bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPLEMENTASI MODEL TEMATIK DALAM PEMBELAJARAN AGAMA ISLAM PADA PENDIDIKAN ANAK USIA DINI DI RAUDHATUL ATHFAL AL-JIHAD
Authors: Masdalipah Masdalipah , Mujahidin Endin , Bahruddin Ending
Published: November 2018

Implementation of early childhood education (ECD) in Indonesia, especially under the auspices of Islamic educational institutions are still very limited and have not been able to cater to the educational needs of early children across Indonesia. In addition, an increase in the quantity of early childhood institutions, has not been accompanied by an increase in quality. For that, we need innovative learning model in early childhood institutions. This research focuses on the implementation of thematic learning model on Islamic Education in Raudhatulathfal Al-Jihad, which covers all aspects of planning (program), execution (process), evaluation of thematic learning, and its impact on the quality of Islamic education. The research method used was eksperimental research. In addition to testing, the researcher also collected qualitative data through observation and interviews. The study is located in the Kelurahan Kalibaru RT.02 RW.02 Kecamatan Cilodong, Depok, West Java. Formally, the tryout of study was conducted from January to July 2012. Based on the research conducted, through validation readability level, student responses and learning outcomes, the thematic learning model on Islamic education deserves to be applied to early childhood education in Raudhatulathfal Al-Jihad and also applied to other institutions those are similar. In the pre-test results, two different groups obtained about average 7.737 for the experimental group; and 7.789 for the controlled group. Once the thematic learning model on Islamic education applied, then the group of students performed post-test, the result is 8.578 for the experimental group; and 7.947 for the controlled group. The impact of the implementation of the model thematic learning on Islamic education in early childhood toward the quality of Islamic education is very significant. This is obvious from the responses of students very well, that is 96.51%, and the learning outcomes achieved 100% completion. Through a thematic learning model on Islamic education in early childhood, the average increase in the quality of education obtained in the experimental group were higher (0.841) than the controlled one (0.158). Therefore, it is highly recommended that thematic model of learning to be applied in Islamic educational institutions which organizing early childhood education with specific instructional objectives for learning Islamic Education, which covers three areas; cognitive, affective and psychomotor, so that every student in early childhood education can develop basic competencies, such as morals behavioral/social emotional, Islamic competence and other basic competences as the provision they entered to the next educational level.
Pemikiran Pendidikan A. Malik Fadjar
Authors: Kamal Hikmat , Nata Abuddin
Published: November 2018

The formulations of the problems of this research are: how does the educational pattern of thinking of A. Malik Fadjar? What are the indicators of educational thinking of A. Malik Fadjar? What do the factors contribute to the educational thinking of A. Malik Fadjar? And how is the relevance of educational thinking of A. Malik Fadjar with educational praxis? The aims of this research are to reveal and to find the educational thinking/ideas of A. Malik Fadjar. This research employed a qualitative design by investigating data from the writing of A. Malik Fadjar and others’ original writing about A. Malik Fadjar. The data collected is then described holistically, comprehensively, and systematically, which is then analyzed by social history approach of Islamic educational thinking, i.e. an approach observing background of the emergence of the thinking with factors affecting it and the relevance of the thinking for the present and future time to locate conceptual and substantive ideas and thinking. The research concludes that A. Malik Fadjar has a modern-religious pattern of thinking. Modern, because his thinking is oriented to the present and future time, always accepts the changes, open-minded, innovative and progressive. Religious, because of his family background, education, and also his organization culture are based on Islamic values. His pattern of thinking is shown by his vision, mission, and aims of education, curriculum, human resources, institution, and educational management. This thinking is emerged affected by both internal and external factors. From internal, the factors affected his thinking are educational background, personality and family. While from external, the factors are environment, job position, and socio-political situation in his era. Lastly, educational thinking of A. Malik Fadjar is still relevant to apply to the present and future time.

Keywords: A. Malik Fajar, education concept, Islamic education
Model Pendidikan Agama Islam Menggunakan Pembelajaran Active Learning Tingkat Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Toha Sukron Muhammad
Published: November 2018

Fokus penelitian ini: (1)  Mendapatkan gambaran tentang  kondisi awal kegiatan belajar mengajar Pendidikan Agama Islam di SDIT Al Hikmah  Depok  yang selama ini berlangsung. (2)Menghasilkan suatu model pembelajaran active learning yang dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar Pendidikan Agama Islam  siswa  SDIT Al Hikmah  Depok. Rumusan masalah dalam penelitian ini, Yaitu : (1) Bagaimana kondisi kegiatan belajar mengajar Pendidikan Agama Islam (PAI) di  SDIT Al Hikmah Depok  yang selama ini berlangsung?. (2) Bagaimana tujuan pembelajaran active learning yang ada di SDIT AL-Hikmah Depok? Dalam Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan penelitian dan pengembangan (Research and Development) di mana dalam prosesnya mengacu kepada dasar-dasar, prinsip-prinsip dan langkah-langkah Pendekatan atau strategi Penelitian dan Pengembangan yang dikemukakan oleh Borg dan Gall (1983 : 771-794).pengumpulan data dalam penelitian menggunakan studi kepustakaan, observasi, wawancara, angket dan dokumentasi. Instrumen yang digunakan dalam pengumpulan data  dalah dalam bentuk pertanyaan dan pernyataan yang diberikan guru dan siswa sebagai responden untuk memperoleh data. Dari hasil penelitian, penulis menyimpulkan (1) pembelajaran active leraning di anggap mampu meningkatkan hasil belajar, sehingga model pembelajaran ini dianggap layak untuk diterapkan di SDIT Al Hikmah. (2) menunjukan pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap peningkatan hasil belajar siswa dan memberikan hasil belajar yang lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan pemberian metode pembelajaran ceramah
INVESTIGATION OF FLOW FIELD OVER POST FLOW MODEL WITH THE AID OF ePIV SYSTEM
Authors: Abbas Ali S , Abbas Noor Y , Kamel Shahed A
Published: November 2018

