bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El método estadístico de análisis discriminante como herramienta de interpretación del estudio de adicción al móvil, realizado a los alumnos de la Licenciatura en Informática Administrativa del Centro Universitario UAEM Temascaltepec
Authors: Mendoza Méndez Rafael V. , Dorantes Coronado Ernesto Joel , Cedillo Monroy José , Jasso Arriaga Xóchitl
Published: May 2017

El objetivo de este artículo fue demostrar la efectividad del método estadístico de análisis discriminante multivariado, como técnica de interpretación de los resultados de un estudio realizado en el Centro Universitario Temascaltepec en los alumnos de la Licenciatura en Informática Administrativa sobre la adicción a los dispositivos móviles conocidos como Smartphone. Para ello se diferenciaron con precisión los niveles de adicción por género, lo que permitió clasificar nuevos casos y por sus características aprovechar las relaciones entre las variables independientes para diferenciarlos de manera más eficiente. “El análisis discriminante parte de una tabla de datos de n individuos, a quienes se les han medido p variables cuantitativas independientes, que actúan como perfil de características de cada uno de ellos” (Carvajal, Trejos, y Soto Mejía, 2004). Con este método de los 112 alumnos encuestados, el Análisis Discriminante dispuso que solo 100 casos eran válidos, correspondientes al 89.3 % de la muestra total; asimismo, el estadístico de grupo informó sobre 66 casos masculinos y 34 femeninos, y el estadístico del contraste de significación global Lambda de Wilks resultó moderadamente alto (0.621). La tabla de análisis de varianza con estadístico F permitió contrastar la hipótesis de igualdad de medias entre los grupos, detectando que solo dos variables marcan la diferencia en la representatividad de género: Uso de dispositivos móviles (P≤0.042) y Frecuencia del uso del dispositivo móvil (P≤0.036). La muestra logarítmica de los determinantes de todas las matrices utilizadas en el cálculo estadístico mostró que el solapamiento se presenta en ambos grupos, situación que indica que tienden a la igualdad en el ítem: ¿Usa dispositivo móvil? El género femenino obtuvo 59.46 % en comparación con 36.49 % del masculino, mientras que en el ítem: ¿Con que frecuencia haces uso de tu dispositivo móvil?, el género femenino alcanzó 72.97 % en contraste con 54.05 % del masculino. Finalmente, el método de análisis discriminante multivariado demostró su efectividad al encontrar diferencias en la adicción por género.
ASIGNACIÓN DE FRECUENCIAS ÓPTIMAS, A TRAVÉS DE UN MODELO MULTIOBJETIVO, PARA UN SISTEMA BRT
Authors: Galindres Guancha Diego Armando , Soto Mejía Jose Adalberto , Estrada Mejía Sandra
Published: May 2017

En este artículo se aborda el problema de optimización de frecuencias en un Sistema Integrado de Transporte Público (SITP). La metodología aplicada se centró en encontrar la frecuencia óptima de despacho de buses en diferentes rutas. El modelo planteado se aplicó a una reducción del SITP en la ciudad de Pereira (Risaralda, Colombia), el cual es del tipo Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).La frecuencia óptima se determina de acuerdo a la demanda de viajes estimada, la capacidad de los buses, y el tamaño de la flota disponible. Se propone una función multiobjetivo que minimiza el tiempo de parada en las estaciones, los costos económicos de las empresas operadoras y una penalización adicional que se da cuando un usuario debe esperar por un segundo bus. Finalmente se propone una metodología para escoger los ponderadores de la función objetivoEl modelo fue resuelto mediante un Algoritmo Genético (AG). Las frecuencias de despacho fueron acotadas, logrando una disminución del espacio de soluciones, obteniéndose como respuesta intervalos de despacho operables. El modelo fue probado en diferentes escenarios con una demanda baja, media y alta, con el fin de evidenciar los cambios en la calidad del servicio, y establecer una política de despacho adecuada.
ANTROPOMETRÍA. ANÁLISIS COMPARATIVO DE LAS TECNOLOGÍAS PARA LA CAPTACIÓN DE LAS DIMENSIONES ANTROPOMÉTRICAS
Authors: Lescay Rosmery Nariño , Alonso Becerra Alicia , Hernández González Anaisa
Published: May 2017

Este artículo constituye una revisión de los principales aspectos de la Antropometría y las distintas tecnologías para la captación de las dimensiones antropométricas. La antropometría es una disciplina científica que está estrechamente relacionada con la Ergonomía Física y se desarrolla en diferentes campos de aplicación.  Es la ciencia que estudia las dimensiones del cuerpo humano, los conocimientos y técnicas para llevar a cabo las mediciones, así como su tratamiento estadístico.Para obtener datos antropométricos con fines ergonómicos, ya sea para un estudio real o académico, es necesario contar con herramientas adecuadas para realizar este tipo de mediciones.Son diversas las tecnologías o dispositivos existentes para la captación de las dimensiones antropométricas y aunque históricamente la antropometría ha sido unidimensional,  registrada de forma manual, utilizando diferentes instrumentos tales como: estadiómetro, antropómetro, compás antropométrico, cinta métrica, silla antropométrica, entre otros; el desarrollo de las tecnologías ha permitido la creación de sistemas de captación de las dimensiones antropométricas que no requieren del contacto directo con la persona a medir.
DIAGNOSTIC MODULES OF DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR GAS TANKERS
Authors: Epikhin Alexey Ivanovich
Published: May 2017

