bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historical Evolution from Measuring Service Quality to Library User Experience:
Authors: Kaththota Ralalage Niluka Harshani , Harshani K. R. N. , Khatibi Ali , Azam S.M.Ferdous
Published: February 2020

Experience reflects customers’ overall assessment of value rather than in relation to expectations, highlighting the importance of these perceptual attributes. These attributes reflect customers’ higher-order objectives leading to purchasing behavior better than technical aspects of service do, the latter subject to frequent changes due to technology and competition. Therefore perceptual attributes are more stable as the focus of evaluation of experience SERVQUAL focuses largely upon customers’ assessment of the service process and human interactions Individual components of a service encounter may be assessed as ‘good quality’, but that does not automatically mean that the overall experience is judged high quality, nor does measuring the components of service quality ensure that customers achieve their desired outcomes.
Time-frequency transforms in analysis of non-stationary quasi-periodic biomedical signal patterns for acoustic anomaly detection
Authors: Iskhakova Anastasia , Alekhin Maxim , Bogomolov Alexey
Published: February 2020

Introduction: New approaches to efficient compression and digital processing of audio signals are relevant today. Thereis a lot of interest to new pattern recognition methods which can improve the quality of acoustic anomaly detection. Purpose:Comparative analysis of methods for time-frequency transformation of audio signal patterns, including non-stationary quasiperiodicbiomedical signals in the problem of acoustic anomaly detection. Results: The study compared different time-frequencytransforms (such as windowed Fourier, Gabor, Wigner, pseudo Wigner, smoothed pseudo Wigner, Choi — Williams, Bertrand, pseudoBertrand, smoothed pseudo Bertrand, and wavelet transforms) based on systematization of their functional characteristics(such as the existence and limitedness of basis functions, presence of zero moments and biorthogonal form, opportunity oftwo-dimensional representation and inverse transformation, real time processing, time-frequency transform quality, controlof time-frequency definition, time and frequency interference suppression, relative computational complexity, fast algorithmimplementation) for the problem of biomedial signal pattern recognition. A comparative table is presented with estimates ofinformation capacity for the considered time-frequency transforms. Practical relevance: The proposed approach can solve someacoustic anomaly detection algorithm implementation problems common in non-stationary quasi-periodic processes, in order tostudy disruptive effects causing a change in the functional state of ergatic system operators.
The effect of classical Turkish and Western music on university students' exam stress level, blood pressure and pulse rate: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: BEKTAŞ AKPINAR Nilay , AŞKIN CERAN Merve , ÖZKALP Birol
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Exam stress may cause anxiety, worry, emotion and condition changes in university students. Students use various methods to cope with exam stress. Music is a method used to cope with anxiety that reduces the stress level of individuals by creating a deep relaxation and providing a therapeutic environment. This research was carried out in a randomized controlled pre-test and post-test to examine the effect of regular Classical Turkish and Western music on university students’ exam stress level, blood pressure and pulse findings.Material and Method: The sample of the study consisted of 88 students (40 experiments, 48 controls) studying in different departments at this University between November 2017 and February 2018. Data were collected by exam anxiety scale and personal information form. The experiment group was played 25 minutes 4 days a week total 6 weeks and Classic Western and Classical Turkish music just before the exam. Examination anxiety scale was re-applied to the experimental and control groups just before the examination, and the vital sign findings of the students were examined.Findings: The mean score of the experimental group was 41.40±9.40 and the postest mean score was 23.20±4.16 and there was a statistically significant difference (p<0.01). In addition, diastolic, systolic blood pressure and pulse rate of the students in the group who listen to music were lower than those who did not listen to music. Conclusion: It has been determined that regular music performance is an effective method in reducing the stress levels and anxiety levels of the students.
Strategi Pengembangan Obyek Wisata Di Wilayah Makam Bung Karno Kota Blitar
Authors: Zainal Arifin Agus
Published: February 2020

This research is a type of descriptive research with qualitative research methods. So that this method can describe and analyze the swot strategy for increasing the competitiveness of the development of regional tourism in the City of Blitar (Settlement of Tourism Supporters as an Effort to Increase Competitiveness in the Development of Tourism Objects of Bung Karno's Tomb of Blitar City) The implementation of this method is not limited to data collection and preparation , but also includes analysis and interpretation of the data. Data analysis techniques used are descriptive analysis techniques with data reduction steps, and conclusion drawing.

The results showed that the Research on Housing and Settlement Area Development Plans in the Jatimalang Embankment and Bendung Tanggung Areas was the development of tourism-based housing and settlements. In the sense that there has been a mutually beneficial collaboration including, both residential and residential areas and tourism areas, in this case the concept of the need to establish regional management institutions for Tourism Settlement Settlement as an Effort to Increase Competitiveness in the Development of Tourism Objects of the Bung Karno Tomb of Blitar City which is a joint representation for all residents of Kepanjenkidul Subdistrict, especially the Sentul Village and the City of Blitar.
Analisis Kredit Pada Pt Bank Pembangunan Daerah Jawa Timur Tbk Cabang Pembantu Ngunut-Tulungagung
Authors: Adrianta Danny
Published: February 2020

Analisis kredit merupakan penilaian terhadap suatu permohonan kredit (baik permohonan kredit baru, perpanjangan/pembaharuan, maupun restrukturisasi) layak atau tidak untuk disalurkan kepada Debitur. Ada beberapa prinsip-prinsip penilaian kredit yang sering dilakukan yaitu dengan analisis 5 C’s yaitu : Penilaian Watak (Character), Penilaian Kemampuan (Capacity), Penilaian terhadap modal (Capital), Penilaian terhadap agunan (Collateral), dan Penilaian terhadap prospek usaha nasabah debitur (condition of economy).

