bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancing Forensic Nursing in South Africa: A matter of Stamina and Resilience
Authors: Sebaeng Jeanette Mmabosa , Duma Sinegugu E
Published: February 2018

Advancing a non-existing specialisation in nursing care requires strong leadership, resilience and total commitment to patient care and to the nursing profession. These were the hard lessons that we learned over almost three decades in our endeavours for the advancement of forensic nursing as a formally recognised clinical nursing specialisation in South Africa. This article is a conference paper presented at the International Conference on Forensic Nursing Science, October 2016 in Denver â€“ Colorado and it provides the professional and personal battles experienced by the forensic nurses in advancing forensic nursing practice in South Africa. The presentation conclude by highlighting the current status and achievements of forensic nursesâ€™ resilience and perseverance in advancing forensic nursing which include the establishment of the Association for Forensic Nurses in South Africa, the development and recognition of clinical competencies for clinical forensic nursing by the South African Nursing Council, books authored by forensic nurses and continuous professional development activities conducted in different provinces of South Africa to benefit South African Forensic Nursing Association (SAFNA) members and improve forensic nursing practice and healthcare of the victims of crime and violence. These hard lessons were shared as encouragement to other forensic nurses from countries where forensic nursing is not yet recognised.
Conference Report: The First Seboka International Conference
Authors: Pienaar Abel Jacobus , Nare Neo , Taaka Teboho , Nembaware Shadreck , Mahlatsi Khauhelo , Mashego Lesley , Mapara Jacob , Bock Theresa , Radebe Ntseki , Sehularo Leepile
Published: February 2018

Conference Report
Report: Denosa's 5th National Student Movement Congress
Authors: Motaung Matumelo , Mthembu Mpumelelo , Kokie Segopolo Aaron , Monanyane Katlego Piet , Molato Boitumelo Joy
Published: February 2018

Conference Report
â€œWhat Type of Literature Review Should My Student Do?â€ â€“ A Critical Reflection from a Supervisor
Authors: Richter Solina
Published: February 2018

Editorial
Prader-Willi syndrome - case report and literature review
Authors: Vlădăreanu Simona , Măreșescu (Predescu) Ana Maria , Popa Aurora
Published: February 2018

Prader-Willi syndrome is a consequence of several genetic defects in the 15q11-q13 region, including methylation changes, and is associated in newborns with hypotonia, poor suck, a reduced growth velocity, and developmental delay. We present the case of a newborn with severe hypotonia delivered via caesarean surgery at full term in the "Elias" University Emergency Hospital. Although the newborn had normal respiratory and cardiovascular parameters, the clinical examination had revealed hypotonia, lethargy and hypogonadism. The risk factors are unknown for this particularly case, as there was no additional risk identified prenatally. The particularity of this case is that the newborn had since birth very severe hypotonia and poor suck.
Retroviral infections have been an important cause of preoccupation of research and medical systems in the past decades. The discovery of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as the etivological factor of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) marked a turning point in the conceptual framework and medical management. Retrospective diagnosis has permitted the discovery of infections after 20-30 years from the date of death. "The transmission" chains are still undefined and are still under study.
Given that, the "United Nations HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)" targets for 2020 and 2030 are ambitious. To reach these goals, in spite of the overwhelming material costs to healthcare and socio-medical systems, and different kinds of "psychological pressure", attention and support to combat HIV/AIDS infection need to remain a first-line problem for governments and contemporary society.
We propose a review of the defining moments in the natural history and their impact on the global medical systems of HIV/AIDS in the 1981-1990 period and to underline the most important information up to 2017 in our country.
Exploring the Psychological Benefits of Using an Emerging Video Technology to Coach and Retain Doctoral Learners
Authors: Maul June , Berman Ronald , (Cathy) Ames Cathrine
Published: February 2018

Aim/Purpose: Retention of doctoral students, particularly during the dissertation stage, has been a decades-old concern. The study examined the value of dissertation chairs’ use of a cloud-based video technology for coaching doctoral students, and its influence on psychological factors previously linked to retention. The psychological aspects included social presence, research self-efficacy, social isolation, and motivation

Background: Prior research identified the importance of addressing psychological factors that lead to student retention and the development of future researchers capable of producing quality research.

Methodology: An exploratory case study included a survey of dissertation chairs, interviews of dissertation chairs and doctoral students, and review of documents and artifacts in a university in the southwestern United States.

Contribution: The findings revealed several aspects of the video technology that dissertation chairs and their doctoral students identified as valuable from a psychological perspective, and there were several unexpected findings.

Findings: Coaching using an emerging video technology positively influenced psychological factors leading to improved research self-efficacy, scholarly writing, efficiency and effectiveness of the academic coaching process, which resulted in student retention. Students identified the relationship established with their dissertation chair while using video technology led to their decision to remain in the doctoral program.

Recommendations for Practitioners: Use coaching opportunities to develop research self-efficacy as well as to increase social presence, which will help reduce social isolation and increase student retention.

Recommendation for Researchers: Integrate emerging cloud-based video technologies for conducting research to engage multiple researchers at different locations.

Impact on Society: This virtual coaching approach can improve the research capabilities and reten-tion of doctoral students in today’s online world during the dissertation phase.

