bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EVALUASI SISTEM PENERIMAAN PESERTA DIDIK BARu (PPDB) Online UNTUK PENINGKATAN KUALITAS PEMBELAJARAN
Authors: Warsita Bambang
Published: July 2018

Advancement of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is currently carrying various changes in various areas of life, including field of education specifically on New Students Admissions (PPDB) online. This evaluation study aimed to assess or determine the effectiveness of the implementation of PPDB online for improving the quality of learning in Gorontalo City. This evaluation study used survey research methods, they are the questionnaire, interviews, and observations. The results of this evaluation study shows that PPDB online system has been proved able to realize PPDB services faster, orderly, easy, transparent, accountable, effective, and efficient to the public. In addition, this online system can guarantee PPDB process in accordance with the applicable rules (technical manual) so that a more equitable (fair), may reduce the risk of manipulation (KKN), and may encourage the mastery of ICT to the public,and can improve the quality of learning. Therefore, people are satisfied with the system PPDB online. PPDB online system that uses Web-based technology can be a model implementation PPDB in the education office and school in the future. AbstrakKemajuan Teknologi Informasi dan Komunikasi(TIK) saat ini membawa berbagai perubahan dalam berbagai bidang kehidupan, termasuk bidang pendidikan khususnya penerimaan peserta didik baru (PPDB) secara online. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menilai atau mengetahui efektivitas penyelenggaraan PPDB online untuk peningkatan kualitas pembelajaran di Kota Gorontalo. Penelitian evaluasi ini menggunakan metode penelitian survei, dengan menggunakan instrumen kuesioner, wawancara, dan observasi. Hasil penelitian evaluasi ini menunjukkan bahwa sistem PPDB online terbukti mampu untuk mewujudkan pelayanan PPDB yang lebih cepat, tertib, mudah, transparan, akuntabel, efektif, dan efisien kepada masyarakat. Selain itu, sistem online ini dapat menjamin proses PPDB sesuai dengan aturan yang berlaku (petunjuk teknis) sehingga lebih adil (fair), dapat mengurangi resiko terjadinya manipulasi (KKN), dan dapat mendorong peningkatan penguasaan TIK kepada masyarakat, serta dapat meningkatkan kualitas pembelajaran. Oleh karena itu, masyarakat merasa puas dengan sistem PPDB online. Sistem PPDB online yang menggunakan teknologi berbasis web ini dapat menjadi suatu model penyelenggaraan PPDB di dinas pendidikan dan sekolah pada masa depan.
KEEFEKTIFAN MULTIMEDIA INTERAKTIF BERBASIS BLENDED LEARNING UNTUK MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR SISWA
Authors: Arham Uliya Ulil , Dwiningsih Kusumawati
Published: July 2018

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of interactive multimedia-based blended learning developed in the subject matter of chemical elements. The effectiveness in terms of improving student learning outcomes by comparing the value pretest and post-test then measured with N-gain. This type of research is developmental research. The procedures in this study refers to Research & Development (R & D) design that carried out only restricted to preliminary field test. The results showed student learning out-comes that used interactive multimedia blended learning as learning media increased with N-gain in the moderate category and in the high category. The conclusions obtained by the interactive multimedia blended learning based on the subject matter chemical element was declared effective used as a medium of learning in terms of student learning outcomes. AbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui keefektifan multimedia interaktif berbasis blended learning yang dikembangkan pada materi pokok kimia unsur. Keefektifan tersebut ditinjau dari peningkatan hasil belajar siswa dengan membandingkan nilai pretest dan posttest kemudian diukur dengan N-gain. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan merupakan penelitian pengembangan (developmental research). Prosedur pada penelitian ini mengacu pada desain Research& Development (R&D) yang dilakukan hanya sebatas pada uji coba awal. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa hasil belajar siswa yang menggunakan multimedia interaktif berbasis blended learning sebagai media pembelajaran me- ngalami peningkatan, dengan N-gain pada kategori sedang dan kategori tinggi. Simpulan yang diperoleh yaitu multimedia interaktif berbasis blended learning pada materi pokok kimia unsur dinyatakan efektif digunakan sebagai media pembelajaran ditinjau dari hasil belajar siswa.
PENGEMBANGAN KURIKULUM DENGAN MEMANFAATKAN TEKNOLOGI INFORMASI DAN KUMUNIKASI, SUATU GAGASAN
Authors: Sutjipto NFn
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this paper was to examine the repertoire of ideas for curriculum development by utilizing information and communication technology in order to provide a breakthrough on the dynamics and complexity of curriculum development practices. Results of the study showed. First, the management of the curriculum development process that includes activities to share ideas, argument, contributedscientific papers, give feedback, provide feedback, the rationality of the policy decision makers, data processing, how the curriculum management, and results of develop ment can utilize information and communication technologies. Second, to take advantage of information technology and communication in curriculum development has some added value, such as easy in terms of faster information obtained, the cost in the sense that it does not require huge resources, broad reach in the sense that everyone can get involved, efficient and effective way to share, and provide a forum of freedom of speech which is at once loose the bonds of values or certain cultural norms. Third, the idea of developing a curriculum by utilizing information and communication technology as well as encouraging developers literate not only technology, but also able to understand, perceive, and apply power to the significance of the technology. Fourth, curriculum development by utilizing information and communication technology is considered a breakthrough way of working in this digital era AbstrakTujuan dari penulisan ini adalah ingin mengkaji khasanah gagasan pengembangan kurikulum dengan memanfaat kan teknologi informasi dan komunikasi yang diharapkan dapat memberi terobosan mengenai dinamika dan kompleksitas praktik (praxis) pengembangan kurikulum. Hasil kajian menunjukkan. Pertama, pengelolaan proses pengembangan kurikulum yang mencakup aktivitas berbagi gagasan, adu argumen, berkontribusi karya tulis ilmiah, memberi tanggapan, memberi masukan, rasionalitas kebijakan pembuat keputusan, pengolahan data, cara kerja manajemen kurikulum, dan hasil dari pengembangan dapat mendayagunakan teknologi informasi dan komunikasi. Kedua, dengan memanfatkan teknologi informasi dan komunikasi dalam pengembangan kurikulum memiliki beberapa nilai tambah, seperti mudah dalam arti informasi lebih cepat diperoleh, murah dalam arti tidak memerlukan sumber daya yang besar, jangkauan luas dalam arti semua orang dapat terlibat, efisien dan efektif untuk berbagi, dan memberi wadah kebebasan berpendapat yang sekaligus lepas dari ikatan nilai-nilai atau norma budaya tertentu. Ketiga, gagasan pengembangan kurikulum dengan memanfaatkan teknologi informasi dan komunikasi sekaligus mendorong pengembang bukan hanya literate teknologi, tetapi juga mampu memahami, mempersepsi, dan mengaplikasikan arti penting daya guna teknologi. Keempat, pengembangan kurikulum dengan memanfaatkan teknologi informasi dan komunikasi dinilai merupakan terobosan cara kerja di era digital ini
PENGEMBANGAN PERANGKAT PEMBELAJARAN KOMPETENSI TEKS ANEKDOT BERTEMAKAN KONFLIK SOSIAL DI KALANGAN REMAJA
Authors: Miftah M. , Dewi Kartika Candra
Published: July 2018

