bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALISIS FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI PENERIMAAN PAJAK (Studi Empirik di Kantor Pelayanan Pajak Pratama Surakarta)
Authors: Cahyono Yuli Tri
Published: October 2017

This research is aimed to examine and analyze the influence of tax evasion, tax compliance by tax payer, self assessment system, awareness of tax payer, the comprehension on tax laws, and perceptions of service quality towards the level of tax income. The total sample of this research were 95 individual tax payers. The technique to collect sample in this research is convenience sampling. The data analysis method is multiple linear regression. The results of this research shows that the variable of perceptions of service quality give the influence towards the tax income, meanwhile the variable of tax evasion, tax compliance by tax payer, self assessment system, awareness of tax payer, the comprehension on tax laws are not influence towards the tax income. Keywords: tax evasion, self assessment system, perceptions of service quality, the level of tax income
Managers' Roles in Performance-Based Reward Enhancing Employees’ Feelings of Procedural Justice
Authors: Ismail Azman , Abd Razak Mohd Ridwan
Published: October 2017

This study assesses the correlation between managers’ roles in performance based reward and procedural justice at disaster agencies in Malaysia. The outcomes of SmartPLS (PLS-SEM) path model analysis demonstrated that the capability of management to correctly apply communication, involvement and performance assessment in performance-based reward could lead to higher employees' feelings of procedural justice in the organizational sample. Further, this study offers discussion, implications, and conclusion.Keywords: Managers’ roles, performance based reward, procedural justice, SmartPLS
Educação, pobreza e desigualdade social
Authors: Garcia Adir , Yannoulas Silvia
Published: October 2017

Apresenta reflexões sobre a universalidade e a obrigatoriedade escolar na educação básica considerando as tensões, os conflitos e as contradições educacionais na ordem do capital. Reflete também sobre as possíveis alterações quanto à permanência das crianças na escola e à sua condição de pobreza decorrentes da condicionalidade estabelecida pelo Programa Bolsa Família (PBF), visto que a obrigatoriedade escolar já era uma questão constitucional anteriormente estabelecida. Conclui que a educação na ordem do capital não pode ser responsabilizada pela erradicação da pobreza, dado que essa é um problema estrutural, no entanto, é fundamental continuar lutando pela garantia de acesso, condições de permanência e qualidade. Conclui também que a condicionalidade imposta pelo PBF modificou, em certa medida, a condição educacional de alunos/as pobres, mas se constitui em um instrumento que fere a própria condição de sujeito de direito daqueles que se submetem a essa imposição.
«La invención de la novela contemporánea. Tributo a Mario Vargas Llosa», de Gladys Flores Heredia (ed.)
Authors: Huaytán Eduardo Miguel
Published: October 2017

Reseña del libro La invención de la novela contemporánea. Tributo a Mario Vargas Llosa, de Gladys Flores Heredia (ed.)
Phyllanthin: A Potential Lead Molecule for the Future Needs
Authors: Azam Mohammed , Ajitha Makula
Published: October 2017

Phyllanthin is an active lignan present in various Phyllanthus species and number of studies revealed that it exhibits various biological activities that include antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anticancer, antidiabetic, immunosuppressant and anti-inflammatory activities. After thorough examination of existing literature it was discovered that there is currently no comprehensive review available on this significant phytocompound. Hence, an attempt was made to present the physicochemical properties, enhancement techniques of yield and bioavailability, synthesis, pharmacological applications and toxicity studies of phyllanthin. This report also highlights semisynthetic derivatives and mechanisms of action of phyllanthin for various biological activities.
Evaluation of Incisional Diabetic Wound Healing Activity of Ethanolic Leave Extract of Mimosa pudica L. in Rats
Authors: Kumar R. Santosh , Rajkiran K. , Patnaik Sunil Kumar
Published: October 2017

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a fast growing epidemic throughout the world. India is going to become the capital of DM. DM patients are at greater risk of serious infective foot ulcer or wound. The diabetic wound may be associated with late healing and septic manifestation and finally reach to limb amputation which is an overpriced incident. The herbal products are more precious in both prophylaxis as well as curative in delayed diabetic wound healing activity when compare to synthetic drugs. The present study was carried out to evaluate the diabetic incisional wound healing activity of ethanolic leave extract of Mimosa pudica L. (EMP) in Streptozotocin (55 mg/kg, i.p.) induced diabetic rats. A wound of 1cm incision was made on ventral side of diabetic male albino wistar rats. The two different doses (2.5% and 5%) of EMP are applied on wound b.i.d for 11 days. The initial and final fasting serum glucose levels were estimated to confirm the disease state. The breaking strength and histopathological studies of incisional healed skin was estimated. The EMP 2.5 % and EMP 5% have shown significant (p>0.01) increase in wound breaking strength as well as well epithelialization compared to diabetic control group.
Evaluation of In Vitro Anti-Oxidant Activity of Mentha arvensis Linn in Memory Enhancing Study
Authors: Ameen Nazima , Shafi Sabeeha
Published: October 2017

