bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT KELOMPOK USAHA KECIL MELALUI PROGRAM PEMBANGUNAN WILAYAH TERPADU ANTAR DESA (PPWTAD)
Authors: Sutrisno H. Edy
Published: November 2018

Program Pembangunan Wilayah Terpadu Antar Desa (PPWTAD) adalah suatu program penanggulangan kemiskinan dengan pendekatan pemberdayaan masyarakat dan pengembangan wilayah yang dilakukan dengan memanfaatkan potensi-potensi sumberdaya perdesaan secara terpadu. Penulisan makalah ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui seberapa besar pengaruh Program Pembangunan Wilayah Terpadu Antar Desa terhadap kelompok masyarakat usaha kecil yang ada di desa obyek studi. Menurut ketentuan BPS, yang diambil adalah sesuai hasil dari pendataan yaitu dua desa yang berdekatan berkategori merah (miskin) dan berkategori kuning (mendekati miskin) dua desa yang saling berdekatan. Setiap desa diambil 10 kelompok dan setiap kelompok terdiri dari 10 orang. Dan pendanaannya untuk program pembangunan wilayah terpadu antar desa masing-masing  desa lokasi maupun biaya operasionalnya bersumber dari APBD Provinsi Jawa Timur.
MEMBANGUN INDUSTRI PERBENIHAN BAWANG MERAH JAWA TIMUR
Authors: Baswarsiati Baswarsiati , Rahmawati Diding , Abu Abu
Published: November 2018

Hingga saat ini masih banyak permasalahn yang muncul dalam penyediaan benih bawang merah terutama belum terpenuhinya benih bersertifikat. Selain itu juga belum adanya jabalsim perbenihan antara instansi terkait dan penangkar benih. Untuk itu BPTP Jatim memulai memproduksi benih sumber kelas BS dari varietas unggul yang berkembang di Jawa Timur dan bekerjasama dengan UPT Perbenihan Hortikultura untuk regulasi hasilnya menjadi kelas FS serta UPTPSBTPH sebagai pengawas benih yang akan mensertifikasi. Dari pengalaman memproduksi benih sumber dan hasil wawancara dengan pemangku kepentingan maka diuraikanlah berbagai masalah dan penanganannya agar industri perbenihan bawang merah di Jawa Timur berjalan lancer. Untuk memproduksi benih sumber mengikuti SPO perbenihan sedangkan sertifikasi mengikuti standar mutu benih sesuai kelas benihnya. Masih diperlukan penanganan kelembagaan yang lebih baik sehingga proses produksi benih lebih efisien dan distribusi benih lancer.
UPAYA MEMBERDAYAKAN PELABUHAN PASEAN PAMEKASAN
Authors: Priyambodo Priyambodo
Published: November 2018

Penelitian ini bermaksud mengidentifikasi saran dan prasaran pelabuhan Pasean dengan tujuan untuk memberdayakan pelabuhan Pasean sebagai pintu gerbang ekonomi. Dengan menggunakan metode analisis deskriptif kualitatif, hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa secara fisik dan teknis Pelabuhan Pasean cukup layak untuk dibangun. Namun aksesbilitas jalannya kurang layak untuk mendukung keluar masuk barang, jasa, dan orang dari dan ke Pelabuhan Pasean. Secara operasional Pelabuhan Pasean merupakan pelabuhan lokal milik pemerintah Kabupaten Pamekasan. Namun untuk urusan keselamatan pelayaran masih di bawah kendali Pelabuhan Branta.
SOSIALISASI KEBIJAKAN PEMBERDAYAAN SEKTOR INFORMAL PASCA PERUBAHAN TATA RUANG KAWASAN SURAMADU
Authors: Rahardjo Tri Weda
Published: November 2018

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui: (a) Kondisi tata ruang sebelum dan sesudah pembangunan Jembatan Suramadu; (b) Kebijakan pemberdayaan sektor informal di wilayah Jembatan Suramadu; (d) Kondisi sosialisasi kebijakan penataan dan pengembangan sektor informal di kawasn Jembatan Suramadu.
PEMANFAATAN LIMBAH BREM SEBAGAI BAHAN UNTUK PEMBUATAN DODOL
Authors: Su’i Moh. , Supriana Supriana , Astutik Sih Rahayuning
Published: November 2018

Limbah dari pengolahan brem hingga saat ini belum dimanfaatkan secara maksimal. Libah brem masih mengandung pati dan serat. Kedua senyawa tersebut berguna dalam pengolahan dodol. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mempelajari penambahan limbah brem dan mentega dalam pengolahan dodol. Penelitian dilakukan menggunakan metode eksperimental dengan dua faktor yaitu proporsi limbah brem: tepung ketan (50:150; 100:100 dan 125:75) dan jumlah mentega (5%, 10% dan 15%) yang disusun secara factorial dan diulang tiga kali.
Terorisme, Kekerasan Atas Nama Agama Dan Kebijakan Negara
Authors: Mahfud Choirul
Published: November 2018