Dalam penulisan tesis ini Penulis menggunakan metode pendekatan secara yuridis empiris yaitu suatu cara atau prosedur yang digunakan untuk memecahkan masalah dengan terlebih dahulu meneliti data sekunder yang ada kemudian dilanjutkan dengan penelitian data primer dilapangan.

Berdasarkan hasil penelitian di ketahui bahwa Penggunaan 5C’s dalam setiap permohonan kredit merupakan hal yang mutlak dan harus dilakukan untuk menentukan keputusan diterima atau ditolaknya suatu kredit. Di PT Pembangunan Daerah Jawa Timur Cabang Pembantu Ngunut Tulungagung penilaian terhadap permohonan Kredit dimulai dengan meneliti proposal dan berkas permohonan kredit dari calon debitur, kemudian dilakukan penyelidikan terhadap berkas pinjaman, selanjutnya dilakukan penilaian kelayakan kredit yang menggunakan analisis 5 C’s, Sebelum diputuskannya permohonan kredit diterima atau tidak, maka setelah penilaian kelayakan kredit, kemudian melalui tahap Wawancara pertama, peninjauan ke lokasi, hingga wawancara kedua. Setelah itu baru diputuskan permohonan kredit tersebut diterima atau tidak. Namun dalam pelaksanaanyan dilapangan ada beberapa kendala sehingga penggunaan 5 C’s dalam analisis pemberian kredit tidak dapat dilaksanakan secara optimal, hal ini karena kondisi ekonomi, manajemen Bank dan keadaan Politik dari Negara
Evaluasi Kinerja Aparatur Sipil Negara Dinas Kearsipan Dan Perpustakaan Kota Kediri
Authors: Zulaikah Siti
Published: February 2020

Stigma yang berkembang bahwa ASN yang ditempatkan pada Dinas Kearsipan dan Perpustakaan adalah ASN yang terbuang atau “diarsipkan”. Hal ini menarik minat peneliti untuk melakukan penelitian dengan tujuan untuk mendeskripsikan dan mengevaluasi kinerja pegawai pada Dinas Kearsipan dan Perpustakaan Kota Kediri serta untuk mengetahui faktor yang mendukung dan menghambat kinerja di Dinas Kearsipan dan Perpustakaan Kota Kediri. Untuk menjawab tujuan penelitian diukur melalui Orientasi Pelayanan, Integritas, Komitmen, Kedisiplinan, Kerjasama, dan Kepemimpinan.

Penelitian ini berjenis deskriptif kualitatif, dengan lokasi penelitian pada Dinas Kearsipan dan Perpustakaan Kota Kediri. Data berasal dari wawancara dengan 22 orang informan dan juga dari pengamatan langsung di lokasi penelitian. Sedangkan data sekunder berasal dari data dan dokumen yang dimiliki oleh instansi. Penarikan kesimpulan berdasarkan data yang diolah dengan menggunakan analisis model interaktif. 

Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kinerja pada Dinas Kearsipan dan Perpustakaan Kota Kediri sudah baik, namun masih sangat perlu dioptimakan. Hal ini terlihat dari kerjasama,  kedisiplinan dan kepemimpinan yang masih harus ditingkatkan.Sedangkan dari segi pelayanan, integritas, dan komitmen sudah baik.

Adapun faktor pendukung kinerja ASN diantaranya adanya semangat/motivasi diri yang kuat untuk melaksanakan pekerjaan dengan penuh tanggung jawab, berintegritas dan penuh komitmen, adanya reward TPP dari Pemerintah Kota Kediri dan lingkungan kerja yang kondusif. Sedangkan faktor penghambat kinerjanya diantaranya kurangnya sumber daya manusia, kurangnya sarana dan prasarana, dankurangnya alokasi anggaran untuk dinas dan anggaran peningkatan kompetensi pegawai.
Promosi Jabatan, Mutasi, Dan Motivasi Berprestasi Sebagai Upaya Meningkatkan Prestasi Kerja Aparatur Sipil Negara
Authors: Subandi Subandi
Published: February 2020

As a public servant, a civil servant must demonstrate high work performance. High work performance is a form of evidence that the civil servants concerned can carry out the tasks carried out properly. Therefore, various personnel management policies have been pursued by the government in improving work performance, including mutation, promotion and motivation.

The purpose of this study was to find out the influence of achievement motivation, mutation and promotion of work performance of civil servants. Specifically, this study aims to determine the effect of (1) achievement motivation on work performance; (2) mutation of work performance; (3) promotion of work performance; and (4) the significance of the influence of achievement motivation, mutation, and promotion of work performance of civil servants in the Regional Civil Service Agency of the City of Blitar.

This study uses descriptive analysis method with a quantitative approach. The research sample used the entire population, namely all civil servants in the Regional Civil Service Agency of Blitar City were 35 people. Data obtained through instruments in the form of questionnaires with linkert scale. Data analysis using multiple linear regression.