The main objective of the study was to evaluate the in vitro anti-oxidant parameters for the study of memory enhancing activity of Mentha arvensis Linn closely related to Alzheimers disease. Mentha arvensisLinn is a plant commonly known as Pudina.It is used in our daily cuisines in India. The study included the aerial parts of Mentha arvensis belonging to family Lamiaceae. Two extracts were taken the aqueous and ethanolic extract. The phytochemical analysis of plant of Mentha arvensis Linn showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins,saponins, glycosides, terpenes, flavonoids, fats, carbohydrates, steroids and proteins.Oxidative compounds are responsible for causing many diseases like ischemic heart disease, Parkinson disease, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis and Alzhemers disease. In order to cure these diseases anti-oxidants are used. Keeping these facts in view, the anti-oxidant activity of Mentha arvensis Linn was evaluated in memory enhancing activity.
التأشير والتباعد بين القدماء والمحدثين مقاربة تداولية
Authors: Dizayi Delxosh J. H
Published: October 2017

أراد هذا البحث الموسوم بـ ( التأشير والتباعد بين القدماء والمحدثين - مقاربة تداولية) أن يعالج  محوراً أساسياً من التداولية ؛ليبحث عن جذوره وتأصيل مفاهيمه في الإرث اللغوي العربي بقراءته قراءة تداولية ثانية ؛لإبراز معالم التداولية  في توجهات القدماء وطروحاتهم اللغوية عموماً ، وذلك بتعمق البحث في التعابير الإشارية - المتفرعة إلى (الإشاريات الشخصية و المكانية والزمانية والخطابية والاجتماعية) المُعالجة في مباحث مخصصة في هذا البحث- وكيفيات استعمالها ودواعي تناولها واقتضاءاتها الاجتماعية بإجراء مقاربة تداولية بين المفاهيم التأشيرية بالوقوف عند الكفاية التفسيرية والوصفية للإشاريات ،ثم تطبيقها في التحليلات اللغوية القديمة ؛لكشف خصوبة البحث اللساني العربي بمثل هذه المستجدات اللغوية وثراء معالجات القدماء بهذه الرؤى والتفسيرات المعرفية والخطابية،فتولد هذا البحث بثوبه الجديد وبإجراء متابعة عميقة ودقيقة لجهود القدماء في حقل النحو والبلاغة والتفسير الذي فاض بمفاهيم تلك الإشاريات وأنماطها الخطابية المحدِّدة للأبعاد  الشخصية والزمانية والمكانية والخطابية والاجتماعية المستعملة في النماذج العربية الفصيحة أو النصوص القرآنية التي أبانها العلماء بالتفسير والتحليل.
Unidades Ininterruptas de Alimentação (UPS)
Authors: Caçote José , Diniz Paulo
Published: October 2017

As UPS (unidades de alimentação ininterruptas) são sistemas destinados à alimentação de dispositivos elétricos quando existe um corte de energias de rede.As UPS diferenciam-se dos restantes sistemas de emergência na medida em que possibilitam a alimentação instantânea quando ocorre um corte através de baterias e circuitos eletrónicos associados para sistemas de baixa potência ou geradores diesel e sistemas “flywheel*” para sistemas de grande potência.
Infraestruturas de Telecomunicações
Authors: Ramos Sérgio Filipe Carvalho , Martins Hélder Nelson Moreira
Published: October 2017

Decorridos três anos após a publicação da 2ª edição das Prescrições e Especificações Técnicas das Infraestruturas de Telecomunicações em Edifícios (Manual ITED), verificou-se uma melhoria substancial não só na oferta de prestação de serviços por parte dos operadores como uma maior flexibilidade de exploração por parte dos utilizadores. Com efeito, a publicação do DL 123/2009, com a respetiva redação conferida pelo DL 258/2009, não sendo uma legislação de rutura face ao anterior DL 59/2000 veio, uma vez mais, elevar os índices de qualidade das instalações e promover o desenvolvimento tecnológico no setor das comunicações eletrónicas. Convém não esquecer que a publicação da legislação mencionada não se baseou em trazer “mais do mesmo”, pelo contrário, trouxe inovação e exigência de rigor e profissionalismo por parte dos profissionais do setor, sejam eles projetistas, instaladores ou fabricantes.
Como abordar uma instalação de domótica KNX para uma moradia?
Authors: Queirós Sérgio Cunha de Freitas
Published: October 2017

A domótica pode ser entendida como o controlo automatizado das instalações técnicas existentes num edifício. [...] Como hoje em dia, aspetos como a segurança, eficiência energética, conforto e comunicação são cada vez mais uma exigência dos proprietários/utilizadores dos edifícios, não faz sentido continuar a abordar a execução de instalações elétricas do tipo convencional, sistemas de AVAC, alarmes e outros, sem que estes comuniquem entre si.
A Evolução do Défice Tarifário
Authors: Azevedo Manuel , Cruz Manuel Bravo De Faria
Published: October 2017

Segundo as previsões da Entidade Reguladora dos Serviços Energéticos (ERSE), o défice tarifário deverá atingir em finais do 2013 um valor acumulado de 3,7 mil milhões de Euros. Na comunicação social, o défice tarifário (DT) é considerado como mais uma “renda” a alguns grupos de interesse. Na realidade o DT é justificado por uma acumulação sucessiva de diversos tipos de sobrecustos do sistema elétrico que não foi considerada nas tarifas e preços da eletricidade nos anos anteriores aos respetivos consumidores elétricos.
Utilização Racional de Energia em Equipamentos de Força Motriz
Authors: Carvalho José António Beleza
Published: October 2017