The article presents the entirely new decision support system for gas carriers. A distinctive feature of the system is the principle of creation of the control analytical system watching not only the values of controlled parameters, but also their dynamics. The article describes the principles of the system construction, its logical structure, physical level of implementation, as well as diagnostic modules for the main propulsion plant, cargo system, the hull of the vessel, navigation and meteorological system, and a number of other technical resources ensuring safety of the ships sailing in different climatic conditions
Perancangan Model Pengukuran Kinerja Lean dan Green Rantai Pasok Semen Secara Terintegrasi
Authors: Rahmayanti Dina , Putri Utari
Published: May 2017

Abstract PT. Semen Padang is one of the reputable cement companies in Indonesia which is producing types of cement. Implementation of supply chain concept in PT. Semen Padang is very important to satisfy customers and stakeholders requirement. Performance measurement is a process to evaluate the supply chain effectiveness and efficiency in lean and green aspect. The problem is how to design performance measurement model which is integrating lean and green supply chain concepts. The objective of research is integrating lean and green supply chain concepts to design supply chain performance measurement of bag cement type. Integration of lean and green concept is designed by Balanced Scorecard (BSC) perspectives that consist of financial, customer, internal process business and learning and growth. Key performance indicators (KPI) are formulated and classified based on BSC perspectives. Next stage is pair wise comparison process to the weight value. Evaluation of KPI pair wise comparison based is conducted on expert opinion which is selected by consideration of their relevance knowledge and experience. The process of pair wise comparison is calculated to determine priority of the KPIs based on weight value by using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. The weight of KPI will be arrange by descending to determine the priority. Model of performance measurement is validated by face validity method. Research result is obtaining 25 KPIs that derived from integration of lean and green supply chain concept of bag cement type. Grouping is consisting of 3 KPIs of financial, 4 KPIs of customer, 11 KPI s of internal process business and 7 KPI s of learning & growth. Result is showing that customer is most prioritized element in supply chain of bag cement type. Implementation of proposing model is coordination of departments and employee in context of information accessibility.Keywords: Supply chain, lean, green, BSC, performance measurement
Model Dinamika Sistem Pasokan dan Distribusi pada Gangguan Pendistribusian BBM PT. Pertamina Padang
Authors: Ivan Ivan
Published: May 2017

This paper discusses supply and distribution Bahan Bakar Minyak (BBM) system at PERTAMINA Padang to look a performancy system that disturbance of distribution like replacement Automatic Circuit Breaker (ACB). The replacement of ACB processes about 12 hours and causes the distributing activity of BBM to Stasiun Pengisian Bahan Bakar Umum (SPBU) has to be stopped. It makes impact toward the work ability of supplying and distributing system. Therefore, a planning model which is able to see the impact of ACB replacement toward system behavior of supplying and distributing is needed. Purpose of the modelling is to study the behavioral effects of variable in supply and distribution system using causal loop diagram and stock flow diagram. Result of this diagram has built simulation model to analyze performance system. Verification testing done by the method of checking the level and flow and testing of the coding. Validation of the model while the testing is done by operational graphics and the variability parameter sensitivity analysis. The model was designed and carried out the design of simulated scenarios to determine a strategy for decision-makers to look at the performance of BBM supply and distribution system. Keywords: BBM, supplying, distributing, ACB replacement, dynamic system
Optimalisasi Sistem Persediaan Bahan Baku Karet Mentah (Lateks) dengan Metode Lot Sizing (Studi Kasus: PT Abaisiat Raya)
Authors: Rahmayanti Dina , Fauzan Ahmad
Published: May 2017

PT Abaisiat Raya is one of the manufacturers of rubber crumb (crumb rubber) in the city of Padang. Latex inventory management system at PT Abaisiat Kingdom basically signinfikan still need improvement. It is based on the planning activities in the warehouse inventory of raw materials firms irregular, thus causing excess stock (over stock) at a time and shortage of stock (stock out) at other times. Process optimization is done with latex inventory system involving factors such as demand forecasting production planning or latex needs during the period of next 12 (in 2012), the costs involved, the waiting time (lead time), the implementation of forecasting methods, determination of size lots (lot sizing), the determination of safety stock (safety stock), and re-ordering time (reorder point), so the output will get a number of requests are for 12 periods ahead, the size of each reservation period, the total cost is required, when re-ordering will be done , as well as how much inventory to latex in the warehouse. Based on these results, it was found that the optimal size of the book is the same as the demand for each period (reservation is made each period) due to a cyclical pattern of demand and decreases throughout the planning period. Value of the stock or safety stock is located in Kg 114,282.20, and re-ordering time (reorder point) to cope with fluctuations do when the stock has reached a level of 333,130.95 kg.Keywords: Forecasting, Time Wait, Lot Size, Safety Supplies, Reorder
Identifikasi Risiko Kesehatan dan Keselamatan Kerja pada Pekerja Pengumpul Sampah Manual di Jakarta Selatan
Authors: Rimantho Dino
Published: May 2017