Masalah terorisme dan kekerasan atas nama agama kembali mencuat ke permukaan sebagai isu global yang mempengaruhi public di tingkat lokal. Penelitian ini bersifat kualitatif dengan pendekatan deskriptif analisis dan menggunakan metode dokumentatif. Tujuan umum penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui apa yang dimaksud terorisme dan kekerasan atas nama agama? Mengapa terorisme dan kekerasan atas nama agama muncul dan berkembang di Indonesia? Bagaimana respon negara dan kaum agamawan dalam menyikapi masalah terorisme dan kekerasan atas nama agama? Hasil penelitian ini adalah pertama, terorisme memiliki define yang khas, yaitu paham terror melalui penggunaan kekerasan secara sistematis untuk mencapai tujuan. Sementara, kekerasan atas nama agama merupakan tindakan kekerasan yang menggunakan legitimasi agama. Sehingga,masalah terorisme dan kekerasan atas nama agama masih dalam posisi di persimpangan jalan.
Perbandingan Penggunaan Kabel Isolasi Xlpe Dengan Kabel Laut Isolasi Minyak Pada Saluran Kabel Tegangan Tinggi (SKTT) 150 kV Jawa-Madura
Authors: Amirullah Amirullah , Laksono Adi
Published: November 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membandingkan unjuk kerja kabel laut three core isolasi minyak antara Pulau Jawa dengan Madura dengan kabel isolasi XLPE single core pada Jembatan Suramadu. Analisis dilakukan pada sejumlah parameter yaitu; tahanan arus bolak-balik, kerugian dielektrik,kemampuan hantar arus,jatuh tegangan,daya sisi kirim,rugi-rugi daya,daya sisi terima, dan efesiensi penyaluran kabel. Penelitian ini juga melakukan prediksi jangka waktu kemampuan kabel isolasi XLPE pada Jembatan Suramadu melayani pasokan daya listrik mengacu pada data pertumbuhan kebutuhan daya listrik di Pulau Madura dengan menggunakan Metode Regresi Linier. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan kabel isolasi XLPE jenis three core mempunyai nilai tegangan lebih kecil,serta kemampuan hantar arus (KHA) dan efisiensi saluran transmisi yang lebih besar dibandingkan dengan kabel laut isolasi minyak jenis three core.
Sosialisasi Dan Respon Masyarakat Terhadap Program Koperasi Wanita Di Jawa Timur
Authors: Raharjo Tri Weda
Published: November 2018

Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui: (1) pendapat masyarakat tentang sosialisasi program pengembangan koperasi wanita; (2) perkembangan sosial dan ekonomi masyarakat dengan keberadaan koperasi wanita; (3) perkembangan pengetahuan, ketrampilan dan perilaku masyarakat sesudah adanya atau keikutsertaannya dalam koperasi wanita; dan (4) kebutuhan masyarakat dalam mengembangkan koperasi wanita untuk meningkatkan taraf hidup mereka. Secara umum,hasil kajian ini menunjukkan sebagai berikut: (1) pendapat masyarakat tentang sosialisasi program pengembangan koperasi wanita menunjukkan berjalan dengan baik; (2) Sosial ekonomi masyarakat berkembang; (3) Pengetahuan masyarakat berkembang; (4) Kebutuhan pengembangan kopwan dipisahkan menjadi dua yaitu: kopwan memenuhi kebutuhan anggota dan kopwan sangat membutuhkan tambahan modal dan pelatihan.
Model Pengelolaan Bina Keluarga Balita (BKB) Di Propinsi Jawa Timur
Authors: Mardiyono Mardiyono
Published: November 2018

Pembangunan Sumber Daya Manusia (SDM) merupakan prasyarat kemajuan suatu bangsa,karena 80% kemajuan suatu bangsa dimasa depan ditentukan oleh kualitas SDM, bukan oleh Sumber Daya Alam (SDA). Kualitas SDM tersebut akan menjadi daya saing bangsa yang antara lain dicerminkan oleh derajat kesehatan, tingkat intelegensia, kematangan emosional dan spiritual, serta produktivitas. Keseluruhan faktor tersebut sangat ditentukan oleh kualitas pada usia dini yaitu dari janin hingga anak usia 6 tahun. Tujuan penelitian yang dilaporkan ini untuk mengetahui pola pengelolaan keberhasilan BKB dan model pengembangan serta hasilnya bahwa program BKB bisa berjalan dengan baik bila diintegrasikan dengan program posyandu dan PAUD yang sudah dikenal dimasyarakat.
Analisis Efisiensi dan Efektivitas Retribusi Pasar di Kabupaten Sidoarjo
Authors: Imamah Nurul , Irwantoro Irwantoro
Published: November 2018

Retribusi Pelayanan Pasar merupakan sumber penerimaan daerah yang potensial. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui tingkat perkembangan penerimaan retribusi pasar seperti tingkat pertumbuhan dan kontribusinya terhadap retribusi daerah dan PAD, tingkat efisiensi dan efektivitas serta proyeksi penerimaan retribusi pasar di masa yang akan datang di Kabupaten Sidoarjo. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode analisis deskriptif kuantitatif yaitu analisis tingkat pertumbuhan,kontribusi,efisiensi dan efektifitas serta Trend. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan perkembangan penerimaan retribusi pasar dengan tingkat pertumbuhan rata-rata sebesar 7,86 persen per tahun dan persentase realisasinya sebesar 99,18%, artinya selama periode penelitian rata-rata realisasi penerimaan retribusi pasar dibawah target, sedangkan kontribusinya terhadap retribusi daerah rata-rata 7,46 persen per tahun, dan PAD sebesar 2,94 persen per tahun, hasil tersebut tergolong kurang besar karena nilainya berada pada kelompok kisaran 0 – 25% sehingga penerimaan retribusi pasar masih dapat ditingkatkan.
Pengaruh intellectual (IQ),Emotional (EQ), dan Spiritiual Quotient (SQ) Terhadap Kinerja Aparatur dengan Variabel Moderasi Kompetensi di Kabupaten Lamongan
Authors: Djasuli Mohammad , Hidayah Nur
Published: November 2018

