bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Reductant Type on the Metallothermic Magnesium Production Process
Authors: Bugdayci Mehmet , Turan Ahmet , Alkan Murat , Yucel Onuralp
Published: February 2017

This paper is a contribution to the theoretical and quantitative understanding of the processes for the production of magnesium metal by metallothermic process in vacuum (Pidgeon Process). In the present study, effects of reductant type and amount were investigated. CaC2 is a low-cost alternative to FeSi (ferrosilicon) which is the common reductant in the Pidgeon Process. CaC2 slightly decreases the Mg recovery ratios but it remarkably decreases the process cost. The experimental study, conducted with the change of mass % FeSi–CaC2 ratio at 1,250 °C for 360 min, the optimum Mg recovery was measured as 94.7 % at 20 % CaC2 addition. Also aluminum, as a reductant, allows conducting the process at lower temperatures than that of FeSi. For the experiments conducted with Al addition, the highest Mg recovery ratio was measured as 88.0 % in the conditions for 300 min process duration and 100 % stoichiometric Al addition at 1,200 °C.
Usage of Social Network Analysis (Sna) in Crisis Management
Authors: Güreşci Hakan , Arpat Recep Sait
Published: February 2017

Social systems are complex structures that consist of different sub-systems. Therefore, understanding social systems is more difficult than comprehending electronic or mechanical systems. What makes social systems more complex than other systems is that society is not simply the sum of each individual in the society. In the current global system, the countries, which have become small villages, try to meet national security needs by converting the unknown to known and identifying the correlation among political, military, social and economic events. The current crisis management concepts are conducted through systematic approaches. Besides, the management of social, economic and political crises need to be conducted in a holistic approach covering all sub-systems. At this point, the function of Social Network Analysis (SNA) emerges. SNA, which forms the main subject of this paper, is a tool for examining the structure of a crisis through correlating the sub-elements. The aim of this study is to show how SNA can be used in crisis management. First, SNA is performed on a generic crisis situation and the results are presented. Then, the additional critical data requirements are put forward to manage the crisis effectively.
Nato Multinational Brigade Interoperability: Issues, Mitigating Solutions and is it Time for a Nato Multinational Brigade Doctrine?
Authors: Schiller Mark
Published: February 2017

Multinational Brigade Operations involving NATO and its European Partners are the norm in the post-Cold War Era. Commonplace today are Multinational Brigades, composed of staffs and subordinate units representing almost every NATO Country and Partner, participating in training exercises or actual operations in both the European and Southwest Asian Theatres. Leadership challenges are prevalent for the Multinational Brigade Commander and his staff, especially those challenges they face in achieving an effective level of brigade interoperability in order to conduct successful operations in NATO’s present and future operating environments. The purpose of this paper is twofold: to examine the major interoperability obstacles a multinational brigade commander and his staff are likely to encounter during the planning and execution of brigade operations; and, to recommend actions and measures a multinational brigade commander and his staff can implement to facilitate interoperability in a multinational brigade operating environment. Several key interoperability topics considered integral to effective multinational brigade operations will be examined and analysed to include understanding partner unit capabilities and limitations facilitated by an integration plan, appropriate command and support relationships, compatible communications, synchronized intelligence and information collection, establishing effective liaison, and fratricide prevention. The paper conclusion will urge for a NATO land brigade doctrine considering doctrine’s critical importance to effective brigade command and control interoperability and the expected missions a land brigade will encounter in future NATO operating environments as part of the NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF).
Method comparison of tumor markers assessed by LOCI™- and ECLIA-based technologies
Authors: Dolscheid-Pommerich Ramona C. , Dolscheid Sarah , Eichhorn Lars , Zur Berndt , Holdenrieder Stefan , Stoffel-Wagner Birgit
Published: February 2017

Background:

Since the introduction of luminescent oxygen channeling immunoassays (LOCI™)-based assays in the daily laboratory routine of tumor marker measurements, only a small number of method comparisons with established immunoassays have been published. We performed a method comparison between LOCI™-based tumor marker assays for Dimension™ VISTA and electrochemiluminiscent immunoassays (ECLIA) for Cobas™ e411, for α-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA 125, CA 15-3, CA 19-9, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and free PSA (fPSA).

Methods:

Tumor markers were assessed in 1088 sera from routine diagnostics on the Dimension™ VISTA 1500 and Cobas™ e411 analyzers.

Results:

Strong correlations were achieved for PSA (r=0.999), AFP (r=0.994) and CEA (r=0.993). Results were quite comparable as only minor slopes of 1.05 (PSA), 1.02 (AFP) and 0.94 (CEA), respectively, were found. However, correlations for CA 125 (r=0.976), CA 19-9 (r=0.960), fPSA (r=0.950) and CA 15-3 (r=0.940) were only moderate, and considerable slopes were observed for these markers with higher values for CA 19-9 (slope 1.50) and lower ones for CA 15-3 (0.76), fPSA (0.75) and CA 125 (0.64), for Dimension™ VISTA 1500.