A utilização racional de energia (URE) visa proporcionar o mesmo nível de produção de bens, serviços e de conforto através de tecnologias que reduzem os consumos face a soluções convencionais. A URE pode conduzir a reduções substanciais do consumo de energia e das emissões de poluentes associadas à sua conversão. Em muitas situações a URE pode também conduzir a uma elevada economia nos custos do ciclo de vida dos equipamentos utilizadores deenergia (custo inicial mais custo de funcionamento ao longo da vida útil). Embora geralmente sejam mais dispendiosos, em termos de custo inicial, os equipamentos mais eficientesconsomem menos energia, conduzindo a custos de funcionamento mais reduzidos e apresentando outras vantagens adicionais.
Secção ótima
Authors: Caldeirinha José
Published: October 2017

Nem sempre a secção definida ou tabelada como “mínima” para uma determinada corrente de serviço é a secção ótima para executar um circuito. Esta secção dependerá do valor da carga e da quantidade de tempo a que está sujeita, podendo compensar economicamente executar o circuito com uma secção superior, obtendo-se o retorno do investimento com a redução das perdas por efeito de Joule.
Traçagem Elétrica
Authors: Almeida Mário Fernando Soares de
Published: October 2017

Antes de surgir a traçagem elétrica os tubos e os depósitos eram aquecidos com tubos de vapor, gerado em caldeiras a nafta, o qual circulava em complicadas redes de tubos, instalados em paralelo com a tubagem a aquecer em alta temperatura.Este sistema de pouca flexibilidade tornava as instalações mais complexas e aumentava os custos de investimento e de manutenção. Adicionalmente os sistemas requeriam um sistema complicado e caro de controlo pouco rigoroso da temperatura. Esta situação deu oportunidade ao desenvolvimento da traçagem elétrica.Esta nova tecnologia é uma solução muito mais simples, mais eficaz, segura e mais barata para manter constante a temperatura em tubagens e depósitos.
Motores de Ímans Permanentes para Aplicações de Alta Eficiência
Authors: Martins Carlos Eduardo G.
Published: October 2017

Motores de ímans permanentes (motores PM) podem ser utilizados em praticamente todas as aplicações, tais como bombas, elevadores, compressores, ventiladores, extrusoras, geradores, veículos elétricos, servoacionamentos, torres de refrigeração, eletrodomésticos, etc. Este artigo apresenta algumas aplicações para evidenciar que o uso de motores PM traz melhorias em eficiência energética e qualidade do processo.
Medicina traslacional y su aplicación en la investigación de terapias complementarias
Authors: Angulo-Bazan Yolanda , Fuentes-Delgado Duilio
Published: October 2017

Durante los últimos 20 años, la medicina basada en evidencias se ha convertido en el dogma que dirige la toma de decisiones ante situaciones clínicas desafiantes, a las que se enfrentan los profesionales de la salud todos los días. Sin embargo, la adopción de este paradigma llevado al extremo, originó la necesidad de contar con evidencias que sustenten en absoluto todas las decisiones que podría tomar un profesional ante un caso clínico en su práctica diaria; la consecuencia de esto fue el inevitable divorcio entre la investigación preclínica, dominada por ciencias básicas como la Biología, la Química, la Física o ciencias sociales como la Antropología o la Sociología.
Etnobotánica y sistemas de extracción para compuestos fenolicos, actividad antioxidante y toxicidad de plantas de paramos y bosques nublados del norte peruano
Authors: Torres-Guevara Fidel A. , Ganoza-Yupanqui Mayar L.
Published: October 2017

Objetivo. Realizar una investigación etnobotánica con enfoque participativo, para identificar especies originarias de los paramos y bosques de neblina de los andes del norte peruano, promisorias desde el punto de vista nutricional y terapeútico, mediante cinco sistemas de extracción que den precisión al análisis de la presencia de las sustancias bioactivas responsables de sus propiedades. Materiales y Metodos. Estudio etnobotanico. Se realizó por consenso de asambleas y participación activa de las organizaciones comunales en la determinación de objetivos, programación, ejecucion de acciones, encuestas, viajes de colecta y eleccion de las especies de interes de las comunidades. Se prepararon extractos al 10% P/V de 19 especies de interes, usando cinco sistemas: tres hidroalcoholicos (etanol a 96° GL, etanol a 70° GL y etanol a 45° GL) y dos acuosos (infusion y decoccion) a los cuales se aplicaron los metodos Folin Ciocalteu, para evaluar compuestos fenolicos; DPPH para evaluar la actividad antioxidante, y bioensayos de toxicidad mediante exposicion de Artemia salina, a fin de determinar la concentracion letal media (CL50). Resultados. Tres especies del paramo y dos del bosque nublado, de las 19 estudiadas, muestran valores significativos de compuestos fenolicos, actividad antioxidante y no poseen toxicidad: Myrcianthes myrsinoides, Bejaria resinosa, Acaena ovalifolia, Cuphea ciliata, Muehlenbeckia hastulata. Conclusión. El enfoque de investigación participativa en la etnobotánica optimizo el registro de los conocimientos tradicionales y permitio la identificación de cinco especies, con sus respectivos métodos de extracción, promisorias para futuras investigaciones preclínicas de efectos específicos, acordes con el uso tradicional.
Calidad de atención y grado de satisfacción de los usuarios de consulta externa del Centro de Atención de Medicina Complementaria del Hospital III Iquitos-2016
Authors: Infantes Gomez Francisco Mercedes
Published: October 2017

