bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer Specificity of Promoters of the Genes Involved in Cell Proliferation Control
Authors: Kashkin K. N. , Chernov I. P. , Stukacheva E. A. , Kopantzev E. P. , Monastyrskaya G. S. , Uspenskaya N. Ya. , Sverdlov E. D.
Published: July 2019

Core promoters with adjacent regions of the human genes CDC6, POLD1, CKS1B, MCM2, and PLK1 were cloned into a pGL3 vector in front of the Photinus pyrails gene Luc in order to study the tumor specificity of the promoters. The cloned promoters were compared in their ability to direct luciferase expression in different human cancer cells and in normal fibroblasts. The cancer-specific promoter BIRC5 and non-specific CMV immediately early gene promoter were used for comparison. All cloned promoters were shown to be substantially more active in cancer cells than in fibroblasts, while the PLK1 promoter was the most cancer-specific and promising one. The specificity of the promoters to cancer cells descended in the series PLK1, CKS1B, POLD1, MCM2, and CDC6. The bidirectional activity of the cloned CKS1B promoter was demonstrated. It apparently directs the expression of the SHC1 gene, which is located in a head-to-head position to the CKS1B gene in the human genome. This feature should be taken into account in future use of the CKS1B promoter. The cloned promoters may be used in artificial genetic constructions for cancer gene therapy.
A Review article on Semi- Supervised Clustering Framework for High Dimensional Data
Authors: Pavithra M. , Parvathi R. M. S.
Published: July 2019

Cluster analysis methods seek to partition a data set into homogeneous subgroups. It is useful in a wide variety of applications, including document processing and modern genetics. Conventional clustering methods are unsupervised, meaning that there is no outcome variable nor is anything known about the relationship between the observations in the data set. In many situations, however, information about the clusters is available in addition to the values of the features [2]. For example, the cluster labels of some observations may be known, or certain observations may be known to belong to the same cluster. In other cases, one may wish to identify clusters that are associated with a particular outcome variable. This review describes several clustering algorithms (known as �semi-supervised clustering� methods) that can be applied in these situations [3]. The majority of these methods are modifications of the popular k-means clustering method, and several of them will be described in detail. A brief description of some other semi-supervised clustering algorithms is also provided. Cluster formation has three types as supervised clustering, unsupervised clustering and semi supervised. This paper reviews traditional and state-of-the-art methods of clustering [1]. Clustering algorithms are based on active learning, with ensemble clustering-means algorithm, data streams with flock, fuzzy clustering for shape annotations, Incremental semi supervised clustering, Weakly supervised clustering, with minimum labeled data, self-organizing based on neural networks. Incremental semi-supervised clustering ensemble framework (ISSCE) which makes utilization of the advantage of the arbitrary subspace method, the limitation spread approach, the proposed incremental ensemble member choice process, and the normalized cut algorithm to perform high dimensional information clustering [4]. Semi-supervised clustering employs limited supervision in the form of labeled instances or pairwise instance constraints to aid unsupervised clustering and often significantly improves the clustering performance. Despite the vast amount of expert knowledge spent on this problem, most existing work is not designed for handling high-dimensional sparse data.
A Study on Impact of Digitalization Rural Development in Khambhat Taluka
Authors: N.Vohra Sahima
Published: July 2019

In recent years, information and communication technology (ICT) has rapidly spread across the globe, along with increased market penetration and easy availability of economical smartphones and cell phones with both wired and nonwired connections to access the Internet; this leapfrogging in the Internet access is true even in the rural areas of the world's developing countries. This study explored the interplay between contextual and individual factors related to Internet adoption in isolated rural communities. By investigating 10 remote villages throughout Chile that received Internet access infrastructure in 2010–2011, we identified 3 areas in which contextual and individual factors are intertwined.1.Geogeaphical isolation,2. the communities' aging population also represented a strong challenge because they lack young people, a relevant technology socialization agent.3.Jon and economic. When the Internet has reached the vast majority of the population, isolated communities confront specific challenges that we need to consider in policy?making decisions. As Internet access spreads and the level of penetration reaches high percentages in both developed and developing countries, the urban–rural digital gap remains strong (e.g., LaRose, Strover, Gregg, &Straubhaar, 2011; Rivera, Lima & Castillo 2014). Thus, many policy?making efforts have promoted online connection in rural areas. For example, in the United States, the Department of Agriculture has promoted broadband access programs such as the Sustainable Broadband Adoption Program (LaRose et al., 2012).
高层建筑施工质量管理与控制
Authors: 叶 琴
Published: July 2019

高层建筑深基坑支护工程是一个系统性的综合工程,如何在高层建筑深基坑支护工程施工过程中加强控制、降低风险,做好质量管理与控制对于建筑企业而言非常重要,基于此,本文以高层建筑深基坑支护工程为了进行分析,首先阐述了高层建筑深基坑支护工程的主要特征,对高层建筑深基坑支护工程施工质量事故的主要原因及其管理与控制进行了探讨分析。
建筑工程施工管理中的精细化管理
Authors: 李 丰平
Published: July 2019

建筑工程中的质量问题是目前昀为关键和棘手的问题,而施工中的精细化管理是保证施工质量的基础。在构建工程项目具体施工时期采纳合理、科学的应用精细化管理措施,能够完成高效建筑工程施工的环境保护、质量保障、工程可靠和成本节省等目的。随着我国现代化建筑工程施工管理质量逐渐提升,在建筑工程施工管理质量的控制过程中,建筑工程施工管理中的精细化管理要求也越来越严格。基于此,本文通过分析目前我国施工管理存在的问题,谈论了推动精细化管理在工程施工中有效应用的相关措施。
深基坑公路施工技术探讨
Authors: 吴 光星
Published: July 2019