Conclusions:

We found excellent correlations and comparable values for AFP, CEA and PSA, but only moderate correlations for fPSA, CA 125, CA 15-3 and CA 19-9. The slopes for CA 19-9, CA 15-3, fPSA and CA 125 have to be considered when analysis methods for tumor markers are changed.
Analyzing Presidential Debates
Authors: Isotalus Pekka
Published: February 2017

One of the most used theories in the research of political debates is the functional theory of campaign discourse. However, the theory has been criticized for being too culturally limited. In the present article, a Finnish presidential debate is analyzed from the perspective of functional theory. The goal is to critically evaluate the applicability of functional theory to the analysis of Finnish political campaigning. The results show that a Finnish presidential debate differs in many ways from an American presidential debate. The study shows how strongly the culture is reflected in political television debates and how important it is to take account of the cultural perspective in the development of a theory.
A Periampullary Duodenal Diverticula in Patient with Choledocholithiasis – Single Endoscopic Center Experience
Authors: Major Piotr , Dembiński Marcin , Winiarski Marek , Pędziwiatr Michał , Rubinkiewicz Mateusz , Stanek Maciej , Dworak Jadwiga , Pisarska Magdalena , Rembiasz Kazimierz , Budzyński Andrzej
Published: February 2017

The reported prevalence of periampullary duodenal diverticula varies between 9 and 32.8%.

was to evaluate the prevalence of periampullary diverticula in the studied population and establish whether their presence influence the risk of choledocholithiasis and the risk of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography (ERCP) related complications.

The study group of 3788 patients who underwent ERCP between 1996 and 2016 at the 2

There were 3332 patients included in group A (2154 women and 1178 men) and 456 patients in group B (310 women and 146 men). The prevalence of periampullary duodenal diverticula in the analyzed group was 12.8%. The presence of stones or biliary sludge was diagnosed in 1542 patients (47.6%) in group A and 290 patients (68.1%) in group B. Recurrence of choledocholithiasis occurred in 4.5% of patients (70/1542) in group A and 10.3% of patients (30/290) in group B. Complications occurred in a total of 76 patients in group A (2.3%) and 22 patients in group B (4.8%).

The presence of choledocholithiasis and the risk of ERCP related complications are significantly higher in the group with duodenal diverticula.
Corruption, Income and Piracy. An empirical analysis
Authors: Bekir Insaf
Published: February 2017

This paper subjects the piracy-corruption relationship to a detailed empirical examination. A distinction is drawn between the direct impact of corruption on piracy and the indirect impact which operates through corruption’s impact on per capita income and the resultant impact of income on piracy. Using data for 100 countries covering the period 1996–2010, both direct and indirect impacts of corruption on software piracy are estimated. Corruption is estimated to have a positive direct effect on the piracy rate. The indirect effect is found to be negative and smaller in absolute value than the direct effect for the majority of the sample income range. As a result, the total effect of corruption on software piracy is positive except for the lower income countries in the sample.
Microhabitat Preferences of Phaeophyta on Shore Platform of Dwarka, Gujarat Coast, India
Authors: Sanghvi Dimpal , Ray Chaudhury Nandini , Jain Bhanukumar
Published: February 2017

This paper reports microhabitat preferences of Phaeophyta from the shore platform, Dwarka, Gujarat coast, India. Macroalgae distribution was tagged with shore platform’s zonal morphology. Macroalgae (Phaeophyta) were surveyed based on systematic random sampling for two years (April, 2013 to March, 2015). Total 21 species of Phaeophyta were identified through intensive fieldwork/in situ survey based on Line Intercept Transect and Quadrate based methods. Five groups of Phaeophyta were identified as per their zonal preference on the shore platform. On family level, most of the Sargassaceae showed a ubiquitous distribution on the shore platform while Dictyotaceae showed preference towards the subtidal and intertidal mixed zone of the shore platform.
Some Morphological Characters of Female of Mothocya epimerica Costa, 1851 (Flabellifera: Cymothoidae) from Sea of Marmara
Authors: Alaş Ali , Öktener Ahmet , Türker Dilek
Published: February 2017

Mothocya epimerica Costa, 1851 (Flabellifera: Cymothoidae) is a cymothoid parasite of fishes belonging to Atherinidae (Atherina hepsetus, Atherina boyeri) from Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Öktener and Sezgin (2000) recorded this parasite for the first time in Turkey. The mentioned authors presented some morphological characters, although, some characters are not explained in the publication. Some morphological characters seen on the mandible, maxilliped, maxilla, maxillue and the spines on pleopods of the female of M. epimerica are shown. The characters presented in our study are based on the drawings made from collected specimens.
Length-Weight Relationship of Some Fish Species in a Tropical Rainforest River in South-East Nigeria
Authors: Adaka Godwin , Ndukwe Eunice , Nlewadim Anthony
Published: February 2017

