have a good strategic planning about disaster logistics system and contingency planning. Contigency planning have three factors, human resources, transportation, and inventory. The problems that happened at distribution of disaster logistical buffer between distribution centre (BPBD Padang) and evacuation post are needed a buffer post (assistant post). This research suggest a location allocation model to select buffer post location and logistics allocation that distributed to evacuation post with minimum cost.Keywords: disaster logistics, location allocation model, buffer post
Perancangan Sistem Informasi Manajemen Rantai Pasok Minyak Sawit Mentah Berbasis GIS
Authors: Afrinando Ringgo
Published: May 2017

This study discusses about information systems of CPO supply chain management in PTPN 6 Ophir. PTPN 6 management still use the conventional system (archival documents) in running their business. This information is not yet integrated with the map of plantation, so it will allow errors and inaccuracies in the planning, management and maintenance of oil palm plantations. Otherwise, the output from the production and processing of FFB to CPO and Palm Kernel also has not been well managed. So this would have difficulties in data storage on the the plantation and harvest information and to make decision for the FFB receiving division and distribution of CPO and Palm Kernel. Therefore needed a system that can control the activities in the oil palm plantation and processing by utilizing information technology system that integrates mapping and data information in a software that will facilitate decision making for planning and maintenance.The stages of the study consist of preliminary study, the selection method of problem solving, designing model system, database and software design and verification and validation of the model system. The study used primary data and secondary data. The primary data includes interviews about the company's business processes and the mechanisms of oil production. Secondary data includes administrative forms such as SPB, form the collection of FFB, weight measurement form and daily report sheet of factory. Model systems in the information system design used Object Oriented Analysis and Design method. This method will considers and designing systems with focusing the objects associated with the system. Verification results of the design has been done by using the method of Computerized Model Verification. This method to see whether the information system has been designed to run properly with the conceptual model of the system. Validation has been done by using Operational Validity. Validity Operational techniques used Black Box Test Method or directly test by the person that understand the issues in study.The results was Information System Software Design of CPO Supply Chain Management at PTPN 6 already integrates all data and information on the plantation, processing and marketing of CPO and palm kernel oil in a web-based application with support for spatial data processing in online mapping format. The system model can be seen through the business process diagram, use case diagram, class diagram and entity relationship diagram.Keywords: Information System,Supply Chain Management, Crude Palm Oil, GIS
Strategi Inovasi Industri Kecil Suku Cadang di Kota Padang
Authors: Rahmayanti Dina , Marcelena Widya
Published: May 2017

Small and medium enterprises in Indonesia gave big contributions to create job opportunities for community and increased Gross Domestic Product. Unfortunately, the current SMEs did not get any respect from the government. This is evidenced by many problems that happened with SMEs in Indonesia. Agency Statistic Center conducted survey in 2009 and 2010 and identified causes of the problems are availability of raw materials, financial problem, marketing, fuel or energy, transportation, skills, payment and many others. Formulation of the problems is how to design indicators of innovation that can be used to make policy strategies to solve the problems. The objective of research is to recommend some innovation indicators for spare part in Padang and use the indicators to make innovation policies. Method to determine the ability innovation of spare parts industries is Quality Function Deployment (QFD). The first stage is identify consumer needs. Consumer needs obtained from literatures and interviewed of stakeholders. Then, calculated based on customer importance ratings to obtain critical and non critical indicators. Indicators will be presented into the House of Quality (HOQ). The results of HOQ are determined some strategies by using SWOT analysis. This research result obtained 25 innovation indicators of technology that is divided into three aspects such as technology aspects, design and product quality aspects. Strategy formulation from SWOT analysis result some strategies with 4 categories and among of them are SO strategy (4 strategies), WO strategy (5 strategies), ST strategy (4 strategies), and WT strategy (3 strategies). Besides that, strategy architecture will present strategy implementation for 10 years and completed with some people that have participation to make this strategy implementation successful.Keywords: Indicator, small industries, innovation, strategy, production technology
Pengendalian Persediaan Bahan Baku Vulkanisir Ban (Studi Kasus: PT. Gunung Pulo Sari)
Authors: Meilani Difana , Saputra Ryan Eka
Published: May 2017

The problem of raw materials is the most fundamental issue for a manufacturing company, because the raw material is something that is very important for a production process. Companies must be able to maintain optimal raw material inventory that the production process can run smoothly so as to achieve the production target set by the company and can meet the demand of consumers. PT. Gunung Pulo Sari is one of the manufacturing company engaged in tire retreading. Here there are two types of main raw material of the tire retreading process is the rubber cold rare steak to cook and cook to cook hot rubber. PT. Gunung Sari Pulo do not meet the criteria of good inventory management. So far the company in order raw materials only based on estimates only. We conducted this study in order PT. Gunung Sari Pulo can manage them inventory system by finding the optimum safety stock, determine the total cost of the minimum size of the buyer to use the dynamic method, and the reorder point. Based on the research that has been done then the obtained value of safety stock is 18 units, the total minimum cost is Rp. Rp. 133 991 672, and reordering time (Reorder point) is 93 units.Keywords: Safety Stock, Dynamic Method, Lot Sizing, Reorder Point
Pendekatan Simulasi untuk Analisis Antrian pada Bengkel Servis PT. X
Authors: Sentia Prima Denny , Ilyas Ilyas , Haikal Riyan
Published: May 2017