Learning device has an important role in the learning process for teachers as well as learners, but there are some teachers haven’t optimized the learning device. The purposes of its study are : to determine the needs of the learning device according to teachers and learners; to describe the characteristics of a learning tool; to develop a prototype device which is suitable with the learners need, and to measure the effectiveness of the learning device. The research method used is a research and development method. The results of the study include: the needs of the learning device anecdotal text competence; the characteristics of the learning device anecdotal text competence; a feasibility study based on each device (syllabus, lesson plans, teaching materials and worksheets); the effectiveness of the learning device in producing anecdotes text is shown based on this information; learning without using the learning device obtaining the value of 25 (62.5%), learning with an effective value category and increased by 38 (94.5%) categorized as very effective when learning to use the device. AbstrakPerangkat pembelajaran memiliki peran penting dalam proses pembelajaran namun masih banyak guru belummengoptimalkannya. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk: mengetahui kebutuhan perangkat pembelajaran menurut guru dan peserta didik; menjelaskan karakteristik perangkat pembelajaran; mengembangkan prototipa perangkat pembelajaran yang layak untuk peserta didik; dan menguji keefektifan perangkat pembelajaran. Metode penelitian menggunakan penelitian dan pengembangan (reasearch and development). Hasil penelitian berupa: kebutuhan perangkat pembelajaran kompetensi teks anekdot; karakteristik perangkat pembelajaran kompetensi teks anekdot; kelayakan perangkat pembelajaran berdasarkan silabus, RPP materi pembelajaran, dan lembar kerja; keefektifan perangkat pembelajaran memproduksi teks anekdot ditunjukkan berdasarkan pembelajaran tanpa menggunakan perangkat pembelajaran memperoleh nilai 25 (62,5%) dengan kategori nilai efektif dan mengalami kenaikan sebesar 38 (94,5%) dengan kategori sangat efektif di saat pembelajaran menggunakan perangkat.
The Qur'an's Contribution to Biblical Criticism
Authors: Khalifa Hasan Muhammad
Published: July 2018

The Islamic science of Biblical Criticism is one of the earliest to emerge from the study of the Qur'an. It was developed by Muslim scholars specialising in the history of religions and reached its peak with the contributions of Ibn Ḥazm al-Andalūsī in the fifth/twelfth century. This ‘traditional’ Islamic science has more recently been complemented by the incorporation of Western Biblical Criticism Theory in the works of Raḥmat Allah al-Hindī, Ismāʿīl al-Fārūqī, Muḥammad Khalīfa Ḥasan, and others.

This study will seek to determine the role of the Qur'an in the establishment of the Islamic science of Biblical Criticism and its centrality as a source for this discipline, through the elaboration of certain principles, such as the moderating position of the Qur'an between the Tanakh and Christian Bible, and the moderating position of Islam between Judaism and Christianity. Among these principles are the Qur'an's critical awareness and theories of taḥrīf and tabdīl, for example. The objectivity of the Qur'an is shown in the way it accepts previous revealed texts, and acknowledges them as a matter of belief, while seeking at the same time to conclusively clarify the revelation.