The Length-Weight relationship of some fish species from Oramiri-Ukwa River, was studied from January to December, 2014. The slope (b) values obtained in the nine species ranged from 1.830 to 5.670 with most of the fishes indicating a negative allometric growth pattern except for Papyrocranus afer, with b value of 3.04, thus showing a positive isometric growth pattern. The following fish species showed a high degree of positive correlation at (P > 0.05); Ctenopoma kingselyae, Alestes imberi, Channa obscura, Oreochromis niloticus, Tilapia mariae, Tilapia zillii, Synodontis omais, and Papyrocranus afer. Chrysichthys auratus did not show this positive correlation. The condition factor (K) of the fish species ranged from 0.99 to 4.54, indicating that most of the fish were in good condition except for Chrysichthys auratus with 0.99.
Impact of the Low Head Dam/Barrage on Fisheries – A Case Study of Giri River of Yamuna Basin (India)
Authors: Rumana Harcharan Singh , Jeeva Veliachamy , Kumar Sudhir
Published: February 2017

Shannon’s diversity index H’ = pi log2 pi was calculated for 16 fish species. The index was resolved into its components, species richness and relative abundance, to determine which components played a larger role in the determination of diversity pattern. Changes in diversity were correlated with species richness (r), habitat heterogeneity, and hydrological regimes in a longitudinal stretch of 35 km along the river Giri, a major tributary of the Yamuna River system, in Western Himalayas. Abundance differs with change in habitat structures, habitat preference of fish species and water regimes. The decrease in diversity in the lower stretch of about 3-4 km upstream of the barrage was found to be associated with habitat fragmentation and as well as d/s with loss of biotic integrity of aquatic ecosystem due to water scarcity. Species richness was found to be maximum at upper and middle reaches (elevation 650-800 m, msl) of the river, whereas it was low in lower reaches. Change in water chemistry was also noticed at Jatan barrage-low head dam due to impoundment of river water. It is inferred that the regulation of water has an impact on species richness and relative abundance, and on habitat heterogeneity which has decreased due to the change in environmental condition.
Phytotoxicological Tests - Applications of Foils Based on Graphene (Graphene Oxide)
Authors: Roupcová Petra , Kubátová Hana , Klouda Karel , Lepík Petr
Published: February 2017

This paper discusses the problematics of phytotoxicity of chemicals. It mainly focuses on the phytotoxicity of nanomaterials made of graphene. It describes phytotoxicological tests performed with foils from materials belonging to the graphene family. It also describes testing the influence of plants on these films. Furthermore, the paper discusses the issues of mutual influence between plants and tested nanomaterials.
The Quest for the FFA and Where It Led
Authors: Kanwisher Nancy
Published: February 2017

This article tells the story behind our first paper on the fusiform face area (FFA): how we chose the question, developed the methods, and followed the data to find the FFA and subsequently many other functionally specialized cortical regions. The paper's impact had less to do with the particular findings in the paper itself and more to do with the method that it promoted and the picture of the human mind and brain that it led to. The use of a functional localizer to define a candidate region in each subject individually enabled us not just to make pictures of brain activation, but also to ask principled, hypothesis-driven questions about athingin nature. This method enabled stronger and more extensive tests of the function of each cortical region than had been possible before in humans and, as a result, has produced a large body of evidence that the human cortex contains numerous regions that are specifically engaged in particular mental processes. The growing inventory of cortical regions with distinctive and often very specific functions can be seen as an initial sketch of the basic components of the human mind. This sketch also serves as a roadmap into the vast and exciting new landscape of questions about the computations, structural connections, time course, development, plasticity, and evolution of each of these regions, as well as the hardest question of all: how do these regions work together to produce human intelligence?
A Multicenter Collaborative to Improve Care of Community Acquired Pneumonia in Hospitalized Children
Authors: Parikh Kavita , Biondi Eric , Nazif Joanne , Wasif Faiza , Williams Derek J. , Nichols Elizabeth , Ralston Shawn ,   Value in Inpatient Pediatrics Network Quality Collaborative For Improving Care In Community Acquired Pneumonia
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The Value in Inpatient Pediatrics Network sponsored the Improving Care in Community Acquired Pneumonia collaborative with the goal of increasing evidence-based management of children hospitalized with community acquired pneumonia (CAP). Project aims included: increasing use of narrow-spectrum antibiotics, decreasing use of macrolides, and decreasing concurrent treatment of pneumonia and asthma.

METHODS:

Data were collected through chart review across emergency department (ED), inpatient, and discharge settings. Sites reviewed up to 20 charts in each of 6 3-month cycles. Analysis of means with 3-σ control limits was the primary method of assessment for change. The expert panel developed project measures, goals, and interventions. A change package of evidence-based tools to promote judicious use of antibiotics and raise awareness of asthma and pneumonia codiagnosis was disseminated through webinars. Peer coaching and periodic benchmarking were used to motivate change.

RESULTS:

Fifty-three hospitals enrolled and 48 (91%) completed the 1-year project (July 2014–June 2015). A total of 3802 charts were reviewed for the project; 1842 during baseline cycles and 1960 during postintervention cycles. The median before and after use of narrow-spectrum antibiotics in the collaborative increased by 67% in the ED, 43% in the inpatient setting, and 25% at discharge. Median before and after use of macrolides decreased by 22% in the ED and 27% in the inpatient setting. A decrease in asthma and CAP codiagnosis was noted, but the change was not sustained.