基于新时代背景下,随着我国公路工程的发展以及建设规模的持续扩张,关于公路施工质量有了新目标与新要求。此种形势下,传统施工技术的许多弱点暴露无遗,已经难以保证公路工程施工质。深基坑施工技术凭借着便捷性、成本低、效率高等优势,在公路施工中得以普遍使用,而且能够有效保证公路工程的整体施工质量。
解析建筑工程土建造价管理问题
Authors: 张 翠旺
Published: July 2019

如今,我国建筑行业的发展正处在快速发展阶段,在建设速度及工程规模扩大的同时,也增加了建筑工程建设的难度。因此,有必要加强项目造价管理,减少造价风险的出现,从而为我国建筑行业的稳定发展贡献力量。本文就对建筑工程土建造价管理中存在的问题及解决措施进行了分析和论述,以供借鉴。
提高乔木成活率的园林施工管理技术
Authors: 米 晓燕
Published: July 2019

现如今,随着我国不断发展,景观工程施工管理技术越来越重要,已经成为我国主要关注的目标之一。园林工程的建设是我国环境保护重要内容之一,因此,在园林施工管理中提高乔木成活率非常重要。以下是对提高乔木成活率的园林施工管理技术简要阐述,希望为深入研究提高乔木成活率的园林施工管理技术提供切实有效的参考。
浅析建筑结构设计中剪力墙结构设计
Authors: 董 候泉
Published: July 2019

如今随着建筑结构设计的不断丰富,在我国的众多建筑中,剪力墙也开始被广泛应用起来,他的自身有着非常独特的优点,他的抗震能力非常好,能够保障人们以及建筑物的安全,同时会节约大量的成本。当然整体的外形效果也是非常好的,本问对剪力墙的结构设计的相关要点进行了分析,然后在设计应用方面做出了简单的阐述。
论建筑施工管理中的绿色建筑施工管理
Authors: 郭 寅
Published: July 2019

近年来,随着包括空气质量在内的环境质量的恶化,人们逐渐转向追求绿色环保的建筑。绿色建筑的概念也被提出,建筑施工是建筑概念的具体实践。本文分析了绿色建筑的施工管理。探讨了绿色建筑施工管理的特点,对绿色建筑施工管理与传统建筑施工管理的理念进行了对比,并提出了绿色建筑施工的一些改进方法。
城建工程防水混凝土的施工工艺分析
Authors: 郭 晓生
Published: July 2019

在近年来的城建工程施工中,混凝土防水技术已经成为主要探索热点和施工难点。人们不断提升的生活水平对房屋建设质量和各种功能提出了更高的要求。防水施工质量对建筑的平稳运行和使用功能,有着极大影响。实际生活中,混凝土的施工技术还存在着一些问题。本文主要对城建工程大体积混凝土施工的特点、原材料质量控制及技术应用进行了分析。
青浦新城商品房项目中的绿色施工分析
Authors: 凌 秋华
Published: July 2019

绿色施工主要是指在工程建设中以保障施工安全与质量为前提条件,运用先进的施工技术与科学的管理模式来减少工程建设作业给周边环境带来的负面影响,同时还要达到昀大程度缩减工程材料与能源耗用的施工要求。本文以青浦新城商品房项目为例展开讨论,该项目在建筑施工中启用EPC总承包模式与绿色施工方案,引入BIM技术深化管线施工管理,昀终不仅满足了建筑质量的相应指标,同时提升了整个工程的社会效益与经济效益。
浅谈国际工程项目经营风险及应对策略
Authors: 梁 辉
Published: July 2019

近年来,我国有越来越多的企业在海外项目深耕广种,并在国际市场中占据了重要地位,取得了可喜的成绩。但是,海外市场随着全球政治、经济的发展愈发显现出复杂性和不确定性,导致我国企业在海外市场面临的经营风险日益增加,本文通过举例,浅谈企业在国际工程中面临的经营风险及应对策略。
临近电杆雨水管道基坑绿色快速支护技术研究
Authors: 王 彦须
Published: July 2019

为了防止城市内涝,雨水管道扩大工程目前在积极开展。雨水管道工程工期紧,基坑开挖是铺设雨水管道的重要基础工程,同时为了符合绿色施工和工期要求,开展雨水管道基坑绿色快速支护技术研究具有实际意义,基于施工工程地质与水文地质,对比各施工方案,优选钢板桩围堰加内支撑支护结构,通过MIDASGTSNX软件建立三维有限元几何模型及围护结构模型,对其力学性能进行分析,确定支护结构的安全稳定性,并对支护施工方案进行优化,实现绿色快速支护,可为类似工程提供经验。
浅谈建筑外墙涂料施工质量优化控制
Authors: 孔 祥杰
Published: July 2019

随着审美观点的更新,人们对建筑外墙的要求也相应提高。而建筑外墙涂料施工质量控制不利往往会造成外墙块料面层、涂料基层的裂缝、粉化、变色和褪色、起皮和剥落、渗漏等问题。因此建筑外墙涂料施工质量优化控制,刻不容缓。分析了当今我国建筑外墙涂料施工质量现状,分析了其存在相关问题,基于通病形势下,提出了建筑外墙涂料施工处理技术优化措施。
建筑施工现场机械设备管理与优化
Authors: 李 辉
Published: July 2019