Kinerja aparatur sangat membantu dalam menjalankan aktifitas yang ada di sebuah Pemerintahan Daerah untuk mewujudkan visi dan misi yang sesuai dengan harapan. Terkait dengan hasil kinerja aparatur yang bagus, terdapat beberapa hal yang mempengaruhinya seperti kecerdasan yang diklarifikasikan menjadi 3 yaitu : intellectual (IQ),emotional quotient (EQ) dan spiritual quotient (SQ). Selain kecerdasan yang akan mempengaruhi kinerja,peneliti menambahkan variabel moderasi kompetensi,dimana kompetensi menjadi salah satu faktor yang akan menambah output kinerja aparatur yang lenih memuaskan. Tujuan penelitian adalah: (1) mengetahui pengaruh intellectual quotient (IQ),emotional quotient (EQ), dan spiritual quotient (SQ) terhadap kinerja secara parsial,(2) mengetahui pengaruh kompetensi sebagai variabel moderating terhadap intellectual quotient (IQ), emotional quotient (EQ), dan spiritual quotient (SQ) dengan variabel kinerja secara parsial.
Peluang Produksi Ubi Kayu Madura dalam Pengembangan Agroindustri Berbasis Komoditas Lokal
Authors: Rozi Fahcrur , Heriyanto Heriyanto
Published: November 2018

Komoditas Pertanian di Madura terutama ubi kayu belum memiliki keunggulan komparatif dan kompetitif. Untuk mengatasi permasalahn tersebut, maka diperlukan alternatif pengembangan agroindustri yang berbasis pada potensi sumberdaya lokal tersebut. Potensi tanaman ubi kayu di Madura membuka cakrawala dan harapan untuk lebih dapat memberikan nilai tambah pada komoditas ini. Untuk mendukung pengembangan agroindustri di Pulau Madura, maka penggunaan varietas lokal yang mempunyai produktivitas rendah harus diganti dengan varietas unggul baru yang berdaya hasil tinggi yang sudah tersedia teknologinya.
PlantES: A Plant Electrophysiological Multi-Source Data Online Analysis and Sharing Platform
Authors: Song Chao , Qin Xiao-Huang , Zhou Qiao , Wang Zi-Yang , Liu Wei-He , Li Jun , Huang Lan , Chen Yang , Tang Guiliang , Zhao Dong-Jie , Wang Zhong-Yi
Published: November 2018

At present, plant electrophysiological data volumes and complexity are increasing rapidly. It causes the demand for efficient management of big data, data sharing among research groups, and fast analysis. In this paper, we proposed PlantES (Plant Electrophysiological Data Sharing), a distributed computing-based prototype system that can be used to store, manage, visualize, analyze, and share plant electrophysiological data. We deliberately designed a storage schema to manage the multi-source plant electrophysiological data by integrating distributed storage systems HDFS and HBase to access all kinds of files efficiently. To improve the online analysis efficiency, parallel computing algorithms on Spark were proposed and implemented, e.g., plant electrical signals extraction method, the adaptive derivative threshold algorithm, and template matching algorithm. The experimental results indicated that Spark efficiently improves the online analysis. Meanwhile, the online visualization and sharing of multiple types of data in the web browser were implemented. Our prototype platform provides a solution for web-based sharing and analysis of plant electrophysiological multi-source data and improves the comprehension of plant electrical signals from a systemic perspective.
Giantin Is Required for Post-Alcohol Recovery of Golgi in Liver Cells
Authors: Casey Carol A. , Thomes Paul , Manca Sonia , Petrosyan Armen
Published: November 2018

In hepatocytes and alcohol-metabolizing cultured cells, Golgi undergoes ethanol (EtOH)-induced disorganization. Perinuclear and organized Golgi is important in liver homeostasis, but how the Golgi remains intact is unknown. Work from our laboratories showed that EtOH-altered cellular function could be reversed after alcohol removal; we wanted to determine whether this recovery would apply to Golgi. We used alcohol-metabolizing HepG2 (VA-13) cells (cultured with or without EtOH for 72 h) and rat hepatocytes (control and EtOH-fed (Lieber–DeCarli diet)). For recovery, EtOH was removed and replenished with control medium (48 h for VA-13 cells) or control diet (10 days for rats). Results: EtOH-induced Golgi disassembly was associated with de-dimerization of the largest Golgi matrix protein giantin, along with impaired transport of selected hepatic proteins. After recovery from EtOH, Golgi regained their compact structure, and alterations in giantin and protein transport were restored. In VA-13 cells, when we knocked down giantin, Rab6a GTPase or non-muscle myosin IIB, minimal changes were observed in control conditions, but post-EtOH recovery was impaired. Conclusions: These data provide a link between Golgi organization and plasma membrane protein expression and identify several proteins whose expression is important to maintain Golgi structure during the recovery phase after EtOH administration.
The Heterogeneous Aminohydroxylation Reaction Using Hydrotalcite-Like Catalysts Containing Osmium
Authors: Fadlalla Mohamed I. , Maguire Glenn E. M. , Friedrich Holger B.
Published: November 2018