CONCLUSIONS:

Low-cost strategies, including collaborative sharing, peer benchmarking, and coaching, increased judicious use of antibiotics in a diverse range of hospitals for pediatric CAP.
Psychiatric Disorders in Adolescents With Single Ventricle Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: DeMaso David R. , Calderon Johanna , Taylor George A. , Holland Jennifer E. , Stopp Christian , White Matthew T. , Bellinger David C. , Rivkin Michael J. , Wypij David , Newburger Jane W.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Mental health outcomes for survivors of critical congenital heart disease (CHD) remain under-investigated. We sought to examine psychiatric disorders and psychosocial functioning in adolescents with single ventricle CHD and to explore whether patient-related risk factors predict dysfunction.

METHODS:

This cohort study recruited 156 adolescents with single ventricle CHD who underwent the Fontan procedure and 111 healthy referents. Participants underwent comprehensive psychiatric evaluation including a clinician-rated psychiatric interview and parent- and self-report ratings of anxiety, disruptive behavior, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and depressive symptoms. Risk factors for dysfunction included IQ, medical characteristics, and concurrent brain abnormalities.

RESULTS:

Adolescents with single ventricle CHD had higher rates of lifetime psychiatric diagnosis compared with referents (CHD: 65%, referent: 22%; P < .001). Specifically, they had higher rates of lifetime anxiety disorder and ADHD (P < .001 each). The CHD group scored lower on the primary psychosocial functioning measure, the Children’s Global Assessment Scale, than referents (CHD median [interquartile range]: 62 [54–66], referent: 85 [73–90]; P < .001). The CHD group scored worse on measures of anxiety, disruptive behavior, and depressive symptoms. Genetic comorbidity did not impact most psychiatric outcomes. Risk factors for anxiety disorder, ADHD, and lower psychosocial functioning included lower birth weight, longer duration of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, lower intellectual functioning, and male gender.

CONCLUSIONS:

Adolescents with single ventricle CHD display a high risk of psychiatric morbidity, particularly anxiety disorders and ADHD. Early identification of psychiatric symptoms is critical to the management of patients with CHD.
Glomerular Hyperfiltration in Diabetes: Mechanisms, Clinical Significance, and Treatment
Authors: Tonneijck Lennart , Muskiet Marcel H.A. , Smits Mark M. , van Bommel Erik J. , Heerspink Hiddo J.L. , van Raalte Daniël H. , Joles Jaap A.
Published: February 2017

An absolute, supraphysiologic elevation in GFR is observed early in the natural history in 10%–67% and 6%–73% of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, respectively. Moreover, at the single-nephron level, diabetes-related renal hemodynamic alterations—as an adaptation to reduction in functional nephron mass and/or in response to prevailing metabolic and (neuro)hormonal stimuli—increase glomerular hydraulic pressure and transcapillary convective flux of ultrafiltrate and macromolecules. This phenomenon, known as glomerular hyperfiltration, classically has been hypothesized to predispose to irreversible nephron damage, thereby contributing to initiation and progression of kidney disease in diabetes. However, dedicated studies with appropriate diagnostic measures and clinically relevant end points are warranted to confirm this assumption. In this review, we summarize the hitherto proposed mechanisms involved in diabetic hyperfiltration, focusing on ultrastructural, vascular, and tubular factors. Furthermore, we review available evidence on the clinical significance of hyperfiltration in diabetes and discuss currently available and emerging interventions that may attenuate this renal hemodynamic abnormality. The revived interest in glomerular hyperfiltration as a prognostic and pathophysiologic factor in diabetes may lead to improved and timely detection of (progressive) kidney disease, and could provide new therapeutic opportunities in alleviating the renal burden in this population.
PENGARUH STORE ATMOSFER DAN PROMOSI PENJUALAN TERHADAP PEMBELIAN IMPULSIF DENGAN EMOSI POSITIF SEBAGAI VARIABEL INTERVENING
Authors: Rosyida Syafitri , Anjarwati Anik Lestari
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT Department store is one of the fast growing retail by 2015. As many as 27-62% of purchases that occur at department store is impulsive purchases. The purpose of this study is to analyze and discuss the influence of store atmosphere and sales promotions toward impulsive purchases with positive emotions as intervening variable. The type of this research is quantitative research. Using the technique of sampling nonprobability sampling with the total of 220 respondents drawn from visitors of Matahari department store Tunjungan Plaza Surabaya. The instrument used was the likert scale using question form and analysis with the path analysis used was AMOS 18. The result shows that there is a positive and Significant influence of store atmosphere and sales promotion Toward positive emotions. There is also positive and significant Influence of store atmosphere and positive emotions toward Impilsive purchases. But there is a positive and significant Influence of sales promotions toward impulsive purchases
A formação do professor de ciências para os anos iniciais do Ensino Fundamental e a compreensão de saberes científicos
Authors: Campos Raquel Sanzovo Pires de , Campos Luciana Maria Lunardi
Published: February 2017