The results showed that (1) achievement motivation had a positive and significant effect on work performance.  (2) mutations have a positive and significant effect on work performance. (3) job promotion does not have a positive and significant effect on work performance. (4) collectively achievement motivation, mutation and promotion have a significant effect on job performance.
Implementasi Kebijakan Program Keluarga Berencana Dalam Rangka Peningkatan Kesertaan KB Pria di Kecamatan Kepanjenkidul Kota Blitar
Authors: Wibawa Kusuma , Baehaki Imam
Published: February 2020

Tujuan Penelitian adalah mendiskripsikan implementasi kebijakan peningkatan KB pria dalam program Keluarga Berencana di Kecamatan Kepanjenkidul Kota Blitar 2.Mengetahui dan menganalisis  faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi implementasi kebijakan peningkatan kesertaan KB pria.

Penelitian ini  menggunakan  pendekatan fenomenologis.   Hal   inimengingat tujuan utama dari penelitian ini adalah untuk memahami secara mendalam terhadap fenomena yang dijadikan sasaran penelitian, yakni masih cukup rendahnya cakupan kesertaan KB pria. Dalam memaknai pemahaman ini, peneliti akan mencoba menarik berbagai generalisasi atau teori yang dapat digunakan untuk perkembangan ilmu itu sendiri atau untuk dijadikan dasar bagi kepentingan aplikasi teori dalam kehidupan masyarakat.

Hasil Penelitian menunjukkan bahwa : Pertama, partisipasi laki-laki (suami) dalam ber-KB relatif masih rendah. Hal ini terlihat dari temuan studi ini, yaitu dari seluruh responden (laki-laki) sebanyak 8,35 persen yang menggunakan kontrasepsi vasektomi, selebihnya perempuan (istri) yang menggunakan metode kontrasepsi. Kedua, beberapa kendala yang menghambat partisipasi laki-laki dalam ber-KB adalah adanya kekhawatiran mengganggu kejantanan, impotensi, malu karena menjadi pergunjingan di masyarakat. Ketiga, strategi yang perlu dikembangkan untuk meningkatkan partisipasi laki-laki dalam ber-KB antara lain adalah: 1) untuk mengurangi berbagai kekhawatiran suami maupun istri tentang risiko ber-KB Pria, khususnya vasektomi, perlu dilakukan sosialisasi yang lebih intensif, dan kampanye Masyarakat, melalui media massa, yang menampilkan bintang iklan yang populer, sehingga keikutsertaan dalam Program KB Pria tidak lagi dianggap sebagai sesuatu yang tabu atau memalukan. Sosialisasi ini perlu dilakukan tidak hanya bagi kaum pria, tetapi juga bagi kaum perempuan, karena dalam kenyataan tidak jarang terjadi justru kaum perempuan sendiri yang menjadi penghalang kemungkinan suami mereka ikut serta dalam Program KB; 2) Untuk mempermudah akses para suami yang ingin melakukan vasektomi, ada baiknya jika dikembangkan berbagai pelatihan bagi para dokter atau tenaga medis lainnya dalam melakukan praktik vasektomi agar bisa dieliminasi sekecil-kecilnya kemungkinankemungkinan terjadinya kegagalan dan efek samping vasektomi yang tidak dikehendaki, sebab perasaan takut akan efek samping yang tidak diinginkan, secara langsung maupun tidak langsung akan menyebabkan partisipasi kaum pria dalam Program KB menjadi terhambat.
医院档案管理中精细化管理的应用探析
Authors: 魏 红焕
Published: February 2020

精细化档案管理模式是一种新型的档案管理方式,具有先进的档案管理理念,在医院档案管理中应用精细化管理能够有效的提高档案管理的效率和质量。精细、严谨的档案管理方案不仅能够提高相关工作人员的工作效率,还能够提升医院的服务质量。在这个经济和科技技术快速发展的时代背景下,社会和人们对医院服务的质量和水平有了更高的要求,为了提升医院服务的整体水平和质量,就需要医院重视档案管理工作,积极的应用精细化管理改变医院传统的档案管理模式和理念,进一步提升医院整体发展的实力,从而推动医院的可持续发展。
Participation of Housewives in Prevention of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever in Sub-District Muara Dua, Lhokseumawe, Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Wahyu Ajisah  , Irnawati Marsaulina  , R. Kintoko Rochadi
Published: February 2020

Indonesia is a dengue endemic area and it has an epidemic once in 4-5 years. Until now it tends to increase in number of cases as well as its widespread. Researchers investigated that socio-demography, knowledge and attitudes related to dengue disease affecting the participation of housewives in prevention of dengue fever dengue mosquito through questionnaires and interviews. This research was conducted descriptively with cross sectional approach to 72 housewives in sub-district Muara Dua, Lhokseumawe, Aceh, Indonesia using sample purposive sampling process. The relationship between the characteristics of housewives with their involvement in prevention of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) was analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis. More than 75% of respondents live in endemic areas and over 68% of respondents knew that dengue is transmitted through mosquitoes. 50% of respondents knew that 3M (draining the water reservoir, closing the water reservoir and burying the garbage) Plus as DHF prevention but only 37.5% of respondents have applied 3M Plus even though they know that it needs to be continuously done throughout the year especially in the rainy season. The respondents' participation in prevention of DHF disease in moderate category was 50 respondents (69.44%), 9 respondents (12.5%) were categorized as low in participation and only 13 respondents (18.06%) were categorized as very good in participation in the effort to eliminate DHF. There was a highly significant correlation between knowledge and attitude (p <0.01) and there was a significant correlation in education (p <0.05) of housewives with their actions in the prevention of dengue hemorrhagic fever. This reflects the urgent need for advocacy programs in raising awareness of DHF in the community. The nearest inter-sector collaborates with the medical, veterinary, community and local authority sectors to ensure the availability of DHF prevention services besides 3M Plus, also a monitoring officer/home and public health service to undertake health promotion programs of DHF prevention. This is a key element to eliminate deaths from dengue fever which occur every year.
Illustration of Filariasis Surveilans in South Labuhanbatu Regency
Authors: Ade Rahimi  , Toghur Arifani Lubis
Published: February 2020