在展开建筑工程施工的时候,机械设备的应用是必不可少的,机械设备运行质量的高低会直接影响到建筑工程施工的整体质量,同时也会对安全生产、高效生产带来一定的影响。因此,想要使建筑工程项目的生产效率以及安全生产效果得到保证,就应该加大对现代化机械设备的管理力度,这样可以使建筑工程项目的经济效益得到有效提升。
浅谈市政给水管道设计问题
Authors: 陈 羽
Published: July 2019

现如今,随着我国经济的发展以及城市化建设的不断进步,使得城市建设中,对于市政给水系统提出了更高的要求。市政给水管网是现代化城市建设的重要基础设施,在城市发展的过程中占据重要的地位。市政给水管道工程对于一个城市的建设发展而言具有非常重要的意义,其工程施工质量的好坏会直接影响到城市的发展,是关系国计民生的重要工程之一,国家以及相关的政府部门必须给予高度重视。本文主要针对管道设计中常见问题进行分析,以供探讨。
建筑工程监理施工阶段的质量控制措施
Authors: 王 烨珍
Published: July 2019

随着国民经济的不断发展,我国建筑工程行业取得了较大的发展。在社会施工过程中,工程监理的工作十分重要,且对工程的整体质量有着显著影响。本文就对建筑工程监理施工阶段的质量控制措施进行研究分析,以供参考。
FAKTOR - FAKTOR YANG BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN KEJADIAN ASAM URAT PADA LANSIA (45 – 70 TAHUN)
Authors: Afnuhazi Ridhyalla
Published: July 2019

Indonesian is the 4th largest country in the world whose in habitants suffer from gout. In Indonesian, it is estimated that uric acid occur in 840 people every 100,000 people. Disease of gout is one of the degenerative disease. One of the signs of the disease gout is the increase in the levels of uric acid in the blood (hiperurisemia). Factors related to the incidence of hiperurisemia is sex, IMT, intake carbohydrate sand intake purin. Purin intake is a risk factor most strongly associated with the incidence of hiperurisemia. This study used a cross-sectional research design cross method i.e. research to study the dynamics of the correlation between two variables. Research carried out in the Puskesmas Kebun Sikolos in August 2016. The population in this study amounts to 100 people. Sampling techniques in "accidental sampling", with a sample of as many as 20 people. Data processing is carried out using the SPSS program with computerized analysis univariate and bivariat, statistical tests used was chi-square. The results of the univariate analysis showed that (65%) of respondents-sex women, (55%) of respondents experiencing obesity and (55%) of the respondents did not suffer from hypertension. Bivariat analysis p value = 0.019 means there is a relationship between the sex with uric acid, and p value = 0.025 means there is a connection between obesity with uric acid, and p value = 0.337 which means there is no relationship between hypertension with the occurrence of uric acid. Thus the factors associated with the incidence of gout in the elderly is gender and obesity. So from that recommended that health workers improve outreach program again about the factors associated with the incidence of gout in the elderly.
The Role of Strategic Thinking Patterns in the Quality of Administrative Decision Making
Authors: Wali Ahlam Ibrahim , Ali Muzaffar Hamed , Sharif Ahmed Azan
Published: July 2019

The aim of the research is to identify the role of strategic thinking patterns (holistic, abstract, diagnostic, schematic) among the university leaders in the faculties of the University of Salahuddin / Erbil. In order to reach this goal, (The type of holistic thinking, the pattern of abstract thinking, the pattern of diagnostic thinking, the pattern of schematic thinking), while the third axis of the dependent variable relates to the quality of administrative decision making. The questionnaire was distributed to 100 respondents Aclasia and the meanings of the deans and heads of scientific departments, has been pursuing the analytical descriptive approach as a way to research was the use of statistical methods SPSS to get to the search results, and research found a set of results

1-There are levels of (types of strategic thinking and quality of administrative decision-making) among the university leaders in faculties of Salahuddin University / Erbil.

2-There is a positive positive relationship between all types of strategic thinking and the quality of administrative decision-making

3- There is a significant impact of the types of strategic thinking in the quality of administrative decision - making.

Based on the findings, the researchers recommended that the university leaders at the university be given an interest in strategic thinking as an important factor in the quality of managerial decision making
Organizational Strength and its Role in Enhancing Competitive Advantage "
Authors: Hassoun Ihsan Mohsen , Ali Nizar Mohammed
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this research is to identify the organizational role of the four types of organizational strengths such as: Sharia strength, reward power, strength of expertise, information power in enhancing the competitive advantage of the working managers and their assistants, A questionnaire was designed for the research variables to collect the data, consisting of (21) paragraphs representing the organizational power paragraphs, and (10) paragraphs representing the competitive advantage clauses. The questionnaire outputs (60) were analyzed and processed statistically and presented through the Statistical Package (SPSS). Based on the test of the research plan and its hypotheses, the research reached the following:

There is a significant correlation between organizational strength and competitive advantage at the macro level.

There is a significant correlation between the types of organizational power represented by (legitimate strength, reward power, strength of experience, information power) and competitive advantage.

The existence of a significant influence of the organizational power in the competitive advantage at the macro level.

The existence of a relationship of significant influence to the types of organizational power represented by (the legitimate force, the strength of reward, the strength of experience, the power of information) in the competitive advantage.

In the light of the conclusions, a number of proposals were put forward, the most important of which was the promotion of awareness within the university at all levels of management of the importance and types of organizational power (legitimate power, reward power, the power of expertise, the power of information) to encourage workers and generate creative ideas and their role. In enhancing the competitive advantage. And the need to work to consolidate the meaning and the positive concept of force in order to unite efforts to benefit from the use of organizational power and the role they play in achieving the objectives of the University.