In conclusion, this paper urges the usefulness of the Qur'an as a source of Biblical Criticism and Jewish and Christian interpretation and exegesis of the Tanakh and the Christian Bible.
Pharmacokinetics of Salicylic Acid Following Intravenous and Oral Administration of Sodium Salicylate in Sheep
Authors: Mathurkar Shashwati , Singh Preet , Kongara Kavitha , Chambers Paul
Published: July 2018

The pharmacokinetics of salicylic acid (SA) in sheep was evaluated following intravenous (IV) and oral administration of sodium salicylate (sodium salt of salicylic acid) at different doses. Six healthy sheep were administered sodium salicylate (SS) IV at doses of 10, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight and another six sheep were drenched with 100 and 200 mg/kg of SS orally. Both studies were randomised crossover trials. A one-week washout period between each treatment was allowed in both studies. Blood samples were collected at 0, 15, 30 min and 1, 2, 4 and 6 h after IV and oral SS administrations. Plasma SA concentrations were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with diode array detection method. Pharmacokinetic variables were calculated in a non-compartmental model. The elimination half-life (T1/2 el) of SA after IV administration of 200 mg/kg SS was 1.16 ± 0.32 h. Mean bioavailability of SA was 64%, and mean T1/2 el was 1.90 ± 0.35 h, after 200 mg/kg of oral SS. The minimum plasma SA concentration (16.8 µg/mL) reported to produce analgesia in humans was achieved after IV administration of 100 and 200 mg/kg SS in sheep for about 0.17 h in this study. Experiments on pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamics modelling are required to determine the actual effective plasma concentration range of SA in sheep.
Smart System for the Optimization of Logistics Performance of the Pruning Biomass Value Chain
Authors: Gebresenbet Girma , Bosona Techane , Olsson Sven-Olof , Garcia Daniel
Published: July 2018

Agricultural pruning biomass is one of the important resources in Europe for generating renewable energy. However, utilization of the agricultural residues requires development of efficient and effective logistics systems. The objective of this study was to develop smart logistics system (SLS) appropriate for the management of the pruning biomass supply chain. The paper describes the users’ requirement of SLS, defines the technical and functional requirements and specifications for the development of SLS, and determines relevant information/data to be documented and managed by the SLS. This SLS has four major components: (a) Smart box, a sensor unit that enables measurement of data such as relative humidity, temperature, geographic positions; (b) On-board control unit, a unit that performs route planning and monitors the recordings by the smart box; (c) Information platform, a centralized platform for data storing and sharing, and management of pruning supply chain and traceability; and (d) Central control unit, an interface linking the Information platform and On-board control unit that serves as a point of administration for the whole pruning biomass supply chain from harvesting to end user. The SLS enables the improvement of performance of pruning biomass supply chain management and product traceability leading to a reduction of product loss, increased coordination of resources utilisation and quality of solid biofuel supply, increased pruning marketing opportunity, and reduction of logistics cost. This SLS was designed for pruning biomass, but could also be adapted for any type of biomass-to-energy initiatives.
An Integrated Self-Diagnosis System for an Autonomous Vehicle Based on an IoT Gateway and Deep Learning
Authors: Jeong YiNa , Son SuRak , Jeong EunHee , Lee ByungKwan
Published: July 2018

This paper proposes “An Integrated Self-diagnosis System (ISS) for an Autonomous Vehicle based on an Internet of Things (IoT) Gateway and Deep Learning” that collects information from the sensors of an autonomous vehicle, diagnoses itself, and the influence between its parts by using Deep Learning and informs the driver of the result. The ISS consists of three modules. The first In-Vehicle Gateway Module (In-VGM) collects the data from the in-vehicle sensors, consisting of media data like a black box, driving radar, and the control messages of the vehicle, and transfers each of the data collected through each Controller Area Network (CAN), FlexRay, and Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) protocols to the on-board diagnostics (OBD) or the actuators. The data collected from the in-vehicle sensors is transferred to the CAN or FlexRay protocol and the media data collected while driving is transferred to the MOST protocol. Various types of messages transferred are transformed into a destination protocol message type. The second Optimized Deep Learning Module (ODLM) creates the Training Dataset on the basis of the data collected from the in-vehicle sensors and reasons the risk of the vehicle parts and consumables and the risk of the other parts influenced by a defective part. It diagnoses the vehicle’s total condition risk. The third Data Processing Module (DPM) is based on Edge Computing and has an Edge Computing based Self-diagnosis Service (ECSS) to improve the self-diagnosis speed and reduce the system overhead, while a V2X based Accident Notification Service (VANS) informs the adjacent vehicles and infrastructures of the self-diagnosis result analyzed by the OBD. This paper improves upon the simultaneous message transmission efficiency through the In-VGM by 15.25% and diminishes the learning error rate of a Neural Network algorithm through the ODLM by about 5.5%. Therefore, in addition, by transferring the self-diagnosis information and by managing the time to replace the car parts of an autonomous driving vehicle safely, this reduces loss of life and overall cost.
Acridine-Triphenylamine Based Hole-Transporting and Hole-Injecting Material for Highly Efficient Phosphorescent-Based Organic Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Braveenth Ramanaskanda , Bae Il-Ji , Wang Yan , Kim Soo , Kim Miyoung , Chai Kyu
Published: July 2018