Future Research: To validate the relationships found in this study, future research should focus on the quantitative aspects of the psychological factors identified in this study.
Doing Science Their Way
Authors: Giuriceo Carol
Published: February 2018

From the perspective of social cultural anthropology employing the field research techniques of ethnography this study focuses on the experiences and perspectives of sixth grade girls in a moderately-sized East Coast city as they construct meaning through active engagement i a science classroom. The study analyzes the ways in which girls change roles and incorporate social interaction during science activities to create their own unique engagement in science.
Becoming An Administrator
Authors: Lattuca F.
Published: February 2018

This study is part of a limited but growing body of research that examines and describes the social side of pulic school administration. Most training programs that prepare public school administrators are highly effective with regard to providing students the theoretical foundation that surrounds administrative roles, but as the literature illustrates, there is a gap between theory and practice. This autoethnographical dissertation addresse this gap by providing an analytical description of what individuals do when acting as a public school administrator. Specifically, this study follows the transition into an assistant principalship and how the author was socialized into that role
Time for Learning
Authors: Monahan Kris
Published: February 2018

Learning takes time, but providing time does not in itself ensure that
learning will take place (Carroll, 1963; Stallings & Kaskowitz, 1974; Anderson, 1981;
Aronson, Zimmer & Carlos, 1999; Berliner, 1990; Kidder et. al., 1975). We need to
examine more closely how students are using time and which conditions maximize student engagement.
As schools continue to struggle with meeting state and national standards using traditional
educational pedagogies and structures, whole school reforms are often implemented to improve student
learning and success. While several studies have attempted to begin this exploration, few, if any,
actually ask students about their experiences, perspectives, and attitudes in reformed schools. Yet,
student voice is increasingly identified as an essential component of school reform by implementation
researchers, constructivists, and critical theorists. This study explores 8th graders’ perspectives toward
learning in a school which implemented Expanded Learning Time (ELT) Reform, adding 30% more time to
the school day, compared with a comparison group of 8th graders in the same school district with a
traditional school day. A dominant sequential, or exploratory mixed methods approach, using principal
interviews (N=2), student focus groups (N=4), and Time for Learning student survey (N=226), based primarily
on scales from the School Success Profile (SSP) (Bowen & Richman, 2008)
were utilized to explore students’ perspectives on time and learning. Results from the
focus groups indicate that students in both schools reported teacher support and peer to peer
collaboration opportunities are important. Focus group results also indicate that students in both schools
report students’ opinions and perspectives are not valued. Students in the ELT school reported more academic
relevancy or real world application of the curriculum. Students report wanting more activities and electives
which take time, but do not actually want to be in school longer. Multiple Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) results
confirmed that students in the ELT school had significantly different perspectives than students in the comparison
school. Specifically, students in the ELT school scored significantly higher on the Student Engagement scale of the
SSP than students in the comparison school.
How Districts Allocate Educational Resources in Rhode Island
Authors: Ryan Timothy
Published: February 2018

Considerable debate has taken place regarding the amount, adequacy, and effectiveness of funding public schools. At the macro level, research is mixed as to whether increased funding is associated with improved student performance. In some specific cases, such as increased funding for lower class size and early childhood education, spending on specific activities has shown to be effective.

This study examined whether spending categories are associated with academic performance. Spending allocations and student performance were examined at the school level for the school years 2004-05 through 2007-08. Spending data was obtained through the Rhode Island Department of Education In$ight financial system. Student performance on the New England Common Assessment Program was used. Two models were employed: Model 1 examined the aggregate figures for the four years of data regression with a robust estimator to examine the association of the spending categories and achievement accounting for poverty. Model 2 used multiple regression with a differencing model in an attempt to control for unobserved factors such as teacher quality.

The results of the differencing Model 2 were not conclusive. Model 1 showed that spending for direct classroom instruction was a significant predictor of student achievement. Poverty was also identified as significantly negatively associated with student performance. All other allocations were either negatively associated or not associated with student performance.
A Case Study of Student and Teacher Relationships and the Effect on Student Learning
Authors: Gablinkske Patricia
Published: February 2018

This research study explored the affective domain of teacher-student relationships using a single case study design. This single case study produced a synthesis of information that guides a classroom teacher in the development and maintenance of her relationships with her students. The resulting analysis and interpretation provided a description of major themes that developed regarding strong teacher student relationships, as well as, specific components to the interactions considered essential for the student’s learning environment.

The outcome of this study is an account of experiences and procedures that guide the development and maintenance of relationships between a teacher and her students. Based on the findings, four primary categories emerged with supporting elements that were critical components of each category. These four primary categories represent an interpersonal framework for the learning environment.

The qualitative method in this study is derived from a constructivist viewpoint with a focus on deeply understanding this specific case of teacher-student relationships. My goal in conducting this study was to provide more specific examples of and empirical findings for how

teacher-student relationships are created. Identifying specific factors associated with teacher-student interactions could provide valuable information to an educational learning community. Implications for how these findings can impact the learning environment are discussed.
Teachers' Experiences of Induction: A Narrative Retrospective Inquiry
Authors: Clark Jodi
Published: February 2018