Keywords: Strength / Organizational Strength / Competitive Advantage
Adopt Balanced Scorecard (BSC) Using Hexagonal Diffraction to Enhance Quality of Educational Service
Authors: Al – Jubouri Entesar Saber , Agha Nada Abdel Razzaq
Published: July 2019

Several researchers dealt with the balanced performance card, notably Kaplan and Norton, as they tried to use this card to measure the strategic performance of economic units across its four dimensions. This card is one of the most important approaches to measuring and evaluating the performance of economic units. The different units of their activities identify strengths and reinforce them, and deficiencies and treatment, and hence emerged the importance of adoption of the card in the economic units in general and educational in particular, to measure and evaluate performance by adopting the card in the field of education In addition, there are additional benefits to the previous benefits, which may include the continuous development of the curricula, tools and methods used by the faculties at the university to achieve its objectives in raising the level of education at this stage and measuring its impact on the quality level using the hexagonal diffraction and developing its objectives to meet the evolving needs of society, By improving quality by reducing defects and obstacles.

The aim of the research is to clarify the concept of the four-dimensional performance card concept and the concept of educational quality, in addition to the concept of hexagonal diffraction, and the relationship between the balanced performance card on educational quality and measuring its effect using hexagonal diffraction.
The Role of Information System Efficiency Human Resources in the Strategic Practices of Human Resources Management
Authors: Ali Muzaffar Ahmed , Omer Sherwan Omar , Sadiq Zana Majeed
Published: July 2019

The objective of the research is to analyze the relationship between organizational strength and functional entanglement and its impact on achieving strategic objectives at the level of the research sample. This is based on the model of default after taking into account the nature of the relations between the variables of research and their dimensions represented by the organizational force (structural strength, Emotional, cognitive and behavioral immersion in the achievement of strategic objectives that include their dimensions (innovation, productivity, social responsibility). Two main hypotheses have been constructed, resulting in a set of sub-hypotheses, In order to test the hypotheses, and in line with the above, a sample of private hospital leaders was selected in the city of Erbil as a community and a sample for research. 60 forms were distributed to the administrative leaders and 51 forms were retrieved while the valid forms for analysis (49), accounting for 81.6% of the total. The research found that there is a correlation between organizational strength and job entanglement and a significant positive effect on the relationship between organizational power and job integration combined and individually in achieving strategic objectives. The research recommended that work should be done to raise organizational organizational levels and research organizational factors that can lead to the development of the organizational strength of the organizations with incentives and incentives that contribute to increasing the rate of managerial involvement.
Measuring The Perception And Attitudes Of The Students Of The Faculty Of Business Administration From The Application Total Quality Management In Administrative Education
Authors: Houari Mouraj
Published: July 2019

Is the quality of services and basic job is to be given to any department of the utmost importance and providing the appropriate environment and appropriate to provide the basics and requirements of this post, to go towards services in this era, and a university course and service functions to be interest in it today that the quality of services provided by Community to accompany the production - the student - and research programs, develop and provide training and training and motivation to ensure quality, where the quality and the quality of public services is inevitable in light of global changes and transformations, which must inculcate a culture of quality or idea at all Levels of the university.

The goal is a global university is the development and renovation and modernization, and to reduce this must change and the introduction of the reasons for and methods of TQM is the most important methods of change and require the latter to re-engineering the education system by introducing a new set of rules surplus to organizational success Of the University, also needs a system for the quality of educational services and research and administrative and financial specifications in the ISO, the university has become today responsible for the preparation of graduates and the preparation of research, but only now have today is to provide the regulatory environment and the purpose of work and solve problems in society

Given the importance and application of TQM in universities, the direct impact of "student" on the applicability of this administration support through his or rejection of the philosophy of our modern analytical study of the positions of students of the College of Business Administration, University of Laghouat by the application of TQM in education administration. According to the study the following problems:

What is the position of students from the Faculty of Business Administration at the University of LAGHOUAT by the application of TQM?

 

We believe that the study of this problem our way into the importance of studying the problems of the following subsidiary:

 

How understanding and knowledge of students Total Quality Management philosophy?

How contribution of the Department of the University through their decisions and to influence the position of a student by the application of total quality management philosophy?

How understanding and knowledge of students Total Quality Management philosophy?
Administrative and Educational Leadership and its Impact on Job Satisfaction
Authors: Hassan Taghreed S. , Hassan Amal K. , IBRAHIM Enas S.
Published: July 2019

In the light of the rapid developments and changes in different directions, educational institutions at all levels need leaderships which are able to achieve the objectives of these institutions in the appropriate manner, so that they can adapt to these changes to ensure continuity and success in achieving the objectives of these institutions. This can be achieved only with the satisfaction of the employees work for these institutions. This satisfaction is going to be reflected the feelings of happiness resulting from the perception of the individual to the direction of the job. Which gives the job an important value is the desire of the individual to work with dedication and sincerity and a rush to accomplish the tasks entrusted to him.