Objetivo. Evaluar los factores asociados a la calidad percibida en la atención de medicina complementaria en el Hospital III de Iquitos, en el año 2016. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal. Se evaluaron a 305 pacientes en la consulta externa del Centro de Medicina Complementaria (CAMEC) durante el año 2016, mediante el uso del SERVQUAL modificado. Además, se evaluaron posibles factores asociados como la edad, sexo, grado de instrucción, tipo de paciente (nuevo o continuador) o la condición del encuestado (paciente o acompañante). Resultados.La satisfacción global fue de 72,9%. La satisfacción por dimensiones fue de un 68,6% de Fiabilidad; 72,3% de Capacidad de Respuesta; 77,1% de Seguridad; 73,7% de Empatía, y 73,6% para Aspectos Tangibles. El sexo y la edad estuvieron relacionados con todas las dimensiones evaluadas (p<0,05) y con la satisfacción global en el caso de las personas mayores de 58 años. Conclusión. La satisfacción global percibida fue alta, siendo las dimensiones de Seguridad y Empatía las que presentaron mayores porcentajes de satisfacción, encontrándose relación con el sexo y la edad.
Scope and Status of Vegetable Seed Production in Ethiopia
Authors: Kahsay Yemane
Published: October 2017

This paper reviewed the scope and status of vegetable seed production in order to assess the current vegetable seed supply, production, distribution scenario and production potential. Adaptation and demonstration of improved vegetable technologies have shown the potential of producing different types of vegetable in different agro climatic regions in the country. It is important to identify suitable production belts and establish model seed multiplication scheme with strong collaboration of research, farmers/growers, seed distributors, vegetable producers and the extension sector. It is important to encourage private sectors that are interested in the horticulture seed industry. In many Asian countries the seed are commercially handled in which the market share of the private sector is more than 80%. It is important that variety development program be linked with the seed system. In additions, the economics of seed production be considered to assist farmers for decision.
For efficient, economic and sustainable seed supply, seed production should be decentralized into major crop production zones with active participation of both public and private sectors. At the same time, the local seed supply should be organized using both local and improved varieties through secondary seed multiplication scheme. Improved seed production and distribution are predominantly carried out in the public sector; the scope of the formal seed supply systems is limited in developing countries like Ethiopia. Though there is huge potential; horticultural crop production and multiplication of improved variety of the seed is a great bottle neck problem. Lack of varieties and inadequate breeder and basic seed supply for effective seed production, limited technical and managerial experience and material resource absence of specialized seed farms in adequate coverage of economically important crops and lack of independent quality seed control system specially the foreign seed should be addressed by the responsible seed center.
Molecular characterization and phylogeny of Staphylococci from white tail deer, Odocoileus virginianus, in Western New York
Authors: Foderaro Kristina , Opper Sonja , Gallo Mark A.
Published: October 2017

Staphylococcus is a prevalent and versatile
bacterium found in many different settings, from
numerous animal hosts in the environment to
healthcare facilities in the community. It has
become very successful in establishing itself as a
commensal in various humans and animals.
Concern over this bacterium has increased due to
the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between
strains. This study specifically investigated the
prevalence of Staph from the nasal passages of
white tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus, in
Western New York. This source of bacteria is
unique in that it should not be under direct
influence of antibiotic use. DNA was isolated from
strains of Staph from the deer, and PCR was
performed to amplify a region of the 16s rRNA
gene and a number of genetic markers used for
multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) for DNA
sequence analysis. Tentative phylogenetic
relationships of these bacterial strains were made
to previously characterized type strains of
Staphylococcus. The use of MLST and 16s rRNA
gene sequence deserve analysis with respect to
their broad applicability beyond the strains typically
found associated with humans and agriculture.
Rafinesque's Sicilian whale,Balena gastrytis
Authors: Woodman N. , Mead J. G.
Published: October 2017

In 1815, the naturalist Constantine S. Rafinesque described a new species of cetacean, Balena gastrytis, from Sicily, based on a whale that stranded on Carini beach near Palermo. In comparing the characteristics of his new whale with known species, Rafinesque also took the opportunity to name a new genus, Cetoptera, to replace Balaenoptera Lacépède, 1804 . Unfortunately, few of Rafinesque's contemporaries saw his article, which appeared in Il Portafoglio, a local journal that he published and distributed. The journal remains rare, and awareness of the whale remains minimal, despite its relevance to cetacean taxonomy and understanding of whale diversity and distribution in the Mediterranean. We describe the circumstances of the stranding of the Sicilian whale and provide Rafinesque's original description of the whale, as well as an evaluation of its reported characteristics and its current identity.
The early scientific history of Galapagos tortoises
Authors: Olson S. L.
Published: October 2017

Specimens of Galapagos tortoises (Testudo, now Chelonoidis) obtained by scientific institutions up to and including the voyage of the Beagle (1835) are reviewed, along with the scientific literature of that period. The idea that all giant tortoises (Galapagos and Indian Ocean) were a single species (Testudo indica) was challenged as early as 1817 by Amasa Delano and refuted scientifically by Harlan in 1826, although his publication was widely ignored; some authors continued to use T. indica for Galapagos tortoises at least until 1855. That Galapagos tortoises varied from island to island was reported first by David Porter in 1815, but such differences continued to be in the realm of hearsay until well after the publication of the second edition of Darwin's Journal of researches in 1845. Contrary to what has been written by modern authors, Darwin did not think that tortoises had been introduced to the Galapagos from elsewhere. Also contrary to popular mythology, tortoises did not play an important role in the development of Darwin's evolutionary theories.
Two-Tier Reactive Power and Voltage Control Strategy Based on ARMA Renewable Power Forecasting Models
Authors: Lu Jinling , Wang Bo , Ren Hui , Zhao Daqian , Wang Fei , Shafie-khah Miadreza , Catalão João
Published: October 2017