The aminohydroxylation reaction of olefins is a key organic transformation reaction, typically carried out homogeneously with toxic and expensive osmium (Os) catalysts. Therefore, heterogenisation of this reaction can unlock its industrial potential by allowing reusability of the catalyst. Os–Zn–Al hydrotalcite-like compounds (HTlcs), as potential heterogeneous aminohydroxylation catalysts, were synthesised by the co-precipitation method and characterised by several techniques. Reaction parameters (i.e., solvent system, reaction temperature, and catalyst structure) were optimized with cyclohexene, styrene, and hexene as substrates. The different classes of olefins (aliphatic, aromatic, and functionalised) that were tested gave >99% conversion and high selectivity (>97%) to the corresponding β-amino alcohol. The catalyst HTlc structure had a significant effect on the reaction time and yield of the β-amino alcohols. Under the same testing conditions, a heat treated catalyst (non-HTlc) showed a shorter reaction time, but drop in the yield of β-amino alcohols and rise in diol formation was observed. Leaching tests showed that 2.9% and 3.4% of Os (inactive) leached from the catalyst to the reaction solution when MeCN/water (1:1 v/v) and t-BuOH/water (1:1 v/v), respectively, were used as the solvent system. Recycling studies showed that the catalyst can be reused at least thrice, with no significant difference in the yield of the β-amino-alcohol.
Reactive Power Optimal Control of a Wind Farm for Minimizing Collector System Losses
Authors: Xiao Yunqi , Wang Yi , Sun Yanping
Published: November 2018

A reactive power/voltage control strategy is proposed that uses wind turbines as distributed reactive power sources to optimize the power flow in large-scale wind farms and reduce the overall losses of the collector system. A mathematical model of loss optimization for the wind farm collector systems is proposed based on a reactive power/voltage sensitivity analysis; a genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm are used to validate the optimization performances. The simulation model is established based on a large-scale wind farm. The results of multiple scenarios show that the proposed strategy is superior to the traditional methods with regard to the reactive power/voltage control of the wind farm and the loss reduction of the collector system. Furthermore, the advantages in terms of annual energy savings and environmental protection are also estimated.
A Feasibility Study on Power Generation from Solar Thermal Wind Tower: Inclusive Impact Assessment Concerning Environmental and Economic Costs
Authors: Elsayed Islam , Nishi Yoshiki
Published: November 2018

A solar thermal wind tower (STWT) is a low-temperature power generation plant that mimics the wind cycle in nature, comprising a flat plate solar air collector and central updraft tower to produce thermal wind that drives turbines to generate electricity. The development of power generation systems toward a sustainable future needs to be made taking into account the balance between environmental impact and economic feasibility. We examine the sustainability of STWT power generation technology using the inclusive impact index light (Triple I-light), which estimates whether it is good to do the project, including both the negative environmental impact and the economic aspect. Environmental disadvantages are discussed by performing a CO2 inventory analysis for the life-cycle of the STWT power plant. Evaluation of the economic feasibility is done by calculating the levelized electricity cost (LEC), which is the cost per unit of electricity generated. From the calculations, it is found that overall system efficiency is increased by enlarging the capacity, the negative environmental impact by the STWT plant comes mainly from manufacturing stage (more than 60%), and the levelized electricity cost is dramatically decreased by enlarging the capacity of the system (about 50% reduction). A negative value of Triple I (meaning it is sustainable) can be achieved for high power generation capacity (above 100 MW). Moreover, this paper discusses the implementation and the potential of constructing offshore STWTs.
Experimental Study of Sulfonate Gemini Surfactants as Thickeners for Clean Fracturing Fluids
Authors: Tang Shanfa , Zheng Yahui , Yang Weipeng , Wang Jiaxin , Fan Yingkai , Lu Jun
Published: November 2018

Hydraulic fracturing is one of the important methods to improve oil and gas production. The performance of the fracturing fluid directly affects the success of hydraulic fracturing. The traditional cross-linked polymer fracturing fluid can cause secondary damage to oil and gas reservoirs due to the poor flow-back of the fracturing fluid, and existing conventional cleaning fracturing fluids have poor performance in high temperature. Therefore, this paper has carried out research on novel sulfonate Gemini surfactant cleaning fracturing fluids. The rheological properties of a series of sulfonate Gemini surfactant (DSm-s-m) solutions at different temperatures and constant shear rate (170 s−1) were tested for optimizing the temperature-resistance and thickening properties of anionic Gemini surfactants in clean fracturing fluid. At the same time, the microstructures of solutions were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The experimental results showed that the viscosity of the sulfonate Gemini surfactant solution varied with the spacer group and the hydrophobic chain at 65 °C and 170 s−1, wherein DS18-3-18 had excellent viscosity-increasing properties. Furthermore, the microstructure of 4 wt.% DS18-3-18 solution demonstrated that DS18-3-18 self-assembled into dense layered micelles, and the micelles intertwined with each other to form the network structure, promoting the increase in solution viscosity. Adding nano-MgO can increase the temperature-resistance of 4 wt.% DS18-3-18 solution, which indicated that the rod-like and close-packed layered micelles were beneficial to the improvement of the temperature-resistance and thickening performances of the DS18-3-18 solution. DS18-3-18 was not only easy to formulate, but also stable in all aspects. Due to its low molecular weight, the damage to the formation was close to zero and the insoluble residue was almost zero because of the absence of breaker, so it could be used as a thickener for clean fracturing fluids in tight reservoirs.
Utilization of Biodegradable Wastes as a Clean Energy Source in the Developing Countries: A Case Study in Myanmar
Authors: Tun Maw Maw , Juchelková Dagmar , Raclavská Helena , Sassmanová Veronika
Published: November 2018