Waste collection is one of the activities that should be performed on the waste management process. This activity can pose a potential high risk given the dangers that may arise while direct contact with the garbage and activities conducted. This study aims to identify potential risks to the health and safety of workers garbage collector. The survey uses a structured questionnaire distributed to 25 the refuse collector randomly selected in Srengseng SawahJagakarsa, South Jakarta. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data collected. The the garbage collectors who agreed the use of personal protective equipment at work is approximately 64% or around 16 respondents. Musculoskeletal disorders suffered by respondents is around 19 people, or roughly 76%. The Respondents who suffered puncture wounds as a result of did not use gloves were 23 respondents or approximately 92%. Wrist and lower back are the most common musculoskeletal disorder that affects approximately 23 respondents. Generally, workers require personal protective equipment in order to prevent and reduce accidents. Improvement measures should be always be done such as healthy behaviour, use of personal protective equipment and the development of working methods based on ergonomic principles. Keywords: Health risks, the garbage collectors, South Jakarta, accidents, musculoskeletalAbstrakPengumpulan sampah merupakan salah satu aktivitas yang harus dilakukan pada proses pengelolaan sampah. Aktivitas ini dapat menimbulkan potensi risiko yang cukup tinggi mengingat bahaya yang dapat muncul saat kontak langsung dengan sampah maupun aktivitas yang dilakukan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengindentifikasi potensi risiko kesehatan dan keselamatan pada pekerja pengumpul sampah manual. Survey dengan menggunakan kuesioner yang terstruktur disebarkan pada 25 orang petugas pengumpul sampah yang dipilih secara acak di Kelurahan Srengseng Sawah Kecamatan Jagakarsa, Jakarta Selatan. Statistik deskriptif digunakan untuk menganalisa data yang terkumpul. Para petugas pengumpul sampah yang setuju penggunaan alat pelindung diri saat bekerja adalah sekitar 64% atau sekitar 16 responden. Sementara gangguan musculoskeletal yang dialami oleh petugas adalah sekitar 19 orang atau sekitar 76%. Sedangkan responden yang mengalami luka tusuk akibat tidak menggunakan sarung tangan adalah 23 responden atau 92%. Pergelangan tangan dan punggung bawah merupakan gangguan muskuloskeletal yang umum diderita yaitu sekitar 23 responden. Secara umum, para pekerja memerlukan alat pelindung diri dalam rangka mencegah dan mengurangi kecelakaan kerja. Langkah-langkah peningkatan perilaku hidup sehat, penggunaan alat pelindung diri dan pengembangan metode kerja berdasarkan prinsip ergonomic harus senantiasa dilakukan.Kata kunci: Risiko kesehatan, petugas pengumpul sampah, Jakarta Selatan, kecelakaan kerja, muskuloskeletal
Analisis Pengukuran Produktivitas Perusahaan Alsintan CV. Cherry Sarana Agro
Authors: Fithri Prima , Sari Regina Yulinda
Published: May 2017

CV Cherry Sarana Agro is a manufacturing company, which produces agricultural machinery. In reality, company evaluatesits work and performance based on level of profits. In order to maintain the company's performance, it is necessary to measures the productivity of company to see how effective the performance of this company. So it can be determined what is needed in order to improve the performance of the company and also can increase profits. Measuring the productivity can be seen from the financial data that obtained from the company. Then based on data processing, show this company's productivity levels decreased during the period of measurement and it means company requires efforts to increase the efficient use of inputs. It is necessary for company to increase its productivity for the future. This improvement was made by taking into account the partial productivity as inputs that affect the profitability of the company on an ongoing basis. Keywords: Productivity, CV Cherry Sarana Agro, Partial Productivity, Profitability   AbstrakCV Cherry Sarana Agro merupakan perusahaan yang bergerak di bidang manufaktur yang memproduksi mesin pertanian. Dalam prakteknya menjalankan perusahaan dan mengevaluasi hasil kerja perusahaan, CV Cherry Sarana Agro hanya melihat tingkat keuntungan yang diperoleh.Agar kinerja perusahaan tetap terjaga, maka diperlukan pengukuran produktivitas untuk melihat seberapa efektif kinerja dari perusahaan ini. Sehingga dapat diketahui apa saja yang diperlukan dalam rangka memperbaiki kinerja perusahaan untuk dapat meningkatkan keuntungan. Pengukuran produktivitas ini dapat dilihat dari data keuangan yang diperoleh dari perusahaan CV Cherry Sarana Agro. Kemudian hasil pengolahan data memperlihatkan level produktivitas perusahaan ini mengalami penurunan pada periode pengukuran dan memerlukan usaha peningkatan dalam pemakaian input secara efisien. Untuk itu diperlukan usaha untuk meningkatkan produktivitas untuk perusahaan ini untuk di masa yang akan datang. Peningkatan ini dilakukan dengan memperhatikan produktivitas parsial sebagai input yang mempengaruhi profitabilitas perusahaan secara berkelanjutan.Keywords: Produktivitas, CV Cherry Sarana Agro, Produktivitas Parsial, Profitabilitas
Model Kebijakan Penetapan Institusi Masjid sebagai Shelter dalam Sistem Logistik Bencana di Kota Padang
Authors: Hadi Winny Zilkhalida , Hadiguna Rika Ampuh
Published: May 2017