In this study, triphenylamine-based hole-transporting material 4-(9,9-diphenylacridin-10(9H)-yl)-N-(4-(9,9-diphenylacridin-10(9H)-yl) phenyl)-N-phenylaniline (TPA-1A) was designed and synthesized by using single-step Buchwald–Hartwig coupling reaction with higher yield percentage of 76%. Our synthesized TPA-1A showed excellent thermal stability, with a higher glass transition temperature of 176 °C and decomposition temperature of 474 °C at 5% weight reduction. TPA-1A based green phosphorescent organic light emitting diodes (PhOLED) device was fabricated to investigate the device properties and compare it with the similar reference N,N′-Di(1-naphthyl)-N,N′-diphenyl-(1,1′-biphenyl)-4,4′-diamine (NPB)based device. The TPA-1A-based PhOLED demonstrated an excellent current and power efficiency of 49.13 cd/A and 27.56 lm/W, respectively. Moreover, TPA-1A demonstrated better hole injection efficiencies as well. The overall efficiencies were better than the reference NPB-based device.
Strain Transfer Characteristic of a Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor Bonded to the Surface of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Laminates
Authors: Wang Zhongyu , Li Hongyang , Zhang Li , Xue Jingfeng
Published: July 2018

Structural health monitoring is of great importance for the application of composites in aircrafts. Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors are very suitable for structure strain measurement. However, the strain measured by FBG sensors is different from the original strain in host materials. The relationship between them is defined as strain transfer. As composites are anisotropic, the traditional strain transfer model, which regards the elasticity modulus of host materials as a constant, is inadaptable. In this paper, a new strain transfer model is proposed for FBG sensors bonded to the surface of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates. Based on the measurement structure, the model is established and the transfer function is derived. The characteristics influencing the strain transfer are analyzed. The stacking directions, stacking numbers, and stacking sequences of CFRP laminates have a distinct effect on the transfer efficiency, which is different from the isotropy host materials. The accuracy of the proposed model was verified by experiments on a nondestructive tensile system, and the maximum model error is less than 0.5%. Moreover, the model was applied to the strain measurement of CFRP wing skin, which indicates that measurement errors decrease by 11.6% to 19.8% after the compensation according to the model.
Calmodulin: A Multitasking Protein in Kv7.2 Potassium Channel Functions
Authors: Alaimo Alessandro , Villarroel Alvaro
Published: July 2018

The ubiquitous calcium transducer calmodulin (CaM) plays a pivotal role in many cellular processes, regulating a myriad of structurally different target proteins. Indeed, it is unquestionable that CaM is the most relevant transductor of calcium signals in eukaryotic cells. During the last two decades, different studies have demonstrated that CaM mediates the modulation of several ion channels. Among others, it has been indicated that Kv7.2 channels, one of the members of the voltage gated potassium channel family that plays a critical role in brain excitability, requires CaM binding to regulate the different mechanisms that govern its functions. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the most recent advances in structure–function studies on the role of CaM regulation of Kv7.2 and the other members of the Kv7 family.
A Review of Recent Advances in the Treatment of Elderly and Poor Performance NSCLC
Authors: Carmichael Juliet A. , Wing-san Mak Daisy , O’Brien Mary
Published: July 2018

Until recently, chemotherapy has remained the mainstay of treatment for the majority of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Excellent responses have been observed with immune-checkpoint inhibitors, and targeted treatments for those tumours with actionable mutations, resulting in a paradigm shift in the treatment approach for these patients. Elderly patients and those with poor performance status (PS), such as Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 2, have historically been excluded from clinical trials due to poor outcomes. There is therefore a lack of data to define the optimal treatment strategy for these patients. Due to improved tolerability of novel therapies, inclusion of these patients in clinical trials has increased, and sub-group analyses have identified many treatments demonstrating potential activity. Here, we summarise key recent advances in the treatment of NSCLC, specifically evaluating their efficacy and tolerability in these patient cohorts.
Enantioselective Bioreduction of Prochiral Pyrimidine Base Derivatives by Boni Protect Fungicide Containing Live Cells of Aureobasidium pullulans
Authors: Kołodziejska Renata , Studzińska Renata , Pawluk Hanna , Karczmarska-Wódzka Aleksandra , Woźniak Alina
Published: July 2018

The enzymatic enantioselective bioreduction of prochiral 1-substituted-5-methyl-3-(2-oxo-2-phenylethyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-diones to corresponding chiral alcohols by Boni Protect fungicide containing live cells of Aureobasidium pullulans was studied. The microbe-catalyzed reduction of bulky-bulky ketones provides enantiomerically pure products (96–99% ee). In the presence of A. pullulans (Aureobasidium pullulans), one of the enantiotopic hydrides of the dihydropyridine ring coenzyme is selectively transferred to the si sides of the prochiral carbonyl group to give secondary alcohols with R configuration. The reactions were performed under various conditions in order to optimize the procedure with respect to time, solvent, and temperature. The present methodology demonstrates an alternative green way for the synthesis of chiral alcohols in a simple, economical, and eco-friendly biotransformation.
Symmetry and Correspondence of Algorithmic Complexity over Geometric, Spatial and Topological Representations
Authors: Zenil Hector , Kiani Narsis , Tegnér Jesper
Published: July 2018