It is well established that beginning teachers need support to bridge the gap from college teacher preparation to the classroom setting (Fletcher & Strong, 2009; Wong, 2003). In fact, lack of support in this transition has been identified as a leading factor that causes beginning teachers to leave the profession at high rates early in their careers (Andrews, Gilbert & Martin, 2006). Research suggests that coaching is an effective way to support beginning teacher’s learning (Ingersoll & Strong, 2011). The purpose of this qualitative research is to tell the lived experiences of nine teachers who took part of in a statewide induction coaching program. Using narrative inquiry methodology with semi-structured interviews, the study sought to gain the individual stories of past beginning teachers who worked with an induction coach, identify common themes across beginning teachers’ narratives, and to understand what their retrospective stories tell us about working with their induction coach. Four main implications of the findings include the needs of beginning teachers in the field, phases of coaching in reaction to the needs of beginning teachers, qualities of an induction coach, and the need for coaches to mediate the identities of the beginning teacher.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Sulfamethoxazole Based on Charge-Transfer Complexation with Sodium Nitroprusside
Authors: Mahmoud Tariq Y. , Dikran Sarmad B. , Mohammed Alaa K.
Published: February 2018

A simple, accurate and precise spectrophotometric method has been developed for the analysis of sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) in pure form and pharmaceutical preparation. The method involves a direct charge transfer complexation of sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) with sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in alkaline medium and the presence of hydroxyl amine hydrochloride. Variables affecting the formation of the formed orange colored complex were optimized following two approaches univariate and central composite experimental design (CCD) multivariate. Under optimum recommended conditions, the formed complex exhibits λmax at 512 nm and the method conforms Beer's law for SMZ concentration in the range of 5.0-150.0 (µg.mL-1) with molar absorptivity 1.139×103 L.mol-1.cm-1, and r = 0.9997. Analysis of SMZ pharmaceutical dosages shows a good agreement with the real amounts.
Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Evaluation of New Dithiocarbamate Ligand and Its Complexes with some Metal Ions
Authors: Numan Ahmed T. , Ibraheem Kaiss R. , Ibrahim Mohammed K.
Published: February 2018

New bidentate dithiocarbamate ligand (NaL) namely [Sodium-2-(((3-methyl -4- “(2,2,2-tri fluoro ethoxy) pyridin-2”-yl) methyl) sulfinyl)-1H-benzoimidazole -1-carbodithioate] was prepared. This free ligand was synthesized from the reaction of a (RS)-2-([3-methyl -4-(2,2,2-tri fluoroethoxy) pyridin-2-yl] methyl sulfinyl)-1H benzoimidazole, CS2 and NaOH in methanol as solvent. From reaction of dithiocarbamate salt (NaL) with metal ions (M); Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Pd(II)”, have obtained  the DTC complexes at general molecular formula [M(L)2(H2O)2] and [Pd(L)2]. To characterize the ligand and its complexes, used different analyses methods such FTIR, UV-Vis, elemental microanalysis, atomic absoreption, magnetic susceptibility, conductance, melting points, 1H- 13C- NMR spectroscopy, thermal analysis and mass spectrum.  These studies indicated the formation of DTC complexes which their geometries about metal centers are octahedral; except Pd-complex is square planer. The bacterial activity evaluation against investigated bacterial species indicated that the metal complexes are more active than the free ligand when compared them.
A Smartphone -Based Model for Human Activity Recognition
Authors: Al-Taei Ali
Published: February 2018

Activity recognition (AR) is a new interesting and challenging research area with many applications (e.g. healthcare, security, and event detection). Basically, activity recognition (e.g. identifying user’s physical activity) is more likely to be considered as a classification problem. In this paper, a combination of 7 classification methods is employed and experimented on accelerometer data collected via smartphones, and compared for best performance. The dataset is collected from 59 individuals who performed 6 different activities (i.e. walk, jog, sit, stand, upstairs, and downstairs). The total number of dataset instances is 5418 with 46 labeled features. The results show that the proposed method of ensemble boost-based classifier overperforms other classifiers that were examined in this research paper.
Notion of investment under the ICSID Arbitration: A jurisdictional dilemma between subjective and objective approaches
Authors: Muhammad Nasiruddeen
Published: February 2018

The notion of Investment is one of the most controversial issues trailing the dispute settlement mechanism of International Center for Settlement of Investment Dispute (ICSID). One notable issue surrounding the controversy is identifying an exact definition of investment for the purposes of ICSID Jurisdiction. While some tribunals tend to give effect to the agreement of the parties contained in their contracts or the underlying bilateral investment treaty as giving rise to the ICSID jurisdiction by consent, others tend to subject parties consent into a filtering mechanism based on a certain developed criteria. The aim of the paper is to add clarity to the corpus juris of investment treaty arbitration and provide guidance to the  investment treaty tribunals regarding the determination of notion of investment.  In doing so, the paper typifies the problem with the notable case of MHS v Malaysia. It then analyzes the two approaches from subjective and objective perspectives. The paper concludes with the proposition that ICSID notion of investment may not necessary lie with either of the two approaches.

Keyywords : Investment, treaties, jurisdiction
Stakeholder Theory at the Cross Road: A Holistic Model for Business Government and Society
Authors: Anadol Yaprak
Published: February 2018

Stakeholder theory is one of the most accepted models explaining the business government and society. This short theory paper examines various issues related to the stakeholder theory in terms of several critical tensions, including the scope of the model, justice and efficiency considerations and value co-creation. The main contribution of this paper is to introduce the human factor as a focal point leading the social value co-creation and present profit optimization alternative rather than the profit maximization. Consumer perspective and role overlaps are emphasized and some concluding observations are provided with a suggested holistic model for the business government and society relationship.