To address the static voltage stability issue and suppress the voltage fluctuation caused by the increasing integration of wind farms and solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants, a two-tier reactive power and voltage control strategy based on ARMA power forecasting models for wind and solar plants is proposed in this paper. Firstly, ARMA models are established to forecast the output of wind farms and solar PV plants. Secondly, the discrete equipment is pre-regulated based on the single-step prediction information from ARMA forecasting models according to the optimization result. Thirdly, a multi-objective optimization model is presented and solved by particle swarm optimization (PSO) according to the measured data and the proposed static voltage stability index. Finally, the IEEE14 bus system including a wind farm and solar PV plant is utilized to test the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. The results show that the proposed strategy can suppress voltage fluctuation and improve the static voltage stability under the condition of high penetration of renewables including wind and solar power.
Partial Stray Inductance Modeling and Measuring of Asymmetrical Parallel Branches on the Bus-Bar of Electric Vehicles
Authors: Geng Chengfei , He Fengyou , Zhang Jingwei , Hu Hongsheng
Published: October 2017

In order to increase the power rating of electric vehicles, insulated gate bipolar translator (IGBT) modules with multiple power terminals are usually adopted. The transient current sharing of the same polarity power terminals is related to the stray inductance in the branches of the bus-bar. Based on the laminated bus-bar of a three-phase inverter in the electric vehicles that consists of asymmetrical parallel branches, this paper investigates the transient current imbalance sharing caused by the asymmetrical stray inductance in the parallel branches of the bus-bar from the view of energy storing and releasing of stray inductance for the first time. Besides, the partial self-inductance and mutual-inductance model of the parallel branches is set up. Finally, a high-precision partial stray inductance measurement method is proposed, and the accuracy of the partial stray inductance model for asymmetrical parallel branches is verified by experimental tests.
A Comparative Genomic and Transcriptomic Survey Provides Novel Insights into N-Acetylserotonin Methyltransferase (ASMT) in Fish
Authors: Zhang Kai , Ruan Zhiqiang , Li Jia , Bian Chao , You Xinxin , Coon Steven , Shi Qiong
Published: October 2017

Melatonin is a multifunctional bioactive molecule that plays comprehensive physiological roles in all living organisms. N-acetylserotonin methyltransferase (ASMT, also known as hydroxyindole O-methyltransferase or HIOMT) is the final enzyme for biosynthesis of melatonin. Here, we performed a comparative genomic and transcriptomic survey to explore the ASMT family in fish. Two ASMT isotypes (ASMT1 and ASMT2) and a new ASMT-like (ASMTL) are all extracted from teleost genomes on the basis of phylogenetic and synteny analyses. We confirmed that C-terminal of the ASMTL proteins (ASMTL-ASMT) is homology to the full length of ASMT1 and ASMT2. Our results also demonstrate that the two ASMT isotypes and their distribution in teleosts seem to be the result of combinations of whole-genome duplication (WGD) and gene loss. Differences were also observed in tissue distribution and relative transcript abundances of ASMT1, ASMT2 and ASMTL through transcriptomic analysis. Protein sequence alignment and 3D structure prediction of ASMTs and ASMTL suggest differential roles for these ASMT genes. In summary, our current work provides novel insights into the ASMT genes in fish by combination of genomic and transcriptomic data.
PSpice Modeling of a Sandwich Piezoelectric Ceramic Ultrasonic Transducer in Longitudinal Vibration
Authors: Wei Xiaoyuan , Yang Yuan , Yao Wenqing , Zhang Lei
Published: October 2017

Sandwiched piezoelectric transducers are widely used, especially in high power applications. For more convenient analysis and design, a PSpice lossy model of sandwiched piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers in longitudinal vibration is proposed by means of the one-dimensional wave and transmission line theories. With the proposed model, the resonance and antiresonance frequencies are obtained, and it is shown that the simulations and measurements have good consistency. For the purpose of further verification the accuracy and application of the PSpice model, a pitch-catch setup and an experimental platform are built. They include two sandwiched piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers and two aluminum cylinders whose lengths are 20 mm and 100 mm respectively. Based on this pitch-catch setup, the impedance and transient analysis are performed. Compared with the measured results, it is shown that the simulated results have good consistency. In addition, the conclusion can be drawn that the optimal excitation frequency for the pitch-catch setup is not necessarily the resonance frequency of ultrasonic transducers, because the resonance frequency is obtained under no load. The proposed PSpice model of the sandwiched piezoelectric transducer is more conveniently applied to combine with other circuits such as driving circuits, filters, amplifiers, and so on.
An Extended ADOP for Performance Evaluation of Single-Frequency Single-Epoch Positioning by BDS/GPS in Asia-Pacific Region
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhang Shubi , Zhang Qiuzhao , Yang Wei
Published: October 2017