Ressaltamos neste trabalho a importância dos alunos já nos primeiros anos do Ensino Fundamental comecem a caminhar em busca do desenvolvimento de saberes científicos, possuindo certo grau de domínio, de habilidades e recursos tornando-os capazes de confrontar determinadas situações. Considerando o papel de mediador do professor que lecionará Ciências nos primeiros anos do Ensino Fundamental, há de se considerar a sua formação inicial para o desenvolvimento da compreensão do que é um indivíduo cientificamente competente uma vez que os saberes científicos não são desenvolvidos espontaneamente entre os alunos. A proposta deste estudo foi, consequentemente, investigar a noção de saberes científicos em discentes do curso de licenciatura em Pedagogia. Identificada parcialmente em apenas um quarto dos discentes investigados, destacamos a importância da construção da noção dos saberes científicos como objetivo para esta etapa da educação básica.
A new sand adsorbent for the removal and reuse of nickel ions from aqueous solutions
Authors: Tao Wenhong , Qi Ling , Duan Huimin , Liu Shiquan
Published: February 2017

Nickel ions (Ni(II)) in aqueous solutions were removed by a sand adsorbent with a surface functionalized porous coating. The sand adsorbent has a very large surface area of 150 m2/g. The influence of pH, initial concentration of the solution, temperature, contact time and adsorbent dosage on the removal efficiency of the synthesized sand adsorbent toward Ni(II) in the aqueous solutions were studied. The results indicate that the adsorption of nickel onto the sand adsorbent greatly increases the pH range of 2–4 and slightly increases with temperature from 25 to 40 °C. The maximum removal efficiency and ion retention in per unit mass of the adsorbent were 100% and 5.78 mg/g, respectively, under the specified experimental conditions. The adsorption can be described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Freundlich adsorption model. The adsorbed nickel (4.24 mg/g) together with the spent adsorbent were successfully employed to prepare a brown glass, suggesting a new way to reutilize the recovered nickel from wastewater and to avoid secondary pollution caused by the used adsorbents.
Isotherms, thermodynamic and mechanism studies of removal of low concentration uranium (VI) by Aspergillus niger
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Wang Tieshan , Zheng Xinyan , Shen Yanghao , Lu Xia
Published: February 2017

In order to develop an effective and economical method for removing low concentration radioactive wastewater of uranium, the biomass of ‘CMCC(F)-98003’ Aspergillus niger was investigated in a batch system. The maximum uranium adsorption capacity of 12.5 mg g−1 was obtained at the initial uranium concentration of 0.75 mg L−1. The biosorption data on a biomass concentration of 0.029 g L−1 fitted well to the Freundlich isotherm with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.987. The calculated thermodynamic parameters showed that the biosorption of uranium ions was endothermic (ΔH° < 0). The results of scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry analysis revealed that nano-particles of uranium precipitation were formed on the cell surfaces after biosorption, and the functional groups of –CH, N-H, –COOH, P = O and the carbohydrates and alcohols were involved in the biosorption process between A. niger and uranium ions.
Energy Absorption and Crush Behavior of the Layered Aluminum Honeycomb
Authors: Luo Weiming , Shi Shaoqing , Chen Zipeng , Sun Jianhu
Published: February 2017

To investigate the energy absorption characteristics and crush behavior of layered aluminum honeycomb, the experiments of layered aluminum honeycomb structure under quasi-static load had been carried out, mainly includes single, double, triple, four layer combinations. The results showed that: the peak force and the mean plateau force of single-layer aluminum honeycomb structure are proportional to the surface density, however they decline slightly with increase of the height; unequal height double layered aluminum honeycomb structure has more advantage in cushion performance; with the increase of layers, the MP ratio will decrease; the combination of placing soft layer between hard layers is better than the others.
MANAJEMEN IMPLEMENTASI KURIKULUM: STRATEGI PENGUATANIMPLEMENTASI KURIKULUM 2013
Authors: Katuuk Deitje Adolfien
Published: February 2017

Abstrak: Keberhasilan pengimplementasian kurikulum memerlukan manajemen yang baik. Dalam rangka mengimplementasikan kurikulum 2013, ada beberapa aspek manajemen yang penting sebagai strategi untuk memperkuat pelaksanaannya. Aspek-aspek tersebut meliputi perencanaan implementasi, sumber daya utama dan pendukung, proses pembelajaran di sekolah, dan kegiatan monitoring dan evaluasi. Komponen sekolah terdiri atas guru, kepala sekolah, fasilitas, budaya, lingkungan. Semua komponen tersebut memiliki peran masing-masing dalam penerapan kurikulum baru. Dengan demikian, semua potensi dan sumber daya yang ada perlu dikelola secara menyeluruh dan terpadu agar bermanfaat dalam manajemen implementasi kurikulum. Tersedianya dokumen dan instrumen adalah landasan utama dalam pengimplementasian strategi penerapan kurikulum 2013 di lapangan agar dapat mencapai kualitas yang diharapkan. Selain itu, pemantauan dan evaluasi perlu dikerjakan agar partisipasi semua pihak dapat diperkuat dan untuk mewujudkan manajemen dan strategi implementasi yang lebih baik.
KINERJA GURU PROFESIONAL (GURU PASCA SERTIFIKASI)
Authors: Kartowagiran Badrun
Published: February 2017