Keywords : stakeholder theory, business government and society, value cocreation, Justice, effectiveness
Why should I trust ICT? An empirical study examining teachers and students usage of ICT for knowledge sharing and seeking
Authors: Khawaja Kausar Fiaz
Published: February 2018

The purpose of conducting this study is to examine factors affecting teachers and students trust on ICT and ICT usage behavior for knowledge sharing and seeking.  Two empirical studies were conducted; and data was collected from teachers and students of two public sector universities that specifically offer distance learning programs and use ICT for knowledge sharing and knowledge seeking.  For study-1, data was collected from 350 students,; whereas for study-2, data was collected from 150 teachers. Statistical tests for descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, reliability analysis and mediation analysis were conducted.  The mediation results suggested that trust mediates the relationship between facilitating condition (FC) and usage Behavior (UB) for both the studies as proposed. Moreover, trust and intention sequentially mediated the relationship between performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI) and UB in both the studies except between EE, SI and UB of study-2.

Keyword: Knowledge sharing, knowledge seeking, Trust, ICT, UTAUT
Desain Media Komunikasi Visual Berbentuk Tabloid Sebagai Sarana Promosi SMK Mandiri 2
Authors: Maulani Giandari , Janah Siti Nur , Mahbubi Yuri Alam
Published: February 2018

SMK Mandiri 2 merupakan salah satu lembaga pendidikan yang membutuhkan promosi dalam memperkenalkan sekolahnya kepada masyarakat. Pembuatan desain media komunikasi visual ini akan dijadikan sebagai media informasi dan promosi SMK Mandiri 2. Untuk metodologi yang digunakan pada penelitian ini, diantaranya metode analisis permasalahan, metode pengumpulan data, metode analisis perancangan dan metode konsep desain. Permasalahan yang ada saat ini SMK Mandiri 2 dalam menunjang kegiatan promosinya belum menggunakan media komunikasi visual dan berdasarkan analisis permasalahan tersebut maka dibuatlah desain media komunikasi visual dalam bentuk Tabloid yang bertujuan agar promosi dengan tabloid dapat menjangkau masyarakat lebih luas lagi, terutama menerapkan strategi pemasaran yang menarik minat calon siswa-siswi baru. Dalam menunjang kegiatan promosinya pihak sekolah membutuhkan sebuah media komunikasi visual yang dinilai efektif maka melalui desain media komunikasi visual berbentuk tabloid ini diharapkan dapat memberikan banyak informasi, diterima berbagai kalangan, serta dapat meningkatkan nama baik sekolah SMK Mandiri 2 agar semakin dikenal oleh masyarakat luas.
Perancangan Antarmuka Sistem Pakar Penyakit Padi Berbasis Web
Authors: Nugraha Febrianta Surya , Purwanto Febryan Hari , . Mayadi , Huda Miftahul , Munir Misbahul , Puji Riski Tri
Published: February 2018

Antarmuka merupakan salah satu bagian dari perangkat lunak yang berhubungan langsung dengan pengguna. Pengguna berinteraksi dengan sistem perangkat lunak melalui antarmuka pengguna. Penelitan terdahulu pada sistem pakar penyakit padi hanya terbatas pada pengujian apakah sistem pakar dapat berjalan tanpa memperhatikan aspek antarmuka pengguna. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah merancang antarmuka pengguna (user interface) pada sistem pakar penyakit padi dengan berbasis web. Tahapan-tahapan pada penelitian ini adalah melakukan analisis calon pengguna dan pihak terkait yang dapat menjadi kandidat pengguna, pemilihan platform pengembangan yaitu berbasis web, analisis user environment atau lingkungan pengguna yang berkaitan dengan basis web, perancangan struktur menu, perancangan antarmuka, dan evaluasi. Hasil rancangan dievaluasi dengan menggunakan model pendekatan evaluasi heuristik penggunaan (usability heuristics) yang diperkenalkan oleh Jacob Nielson untuk mengetahui kekurangan dan saran rancangan antarmuka sistem pakar. Hasil dari evaluasi heuristik penggunaan adalah penggunaan kata berbahasa Inggris seperti username, password, FAQ serta penggunaan kata tidak baku yaitu diagnosa pada aspek kesesuaian antara sistem dan dunia nyata. Kurangnya ikon pada menu dan perbedaan tombol dan teks yang kurang jelas pada aspek memahami lebih baik daripada mengingat.  Pesan kesalahan yang muncul kurang detail
Pemanfaatan Google Spreadsheet Sebagai Media Pembuatan Dashboard pada Official Site iFacility di Perguruan Tinggi
Authors: Handayani Indri , Kusumahati Herrafika , Badriah Alpiah Nurul
Published: February 2018

Dashboard merupakan tampilan yang di dalamnya terdapat informasi penting yang digunakan untuk mengambil sebuah keputusan. Informasi yang dimiliki oleh dashboard merupakan infomasi ringkasan dari suatu sistem. Dengan adanya perkembangan teknologi informasi yang canggih, saat ini iFacility yang merupakan salah satu Official site yang ada di Perguruan Tinggi Raharja belum menerapkan dashboard. Diperlukannya penerapan dashboard pelaporan AC pada Official site iFacility dengan menggunakan salah satu fitur google yaitu Google Spreadsheet yang bisa dimanfaatkan untuk menampung data dan mengolah data untuk dijadikan sebuah informasi yang dibutuhkan. Tahapan-tahapan identifikasi implementasi penelitian dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode observasi, wawancara terhadap divisi operasi, perbandingan sistem, perancangan prototype dan implementasi sistem ke dalam official site iFacility. iFacility merupakan tempat yang bisa memberikan informasi-informasi yang berguna dan mendapatkan informasi secara cepat dan tepat untuk mengambil sebuah tindakan atau sebuah keputusan secara efektif dan efisien tentang fasilitas yang dikelola secara online.