Filariasis is a chronic infectious disease caused by filarial worms and transmitted by mosquito. Filariasis elimination program in Indonesia set with two pillars that are filariasis mass drug administration (POMP filariasis) in endemic areas and preventing or limiting disability due to filariasis. POMP minimum coverage by eighty five percent must be achieved to break the chain of transmission. This study is to describe filariasis mass drugs administration in south Labuhanbatu regency. Data were obtained from interview with the supervisor of filariasis program. The results show number of filariasis sufferer until two thousand sixteen is twenty nine patients. Every year founded new filariasis sufferer even some of them are died and there are puskesmas that has POMP coverage under eighty five percent or minimum standard.
Anthropocentric-Utilitarian Tradition and the Quest for Environmental Justice in the Niger Delta of Nigeria
Authors: Edward Uzoma Ezedike
Published: February 2020

There is a growing concern, lately, in the Niger Delta region, nay, Nigeria at large, over the despoliation of our environment by multinational oil companies and citizens in quest for economic gains. The problem is that humans have come to see themselves as “landlords” and masters of God’s creation rather than stewards, having untrammeled authority to plunder natural resources with reckless abandon. The resultant effect is that this unethical attitude towards the environment poses grave danger to both living and non-living things in the ecosystem and forecloses the possibilities of its sustainability. Specifically, this paper critically examines the implications of the anthropocentric- utilitarian tradition in environmental ethics for the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The anthropocentric approach emphasizes the use of non-human natural resources solely in terms of their instrumental value to human kind. Its utilitarian dimension holds that so long as an environmental attitude or policy produces the greatest happiness, pleasure or benefit possible for the greatest number of people, it is moral. This paper posits that such tradition is quite problematic to the realization of environmental justice and wholeness in the Niger Delta. Our objective here is to show that the monumental environmental problems in the Niger Delta resulting from oil exploration are precipitated by the some unjust socio-economic and unethical principles. This paper recommends the application of the principles of environmental stewardship and environmental justice as a way out of the problem. These principles stand for moral consider ability towards the environment as well as a fair distribution of environmental burdens and benefits.
Экспериментально-расчетная методика оценки теплофизических характеристик строительных материалов с использованием камерной электропечи для решения задач огнестойкости
Authors: Botyan Sergey , Zhamoydik Sergey , Kudryashov Vadim , Nguen Tkhan'
Published: February 2020

Цель. На основе экспериментальных исследований и теоретических данных разработать методику и определить теплофизические характеристики цементно-армированных и минераловатных плит при повышенных температурах для решения задач огнестойкости.

Методы. Использованы методы конечных элементов, параметрической оптимизации, экспериментальные исследования.

Результаты. Разработана методика и проведены экспериментальные исследования по прогреву исследуемых материалов в рамках границ температурно-временной кривой стандартного пожара: в стационарном тепловом режиме при температурах 275, 550, 770 и 1150 °С; в нестационарном тепловом режиме при температурах от 20 до 1000 °С. Разработаны расчетные конечно-элементные модели, сформулированы краевые (начальные и граничные) условия, с использованием методов параметрической оптимизации определены теплофизические характеристики цементно-армированных и минераловатных плит при повышенных температурах для решения задач огнестойкости.

Область применения исследований. Полученные результаты могут быть использованы для решения задач огнестойкости строительных конструкций на основе минеральных утеплителей и цементно-армированных плит, а также для определения теплофизических характеристик при повышенных температурах иных строительных материалов.
Комплексная защита организаций, подлежащих переводу на работу в условиях военного времени
Authors: Bulva Aleksandr , Beznosik Evgeniy , Lebedkin Aleksandr
Published: February 2020

Цель. Разработать модель, структуру и принципы реализации комплексной защиты в организациях, подлежащих переводу на работу в условиях военного времени.

Методы. Использованы общенаучные методы исследования: индукции и дедукции, анализа и синтеза, сравнения и обобщения, аналогии.

Результаты. Разработан порядок реализации комплексной защиты в организациях, подлежащих переводу на работу в условиях военного времени; сформирована иерархическая модель системы защитных мероприятий, а также сформулированы принципы их осуществления.

Область применения исследований. Результаты исследования являются вкладом в развитие теории гражданской обороны, а также могут быть использованы при переработке требований нормативных правовых актов в части уточнения принципов осуществления защитных мероприятий в организациях, подлежащих переводу на работу в условиях военного времени, структуры и системы управления комплексной защитой в организациях.
Problem of the modeling the filaments after laser-induced breakdown the matter
Authors: Trokhimchuck Petro P.
Published: February 2020

The problems of the appearance of laser-induced filamets in the matter are discussed. A detailed analysis of the formation of such structures in various media: from air to silicon carbide, is represented. The influence of the spectral composition, the number of pulses and the duration of the irradiation and the medium on the geometric dimensions of the resulting structures and on their phase states is shown. In this case, the sizes of filaments vary from several hundred nanometers for silicon carbide to several hundred meters for air. The emission spectrum is continuous, and resembles the Cherenkov radiation. Therefore, the idea was developed that the radiation of filaments and the radiation of Cherenkov are of the same nature. The problems of the mechanisms of the formation of laser-induced destruction cascades in silicon carbide are discussed. To explain the experimental results, we used modified Rayleigh models (diffraction stratification of the laser beam and critical sizes of nanovoids), physicochemical models for determining critical energy values for the corresponding processes, and models for optically-induced Cherenkov radiation.
Characteristics of fiber-optic photoacoustic transducers with monolayer of metal nanoparticles for systems of technical diagnostics
Authors: Mikitchuk Alena P. , Kozadaev Konstantin V.
Published: February 2020

