bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Strategi Pembelajaran dan Minat Belajar Terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Kreatif Matematis Siswa
Authors: Tambunan Nurma
Published: March 2018

Tujuan umum dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis dan menguji kebenaran hipotesis mengenai pengaruh strategi pembelajaran dan minat belajar terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Kreatif Matematis Siswa.Populasi terjangkau pada penelitian ini adalah siswa SMP Negeri Kota Depok Kls VIII tahun ajaran 2014/2015. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah eksperimen yang menggunakan desain ANAVA dua arah. Sampel berukuran 60 siswa yang terdiri dari 30 siswa kelas eksperimen dan 30 siswa kelas kontrol. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: (1) Terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan strategi pembelajaran terhadap kemampuan berpikir kreatif matematis siswa, dibuktikan dengan nilai Fhitung13,626 dan sig. 0,001 < 0,05 (2) Terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan minat belajar terhadap kemampuan berpikir kreatif matematis siswa, dibuktikan dengan nilai Fhitung15,992 dan sig. 0,000 < 0,05 (3) Terdapat pengaruh interaksi yang signifikan strategi pembelajaran dan minat belajar siswa terhadap kemampuan berpikir kreatif matematis siswa pada mata pelajaran matematika. Hal tersebut dibuktikan dengan nilaiF-hitung (4,637) dan sig. 0,36 (< 0,05). Implikasinya seorang guru harus mempunyai banyak cara untuk meningkatkan kemampuan berpikir kreatif matematis siswa, dengan mempelajari berbagai strategi pembelajaran dan mengenal karakter siswa yang beragam. Strategi pembelajaran inkuiri dapat menjadi referensi dalam kegiatan pembelajaran.

Kata kunci: Strategi Pembelajaran, Minat Belajar, dan Kemampuan Berpikir Kreatif Matematis Siswa
Pengaruh Kemampuan Berpikir Kritik dan Konsep Diri Terhadap Prestasi Belajar Matematika
Authors: Katarina Dona
Published: March 2018

The direct effect of the ability to think criticism of the concept of self-esteem, self-concept directly determine the effect of students' mathematics achievement and to determine the effect of indirect criticism of the ability to think mathematics achievement through student self-concept. Data analysis using descriptive statistical methods and testing techniques of data analysis requirements. The results showed: (1). there are a significant direct influence thinking skills of criticism and self-concept of the student mathematics achievement. (2). there is a significant direct influence thinking skills critique of mathematics achievement. (3). there is a significant direct effect on the achievement of self-concept study mathematics. (4) there is an indirect effect is not significant ability to think criticism of mathematics achievement through self-concept.
Penguasaan Konsep IPA Ditinjau dari Konsep Diri dan Minat Belajar Siswa
Authors: Astuti Lin Suciani
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study to determine the effect of self-concept and interest in learning the mastery of science concepts. The instrument used in this study is a questionnaire self-concept and interest in learning while measuring mastery of concepts based on the test of IPA. Analysis of the test data used is Multiple Regression. Results of analysis of research data to prove that: (1) there is significant influence self-concept and interest in learning together toward mastery of science concepts, this is evidenced by the value of F = 10.803> Ftabel and the Sig = 0.000 <0.05; (2) there is a significant influence on the concept of self-mastery of the concept of science, it is shown from the results of calculations which show the value t = 3,471 and sig = 0,001, lower than 0.05. (3) Interest in learning gives positive and significant impact on the mastery of science concepts. This is shown from the results of calculations which show the value t = 2.620 and sig = 0,010, lower than 0.05. Although when compared to the self-concept, interest in learning the value of sig is larger. So the concept of self is a major influence on the mastery of science concepts of the interest in learning.
Pengaruh Minat Membaca dan Motivasi Belajar Terhadap Prestasi Belajar IPA Siswa
Authors: Retariandalas Retariandalas
Published: March 2018