PT. X is an authorized dealer and service provider of a reputable car product that provides sales and maintenance services. Total number of counters and stalls owned by PT. X cannot be considered optimal based on the number of cars that will be serviced. Long queues cause customers postponinge the maintenance service and reschedule them to another day. The purpose of this study is to analyze the queue characteristic of the simulation results in the service counters and to design improvement of the scenarios. The study was conducted to implement a simulation model on a service system in order to determine an optimal number of service stations which is appropriate with the waiting time that has been targeted by the company. The analysis of the scenario carried out refers to the target that needs to be achieved by the company that is 15 minutes waiting time to call by counter and 120 minutes waiting time to service. Based on the possibilities occurred, there are 11 proposed improvement scenarios that can be applied in the company. The results from the analysis stated that scenario No. 8 that add two counters and two maintanance stalls in the service station has average waiting time which closed with targeted time set by the company. Therefore, scenario No. 8 is chosen as a proposed improvement actiion. By implementing this scenario it is expected that average waiting time to call by a counter is only on 16,845 minutes on Thursday and the average waiting time to service is only 124,63 minutes on Wednesday.
Usulan Aplikasi Metode Material Requirement Planning (MRP) dalam Perencanaan Kebutuhan Firebrick PT Semen Padang
Authors: Aristiyanto Fajar , Putri Nilda Tri , Adi Alexie Herryandie Bronto
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this article is to describe the results of research models firebrick requirements planning in PT Semen Padang with MRP method. Firebrick is one of the spare parts and essential in the production of operational PT Semen Padang as protective and insulating of shell kiln. This article describes the firebrick requirements planning at all kiln Indarung II / III, IV and V to meet the needs of 2017 up to 2018. One type of firebrick most widely used in PT Semen Padang is spinal firebrick. Spinal firebrick highly susceptible to hydration and moisture as the main component is MgO compound that is hygroscopic so susceptible to damage in the form of cracks firebrick. Based on the research that has been done, get MRP application design that can be used in planning the needs of firebrick PT Semen Padang to come. Plans need firebrick for compliance in 2017 to 2018 : (a) item 422 purchased through two phases in the 4th month of 12.711 pcs and in the 9th month of 24.909 pcs (b) item 622 purchased through two phases in the 4th month of 21.185 pcs and in the 9th  month of 41.515 pcs (c) item P22 purchased through two phases in the 4th month of 446 pcs and in the 9th month of 874 pcs (d) item P + 22 purchased through two phases in the 4th month of 446 pcs and in the 9th month of 874 pcs (e) item 425 purchased in the 8th month of 14.626 pcs (f) item 825 purchased in the 8th month of 20.600 pcs (g) P25 item purchased in the 8th  month of 412 pcs (h) P + 25 items purchased in the 8th month of 412 pcs.
Pengembangan Aplikasi @Webplan untuk Perhitungan Waktu Standar pada Proses Perakitan Manual
Authors: Sutanto Agus
Published: May 2017

Karya tulis ini berkenaan dengan pengembangan perangkat lunak berbasiskan Web untuk perhitungan waktu kerja standar yang merupakan sebuah modul tambahan pada aplikasi perangkat lunak untuk perancangan sistem kerja berbasiskan Web atau yang diberi nama @WebPlan® yang sudah dikembangkan oleh penulis. @WebPlan ini merupakan integrasi dari beberapa modul untuk perancangan tataletak dan disain stasiun kerja secara virtual 3D. Beberapa modul sudah dirancang sebelumnya yaitu modul untuk visualisasi produk dan strukturnya sehingga dimungkinkan visualisasi yang interaktif untuk proses perakitannya. Sedangkan modul utama dalam @WebPlan ini adalah 3D Facilities Layout dan disain/layout stasiun kerja. Untuk tujuan ini juga sudah dibuat beberapa alat bantu yaitu model manusia 3D untuk beberapa persentil dan beberapa analisa dan checklist ergonomi. Pengembangan aplikasi @WebPlan ini untuk perhitungan waktu standar pada produksi serial merupakan suatu yang sangat diperlukan untuk menentukan waktu total yang diperlukan dalam memproduksi/merakit sebuah produk. Waktu total ini merupakan data penting dalam membuat konfigurasi stasiun kerja untuk pembuatan produk. Metoda Pengukuran waktu perakitan yang dipakai dalam hal ini adalah MTM-UAS (Universal Analysing System) yang sangat cocok untuk perakitan manual. Hasil perhitungan waktu proses perakitan ini divalidasi dengan proses perakitan yang sebenarnya dan tidak menunjukkan perbedaan harga yang cukup signifikan. Beberapa kemudahan yang didapat pada metoda ini adalah MTM-UAS menggabungkan beberapa gerakan dan tidak terlalu detail dibandingkan metoda pengukuran waktu lainnya. Akan tetapi memiliki hasil yang cukup mendekati hasil yang sebenarnya. Modul aplikasi perhitungan waktu standar ini merupakan bagian yang diintergrasikan nantinya dalam perancangan tataletak dan stasiun kerja secara virtual 3D
Travel-associated gonorrhoea in four Nordic countries, 2008 to 2013
Authors: Beauté Julien , Cowan Susan , Hiltunen-Back Eija , Kløvstad Hilde , Velicko Inga , Spiteri Gianfranco
Published: May 2017