The west coast of Sumatera island is one of potential areas of the earthquake and tsunami that requires high vigilance and preparedness seriously. One is the well-prepared-disaster logistics system. World Health Organization (WHO) has been divided into 10 categories of logistics, including the temporary shelter. The purpose of this study is to study attributes that should be required for the mosque as a shelter for victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Padang and provide recommendations to the government of Padang to prepare the mosque as a shelter. Formulation of mosque attributes as a shelter eligibility has been obtained through literature review and interviews. Attributes have been formulated in the form of questionnaires that filled out by prospective refugees of the earthquake and tsunami in Padang . Result of questionnaire has been used to build the House of Quality (HOQ). Furthermore, a SWOT analysis has been conducted to formulate a strategy for local government in an effort to empower mosques as shelters in Padang.This research has resulted 14 attributes of feasibility mosque as a shelter. Attributes divided into seven categories. Strategies that result based SWOT analysis have nine formulations that consists of two SO strategies, four WO strategies, two ST strategies, and one WT strategies. Implementation of this strategies required responsibility and cooperation between government, community, NGO, and leaders.
Analisis Bahaya Fisik: Hubungan Tingkat Pencahayaan dan Keluhan Mata Pekerja pada Area Perkantoran Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) PT. Pertamina RU VI Balongan
Authors: Rahmayanti Dina , Artha Angela
Published: May 2017

The eyes are part of the body that must be protected workers safety and health. Sufficient light is one of the most important aspects that determine the health of the eye, excellent lighting intensity affect the eyes. This study was performed at PT Pertamina RU VI Balongan, based on observation in the work area, it is necessary to evaluate the intensity of light and eyestrain workers in a unit of PT. Pertamina Refinery Unit VI Balongan.Be collected on primary and secondary data and processing in the form of statistical testing using Microsoft Excel and SPSS Software 2.0. Tests conducted on four types of questionnaires and data variables intensity lighting in the office area of HSE unit RU VI Balongan.There are 12 rooms which have the following illumination standard (under 300 lux). Based on a statistical test between the variable quality of the lighting of the eye complaints get results there are two variables that have a relationship. In addition, all respondents had complaints of eye fatigue that varies with the highest percentage of 80% with complaints of eye feels sleepy and 63% of workers feel pain in the neck or shoulder.Keywords: lighting intensity, eye complaints, work practice.AbstrakMata merupakan bagian tubuh pekerja yang harus dilindungi keselamatan dan kesehatannya. Cahaya yang cukup merupakan salah satu aspek terpenting yang menentukan kesehatan mata, Intensitas cahaya yang baik sangat mempengaruhi mata. Penelitian ini dilakukan pad PT Pertamina RU VI Balongan mengenai pengevaluasian terhadap intensitas cahaya dan efeknya terhadap kelelahan mata pekerja di salah satu unit perusahaan tersebut. Dilakukan pengumpulan terhadap data primer dan sekunder serta pengolahan dalam bentuk pengujian statistika menggunakan Microsoft Excel dan Software SPSS 2.0. Pengujian dilakukan terhadap empat jenis variabel kuesioner dan data intensitas pencahayaan di area perkantoran unit HSE RU VI Balongan.Terdapat 12 ruangan yang memiliki NAB dibawah standar (dibawah 300 lux). Berdasarkan uji statistika antara variabel kualitas pencahayaan terhadap keluhan mata mendapatkan hasil terdapat dua variabel yang memiliki hubungan. Selain itu seluruh responden memiliki keluhan kelelahan mata yang bervariasi dengan persentase paling tinggi sebesar 80% dengan keluhan berupa mata terasa mengantuk dan 63% pekerja merasa nyeri dibagian leher atau bahu.Kata kunci : intensitas pencahayaan, keluhan mata, kerja praktek.
Algoritma Heuristik untuk Menentukan Biaya Crashing Minimum pada Project Network dengan Dua Jalur Kritis: Studi Kasus Proyek Produksi Electrical House oleh PT X
Authors: Yuliandra Berry , Syahfitri Rini
Published: May 2017

PT X is a company engaged in the production of the module, ship relay station (Electrical House)as well as oil and gas mining equipment. The company uses a project-based production system in the production process of that equipment. Type of project usually performed is the Engineering-Procurement-Construction (EPC) project. EPC is a type of project that involves process engineering, material procurement, and products construction. PT X main product is a module or electrical house (E-House). Activities can be disrupted by a variety of conditions in the project implementation phase, such as weather and other unforeseen events. These conditions can hamper the process and affect the performance on the field.Activity scheduling and load out process which often suffer from delays caused project deadlines are often past the limit is given by the client. As in the case of E-House project examined in this study, its implementation has been delayed and should be accelerated for 8days. Therefore, the crashing project can greatly assist in adjusting the implementation plan with the actual condition. Crashing project analysis conducted based on project network diagram. The critical path is determined using Critical Path Method (CPM). Based on analysis results, project execution time can be shortened up to 8 days earlier. (From the normal time of 94 days to 86 days) at the cost $ 4.203.093,25.
Model Penentuan Ukuran Batch Produksi dan Bufferstock untuk Sistem Produksi Mengalami Penurunan Kinerja dengan Mempertimbangkan Perubahan Order Awal
Authors: Wangsa Ivan D
Published: May 2017