This research aimed to determine the influences of variables of reading interest and learning motivation against students natural sciences achievement. The Research used a survey method with 100 sample students which taken by random sampling among the 8th-grade junior high school students in Sukmajaya district, Depok regency. Data collected with questionnaires that had been validated. The Research used multiple regression paradigms. The data were analyzed with statistic description and hypotheses test and also requirement data tests including normality test, linearity test, multicollinearity test and heteroscedasticity test. The results of the research were: 1) reading interest and learning motivation were together significantly influenced students natural sciences achievement, 2) reading interest was not significantly influenced students sciences achievement 3) learning motivation was significantly influenced students sciences achievement.
Analisis Pendekatan Pembelajaran CTL (Contextual Teaching And Learning) Di SMPN 2 Teluk Jambe Timur, Karawang
Authors: Karim Abdul
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study is to analyze the learning approach Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) In SMP Negeri 2 Teluk Jambe Timur. Produce material to analyze the extent to which the pursuit approach has been run in school. To describe CTL learning approach include a) Design of Learning Activities; B) Implementation or Process of Learning Activities; C) Evaluation of learning outcomes. The research method used is descriptive research. In this research, the technique used to collect data is survey technique. The study population is all teachers of SMP Negeri 2 Teluk Jambe Timur that is 31 teachers. Data collection techniques used through the dissemination of questionnaires that have been tested for validity and reliability. The results showed that; The implementation of a contextual learner approach in SMP Negeri 2 Teluk Jambe Timur has been implemented at 71 percent or has an average grade of 2.85. Also, 29 percent or 1.15 is influenced by other learning approaches. In the first indicator, modeling has an average value of 2.59 or 64.75 percent has been implemented by teachers at school. In the second question indicator (Questioning) has an average grade of 3.02 or 75.5 percent has been implemented by teachers in school. In the third indicator, the Learning community has an average grade of 3.17 or 79.25 percent has been implemented by school teachers. In the fourth indicator, the inquiry (find) has an average value of 2.55 or 63.75 percent has been implemented by teachers in the school. In the fifth indicator of Constructivism has an average value of 3.19 or 79.25 percent has been implemented by teachers in school. On the sixth indicator, Reflection has an average grade of 3.44 or 86 percent has been implemented by school teachers. On the seventh indicator, Authentic Assessment has an average grade of 2.68 or 67 percent been implemented by school teachers.
Pengaruh Penggunaan Media Proyeksi Terhadap Hasil Belajar Matematika
Authors: Apriyani Dwi Dani
Published: March 2018

Influence of media usage of projection to learning result of Math, knowing the influence of media usage of projection to student learning result of mathematics. Methods in this study with quasi-experimental methods. Samples were taken by simple random sampling from a population of 110 students by taking 60 respondents who were determined to be experimental class and control class. Data analysis using descriptive statistic method and test technique requirement of data analysis with normality test and homogeneity test. The result of the research shows that the experimental class that is using the projection media has good or higher learning result compared to control class that is using conventional media. So it can be said there is the influence of media usage of projection to result of learning mathematics in wake up flat side room.
Pengaruh Metode Pembelajaran dan Minat Belajar Terhadap Hasil Belajar IPA
Authors: Prihatini Effiyati
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study to determine the effect of learning methods on the mastery of the concept of science. To know the influence of student's learning interest to mastery of science concept. To know the influence of interactive learning method and student's interest in the mastery of science concept. The research method used was a Quasi-experimental method with the Quantitative approach. The research was conducted in Mts Negeri 1 South Jakarta and Mts N 23 South Jakarta in the academic year 2016/2017. The sample in this study amounted to 70 students with random sampling. Hypothesis testing with 2 way ANOVA. The result of the research shows that there is a significant influence on the use of learning media to the learning outcomes of science, there is a significant influence of learning interest on the learning outcomes of science, there is a non-significant influence of the interaction of learning methods and the interest of learning on the science learning outcomes.
Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Kooperatif Tipe Jigsaw Terhadap Hasil Belajar Matematika ditinjau dari Kecerdasan Emosional
Authors: Nurfitriyanti Maya
Published: March 2018

The purposes of this study are to know: 1) the influence of Jigsaw type cooperative learning model on. 2) the influence of emotional intelligence on mathematics learning outcomes. 3) The interaction between jigsaw type cooperative learning model and emotional intelligence on mathematics learning outcomes. This study is a quantitative research with the experimental method. The statistical test performed is Two Way ANOVA. The samples taken are 60 people with random technique sampling. The results of this study are: 1) there is the influence of learning methods on the learning of mathematics at 5% error level with significant value is 0,023. 2) there is no effect of emotional intelligence on mathematics learning result at 5% error level with significant value is 0,123. 3) there is no interaction between learning method and emotional intelligence to mathematics learning result at 5% error level with significant value 0,286.
Kecerdasan Visual-Spasial, Kemampuan Numerik, dan Prestasi Belajar Matematika
Authors: Achdiyat Maman , Utomo Rido
Published: March 2018

This research uses survey method aimed to know the influence of visual-spatial intelligence and numerical ability on mathematics learning achievement, in class VIII students of PGRI Junior High School in Tenjolaya Subdistrict. Sampling technique with random sampling to 111 samples. The technique of collecting data 25-point test of visual-spatial intelligence and 30 items about numerical ability in multiple choice, while mathematics learning achievement data is taken from grade repetition value (UKK). Before performing the hypothesis test, the validity test item for visual-spatial intelligence test and numerical ability test were tested using biserial point correlation. The calculation result of normality of data using chi-square means otherwise. Testing of statistical hypothesis with t-test and F-test. The result of the research shows that there is a significant influence on visual-spatial intelligence and numerical ability together to the achievement of learning mathematics.
Pengembangan Media Pembelajaran Interaktif Berbasis Komputer dalam Pembelajaran Matematika, Materi Bilangan pada Kelas 3 SD
Authors: Syahroni Syahroni , Nurfitriyanti Maya
Published: March 2018