This research focused on the study of administrative leadership in terms of its concept, importance and characteristics, and what is the impact of its practices on the faculty of education and employment at the university. So as the ability of administrative leadership in creating a state of job satisfaction among the workers, in order to reach the achievement of dedication and sincerity and the perfection of performance which aims to achieve the scientific and educational goals of the University. The French University of Picardy Jules Verne was chosen as a model for study.
The Use of Information and Communication Technology in Open Higher Education and its Impact on the Sustainable Development of Societies
Authors: Al-Dulaimi Haidar Joudi , Botoura Fadila , Smaili Nofal
Published: July 2019

This Study aimed to identify the impact of the use of information and communication technology in higher education, which is open to achieving sustainability. It is imperative that today's university education of all types and levels be adapted to these new realities in the context of the importance of using advanced technology, As a result, increasing the availability of open higher education helps people expand their capacities and increase sustainable global development. As a university providing higher education, they can contribute directly to the achievement of the target of sustainable development of societies, because higher education is open to its broad philosophy Of higher education, Helps individuals broaden their knowledge and skills, help them express their thoughts clearly, and increase their understanding of the world and their community. The study reached a number of results, the most important of which is that open education is an opportunity to achieve a comprehensive, just and high quality education for all segments of society to achieve sustainable development. But that requires providing the necessary information technology to promote the principles of electronic community participation, And raising the level of intellectual and scientific production to form a tributary that balances the consumption of natural resources, and stimulate the private sector to invest in education to achieve sustainable economic growth
Preliminary results of leaf mineral concentrations for seven pomegranate cultivars grown on calcareous soil
Authors: Urlić Branimir , Radunić Mira , Brkljača Mia , Gadže Jelena
Published: July 2019

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is one of the traditional fruits cultivated in the Mediterranean part of Croatia with more intensive cultivation in the recent years. The objective of study was to determine
leaf nutrient concentrations of seven pomegranate cultivars (five Croatian and two introduced) grown on calcareous soil as leaf nutrient analysis is consider being the best tool for diagnosing fruit tree nutritional status. Significant differences between cultivars have been found for leaf P, Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn concentrations. All cultivars leaf K, Mg, Fe and Zn concentrations were under literature cited thresholds for possible deficiencies, although no visible deficiency symptoms were found. Cultivar Sladun had highest concentration of all determined nutrients and could be possible option for organic and low input cultivation.
Phytoremediationof Heavy Metals Released from Mining Waste Drainage Using Selected Plant Species, in Ethiopia
Authors: MehariGirmay MehariGirmay
Published: July 2019

Mining is known in releasing of heavy metals and environmental pollutants due to their toxicity, persistence in the environment, and bio-accumulative nature. Leaching activity of mining has a major role in releasing of chemicals which toxify to the mining environment. Such activity contaminates the terrestrial ecosystemswith toxic heavy metals that lead to the environmental problem of public health concern. In Ethiopia, even the mining trend is accounted long time, the environmental and social impacts are underestimated and not taken as an issue for a long time. However, these impacts are become very risky and problematic from time to time, since mining companies are not dedicated to their environmental and social impact assessment commitments. Being persistent pollutants, heavy metals accumulate in the environment and consequently contaminate the food chains. Accumulation of potentially toxic heavy metals in biota causes a potential health threat to their consumers including humans. Phytoremediation is more cost-effective than alternative mechanical or chemical methods of removing hazardous compounds from the soil.Vetiver grass is a perennial grass belonging to the Poaceae family with short rhizomes and a massive, finely structured root system. The deep root system makes the vetiver grass extremely drought tolerant and very difficult to dislodge when exposed to strong water flow. The main purpose of this study is to review the ecological impacts of mining in releasing leached wastes/drainages/ and the possible and effective techniques of treatment via Phytoremediation technology.
Analysis of students’ higher order thinking skills in solving basic combinatorics problems
Authors: Dosinaeng Wilfridus Beda Nuba
Published: July 2019

Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif berjenis studi kasus yang bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan kemampuan berpikir tingkat tinggi mahasiswa dalam memecahkan masalah kombinatorika dasar. Subjek penelitiannya yaitu tiga mahasiswa program studi pendidikan matematika yang terdiri dari satu mahasiswa berkemampuan tinggi, satu mahasiswa berkemampuan sedang, dan satu mahasiswa berkemampuan rendah yang dipilih secara purposive. Penelitian dilakukan dengan cara menganalisis kemampuan berpikir kritis dan kreatif subjek penelitian dalam memecahkan masalah kaidah penghitungan, permutasi, dan kombinasi. Dari sisi kemampuan berpikir kritis, hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kemampuan regulasi diri para mahasiswa masih rendah. Kemampuan berpikir kritis pada umumnya masih terbatas pada kemampuan menginterpretasi dan menganalisis masalah; hanya mahasiswa berkemampuan tinggi yang menunjukkan kemampuan dalam mengevaluasi masalah. Namun, rendahnya kemampuan regulasi diri menyebabkan ketiga mahasiswa tersebut belum mampu menyadari kesalahan pada strategi yang dibuat. Sedangkan, dari sisi kemampuan berpikir kreatif, para mahasiswa, terutama mahasiswa berkemampuan tinggi, mampu menghasilkan ide orisinal dalam memecahkan masalah kombinatorika dasar. Namun, rendahnya kemampuan berpikir fleksibel yang didukung oleh rendahnya kemampuan meregulasi diri menyebabkan ketiga mahasiswa terebut mengalami kesulitan dalam menghasilkan ide-ide yang berbeda.
Assessment of Natural Ageing Related Physio-Biochemical Changes in Onion Seed
Authors: Brar Navjot , Kaushik Prashant , Dudi Bagrawat
Published: July 2019