This study develops a model that involves information the preliminary order. At first, the manufacturer provides the preliminary order for the coming week (five days) varies from day to day and is received on Friday. Change in the preliminary order for a given day is announced one day before and this is viewed as it occurs randomly. Moreover, production systems experience performance degradation (deterioration). Status of the production process shifts from in control to out of control that is identified by the last inspection. Inspection is done by sampling. At the time of the status of out of control the probability of producing non-conforming system component that is charged to the restoration cost and warranty costs.This paper is looking for a solution for determining the production batch size and the buffer stock to reduce total cost. The decision variables are production run period (T) and buffer factor (m). Having obtained the variables T and m, then the variable production batch size (QT) and the buffer stock (BT) can be determined sequentially. Heuristic methods used are Silver-Meal (SM) and Least Unit Cost (LUC) to obtain a solution for each model. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the performance of the models. From the numerical results, it appears that LUC method is better than SM method.
Desain Strategi Peningkatan Daya Saing Industri Pengolahan Makanan Ringan Berbasis Klaster di Sumatera Barat
Authors: Kamil Insannul , Hadiguna Rika Ampuh , Yuliandra Berry , Rahman Aulia
Published: May 2017

Food processing industries have grown in the region of West Sumatra since a few decades ago. The processing of various types of food recipes from various West Sumatra region comes from inheritance hereditary. Snack is a processed food product that has a special attraction among various types of distinctive food from West Sumatra. Increasing competitiveness is necessary to accelerate the growth of small and medium snacks industries in West Sumatera. Industrial cluster development is one of the strategic and effective approaches to achieve that objective. The research aims to design value chain and industrial cluster map model of small and medium snacks industries in West Sumatra. Industrial cluster mapping carried through: defining the value chain, a grouping of factors influence the level of internal and external factors, factors condition processing, grouping factor conditions into the four elements of SWOT, strategy planning using SWOT Matrix, and creating industrial cluster map of snacks industries in West Sumatra. The results showed that there are 7 internal factors and 6 external factors that can influence the competitiveness of small and medium snacks industries in West Sumatra. The value chain of snack industry in West Sumatra includes tuber farmers, traditional market, special suppliers, small and medium snacks industries, and consumers. The study also generates 10 programs centered on small and medium snacks industries in West Sumatra as a core industry.
Simulasi Pelayanan Kasir Swalayan Citra Di Bandar Buat, Padang
Authors: Rahmadani Dewi , Julasmasari Fitri
Published: May 2017

Antrian merupakan salah satu fenomena yang terjadi dalam aktifitas sehari-hari dialami oleh pelanggan. Akibat dari antrian ini banyak pelanggan beralih ke tempat lain untuk menghindari suatu antrian dan untuk mendapatkan pelayanan yang lebih maksimal walaupun harus mengeluarkan biaya yang lebih besar. Citra swalayan merupakan suatu usaha yang begerak dibidang jasa yang menyediakan kebutuhan manusia sehari-hari. Masalah yang terjadi pada citra swalayan adalah banyaknya antrian pada kasir saat konsumen akan membayarkan belanjaannya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meminimasi lama waktu antrian pada kasir dan memaksimalkan jumlah pelanggan yang selesai dilayani di Citra Swalayan. Data yang diambil atau digunakan yaitu data waktu pelanggan yang datang ke sistem, waktu mulai pelayanan, dan waktu selesai pelayanan. Untuk memperbaiki sistem perbaikan pada Citra Swalayan perlu yang dilakukan yaitu dengan melakukan skenario penambahan server. Berdasarkan dari skenario usulan dari hasil arena bahwa didapatkan nilai antrian terkecil dengan penambahan dua server, sehingga terdapat empat kasir di citra swalayan
Morpho - agronomic diversity in Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn landraces from Maharashtra State (India)
Authors: G. Auti S. , Kazi Tahsin , Ahire D.D.
Published: May 2017

Sixty four finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn] landraces and 2 cultivars were evaluated for yield contributing and morpho-agronomic characters. All the landraces were collected from Western Ghats zone of Maharashtra. Collected landraces were cultivated at Nashik (Maharashtra) and 5 representatives of each were evaluated for head weight, height, 1000 seed weight, tillers, panicle length, extra finger, number of grains/spikelet, number of fingers/ head, days to 50% flowering and days to maturity. Obtained data was used to determine GCV, PCV and correlation studies. A good amount of variability was found for all the selected characters. Among the characters highest GCV and PCV was recorded for tillers (54.95% and 71.38%). All the characters showed higher PCV values which indicate the influence of the environment. All the characters except height and tillers exhibited higher level of correlation. Heritability estimates ranged from 90.03 % for 1000 seed weight to lowest 44.03 % for height. 1000 seed weight exhibited high heritability coupled with low genetic advance. Obtained results revealed the existence of variability for the character studied. Present studies will be useful for selection of potential characters which could be used in the genetic improvement or selection program of Finger millets.
Household transmission of invasive group A Streptococcus infections in England: a population-based study, 2009, 2011 to 2013
Authors: Mearkle Rachel , Saavedra-Campos Maria , Lamagni Theresa , Usdin Martine , Coelho Juliana , Chalker Vicki , Sriskandan Shiranee , Cordery Rebecca , Rawlings Chas , Balasegaram Sooria
Published: May 2017