We introduce a definition of algorithmic symmetry in the context of geometric and spatial complexity able to capture mathematical aspects of different objects using as a case study polyominoes and polyhedral graphs. We review, study and apply a method for approximating the algorithmic complexity (also known as Kolmogorov–Chaitin complexity) of graphs and networks based on the concept of Algorithmic Probability (AP). AP is a concept (and method) capable of recursively enumerate all properties of computable (causal) nature beyond statistical regularities. We explore the connections of algorithmic complexity—both theoretical and numerical—with geometric properties mainly symmetry and topology from an (algorithmic) information-theoretic perspective. We show that approximations to algorithmic complexity by lossless compression and an Algorithmic Probability-based method can characterize spatial, geometric, symmetric and topological properties of mathematical objects and graphs.
Financial Big Data Solutions for State Space Panel Regression in Interest Rate Dynamics
Authors: Toczydlowska Dorota , Peters Gareth W.
Published: July 2018

A novel class of dimension reduction methods is combined with a stochastic multi-factor panel regression-based state-space model in order to model the dynamics of yield curves whilst incorporating regression factors. This is achieved via Probabilistic Principal Component Analysis (PPCA) in which new statistically-robust variants are derived also treating missing data. We embed the rank reduced feature extractions into a stochastic representation for state-space models for yield curve dynamics and compare the results to classical multi-factor dynamic Nelson–Siegel state-space models. This leads to important new representations of yield curve models that can be practically important for addressing questions of financial stress testing and monetary policy interventions, which can incorporate efficiently financial big data. We illustrate our results on various financial and macroeconomic datasets from the Euro Zone and international market.
Indicator-Based Methodology for Assessing EV Charging Infrastructure Using Exploratory Data Analysis
Authors: Lucas Alexandre , Prettico Giuseppe , Flammini Marco Giacomo , Kotsakis Evangelos , Fulli Gianluca , Masera Marcelo
Published: July 2018

Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure rollout is well under way in several power systems, namely North America, Japan, Europe, and China. In order to support EV charging infrastructures design and operation, little attempt has been made to develop indicator-based methods characterising such networks across different regions. This study defines an assessment methodology, composed by eight indicators, allowing a comparison among EV public charging infrastructures. The proposed indicators capture the following: energy demand from EVs, energy use intensity, charger’s intensity distribution, the use time ratios, energy use ratios, the nearest neighbour distance between chargers and availability, the total service ratio, and the carbon intensity as an environmental impact indicator. We apply the methodology to a dataset from ElaadNL, a reference smart charging provider in The Netherlands, using open source geographic information system (GIS) and R software. The dataset reveals higher energy intensity in six urban areas and that 50% of energy supplied comes from 19.6% of chargers. Correlations of spatial density are strong and nearest neighbouring distances range from 1101 to 9462 m. Use time and energy use ratios are 11.21% and 3.56%. The average carbon intensity is 4.44 gCO2eq/MJ. Finally, the indicators are used to assess the impact of relevant public policies on the EV charging infrastructure use and roll-out.
Study on the Prediction and Improvement of Indoor Natural Light and Outdoor Comfort in Apartment Complexes Using Daylight Factor and Physiologically Equivalent Temperature Indices
Authors: Jung Suk-jin , Yoon Seong-hwan
Published: July 2018

Urbanization has intensified population concentration, and the quality of residential environments has deteriorated owing to the accelerated construction of high-rise and high-density buildings. In this study, a quantitative analysis is conducted regarding the natural lighting and outdoor thermal comfort of apartment complexes, and satisfactory improvement measures for both factors are investigated. Natural lighting and outside microclimate modeling simulations and statistical analyses are performed on 27 cases using the layout planning factors of an apartment complex. In addition, outdoor thermal comfort analysis is performed by applying heat island mitigation factors (greening and reflective asphalt pavement) to cases satisfying the condition of daylight factor (DF ≥ 75%). To improve natural lighting, the azimuth (correlation coefficient −0.812) should be considered, and to improve outdoor thermal comfort, the aspect ratio should be considered (−0.402). The results of applying heat island mitigation factors suggest that greening can improve outdoor thermal comfort to a greater extent than reflective asphalt pavement. The significance of this study is that the measures to improve residential comfort have been determined by considering the factors affecting the residential environment.
Detection of Coniferous Seedlings in UAV Imagery
Authors: Feduck Corey , McDermid Gregory J. , Castilla Guillermo
Published: July 2018

Rapid assessment of forest regeneration using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is likely to decrease the cost of establishment surveys in a variety of resource industries. This research tests the feasibility of using UAVs to rapidly identify coniferous seedlings in replanted forest-harvest areas in Alberta, Canada. In developing our protocols, we gave special consideration to creating a workflow that could perform in an operational context, avoiding comprehensive wall-to-wall surveys and complex photogrammetric processing in favor of an efficient sampling-based approach, consumer-grade cameras, and straightforward image handling. Using simple spectral decision rules from a red, green, and blue (RGB) camera, we documented a seedling detection rate of 75.8 % (n = 149), on the basis of independent test data. While moderate imbalances between the omission and commission errors suggest that our workflow has a tendency to underestimate the seedling density in a harvest block, the plot-level associations with ground surveys were very high (Pearson’s r = 0.98; n = 14). Our results were promising enough to suggest that UAVs can be used to detect coniferous seedlings in an operational capacity with standard RGB cameras alone, although our workflow relies on seasonal leaf-off windows where seedlings are visible and spectrally distinct from their surroundings. In addition, the differential errors between the pine seedlings and spruce seedlings suggest that operational workflows could benefit from multiple decision rules designed to handle diversity in species and other sources of spectral variability.
Evolutionary and Medical Consequences of Archaic Introgression into Modern Human Genomes
Authors: Dolgova Olga , Lao Oscar
Published: July 2018