Travel may be associated with a higher risk of gonorrhoea and infection by antibiotic-resistant strains. The objective of this study was to estimate the risk for gonorrhoea among travellers from four Nordic European countries using surveillance data and to identify at-risk travellers to help target interventions. We retrieved gonorrhoea surveillance data from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden and tourism denominator data from the Statistical Office of the European Union. A travel-associated case of gonorrhoea was defined as one for which the reported country of infection differed from the reporting country. During 2008−2013, the four countries reported 3,224 travel-associated gonorrhoea cases, of which 53% were among individuals below 35 years of age. The overall risk associated with travel abroad was 2.4 cases per million nights abroad. The highest risk was observed with travel to Asia (9.4). Cases more likely to be reported as travel-associated were: males, heterosexuals of both sexes, people older than 65 years, and foreign-born individuals. More effective interventions targeting young adults and other at-risk groups are needed. The use of travel-planning websites and social media should be explored further.
Serum HDL cholestrol and glycemic status assessment in post-menopausal women
Authors: Ranabhat Pashupati , Yadav Shekhar
Published: May 2017

Menopause is the consequence of the exhaustion of ovarian follicles which results in decreased production of estradiol and other hormones. Menopause is associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Postmenopausal women have higher blood sugar values as compared to the control group because the estrogen hormone which makes the body cells more receptive or sensitive to insulin is either not secreted at all or is in limited supply. The estrogen hormone in females is protective for developing diabetes. Estrogen seems to contribute to glucose homeostasis in women. Significant negative correlation between fasting blood sugar and HDL with (r=-0.130, p= 0.369), suggesting that the fasting blood glucose levels were elevated whereas HDL levels were low normal in postmenopausal women thus associate with high risk of CVD in postmenopausal women.
Quality of life of hemodialysis patients in selected teaching hospitals of Chitwan
Authors: Ghimire Srijana , Lopchan Milan
Published: May 2017

The quality of life (QOL) needs to be regularly assessed in hemodialysis patients. Hemodialysis patients suffer from average quality of life and survival. A descriptive research design was used, 96 respondents who had received haemodialysis treatment after completion of 1 month duration of hemodialysis in two different teaching hospital at Bharatpur, Chitwan. Data was collected by using standard tool Short Form-36 version2 through face to face structure interview schedule. The objective of study is to find out the quality of life (QOL) of haemodialysis patients. Various test such as one sample t-test, ANOVA test, independent t-test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whittney U test, Pearson’s correlation was applied. The findings showed that higher proportion of respondents were from 40-59 years (41.0%) and male (62.2%). The mean±SD was 57.45±16.25, 55.72±22.41 and 60.04±11.50 in overall QOL, physical and mental component summary respectively which was slightly above the average. All dimention and sub scale was satistically significant. Younger respondents had statistically significant with overall QOL (p<0.001) and physical component summary (p<0.001). Non diabetics had better in overall QOL (p=0.040) and physical component summary (p=0.033). Level of educational had also positive impact in overall QOL(p=0.010), physical (p=0.006) and mental component summary (p<0.001). Employment status (p=0.020) and sex (p=0.037) was also statistically significant with mental component summary. There was correlation between physical and mental component summary with overall QOL 0.970(p<0.001) and 0.698(p<0.001), and between the physical and mental component summary was 0.502(p<0.001). Below average score were seen in the general health (32.86±25.74) and vitality (41.53±13.98) sub scale. In order to improve quality of life family, physician, nurses and policy makers can use this finding.
Study of vitamin B12 status and the consequential clinico-hematological profile in healthy vegetarian population in Nepal
Authors: Paudel Pramod , Agrawal Jagdish Prasad , Timilsena Santosh , Subedi Jyoti
Published: May 2017