Invasive group A streptococcal infection has a 15% case fatality rate and a risk of secondary transmission. This retrospective study used two national data sources from England; enhanced surveillance (2009) and a case management system (2011–2013) to identify clusters of severe group A streptococcal disease. Twenty-four household pairs were identified. The median onset interval between cases was 2 days (range 0–28) with simultaneous onset in eight pairs. The attack rate during the 30 days after first exposure to a primary case was 4,520 per 100,000 person-years at risk (95% confidence interval (CI): 2,900–6,730) a 1,940 (95% CI: 1,240–2,880) fold elevation over the background incidence. The theoretical number needed to treat to prevent one secondary case using antibiotic prophylaxis was 271 overall (95% CI: 194–454), 50 for mother-neonate pairs (95% CI: 27–393) and 82 for couples aged 75 years and over (95% CI: 46–417). While a dramatically increased risk of infection was noted in all household contacts, increased risk was greatest for mother-neonate pairs and couples aged 75 and over, suggesting targeted prophylaxis could be considered. Offering prophylaxis is challenging due to the short time interval between cases emphasising the importance of immediate notification and assessment of contacts.
Biological characterisation of the emerged highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H7N9) viruses in humans, in mainland China, 2016 to 2017
Authors: Zhu Wenfei , Zhou Jianfang , Li Zi , Yang Lei , Li Xiyan , Huang Weijuan , Zou Sumei , Chen Wenbing , Wei Hejiang , Tang Jing , Liu Liqi , Dong Jie , Wang Dayan , Shu Yuelong
Published: May 2017

With no or low virulence in poultry, avian influenza A(H7N9) virus has caused severe infections in humans. In the current fifth epidemic wave, a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H7N9 virus emerged. The insertion of four amino acids (KRTA) at the haemagglutinin (HA) cleavage site enabled trypsin-independent infectivity of this virus. Although maintaining dual receptor-binding preference, its HA antigenicity was distinct from low-pathogenic avian influenza A(H7N9). The neuraminidase substitution R292K conferred a multidrug resistance phenotype.
Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency among children and adolescents
Authors: Regmi Shanti , Regmi Ananda Prasad , Adhikari Santosh , Shakya Disuja
Published: May 2017

Background: Vitamin D is an essential prohormone for the normal skeletal and extraskeletal health. Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is an unrecognized epidemic among children and adults worldwide. There are growing data from studies of young children and adolescents in other countries, but a limited information are available regarding the prevalence of this nutritional deficiency/insufficiency among the Nepalese children and adolescents. Thus this study was aimed to find out the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency among children and adolescents, who has attended in Chitwan Medical College (CMC).Methods: This was a retrospective hospital based study in children between 2 months and 19 years of age, conducted in CMC from April 2015 to December 2016.Results: Among 108 total studied, overall 74.1% (80) patients had 25(OH) D levels lower than 30 ng/ml with 27.8% having severe deficiency (< 10 ng/ml), 28.7% deficiency (10-19 ng/ml) and 17.6% insufficiency (20-29 ng/ml) category . The prevalence was found higher in females (95.2%), though the difference in prevalence between sexes was not statistically significant (P –value 0.243).Conclusion: Our study concluded that a high prevalence of low Vitamin D status (deficiency/insufficiency) found among the paediatric population (all paediatric age groups) indicates a need for further national level study to find out the actual prevalence of this nutritional deficiency, as well as the need for vitamin D supplementation to all children and adolescents.
Systemic association of uveitis in Nepalese population
Authors: Shrestha Jyoti Baba , Shah Dev Narayan
Published: May 2017

Background: Infectious diseases are very common in Nepal and almost all infections are capable of causing uveitis. Parasitic infestations affect large number of Nepalese population and any parasitic infestation can potentially lead to development of uveitis. Local and systemic viral infections, immunological disorder like autoimmune diseases and malignancies can lead  to uveitis. All these emphasize the necessity of proper systemic evaluation and investigation to identify the underlying systemic illness causing uveitis in order to see the pattern of systemic illness and determine the commonest associated systemic disease with uveitis.Methods: A prospective study was conducted at BP Koirala Lions Centre for Ophthalmic Studies from November 2008 to April 2010. All the patients underwent a standard diagnostic protocol when indicated by special tests and procedures performed in order of likelihood.Results: A total of 308 patients with uveitis was seen during the study period. For 146 (47.4%) patients, a specific diagnosis was established based on history, ocular examination and laboratory investigations. A definite association with systemic disease was determined for 82 (26.6%) patients. A well established clinical uveitis entity without a recognizable systemic disorder was present in 64 (20.8%) cases. A diagnosis could not be established in 162 (52.6%) cases. Toxoplasmosis was found to be most frequently associated with uveitis accounting for 5.8 % of the total cases followed by tuberculosis (3.6%), herpes infections (3%), ankylosing spondylitis (2.9%), leprosy (2.3%), sarcoidosis (1.6%) and parasitic infestations (1.3%).Conclusion: The importance of relevant systemic work up in uveitis cases in our set up has been reemphasized by the present study.
Emerging cervical spine surgery in Chitwan Medical College: A case series
Authors: Prajapati Akesh , Sitaula Jyoti , Sharma Bishnu Dev , Shrestha Sujit , Pant Pujan
Published: May 2017

We report 10 consecutive patients who underwent anterior cervical disectomy and fusion (ACDF) or anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) from Nov 2015. Nine of these patients sustained fracture or dislocation of cervical spine and one patient had tuberculous spondylitis. Eight patients improved by at least one grade (Frankel spinal scoring system) post operatively while 2 patients who had respiratory distress pre-operatively expired on 3rd and 21st post operative day.
Contradiction Detection with Contradiction-Specific Word Embedding
Authors: Li Luyang , Qin Bing , Liu Ting
Published: May 2017