The work is devoted to the experimental study of the microstructural and morphological properties of nanostructures as part of a prototype of fiber-optic photoacoustic transducer. The transducer has been created to confirm the theoretical investigations previously obtained by the authors during the study the conditions of the most effective photoacoustic gene ration. To solve the main problem that arises when creating photoacoustic transducers, namely reducing the thickness of the absorbing layer, we used a nanostructure based on a monolayer of silver nanoparticles with size gamma-distribution, the average diameter of 35 nm with RMS-size of 12 nm. The method of simultaneous measuring both efficiency of photoacoustic conversion and frequency response of a photoacoustic transducer is proposed for the first time. The method allows experimental investigation of transduces output parameters versus the modulation mode of the optical signal. The proposed method is based on the usage of the main measurement channel for irradiating the photoacoustic transducer and a reference channel based on fiber optical coupler and photodiode. The experiment shows the reliable generation of ultrasound at frequencies of 10 –18 MHz with a prototype of photoacoustic transducer. During one hour irradiation, degradation of two-dimensional surface nanostructures has not been observed. This allows such type of photoacoustic transducer to be used as part of a new generation of technical diagnostics systems.
Electrical and Optical Properties of Amorphous SnO2:Ta Films, Prepared by DC and RF Magnetron Sputtering: A Systematic Study of the Influence of the Type of the Reactive Gas
Authors: Mientus Rainald , Weise Michael , Seeger Stefan , Heller Rene , Ellmer Klaus
Published: February 2020

By reactive magnetron sputtering from a ceramic SnO2:Ta target onto unheated substrates, X-ray amorphous SnO:Ta films were prepared in gas mixtures of Ar/O2(N2O, H2O). The process windows, where the films exhibit the lowest resistivity values, were investigated as a function of the partial pressure of the reactive gases O2, N2O and H2O. We found that all three gases lead to the same minimum resistivity, while the width of the process window is broadest for the reactive gas H2O. While the amorphous films were remarkably conductive (ρ ≈ 5 × 10−3 Ωcm), the films crystallized by annealing at 500 °C exhibit higher resistivities due to grain boundary limited conduction. For larger film thicknesses (d ≳ 150 nm), crystallization occurs already during the deposition, caused by the substrate temperature increase due to the energy influx from the condensing film species and from the plasma (ions, electrons), leading to higher resistivities of these films. The best amorphous SnO2:Ta films had a resistivity of lower than 4 × 10−3 Ωcm, with a carrier concentration of 1.1 × 1020 cm−3, and a Hall mobility of 16 cm2/Vs. The sheet resistance was about 400 Ω/□ for 100 nm films and 80 Ω/□ for 500 nm thick films. The average optical transmittance from 500 to 1000 nm is greater than 76% for 100 nm films, where the films, deposited with H2O as reactive gas, exhibit even a slightly higher transmittance of 80%. These X-ray amorpous SnO2:Ta films can be used as low-temperature prepared transparent and conductive protection layers, for instance, to protect semiconducting photoelectrodes for water splitting, and also, where appropriate, in combination with more conductive TCO films (ITO or ZnO).
Use of Alternative Wood for the Ageing of Brandy de Jerez
Authors: García-Moreno M. Valme , Sánchez-Guillén Manuel M. , Ruiz de Mier María , Delgado-González Manuel J. , Rodríguez-Dodero M. Carmen , García-Barroso Carmelo , Guillén-Sánchez Dominico A.
Published: February 2020

The use of alternative types of wood has arisen for the aging of the Brandy de Jerez, on a pilot plant level. In particular, besides the use of American oak, two more types of oak have been studied, French oak and Spanish oak, allowed by the Technical File for the ID Brandy de Jerez, and chestnut, which, though it is not officially allowed, is a type of wood which had been traditionally used in the area for the aging of wines and distillates. All of them have been studied with different toasting levels: Intense toasting and medium toasting. The study of the total phenolic composition (TPI), chromatic characteristics, organic acids, and sensory analysis have proven that chestnut leads to distillates with a higher amount of phenolic compounds and coloring intensity than oak. This behavior is the opposite as regards the toasting of the wood. Among the different types of oak, Spanish oak produces aged distillates with a higher phenolic composition and a higher color intensity. Regarding tasting, the best-assessed samples were those aged with chestnut, French oak, and American oak, and the assessors preferred those who had used a medium toasting level to those with an intense level.
Parameters of Oxidative Stress in Reproductive and Postmenopausal Mexican Women
Authors: Montoya-Estrada Araceli , Velázquez-Yescas Karla Guadalupe , Veruete-Bedolla Daniela Belen , Ruiz-Herrera José David , Villarreal-Barranca Alma , Romo-Yañez José , Ortiz-Luna Guillermo Federico , Arellano-Eguiluz Arturo , Solis-Paredes Mario , Flores-Pliego Arturo , Espejel-Nuñez Aurora , Estrada-Gutierrez Guadalupe , Reyes-Muñoz Enrique
Published: February 2020