Post flow model was used in the present study as an insert model for the interactiveflow study innovative device namely called ePIV. The separation of the flow and itssubsequent reattachment to a solid surface occurs in many systems, and is of practical aswell as of theoretical interest. Three different values for the upstream velocity were selectedin the present work within the range (14, 24, and 32 mm\s) and two set of figures wereobserved for every value of upstream velocity. First set for velocity vector plots and shadedcolor plot while the second is for picture frames captured for the purpose of ePIV systemsoftware. It was found that ePIV system can be used in diverse educational settings becauseof its effectiveness as an educational tool, high-tech appeal, compact size, low cost andsafety. Also, It was concluded that the sudden appearance for the post height result in avortex spot that lead to an adverse pressure gradient concentrate the majority of high bulkvelocity magnitude at the upper half of the post flow model height.
DEVELOPMENT OF FUZZY LOGIC MODEL FOR CUTTING PARAMETERS INFLUENCE ON THE CUTTING FORCE AND THE CHIP THICKNESS RATIO DURING TURNING OF ALUMINUM ALLOY 1350-O
Authors: AL-Khafaji Mohanned H
Published: November 2018

In turning operation, numerous parameters are utilized to analyze machinability. Parameters,for instant, tool wear, tool life, cutting temperature, machining force components, powerconsumption, surface roughness, and chip thickness ratio are frequently utilized. The goal ofthis work is to model the effect of cutting parameters (cutting speed, depth of cut and feedrate) on the machining force and chip thickness ratio during turning ductile aluminum 1350-O. Four fuzzy logic models were built to model the relationship between cutting parametersand the three force components of machining force and the chip thickness ration. The inputsto all fuzzy logic models are cutting speed, depth of cut and feed rate. Whereas, the outputfor first, second, third and fourth models are cutting force, passive force, feed force and chipthickness ratio, respectively. All fuzzy models showed good match to the experimental dataand the computed correlation coefficients were larger than or equal 0.9998. Those modelswere used to optimize the cutting process and give the optimum cutting parameters.
IMPROVED SOME PROPERTIES OF HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE SYNTHESIS USING FIBER GLASS FOR PIPES AND RESERVOIRS APPLICATIONS
Authors: Saad Najim A , Ameer Ali A , Mahmood Mays S
Published: November 2018

In this paper, the effect of surface modification of short glass fiber on some properties ofhigh-density polyethylene composite was investigated. The chemical treatment of short glassfiber (SGF) with solvent ethanol was achieved, and composites with weight fraction (0.5, 2.5,4wt. %) were fabricated. Mechanical behavior tests include (tensile strength, impact, andhardness tests) and structure test (FTIR) were used. Values of mechanical tests for treatedshort glass fiber – reinforced High density polyethylene composites were much better thanthe neat high density polyethylene. The tensile strength value of composite from (37 to 41MPa), impact strength from (83 J/m² to 100 J/m²), and hardness from (64 to 86 N/m²). Resultof FTIR test showed physical reaction without the formation of new peaks.
HOT CORROSION OF CERIA-YTTRIA STABILIZED ZIRCONIA PLASMA SPRAYED THERMAL BARRIER COATING BY EUTECTIC VANDIUM PENTAOXIDE-SODIUM SULFATE
Authors: Kadhim Mohammed J , Hafiz Mohammed H , Ali Bash Maryam A
Published: November 2018

The high temperature corrosion behavior of thermal barrier coating (TBC) systemconsisting of IN-738 LC superalloy substrate, air plasma sprayed Ni24.5Cr6Al0.4Y (wt%)bond coat and air plasma sprayed ZrO2-20 wt% ceria-3.6 wt% yttria (CYSZ) ceramic coatwere characterized. The upper surfaces of CYSZ covered with 30 mg/cm2 , mixed 45 wt%Na2SO4-55 wt% V2O5 salt were exposed at different temperatures from 800 to 1000 oC andinteraction times from 1 up to 8 h. The upper surface plan view of the coatings wereidentified for topography, roughness, chemical composition, phases and reaction productsusing scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, talysurf, and X-raydiffraction. XRD analyses of the plasma sprayed coatings after hot corrosion confirmed thephase transformation of nontransformable tetragonal (t') into monoclinic phase, presence ofYVO4 and CeVO4 products. Analysis of the hot corrosion CYSZ coating confirmed theformation of high volume fraction of YVO4, with low volume fractions of CeOV4 and CeO2.The formation of these compounds were combined with formation of monoclinic phase (m)from transformation of nontransformable tetragonal phase (t').
THE EFFECT OF NATURAL MATERIALS ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS
Authors: Mohammed Alaa A , Kadhum Ashraq A R
Published: November 2018