Kata Kunci : Google Spreadsheet, Dashboard,  iFacility, Informasi.
ANALISA DAYA DUKUNG TIANG PANCANG STATIS DAN DINAMIS PADA BENDUNGAN GERAK SEMBAYAT GRESIK
Authors: Santoso Reno Dwi , Kartikasari Dwi
Published: February 2018

In general, foundation is defined as the underground building that continues the load from the weight of the building itself and fromthe external load that works at the buildi ng to the ground around it. Carrying capacity analysis of pile is needed to get the planning of foundation that meetsthe requirements. There are many calculation methods used to analyze the carrying capacity of the pile, but it needs to consider which method is more fulfilling from the data in the field, for that, it needs  carrying  capacity  analysis  of  several  methods  based  on  field  data  using  sondir  data  and compared to one another to obtain more realistic results. Capacity analysis method of pile on the construction of Dams Motion in Sembayat Gresik uses static and dynamic methods. In the dynamic method, it use several methods, those are Hiley equation, Wika Method, ENR method, Eytelwein Method, Navy-Mc.Kay Method, and Michigan State Highway of Commission  Method. While in the static  method,  it  uses  Luciano  Dacourt  Method.  From  the  analysis  of  the  static  pile  carrying capacity obtained the result that pile carrying capacity calculation of Luciano Dacourt Method is smaller,  pull Q permitted  15.25 tons and maximum press Q  permitted    41.55 tons compared with the calculation method by using kalendering result of Eytelwein Method. In Eytelwein Method, the minimum pile carrying capacity is 61.566 tons of calculations in GW 1.
Alat Pengendali Sistem Kelistrikan Sepeda Motor Menggunakan Smartphone Berbasis Mikrokontroler Atmega328
Authors: Suharijanto Suharijanto , Wakhid Abdur Rohman
Published: February 2018

Pembuatan Alat Pengendali Sistem Kelistrikan Sepeda Motor menggunakan SmartPhone Berbasis Mikrokontroler ATmega328 adalah bertujuan membuat suatu alat pengendali sistem kelistrikan Sepeda Motor yang dapat mengendalikan sistem kelistrikan pada sepeda motor, dan dapat menjadi cadangan kunci motor dengan mudah, efesien, praktis dalam penggunaan untuk dapat meningkatkan kenyamanan dalam mengendalikan Sepeda Motor tanpa harus melalui Kunci Motor. Alat ini akan bekerja setelah perangkat bluetooth yang ada pada smartphone terhubung dengan modul bluetooth yang ada pada Alat Pengendali Sistem Kelistrikan Sepeda Motor Menggunakan SmartPhone. Metode yang digunakan dalam pembuatan Alat Pengendali Sistem Kelistrikan Sepeda Motor Menggunakan SmartPhone Berbais Mikrokontroler ini adalah tediri dari beberapa tahap yaitu Identifikasi Kebutuhan, Analisis Kebutuhan, Perancangan Perangkat Keras dan Perangkat Lunak, Pembuatan Alat, dan Pengujian Alat, Perangkat keras terdiri dari Sistem minimum ATmega328 sebagai pengendali utama, Smartphone android sebagai media pengendalian, Module bluetooth sebagai media penghubung. Berdasarkan hasil pengujian dapat disimpulkan bahwa Alat Pengendali Sistem Kelistrikan Sepeda Motor Menggunakan SmartPhone ini dapat bekerja sesuai dengan prinsip kerja yang dirancang.
Rancang Bangun Sistem Pemberi Pakan Ayam Serta Monitoring Suhu dan Kelembaban Kandang Berbasis Atmega328
Authors: Laksono Arief Budi
Published: February 2018

Pada umumnya para peternak ayam masih menggunakan sistim konvensional untuk member makan ayam - ayam yang dipelihara. Mereka menggunakan tangan untuk menaburkan pakan pada wadah pakan dan berjalan sepanjang kandang yang mana kandang ayam yang di ternakan sangatlah luas. Kegiatan seperti itu bagi peternak ayam akan menyita waktu dan tenaga. Dari permasalahan di atas, muncul suatu pemikiran untuk membuat sebuah alat khusus untuk kandang ayam yang dapat mengendalikan suhu, kelembaban dan pakan secara otomatis berbasis ATMega328. Alat ini menggunakan sensor DHT11 yang berfungsi sebagai pendeteksi suhu dan kelembaban yang ada di dalam kandang ayam. Lampu untuk penerangan dan meningkatkan suhu dalam ruang kandang. Jika suhu melebihi 30oC, maka blower aktif untuk mengeluarkan suhu dalam kandang yang berlebihan. Sedangkan untuk meningkatkan kelembaban menggunakan mist maker yang mengeluarkan uap air dan mist maker akan off jika kelembaban di atas 65%. Pemberian pakan ayam dapat di permudah menggunakan motor servo sebagai pintu pemberi pakan ayam yang bekerja di atur oleh sensor photo dioda yang terkoneksi dengan cahaya infra merah.
Ekstraksi Xilan dan Delignifikasi Bagas (Limbah Pabrik Gula)
Authors: Aniriani Gading Wilda
Published: February 2018