The demographic history of anatomically modern humans (AMH) involves multiple migration events, population extinctions and genetic adaptations. As genome-wide data from complete genome sequencing becomes increasingly abundant and available even from extinct hominins, new insights of the evolutionary history of our species are discovered. It is currently known that AMH interbred with archaic hominins once they left the African continent. Modern non-African human genomes carry fragments of archaic origin. This review focuses on the fitness consequences of archaic interbreeding in current human populations. We discuss new insights and challenges that researchers face when interpreting the potential impact of introgression on fitness and testing hypotheses about the role of selection within the context of health and disease.
A Brief Introduction to the Multidimensional Intercultural Training Acculturation Model (MITA) for Middle Eastern Adolescent Refugees
Authors: Fathi Atefeh , El-Awad Usama , Reinelt Tilman , Petermann Franz
Published: July 2018

The large number of adolescent refugees around the world constitutes a great challenge for societies. However, current models of acculturation have been developed for migrants, but not specifically for adolescent refugees. Crucial factors to describe adolescent refugee acculturation, such as intentions to return to their homeland, especially with respect to adolescent refugees with temporary residency and experiences of potentially traumatic events, are missing. Hence, the Multidimensional Intercultural Training Acculturation (MITA) model is introduced. The model proposes that two major concerns for adolescent refugees, which are socio-cultural adjustment and mental health, are predicted by intercultural and social–emotional competence, intentions to return to their homeland, and experiences of traumatic events. Moreover, the effects of three modes of acculturation are also proposed in the model. It is expected that these variables mediate the effects of intercultural competence, social–emotional competence, intentions to return to the homeland, and experiences of traumatic events on socio-cultural adjustment as well as mental health. Finally, it is also expected that in-group social support and out-group social support moderate the direct connection between the experiences of traumatic events and mental health.
Beneficial Impact and Molecular Mechanism of Bacillus coagulans on Piglets’ Intestine
Authors: Wu Tao , Zhang Yue , Lv Yang , Li Peng , Yi Dan , Wang Lei , Zhao Di , Chen Hongbo , Gong Joshua , Hou Yongqing
Published: July 2018

The aim of this research was to investigate the beneficial impact and molecular mechanism of B. coagulans on piglets’ intestine. Twenty-four 21 days old weaned piglets were allotted to three treatments: Control group (basal diet), B6 group (basal diet + 2 × 106 CFU/g B. coagulans), and the B7 group (basal diet + 2 × 107 CFU/g B. coagulans). The results showed that, compared with the control group, the B7 group had a reduced cholesterol content and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) in plasma (p < 0.05); the B6 and B7 groups had a significantly decreased diarrhea rate and diamine oxidase (DAO) activity in plasma (p < 0.05), increased villus height in ileum and decreased crypt depth in the jejunum (p < 0.05); increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and decreased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 in the intestine (p < 0.05). These data suggested that supplementing B. coagulans had beneficial impacts on promoting nutrients’ metabolism, maintaining intestinal integrity, and alleviating oxidative stress and diarrhea. Further research of molecular mechanisms showed changing expression levels of related proteins and genes, suggesting that these could be involved in the regulation of the impact. The community composition of the gut microbiota was also found to be altered in several operational taxonomic units within the genus, Prevotella (order Bacteroidales), and the order, Clostridiales.
Effects of Temperature and Strain Rate on the Fracture Behaviors of an Al-Zn-Mg-Cu Alloy
Authors: Guo Yue , Zhou Mingxing , Sun Xingdong , Qian Long , Li Lijia , Xie Yingjie , Liu Zeyang , Wu Di , Yang Liguo , Wu Tong , Zhao Dan , Wang Jinguo , Zhao Hongwei
Published: July 2018

Effects of temperature and strain rate on the fracture behaviors of an Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy are investigated by isothermal uniaxial tensile experiments at a wide range of temperatures and strain rates, from room temperature (RT) to 400 °C and from 10−4 s−1 to 10−1 s–1, respectively. Generally, the elevation of temperature leads to the increasing of elongation to fracture and the reduction of peak stress, while higher strain rate results in the decreasing of elongation to fracture and the increasing of peak stress. Interestingly, we found that the coefficient of strain rate sensitivity (m-value) considerably rises at 200 °C and work of fracture (Wf) fluctuates drastically with the increase of strain rate at RT and 100 °C, both of which signify a non-uniform and unstable deformation state below 200 °C. A competition of work hardening (WH) and dynamic recrystallization (DRX) exists at 200 °C, making it serve as a transitional temperature. Below 200 °C, WH is the main deformation mechanism of flow stress, and DRX dominates the flow stress above 200 °C. It has been found that from RT to 200 °C, the main feature of microstructure is the generation of dimples and microvoids. Above 200 °C, the coalescence of dimples and microvoids mainly leads to the failure of specimen, while the phenomenon of typically equiaxed dimples and nucleation appear at 400 °C. The observations of microstructure are perfectly consistent with the related macroscopic results. The present work is able to provide a comprehensive understanding of flow stress of an Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy at a wide range of temperatures and strain rates, which will offer valuable information to the optimization of the hot forming process and structural design of the studied alloy.
Application of Pin-On-Disc Techniques for the Study of Tribological Interferences in the Dry Machining of A92024-T3 (Al–Cu) Alloys
Authors: Salguero Jorge , Vazquez-Martinez Juan Manuel , Sol Irene Del , Batista Moises
Published: July 2018