This research studied the mechanical properties of orange and pomegranate shells powdersreinforced unsaturated polyester with different weight fractions %Wf. The compositespecimens were prepared by hand lay-up technique and sectioned according to (ASTM)for tensile, impact, bending and compression tests to obtain modulus of elasticity, ultimatetensile strength, elongation percentage, compression strength, impact energy and fracturetoughness of the composite specimens. The results showed that the composite specimensreinforced with pomegranate shells powder give high mechanical properties compared withcomposites specimens reinforced with orange shells powder.
IMPROVING RUTTING RESISTANCE OF HOT MIX ASPHALT BY DATES KERNEL POWDER
Authors: Neham Sahar S
Published: November 2018

In Iraq, the significant increase in the number of passenger cars and trucks (increased inaxle loads) in addition to the unprecedented rise of temperature in the summer hasincreased the risk of permanent deformation of flexible pavement (Rutting) in recenttimes. Lower costs maintenance and extending serves life of flexible pavements are themain objectives of this study by improving rut resisting of it using the waste locallyavailable materials (Dates Kernel Powder).The Superpave design criteria is used to determine optimum asphalt content at 4% airvoids for hot mix with Lime Stone Dust and Dates Kernel Powder as a filler materials tothree types of aggregate blend. Preparing 54 samples with dimension (400*300*50) mmat 110˚C compacted temperature to test it by Wheel-Tracking device at 40˚C, 50˚C and60˚C. Based on wheel-tracking device results, it can be show that there was a significantdecrease in the value of the Rut Depth when using the Dates Kernel Powder as analternative to Lime Stone Dust as a filler materials in Hot Mix Asphalt and it can be usedto improve the rut resisting; the maximum percent of reduction is 67.71 after 3000 cycleof passing at 60ºC and 49.35 as a minimum percent of reduction after 5000 cycle at 40ºCtested temperature, then it can be seen that the impact of Hot Mix Asphalt with DatesKernel Powder is less at high temperatures than mixes with Lime Stone Dust on RutDepth value.
THE INFLUENCE OF LASER PEENING PULSE NUMBER ON HARDNESS, RESIDUAL STRESS AND ADHESIVE WEAR OF AISI 316l STAINLESS STEEL
Authors: Almohaisen Abdul Mohsin Naji
Published: November 2018

Improvement of Wear adhesive properties using laser peening treatment at varied number ofpulse of Austenitic stainless 316L is studied. According to typical ASTM G99-05 number ofwear inspection test are prepared in dimensions 20x10 mm then compiled into four groups.The surface test of three groups is exposed to a number of laser pulse 1, 2, 4 pulsesrespectively by laser peening without coating. Microstructure, residual stress, hardness, istested. Wear test using pin on disc method are used on all groups of specimens at twoparameters, diverse times 10 ,20,30 min with constant load 1kg , and divers load 1,1.5, 2kg with constant time 10 min. from results it was concluded that decrease in hardness andrises in ductility shared to increases in wear properties for the original metal and leaserpeening participated to rise in the wear resistance due to increase in hardness , compressionresidual stress and the heterogeneity of the evidence in the microstructure ,four pulse laserpeening give the lowest wear rate comparing with one pulse which witness decreases inwear rate.
In situ Evolved Gas Analysis of TMOS-based Gel Electrolytes Containing Guanidinium Thiocyanate for Quasi-solid-state Dye-sensitized Solar Cells by TG-FTIR and TG-MS
Authors: Nagygyörgy Viola , Stathatos Elias , Pokol György , Madarász János
Published: November 2018

A comparative study on thermal stability of hybrid (organic / inorganic) electrolytes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) in various ethylene oxide oligomers / silica based gelly matrices, containing also some efficiency-promoter additives is presented. Using thermogravimetry combined with two evolved gas analytical (EGA-FTIR and EGA-MS) techniques, the released gases and volatile decomposition products from the composite electrolytes during dynamic heating programs have been identified and monitored. First methanol (arising from condensation of tetramethoxysilane, TMOS) and acetonitrile (solvent) are evolved followed by elongated release of 4-tert-butylpyridine, than carbonyl sulfide, which is one of the degradation products of guanidinium thiocyanate, and various alkyl iodides, as well as iodine, later various oxidized species with >C=O groups (arising from oxidative degradation of oligo(ethylene glycolic) parts, ammonia (originated from guanidine) have been observed and traced during the accelerated heating tests, before final burning out of the organic residue with CO2 evolution. Thermal behavior of pure guanidinium thiocyanate, one of the most important additives improving thermal stability of Grätzel type solar cells (DSSCs), combined with identification of its eight gaseous decomposition products and their release pattern is also reported.
Female Entrepreneurship in Perspective: A Methodological Issue
Authors: Paoloni Paola , Serafini Gabriele
Published: November 2018