Single-Frequency Single-Epoch (SFSE) high-precision positioning has always been the hot spot of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), and ambiguity dilution of precision (ADOP) is a well-known scalar measure for success rate of ambiguity resolution. Traditional ADOP expression is complicated, thus the SFSE extended ADOP (E-ADOP), with the newly defined Summation-Multiplication Ratio of Weight (SMRW) and two theorems for short baseline, was developed. This simplifies the ADOP expression; gives a clearer insight into the influences of SMRW and number of satellites on E-ADOP; and makes theoretical analysis of E-ADOP more convenient than that of ADOP, and through that the E-ADOP value can be predicted more accurately than through the ADOP expression for ADOP value. E-ADOP reveals that number of satellites and SMRW or high-elevation satellite are important for ADOP and, through E-ADOP, we studied which factor is dominant to control ADOP in different conditions and make ADOP different between BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), Global Positioning System (GPS), and BDS/GPS. Based on experimental results of SFSE positioning with different baselines, some conclusions are made: (1) ADOP decreases when new satellites are added mainly because the number of satellites becomes larger; (2) when the number of satellites is constant, ADOP is mainly affected by SMRW; (3) in contrast to systems where the satellites with low-elevation are the majority or where low- and high-elevation satellites are equally distributed, in systems where the high-elevation satellites are the majority, the SMRW mainly makes ADOP smaller, even if there are fewer satellites than in the two previous cases, and the difference in numbers of satellites can be expanded as the proportion of high-elevation satellites becomes larger; and (4) ADOP of BDS is smaller than ADOP of GPS mainly because of its SMRW.
A Novel Fiber Optic Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensors with Special Boronic Acid Derivative to Detect Glycoprotein
Authors: Zhang Yang , Wang Fang , Qian Siyu , Liu Zexu , Wang Qiao , Gu Yiying , Wu Zhenlin , Jing Zhenguo , Sun Changsen , Peng Wei
Published: October 2017

We proposed and demonstrated a novel tilted fiber Bragg grating (TFBG)-based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) label-free biosensor via a special boronic acid derivative to detect glycoprotein with high sensitivity and selectivity. TFBG, as an effective sensing element for optical sensing in near-infrared wavelengths, possess the unique capability of easily exciting the SPR effect on fiber surface which coated with a nano-scale metal layer. SPR properties can be accurately detected by measuring the variation of transmitted spectra at optical communication wavelengths. In our experiment, a 10° TFBG coated with a 50 nm gold film was manufactured to stimulate SPR on a sensor surface. To detect glycoprotein selectively, the sensor was immobilized using designed phenylboronic acid as the recognition molecule, which can covalently bond with 1,2- or 1,3-diols to form five- or six-membered cyclic complexes for attaching diol-containing biomolecules and proteins. The phenylboronic acid was synthetized with long alkyl groups offering more flexible space, which was able to improve the capability of binding glycoprotein. The proposed TFBG-SPR sensors exhibit good selectivity and repeatability with a protein concentration sensitivity up to 2.867 dB/ (mg/mL) and a limit of detection (LOD) of 15.56 nM.
IoT’s Tiny Steps towards 5G: Telco’s Perspective
Authors: Cero Enida , Baraković Husić Jasmina , Baraković Sabina
Published: October 2017

The numerous and diverse applications of the Internet of Things (IoT) have the potential to change all areas of daily life of individuals, businesses, and society as a whole. The vision of a pervasive IoT spans a wide range of application domains and addresses the enabling technologies needed to meet the performance requirements of various IoT applications. In order to accomplish this vision, this paper aims to provide an analysis of literature in order to propose a new classification of IoT applications, specify and prioritize performance requirements of such IoT application classes, and give an insight into state-of-the-art technologies used to meet these requirements, all from telco’s perspective. A deep and comprehensive understanding of the scope and classification of IoT applications is an essential precondition for determining their performance requirements with the overall goal of defining the enabling technologies towards fifth generation (5G) networks, while avoiding over-specification and high costs. Given the fact that this paper presents an overview of current research for the given topic, it also targets the research community and other stakeholders interested in this contemporary and attractive field for the purpose of recognizing research gaps and recommending new research directions.
The Agricultural Community as a Social Network in a Collaborative, Multi-Stakeholder Problem-Solving Process
Authors: Simpson Hugh , De Loë Rob
Published: October 2017

Collaborative approaches are being promoted as inclusive forums for bringing state and non-state interests together to solve complex environmental problems. Networks have been recognized through previous research as important ways to involve stakeholders in such forums with members participating in knowledge creation and sharing as part of deliberative processes. Less well understood is the effectiveness of network creation and promotion by external actors, especially in relation to knowledge creation and sharing. A case study approach was used to evaluate the efforts of a farm organization to organize a provincially-cohesive network of locally-elected agricultural representatives in Ontario, Canada. Network structure and function were evaluated using a combination of participant observation and Social Network Analysis as part of a mixed methods research approach. The results indicate that stakeholder network development can be actively supported, and that knowledge creation and sharing in these networks occurs within a complex structure of local and provincial-scale relationships.
SUSTAINABLE SEISMIC RETROFITTING OF A RC BUILDING USING PERFORMANCE BASED DESIGN APPROACH
Authors: HAGHPANAH Fardad , FOROUGHI Hamid , BEHROU Reza
Published: October 2017