In the reproductive phase, women experience cyclic changes in the ovaries and uterus, and hormones regulate these changes. Menopause is the permanent loss of menstruation after 12 months of amenorrhea. Menopause is also linked to a decrease in estrogen production, causing an imbalance in oxidative stress. We aimed to compare the three stages of lipid peroxidation, protein oxidative damage, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) between reproductive-aged women (RAW) and postmenopausal women (PMW) in Mexico. We carried out a cross-sectional study with 84 women from Mexico City, including 40 RAW and 44 PMW. To determine the oxidative stress of the participants, several markers of lipid damage were measured: dienes conjugates (DC), lipohydroperoxides (LHP), and malondialdehyde (MDA); exposure to protein carbonyl is indicative of oxidative modified proteins, and TAC is indicative of the antioxidant defense system. Biomarkers of oxidative stress were significantly lower in RAW vs. PMW. DC were 1.31 ± 0.65 vs. 1.7 ± 0.51 pmol DC/mg dry weight (p = 0.0032); LHP were 4.95 ± 2.20 vs. 11.30 ± 4.24 pmol LHP/mg dry weight (p < 0.0001); malondialdehyde was 20.37 ± 8.20 vs. 26.10 ± 8.71 pmol MDA/mg dry weight (p = 0.0030); exposure of protein carbonyl was 3954 ± 884 vs. 4552 ± 1445 pmol PC/mg protein (p = 0.042); and TAC was 7244 ± 1512 vs. 8099 ± 1931 pmol Trolox equivalent/mg protein (p = 0.027). PMW display significantly higher oxidative stress markers compared to RAW; likewise, PMW show a higher TAC.
An Innovative Treatment Approach Using Digital Workflow and CAD-CAM Part 2: The Restoration of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization in Children
Authors: Davidovich Esti , Dagon Shlomi , Tamari Israel , Etinger Michael , Mijiritsky Eitan
Published: February 2020

Until recently, the treatment for molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) mainly included interim restorations such as resin restorations and stainless-steel crowns. These require replacement after adolescence. The use of intraoral scanners (IOS) has opened a new venue for restoring MIH teeth, by reducing the challenge of dealing with uncooperative children’s behavior and enabling tooth structure preservation and long-lasting restoration. We present an innovative treatment approach for children with MIH, using a digital workflow with IOS and CAD-CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) fabrication of the restoration. The overall protocol involves a thorough diagnostic phase throughout treatment planning, which takes into consideration the child’s behavior and the parent’s cooperation and compliance. Initial preparation consists of inhalation sedation if needed, an effective local anesthesia, and the use of a rubber dam. Removal of all areas of enamel and dentin porosity is essential, and the tooth/teeth must be appropriately prepared to accommodate inlays or onlays for molars and labial veneers for incisors. IOS impressions are taken, including scanning of the prepared tooth and its antagonist, scanning of the bite, and CAD-CAM preparation of the restoration. Next is restoration, cementation, and follow up. Digital workflow provides definitive restorations in young patients due to the high accuracy of the scanning.
What Types of Happiness Do Korean Adults Pursue?—Comparison of Seven Happiness Types
Authors: Doh Young Yim , Chung Ji-Bum
Published: February 2020

Although Korea has achieved successful economic, social, cultural, and technological development over the past decades, Korean people do not seem to be particularly happy. To enhance an individual’s happiness, we need to be aware of what situations and environmental conditions are conducive for happiness and explore the values of happiness we pursue. This study investigated the types of happiness expressed by Korean people using a mixed-method approach. Personal in-depth (n = 15) and focus group (n = 16) interviews were conducted with people who reported feeling a high level of happiness. Happiness categorization was conducted using Q methodology (n = 63). Subsequently, we surveyed 999 nationally representative samples of Korean adults to generalize the results of the Q analysis. The findings revealed seven types of adult happiness in Korea: (1) Self-actualization, (2) Belongingness, (3) Mission, (4) Social recognition, (5) Enjoyment, (6) Material success, and (7) Parenting. The combined results of the qualitative and quantitative analyses showed that in Korea, people pursuing money or social success feel the unhappiest, whereas people pursuing a mission or sense of belonging feel the happiest. In conclusion, we discussed the need for happiness literacy education, to provide each adult an opportunity to understand the type of happiness they pursue.
Toxicity of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Mammalian Systems
Authors: Yong Cheryl , Valiyaveettil Suresh , Tang Bor
Published: February 2020

Fragmented or otherwise miniaturized plastic materials in the form of micro- or nanoplastics have been of nagging environmental concern. Perturbation of organismal physiology and behavior by micro- and nanoplastics have been widely documented for marine invertebrates. Some of these effects are also manifested by larger marine vertebrates such as fishes. More recently, possible effects of micro- and nanoplastics on mammalian gut microbiota as well as host cellular and metabolic toxicity have been reported in mouse models. Human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics occurs largely through ingestion, as these are found in food or derived from food packaging, but also in a less well-defined manner though inhalation. The pathophysiological consequences of acute and chronic micro- and nanoplastics exposure in the mammalian system, particularly humans, are yet unclear. In this review, we focus on the recent findings related to the potential toxicity and detrimental effects of micro- and nanoplastics as demonstrated in mouse models as well as human cell lines. The prevailing data suggest that micro- and nanoplastics accumulation in mammalian and human tissues would likely have negative, yet unclear long-term consequences. There is a need for cellular and systemic toxicity due to micro- and nanoplastics to be better illuminated, and the underlying mechanisms defined by further work.
Relating Hydrodynamic Forcing and Topographic Response for Tide-Dominated Sandy Beaches
Authors: Brand Evelien , Montreuil Anne-Lise , Houthuys Rik , Chen Margaret
Published: February 2020