A methodological approach to the concept of female entrepreneurship concept has not yet been treated: is female entrepreneurship an individual or collective concept? Is it considered a social or natural variable? The purpose of this research is to clear up these alternatives, which are preparatory questions for any research into female entrepreneurship that wishes to measure its features and effects. The article starts with the proposal of an identification procedure, necessary to identifying the variables of female entrepreneurship. It proceeds by classifying the concept of female entrepreneurship into four different modes and discussing their characteristics. The originality of this research consists in its fourfold classification of the concept of female entrepreneurship, intended as a preparatory step prior to the analysis of its characteristics and measures.
A Multi-Actor Literature Review on Alternative and Sustainable Food Systems for the Promotion of Cereal Biodiversity
Authors: Sacchi Giovanna , Cei Leonardo , Stefani Gianluca , Lombardi Ginevra , Rocchi Benedetto , Belletti Giovanni , Padel Susanne , Sellars Anna , Gagliardi Edneia , Nocella Giuseppe , Cardey Sarah , Mikkola Minna , Ala-Karvia Urszula , Macken-Walsh Àine , McIntyre Bridin , Hyland John , Henchion Maeve , Bocci Riccardo , Bussi Bettina , De Santis Giuseppe , Rodriguez y Hurtado Ismael , De Kochko Patrick , Riviere Pierre , Carrascosa-García María , Martínez Ignacio , Pearce Bruce , Lampkin Nic , Vindras Camille , Rey Frederic , Chable Véronique , Cormery Antoine , Vasvari Gyula
Published: November 2018

Organic and low-input food systems are emerging worldwide in answer to the sustainability crisis of the conventional agri-food sector. “Alternative” systems are based on local, decentralized approaches to production and processing, regarding quality and health, and short supply-chains for products with strong local identities. Diversity is deeply embedded in these food systems, from the agrobiodiversity grown in farmers’ fields, which improves resilience and adaptation, to diverse approaches, contexts and actors in food manufacturing and marketing. Diversity thus becomes a cross-sectoral issue which acknowledges consumers’ demand for healthy products. In the framework of the European project “CERERE, CEreal REnaissance in Rural Europe: embedding diversity in organic and low-input food systems”, the paper aims at reviewing recent research on alternative and sustainable food systems by adopting an innovative and participatory multi-actor approach; this has involved ten practitioners and twenty-two researchers from across Europe and a variety of technical backgrounds in the paper and analysis stages. The participatory approach is the main innovation and distinctive feature of this literature review. Partners selected indeed what they perceived as most relevant in order to facilitate a transition towards more sustainable and diversity based cereal systems and food chains. This includes issues related to alternative food networks, formal and informal institutional settings, grass root initiatives, consumer involvement and, finally, knowledge exchange and sustainability. The review provides an overview of recent research that is relevant to CERERE partners as well as to anyone interested in alternative and sustainable food systems. The main objective of this paper was indeed to present a narrative of studies, which can form the foundation for future applied research to promote alternative methods of cereal production in Europe.
Non-Structural Carbohydrate Metabolism, Growth, and Productivity of Maize by Increasing Plant Density
Authors: Cazetta Jairo O. , Revoredo Marcos D.
Published: November 2018

Increasing plant density seems to improve the productivity of maize crops, and the understanding of how the metabolism of non-structural carbohydrates is affected in plants under high crop density is critical. Thus, with the objective of further clarifying this issue, maize plants were subjected to densities from 30,000 to 90,000 plants ha−1, and the plant growth, soluble sugars and starch contents, invertase and sucrose synthase activities, and plant production were evaluated. We found that the stalk is more sensitive to the increasing plant density than leaves and kernels. The dry weight of the stalk and leaves per single plant decreased more drastically from low to intermediate plant densities, while grain production was reduced linearly in all plant density ranges, leading to higher values of harvest index in intermediate plant densities. The sucrose concentration did not change in leaves, stalk, or kernels of plants subjected to increasing plant densities at the R4 stage. Also, the specific activity of soluble invertase, bound invertase, and sucrose synthase did not change in leaf, stalk, or kernels of plants subjected to increased plant density. The productivity was increased with the increase in plant density, using narrow row (0.45 m) spacing.
Yield, Decomposition, Mineralization and Nitrification of Annual Legumes in an Oxisol
Authors: Tirado-Corbalá Rebecca , López-Ramos Litza Y. , Valencia-Chin Elide , Román-Paoli Elvin
Published: November 2018

Knowledge about seasonal and litter bag soil position effects on litter decomposition (k value), mineralization and nitrification rate of annual legumes in Puerto Rico is limited. This study determined dry matter yield (DMY), k value of litter bags placed below and above the soil surface, mineralization and nitrification rates of Lablab purpureus cv. “Rongai” and Mucuna pruriens (Velvet bean) seeded in the wet and dry season in Oxisol soils (Typic Eustrustox). There was an interaction (p < 0.05) for season and legumes on DMY, k value and N content. “Rongai” DMY was higher for the dry than wet season while Velvet bean had an opposite seasonal response. Higher k value occurred in the wet season for legumes, but “Rongai” had higher k than Velvet bean. For both legumes, N content was higher on litter bag placed below-ground in both seasons. However, in the wet season, there was less N in the above ground litter position. Higher inorganic N was observed at 90 days of soil incubation (DOI) suggesting that N was not available prior to 42 DOI. Nitrification rate was higher for “Rongai” at 22 DOI and lower at 42 and 90 DOI for both legumes. Both legumes enhanced inorganic N, but, regardless of season, Rongai supplied nutrients to the soil faster than Velvet bean. “Rongai” because of its higher k value than Velvet bean is recommended for fast growing row or vegetable crops in Puerto Rico.
An Assessment of Low-Cost Techniques to Measure Ammonia Emission from Multi-Plots: A Case Study with Urea Fertilization
Authors: Lavrsen Kure Jakob , Krabben Jakob , Vilms Pedersen Simon , Carozzi Marco , Sommer Sven G.
Published: November 2018

