bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengembangan Prasarana Irigasi untuk Peningkatan Produktivitas Lahan di Kabupaten Konawe, Sulawesi Tenggara
Authors: Purwanto M Yanuar J , Subari - , Nur Friday Fritriana
Published: March 2018

Potensi lahan di suatu kawasan yang produktivitasnya kurang bagus akan menghasilkan tingkat pendapatan (revenue) yang relatif rendah, sehingga berdampak pada rendahnya pendapatan perkapita (income) kawasan tersebut. Dalam hal ini produktivitas lahan merupakan nilai koefisien suatu luasan panen dari pola tanam tertentu yang berhasil dikerjakan secara riil baik mendapatkan hasil dari panen saja atau ditambah dengan usaha nilai tambah dari bahan baku yang dipanen di kawasan tersebut. Untuk mengkaji hal tersebut diperlukan suatu pemahaman tentang hubungan karakteristik terhadap revenue dari suatu kawasan dengan menggunakan hubungan antara realisasi pola tanam tahunan dengan revenue (PDRB) kawasan. Penelitian ini adalah menyusun strategi pengembangan prasarana lahan beririgasi dengan meningkatkan kualitas jaringan irigasi dari sederhana sampai ke setengah teknis sesuai dengan tingkat kecukupan air yang tersedia, peningkatan kesejahteraan dan swasembada pangan. Studi menggunakan kasus kawasan irigasi di Bendung Wawotobi menunjukkan bahwa tingkat keteknisan jaringan yang akan dikembangkan untuk pencapaian swasembada pangan yang diperlukan dan peningkatan income dapat dicapai bersama dengan model revenue di tahun 2020 tergantung pada tingkat nilai tambah kawasan.
Performance of Micro Irrigation Network Based On Multi Commodities in Sumedang
Authors: Herwindo Wildan , Prihantoko Aditya
Published: March 2018

Penerapan sistem irigasi mikro untuk tanaman bernilai ekonomis tinggi dapat menjadi alternatif dalam peningkatan efisiensi penggunaan air irigasi. Hal ini dikarenakan penerapan irigasi mikro menggunakan jaringan perpipaan dalam pemberian air irigasinya mempunyai nilai efisiensi sangat tinggi, sehingga dapat mengoptimalisasi pemanfaatan air irigasi serta mendukung peningkatan ketahanan pangan dan air. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk merancang suatu desain jaringan irigasi mikro berbasis multi komoditas dan mengetahui kinerja jaringannya. Metode dalam penelitian ini adalah pengujian di lapangan menggunakan model fisik irigasi mikro yang berlokasi di Sumedang. Jaringan irigasi mikro berbasis multi komoditas diterapkan menggunakan tenaga gravitasi dengan memanfaatkan sumber mata air yang mempunyai perbedaan tinggi sebesar 50 meter. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian kinerja jaringan, didapatkan nilai keseragaman rata-rata untuk irigasi mikro di Sumedang, dengan emitter drip pipe adalah sebesar 91,04%, sedangkan untuk emitter micro sprayer sebesar 80,79%. Dalam penerapan jaringan irigasi mikro perlu diperhatikan bahwa arah guludan pada lahan dengan bentuk persegi panjang agar searah panjang lahan.
Irigasi Curah Otomatis Berbasis Sistem Pengendali Mikro
Authors: Saptomo Satyanto Krido , Isnain Rahmat , Setiawan Budi Indra
Published: March 2018

Penentuan Interval penyiraman dan pengkondisian lengas tanah dalam irigasi curah membutuhkan teknologi pendukung untuk mengoptimalkan operasi. Mikrokontroler Arduino Uno digunakan sebagai pengendali otomatis yang menentukan penyiraman berdasarkan kondisi lengas tanah yang dideteksi oleh sensor lengas tanah. Irigasi curah otomatis menggunakan parameter pF untuk pengkondisian lengas tanah. Nilai pF antara 4,2 ≤ pF <2 yang setara dengan persentase lengas tanah 38,5% ≤ lengas tanah <28,7%, digunakan sebagai setpoint bawah dan atas dalam irigasi otomatis. Sistem kendali mengoperasikan solenoid valve untuk mengatur aliran air irigasi dari tandon. Hasil percobaan menunjukkan bahwa sistem irigasi curah otomatis bisa menjaga lengas tanah antara rentang setpoin yang diinginkan dan dengan demikian dapat diterapkan untuk penggunaan yang lebih luas.
The Application of Mixer Channel for Fish Pond Irrigation System
Authors: Khaerudin Dian Noorvy , Krisnayanti Denik Sri
Published: March 2018

Indonesia sebagai negara agraris mempunyai rencana dalam ketahanan pangan. Ketahanan pangan juga menjadi tujuan dari MDG’s Millenium Development Goals tahun 2015 yang menjadikan ketahana pangan di Indonesia menjadi isu strategis nasional. Indonesia mempunyai potensi sumberdaya alam yang berlimpah ruah, termasuk sumberdaya air dan perikanan. Jenis-jenis ikan merupakan sumber protein bagi tubuh dan mempunyai peranan penting secara gizi dalam meningkatkan kesejahteraan dalam hal kesehatan untuk masyarakat. Perikanan air payau yang dikembangkan adalah ikan bandeng dan udang. Kabupaten Sidoarjo mempunyai komoditas daerah berupa ikan bandeng asap dan otak-otak ikan bandeng. Sehingga sebagian besar masyarakat Kabupaten Sidoarjo mempunyai usaha perikanan ini. Namun semakin lama semakin berkurang karena selain kualitas air nya tidak terjaga juga karena sistem irigasinya yang masih belum tertata. Sistem irigasi menjadi penting karena dengan sistem ini kegiatan dari pembagian air, penyiapkan pola tata tanam, pembuahan ikan, pembesaran, hingga pemasaran dapat berjalan dengan baik. Saluran pencampur air payau adalah campuran dari air tawar dan air laut dengan kualitas air yang dibutuhkan. Permasalahannya saluran tersier yang langsung berhubungan dengan saluran primer, dan tidak dapat memberikan kualitas air yang dibutuhkan lahan tambak. Adapun tujuan dari pembuatan saluran pencampur adalah menerapkan saluran pencampur sebagai alternatif pengganti kolam pencampur pada sistem irigasi tambak untuk memperoleh salinitas air yang memadai.
Uji Kinerja Emiter Cincin
Authors: Reskiana - , Setiawan Budi Indra , Saptomo Satyanto K. , Mustatiningsih Popi Redjekiningrum Dwi
Published: March 2018