One of the main criteria for the establishment of the performance of a forming process by material removal is based on cutting tool wear. Wear is usually caused by different mechanisms, however, only one is usually considered as predominant or the controller of the process. This experimental research is focused on the application of Pin-on-Disc wear tests, in which the tribological interference between UNS A92024-T3 Aluminum–Copper alloy and tungsten carbide (WC–Co) has been studied. The main objective of this study is focused on the determination of the predominant wear mechanisms involved in the process, as well as the characterization of the sliding and friction effects by using SEM and Energy Dispersion Spectroscopy (EDS) techniques, as applied to WC–Co (cutting tool material)/Al (workpiece material) which are widely used in the aerospace industry. Performed analysis prove the appearance of abrasive wear mechanisms prior to adhesion. This fact promotes adhesion mechanisms in several stages because of the surface quality deterioration, presenting different alloy composition in the form of a Built-Up Layer (BUL)/Built-Up Edge (BUE).
On the Formation of Micro-Shrinkage Porosities in Ductile Iron Cast Components
Authors: Ghassemali Ehsan , Jarfors Anders , Diószegi Attila
Published: July 2018

A combination of direct austempering after solidification (DAAS) treatment and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) method was used to study the formation of micro-shrinkage porosities in ductile iron. Analyzing the aus-ferritic microstructure revealed that most of micro-shrinkage porosities are formed at the retained austenite grain boundaries. There was no obvious correlation between the ferrite grains or graphite nodules and micro-shrinkage porosities. Due to the absolute pressure change at the (purely) shrinkage porosities, the dendrite fragmentation rate during the DAAS process would be altered locally, which caused a relatively finer parent-austenite grain structure near such porosities.
Injection Compression Molded Microlens Arrays for Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Roeder Marcel , Drexler Marc , Rothermel Thilo , Meissner Thomas , Guenther Thomas , Zimmermann André
Published: July 2018

In this work, a polymer microlens array (MLA) for a hyperspectral imaging (HSI) system is produced by means of ultraprecision milling (UP-milling) and injection compression molding. Due to the large number of over 12,000 microlenses on less than 2 cm², the fabrication process is challenging and requires full process control. The study evaluates the process chain and optimizes the single process steps to achieve high quality polymer MLAs. Furthermore, design elements like mounting features are included to facilitate the integration into the final HSI system. The mold insert was produced using ultraprecision milling with a diamond cutting tool. The machining time was optimized to avoid temperature drifts and enable high accuracy. Therefore, single immersions of the diamond tool at a defined angle was used to fabricate each microlens. The MLAs were replicated using injection compression molding. For this process, an injection compression molding tool with moveable frame plate was designed and fabricated. The structured mold insert was used to generate the compression movement, resulting in a homogeneous pressure distribution. The characterization of the MLAs showed high form accuracy of the microlenses and the mounting features. The functionality of the molded optical part could be demonstrated in an HIS system by focusing light spectrums onto a CCD image sensor.
Shkatulkalite, a Rare Mineral from the Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula: A Re-Investigation
Authors: Zolotarev Andrey A. , Selivanova Ekaterina A. , Krivovichev Sergey V. , Savchenko Yevgeny E. , Panikorovskii Taras L. , Lyalina Lyudmila M. , Pautov Leonid A. , Yakovenchuk Victor N.
Published: July 2018

The crystal structure of shkatulkalite has been solved from the crystal from the Lovozero alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia. The mineral is monoclinic, P2/m, a = 5.4638(19), b = 7.161(3), c = 15.573(6) Å, β = 95.750(9)°, V = 606.3(4) Å3, R1 = 0.080 for 1551 unique observed reflections. The crystal structure is based upon the HOH blocks consisting of one octahedral (O) sheet sandwiched between two heteropolyhedral (H) sheets. The blocks are parallel to the (001) plane and are separated from each other by the interlayer space occupied by Na1 atoms and H2O groups. The Na2, Na3, and Ti sites are located within the O sheet. The general formula of shkatulkalite can be written as Na5(Nb1−xTix)2(Ti1−yMn2+y)[Si2O7]2O2(OH)2·nH2O, where x + y = 0.5 and x ≈ y ≈ 0.25 for the sample studied. Shkatulkalite belongs to the seidozerite supergroup and is a member of the lamprophyllite group. The species most closely related to shkatulkalite are vuonnemite and epistolite. The close structural relations and the reported observations of pseudomorphs of shkatulkalite after vuonnemite suggest that, at least in some environments, shkatulkalite may form as a transformation mineral species.
Nanotechnology for Environmental Remediation: Materials and Applications
Authors: Guerra Fernanda D. , Attia Mohamed F. , Whitehead Daniel C. , Alexis Frank
Published: July 2018