Abstract: Professional Teachers’ Post-Certification Performances. This study aims to investigate professional teachers’ post-certification performances. It was an evaluation research study employing the goal-free evaluation model by Scriven. The sample, selected from a population of 548 teachers who have received professional incentives Sleman Regency, comprised 55 teachers (5 from kindergartens, 28 from elementary schools, 13 from junior high schools, 7 from senior high schools, and 7 from vocational schools), principals, and staff members of the Office of Education of Sleman Regency. The data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, documents, and assessment sheets, and were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative descriptive techniques. The results show that the post-certification performances of the majority of professional teachers are not satisfactory yet, shown by the fact that of the 17 indicators, 7 indicators are good and 10 other indicators are fair. Keywords: teacher performance
Спектры электроотражения множественных квантовых ям InGaN/GaN, помещенных в неоднородное электрическое поле p-n-перехода
Authors: Авакянц Л.П. , Асланян А.Э. , Боков П.Ю. , Положенцев К.Ю. , Червяков А.В.
Published: February 2017

В спектрах электроотражения гетероструктуры GaN/InGaN/AlGaN обнаружена линия E=2.77 эВ шириной Gamma=88 мэВ, связанная с межзонными переходами в области множественных квантовых ям активной области. При уменьшении амплитуды модулирующего напряжения от 2.9 до 0.4 В наблюдается расщепление этой линии на две с энергиями E1=2.55 эВ и E2 = 2.75 эВ, ширины которых составляют Gamma1=66 мэВ и Gamma2 = 74 мэВ соответственно. Это указывает на то, что эти линии обусловлены межзонными переходами в отдельных квантовых ямах активной области. Различие энергий межзонных переходов E1 и E2 в идентичных квантовых ямах активной области связано с тем, что квантовые ямы помещены в неоднородное электрическое поле. В работе оценивались модули напряженности электрических полей в отдельных квантовых ямах активной области гетероструктуры. Их значения составили 1.6 и 2.2 МВ/см. DOI: 10.21883/FTP.2017.02.44104.8271
Механизм снижения прочности субмикроразмерных образцов ГЦК-металлов с нанокристаллической структурой
Authors: Малыгин Г.А.
Published: February 2017

На основе дислокационно-кинетических уравнений и соотношений теоретически обсуждается эффект снижения прочности субмикроразмерных образцов металлов с нанокристаллической структурой при размерах поперечного сечения образцов D<5d по сравнению с прочностью образцов с D>>5d, где d --- размер зерен. Ранее было установлено, что это снижение вызвано уходом части дислокаций через поверхность образца при работе однополюсных дислокационных источников в примыкающих к поверхности зернах. В работе показано, что поглощение решеточных дислокаций границами зерен и сопровождающее его зернограничное проскальзывание дополнительно снижают напряжение течения образцов --- в равной степени, как тонких (D<5d), так и толстых (D>>5d). DOI: 10.21883/FTT.2017.02.44054.270
The reaction of blockholders to changes in market conditions
Authors: Kaya Halil D. , Lumpkin-Sowers Nancy L.
Published: February 2017

In this study, we examine the impact of business conditions and stock market conditions on blockholders’ ownership in U.S. firms. We expect that in periods when the general interest in the stock market goes up, blockholders’ interest and participation in the market will also increase (i.e. there are more blockholders per firm and the percentage share of blockholder ownership in each corporation is higher). We use the Aruoba-Diebold-Scotti (i.e. ADS) Business Conditions Index and the S&P 500 Index as proxies for business conditions and stock market conditions, respectively. We find that blockholders’ investments more closely track stock market conditions than business conditions. Our nonparametric tests show that there are more blockholders per firm when stock market conditions are better.
Stock markets vs GDP growth in South Africa
Authors: Mpofu Raphael Tabani
Published: February 2017

nvestors look at stock market performance and assume that it anticipates economic developments or that the latest GDP quarterly figures have a huge effect on the market’s movements. This study seeks to test if this is true in the long-term. According to a study of the USA stock exchanges done by Holger Sandte (2012) he found that this relationship does not exist. In this paper, we examine the relationship between GDP growth and stock markets returns. We observe that the relationship between these two variables remains complicated because of the effects of multiple factors interwoven over time, which can differ from one country to the next (Boubakari and Jin, 2010). While accurate economic forecasts are helpful for stock investing, we argue that investors should not rely on a single economic indicator in predicting future market developments. As counterintuitive as it might seem, research suggests that high growth rates do not necessarily correlate with the highest long-term stock market returns (Levine, and Zervos, 1996). Nevertheless, major stock market movements may contain valuable information for economic forecasters. This paper reveals that the relationship between the FTSE-JSE All-Share Index growth rates and GDP growth rates is coincidental and cannot be used for prediction. Stock prices generally reflect investor expectations for future corporate earnings and consequently for future economic growth but the papers argued that this relationship cannot be modelled to accurately predict the stock market growth from GDP growth. The findings of the study indicate that investors should not rely on past economic growth as an indicator of future stock gains. Accurately forecasting future economic growth might help but those forecasts are difficult to get right. We suggest that investors should not base their stock investments purely on economic cycles because of the unreliability and unpredictability of such cycles. It is advisable that investors look at fundamentals before investing in high-risk equity markets of growing economies
Examining the practice of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Rampersad Renitha , Skinner Chris
Published: February 2017