Ammonia (NH3) emission from agriculture is an environmental threat and a loss of nitrogen for crop production. Mineral fertilizers and manure are significant sources of NH3; therefore, abatement technologies have been introduced to mitigate these emissions. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that low-cost measuring techniques are suitable to assess NH3 emissions in smaller plots, appropriate to test different managements. Two experiments were established to quantify NH3 emissions from urea application in a multi-plot design with radii of 5 (R5) and 20 m (R20). Field was bare soil partially surrounded by shelterbelts. Measurement techniques included passive flux samplers (Leuning), and passive concentration samplers (ALPHA) coupled to WindTrax dispersion model. NH3 emission from R5 was consistent with the emission from R20 when the surface-to-atmosphere exchange was not affected by shelterbelts, and wind speed near surface was greater than 1 m s−1. Both measurement methods gave unreliable NH3 quantification in combination with wind speed lower than 1 m s−1 and low emission strength. Cumulative emission over 60 h was 2% of the supplied N from the plots not affected by the shelterbelt, and 1% from the plots affected by shelterbelts, indicating that these structures can significantly reduce NH3 emissions.
The Effect of an Edible Coating with Tomato Oily Extract on the Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Garambullo (Myrtillocactus geometrizans) Fruits
Authors: López-Palestina César Uriel , Aguirre-Mancilla César Leobardo , Raya-Pérez Juan Carlos , Ramírez-Pimentel Juan Gabriel , Gutiérrez-Tlahque Jorge , Hernández-Fuentes Alma Delia
Published: November 2018

The Myrtillocactus geometrizans (Mart. ex. Pfeiff.) fruit, locally called garambullo, is an important source of bioactive compounds, mainly betalains, polyphenols, and ascorbic acid. However, information on the application of post-harvest technologies that prolong the shelf life of the fruits is still insufficient. The objective of the present research was to evaluate the effect of a gelatin coating incorporating 0%, 1%, or 3% tomato oily extract (TOE), compared to a control (without coating), on the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of garambullo fruits stored for 15 days at 5 °C. The gelatin coatings with TOE significantly (p ≤ 0.05) delayed changes in weight loss, brix degrees, titratable acidity and pH, compared to the control during storage. Fruits coated with TOE-gelatin had a higher content of betalains, ascorbic acid, total phenols, and flavonoids. The results showed that a higher concentration of phytochemicals increased antioxidant activity in vitro; the maximum values found for Trolox equivalents per kg of fresh weight were 10.46 and 17.65 mM for the 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity Method (TEAC) tests, respectively. The gelatin coating with TOE-3% (COTE-3%) reduced water loss by 1.66 times, compared to the control. In addition, the fruits covered with COTE-3% showed the highest concentration of bioactive compounds during storage.
Rigput Brome (Bromus diandrus Roth.) Management in a No-Till Field in Spain
Authors: Royo-Esnal Aritz , Recasens Jordi , Garrido Jesús , Torra Joel
Published: November 2018

The adoption of no-till (NT) in the semi-arid region of Mediterranean Spain has promoted a weed vegetation change, where rigput brome (Bromus diandrus Roth) represents a main concern. In order to avoid complete reliance on herbicides, the combination of several control methods, without excluding chemical ones, can contribute to an integrated weed management (IWM) system for this species. In this field study, 12 three-year management programs were chosen, in which alternative non-chemical methods—delay of sowing, crop rotation, sowing density and pattern, stubble removal—are combined with chemical methods to manage B. diandrus in winter cereals under NT. Moreover, their effects on weed control and crop productivity were analyzed from the point of view of the efficiency of the control methods, based on a previously developed emergence model for B. diandrus. All management programs were effective in reducing the weed infestation, despite the different initial weed density between blocks. For high weed density levels (60–500 plants m−2), two years of specific managements resulted in ≥99% reduction of its population. For even higher density levels, three years were needed to assure this reduction level. Both the emergence of the weed and the crop yields are mainly driven by the seasonal climatic conditions in this semi-arid area. For this reason, among the non-chemical methods, only crop rotation and sowing delay contributed to an effective weed population decrease as well as an increase in the economic income of the yield. The other alternative methods did not significantly contribute to controlling the weed. This work demonstrates that mid-term management programs combining chemical with non-chemical methods can effectively keep B. diandrus under control with economic gains compared to traditional field management methods in semi-arid regions.
Conditions Associated with Marine Lipid-Induced Milk Fat Depression in Sheep Cause Shifts in the In Vitro Ruminal Metabolism of 1-13C Oleic Acid
Authors: Toral Pablo , Hervás Gonzalo , Peiró Vanessa , Frutos Pilar
Published: November 2018

Shifts in ruminal oleic acid (OA) metabolism have received little research attention but recent studies have suggested their association with marine lipid-induced milk fat depression (MFD) in ewes and cows. Measurement of specific products of OA within the complex mixture of digesta lipids is however challenging. Therefore, this in vitro trial combined the isotopic labelling technique with the use of rumen inoculum from cannulated sheep fed a diet supplemented or not with 2% of fish oil (which has been demonstrated to cause MFD in dairy ruminants) to characterize the metabolism of OA in response to ruminal alterations associated with MFD. The products of 13C-OA after 24 h of incubation were analysed by gas chromatography-combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS). Numerous 13C-labeled 18:1 intermediates and oxygenated FA were detected and no elongation or desaturation of 13OA occurred. Diet supplementation with fish oil (i.e., MFD conditions) resulted in no unique metabolites of 13OA but in relevant changes in the relative contribution of specific metabolic pathways. The inhibition of 18:0 saturation caused by this treatment appeared largely attributable to increased oxygenated FA proportion, in particular the candidate milk fat inhibitor 10-oxo-18:0, and warrants further research on the association between MFD and oxygenated FA. Changes in the concentration of 13C-labeled trans 18:1 intermediates but not in cis 18:1, were also observed.
Oxygen and Glucose Levels in Cell Culture Media Determine Resveratrol’s Effects on Growth, Hydrogen Peroxide Production, and Mitochondrial Dynamics
Authors: Fonseca Joao , Moradi Fereshteh , Valente Andrew J. F. , Stuart Jeffrey A.
Published: November 2018