Background: A strict vegetarian diet has been associated with an increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Clinical manifestations of cobalamin deficiency are hematologic and neurological symptoms. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in healthy vegetarian population and to study the clinical and hematological profile of vitamin B12 deficient subjects.Methods: A community based cross-sectional observational study was conducted through preplanned camps in Kathmandu Nepal. 166 vegetarian people were investigated for serum vitamin B12 level and their hematological profile was done. They were examined for neurological manifestation of vitamin B12 deficiency.Results: The mean serum vitamin B12 level of the vegetarian in this study was 271.34 ±241.74 pg/ml (mean ± SD)., 53.6 % had serum vitamin B12 deficiency. 56.5 % of male and 47.1 % of female had vitamin B12 deficiency. The risk of vitamin B12 deficiency is more in males than females with odds ratio 1.201 (CI=95%) which is not statistically significant with p-value 0.312. There was no significant difference in vitamin B12 level in different age group.The study population had mean hemoglobin of 13.12 ± 1.72 gm/dl. Anemia was present in 34.9 % of study population. 33.9 % of male and 37.3 % of female had anemia. There was no significant difference in anemia in male and female vegetarian (p-value 0.72). 40% of patient who had vitamin B12 deficiency had anemia.A significant low hemoglobin level and higher MCV were found as level of serum vitamin B12 decreased. Only one patient had macrocytic anemia.There were few symptoms but not specific to vitamin B12 deficiency.Conclusion: The result of present study show that prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency among healthy vegetarian was 53.6% with higher prevalence in male and elder age group.Prevalence of anemia was 34.9% in this study with elderly group and females being more affected.There was significant correlation between vitamin B12 and hemoglobin level and significant negative correlation with MCV. Although, not significant, leucocytes count, lymphocyte count and platelets were low in vitamin B12 deficient population.Few clinical features were present in vitamin B12 deficient subjects but neurological features specific to vitamin B12 deficiency were not seen.
An approach to fish-hook injury in children in remote hospital: A case report and brief literature review
Authors: Manyangbo Suryaman , Devkota Harihar
Published: May 2017

Background: Fish-hook injury is a leisure activity based for many across the globe among adults. Sometimes, it has been occasionally happened in the playing group children when the fishing rod with hook kept carelessly and children try to play and caught hand or bodily injury. If the hook is snug then it becomes difficult to removal. We report two cases of such injury in the hand and discuss the technique for its removal with a short literature review.Cases: A 3 year and 15 years old male accidently suffered a fishhook into their great thumb. They came to the surgical OPD one day and same day respectively after the incident with pain. Unsuccessful attempts at removal were made. A retrograde pull method was applied to remove fish hooks successfully.Conclusion: Fish-hooks can be removed in children less traumatically following same technique for adult with a proper wound and pain care.
Examining Guidelines for School-Based Breakfast Programs in Canada: A Systematic Review of the Grey Literature
Authors: Godin Katelyn M. , Kirkpatrick Sharon I. , Hanning Rhona M. , Stapleton Jackie , Leatherdale Scott T.
Published: May 2017

School breakfast programs are widespread and serve varying objectives regarding youth health promotion. Evidence-based guidelines for breakfast programs may be important in maximizing their effectiveness related to student outcomes, yet it is unclear what is available in Canada. A systematic review was conducted to identify and compare Canadian guidelines related to breakfast programs. Data sources included grey literature databases, customized search engines, targeted websites, and content expert consultations. Eligible guidelines met the following criteria: government and nongovernment sources at the federal and provincial/territorial levels, current version, and intended for program coordinators. Recommendations for program delivery were extracted, categorized, and mapped onto the 4 environments outlined in the ANGELO framework, and they were classified as “common” or “inconsistent” across guidelines. Fifteen sets of guidelines were included. No guidelines were available from federal or territorial governments and 4 provincial governments. There were few references to peer-reviewed literature within the guidelines and despite many common recommendations for program delivery, conflicting recommendations were also identified. Potential barriers to program participation, including a lack of consideration of allergies and other dietary restrictions, were identified. Future research should identify how guidelines are implemented and evaluate what effect their implementation has on program delivery and student outcomes.
A Flexible Pattern-Matching Algorithm for Network Intrusion Detection Systems Using Multi-Core Processors
Authors: Lee Chun-Liang , Yang Tzu-Hao
Published: May 2017

As part of network security processes, network intrusion detection systems (NIDSs) determine whether incoming packets contain malicious patterns. Pattern matching, the key NIDS component, consumes large amounts of execution time. One of several trends involving general-purpose processors (GPPs) is their use in software-based NIDSs. In this paper, we describe our proposal for an efficient and flexible pattern-matching algorithm for inspecting packet payloads using a head-body finite automaton (HBFA). The proposed algorithm takes advantage of multi-core GPP parallelism and single-instruction multiple-data operations to achieve higher throughput compared to that resulting from traditional deterministic finite automata (DFA) using the Aho-Corasick algorithm. Whereas the head-body matching (HBM) algorithm is based on pre-defined DFA depth value, our HBFA algorithm is based on head size. Experimental results using Snort and ClamAV pattern sets indicate that the proposed algorithm achieves up to 58% higher throughput compared to its HBM counterpart.
Effect of Long-Term Continuous Fumigation on Soil Microbial Communities
Authors: Dangi Sadikshya , Tirado-Corbalá Rebecca , Gerik James , Hanson Bradley
Published: May 2017