To relate hydrodynamic forcing and topographic response for a tide-dominated sandy beach, extensive field measurements were carried out in the intertidal zone. Hydrodynamics and beach topography were monitored during a total of 12 weeks at two different study sites: one with a featureless intertidal zone and one with intertidal bars. The results of both study sites indicate that the intertidal beach grows when wave steepness is small, whereas it erodes when wave steepness is large. Spring-neap variations in tidal current direction heavily distort this trend: strong spring tidal currents transport sediment away from the beach, resulting in enhanced erosion. Tide-induced beach volume changes are on the same order of magnitude as wave-induced changes. Besides waves and tides, the effect of variations in the amount of sediment supply is substantial, with enhanced accretion when the sediment supply is large. The effect of variations in sediment supply on the intertidal beach topography is subordinate to the effect of waves and tide, though. From this study, it is concluded that larger waves are primarily erosive, but they can also enhance the natural sediment supply. Furthermore, it is found that tidal currents can be equally important as waves in shaping the beach topography, especially during spring tide on macrotidal beaches.
Determination of Thermoluminescence Kinetic Parameters of La2O3 Doped with Dy3+ and Eu3+
Authors: Bakr Mahmoud , Omer Mohamed
Published: February 2020

Thermoluminescence (TL) properties of La2O3: Dy3+, Li+, and La2O3: Eu3+, Li+, exposed to 5.12 Gy of beta radiation, and recorded at different heating rates 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 °C s−1 (from Molefe et al., paper 2019), were analyzed and the trap parameters were determined in this study. These parameters include the order of kinetics b, the activation energy E (eV), the frequency factor S (s−1), or the pre-exponential factor S’’ (s−1), and the initial concentration of trapped electrons no (cm−3). A new non-linear curve fitting technique, based on the general order kinetic equation and the outcomes of Hoogenstraaten’s Method, was established and applied on the TL glow peaks of La2O3: Dy3+, Li+. The fitting technique was evaluated by calculating the R-square and figure of merit (FOM) values. The results revealed that the FOM values are <1%, and the R-square values are >0.997, which demonstrates an excellent convergence between experimental and fitted curves. A modified technique based on the three-points analysis method was exploited to deconvolute complex TL glow curves of La2O3: Eu3+, Li+, and in turn to determine the trap parameters the method disclosed that each TL glow curve consists of four peaks. The trap parameters of the individual peaks were numerically determined. The fading, as a function of storage temperature and time, from the TL signals of the investigated materials was predicted and discussed based on the calculated trap parameters. The results support the value of the materials for employment in radiation dosimeter applications with a low fading fraction.
Theoretical Study on Magnetic Interaction in Pyrazole-Bridged Dinuclear Metal Complex: Possibility of Intramolecular Ferromagnetic Interaction by Orbital Counter-Complementarity
Authors: Fujii Takuya , Kitagawa Yasutaka , Ikenaga Kazuki , Tada Hayato , Era Iori , Nakano Masayoshi
Published: February 2020

A possibility of the intramolecular ferromagnetic (FM) interaction in pyrazole-bridged dinuclear Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) complexes is examined by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. When azide is used for additional bridging ligand, the complexes indicate the strong antiferromagnetic (AFM) interaction, while the AFM interaction becomes very weak when acetate ligand is used. In the acetate-bridged complexes, an energy split of the frontier orbitals suggests the orbital counter-complementarity effect between the dxy orbital pair, which contributes to the FM interaction; however, a significant overlap of other d-orbital pairs also suggests an existence of the AFM interaction. From those results, the orbital counter-complementarity effect is considered to be canceled out by the overlap of other d-orbital pairs.
The Roles of Bacteria in Soil Organic Carbon Accumulation under Nitrogen Deposition in Stipa baicalensis Steppe
Authors: Qin Jie , Liu Hongmei , Zhao Jianning , Wang Hui , Zhang Haifang , Yang Dianlin , Zhang Naiqin
Published: February 2020

Grassland soil organic carbon (SOC) accounts for 15.5% of the SOC in reservoirs of terrestrial carbon (C) and is a major component of the global C cycle. Current and future reactive N deposited on grassland soils may alter biogeochemical processes and soil microbes. Microorganisms perform most of the decomposition on Earth and shift SOC accumulation. However, how variation in the identity and composition of the bacterial community influences SOC is far from clear. The objective of this study is to investigate the responses of SOC concentration to multiple rates of N addition as well as the roles of bacteria in SOC accumulation. We studied SOC storage and bacterial community composition under N addition treatments (0, 1.5, 3.0, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0, and 30.0 g N·m−2 yr−1) in a 6-yr field experiment in a temperate grassland. We determined the soil inorganic nitrogen concentration and pH in a 0–10 cm soil layer. We used high-throughput genetic sequencing to detect bacteria. N addition led to significant increases in the concentrations of SOC. N addition reduced the soil pH but increased the NO3-N and NH4-N levels. The bacterial diversity was highest under low nitrogen addition. N addition increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, and Proteobacteria became the second dominant phylum under high N addition. Structural equation modeling further revealed that soil pH and bacterial community structure have an impact on SOC under N deposition. Nitrogen-regulated SOC is associated with Proteobacteria and Planctomycetes. These findings suggest that N deposition may alter the SOC content, highlighting the importance of understanding changes in the bacterial community for soil nutrients under N deposition.
The Uropathogenic Specific Protein Gene usp from Escherichia coli and Salmonella bongori is a Novel Member of the TyrR and H-NS Regulons
Authors: Rihtar Erik , Žgur Bertok Darja , Podlesek Zdravko
Published: February 2020