This research was performed for a period of three years to determine the effect of natural seed ageing on different physiological and biochemical changes in three extensively cultivated onion cultivars in Northern India. Seed storage studies showed that germination percent, seed viability and other seed quality parameters decreased significantly with increasing storage time. The onion seed can be stored for a maximum period of one year under ambient conditions to maintain required germination percentage (>70%). Overall, Hisar Onion-4 stored better when compared to Hisar Onion-3 and Hisar-2. As the ageing progressed the seed antioxidants, namely superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), dehydrogenase (DHA) and peroxidase (POD) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in all cultivars whereas, the electrical conductivity (EC) of seed leachates increased significantly. Under the field conditions, seedling establishment percent (SE) onion seed was positively correlated (R2 = 0.98; p < 0.05) with germination percent (GP). Overall, more than one year period of seed storage was associated with poor germination and seedling establishment potential in onion.
Remotely Sensed Boro Rice Production Forecasting Using MODIS-NDVI: A Bangladesh Perspective
Authors: Faisal B.M. Refat , Rahman Hafizur , Sharifee Nur Hossain , Sultana Nasrin , Islam Mohammad Imrul , Ahammad Tofayel
Published: July 2019

This research work dealt with the development of an operational methodology with appropriate technical components for monitoring and forecasting of rice crop (Boro) production in Bangladesh. Designed system explores integrated application of remote sensing (RS) sciences and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. Terra MODIS 16-day Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) maximum value composite (MVC) image product MOD13A1 of 500 m spatial resolution covering Bangladesh have been utilized for a period 2011–2017. Hence the district-wise sum of NDVI on pixel-by-pixel has been calculated from Jan–April during 2011–2017. Regression analysis between district-based pixel-wise summation of MODIS-NDVI and district-wise BBS (Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics) estimated Boro production revealed strong correlation (R2 = 0.57–0.85) where in March most of the regression coefficient shows significant correlation due to maximize photosynthetic activities. Therefore, the highest regression coefficient value from derived set of coefficient value (BCP-Boro Crop Production Model 2) has been utilized to obtain year-wise rice productions for all the years (2011–2017). Global Positioning System (GPS)-based field verification, accuracy assessment and validation operation have been carried out at randomly selected geographical positions over the country using various statistical tools. The results demonstrate good agreement between estimated and predicted yearly Boro rice production during 2011–2017 time period with Mean Bias Error (MBE) = −29,881 to 19,431 M.Ton; Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) = 5238 to 11,852 M.Ton; Model Efficiency (ME) = (0.86–0.94); Correlation Coefficients = 0.65 to 0.87. Therefore MODIS-NDVI based regression model seems to be effective for Boro production forecasting. The system generally appears to be relatively fast, simple, reasonably accurate and suitable for nation-wide crop statistics generation and food security issues.
Nitric Oxide Increases the Physiological and Biochemical Stability of Soybean Plants under High Temperature
Authors: Vital Roberto Gomes , Müller Caroline , da Silva Fábia Barbosa , Batista Priscila Ferreira , Merchant Andrew , Fuentes David , Rodrigues Arthur Almeida , Costa Alan Carlos
Published: July 2019

Thermal stress reduces plant growth and development, resulting in considerable economic losses in crops such as soybeans. Nitric oxide (NO) in plants is associated with tolerance to various abiotic stresses. Nevertheless, there are few studies of the range of observed effects of NO in modulating physiological and metabolic functions in soybean plants under high temperature. In the present study, we investigated the effects of sodium nitroprusside (SNP, NO donor), on anatomical, physiological, biochemical, and metabolic processes of soybean plants exposed to high temperature. Soybean plants were grown in soil: sand (2:1) substrate in acclimatized growth chambers. At developmental V3 stage, plants were exposed to two temperatures (25 °C and 40 °C) and SNP (0 and 100 μM), in a randomized block experimental design, with five replicates. After six days, we quantified NO concentration, leaf anatomy, gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, photosynthetic pigments, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activity, and metabolite profiles. Higher NO concentration in soybean plants exposed to high temperature and SNP showed increased effective quantum yields of photosystem II (PSII) and photochemical dissipation, thereby maintaining the photosynthetic rate. Under high temperature, NO also promoted greater activity of ascorbate peroxidase and peroxidase activity, avoiding lipid peroxidation of cell membranes, in addition to regulating amino acid and organic compound levels. These results suggest that NO prevented damage caused by high temperature in soybean plants, illustrating the potential to mitigate thermal stress in cultivated plants.
Former Foodstuff Products in Tenebrio Molitor Rearing: Effects on Growth, Chemical Composition, Microbiological Load, and Antioxidant Status
Authors: Mancini Simone , Fratini Filippo , Turchi Barbara , Mattioli Simona , Dal Bosco Alessandro , Tuccinardi Tiziano , Nozic Sanjin , Paci Gisella
Published: July 2019

Tenebrio molitor (mealworm) larvae represent one of the most interesting edible insects and could be reared on alternative feeds, such as former foodstuff products (FFPs). In the present work, five different FFPs (brewery spent grains, bread and cookie leftovers, and mixes of brewer’s spent grain or bread with cookies) were employed as feeding substrates. Larvae’s growth performances, chemical composition, microbial loads, and antioxidant status were determined. Chemical compositions of the substrates affected all the tested parameters. Brewery spent grains-fed larvae showed a faster growth period and higher crude protein and carbohydrate contents. The use of cookies as a single substrate or their addition to spent grains or bread increased the lipids contents, while growth was delayed. Microbial loads were partially affected by the fed diet. The antioxidant status of larvae showed different concentrations of tocopherols isoforms (δ, γ, α) in relation to the diet; however, no differences were detected in relation to the global antioxidant capacity (2,2-azinobis-(3 ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), ABTS reducing activity; 1,1-diphenyl-2-pircydrazyl, DPPH radical scavenging activity; ferric reducing ability, FRAP). Results point out a high plasticity of mealworm larvae and the potential to tailor the final outcomes in relation to the substrate employed. Mealworms could be practically reared on FFPs to produce food-feed with high nutrient values.
Analysis of 19 Minerals and Cortisol in Red Deer Hair in Two Different Areas of the Stelvio National Park: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Montillo Marta , Caslini Chiara , Peric Tanja , Prandi Alberto , Netto Paola , Tubaro Franco , Pedrotti Luca , Bianchi Alessandro , Mattiello Silvana
Published: July 2019