High value crop producers in California rely heavily on soil fumigation to control a wide array of soil borne pests including nematodes, pathogens and weeds. Fumigants with broad biocidal activity can affect soil microbial communities that contribute to nutrient cycling and plant nutrient uptake which can impact soil health. It is often thought that soil microbial communities make a relatively rapid recovery following fumigation. However, recently it has been found that repeated application of fumigants over time can have greater and longer lasting impacts on soil microorganisms than single fumigation events. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to determine the effect of long-term repeated application of fumigants on soil microbial communities and compare them with non-fumigated and organic sites. Soil samples were collected from fields in Watsonville, CA. Chronosequence sites were defined by number of years of annual fumigation (yaf) with methyl bromide (15, 26, 33, 39 yaf) at the time of sampling, and representative non-fumigated sites were also included for comparison. Phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis was used to analyze the samples. The canonical variate analysis showed that microbial communities in sites with a longer history of fumigation (33 and 39 yaf) were similar to one another; however, they differed significantly from 15 yaf site and further analysis concluded that non-fumigated sites were significantly different than fumigated sites. This study showed that the proportion of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) was lower in all fumigated (15, 33 and 39 yaf) sites as compared to their non-fumigated counterparts, which could be a threat to sustainability since AMF plays a major role in soil health and quality.
Improved Performance of High-Voltage Vertical GaN LEDs via Modification of Micro-Cell Geometry
Authors: Wu Ping-Chen , Ou Sin-Liang , Horng Ray-Hua , Wuu Dong-Sing
Published: May 2017

Vertical-type high-voltage light-emitting diodes (HV-LEDs) with 2 × 2 micro-cells were fabricated on Cu substrates, and the micro-cell geometry was modified to enhance the optoelectronic performance. The current spreading in micro-cell is most dominantly affected by the distance between electrode and edge of chip. When square cells were combined in a HV-LED, the device performance was poor due to an obvious current-crowding phenomenon that occurred near the electrodes. This was attributed that the electrodes in these four square micro-cells were all far away from the edges, resulting in the severe current-crowding phenomenon. On the contrary, as the HV-LED was prepared with four rectangle, triangle, or L-shaped micro-cells, the electrodes were close to the edges of micro-cells and the current spreading effect can be easily improved. Although a HV-LED connected with L-shaped cells possessed a better current spreading effect and a lower surface temperature, the light extraction was relatively low because of an electrode-shading loss effect. When triangular cells were used to prepare the HV-LED, the device achieved a superior optoelectronic performance compared with that of other cells because of a lower current-crowding effect and a more uniform light emission. After an epoxy package process, a lower forward voltage of 14.9 V and a higher output power of 353.2 mW were obtained using this HV-LED at an injection current of 80 mA. Additionally, the wall-plug efficiencies of this device at 20 and 80 mA were 41.1% and 29.7%, respectively. The results confirm that the design of triangular cell is beneficial for enhancing the optoelectronic performance of HV-LEDs. Furthermore, the fabrication processes of vertical LEDs have high potential for HV-LED applications.
Investigation on Eddy Current Sensor in Tension Measurement at a Resonant Frequency
Authors: Xiu Chengzhu , Ren Liang , Li Hongnan
Published: May 2017

For resolving deficiencies of conventional tension measurement methods, this paper proposes a novel eddy current sensor with a single-coil structure based on the inverse magnetostrictive effect. An inductor–resistor–capacitor (LRC) model of eddy current sensor, which considers more parameters than the traditional inductor–resistor (LR) model, was established. The eddy current sensor was operated by a swept frequency signal that ranged from 0.1 MHz to 1.6 MHz, encompassing the sensor resonant frequency. At the resonant frequency, the data of impedance magnitude and phase were extracted and linear relations between the impedance parameters and the external tension were ascertained. The experimental results show that the resonant frequency and impedance magnitude of eddy current sensor will decrease linearly with the increase of the external tension, which is consistent with the theoretical model. In addition, to improve sensor performance, the sleeve structure was designed to reduce the loss of magnetic field. Both finite element simulations and experimental results demonstrate that the sleeve structure provides a higher permeability path to the magnetic field lines than the non-sleeve structure and effectively improves sensor sensitivity and correlation coefficient.
Visual Language and ‘Paintaglios’ of Gerald Chukwuma: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Morgan Trevor , Nwigwe Chukwuemeka , Uzoagba Chukwunonso
Published: May 2017

Gerald Chukwuma is a prolific Nigerian artist whose creative adaptation and use of media tend to deviate from common practice. This essay draws on his several avant-garde works on display at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Library and at the administrative building of the University of Nigeria Nsukka. These artworks are referred to as ‘paintaglio’ in this essay owing to the convergence of painting, and engraving (or intaglio) processes. This study therefore identifies, critically interprets and analyzes Chukwuma’s artistic inclinations—style, spirit, forms, materials, and techniques. This is in order to lay bare the formal and conceptual properties that foreground the artist’s recent paintaglio experiments. The study relies on personal interviews, literature, and images of Chukwuma’s works as data. Such experimental works which clearly express influences of ‘natural synthesis’ ideology are here examined against the backdrop of their epistemic themes.
Sensitivity Study on High-Resolution WRF Precipitation Forecast for a Heavy Rainfall Event
Authors: Jee Joon-Bum , Kim Sangil
Published: May 2017