This study aims to find out how the development of learning media 3D cartoon. The method used Research and Development method (research and development), but more focused on development process using ADDIE method. Stages of development in this research begin by analyzing the needs, designing, creating 3D learning media cartoon after it is applied and then tested the experts. The results showed that the media developed has met the eligible and eligible to be used as a medium of learning 3D cartoon subject matter numbers. This is seen from the results of content validation, and the effectiveness of product by material experts of 94% expressed very well. For languages and communications are easily understood to get 91% percentage, media aspect of 83%, appearance, quality and effectiveness of media by design learning experts of 93% expressed very well. So it can be concluded that 3D learning media cartoon is feasibly used in learning.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor- An unusual presentation
Authors: Jha Anamika , Paudel Bigyan , Kasyap Akhilesh
Published: March 2018

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common mesenchymal tumor of the gastrointestinal tract which earlier was classified as leiomyomas, leiomyosarcomas and leiomyoblastomas. These are known to have specific markers and are important to diagnose as targeted chemotherapy is available. Our case represents one of the ends of the spectrum of clinical presentation of gastrointestinal tumors – an aggressive large mass at a younger than the usual age of presentation. Though challenging, imaging diagnosis of GIST is very important as it can guide the confirmation of the same by identification of the markers on pathology.
Left- sided Acute Appendicitis with Intestinal Malrotation in an Adult:a Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Gautam Rupesh , De Lima  Gemma U , Adhikari Bhawana
Published: March 2018

A 28-yr-old male presented with sudden onset pain at the epigastric region followed by left lower abdominal pain. CT scan of the abdomen revealed reverse relation of the superior mesenteric artery and superior mesenteric vein with large bowel loops including the cecum on the left side and small bowel loops on the right. An inflamed appendix arising from the base of left sided cecum was identified. The intraoperative findings were consistent with CT features. This is a rare case of left sided acute appendicitis with intestinal malrotation in an adult patient. CT scan is diagnostic modality of choice and excludes other possible disease presenting with similar clinical features.
Microstructural characterization of dynamic recrystallization in hot deformed LDX2101
Authors: Fang Yiliu , Gao Zhengyuan , Bai Wanjin , Sun Pengfei
Published: March 2018

The deformation behavior and dynamic recrystallization (DRX) mechanism of lean duplex stainless steel 2101 under hot compression were studied by means of optical microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction. Hot compression tests were performed at a temperature of 1 100 °C and strain rate of 0.01 s−1, and also at a temperature of 1 000 °C and strain rate of 30 s−1. The flow curves exhibit typical DRX characteristics, and the flow stress increases to a peak stress followed by work softening at higher strains. When the alloy was deformed at 1 000 °C and the strain rate of 30 s−1, new ferrite grains formed through a distinct DRX mechanism occurring in the vicinity of the δ/γ interface. When the alloy was deformed at 1 100 °C and strain rate of 0.01 s−1, a small number of fine γ phase grains distributed both in the δ ferrite matrix and at δ/γ interfaces. The refinement of γ phase was expected to form by dynamic strain induced δ to γ transformation and discontinuous dynamic recrystallisation (DDRX) mechanisms.
An Application of Analytic Hierarchy Process in Vehicle Routing Problem
Authors: Balaji M. , Santhanakrishnan S. , Dinesh S. N.
Published: March 2018

Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) facilitates on finding a set of trips, one for each vehicle and to deliver known quantities of goods from a single depot to a set of geographically dispersed customers. This paper proposes an effective hybrid approach that combines customer prioritization with the Clarke and Wright's savings algorithm to solve the capacitated vehicle routing problem. In this model, in addition to traditional objective of resolving vehicle routing problem, the customer satisfaction have been taken into account. Initially, all the customers have been clustered with the help of Clarke and Wright's saving algorithm and later the customers have been prioritized on assigning optimal route using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) as a Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) tool. The highlight of this research is to diminish the total transportation cost without violating the vehicle capacity and ultimately improve the customer satisfaction.
Importance of maternal education on antenatal care visits in Bangladesh
Authors: Mohammad Khandoker Akib , Zahura Fatima Tuz , Rahman Md Morshadur
Published: March 2018

An attempt has been made to examine whether maternal education influences the antenatal care (ANC) visit in Bangladesh using sequential logistic regression models with an interaction between maternal education and place of residence. For the purpose of analysis, Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS), 2014 data set have been used. The findings emerged from the study show a significant increase of adequate ANC visits among pregnant women with the increase in maternal education level. Moreover, interaction between maternal education and place of residence provides a significant effect on complete ANC visits. The finding justifies an influential impact of maternal education on ANC visits over place of residence. Female participation in the education programs needs to be increased because maternal education signifies a strong positive association with ANC visits.Bangladesh J. Sci. Res. 30(1&2): 23-33, December-2017
Passing Glances: Recognizing the Trans Gaze in Mulholland Drive
Authors: Bastian Cole Joshua
Published: March 2018