Nowadays, waste-to-energy has become a type of renewable energy utilization that can provide environmental and economic benefits in the world. In this paper, we evaluated the quality of twelve biodegradable waste samples from Myanmar by binder laboratory heating and drying oven at 105 °C. The calculation methods of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) were used for the greenhouse gas emission estimation from waste disposal at the open dumpsites, anaerobic digestion, and waste transportation in the current situation of Myanmar. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and fossil fuel consumption of the improved biodegrade waste utilization system were estimated and both were found to be reduced. As a result, volume and weight of the biodegradable wastes with 100% moisture reduction were estimated at approximately 5 million cubic meters per year and 2600 kilotonnes per year, respectively, in 2021. The total GHG emissions in the current situation amounted to approximately 1500 and 1800 Gigagrams of CO2-eq per year in 2019 and 2021, respectively, while the total GHG emission avoidance from a sustainable approach amounted to 3500 and 4000 Gigagrams of CO2-eq per year, respectively. The study aimed at highlighting the utilization of biodegradable wastes as a clean energy source in developing countries.
Eigen-Analysis Considering Time-Delay and Data-Loss of WAMS and ITS Application to WADC Design Based on Damping Torque Analysis
Authors: Zhou Tao , Chen Zhong , Bu Siqi , Tang Haoran , Liu Yi
Published: November 2018

Data-loss from wide-area measurement systems (WAMS) is a stochastic event and eigenvalues of power systems containing data-loss cannot be calculated directly. This paper proposes a unified model of WAMS data containing time-delay and data-loss according to its mathematical expectation. Based on Pade approximation, the model is incorporated into a system linearized model with WAMS. Thus, an eigen-analysis can be conducted to analyze the impacts of data corruption and to calculate the system stability time-delay margin. Then, the unified model is applied to damping torque analysis (DTA) to derive the damping torque index (DTI) with WAMS. The DTI can be used to select feedback signals and conduct the parameter design of a wide-area damping controller (WADC). Finally, the 2-area 4-machine (2A4M) Kundur system and Eastern China power grid (ECPG) are simulated to validate the feasibility of the model and its application. The results demonstrate the impacts of data corruption on system dynamic performance and the ability of the method to improve the small-signal stability of interconnected power grids.
Performance of Practical Grounding Systems under High Impulse Conditions
Authors: Reffin Muhd , Nor Normiza , Ahmad Nurul , Abdullah Syarifah
Published: November 2018

This paper investigates the factors affecting the impulse characteristics of purposely built grounding systems. We installed 2 m × 2 m grounding systems in four different sites with different soil resistivity values. The effect of impulse polarity on soil characteristics was also investigated for different soil resistivity. A circular ring electrode was used as a return electrode in all four sites. For one of the sites, different configurations of grounding systems were installed to allow the study of the effect of ground electrode configurations on soil characteristics. The aim of this study was to quantify the effects of soil resistivity, impulse polarity, and earth electrode configurations on soil electrical properties under high impulse conditions by field measurements. The new data could be useful in understanding the characteristics of grounding systems in various factors under high impulse conditions. It is hoped that by considering these factors, it can help optimize the design of earthing systems.
Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy for Isolated Systems with High Penetration of Renewable Generation
Authors: Clairand Jean-Michel , Rodríguez-García Javier , Álvarez-Bel Carlos
Published: November 2018

Inhabited islands depend primarily on fossil fuels for electricity generation and they also present frequently a vehicle fleet, which result in a significant environmental problem. To address this, several governments are investing in the integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) and Electric Vehicles (EVs), but the combined integration of them creates challenges to the operation of these isolated grid systems. Thus, the aim of this paper is to propose an Electric Vehicle charging strategy considering high penetration of RES. The methodology proposes taxing CO 2 emissions based on high pricing when the electricity is mostly generated by fossil fuels, and low pricing when there is a RES power excess. The Smart charging methodology for EV optimizes the total costs. Nine scenarios with different installed capacity of solar and wind power generation are evaluated and compared to cases of uncoordinated charging. The methodology was simulated in the Galapagos Islands, which is an archipelago of Ecuador, and recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as both a World Heritage site and a biosphere reserve. Simulations results demonstrate that the EV aggregator could reduce costs: 7.9% for a case of 5 MW installed capacity (wind and PV each), and 7% for a case of 10 MW installed (wind and PV each). Moreover, the use of excess of RES power for EV charging will considerably reduce CO 2 emissions.
Fermi: Monitoring the Gamma-Ray Universe
Authors: Thompson David
Published: November 2018

Since 2008, the Large Area Telescope and the Gamma-ray Burst Monitor on the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope have been monitoring the entire sky at energies from about 8 keV to more than 1 TeV. Photon-level data and high-level data products are made publicly available in near-real time, and efforts continue to improve the response time. This long-duration, all-sky monitoring has enabled a broad range of science, from atmospheric phenomena on Earth to signals from high-redshift sources. The Fermi instrument teams have worked closely with multiwavelength and multi-messenger observers and theorists to maximize the scientific return from the observatory, and they look forward to continued cooperative efforts as Fermi moves into its second decade of operation.
Methadone Maintenance Treatment Reduces the Vulnerability of Drug Users on HIV/AIDS in Vietnamese Remote Settings: Assessing the Changes in HIV Knowledge, Perceived Risk, and Testing Uptake after a 12-Month Follow-Up
Authors: Nguyen Tam Minh Thi , Tran Bach Xuan , Fleming Mercerdes , Pham Manh Duc , Nguyen Long Thanh , Le Huong Thi , Nguyen Anh Lan Thi , Le Huong Thi , Nguyen Thang Huu , Hoang Van Hai , Le Xuan Thanh Thi , Vuong Quan Hoang , Ho Manh Tung , Dam Van Nhue , Vuong Thu Trang , Do Ha Ngoc , Nguyen Vu , Nguyen Huong Lan Thi , Do Huyen Phuc , Doan Phuong Linh , Nguyen Hai Hong , Latkin Carl A. , Ho Cyrus SH , Ho Roger CM
Published: November 2018

Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) program has been considered a medium through which human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risks assessment and prevention on drug use/HIV-infected population can be effectively conducted. Studies concerning the implementation of such idea on patients in remote, under-developed areas, however, have been limited. Having the clinics established in three mountainous provinces of Vietnam, this study aimed to evaluate the changes in knowledge of HIV, perceived risk, and HIV testing uptake of the patients. A longitudinal study was conducted at six MMT clinics in three provinces with a pre- and post-assessments among 300 patients. Outcomes of interest were compared between baseline and after 12 months. The magnitude of changes was extrapolated. The proportion of participants reporting that their HIV knowledge was not good fell by 4.4% (61.3% at the baseline vs. 56.8% at 12 months). The significant improvement seen was in the knowledge that needle sharing was a mode of transmission (82.7% vs. 89.6%). Nevertheless, the majority of participants reportedly considered mosquitoes/insect and eating with the HIV-infected patient were the route of transmission at both time points (84.7% vs. 89.1%, 92.2% vs. 93.3%, respectively). This study found a limited improvement in HIV knowledge and testing uptake among MMT patients following a 12-month period. It also highlighted some shortcomings in the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of these patients, in particular, incorrect identification of HIV transmission routes, among patients both at program initiation and follow-up. The findings lent support to the argument for enhancing education and counseling efforts at MMT clinics regarding HIV, as well as for improving access to preventive and health care services through the integration of MMT/HIV services.
IFT80 Improves Invasion Ability in Gastric Cancer Cell Line via ift80/p75NGFR/MMP9 Signaling
Authors: Wang Rui , Deng Xiaoyan , Yuan Chengfu , Xin Hongmei , Liu Geli , Zhu Yong , Jiang Xue , Wang Changdong
Published: November 2018

The assembly and maintenance of cilia depend on intraflagellar transport (IFT) proteins, which play an important role in development and homeostasis. IFT80 is a newly defined IFT protein and partial mutation of IFT80 in humans causes diseases such as Jeune asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy (JATD) and short rib polydactyly (SRP) type III, both characterized by abnormal skeletal development. However, the role and mechanism of IFT80 in the invasion of gastric cancer is unknown. We established SGC-7901 and MKN-45 gastric cancer cell lines that stably overexpressed IFT80, as verified by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) plays an important role in tumor invasion, and its expression was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. The invasion ability of IFT80 on SGC-7901 and MKN-45 cells was examined by the Matrigel invasion assay. The relationship between p75NGFR, and the p75NGFR antagonists, PD90780 and IFT80, were detected by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and Western blotting. We first detected an IFT80 expression pattern, and found that IFT80 was highly expressed in gastric cancer clinical samples. Overexpression of IFT80 in the gastric cancer cell lines, SGC-7901 and MKN-45, led to lengthening cilia. Additionally, overexpression of IFT80 significantly improved proliferation and invasion, but inhibited apoptosis, in gastric cancer cells. We further found that overexpression of IFT80 increased p75NGFR and MMP9 mRNA and protein expression. Treatment with the p75NGFR antagonist PD90780 inhibited the increased invasion ability resulting from overexpression of IFT80 in SGC-7901 and MKN-45 gastric cancer cells. Thus, these results suggest that IFT80 plays an important role in invasion of gastric cancer through regulating the ift80/p75NGFR/MMP9 signal pathways.
Vacuolar Proton Pyrophosphatase Is Required for High Magnesium Tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yang Yang , Tang Ren-Jie , Mu Baicong , Ferjani Ali , Shi Jisen , Zhang Hongxia , Zhao Fugeng , Lan Wen-Zhi , Luan Sheng
Published: November 2018

Magnesium (Mg2+) is an essential nutrient in all organisms. However, high levels of Mg2+ in the environment are toxic to plants. In this study, we identified the vacuolar-type H+-pyrophosphatase, AVP1, as a critical enzyme for optimal plant growth under high-Mg conditions. The Arabidopsis avp1 mutants displayed severe growth retardation, as compared to the wild-type plants upon excessive Mg2+. Unexpectedly, the avp1 mutant plants retained similar Mg content to wild-type plants under either normal or high Mg conditions, suggesting that AVP1 may not directly contribute to Mg2+ homeostasis in plant cells. Further analyses confirmed that the avp1 mutant plants contained a higher pyrophosphate (PPi) content than wild type, coupled with impaired vacuolar H+-pyrophosphatase activity. Interestingly, expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae cytosolic inorganic pyrophosphatase1 gene IPP1, which facilitates PPi hydrolysis but not proton translocation into vacuole, rescued the growth defects of avp1 mutants under high-Mg conditions. These results provide evidence that high-Mg sensitivity in avp1 mutants possibly resulted from elevated level of cytosolic PPi. Moreover, genetic analysis indicated that mutation of AVP1 was additive to the defects in mgt6 and cbl2 cbl3 mutants that are previously known to be impaired in Mg2+ homeostasis. Taken together, our results suggest AVP1 is required for cellular PPi homeostasis that in turn contributes to high-Mg tolerance in plant cells.
Cytotoxicity and Transcriptomic Analysis of Silver Nanoparticles in Mouse Embryonic Fibroblast Cells
Authors: Gurunathan Sangiliyandi , Qasim Muhammad , Park Chanhyeok , Yoo Hyunjin , Choi Dong Yoon , Song Hyuk , Park Chankyu , Kim Jin-Hoi , Hong Kwonho
Published: November 2018