In the past twenty years, sustainable development has become a challenging subject across many scientific fields. With the built environment as the major component of societies, sustainable construction has been the main player in the whole sustainability mentality. To emphasize on the importance of incorporating sustainability in to seismic retrofitting, three different retrofitting methods (base isolation, concrete jacketing, and steel jacketing) are evaluated for a typical 4-story RC school building under the 1994 Northridge earthquake’s ground motion. Using Performance Based Design approach, the objective of retrofitting is to make the building perform in the Immediate Occupancy performance level according to FEMA guidelines so that it can be used as a shelter after disasters. Results show that although retrofitting by concrete or steel jacketing can control story drifts to satisfy maximum allowable values, the performance of the building and consequent damages do not meet the desired performance objective. In addition, accounting for economic and human losses, these retrofitting options will not provide a sustainable structure if a strong earthquake happens in the future. On the other hand, not only base isolation meets the desired performance objective, but also it will provide a sustainable retrofitted structure by drastically reducing economic and human losses.
Polypharmacy and Unplanned Hospitalizations in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Filkova Maria , Carvalho João , Norton Sam , Scott David , Mant Tim , Molokhia Mariam , Cope Andrew , Galloway James
Published: October 2017

Objective.

Polypharmacy (PP), the prescribing of multiple drugs for an individual, is rising in prevalence. PP associates with an increased risk of adverse drug reactions (ADR) and hospital admissions. We investigated the relationship between PP, characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and the risk of unplanned hospital admissions.

Methods.

Patients from a hospital RA cohort were retrospectively analyzed. Information was collected from electronic medical records. Cox proportional hazards were used to compare hospitalization risk according to levels of PP. Admissions were adjudicated to determine whether an ADR was implicated.

Results.

The study included 1101 patients; the mean number of all medications was 5. PP correlated with increasing age, disease duration, disease activity, and disability. At least 1 unplanned admission occurred for 16% of patients. Patients taking ≥ 10 medications had an adjusted HR for hospitalization of 3.1 (95% CI 2.1–4.5), compared to those taking 0–5 medications. Corticosteroid use associated with a doubling in adjusted risk of admission of 1.7 (95% CI 1.2–2.4). The most common reason for hospitalization was infection (28%). While in half of all admissions an ADR was a possible contributing factor, only 2% of admissions were found to directly result from an ADR.

Conclusion.

PP is common in RA and is a prognostic marker associated with increased risk of acute hospitalizations. Our data suggest that PP may be an indicator of comorbidity burden rather than a contributing cause of a drug-related toxicity. PP should be monitored to minimize inappropriate combination of prescribed medications. PP may be a useful predictor of clinical outcomes in epidemiologic studies.
Automated Generation of Course Improvement Plans Using Expert System
Authors: Imam Muhammad Hasan , Tasadduq Imran Ali , Ahmad Abdul-Rahim , Aldosari Fahd , Khan Haris
Published: October 2017

To satisfy ABET's continuous improvement criterion, an instructor, teaching a course suggests, at the end of the course, an improvement plan to be implemented when the same course is taught next time. Preparation of such a course improvement plan may be mandatory if a pre-specified target level of students' learning is not attained. Since, manual preparation of a course improvement plan is difficult, an idea of generating it using an expert system is presented. The objective is to make the task of improvement plan preparation easier and enjoyable. The proposed expert system has a set of remedies and a set of rules in a data base. A web-based interface queries the instructor about teaching and assessment tools used in the course. The inference engine selects the most appropriate remedy based on instructor's preferences. A cloud implementation of the expert system has been used to test it for a course.
Personality Traits of Students of Helping and Non-Helping Professions
Authors: Kurbalija Vladimir , Ivanović Mirjana , Ignjatovic Vojislava Bugarski , Dinić Bojana M.
Published: October 2017

Personality traits are very important in choosing future profession because most professions require certain skills that are related to certain personality traits. The aim of our research was to determine which personality traits contribute the most to the distinction between the students of different professions, e.g. helping and non-helping professions. On a sample of 356 students, of which 216 study helping professions, Big Five Plus Two (BF+2) personality inventory was applied. For obtained data, the classification accuracies were tested with different combinations of 184 items and 18 subtraits of the BF+2 using Case based reasoning classifier. Results showed that the best accuracy had the set of all 18 subtraits and this set outperformed the classification of every combination of subtraits or items.
Capacity Building in Teaching Organisations
Authors: Kalman Aniko
Published: October 2017

Universities must be sensitive to the changing expectations of students and work-life continuum in the 21st century. Improving performance and teaching quality, enhancing learning experience and effectiveness create a more and more demanding environment for the universities, where students require better knowledge. It raises new kinds of needs for quality development. As an answer to the external threats and the internal opportunities concerning quality issues, the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics developed a new strategy, focussing on learning organisation and student satisfaction. We have identified “peer support review' as an essential process for reviewing teaching processes, ideas and identifying “catching mistakes', as well as for improving the quality of the teaching service. We argue that a “culture of peer reviewing' is an important ingredient and a critical factor in order that quality improvement can be achieved.
The Influence of Nitrogen Doping Concentration on the Strain and Band Gap Energy of N-Doped Zinc Oxide Prepared Using Spray Coating Technique
Authors: Sutanto Heri , Hidayanto Eko , Irwanto Muhammad , Mukholit Mukholit , Wibowo Singgih , Hadiyanto Hadiyanto
Published: October 2017