In a quick but disorienting visual exchange at the end of David Lynch's Mulholland Drive (2001), two unacquainted characters, Dan and Diane, encounter each other at a diner called Winkie's. The film's queer temporal and spatial logics invite these two to recognize each other – a shared recognition into which I am also drawn. Already a part of the queer film canon because a lesbian relationship drives Mulholland's plot, my trans reading adds a new perspective to the growing literature on queer spectatorship. Here in ‘this Winkie's’ fragmentation, circuitive desires, and cross-identifications transpose onto transtemporal ruptures. If cinema is a somatechnics – a crafting of bodies – it is important to consider the ways spectatorship is informed by trans viewers. In this essay, I demonstrate usages of trans male practices that connect new phenomenological links between embodiment and cinematic experience. My primary concern is to explore how a cinematic body looks, thereby bridging a trans viewer to cinema. After Diane and Dan share a passing glance, Lynch's fragmentary aesthetics suggest that perhaps I, not Lynch, am the man behind Winkie's, and Dan, with trans insight/foresight, can see me through the wall. Dan and Diane are waiting in Winkie's for me to see them and recognize them, just as they briefly recognize each other.
Entropy-Based Algorithm for Supply-Chain Complexity Assessment
Authors: Kriheli Boris , Levner Eugene
Published: March 2018

This paper considers a graph model of hierarchical supply chains. The goal is to measure the complexity of links between different components of the chain, for instance, between the principal equipment manufacturer (a root node) and its suppliers (preceding supply nodes). The information entropy is used to serve as a measure of knowledge about the complexity of shortages and pitfalls in relationship between the supply chain components under uncertainty. The concept of conditional (relative) entropy is introduced which is a generalization of the conventional (non-relative) entropy. An entropy-based algorithm providing efficient assessment of the supply chain complexity as a function of the SC size is developed.
Polymeric Nanoparticles for Increasing Oral Bioavailability of Curcumin
Authors: Umerska Anita , Gaucher Caroline , Oyarzun-Ampuero Felipe , Fries-Raeth Isabelle , Colin Florence , Villamizar-Sarmiento María , Maincent Philippe , Sapin-Minet Anne
Published: March 2018

Despite the promising biological and antioxidant properties of curcumin, its medical applications are limited due to poor solubility in water and low bioavailability. Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) adapted to oral delivery may overcome these drawbacks. Properties such as particle size, zeta potential, morphology and encapsulation efficiency were assessed. Then, the possibility of storing these NPs in a solid-state form obtained by freeze-drying, in vitro curcumin dissolution and cytocompatibility towards intestinal cells were evaluated. Curcumin-loaded Eudragit® RLPO (ERL) NPs showed smaller particle diameters (245 ± 2 nm) and better redispersibility after freeze-drying than either poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) or polycaprolactone (PCL) NPs. The former NPs showed lower curcumin encapsulation efficiency (62%) than either PLGA or PCL NPs (90% and 99%, respectively). Nevertheless, ERL NPs showed rapid curcumin release with 91 ± 5% released over 1 h. The three curcumin-loaded NPs proposed in this work were also compatible with intestinal cells. Overall, ERL NPs are the most promising vehicles for increasing the oral bioavailability of curcumin.
Design and Analysis of a Floor Radiant Heating System Based on Energy Substitution Technology
Authors: Zhang Lian , Cao Baowen
Published: March 2018

With the development of renewable energy, energy substitution technology has been applied to many fields. This research suggests that solar energy, as renewable energy, takes the place of conventional energy: a floor radiant heating system driven by solar energy is combined with a photovoltaic floor radiant heating system, and the photothermal floor radiant heating system has been proposed and investigated in this study. This research also designs a fuzzy PID (Proportion, Integration, Differentiation) control system to control the indoor temperature within the set range precisely. In this paper, the proposed floor radiant heating system has been tested and analyzed. The experimental results show that the inhomogeneity of the indoor floor surface temperature distribution is larger than that of other places, and the standard deviation of the indoor floor surface temperature can reach 1.87 °C. The standard deviation was approximately 0.36 °C at 0.6 m, 1.2 m and 1.8 m, which indicates this is suitable for habitation. Three kinds of floor radiant heating systems were compared and analyzed to demonstrate the advantage of the proposed floor radiant heating system. The calculation method of the heating system was proposed and applied to the actual heating system in this paper. The proposed floor radiant heating system is a highly efficient and environmental protection system that can be used for heating extensive areas to realize the objective of energy saving and emission reduction.
A Semantic Segmentation Algorithm Using FCN with Combination of BSLIC
Authors: Zhao Wei , Zhang Haodi , Yan Yujin , Fu Yi , Wang Hai
Published: March 2018