The rapid development of nanotechnology has led to the use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in biomedical applications, including antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer therapies. The molecular mechanism of AgNPs-induced cytotoxicity has not been studied thoroughly using a combination of cellular assays and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis. In this study, we prepared AgNPs using myricetin, an anti-oxidant polyphenol, and studied their effects on NIH3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblasts as an in vitro model system to explore the potential biomedical applications of AgNPs. AgNPs induced loss of cell viability and cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, as evident by increased leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from cells. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were a potential source of cytotoxicity. AgNPs also incrementally increased oxidative stress and the level of malondialdehyde, depleted glutathione and superoxide dismutase, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and caused DNA damage by increasing the level of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine and the expressions of the p53 and p21 genes in NIH3T3 cells. Thus, activation of oxidative stress may be crucial for NIH3T3 cytotoxicity. Interestingly, gene ontology (GO) term analysis revealed alterations in epigenetics-related biological processes including nucleosome assembly and DNA methylation due to AgNPs exposure. This study is the first demonstration that AgNPs can alter bulk histone gene expression. Therefore, our genome-scale study suggests that the apoptosis observed in NIH3T3 cells treated with AgNPs is mediated by the repression of genes required for cell survival and the aberrant enhancement of nucleosome assembly components to induce apoptosis.
Comparative Analyses of Cytochrome P450s and Those Associated with Secondary Metabolism in Bacillus Species
Authors: Mthethwa Bongumusa Comfort , Chen Wanping , Ngwenya Mathula Lancelot , Kappo Abidemi Paul , Syed Puleng Rosinah , Karpoormath Rajshekhar , Yu Jae-Hyuk , Nelson David R. , Syed Khajamohiddin
Published: November 2018

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs/P450s) are among the most catalytically-diverse enzymes, capable of performing enzymatic reactions with chemo-, regio-, and stereo-selectivity. Our understanding of P450s’ role in secondary metabolite biosynthesis is becoming broader. Among bacteria, Bacillus species are known to produce secondary metabolites, and recent studies have revealed the presence of secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in these species. However, a comprehensive comparative analysis of P450s and P450s involved in the synthesis of secondary metabolites in Bacillus species has not been reported. This study intends to address these two research gaps. In silico analysis of P450s in 128 Bacillus species revealed the presence of 507 P450s that can be grouped into 13 P450 families and 28 subfamilies. No P450 family was found to be conserved in Bacillus species. Bacillus species were found to have lower numbers of P450s, P450 families and subfamilies, and a lower P450 diversity percentage compared to mycobacterial species. This study revealed that a large number of P450s (112 P450s) are part of different secondary metabolite BGCs, and also identified an association between a specific P450 family and secondary metabolite BGCs in Bacillus species. This study opened new vistas for further characterization of secondary metabolite BGCs, especially P450s in Bacillus species.
A Ketoconazole Susceptibility Test for Malassezia pachydermatis Using Modified Leeming–Notman Agar
Authors: Hsieh Bo-Young , Chao Wei-Hsun , Xue Yi-Jing , Lai Jyh-Mirn
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study was to establish a ketoconazole susceptibility test for Malassezia pachydermatis using modified Leeming–Notman agar (mLNA). The susceptibilities of 33 M. pachydermatis isolates obtained by modified CLSI M27-A3 method were compared with the results by disk diffusion method, which used different concentrations of ketoconazole on 6 mm diameter paper disks. Results showed that 93.9% (31/33) of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values obtained from both methods were similar (consistent with two methods within 2 dilutions). M. pachydermatis BCRC 21676 and Candida parapsilosis ATCC 22019 were used to verify the results obtained from the disk diffusion and modified CLSI M27-A3 tests, and they were found to be consistent. Therefore, the current study concludes that this new novel test—using different concentrations of reagents on cartridge disks to detect MIC values against ketoconazole—can be a cost-effective, time-efficient, and less technically demanding alternative to existing methods.
Forest Carbon Gain and Loss in Protected Areas of Uganda: Implications to Carbon Benefits of Conservation
Authors: Gizachew Belachew , Solberg Svein , Puliti Stefano
Published: November 2018

Uganda designated 16% of its land as Protected Area (PA). The original goal was natural resources, habitat and biodiversity conservation. However, PAs also offer great potential for carbon conservation in the context of climate change mitigation. Drawing on a wall-to-wall map of forest carbon change for the entire Uganda, that was developed using two Digital Elevation Model (DEM) datasets for the period 2000–2012, we (1) quantified forest carbon gain and loss within 713 PAs and their external buffer zones, (2) tested variations in forest carbon change among management categories, and (3) evaluated the effectiveness of PAs and the prevalence of local leakage in terms of forest carbon. The net annual forest carbon gain in PAs of Uganda was 0.22 ± 1.36 t/ha, but a significant proportion (63%) of the PAs exhibited a net carbon loss. Further, carbon gain and loss varied significantly among management categories. About 37% of the PAs were “effective”, i.e., gained or at least maintained forest carbon during the period. Nevertheless, carbon losses in the external buffer zones of those effective PAs significantly contrast with carbon gains inside of the PA boundaries, providing evidence of leakage and thus, isolation. The combined carbon losses inside the boundaries of a large number of PAs, together with leakage in external buffer zones suggest that PAs, regardless of the management categories, are threatened by deforestation and forest degradation. If Uganda will have to benefit from carbon conservation from its large number of PAs through climate change mitigation mechanisms such as REDD+, there is an urgent need to look into some of the current PA management approaches, and design protection strategies that account for the surrounding landscapes and communities outside of the PAs.
The Influence of Stored Energy on Grain Boundary Chemistry and Intergranular Corrosion Development in AA2024-T3 Alloy
Authors: Zhang Xinxin , Zhou Xiaorong , Cai Guangyi , Yu Yang , Lu Xueqin , Jiao Yanbin , Dong Zehua
Published: November 2018