Contradiction detection is a task to recognize contradiction relations between a pair of sentences. Despite the effectiveness of traditional context-based word embedding learning algorithms in many natural language processing tasks, such algorithms are not powerful enough for contradiction detection. Contrasting words such as “overfull” and “empty” are mostly mapped into close vectors in such embedding space. To solve this problem, we develop a tailored neural network to learn contradiction-specific word embedding (CWE). The method can separate antonyms in the opposite ends of a spectrum. CWE is learned from a training corpus which is automatically generated from the paraphrase database, and is naturally applied as features to carry out contradiction detection in SemEval 2014 benchmark dataset. Experimental results show that CWE outperforms traditional context-based word embedding in contradiction detection. The proposed model for contradiction detection performs comparably with the top-performing system in accuracy of three-category classification and enhances the accuracy from 75.97% to 82.08% in the contradiction category.
Government Programme as a Strategy—The Finnish Experience
Authors: Johanson Jan-Erik , Pekkola Elias , Husman Päivi
Published: May 2017

This article uses strategy metaphors consisting of a plan, a home and a game to study government programme formation in Finland. The strategy approach both contradicts and complements the traditional political science approach to government formation. The government programme has been strategic in the sense of separating the formulation and implementation parts of the strategy. The most important function of the metaphor of plan is to hold coalition parties together. The adopted austerity policy provides a meagre contribution to the expansion of services and the increase in government spending. Consequently, the home metaphor in the government programme appears in the distant future and in combating external threats. The game metaphor is apparent in the goal of making contracts with social partners. The vocabulary change from politics to strategy alters the government programme’s position in terms of catering to the needs of civil servants, citizens and stakeholders. The strategy perspective might be instrumental in shifting open democratic debates to closed and secretive policy formations.
Coordination of EVs Participation for Load Frequency Control in Isolated Microgrids
Authors: Vahedipour-Dahraie Mostafa , Rashidizaheh-Kermani Homa , Najafi Hamid , Anvari-Moghaddam Amjad , Guerrero Josep
Published: May 2017

Increasing the penetration levels of renewable energy sources (RESs) in microgrids (MGs) may lead to frequency instability issues due to intermittent nature of RESs and low inertia of MG generating units. On the other hand, presence of electric vehicles (EVs), as new high-electricity- consuming appliances, can be a good opportunity to contribute in mitigating the frequency deviations and help the system stability. This paper proposes an optimal charging/discharging scheduling of EVs with the goal of improving frequency stability of MG during autonomous operating condition. To this end, an efficient approach is applied to reschedule the generating units considering the EVs owners’ behaviors. An EV power controller (EVPC) is also designed to determine charge and discharge process of EVs based on the forecasted day-ahead load and renewable generation profiles. The performance of the proposed strategy is tested in different operating scenarios and compared to those from non-optimized methodologies. Numerical simulations indicate that the MG performance improves considerably in terms of economy and stability using the proposed strategy.
Assessing and Resolving Model Misspecifications in Metabolic Flux Analysis
Authors: Gunawan Rudiyanto , Hutter Sandro
Published: May 2017

Metabolic flux analysis (MFA) is an indispensable tool in metabolic engineering. The simplest variant of MFA relies on an overdetermined stoichiometric model of the cell’s metabolism under the pseudo-steady state assumption to evaluate the intracellular flux distribution. Despite its long history, the issue of model error in overdetermined MFA, particularly misspecifications of the stoichiometric matrix, has not received much attention. We evaluated the performance of statistical tests from linear least square regressions, namely Ramsey’s Regression Equation Specification Error Test (RESET), the F-test, and the Lagrange multiplier test, in detecting model misspecifications in the overdetermined MFA, particularly missing reactions. We further proposed an iterative procedure using the F-test to correct such an issue. Using Chinese hamster ovary and random metabolic networks, we demonstrated that: (1) a statistically significant regression does not guarantee high accuracy of the flux estimates; (2) the removal of a reaction with a low flux magnitude can cause disproportionately large biases in the flux estimates; (3) the F-test could efficiently detect missing reactions; and (4) the proposed iterative procedure could robustly resolve the omission of reactions. Our work demonstrated that statistical analysis and tests could be used to systematically assess, detect, and resolve model misspecifications in the overdetermined MFA.
Dysregulation of miRNA Expression in Cancer Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) and Its Consequences on the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Schoepp Maren , Ströse Anda , Haier Jörg
Published: May 2017