An image semantic segmentation algorithm using fully convolutional network (FCN) integrated with the recently proposed simple linear iterative clustering (SLIC) that is based on boundary term (BSLIC) is developed. To improve the segmentation accuracy, the developed algorithm combines the FCN semantic segmentation results with the superpixel information acquired by BSLIC. During the combination process, the superpixel semantic annotation is newly introduced and realized by the four criteria. The four criteria are used to annotate a superpixel region, according to FCN semantic segmentation result. The developed algorithm can not only accurately identify the semantic information of the target in the image, but also achieve a high accuracy in the positioning of small edges. The effectiveness of our algorithm is evaluated on the dataset PASCAL VOC 2012. Experimental results show that the developed algorithm improved the target segmentation accuracy in comparison with the traditional FCN model. With the BSLIC superpixel information that is involved, the proposed algorithm can get 3.86%, 1.41%, and 1.28% improvement in pixel accuracy (PA) over FCN-32s, FCN-16s, and FCN-8s, respectively.
Understanding Long-Term Variations in Surface Ozone in United States (U.S.) National Parks
Authors: McGlynn Deborah , Mao Huiting , Wu Zhaohua , Sive Barkley , Sharac Timothy
Published: March 2018

Long-term surface ozone observations at 25 National Park Service sites across the United States were analyzed for processes on varying time scales using a time scale decomposition technique, the Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD). Time scales of interest include the seasonal cycle, large-scale climate oscillations, and long-term (>10 years) trends. Emission reductions were found to have a greater impact on sites that are nearest major urban areas. Multidecadal trends in surface ozone were increasing at a rate of 0.07 to 0.37 ppbv year−1 before 2004 and decreasing at a rate of −0.08 to −0.60 ppbv year−1 after 2004 for sites in the East, Southern California, and Northwestern Washington. Sites in the Intermountain West did not experience a reversal of trends from positive to negative until the mid- to late 2000s. The magnitude of the annual amplitude (=annual maximum–minimum) decreased at eight sites, two in the West, two in the Intermountain West, and four in the East, by 5–20 ppbv and significantly increased at three sites; one in Alaska, one in the West, and one in the Intermountain West, by 3–4 ppbv. Stronger decreases in the annual amplitude occurred at a greater proportion of sites in the East (4/6 sites) than in the West/Intermountain West (4/19 sites). The date of annual maximums and/or minimums has changed at 12 sites, occurring 10–60 days earlier in the year. There appeared to be a link between the timing of the annual maximum and the decrease in the annual amplitude, which was hypothesized to be related to a decrease in ozone titration resulting from NOx emission reductions. Furthermore, it was found that a phase shift of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), from positive to negative, in 1998–1999 resulted in increased occurrences of La Niña-like conditions. This shift had the effect of directing more polluted air masses from East Asia to higher latitudes over the North American continent. The change in the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO)/El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) regime influenced surface ozone at an Alaskan site over its nearly 30-year data record.
NF-κB Activation in Lymphoid Malignancies: Genetics, Signaling, and Targeted Therapy
Authors: Grondona Paula , Bucher Philip , Schulze-Osthoff Klaus , Hailfinger Stephan , Schmitt Anja
Published: March 2018

The NF-κB transcription factor family plays a crucial role in lymphocyte proliferation and survival. Consequently, aberrant NF-κB activation has been described in a variety of lymphoid malignancies, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and adult T-cell leukemia. Several factors, such as persistent infections (e.g., with Helicobacter pylori), the pro-inflammatory microenvironment of the cancer, self-reactive immune receptors as well as genetic lesions altering the function of key signaling effectors, contribute to constitutive NF-κB activity in these malignancies. In this review, we will discuss the molecular consequences of recurrent genetic lesions affecting key regulators of NF-κB signaling. We will particularly focus on the oncogenic mechanisms by which these alterations drive deregulated NF-κB activity and thus promote the growth and survival of the malignant cells. As the concept of a targeted therapy based on the mutational status of the malignancy has been supported by several recent preclinical and clinical studies, further insight in the function of NF-κB modulators and in the molecular mechanisms governing aberrant NF-κB activation observed in lymphoid malignancies might lead to the development of additional treatment strategies and thus improve lymphoma therapy.
Plant-Derived Anticancer Agents: Lessons from the Pharmacology of Geniposide and Its Aglycone, Genipin
Authors: Habtemariam Solomon , Lentini Giovanni
Published: March 2018

For centuries, plants have been exploited by mankind as sources of numerous cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Good examples of anticancer compounds of clinical significance today include the taxanes (e.g., taxol), vincristine, vinblastine, and the podophyllotoxin analogues that all trace their origin to higher plants. While all these drugs, along with the various other available therapeutic options, brought some relief in cancer management, a real breakthrough or cure has not yet been achieved. This critical review is a reflection on the lessons learnt from decades of research on the iridoid glycoside geniposide and its aglycone, genipin, which are currently used as gold standard reference compounds in cancer studies. Their effects on tumour development (carcinogenesis), cancer cell survival, and death, with particular emphasis on their mechanisms of actions, are discussed. Particular attention is also given to mechanisms related to the dual pro-oxidant and antioxidant effects of these compounds, the mitochondrial mechanism of cancer cell killing through reactive oxygen species (ROS), including that generated through the uncoupling protein-2 (UCP-2), the inflammatory mechanism, and cell cycle regulation. The implications of various studies for the evaluation of glycosidic and aglycone forms of natural products in vitro and in vivo through pharmacokinetic scrutiny are also addressed.
Electrochemical Biosensors: A Solution to Pollution Detection with Reference to Environmental Contaminants
Authors: Hernandez-Vargas Gustavo , Sosa-Hernández Juan , Saldarriaga-Hernandez Sara , Villalba-Rodríguez Angel , Parra-Saldivar Roberto , Iqbal Hafiz
Published: March 2018