A high-resolution Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model for a heavy rainfall case is configured and the performance of the precipitation forecasting is evaluated. Sensitivity tests were carried out by changing the model configuration, such as domain size, sea surface temperature (SST) data, initial conditions, and lead time. The numerical model employs one-way nesting with horizontal resolutions of 5 km and 1 km for the outer and inner domains, respectively. The model domain includes the capital city of Seoul and its suburban megacities in South Korea. The model performance is evaluated via statistical analysis using the correlation coefficient, deviation, and root mean squared error by comparing with observational data including, but not limited to, those from ground-based instruments. The sensitivity analysis conducted here suggests that SST data show negligible influence for a short range forecasting model, the data assimilated initial conditions show the more effective results rather than the non-assimilated high resolution initial conditions, and for a given domain size of the forecasting model, an appropriate outer domain size and lead time of <6 h for a 1-km high-resolution domain should be taken into consideration when optimizing the WRF configuration for regional torrential rainfall events around Seoul and its suburban area, Korea.
Additive Manufacturing of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate)/poly(ε-caprolactone) Blend Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Puppi Dario , Morelli Andrea , Chiellini Federica
Published: May 2017

Additive manufacturing of scaffolds made of a polyhydroxyalkanoate blended with another biocompatible polymer represents a cost-effective strategy for combining the advantages of the two blend components in order to develop tailored tissue engineering approaches. The aim of this study was the development of novel poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate)/ poly(ε-caprolactone) (PHBHHx/PCL) blend scaffolds for tissue engineering by means of computer-aided wet-spinning, a hybrid additive manufacturing technique suitable for processing polyhydroxyalkanoates dissolved in organic solvents. The experimental conditions for processing tetrahydrofuran solutions containing the two polymers at different concentrations (PHBHHx/PCL weight ratio of 3:1, 2:1 or 1:1) were optimized in order to manufacture scaffolds with predefined geometry and internal porous architecture. PHBHHx/PCL scaffolds with a 3D interconnected network of macropores and a local microporosity of the polymeric matrix, as a consequence of the phase inversion process governing material solidification, were successfully fabricated. As shown by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric, differential scanning calorimetric and uniaxial compressive analyses, blend composition significantly influenced the scaffold morphological, thermal and mechanical properties. In vitro biological characterization showed that the developed scaffolds were able to sustain the adhesion and proliferation of MC3T3-E1 murine preosteoblast cells. The additive manufacturing approach developed in this study, based on a polymeric solution processing method avoiding possible material degradation related to thermal treatments, could represent a powerful tool for the development of customized PHBHHx-based blend scaffolds for tissue engineering.
Social Support, Religious Involvement and Alcohol Use among Students at a Conservative Religious University
Authors: Thompson Wendy
Published: May 2017

The misuse of alcohol among college students remains a significant public health concern in the United States. Excessive drinking among college students has been linked to numerous negative consequences, including rape, impaired academic performance, absenteeism from work and school and damaged social relations. This study examined whether religious involvement and social support played a role in reducing the frequency of alcohol use. A non-random convenience sample of 364 students from a larger study of 760 college students—18 years old and older—were recruited over a 2 month period. The survey used in this study consisted of 124 items and collected information on areas such as substance misuse, sexual activity, use of pornography, relationships, personal religious practices, and social support. A descriptive analysis and chi-square were performed to determine if there was a relationship between frequency of alcohol use and gender, marital status, student class, GPA, religion, ethnicity and age. Linear regression was conducted to determine if social support and religious involvement were predictors of frequency of alcohol misuse. Multivariate regression analysis was used for predicting religious involvement when including social support while controlling for gender, age, ethnicity and grade. The present study revealed that religious involvement was a predictor for reduced frequency of alcohol use, while social support was not a predictor of lower frequency of alcohol use.
Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Catalytic Evaluation of Anionic Phosphinoferrocene Amidosulfonate Ligands
Authors: Schulz Jiří , Horký Filip , Císařová Ivana , Štěpnička Petr
Published: May 2017