The Escherichia coli PAIusp is a small pathogenicity island encoding usp, for the uropathogenic specific protein (Usp), a genotoxin and three associated downstream imu1-3 genes that protect the producer against its own toxin. Bioinformatic analysis revealed the presence of the PAIusp also in publically available Salmonella bongori and Salmonella enterica subps. salamae genome sequences. PAIusp is in all examined sequences integrated within the aroP-pdhR chromosomal intergenic region. The focus of this work was identification of the usp promoter and regulatory elements controlling its activity. We show that, in both E. coli and S. bongori, the divergent TyrR regulated P3 promoter of the aroP gene, encoding an aromatic amino acid membrane transporter, drives usp transcription while H-NS acts antagonistically repressing expression. Our results show that the horizontally acquired PAIusp has integrated into the TyrR regulatory network and that environmental factors such as aromatic amino acids, temperature and urea induce usp expression.
Traces of Reciprocal Exchange: From Roman Pictorial Models to the World’s Earliest Depictions of Some Narrative Motifs in Andhra Reliefs
Authors: Zin Monika
Published: February 2020

Based on a selection of examples from the sculptural art of Andhra, the paper discusses what possibly motivated the inclusion of motifs and stylistic elements from the ancient Mediterranean into the Buddhist art of the region. While in some cases such adaptations may have been driven by the need to find suitable solutions for the depiction of critical events or by the fact that a foreign motif tied in perfectly with already existing concepts, and thus, reinforced the message to be conveyed, in other cases no such reasons can be detected. Artists seem to have used foreign image types and stylistic variations deliberately to show their supreme craftsmanship or to add aesthetic sophistication to the image programme. The artists of Andhra, therefore, can by no means be regarded as epigones slavishly adhering to the examples set by the Mediterranean; the region—which is the place where narratives later spreading over large parts of Asia and Europe were first depicted—rather has to be regarded as on par with the classical cultures of Greece and Rome in terms of artistic versatility and creativity.
Face-to-Face Communication as A Tool to Support Second-Hand Fashion Sales: A Field Experiment at Fashion Week in Berlin
Authors: Stein Nicole , Spinler Stefan , Vanthournout Helga
Published: February 2020

We conducted a random allocation experiment at fashion week in Berlin in 2017, testing how face-to-face (f2f) communication affects sales of a fashion start-up focusing on second-hand. The experiment revealed that 11% of guests of an f2f event afterwards turned paying customers with an average basket size 11.8% higher than the overall sales event average. We add insights to research on entrepreneurial practice as well as on offline operations in the context of circular consumption in fashion, exposing the leveraging effect of f2f communication for customer acquisition and revenue of start-ups in the field of sustainable fashion.
Critical Evaluation of Common Claims in Loop Quantum Cosmology
Authors: Bojowald Martin
Published: February 2020

A large number of models have been analyzed in loop quantum cosmology, using mainly minisuperspace constructions and perturbations. At the same time, general physics principles from effective field theory and covariance have often been ignored. A consistent introduction of these ingredients requires substantial modifications of existing scenarios. As a consequence, none of the broader claims made mainly by the Ashtekar school—such as the genericness of bounces with astonishingly semiclassical dynamics, robustness with respect to quantization ambiguities, the realization of covariance, and the relevance of certain technical results for potential observations—hold up to scrutiny. Several useful lessons for a sustainable version of quantum cosmology can be drawn from this evaluation.
Magnetic Noise Reduction of In-Wheel Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors for Light-Duty Electric Vehicles
Authors: Asef Pedram , Bargallo Ramon , Lapthorn Andrew
Published: February 2020

This paper presents study of a multi-slice subdomain model (MS-SDM) for persistent low-frequency sound, in a wheel hub-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (WHM-PMSM) with a fractional-slot non-overlapping concentrated winding for a light-duty, fully electric vehicle applications. While this type of winding provides numerous potential benefits, it has also the largest magnetomotive force (MMF) distortion factor, which leads to the electro-vibro-acoustics production, unless additional machine design considerations are carried out. To minimize the magnetic noise level radiated by the PMSM, a skewing technique is targeted with consideration of the natural frequencies under a variable-speed-range analysis. To ensure the impact of the minimization technique used, magnetic force harmonics, along with acoustic sonograms, is computed by MS-SDM and verified by 3D finite element analysis. On the basis of the studied models, we derived and experimentally verified the optimized model with 5 dBA reduction in A-weighted sound power level by due to the choice of skew angle. In addition, we investigated whether or not the skewing slice number can be of importance on the vibro-acoustic objectives in the studied WHM-PMSM.
Taraxacum pseudomarklundii, a south-western European species, native in South Devon (v.c.3).
Authors: Day John J. , Richards A. John
Published: February 2020

An enigmatic dandelion first collected in the UK in 2014 from a lanebank on Dartmoor (v.c.3) has been determined as Taraxacum pseudomarklandii (Soest), previously only known from north-west Spain and south-west France, an unusual biogeographic alliance in our Taraxacum-flora. It is triploid (2n = 24). This taxon has now been confirmed from several locations in South Devon and one site in Ireland (Meath, v.c.H22).
Importância da Qualidade do Sono em Universitários e Médicos Residentes
Authors: Juliano Maria Ligia
Published: February 2020

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