The increasing environmental pollution with particular reference to emerging contaminants, toxic heavy elements, and other hazardous agents is a serious concern worldwide. Considering this global issue, there is an urgent need to design and develop strategic measuring techniques with higher efficacy and precision to detect a broader spectrum of numerous contaminants. The development of precise instruments can further help in real-time and in-process monitoring of the generation and release of environmental pollutants from different industrial sectors. Moreover, real-time monitoring can also reduce the excessive consumption of several harsh chemicals and reagents with an added advantage of on-site determination of contaminant composition prior to discharge into the environment. With key scientific advances, electrochemical biosensors have gained considerable attention to solve this problem. Electrochemical biosensors can be an excellent fit as an analytical tool for monitoring programs to implement legislation. Herein, we reviewed the current trends in the use of electrochemical biosensors as novel tools to detect various contaminant types including toxic heavy elements. A particular emphasis was given to screen-printed electrodes, nanowire sensors, and paper-based biosensors and their role in the pollution detection processes. Towards the end, the work is wrapped up with concluding remarks and future perspectives. In summary, electrochemical biosensors and related areas such as bioelectronics, and (bio)-nanotechnology seem to be growing areas that will have a marked influence on the development of new bio-sensing strategies in future studies.
Chromosomal Instability in Hodgkin Lymphoma: An In-Depth Review and Perspectives
Authors: Cuceu Corina , Hempel William , Sabatier Laure , Bosq Jacques , Carde Patrice , M’kacher Radhia
Published: March 2018

The study of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), with its unique microenvironment and long-term follow-up, has provided exceptional insights into several areas of tumor biology. Findings in HL have not only improved our understanding of human carcinogenesis, but have also pioneered its translation into the clinics. HL is a successful paradigm of modern treatment strategies. Nonetheless, approximately 15–20% of patients with advanced stage HL still die following relapse or progressive disease and a similar proportion of patients are over-treated, leading to treatment-related late sequelae, including solid tumors and organ dysfunction. The malignant cells in HL are characterized by a highly altered genomic landscape with a wide spectrum of genomic alterations, including somatic mutations, copy number alterations, complex chromosomal rearrangements, and aneuploidy. Here, we review the chromosomal instability mechanisms in HL, starting with the cellular origin of neoplastic cells and the mechanisms supporting HL pathogenesis, focusing particularly on the role of the microenvironment, including the influence of viruses and macrophages on the induction of chromosomal instability in HL. We discuss the emerging possibilities to exploit these aberrations as prognostic biomarkers and guides for personalized patient management.
Cold-Sprayed AZ91D Coating and SiC/AZ91D Composite Coatings
Authors: Wang Yingying , Normand Bernard , Suo Xinkun , Planche Marie-Pierre , Liao Hanlin , Tang Junlei
Published: March 2018

As an emerging coating building technique, cold spraying has many advantages to elaborate Mg alloy workpieces. In this study, AZ91D coatings and AZ91D-based composite coatings were deposited using cold spraying. Coatings were prepared using different gas temperatures to obtain the available main gas temperature. Compressed air was used as the accelerating gas, and although magnesium alloy is oxidation-sensitive, AZ91D coatings with good performance were obtained. The results show that dense coatings can be fabricated until the gas temperature is higher than 500 °C. The deposition efficiency increases greatly with the gas temperature, but it is lower than 10% for all coating specimens. To analyze the effects of compressed air on AZ91D powder particles and the effects of gas temperature on coatings, the phase composition, porosity, cross-sectional microstructure, and microhardness of coatings were characterized. X-ray diffraction and oxygen content analysis clarified that no phase transformation or oxidation occurred on AZ91D powder particles during cold spraying processes with compressed air. The porosity of AZ91D coatings remained between 3.6% and 3.9%. Impact melting was found on deformed AZ91D particles when the gas temperature increased to 550 °C. As-sprayed coatings exhibit much higher microhardness than as-casted bulk magnesium, demonstrating the dense structure of cold-sprayed coatings. To study the effects of ceramic particles on cold-sprayed AZ91D coatings, 15 vol % SiC powder particles were added into the feedstock powder. Lower SiC content in the coating than in the feedstock powder means that the deposition efficiency of the SiC powder particles is lower than the deposition efficiency of AZ91D particles. The addition of SiC particles reduces the porosity and increases the microhardness of cold-sprayed AZ91D coatings. The corrosion behavior of AZ91D coating and SiC reinforced AZ91D composite coating were examined. The SiC-reinforced AZ91D composite coating reveals higher corrosion potential than magnesium substrate; therefore, it serves as a cathode for the magnesium substrate, the same as the AZ91D coating on magnesium substrate. As the SiC powder is semi-conductive, the embedded SiC particles reduce the electrochemical reaction of the AZ91D coating. The addition of SiC particles increases the corrosion potential of the coating, meanwhile increasing the galvanic potential and decreasing the negative galvanic current of the coating-substrate couple.
Information Dynamics of a Nonlinear Stochastic Nanopore System
Authors: Gilpin Claire , Darmon David , Siwy Zuzanna , Martens Craig
Published: March 2018