Resveratrol is a plant-derived polyphenol that has been widely studied for its putative health promoting effects. Many of those studies have been conducted in cell culture, in supra-physiological levels of oxygen and glucose. Resveratrol interacts with reactive oxygen species (ROS) as an antioxidant or pro-oxidant. Resveratrol affects the expression and activities of ROS-producing enzymes and organelles. It is therefore important to consider how cell culture conditions might determine the effects of resveratrol on cultured cells. We determined the effects of resveratrol on cell growth, hydrogen peroxide production, and mitochondrial network characteristics in C2C12 mouse myoblasts and PC3 human prostate cancer cells under conditions of physiological (5%) and supra-physiological (18%) oxygen, and normo- (5 mM) and hyper-glycemia (25 mM). Interestingly, most effects of resveratrol on the parameters measured here were dependent upon prevailing oxygen and glucose levels during the experiment. Many of the effects of resveratrol on cell growth, hydrogen peroxide production, and mitochondrial network characteristics that were seen in 25 mM glucose and/or 18% oxygen were absent under the physiologically relevant conditions of 5 mM glucose with 5% oxygen. These findings emphasize the importance of using physiologically meaningful starting conditions for cell-culture experiments with resveratrol and indeed any manipulation affecting ROS metabolism and mitochondria.
An Online Simultaneous Measurement of the Dual-Axis Straightness Error for Machine Tools
Authors: Jywe Wen-Yuh , Hsieh Tung-Hsien , Chen Po-Yu , Wang Ming-Shi
Published: November 2018

Vertical straightness errors are the key factor that affects the flatness of the workpiece during vertical machining. Traditionally, the individually measured and fitted vertical straightness errors of the X and Y axes are used to compensate the Z axis and, thus, obtain the flatness of the working table of the machine tool. However, it is difficult to measure and compensate the vertical straightness error of the desired position on the working table, not to mention the centroid variation effect of the working table on the measured data. In this study, an online dual-axis measurement system with repeatability (3σ) of 2.46 μm is developed to simultaneously measure X-axis and Y-axis straightness errors of the desired position of a working table. Furthermore, the measured data are utilized to establish a flatness error model to reduce the vertical straightness error of the working table such that the repeatability (3σ) of the measured flatness may be kept within a range of 0.65 μm.
Efficient Recovery of Silver from Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells by Controlling the Viscosity of Electrolyte Solvent in an Electrochemical Process
Authors: Lee Jun-Kyu , Lee Jin-Seok , Ahn Young-Soo , Kang Gi-Hwan
Published: November 2018

We present electrowinning of silver (Ag) from crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells using a solution of methanesulfonic acid (MSA) as the electrolyte. Ag dissolved effectively in MSA because of its high solubility in MSA; however, the electrochemical recovery of Ag from MSA solutions was found to be inefficient because of the low mobility of Ag ions in MSA, owing to its high viscosity. Therefore, we decreased the viscosity of MSA by adding deionized (DI) water, as a possible method for enhancing the mobility of Ag ions. The concentrations of added DI water were 0, 1.1, 5.0, 9.3, and 20.8 M, respectively. Further, we performed cyclic voltammetry for each solution to calculate the diffusion coefficient using the Randles–Sevcik equation, and analyzed the viscosity of MSA solutions depending on the concentration of added water using a rheometer. The morphologies of the electrochemically recovered Ag particles changed with variations in the amount of the added water, from branch-like structures to dendritic structures with a decreasing size. Moreover, the cathodic current efficiency increased considerably with increasing concentration of the added DI water. Finally, we recovered Ag with >99.9% (3N) purity from c-Si solar cells by electrowinning, as determined by glow discharge mass spectrometry.
A Chaotic System with Infinite Equilibria and Its S-Box Constructing Application
Authors: Wang Xiong , Akgul Akif , Cavusoglu Unal , Pham Viet-Thanh , Vo Hoang Duy , Nguyen Xuan Quynh
Published: November 2018

Systems with many equilibrium points have attracted considerable interest recently. A chaotic system with a line equilibrium has been studied in this work. The system has infinite equilibria and exhibits coexisting chaotic attractors. The system with an infinite number of equilibria has been realized by an electronic circuit, which confirms the feasibility of the system. Based on such a system, we have developed a new S-Box generation algorithm. With the developed algorithm, two new S-Boxes are produced. Performance tests of S-Boxes are performed. The tests have shown that proposed S-Boxes have good performance results.
Sound Velocity Estimation and Beamform Correction by Simultaneous Multimodality Imaging with Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Inagaki Ken , Arai Shimpei , Namekawa Kengo , Akiyama Iwaki
Published: November 2018