Following our previous research, the correlation between the micro-chemistry of grain boundary and the distribution of stored energy in AA2024-T3 alloy is investigated, using the combination of transmission Kikuchi diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. It is found that the difference of dislocation density, namely stored energy, between two neighboring grains significantly affects the micro-chemistry of the grain boundary. Further, it is revealed that intergranular corrosion development in the AA2024-T3 alloy is mainly attributed to the combined effect of grain boundary chemistry and stored energy distribution.
Development of Alumina–Mesoporous Organosilica Hybrid Materials for Carbon Dioxide Adsorption at 25 °C
Authors: Gunathilake Chamila , Dassanayake Rohan S. , Kalpage Chandrakantha S. , Jaroniec Mietek
Published: November 2018

Two series of alumina (Al2O3)–mesoporous organosilica (Al–MO) hybrid materials were synthesized using the co-condensation method in the presence of Pluronic 123 triblock copolymer. The first series of Al–MO samples was prepared using aluminum nitrate nanahydrate (Al–NN) and aluminum isopropoxide (Al–IP) as alumina precursors, and organosilanes with three different bridging groups, namely tris[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]isocyanurate, 1,4-bis(triethoxysilyl)benzene, and bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane. The second series was obtained using the aforementioned precursors in the presence of an amine-containing 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane to introduce, also, hanging groups. The Al–IP-derived mesostructures in the first series showed the well-developed porosity and high specific surface area, as compared to the corresponding mesostructures prepared in the second series with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. The materials obtained from Al–NN alumina precursor possessed enlarged mesopores in the range of 3–17 nm, whereas the materials synthesized from Al–IP alumina precursor displayed relatively low pore widths in the range of 5–7 nm. The Al–IP-derived materials showed high CO2 uptakes, due to the enhanced surface area and microporosity in comparison to those observed for the samples of the second series with AP hanging groups. The Al–NN- and Al–IP-derived samples exhibited the CO2 uptakes in the range of 0.73–1.72 and 1.66–2.64 mmol/g at 1 atm pressure whereas, at the same pressure, the Al–NN and Al–IP-derived samples with 3-aminopropyl hanging groups showed the CO2 uptakes in the range of 0.72–1.51 and 1.70–2.33 mmol/g, respectively. These data illustrate that Al–MO hybrid materials are potential adsorbents for large-scale CO2 capture at 25 °C.
Facile Solvothermal Synthesis of CuCo2S4 Yolk-Shells and Their Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Properties
Authors: Chen Yinxia , Ji Xianbing , Sethumathavan Vadivel , Paul Bappi
Published: November 2018

In this present work, we synthesized a yolk-shell shaped CuCo2S4 by a simple anion exchange method. The morphological and structural properties of the as-synthesized sample were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-vis DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The SEM and TEM results confirmed that the uniform yolk-shell structure was formed during the solvothermal process. The band gap was about 1.41 eV, which have been confirmed by UV–vis DRS analysis. The photocatalytic property was evaluated by the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye as a target pollutant under the visible-light irradiation. The experimental results confirmed the potential application of yolk-shell shape CuCo2S4 in visible-light photocatalytic applications.
Interval-Valued Cores and Interval-Valued Dominance Cores of Cooperative Games Endowed with Interval-Valued Payoffs
Authors: Wu Hsien-Chung
Published: November 2018

Cooperative games endowed with interval-valued payoffs are studied in this paper. Based on the interval-valued payoff and the different types of orderings, we can propose many types of so-called interval-valued cores and interval-valued dominance cores. The main issue of this paper is to establish the equalities of different types of interval-valued cores and interval-valued dominance cores under a mild assumption. Without considering the individual rationality, we also establish the equalities of different types of interval-valued pre-cores and interval-valued dominance pre-cores without any extra assumptions.
New Invasive Nemertean Species (Cephalothrix Simula) in England with High Levels of Tetrodotoxin and a Microbiome Linked to Toxin Metabolism
Authors: Turner Andrew D. , Fenwick David , Powell Andy , Dhanji-Rapkova Monika , Ford Charlotte , Hatfield Robert G. , Santos Andres , Martinez-Urtaza Jaime , Bean Tim P. , Baker-Austin Craig , Stebbing Paul
Published: November 2018

The marine nemertean Cephalothrix simula originates from the Pacific Ocean but in recent years has been discovered in northern Europe. The species has been associated with high levels of the marine neurotoxin Tetrodotoxin, traditionally associated with Pufferfish Poisoning. This study reports the first discovery of two organisms of C. simula in the UK, showing the geographical extent of this species is wider than originally described. Species identification was initially conducted morphologically, with confirmation by Cox 1 DNA sequencing. 16S gene sequencing enabled the taxonomic assignment of the microbiome, showing the prevalence of a large number of bacterial genera previously associated with TTX production including Alteromonas, Vibrio and Pseudomonas. LC-MS/MS analysis of the nemertean tissue revealed the presence of multiple analogues of TTX, dominated by the parent TTX, with a total toxin concentration quantified at 54 µg TTX per g of tissue. Pseudomonas luteola isolated from C. simula, together with Vibrio alginolyticus from the native nemertean Tubulanus annulatus, were cultured at low temperature and both found to contain TTX. Overall, this paper confirms the high toxicity of a newly discovered invasive nemertean species with links to toxin-producing marine bacteria and the potential risk to human safety. Further work is required to assess the geographical extent and toxicity range of C. simula along the UK coast in order to properly gauge the potential impacts on the environment and human safety.