The aim of the study was to perform an investigation on the concentration of 19 minerals and cortisol in red deer (Cervus elaphus) hair, a matrix that is easy to collect with non-invasive and painless sampling, able to represent an integrative values of long-term substance concentrations, and able to give useful information, also when performed on dead animals, given its extreme stability over time. In the study thirty-five animals were included, coming from two different sides of a valley in the Stelvio National Park, where official water analysis had pointed out elevated concentrations of As in one of the two orographic sides. Hair cortisol concentrations were measured using a RIA(Radio Immuno Assay), while minerals were detected using ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma- Mass Spectrometry). Results showed a negative relationship between cortisol and some mineral concentrations (Li, Co, As, Cd, Cr and Tl) and significant differences in some mineral concentrations between park areas (Al, Co, Cu, Cd and Ni). As, Cr and cortisol differences approached statistical significance. This preliminary study represents a step forward in the study of wildlife allostatic load and a valid method for applications in wildlife management programs, in environmental studies and in public health programs.
Synergistic Action of Phage and Antibiotics: Parameters to Enhance the Killing Efficacy Against Mono and Dual-Species Biofilms
Authors: Akturk Ergun , Oliveira Hugo , Santos Sílvio B. , Costa Susana , Kuyumcu Suleyman , Melo Luís D. R. , Azeredo Joana
Published: July 2019

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are opportunistic pathogens and are commonly found in polymicrobial biofilm-associated diseases, namely chronic wounds. Their co-existence in a biofilm contributes to an increased tolerance of the biofilm to antibiotics. Combined treatments of bacteriophages and antibiotics have shown a promising antibiofilm activity, due to the profound differences in their mechanisms of action. In this study, 48 h old mono and dual-species biofilms were treated with a newly isolated P. aeruginosa infecting phage (EPA1) and seven different antibiotics (gentamicin, kanamycin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, and meropenem), alone and in simultaneous or sequential combinations. The therapeutic efficacy of the tested antimicrobials was determined. Phage or antibiotics alone had a modest effect in reducing biofilm bacteria. However, when applied simultaneously, a profound improvement in the killing effect was observed. Moreover, an impressive biofilm reduction (below the detection limit) was observed when gentamicin or ciprofloxacin were added sequentially after 6 h of phage treatment. The effect observed does not depend on the type of antibiotic but is influenced by its concentration. Moreover, in dual-species biofilms it was necessary to increase gentamicin concentration to obtain a similar killing effect as occurs in mono-species. Overall, combining phages with antibiotics can be synergistic in reducing the bacterial density in biofilms. However, the concentration of antibiotic and the time of antibiotic application are essential factors that need to be considered in the combined treatments.
Therapeutic Perspective of Vitamin C and Its Derivatives
Authors: Meščić Macan Andrijana , Gazivoda Kraljević Tatjana , Raić-Malić Silvana
Published: July 2019

l-Ascorbic acid (ASA), vitamin C, is a ubiquitous carbohydrate-like compound that has an essential role in a number of cellular processes, such as collagen synthesis, cellular oxidation, and various hydroxylation reactions. ASA is a biomolecule of critical importance for protection of cellular components against oxidative damage caused by toxic free radicals and other reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are involved in the development of various types of chronic diseases. Vitamin C has a switchover role from being an antioxidant in physiological conditions to a prooxidant under pathologic conditions. Moreover, some l-ascorbic acid derivatives exhibit strong and selective antitumor and antiviral activity. This review emphasizes the advances on diverse and potent biological profiles of l-ascorbic acid and its derivatives, and their perspective in the development of new bioactive chemical entities in the future. The work is primarily addressed at antioxidant, anticancer, and antiviral potencies of l-ascorbic acid and compounds containing its butenolide structural motif.
Vessel Trajectory Prediction Model Based on AIS Sensor Data and Adaptive Chaos Differential Evolution Support Vector Regression (ACDE-SVR)
Authors: Liu Jiao , Shi Guoyou , Zhu Kaige
Published: July 2019

There are difficulties in obtaining accurate modeling of ship trajectories with traditional prediction methods. For example, neural networks are prone to falling into local optima and there are a small number of Automatic Identification System (AIS) information samples regarding target ships acquired in real time at sea. In order to improve the accuracy of ship trajectory predictions and solve these problems, a trajectory prediction model based on support vector regression (SVR) is proposed. Ship speed, course, time stamp, longitude and latitude from AIS data were selected as sample features and the wavelet threshold de-noising method was used to process the ship position data. The adaptive chaos differential evolution (ACDE) algorithm was used to optimize the internal model parameters to improve convergence speed and prediction accuracy. AIS sensor data corresponding to a certain section of the Tianjin Port ships were selected, on which SVR, Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) and Back Propagation (BP) neural network model trajectory prediction simulations were carried out. A comparison of the results shows that the trajectory prediction model based on ACDE-SVR has higher and more stable prediction accuracy, requires less time and is simple, feasible and efficient.
Polarimetry for Photonic Integrated Circuits
Authors: Baier Moritz , Schoenau Axel , Soares Francisco M. , Schell Martin
Published: July 2019