Nanopores have become a subject of interest in the scientific community due to their potential uses in nanometer-scale laboratory and research applications, including infectious disease diagnostics and DNA sequencing. Additionally, they display behavioral similarity to molecular and cellular scale physiological processes. Recent advances in information theory have made it possible to probe the information dynamics of nonlinear stochastic dynamical systems, such as autonomously fluctuating nanopore systems, which has enhanced our understanding of the physical systems they model. We present the results of local (LER) and specific entropy rate (SER) computations from a simulation study of an autonomously fluctuating nanopore system. We learn that both metrics show increases that correspond to fluctuations in the nanopore current, indicating fundamental changes in information generation surrounding these fluctuations.
Combining Generalized Renewal Processes with Non-Extensive Entropy-Based q-Distributions for Reliability Applications
Authors: Lins Isis , Moura Márcio , Droguett Enrique , Corrêa Thaís
Published: March 2018

The Generalized Renewal Process (GRP) is a probabilistic model for repairable systems that can represent the usual states of a system after a repair: as new, as old, or in a condition between new and old. It is often coupled with the Weibull distribution, widely used in the reliability context. In this paper, we develop novel GRP models based on probability distributions that stem from the Tsallis’ non-extensive entropy, namely the q-Exponential and the q-Weibull distributions. The q-Exponential and Weibull distributions can model decreasing, constant or increasing failure intensity functions. However, the power law behavior of the q-Exponential probability density function for specific parameter values is an advantage over the Weibull distribution when adjusting data containing extreme values. The q-Weibull probability distribution, in turn, can also fit data with bathtub-shaped or unimodal failure intensities in addition to the behaviors already mentioned. Therefore, the q-Exponential-GRP is an alternative for the Weibull-GRP model and the q-Weibull-GRP generalizes both. The method of maximum likelihood is used for their parameters’ estimation by means of a particle swarm optimization algorithm, and Monte Carlo simulations are performed for the sake of validation. The proposed models and algorithms are applied to examples involving reliability-related data of complex systems and the obtained results suggest GRP plus q-distributions are promising techniques for the analyses of repairable systems.
Information Thermodynamics of the Cell Signal Transduction as a Szilard Engine
Authors: Tsuruyama Tatsuaki
Published: March 2018

A cell signaling system is in a non-equilibrium state, and it includes multistep biochemical signaling cascades (BSCs), which involve phosphorylation of signaling molecules, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. In this study, the author considered signal transduction description using information thermodynamic theory. The ideal BSCs can be considered one type of the Szilard engine, and the presumed feedback controller, Maxwell’s demon, can extract the work during signal transduction. In this model, the mutual entropy and chemical potential of the signal molecules can be redefined by the extracted chemical work in a mechanicochemical model, Szilard engine, of BSC. In conclusion, signal transduction is computable using the information thermodynamic method.
Enhancing Metastability by Dissipation and Driving in an Asymmetric Bistable Quantum System
Authors: Spagnolo Bernardo , Carollo Angelo , Valenti Davide
Published: March 2018

The stabilizing effect of quantum fluctuations on the escape process and the relaxation dynamics from a quantum metastable state are investigated. Specifically, the quantum dynamics of a multilevel bistable system coupled to a bosonic Ohmic thermal bath in strong dissipation regime is analyzed. The study is performed by a non-perturbative method based on the real-time path integral approach of the Feynman-Vernon influence functional. We consider a strongly asymmetric double well potential with and without a monochromatic external driving, and with an out-of-equilibrium initial condition. In the absence of driving we observe a nonmonotonic behavior of the escape time from the metastable region, as a function both of the system-bath coupling coefficient and the temperature. This indicates a stabilizing effect of the quantum fluctuations. In the presence of driving our findings indicate that, as the coupling coefficient γ increases, the escape time, initially controlled by the external driving, shows resonant peaks and dips, becoming frequency-independent for higher γ values. Moreover, the escape time from the metastable state displays a nonmonotonic behavior as a function of the temperature, the frequency of the driving, and the thermal-bath coupling, which indicates the presence of a quantum noise enhanced stability phenomenon. Finally, we investigate the role of different spectral densities, both in sub-Ohmic and super-Ohmic dissipation regime and for different cutoff frequencies, on the relaxation dynamics from the quantum metastable state. The results obtained indicate that, in the crossover dynamical regime characterized by damped intrawell oscillations and incoherent tunneling, the spectral properties of the thermal bath influence non-trivially the short time behavior and the time scales of the relaxation dynamics from the metastable state.
Reliability Assessment of Wind Farm Electrical System Based on a Probability Transfer Technique
Authors: Yang Hejun , Wang Lei , Zhang Yeyu , Qi Xianjun , Wang Lei , Wu Hongbin
Published: March 2018