Limbah ampas tebu (bagas) pabrik gula biasanya digunakan sebagai bahan bakar (ketel) dalam  proses pemanasan,  sisanya  sengaja  ditiimbun  dan  membusuk  sehingga  mengeluarkan  air  lindi  (seperti  molase)  yang  berbau tidak sedap. Pemanfaatan untuk pakan ternak maupun pupuk kompos memang masih dinilai memiliki nilai  ekonomi  yang  kecil.  Oleh  karena  itu  dibutuhkan  pengolahan  yang  memiliki  nilai  produk  jual  yang tinggi  dan  teknologi yang tepat guna. Teknologi yang dapat mengurangi volume limbah untuk dimanfaatkan sebagai bahan  dasar  industri  lain  merupakan  sebuah  sistem  ekoindustri.  Bagas  tergolong  jenis  limbah  lignuselulosa,  dimana  kandungan selulosa secara alami diikat oleh hemiselulosa (xilan) dan dilindungi oleh lignin, oleh karena itu disebut  dengan lignoselulosa. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melakukan pretreatmen bagas dengan menghilangkan lignin dan  mengekstraksi  xilan.  Produk  yang  dihasilkan  merupakan  jenis  polisakarida,  dimana  dapat  dimanfaatkan  sebagai  substrat  enzim  untuk  proses  pembuatan  bioetanol,  prebiotik,  probiotik  dan  lain  sebagainya.  Proses  pretreatmen  bagas  meliputi  delignifikasi  menggunakan  sodium  hipoklorit  (NaOCl)  1%  dan  ekstraksi  xilan  menggunakan metode alkalin (NaOH 15%) sebagai pelarut. Hasil ekstraksi xilan dari bagas diperoleh 9,9% xilan  dari  bagas  dan  setelah  pemurnian  diperoleh  3,4  %  xilan  larut.  Setiap  melalui  tahapan  pretreatment  terjadi  pengurangan berat bagas dari 1000 g menjadi 34 g pada akhir pemurnian xilan. Rendemen bagas hasil delignifikasi  sebanyak 704,74 g (29,74 %), dengan rendemen ekstraksi sebanyak 98,80 g xilan (9,9 %) dan setelah purifikasi  didapatkan 3,4 % xilan murni.
Superiority of PCR against microscopy for diagnosing Entamoeba histolytica in liver abscess samples
Authors: Morshed Muhammad , Cherian Sree S , Lo Teresa , Lee Min-Kuang , Wong Quantine , Hoang Linda
Published: February 2018

A total of 25 amoebic liver abscess (ALA) samples were assessed by microscopy, serology, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). While microscopy was negative for Entamoeba histolytica in all samples, DNA was amplified in 11 samples and had 100% compliance with serology. In conclusion, PCR proved to be a more sensitive and specific test for acute ALA infection caused by E. histolytica and should be used as a supplemental test for microscopy-negative liver abscess samples.
Blinded comparison of performance and cost-effectiveness of chromogenic and direct latex methods for detection of group B Streptococcus, with in-house PCR and LAMP as reference standards
Authors: Penney Carla , Umali Jurgienne , Needle Robert , Jayaratne Padman , Janes Frances , Tah Edong , Daley Peter
Published: February 2018

Background: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) testing during pregnancy and application of intrapartum prophylaxis to carriers prevents early-onset disease due to GBS in neonates. New testing methods may be more accurate and cost-effective than conventional cultures. Objective: To compare performance and cost-effectiveness of three chromogenic agars and two direct latex agglutinations after carrot-broth enrichment, using in-house polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) as reference standards. Methods: A total of 285 consecutive vaginal–rectal swabs were enriched with carrot broth and then tested using conventional Streptococcus selective agar (SSA), ChromAGAR Strep B (Colourex; Alere ULC, Ontario), ChromID Strepto B (bioMérieux Canada, Quebec), Brilliance GBS (Oxoid Company Inc, Ontario) and two latex agglutination kits: PathoDxtra Strep Grouping Reagent Kit (Thermofisher Scientific, Oxoid Company, Ontario) and MEDStrep (Alere ULC, Ontario). In-house PCR and LAMP reference methods were performed on frozen carrot broth. Results: Of the 285 samples received, 244 were analyzed by in-house PCR and 195 by LAMP. The conventional method (SSA) is less sensitive than PCR, but equally specific. Chromogenic agars were as sensitive as or more sensitive than SSA, and cost as much as or more than SSA. Direct latex antigens were less sensitive and specific than SSA, and cost less than SSA. In-house PCR was more sensitive than LAMP. Conclusion: Chromogenic media perform approximately as well as the conventional method (SSA) but are costlier. Direct latex agglutination methods do not achieve adequate performance. The ideal limit of detection for PCR is unknown, since the risk to the newborn of maternal carriage of a low inoculum of GBS is unknown.
Integrating Physiotherapists into Primary Health Care Organizations: The Physiotherapists' Perspective
Authors: Maharaj Sai , Chung Christine , Dhugge Inderdeep , Gayevski Maria , Muradyan Asya , McLeod Katherine E. , Smart Amanda , Cott Cheryl A.
Published: February 2018