Environmental remediation relies mainly on using various technologies (e.g., adsorption, absorption, chemical reactions, photocatalysis, and filtration) for the removal of contaminants from different environmental media (e.g., soil, water, and air). The enhanced properties and effectiveness of nanotechnology-based materials makes them particularly suitable for such processes given that they have a high surface area-to-volume ratio, which often results in higher reactivity. This review provides an overview of three main categories of nanomaterials (inorganic, carbon-based, and polymeric-based materials) used for environmental remediation. The use of these nanomaterials for the remediation of different environmental contaminants—such as heavy metals, dyes, chlorinated organic compounds, organophosphorus compounds, volatile organic compounds, and halogenated herbicides—is reviewed. Various recent examples are extensively highlighted focusing on the materials and their applications.
Preparation and Use of a General Solid-Phase Intermediate to Biomimetic Scaffolds and Peptide Condensations
Authors: Samaritoni J. Geno , Martynow Jacek G. , O’Donnell Martin J. , Scott William L.
Published: July 2018

The Distributed Drug Discovery (D3) program develops simple, powerful, and reproducible procedures to enable the distributed synthesis of large numbers of potential drugs for neglected diseases. The synthetic protocols are solid-phase based and inspired by published work. One promising article reported that many biomimetic molecules based on diverse scaffolds with three or more sites of variable substitution can be synthesized in one or two steps from a common key aldehyde intermediate. This intermediate was prepared by the ozonolysis of a precursor functionalized at two variable sites, restricting their presence in the subsequently formed scaffolds to ozone compatible functional groups. To broaden the scope of the groups available at one of these variable sites, we developed a synthetic route to an alternative, orthogonally protected key intermediate that allows the incorporation of ozone sensitive groups after the ozonolysis step. The utility of this orthogonally protected intermediate is demonstrated in the synthesis of several representative biomimetic scaffolds containing ozonolytically labile functional groups. It is compatible with traditional Fmoc peptide chemistry, permitting it to incorporate peptide fragments for use in fragment condensations with peptides containing cysteine at the N-terminus. Overall yields for its synthesis and utilization (as many as 13 steps) indicate good conversions at each step.
Beckmann Rearrangement of Ketoxime Catalyzed by N-methyl-imidazolium Hydrosulfate
Authors: Hu Hongyu , Cai Xuting , Xu Zhuying , Yan Xiaoyang , Zhao Shengxian
Published: July 2018

Beckmann rearrangement of ketoxime catalyzed by acidic ionic liquid-N-methyl-imidazolium hydrosulfate was studied. Rearrangement of benzophenone oxime gave the desirable product with 45% yield at 90 °C. When co-catalyst P2O5 was added, the yield could be improved to 91%. The catalyst could be reused three cycles with the same efficiency. Finally, reactions of other ketoximes were also investigated.
Ionic Liquid Solutions as a Green Tool for the Extraction and Isolation of Natural Products
Authors: Xiao Jiao , Chen Gang , Li Ning
Published: July 2018

In the past few years, the application of ionic liquids (ILs) had attracted more attention of the researchers. Many studies focused on extracting active components from traditional herbals using ILs as alternative solvents so as to address the issue caused by the traditional methods for extraction of natural products (NPs) with organic chemical reagents. Through the summary of reported research work, an overview was presented for the application of ILs or IL-based materials in the extraction of NPs, including flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids and so on. Here, we mainly describe the application of ILs to rich the extraction of critical bioactive constituents that were reported possessing multiple therapeutic effects or pharmacological activities, from medicinal plants. This review could shed some light on the wide use of ILs in the field of natural products chemistry to further reduce the environmental damage caused by large quantity of organic chemical reagents.
Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of Roseroot (Rhodiola rosea L.) Dry Extracts
Authors: Kosakowska Olga , Bączek Katarzyna , Przybył Jarosław L. , Pióro-Jabrucka Ewelina , Czupa Weronika , Synowiec Alicja , Gniewosz Małgorzata , Costa Rosaria , Mondello Luigi , Węglarz Zenon
Published: July 2018

Roseroot (Rhodiola rosea L.) belongs to plants revealing adaptogenic properties, which are attributed to the presence of specific phenolic compounds and are reflected mainly as antioxidant activity. The aim of the present study was to determine the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of various products obtained from R. rosea (underground organs as well as their aqueous and ethanolic dry extracts) in relation to the chemical profiles of phenolic and essential oil compounds. The chemical profiles were determined by High-performance Liquid Chromatography with a diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), antioxidant activity by (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) Scavenging Capacity Assay (DPPH), (2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)) Scavenging Capacity Assay (ABTS) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power Assay (FRAP) and antimicrobial properties were expressed as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bacterial concentration (MBC) values following the broth microdilutions method. The results show that the investigated samples differed in terms of their chemical compositions and biological activities. The extracts were more abundant in phenolic compounds (salidroside, tyrosol, and rosavin derivatives) in comparison to dried underground organs. The content of the determined phenolics in the analyzed extracts was affected by the solvent used for extraction. The ethanolic extract was characterized by the highest content of these substances in comparison to the aqueous one and the dried raw material, especially with regard to rosavin (969.71 mg/100 g). In parallel, this extract showed the strongest antioxidant and antibacterial activity. However, dried R. rosea underground organs also revealed strong antibacterial effects against, for example, Staphylococcus strains.