Since the sound velocity for medical ultrasound imaging is usually set at 1540 m/s, the ultrasound imaging of a patient with a thick layer of subcutaneous fat is degraded due to variations in the sound velocity. This study proposes a method of compensating for image degradation to correct beamforming. This method uses the sound velocity distribution measured in simultaneous ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Experiments involving simultaneous imaging of an abdominal phantom and a human neck were conducted to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed method using ultrasound imaging equipment and a 1.5 T MRI scanner. MR-visible fiducial markers were attached to an ultrasound probe that was developed for use in an MRI gantry. The sound velocity distribution was calculated based on the MRI cross section, which was estimated as a corresponding cross section of US imaging using the location of fiducial markers in MRI coordinates. The results of the abdominal phantom and neck imaging indicated that the estimated values of sound velocity distribution allowed beamform correction that yielded compensated images. The feasibility of the proposed method was then evaluated in terms of quantitative improvements in the spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio.
Optimization of Additive and Current Conditions for Void-Free Filled Through-Silicon Via
Authors: Shin Se-Hee , Kim Tea-Yoo , Park Jong-Hwan , Suh Su-Jeong
Published: November 2018

Studies of through-silicon vias (TSVs) have become important owing to the increasing demand for 3D packaging. To obtain high-performance devices, it is important to fill the holes inside TSVs without voids. In this study, poly(ethylene glycol), bis-(3-sodiumsulfopropyl disulfide), and Janus Green B are used as a suppressor, accelerator, and leveler, respectively, to achieve void-free filling of a TSV. The optimum conditions for the additives were studied, and electrochemical analysis was performed to confirm their effects. Different current conditions, such as pulse, pulse-reverse, and periodic pulse-reverse, were also employed to enhance the filling properties of copper (Cu) for a TSV with a hole diameter of 60 µm and depth/hole aspect ratios of 2, 2.5, and 3. The behavior of Cu filling was observed through a cross-sectional analysis of the TSV after Cu plating under various conditions.
Calculation of Reasonable Tension Value for Longitudinal Connecting Reinforcement of CRTSII Slab Ballastless Track
Authors: Chen Long , Chen Jinjie , Wang Jianxi
Published: November 2018

There is confusion in the original design concept for the tensioning of longitudinally connected reinforcement of the CRTSII (China Railway Track System) slab ballastless track. In order to clarify the effect of tension value of longitudinal reinforcement on the mechanical characteristics of the ballastless track, a three-dimensional finite element model, considering the nonlinear interaction between the track slab and cement-emulsified asphalt (CA) mortar of the CRTSII slab ballastless track, was established. The mechanical characteristics of the track structure under longitudinal tension load and temperature gradient load of the longitudinal joint were calculated. A method of applying prestress to post-pouring concrete was proposed according to the concept of prestress loss of pretensioning prestressed concrete, a reasonable tensile force value was proposed after the crack width, and the reinforcement stress of the ballastless track in the operation stage was checked and calculated according to the concrete design principle. When the tension force is greater than 300 kN, it is harmful to the bonding between the slab and mortar layer, which is prone to interlayer damage. In order to add prestress to concrete with wide joints to ensure the longitudinal stability of the ballastless track, and that the reinforcement stress and crack width meet design requirements, it is suggested that the tension force value should be 230 kN. Further, the temperature difference between reinforcement and concrete should be 30 °C before the initial curdle of wide joint concrete.
Inorganic Pseudo Ion Exchange Membranes—Concepts and Preliminary Experiments
Authors: Veerman Joost , Kunteng Damnearn
Published: November 2018

Reverse electrodialysis (RED) is a method to produce electricity from the reversible mixing of two salt solutions with different concentrations. RED was first employed for energy generation using sea and river water. New fields of application are energy storage and heat-to-power conversion. In energy storage applications, a stack operates in ED mode during charge and in RED mode during discharge. In a heat-to-power system, the RED stack produces electricity and the outgoing solutions are returned to their original concentrations in a heat-driven regenerator. In both new applications, the salt solutions are circulated and there is a free choice of the combination of salt and membranes for optimal performance. However, classical polymer-based membranes have some disadvantages: they are less suited for operation at higher temperatures, have reduced permselectivity at higher concentrations, and are rather permeable to water, causing an imbalance of the feed waters. We developed a new concept of pseudo-membrane (PM): a metal sheet (sometimes covered with an insoluble salt) on which opposite electrochemical reactions occur at each side of the metal surface. Because a PM is dissolving at one side and growing at the other side during operation, the current should be inverted periodically. We tested a zinc sheet as a pseudo cation exchange membrane for Zn2+ ions and a silver chloride–covered silver plate as a pseudo anion exchange membrane for Cl− ions in three steps. First, a stack was built with Ag/AgCl membranes in combination with normal cation exchange membranes and operated with NaCl solutions. The next stack was based on Zn membranes together with normal anion exchange membranes. This stack was fed with ZnCl2 solutions. Finally, we tested a stack with zinc and Ag/AgCl pseudo-membranes with a ZnCl2 solution. The latter RED system worked; however, after standing for one night, the stack did not function and appeared to be damaged by redox reactions. This failure was the basis for general considerations about the possibilities of ED and RED hybrid stacks, consisting of a combination of classical and pseudo ion exchange membranes. Finally, we consider the possibility of using intercalation electrodes as a pseudo-membrane.
Improving Bearing Fault Diagnosis Using Maximum Information Coefficient Based Feature Selection
Authors: Tang Xianghong , Wang Jiachen , Lu Jianguang , Liu Guokai , Chen Jiadui
Published: November 2018