The tumor microenvironment, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), has developed as an important target for understanding tumor progression, clinical prognosis and treatment responses of cancer. Cancer cells appear to transform normal fibroblasts (NF) into CAFs involving direct cell-cell communication and epigenetic regulations. This review summarizes the current understanding on miR involvement in cancer cell—tumor environment/stroma communication, transformation of NFs into CAFs, their involved targets and signaling pathways in these interactions; and clinical relevance of CAF-related miR expression profiles. There is evidence that miRs have very similar roles in activating hepatic (HSC) and pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) as part of precancerous fibrotic diseases. In summary, deregulated miRs affect various intracellular functional complexes, such as transcriptional factors, extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton, EMT/MET regulation, soluble factors, tyrosine kinase and G-protein signaling, apoptosis and cell cycle & differentiation, but also formation and composition of the extracellular microenvironment. These processes result in the clinical appearance of desmoplasia involving CAFs and fibrosis characterized by deregulated stellate cells. In addition, modulated release of soluble factors can act as (auto)activating feedback loop for transition of NFs into their pathological counterparts. Furthermore, epigenetic communication between CAFs and cancer cells may confer to cancer specific functional readouts and transition of NF. MiR related epigenetic regulation with many similarities should be considered as key factor in development of cancer and fibrosis specific environment.
Design and Synthesis of an Eu-Based β-Diketone-Sensor for the Detection of Al3+ Ions
Authors: Yu Guang , Hou Yanjun , Bai Jinyuan , Shao Haifeng , Niu Haijun
Published: May 2017

A new β-diketone, 2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-3-yl)ethanone (4-TFC), which contains a trifluorinated alkyl group and a rigid chromanone, has been designed and synthesised successfully, and utilized for the synthesis of a new stable Eu3+ ion-based 4-TFC lanthanide complex (1). The central Eu3+ ion is eight-coordinated by two O/N atoms from ancillary ligands and six oxygen atoms provided by three 4-TFC ligands. In particular, the complex (1) can detect Al3+ ions with high selectivity and sensitivity in a moment and can be seen by the naked eye clearly under 365 nm. The experimental data can be explained with the calculated transitions quite well.
Fire Behavior Simulation from Global Fuel and Climatic Information
Authors: Pettinari M. , Chuvieco Emilio
Published: May 2017

Large-scale fire danger assessment has become increasingly relevant in the past few years, and is usually based on weather information. Still, fuel characteristics also play an important role in fire behavior. This study presents a fire behavior simulation based on a global fuelbed dataset and climatic and topographic information. The simulation was executed using the Fuel Characteristic Classification System (FCCS). The climatic information covered the period 1980–2010, and daily weather parameters were used to calculate the mean monthly fuel moisture content (FMC) and wind speed for the early afternoon period. Also, as the most severe fires occur with extreme environmental conditions, a worst-case scenario was created from the 30 days of each month with the lowest FMC values for the 1980–2010 period. The FMC and wind speed information was grouped into classes, and FCCS was used to simulate the reaction intensity, rate of spread and flame length of the fuelbeds for the average and worst-case monthly conditions. Outputs of the simulations were mapped at global scale, showing the variations in surface fire behavior throughout the year, both due to climatic conditions and fuel characteristics. The surface fire behavior parameters identified the fuels and environmental conditions that produced more severe fire events, as well as those regions where high fire danger only occurs in extreme climatic conditions. The most severe fire events were found in grasslands and shrublands in tropical dry biomes, and corresponding with the worst-case scenario environmental conditions. Also, the results showed the importance of including detailed fuel information into fire danger assessment systems, as the same weather and topographic conditions may have different danger rates, depending on fuel characteristics.
Continuous Ethanol Production from Synthesis Gas by Clostridium ragsdalei in a Trickle-Bed Reactor
Authors: Devarapalli Mamatha , Lewis Randy , Atiyeh Hasan
Published: May 2017

A trickle-bed reactor (TBR) when operated in a trickle flow regime reduces liquid resistance to mass transfer because a very thin liquid film is in contact with the gas phase and results in improved gas–liquid mass transfer compared to continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTRs). In the present study, continuous syngas fermentation was performed in a 1-L TBR for ethanol production by Clostridium ragsdalei. The effects of dilution and gas flow rates on product formation, productivity, gas uptakes and conversion efficiencies were examined. Results showed that CO and H2 conversion efficiencies reached over 90% when the gas flow rate was maintained between 1.5 and 2.8 standard cubic centimeters per minute (sccm) at a dilution rate of 0.009 h−1. A 4:1 molar ratio of ethanol to acetic acid was achieved in co-current continuous mode with both gas and liquid entered the TBR at the top and exited from the bottom at dilution rates of 0.009 and 0.012 h−1, and gas flow rates from 10.1 to 12.2 sccm and 15.9 to 18.9 sccm, respectively.
Maternal Factors that Induce Epigenetic Changes Contribute to Neurological Disorders in Offspring
Authors: Banik Avijit , Kandilya Deepika , Ramya Seshadri , Stünkel Walter , Chong Yap , Dheen S.
Published: May 2017

It is well established that the regulation of epigenetic factors, including chromatic reorganization, histone modifications, DNA methylation, and miRNA regulation, is critical for the normal development and functioning of the human brain. There are a number of maternal factors influencing epigenetic pathways such as lifestyle, including diet, alcohol consumption, and smoking, as well as age and infections (viral or bacterial). Genetic and metabolic alterations such as obesity, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and thyroidism alter epigenetic mechanisms, thereby contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs) such as embryonic neural tube defects (NTDs), autism, Down’s syndrome, Rett syndrome, and later onset of neuropsychological deficits. This review comprehensively describes the recent findings in the epigenetic landscape contributing to altered molecular profiles resulting in NDs. Furthermore, we will discuss potential avenues for future research to identify diagnostic markers and therapeutic epi-drugs to reverse these abnormalities in the brain as epigenetic marks are plastic and reversible in nature.