The electrical system of a wind farm has a significant influence on the wind farm reliability and electrical energy yield. The disconnect switch installed in an electrical system cannot only improve the operating flexibility, but also enhance the reliability for a wind farm. Therefore, this paper develops a probabilistic transfer technique for integrating the electrical topology structure, the isolation operation of disconnect switch, and stochastic failure of electrical equipment into the reliability assessment of wind farm electrical system. Firstly, as the traditional two-state reliability model of electrical equipment cannot consider the isolation operation, so the paper develops a three-state reliability model to replace the two-state model for incorporating the isolation operation. In addition, a proportion apportion technique is presented to evaluate the state probability. Secondly, this paper develops a probabilistic transfer technique based on the thoughts that through transfer the unreliability of electrical system to the energy transmission interruption of wind turbine generators (WTGs). Finally, some novel indices for describing the reliability of wind farm electrical system are designed, and the variance coefficient of the designed indices is used as a convergence criterion to determine the termination of the assessment process. The proposed technique is applied to the reliability assessment of a wind farm with the different topologies. The simulation results show that the proposed techniques are effective in practical applications.
Methodology for Detecting Malfunctions and Evaluating the Maintenance Effectiveness in Wind Turbine Generator Bearings Using Generic versus Specific Models from SCADA Data
Authors: Rodríguez-López Miguel , López-González Luis , López-Ochoa Luis , Las-Heras-Casas Jesús
Published: March 2018

This article offers reasons to defend the use of generic behavior models as opposed to specific models in applications to determine component degradation. The term generic models refers to models based on operating data from various units, whereas specific models are calculated using operating data taken from a single unit. Moreover, generic models, used in combination with a status indicator, show excellent capacity for detecting anomalies in the equipment and for evaluating the effectiveness of the maintenance actions, resulting in lower development and maintenance costs for the operating firm. Artificial neural networks and moving means were used to calculate the degradation indicators, based on the remainders in the model. The models were developed from operating data from fourteen wind turbines monitored over several years, and applied to the detection of faults in the bearings on the non-drive end of the generator. The use of generic models may not be recommendable for detecting faults in all cases, and the suitability will depend greatly on the context of the methodology developed to detect each type of fault, according to the element causing the fault and the fault mode, since each methodology requires a greater or lesser degree of precision in the model.
Energy Supply Potentials in the Northern Counties of Finland, Norway and Sweden towards Sustainable Nordic Electricity and Heating Sectors: A Review
Authors: Fischer Robert , Elfgren Erik , Toffolo Andrea
Published: March 2018

The lands in the northernmost corner of Europe present contradictory aspects in their social and economic development. Urban settlements are relatively few and small-sized, but rich natural resources (minerals, forests, rivers) attract energy-intensive industries. Energy demand is increasing as a result of new investments in mining and industries, while reliable energy supply is threatened by the planned phase out of Swedish nuclear power, the growth of intermittent power supplies and the need to reduce fossil fuel consumption, especially in the Finnish and Norwegian energy sectors. Given these challenges, this paper investigates the potentials of so far unexploited energy resources in the northern counties of Finland, Norway and Sweden by comparing and critically analyzing data from statistic databases, governmental reports, official websites, research projects and academic publications. The criteria for the technical and economic definition of potentials are discussed separately for each resource. It is concluded that, despite the factors that reduce the theoretical potentials, significant sustainable techno-economic potentials exist for most of the resources, providing important insights about the possible strategies to contribute to a positive socio-economic development in the considered regions.
Forecasting Forest Inventory Using Imputed Tree Lists for LiDAR Grid Cells and a Tree-List Growth Model
Authors: Lamb Sean , MacLean David , Hennigar Chris , Pitt Douglas
Published: March 2018

A method to forecast forest inventory variables derived from light detection and ranging (LiDAR) would increase the usefulness of such data in future forest management. We evaluated the accuracy of forecasted inventory from imputed tree lists for LiDAR grid cells (20 × 20 m) in spruce (Picea sp.) plantations and tree growth predicted using a locally calibrated tree-list growth model. Tree lists were imputed by matching measurements from a library of sample plots with grid cells based on planted species and the smallest sum of squared difference between six inventory variables. Total and merchantable basal area, total and merchantable volume, Lorey’s height, and quadratic mean diameter increments predicted using imputed tree lists were highly correlated (0.75–0.86) with those from measured tree lists in 98 validation plots. Percent root mean squared error ranged from 12.8–49.0% but was much lower (4.9–13.5%) for plots with ≤10% LiDAR-derived error for all plot-matched variables. When compared with volumes from 15 blocks harvested 3–5 years after LiDAR acquisition, average forecasted volume differed by only 1.5%. To demonstrate the novel application of this method for operational management decisions, annual commercial thinning was planned at grid-cell resolution from 2018–2020 using forecasted inventory variables and commercial thinning eligibility rules.