Purpose: This study's purpose was to gain insight into physiotherapists' perspectives on the perceived barriers and facilitators of integrating physiotherapists into primary health care (PHC) teams. Method: A qualitative descriptive approach consisting of semi-structured face-to-face or telephone interviews was used. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and checked by the interviewers to ensure trustworthiness. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's six steps to thematic analysis. Results: Eight participants were interviewed, representing physiotherapists from diverse demographics and geographical regions in Ontario. Common themes discussed were the orientation process, their experiences of integrating the physiotherapist's role into the organization, programme development compared with one-to-one care, the characteristics of the physiotherapist and the interdisciplinary team, and the resources available in the organization. Our key findings of influential factors for integration were (1) the diversity and novelty of new physiotherapists' role, (2) team members' understanding of the physiotherapists' role, and (3) physiotherapists' actions and values regarding PHC. Conclusions: The integration process is affected by factors ranging from individual to system levels. The integration of physiotherapists into PHC would be enhanced by a greater understanding of the role of physiotherapy in PHC by physiotherapists, other health care professionals, and system planners.
Authenticity, acceptability, and feasibility of a hybrid gynecology station for the Papanicolaou test as part of a clinical skills examination in Korea
Authors: Seo Ji-Hyun , Oh Younglim , Im Sunju , Kim Do-Kyong , Kong Hyun-Hee , Roh HyeRin
Published: February 2018

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the authenticity, acceptability, and feasibility of a hybrid station that combined a standardized patient encounter and a simulated Papanicolaou test. Methods: We introduced a hybrid station in the routine clinical skills examination (CSE) for 335 third-year medical students at 4 universities in Korea from December 1 to December 3, 2014. After the tests, we conducted an anonymous survey on the authenticity, acceptability, and feasibility of the hybrid station. Results: A total of 334 medical students and 17 professors completed the survey. A majority of the students (71.6%) and professors (82.4%) agreed that the hybrid station was more authentic than the standard CSE. Over 60 percent of the students and professors responded that the station was acceptable for assessing the students’ competence. Most of the students (75.2%) and professors (82.4%) assessed the required tasks as being feasible after reading the instructions. Conclusion: Our results showed that the hybrid CSE station was a highly authentic, acceptable, and feasible way to assess medical students’ performance.
Survey on Recent Designs of Compliant Micro-/Nano-Positioning Stages
Authors: Wu Zeyi , Xu Qingsong
Published: February 2018

Micromanipulation is a hot topic due to its enabling role in various research fields. In order to perform a high precision operation at a small scale, compliant mechanisms have been proposed and applied for decades. In microscale manipulation, micro-/nano-positioning is the most fundamental operation because a precision positioning is the premise of subsequent operations. This paper is concentrated on reviewing the state-of-the-art research on complaint micro-/nano-positioning stage design in recent years. It involves the major processes and components for designing a compliant positioning stage, e.g., actuator selection, stroke amplifier design, connecting scheme of the multi-DOF stage and structure optimization. The review provides a reference to design a compliant micro-/nano-positioning stage for pertinent applications.
Workplace Integration: Key Considerations for Internationally Educated Nurses and Employers
Authors: Ramji Zubeida , Etowa Josephine
Published: February 2018

Integration of internationally educated nurses (IENs) in the workplace over the long term, has not been a clear focus in nursing. The role of the employer organization in facilitating workplace integration for IENs has also not been emphasized in research. The overall aim of this paper is to highlight findings from an instrumental qualitative case study research informed by critical social theory, which examined workplace integration of IENs. The study explored what is meant by ‘integration’ and how the employer organizational context affects workplace integration of IENs. A purposeful sample of twenty-eight participants was involved. The participants included: stakeholders from various vantage points within the case organization as well as IENs from diverse backgrounds who were beyond the process of transitioning into the Canadian workplace—they had worked in Canada for an average of eleven years. Four methods of data collection were used: semi-structured interviews; socio-demographic survey; review of documents; and focus group discussions (FGDs). Thematic analysis methods guided the within subcase analysis first, followed by an across subcase analysis. FGDs were used as a platform for member-checking to establish the credibility of study findings. The resulting definition and conceptual framework point to workplace integration of IENs as a two-way process requiring efforts on the part of the IENs as well as the employer organization. This paper elaborates on selected themes of how beyond transition, workplace integration entails IENs progressing on their leadership journey, while persevering to overcome challenges. Organizational factors such as workforce diversity, leadership commitment to equity and engagement with the broader community serve as critical enablers and the importance of workplaces striving to avoid common pitfalls in addressing the priority of IEN integration are also discussed. This paper concludes with implications and key considerations for workplace integration of IENs.
Carotenoids—Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Young Andrew , Lowe Gordon
Published: February 2018

The carotenoid group of pigments are ubiquitous in nature and more than 600 different carotenoids have been identified and characterized [1].[...]
Appropriate Handling, Processing and Analysis of Blood Samples Is Essential to Avoid Oxidation of Vitamin C to Dehydroascorbic Acid
Authors: Pullar Juliet , Bayer Simone , Carr Anitra
Published: February 2018