In this study, we will examine the way in which CSR is conceptualised by various scholars along with the realities of its implementation on the ground in specific African countries. The key objectives of this paper are therefore; to extend the discussion of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by providing insight into the effect that the level of economic development may have on CSR and the impact this may have on the practice of CSR amongst leading companies in Sub-Saharan Africa. The paper will focus on discovering the similarities and differences in policies, procedures and practices in the region as a whole. In order to help shed some light on these issues, this article explores how leading companies report on CSR in five Sub-Saharan countries (Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Kenya, and South Africa). Our analysis of company information reveals that opportunities are widely appreciated and that most companies report on their economic and social impacts. However, CSR reporting is fairly generic, and the specific context seems to bear only a limited influence on the type of CSR activities undertaken
Corporate characteristics, social responsibility reporting, and financial performance: Evidence in Thailand
Authors: Suttipun Muttanachai
Published: February 2017

This study aims to test the relationship between corporate characteristics, social responsibility reporting, and financial performance. The 2011-2012 annual reports of 220 Thai listed companies are used to measure the extent of corporate social responsibility reporting by word counting. The results indicate that there are significant differences in the level of corporate social responsibility reporting between groups of auditor type and corporate social responsibility award. The type of auditor and a previous corporate social responsibility award have a significant effect on the level of corporate social responsibility reporting. The level of corporate social responsibility reporting, and the type of industry are found to significantly influence corporate financial performance
A thermodynamic description of metastable c-TiAlZrN coatings with triple spinodally decomposed domains
Authors: Zhou J. , Zhang L. , Chen L. , Du Y. , Liu Z.K.
Published: February 2017

A critical thermodynamic assessment of the metastable c-TiAlZrN coatings,
which are reported to spinodally decompose into triple domains, i.e., c-TiN,
c-AlN, and c-ZrN, was performed via the CALculation of PHAse Diagram
(CALPHAD) technique based on the limited experimental data as well as the
first-principles computed free energies. The metastable c-TiAlZrN coatings
were modeled as a pseudo-ternary phase consisting of c-TiN, c-AlN and c-ZrN
species, and described using the substitutional solution model. The
thermodynamic descriptions for the three boundary binaries were directly
taken from either the CALPHAD assessment or the first-principles results
available in the literature except for a re-adjustment of the pseudo-binary
c-AlN/c-ZrN system based on the experimental phase equilibria in the
pseudo-ternary system. The good agreement between the calculated phase
equilibria and the experimental data over the wide temperature range was
obtained, validating the reliability of the presently obtained thermodynamic
descriptions for the c-TiAlZrN system. Based on the present thermodynamic
description, different phase diagrams and thermodynamic properties can be
easily predicted. It is anticipated that the present thermodynamic
description of the metastable c-TiAlZrN coatings can serve as the important
input for the later quantitative description of the microstructure evolution
during service life.
Adrenocortical carcinoma’s incidence and mortality in central Serbia
Authors: Jovanovic Milan , Zivaljevic Vladan , Diklic Aleksandar , Slijepcevic Nikola , Tausanovic Katarina , Stevanovic Ksenija , Paunovic Ivan
Published: February 2017

Introduction/Objective. Adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs) are very rare tumors with grave prognosis despite multimodal treatment. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence and mortality of ACCs in Central Serbia. Methods. The study period was from 1999 to 2012. We used data from the Cancer Registry of Central Serbia. Incidence and mortality rates were sex- and age-standardized according to Segi?s world population. Results. In the defined period of the study, 128 patients with a diagnosis of ACC were registered and the female-to-male ratio was 1.3:1. The median age of affected individuals was 42.3 years. There were two main age peaks ? one in childhood (0?9 years), and the other in the fifth and sixth decade of life. In this period, the average standardized incidence rate of ACC amounted to two per million people with slightly increasing trend. The largest number of male patients with ACC (22; 39.2%) was registered in the age group of 0?9 years, while the largest number of patients in females was shown to be in the age group of 40?49 years (29; 40.3%). During the study period, there were 35 deaths registered in patients with ACC (mean age of 61.2 years). The average mortality rate of ACC was 0.3 per million people. The male-to-female ratio was 1.5:1. Most fatal outcomes were registered in the age groups of 50?59 and 60?69 years, so 91.4% of all deaths took place in the age groups 50+. Conclusion. ACC is an extremely rare tumor that occurs more often in women than in men. However, fatal outcomes occur more frequently in males.
Operating Speed on a Buffer-Separated Managed Lane
Authors: Fitzpatrick Kay , Avelar Raul , Lindheimer Tomás E.
Published: February 2017