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) play a key role in a wide range of applications. Very often, the performance of PICs depends strongly on the state of polarization of light. Classically, this is regarded as undesirable, but more and more applications emerge that make explicit use of polarization dependence. In either case, the characterization of the polarization properties of a PIC can be a nontrivial task. We present a way of characterizing PICs in terms of their full Müller matrix, yielding a complete picture of their polarization properties. The approach is demonstrated by carrying out measurements of fabricated PICs.
Chromium(VI) Removal by Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)/Aliquat-336 Polymeric Inclusion Membranes in a Multiframe Flat Sheet Membrane Module
Authors: Semghouni Hassina , Bey Said , Figoli Alberto , Criscuoli Alessandra , Russo Francesca , Mohamed Benamor , Drioli Enrico
Published: July 2019

A new multiframe flat sheet membrane contactor module containing several flat membranes was designed and implemented. Each frame contains a chamber (central hole) in which the feed and the receiving phases are put in contact with polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/Aliquat-336 polymeric flat sheet membranes for Cr(VI) removal from aqueous solutions (feed phase). To evaluate the efficiency of the system, the experimental design methodology was used to analyze the effect of temperature (T, °C), PVC/Aliquat-336 ratio, and Cr (VI) concentration in the feed phase and the concentration of sodium chloride (NaOH-NaCl) in the receiving phase. Two representative mathematical models of the two responses (extraction and back-extraction) were respectively obtained. A good correlation between the experimental results and those predicted (RS2 = 97.77 and RR2 = 97.87) was achieved, allowing the optimization of the different factors selected for each response, separately. The proposed system showed a good separation performance, leading to Cr(VI) extractions up to 93% when working at the optimized operating conditions.
Special Issue on the Environmental Fate of Emerging Organic Micro-Contaminants
Authors: Wilkinson John , Hooda Peter S.
Published: July 2019

The toxicity and fate of pharmaceuticals and other emerging micro-organic contaminants in the natural and built environments have been the focus of much research over the last 20 years [...]
Pneumatic Soft Actuator with Anisotropic Soft and Rigid Restraints for Pure in-Plane Bending Motion
Authors: Su Manjia , Xie Rongzhen , Zhang Yihong , Kang Xiaopan , Huang Dongyu , Guan Yisheng , Zhu Haifei
Published: July 2019

A variety of soft robots with prospective applications has been developed in recent years. As a key component of a soft robot, the soft actuator plays a critical role and hence must be designed carefully according to application requirements. The soft body may deform in undesired directions if no restraint is endued, due to the isotropy of the pure soft material. For some soft robots such as an inchworm-like biped climbing robot, the actuation direction must be constrained with the appropriate structure design of the soft actuator. This study proposes a pneumatic soft actuator (PSA) to achieve pure in-plane bending motion with anisotropic soft and rigid restraints. The in-plane bending pneumatic soft actuator (2D-PSA) is developed with a composite structure where a metal hinge belt is embedded into the soft material. The design method, material choice, and fabrication process are presented in detail in this paper. Tests are conducted to measure the actuating performance of 2D-PSA in terms of the relationship between the bending angle or force and the input air pressure. Dynamic response is also measured with a laser tracker. Furthermore, a comparative experiment is carried out between the presented 2D-PSA and a general PSA, with results verifying the effectiveness of the presented 2D-PSA. A robot consisting of two serially-connected 2D-PSAs and three pneumatic suckers, which can climb on a flat surface mimicking a snake’s locomotion, is developed as an application demo of the presented 2D-PSA. Its locomotion capability presents the in-plane performance and mobility of 2D-PSA.
Toward Development of a Vocal Fold Contact Pressure Probe: Sensor Characterization and Validation Using Synthetic Vocal Fold Models
Authors: Motie-Shirazi Mohsen , Zañartu Matías , Peterson Sean D. , Mehta Daryush D. , Kobler James B. , Hillman Robert E. , Erath Byron D.
Published: July 2019

Excessive vocal fold collision pressures during phonation are considered to play a primary role in the formation of benign vocal fold lesions, such as nodules. The ability to accurately and reliably acquire intraglottal pressure has the potential to provide unique insights into the pathophysiology of phonotrauma. Difficulties arise, however, in directly measuring vocal fold contact pressures due to physical intrusion from the sensor that may disrupt the contact mechanics, as well as difficulty in determining probe/sensor position relative to the contact location. These issues are quantified and addressed through the implementation of a novel approach for identifying the timing and location of vocal fold contact, and measuring intraglottal and vocal fold contact pressures via a pressure probe embedded in the wall of a hemi-laryngeal flow facility. The accuracy and sensitivity of the pressure measurements are validated against ground truth values. Application to in vivo approaches are assessed by acquiring intraglottal and VF contact pressures using a synthetic, self-oscillating vocal fold model in a hemi-laryngeal configuration, where the sensitivity of the measured intraglottal and vocal fold contact pressure relative to the sensor position is explored.
Contactless Ultrasonic Wavefield Imaging to Visualize Near-Surface Damage in Concrete Elements
Authors: Song Homin , Popovics John S.
Published: July 2019

We present work to detect and visualize near-surface damage in concrete using contactless ultrasonic wavefield imaging technology. A fully contactless ultrasonic scanning system that utilizes a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) ultrasonic microphone array is used to collect ultrasonic surface wave data from a concrete sample. The obtained wavefield data sets are processed with a frequency-wavenumber (f-k) domain wavefield filtering approach to extract non-propagating oscillatory fields set up by near-surface concrete cracking damage. The experimental results demonstrate that near-surface concrete damage can be detected and visualized using the proposed ultrasonic wavefield imaging approach.