Triethylammonium salts of phosphinoferrocene amidosulfonates with electron-rich dialkyphosphino substituents, R2PfcCONHCH2SO3(HNEt3) (4a–c), where fc = ferrocene-1,1′-diyl, and R = i-Pr (a), cyclohexyl (Cy; b), and t-butyl (c), were synthesized from the corresponding phosphinocarboxylic acids-borane adducts, R2PfcCO2H·BH3 (1a–c), via esters R2PfcCO2C6F5·BH3 (2a–c) and adducts R2PfcCONHCH2SO3(HNEt3)·BH3 (3a–c). Compound 4b was shown to react with [Pd(μ-Cl)(η-C3H5)]2 and AgClO4 to afford the zwitterionic complex [Pd(η3-C3H5)(Cy2PfcCONHCH2SO3-κ2O,P)] (5b), in which the amidosulfonate ligand coordinates as a chelating donor making use of its phosphine moiety and amide oxygen. The structures of 3b·CH2Cl2, 4b and 5b·CH2Cl2 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 4a–c and their known diphenylphosphino analogue, Ph2PfcCONHCH2SO3(HNEt3) (4d), were studied as supporting ligands in Pd-catalyzed cyanation of aryl bromides with K4[Fe(CN)6] and in Suzuki–Miyaura biaryl cross-coupling performed in aqueous reaction media under mild reaction conditions. In the former reaction, the best results were achieved with a catalyst generated from [PdCl2(cod)] (cod = η2:η2-cycloocta-1,5-diene) and 2 equiv. of the least electron-rich ligand 4d in dioxane–water as a solvent. In contrast, the biaryl coupling was advantageously performed with a catalyst resulting from palladium(II) acetate and ligand 4a (1 equiv.) in the same solvent.
Entropy Analysis of Monetary Unions
Authors: Mata Maria , Machado Jose
Published: May 2017

This paper is an exercise of quantitative dynamic analysis applied to bilateral relationships among partners within two monetary union case studies: the Portuguese escudo zone monetary union (EZMU) and the European euro zone monetary union (EMU). Real world data are tackled and measures that are usual in complex system analysis, such as entropy, mutual information, Canberra distance, and Jensen–Shannon divergence, are adopted. The emerging relationships are visualized by means of the multidimensional scaling and hierarchical clustering computational techniques. Results bring evidence on long-run stochastic dynamics that lead to asymmetric indebtedness mechanisms among the partners of a monetary union and sustainability difficulties. The consequences of unsustainability and disruption of monetary unions have high importance for the discussion on optimal currency areas from a geopolitical perspective.
Five Megawatt Wind Turbine Power Output Improvements by Passive Flow Control Devices
Authors: Fernandez-Gamiz Unai , Zulueta Ekaitz , Boyano Ana , Ansoategui Igor , Uriarte Irantzu
Published: May 2017

The effects of two types of flow control devices, vortex generators (VGs) and Gurney flaps (GFs), on the power output performance of a multi-megawatt horizontal axis wind turbine is presented. To that end, an improved blade element momentum (BEM)-based solver has been developed and BEM-based computations have been carried out on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 5 MW baseline wind turbine. The results obtained from the clean wind turbine are compared with the ones obtained from the wind turbine equipped with the flow control devices. A significant increase in the average wind turbine power output has been found for all of the flow control device configurations and for the wind speed realizations studied in the present work. Furthermore, a best configuration case is proposed which has the largest increase of the average power output. In that case, increments on the average power output of 10.4% and 3.5% have been found at two different wind speed realizations. The thrust force and bending moment in the root of the blade have also been determined and compared with the values of the clean wind turbine. A residual increase in the bending moment of less than 1% has been found.
Soil Biology Research across Latitude, Elevation and Disturbance Gradients: A Review of Forest Studies from Puerto Rico during the Past 25 Years
Authors: González Grizelle , Lodge D.
Published: May 2017

Progress in understanding changes in soil biology in response to latitude, elevation and disturbance gradients has generally lagged behind studies of above-ground plants and animals owing to methodological constraints and high diversity and complexity of interactions in below-ground food webs. New methods have opened research opportunities in below-ground systems, leading to a rapid increase in studies of below-ground organisms and processes. Here, we summarize results of forest soil biology research over the past 25 years in Puerto Rico as part of a 75th Anniversary Symposium on research of the USDA Forest Service International Institute of Tropical Forestry. These results are presented in the context of changes in soil and forest floor biota across latitudinal, elevation and disturbance gradients. Invertebrate detritivores in these tropical forests exerted a stronger influence on leaf decomposition than in cold temperate forests using a common substrate. Small changes in arthropods brought about using different litterbag mesh sizes induced larger changes in leaf litter mass loss and nutrient mineralization. Fungi and bacteria in litter and soil of wet forests were surprisingly sensitive to drying, leading to changes in nutrient cycling. Tropical fungi also showed sensitivity to environmental fluctuations and gradients as fungal phylotype composition in soil had a high turnover along an elevation gradient in Puerto Rico. Globally, tropical soil fungi had smaller geographic ranges than temperate fungi. Invertebrate activity accelerates decomposition of woody debris, especially in lowland dry forest, but invertebrates are also important in early stages of log decomposition in middle elevation wet forests. Large deposits of scoltine bark beetle frass from freshly fallen logs coincide with nutrient immobilization by soil microbial biomass and a relatively low density of tree roots in soil under newly fallen logs. Tree roots shifted their foraging locations seasonally in relation to decaying logs. Native earthworms were sensitive to disturbance and were absent from tree plantations, whereas introduced earthworms were found across elevation and disturbance gradients.
Spatial Modelling of Fire Drivers in Urban-Forest Ecosystems in China
Authors: Guo Futao , Su Zhangwen , Tigabu Mulualem , Yang Xiajie , Lin Fangfang , Liang Huiling , Wang Guangyu
Published: May 2017