Effective feature selection can help improve the classification performance in bearing fault diagnosis. This paper proposes a novel feature selection method based on bearing fault diagnosis called Feature-to-Feature and Feature-to-Category- Maximum Information Coefficient (FF-FC-MIC), which considers the relevance among features and relevance between features and fault categories by exploiting the nonlinearity capturing capability of maximum information coefficient. In this method, a weak correlation feature subset obtained by a Feature-to-Feature-Maximum Information Coefficient (FF-MIC) matrix and a strong correlation feature subset obtained by a Feature-to-Category-Maximum Information Coefficient (FC-MIC) matrix are merged into a final diagnostic feature set by an intersection operation. To evaluate the proposed FF-FC-MIC method, vibration data collected from two bearing fault experiment platforms (CWRU dataset and CUT-2 dataset) were employed. Experimental results showed that accuracy of FF-FC-MIC can achieve 97.50%, and 98.75% on the CWRU dataset at the motor speeds of 1750 rpm, and 1772 rpm, respectively, and reach 91.75%, 94.69%, and 99.07% on CUT-2 dataset at the motor speeds of 2000 rpm, 2500 rpm, 3000 rpm, respectively. A significant improvement of FF-FC-MIC has been confirmed, since the p-values between FF-FC-MIC and the other methods are 1.166 × 10 − 3 , 2.509 × 10 − 5 , and 3.576 × 10 − 2 , respectively. Through comparison with other methods, FF-FC-MIC not only exceeds each of the baseline feature selection method in diagnosis accuracy, but also reduces the number of features.
A Real-Time Hydrodynamic-Based Obstacle Avoidance System for Non-holonomic Mobile Robots with Curvature Constraints
Authors: Kuo Pei-Li , Wang Chung-Hsun , Chou Han-Jung , Liu Jing-Sin
Published: November 2018

The harmonic potential field of an incompressible nonviscous fluid governed by the Laplace’s Equation has shown its potential for being beneficial to autonomous unmanned vehicles to generate smooth, natural-looking, and predictable paths for obstacle avoidance. The streamlines generated by the boundary value problem of the Laplace’s Equation have explicit, easily computable, or analytic vector fields as the path tangent or robot heading specification without the waypoints and higher order path characteristics. We implemented an obstacle avoidance approach with a focus on curvature constraint for a non-holonomic mobile robot regarded as a particle using curvature-constrained streamlines and streamline changing via pure pursuit. First, we use the potential flow field around a circle to derive three primitive curvature-constrained paths to avoid single obstacles. Furthermore, the pure pursuit controller is implemented to achieve a smooth transition between the streamline paths in the environment with multiple obstacles. In addition to comparative simulations, a proof of concept experiment implemented on a two-wheel driving mobile robot with range sensors validates the practical usefulness of the integrated system that is able to navigate smoothly and safely among multiple cylinder obstacles. The computational requirement of the obstacle avoidance system takes advantage of an a priori selection of fast computing primitive streamline paths, thus, making the system able to generate online a feasible path with a lower maximum curvature that does not violate the curvature constraint.
Embedding Ordinal Optimization into Tree–Seed Algorithm for Solving the Probabilistic Constrained Simulation Optimization Problems
Authors: Horng Shih-Cheng , Lin Shieh-Shing
Published: November 2018

Probabilistic constrained simulation optimization problems (PCSOP) are concerned with allocating limited resources to achieve a stochastic objective function subject to a probabilistic inequality constraint. The PCSOP are NP-hard problems whose goal is to find optimal solutions using simulation in a large search space. An efficient “Ordinal Optimization (OO)” theory has been utilized to solve NP-hard problems for determining an outstanding solution in a reasonable amount of time. OO theory to solve NP-hard problems is an effective method, but the probabilistic inequality constraint will greatly decrease the effectiveness and efficiency. In this work, a method that embeds ordinal optimization (OO) into tree–seed algorithm (TSA) (OOTSA) is firstly proposed for solving the PCSOP. The OOTSA method consists of three modules: surrogate model, exploration and exploitation. Then, the proposed OOTSA approach is applied to minimize the expected lead time of semi-finished products in a pull-type production system, which is formulated as a PCSOP that comprises a well-defined search space. Test results obtained by the OOTSA are compared with the results obtained by three heuristic approaches. Simulation results demonstrate that the OOTSA method yields an outstanding solution of much higher computing efficiency with much higher quality than three heuristic approaches.
An Improved Kernelized Correlation Filter Algorithm for Underwater Target Tracking
Authors: Wang Xingmei , Wang Guoqiang , Zhao Zhonghua , Zhang Yue , Duan Binghua
Published: November 2018

To obtain accurate underwater target tracking results, an improved kernelized correlation filter (IKCF) algorithm is proposed to track the target in forward-looking sonar image sequences. Specifically, a base sample with a dynamically continuous scale is first applied to solve the poor performance of fixed-scale filters. Then, in order to prevent the filter from drifting when the target disappears and appears again, an adaptive filter update strategy with the peak to sidelobe ratio (PSR) of the response diagram is developed to solve the following target tracking errors. Finally, the experimental results show that the proposed IKCF can obtain accurate tracking results for the underwater targets. Compared to other algorithms, the proposed IKCF has obvious superiority and effectiveness.