Managed lanes typically are on or adjacent to freeways and are actively operated and managed to preserve operational performance—such as more optimal travel speeds—over comparable general-purpose traffic lanes. A study was conducted to evaluate speeds on existing buffer-separated managed lanes to identify variables that influence operating speed. Speed data from more than 130 unique sites in Los Angeles, California; Orange County, California; and Dallas, Texas, were used. All analyses showed that the managed lane volume and the speed in the general-purpose lanes were related to the speed in the managed lane (statistically significant). The Dallas analysis, which used speeds averaged by 1-min increments, showed that the factor with the most influence on uncongested managed lane speed was the managed lane’s geometry. The relationship between uncongested managed lane speed and the managed lane envelope (sum of left shoulder width, managed lane width, and buffer width) was found to be statistically significant. For each additional foot over a 16-ft envelope width, managed lane speed increased by approximately 3.2 mph. In contrast, the California analysis, which used speeds averaged by 1-h increments, showed that the variable having the most influence was the volume in the managed lane. The researchers theorized that the lack of a relationship between managed lane speed and geometry in California is related to those speeds being an average 1-h speed rather than the 1-min speeds available in Texas.
Benchmarks and Blinders: How Canadian Women Utilize the Nutrition Facts Table
Authors: Dukeshire Steven , Nicks Emily
Published: February 2017

Purpose: To better understand how consumers use the Nutrition Facts Table (NFT) in their everyday shopping decisions and food consumption habits.

Methods: Thirteen Canadian females were interviewed about how they use the NFT in their food choices.

Results: Different elements of the front of the package served different purposes. Health claims and health checks drew attention to the product, but were not highly trusted. Ingredient lists were used to find “real food.” NFTs were considered important with each participant reporting an individualized strategy for using the NFT characterized by the application of benchmarks and blinders. The term “blinders” reflected only seeing and using one specific nutrient by assessing whether or not it exceeded a certain “benchmark” established by the participant. Therefore, the level of one specific nutrient determined the healthfulness of the product and the subsequent purchase/consumption decision.

Conclusions: Findings suggest that NFTs should be redesigned. Some ideas for redesign include only listing “unhealthy” nutrients, having serving sizes more congruent to what is eaten in a typical sitting, making it easier to identify when a food may be high in a nutrient, and providing ways to allow the NFT to be used to meet personal, individualized needs.
Thirty-day readmission and reoperation rates after single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion versus those after cervical disc replacement
Authors: Bhashyam Niketh , De la Garza Ramos Rafael , Nakhla Jonathan , Nasser Rani , Jada Ajit , Purvis Taylor E. , Sciubba Daniel M. , Kinon Merritt D. , Yassari Reza
Published: February 2017

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to compare 30-day readmission and reoperation rates after single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) versus those after cervical disc replacement (CDR).

METHODS

The authors used the 2013–2014 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Included were adult patients who underwent first-time single-level ACDF or CDR for cervical spondylosis or disc herniation. Primary outcome measures were readmission and/or reoperation within 30 days of the original surgery. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent effect of the procedure (ACDF or CDR) on outcome, and results are presented as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

A total of 6077 patients met the inclusion criteria; 5590 (92.0%) patients underwent single-level ACDF, and 487 (8.0%) patients underwent CDR. The readmission rates were 2.6% for ACDF and 0.4% for CDR (p = 0.003). When stratified according to age groups, only patients between the ages of 41 and 60 years who underwent ACDF had a significantly higher readmission rate than those who underwent CDR (2.5% vs 0.7%, respectively; p = 0.028). After controlling for patient age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, hypertension, steroid use, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, patients who underwent CDR were significantly less likely to undergo readmission within 30 days than patients who underwent ACDF (OR 0.23 [95% CI 0.06–0.95]; p = 0.041). Patients with a history of COPD (OR 1.97 [95% CI 1.08–3.57]; p = 0.026) or hypertension (OR 1.62 [95% CI 1.10–2.38]; p = 0.013) and those at ASA Class IV (OR 14.6 [95% CI 1.69–125.75]; p = 0.015) were significantly more likely to require readmission within 30 days. The reoperation rates were 1.2% for ACDF and 0.4% for CDR (p = 0.086), and multivariate analysis revealed that CDR was not associated with lower odds of reoperation (OR 0.60 [95% CI 0.14–2.55]; p = 0.492). However, increasing age was associated with a higher risk (OR 1.02 [95% CI 1.00–1.05]; p = 0.031) of reoperation; a 2% increase in risk per year of age was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who underwent single-level ACDF had a higher readmission rate than those who underwent single-level CDR in this study. When stratified according to age, this effect was seen only in the 41- to 60-year age group. No significant difference in the 30-day single-level ACDF and single-level CDR reoperation rates was found. Although patients in the ACDF group were older and sicker, other unmeasured covariates might have accounted for the increased rate of readmission in this group, and further investigation is encouraged.