N-ZnO thin layer is widely used in application of wastewater photo catalyst. N-ZnO thin films have been successfully deposited on glass substrate using spray coating technique at 450 °C with varying concentrations of N from Urea source. XRD test results showed that the N-ZnO has a polycrystalline structure with diffraction field (100), (002), (101) and (110). The presence of nitrogen atoms in the lattice of ZnO causes a shift in diffraction angle between 0.08o - 0.18o. N-ZnO thin layer showed the occurrence of tensile strain. Surface morphology of N-ZnO is shaped like mine (like root). All samples have band gap energies lower than that of ZnO and the smallest is sample N6 with Eg = 3.249 eV. The presence of nitrogen atom increases surface roughness and decreases band gap energy.
Friction and Wear Properties of α-Al2O3-Coated SiC Particle Reinforced Nickel Matrix Composites Sliding against Bearing Steel
Authors: Feng Chao , Xie Yi , Wu Zhong
Published: October 2017

In this study, attempt has been made to investigate the effect of SiC particles on the friction and wear properties of Ni/SiC composites manufactured by electrodeposition, especially for the composites with high-temperature treatment.For this purpose, α-Al2O3 was coated on the surfaces of SiC particles by sol-gel technology to inhibit interfacial reaction of SiC and nickel at high temperature. Both of the Ni/α-Al2O3-coated SiC (Ni/CSp) and Ni/uncoated SiC (Ni/UCSp) composites were treated at 600 °C to study the resulting wear behaviour. The results indicated that with heat treatment at 600 °C, the Ni/CSp composite had better tribological properties than the Ni/UCSp composite. It was proved that the uncoated SiC particles have reacted completely with nickel leaving many defects, while the coated SiC particles still remained in the Ni/CSp composite hardening the nickel matrix and supporting the counterpart, thus improving the wear resistance of Ni/CSp composite with relatively low friction coefficient and wear mass loss compared to the Ni/UCSp composite.
Grain Structure and Surface Roughness of Four Commercial NiTi Orthodontic Archwires
Authors: Wichai Wassana , Isarapatanapong Rutchadakorn , Anuwongnukroh Niwat , Dechkunakorn Surachai
Published: October 2017

This study investigated four commercially available NiTi orthodontic archwires from different manufactures for their grain structure and surface roughness.Four commercially available pre-formed NiTi orthodontic archwire (Ormco, Sentalloy, Highland and NIC) with diameter 0.016 x 0.022 inch2 were tested. The wire samples were polished and etched to evaluate the morphology and structure of wire surface. Each NiTi archwire was investigated under a reflected light microscope of an Optical Microscope to analyze its grain structure and size, in longitudinal surfaces. The surfaces of wire were qualitatively examined in the secondary electron mode at common magnification (500X). The surface roughness was also evaluated by a surface roughness tester. The descriptive statistic was evaluated the mean and standard deviation of surface roughness and Medcale T-Test was to test the mean difference of the surface roughness in each brands. This study showed an average grain size of 2-8 μm for each NiTi archwire. The wire surface of Ormco and Highland showed straiations along the longitudinal axes, however Sentalloy and NIC showed small pores on the wire surface. The surface roughness was 0.09 μm for Highland, 0.25 μm for Sentalloy, 0.28 μm for Ormco and 0.46 μm for NIC archwire. The Highland was smoothest and NIC was the roughest. There were in significant (p < 0.05) difference of surface roughness of each brands. The results showed that the four manufactures NiTi archwires were different in grain size, wire surface and surface roughness. During clinical application, these archwires may exhibit different mechanical properties, such as strength, hardness, ductity, and friction because of their microstructure.
Study upon the Damage Tolerance of Thick Sandwich Materials
Authors: Constantin Nicolae , Sandu Marin , Sandu Adriana , Spânu Paulina , Roşu Dorin , Enescu Cătălin
Published: October 2017

Sandwich composite materials are widely used in various applications, due to their advanced flexibility in responding to special design requirements. This paper presents the evaluation of thick sandwiches, aimed to be imbedded in platforms of a green energy unit, accommodating storage water tanks. The evaluation of the damage tolerance was made having in view previous studies on similar materials and covered assessment of results obtained during low velocity impact tests and post-impact tests, aimed to establish the residual mechanical performance. Ways to increase the damage tolerance, by diminishing the invasive effect of low velocity impact, were also explored.
Characteristic of Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Heat Rolled Laterite Steel with Variety of Size Reduction
Authors: Herbirowo Satrio , Adjiantoro Bintang
Published: October 2017

Indonesia has the most laterite ore reserves in the world. The element originated from the laterite ore is one of the materials in the steel industry. Despite its plentiful of reserves, laterite steel ore has not been used to its maximum potential. This research aims to overview reduction effect on mechanical properties of laterite steel as a result of heated rolling process with various reduction. The reduction variety used in this research were 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60%. Also, the temperature was 980oC. As a result of this research, the increment of reduction followed by the increment of hardness and firmness level of laterite steel. It is proofed by hardness and tensile test. Firmness of the material increased as the reduction increases. The most optimized mechanical properties obtained by 50% reduction, the hardness number was 280.03 HB, tensile strength 620 MPa, elongation 32%, yield 493.33 MPa. Micro structures which formed in this process are ferrite and pearlite phase with very fine pellet size and even pearlite distribution. Fracture types are brittle and ductile fracture with very fine pellet size.