Fires in urban-forest ecosystems (UFEs) are frequent with complex causes, posing a serious hazard to human lives and infrastructure. Thus, quantifying wildfire risks in UFEs and their spatial pattern is quintessential to develop appropriate fire management strategies. The aim of this study was to explore spatial (geographically weighted logistic regression, GWLR) versus non-spatial (logistic regression, LR) modelling approaches to determine the relationship between forest fire occurrence and driving factors in Yichun, a typical urban-forest ecosystem in China. As drivers of fire, 13 factors related to topographic, vegetation, infrastructure, meteorological and socio-economy were considered and regressed against fire occurrence data from 1980 to 2010. Results demonstrate the superiority of GWLR models over LR in terms of prediction accuracy, goodness of fit and model residuals. The GWLR model further captured the spatial variability of driving factors over a broad study area, and the fire likelihood maps identified areas with different zones of fire risk in the study area. In conclusion, the study demonstrates quantitatively and spatially the importance of accounting for local variation in drivers of fires, thereby improving fire management and prevention strategies. The findings also contribute to the emerged field of fire management and fire risk assessment in UFEs.
Fragility Fractures and Parkinsonism: Relationship of Fractures with Demography, Severity and Predictors of Adverse Outcomes
Authors: Aithal Shridhar , Sequeira Ruford , Edwards Chris , Singh Inderpal
Published: May 2017

Background: The risk of falls is higher in patients with Parkinsonism (PwP) as compared to other older adults, leading to adverse outcomes including fragility fractures. Osteoporosis is under-recognised and the current prevalence of fragility fractures is not well-studied. The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence of fragility fractures in PwP, to measure the relationship of fractures with demography, severity and to measure predictors of adverse outcomes in this population. Method/Description: This was a retrospective observational cohort study based on the analysis of existing data for all the patients attending Caerphilly Movement Disorder Clinic. Information on demographics, the severity of Parkinsonism and fragility fractures was extracted electronically from the clinical workstation, clinic letters and coding from January 2015 to October 2016. Results: 397 people (mean age = 77.1 ± 9.4, 46% females) were studied. Of these, 77% (306/397) had Parkinsonism and 80% (244/306) had idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD). The mean Hoehn & Yahr Score at the time assessment was 3.09 ± 1.16. Additionally, 23.5% (72/306) were deemed to have osteoporosis based on the radiological evidence of fragility fractures. The PwP who sustained fractures were comparatively older (80.4 ± 12.1) and 70% (50/72) were females. The most common site for fractures was vertebral (47.2%; 34/72). Also, 22.2% of the sample (16/72) had suffered a fragility fracture before the diagnosis of PD. However, a majority (77.8%; 56/72) had sustained a fracture during the course of PD with a mean lapse of 6 years (range = 0–13 years) from initial diagnosis. Only 40% (29/72) of patients were prescribed osteoporosis drugs as per guidelines. There is a significant correlation of advancing age, severity and duration of PD with fragility fractures. The single best predictor of mortality is severity of PD, followed by age and fractures. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of fragility fractures in patients attending movement disorder clinics, although 60% do not receive evidence-based medical treatment for the underlying osteoporosis. The prevalence of fragility fractures is positively correlated with the duration and severity of PD. We acknowledge the relatively small sample size as the study’s limitation.
Mass Spectrometry Based Profiling and Imaging of Various Ginsenosides from Panax ginseng Roots at Different Ages
Authors: Lee Jae , Ji Seung-Heon , Lee Young-Seob , Choi Doo , Choi Bo-Ram , Kim Geum-Soog , Baek Nam-In , Lee Dae
Published: May 2017

(1) Background: Panax ginseng root is one of the most important herbal products, and the profiling of ginsenosides is critical for the quality control of ginseng roots at different ages in the herbal markets. Furthermore, interest in assessing the contents as well as the localization of biological compounds has been growing. The objective of this study is to carry out the mass spectrometry (MS)-based profiling and imaging of ginsenosides to assess ginseng roots at different ages; (2) Methods: Optimal ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time of flight/MS (UPLC-QTOF/MS) was used to profile various ginsenosides from P. ginseng roots. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI)-time of flight (TOF)/MS-based imaging was also optimized to visualize ginsenosides in ginseng roots; (3) Results: UPLC-QTOF/MS was used to profile 30 ginsenosides with high mass accuracy, with an in-house library constructed for the fast and exact identification of ginsenosides. Using this method, the levels of 14 ginsenosides were assessed in P. ginseng roots cultivated for 4, 5, and 6 years. The optimal MALDI-imaging MS (IMS) was also applied to visualize the 14 ginsenosides in ginseng roots. As a result, the MSI cross sections showed the localization of 4 ginsenoside ions ([M + K]+) in P. ginseng roots at different ages; (4) Conclusions: The contents and localization of various ginsenosides differ depending on the cultivation years of P. ginseng roots. Furthermore, this study demonstrated the utility of MS-based profiling and imaging of ginsenosides for the quality control of ginseng roots.