Vitamin C (ascorbate) is the major water-soluble antioxidant in plasma and its oxidation to dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) has been proposed as a marker of oxidative stress in vivo. However, controversy exists in the literature around the amount of DHA detected in blood samples collected from various patient cohorts. In this study, we report on DHA concentrations in a selection of different clinical cohorts (diabetes, pneumonia, cancer, and critically ill). All clinical samples were collected into EDTA anticoagulant tubes and processed at 4 °C prior to storage at −80 °C for subsequent analysis by HPLC with electrochemical detection. We also investigated the effects of different handling and processing conditions on short-term and long-term ascorbate and DHA stability in vitro and in whole blood and plasma samples. These conditions included metal chelation, anticoagulants (EDTA and heparin), and processing temperatures (ice, 4 °C and room temperature). Analysis of our clinical cohorts indicated very low to negligible DHA concentrations. Samples exhibiting haemolysis contained significantly higher concentrations of DHA. Metal chelation inhibited oxidation of vitamin C in vitro, confirming the involvement of contaminating metal ions. Although EDTA is an effective metal chelator, complexes with transition metal ions are still redox active, thus its use as an anticoagulant can facilitate metal ion-dependent oxidation of vitamin C in whole blood and plasma. Handling and processing blood samples on ice (or at 4 °C) delayed oxidation of vitamin C by a number of hours. A review of the literature regarding DHA concentrations in clinical cohorts highlighted the fact that studies using colourimetric or fluorometric assays reported significantly higher concentrations of DHA compared to those using HPLC with electrochemical detection. In conclusion, careful handling and processing of samples, combined with appropriate analysis, is crucial for accurate determination of ascorbate and DHA in clinical samples.
A Comparison of Palladium Sorption Using Polyethylenimine Impregnated Alginate-Based and Carrageenan-Based Algal Beads
Authors: Wang Shengye , Vincent Thierry , Faur Catherine , Guibal Eric
Published: February 2018

Two kinds of algal beads were prepared using a carrageenan-based alga (Chrondrus crispus) and an alginate-based alga (Laminara digitata) ionotropically gelled with K(I) and Ca(II), respectively: the process consists of biopolymer partial extraction followed by hydrogel formation. The beads were modified with branched polyethylenimine (bPEI) and glutaraldehyde (GA) using the impregnation method to improve their sorption capacity for Pd(II) in acid solution. SEM-EDX and FTIR techniques were used for characterizing the beads. The impacts of pH and presence of anions, cations, and Pt(IV) were studied in batch experiments. The beads were also applied for Pd(II) recovery from synthesized leaching liquors of a spent catalyst and a car catalytic converter via the sorption-desorption process. Results show that Pd is concentrated in the outer layer of L. digitata-bPEI-GA composite (LD/PEI) beads, while in the case of the C. crispus-bPEI-GA composite (CC/PEI), it is homogenously distributed in the whole mass of the sorbents. The difference is attributed to the repulsive force of the outer Ca(II)-alginate barrier of LD/PEI beads that makes it difficult for the branched polymer PEI to penetrate through the layer and be immobilized in the inner compartment. As a result, LD/PEI beads possess a lower maximum sorption capacity, but a slightly faster uptake at pH 1 than CC/PEI beads. In addition, CC/PEI beads present a better recovery performance compared to LD/PEI beads when applied for the treatment of synthesized leaching liquors.
The Effects of Drying Temperature on Nitrogen Concentration Detection in Calcium Soil Studied by NIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Nie Pengcheng , Dong Tao , He Yong , Xiao Shupei , Qu Fangfang , Lin Lie
Published: February 2018

Soil nitrogen is one of the crucial components for plant growth. An accurate diagnosis based on soil nitrogen information is the premise of scientific fertilization in precision agriculture. Soil nitrogen content acquisition based on near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy shows the significant advantages of high accuracy, real-time analysis, and convenience. However, soil texture, soil moisture content, and drying temperature all affect soil nitrogen detection by NIR spectroscopy. In order to investigate the effects of drying temperature on calcium soil nitrogen detection and its characteristic bands, soil samples were detected at a 25 °C placement (ambient temperature) after 40 °C drying (medium temperature), 60 °C drying (medium-high temperature), 80 °C drying (high temperature), and 105 °C drying (extreme high temperature), respectively. Besides that, the original spectra were pretreated with five preprocessing methods, and the characteristic variables were selected by competitive adaptive reweighted squares (CARS) and backward interval partial least squares (BIPLS). The partial least squares (PLS) method was used for modeling and analysis. The predictive abilities were assessed using the coefficients of determination (R2), the root mean squared error (RMSE), and the residual predictive deviation (RPD). As a result, the characteristic bands focus on 928–960 nm and 1638–1680 nm when soil was detected after 40 °C, 60 °C, and 80 °C drying. Calcium soil obtained the best prediction accuracy ( R p 2 = 0.966 , R M S E p = 0.128 g kg , R P D = 5.03 ) after 40 °C drying by the method of CARS-BIPLS-PLS. Meanwhile, the prediction model also performed well when soil was detected after 60 °C drying ( R p 2 = 0.946 , R M S E p = 0.172 g / kg , R P D = 4.53 ) and 80 °C drying ( R p 2 = 0.961 , R M S E p = 0.143 g kg , R P D = 4.98 ) . However, the calcium soil obtained the worst detection result when soil was placed at 25 °C. In conclusion, a low or extremely high drying temperature had an adverse influence on the soil nitrogen detection, and the 40 °C drying temperature as well as the CARS-BIPLS-PLS method were optimal to enhance the soil nitrogen detection accuracy.