Kerbatasan air menyebabkan pemanfaatan lahan kering belum maksimal dalam mendukung produksi pertanian di Indonesia. Teknologi irigasi hemat air dengan biaya yang terjangkau petani perlu terus dikembangkan. Penelitian ini bertujuan menghasilkan emiter irigasi berbentuk cincin yang dapat diletakkan di bawah permukaan tanah. Dalam penelitian ini diuji bahan berpori dari beberapa jenis kain yang permeabilitasnya menyerupai permeabilitas tanah pertanian. Diperoleh 5 jenis kain, yaitu jenis Legacy mempunyai permeabilitas 1.54 cm/jam, Colosal 0.76 cm/jam, Parasut 0.06 cm/jam, Kyramat 5.28 cm/jam dan Veronica 8.16 cm/jam. Jenis kain ini digulung menutupi selang air berlobang (diameter 5 mm dan jarak antar lubang 10 cm) yang dibentuk seperti cincin (emiter cincin). Emiter cincin ini kemudian diuji mengairi pot-pot tanaman melon dalam rumah kaca. Hasilnya, emiter cincin yang dibalut kain jenis Legacy dan Colossal mempunyai produktivitas air yang lebih tinggi, masing-masing 0.64 kg/m3 dan 1.90 kg/m3 dengan debit rata-rata 0.52 liter/jam dan 1.08 liter/jam.
Sistem Kontrol Irigasi Otomatis Nirkabel
Authors: Wiranto - , Setiawan Budi Indra , Saptomo Satyanto Krido
Published: March 2018

Pemberian air irigasi pada lahan pertanian harus dilakukan secara optimum, sehingga perlu dibuat suatu sistem irigasi otomatis yang mampu menyediakan air untuk tanaman dengan kondisi yang diharapkan. Untuk area luas sistem irigasi otomatis dapat menggunakan sistem wireless sensor network (WSN). Kelebihan dari sistem ini diantaranya data mudah didownload dan perangkat mudah diinstalasi sehingga dapat memudahkan dalam monitoring seluruh kawasan irigasi. Pada penelitian ini digunakan perangkat Xbee/Xbee pro sebagai perangkat sistem nirkabel dengan system komunikasi gelombang radio dan perangkat modem GSM untuk system komunikasi SMS. Tujuan dilakukannya penelitian ini adalah meningkatkan efisiensi sistem irigasi kontrol nirkabel (wireless). Manfaat dari penelitian ini sendiri adalah memberikan sistem irigasi otomatis alternatif untuk wilayah dengan ketersediaan air terbatas karena sistem ini mampu mengatur pemberiaan air irigasi sesuai dengan kebutuhan tanaman (efisiensi terhadap penggunaan air irigasi).
Skenario Pengembangan Wilayah Berbasis Daerah Irigasi (Studi Kasus : di Cihea Kabupaten Cianjur)
Authors: Dewi Endang Purnama , Purwanto M. Yanuar J , Sapei Asep
Published: March 2018

Pengembangan wilayah bertujuan untuk mendorong laju pertumbuhan suatu wilayah, dengan meningkatkan kesejahteraan petani dan mengurangi kesenjangan antar wilayah. Pada prinsipnya, pengembangan wilayah bertujuan untuk meningkatkan pertumbuhan ekonomi suatu wilayah dengan indikator pendapatan perkapita yang merata. Di daerah irigasi, pengembangan wilayah juga bisa menambah pendapatan kawasan dengan meningkatkan nilai tambah produk. Dalam Rencana Tata Ruang dan Wilayah Cianjur (RTRW) 2005-2015, Daerah Irigasi Cihea direncanakan akan dikonversi menjadi areal industri seluas 4209,903 ha. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menyediakan arahan strategi untuk Daerah Irigasi Cihea sebagai implementasi dari RTRW. Dalam sistem irigasi, ada sumber daya air dan aktivitas pertanian dengan komoditas pertanian yang bisa diarahkan untuk pengembangan wilayah sebagai implementasi RTRW. Sumber daya ini yang akan dipertimbangkan dalam penelitian ini. Berdasarkan perhitungan neraca air dan produksi kawasan, maka daerah ini berpotensi sebagai daerah industri dengan pengolahan bahan baku pertanian. Sebagai hasilnya, konversi lahan yang seharusnya diperbolehkan hanya 16 persen. Komoditas unggulan daerah irigasi cihea berupa padi dan kedelai. Berdasarkan skenario, sumber daya air mampu mengairi lahan seluas 5.484 ha dengan pola tanam padi-padi-palawija dengan debit andalan minimum air irigasi terjadi pada bulan september yaitu 0,553 m3/detik. Jumlah produksi dari bahan baku pertanian diproses menjadi chiki dan cereal, sehingga bisa memberikan kenaikan pendapatan petani Rp 2.461.706,- per musim tanam. Berdasarkan analisis spasial maka daerah yang dapat dijadikan daerah pengembangan menjadi daerah industri adalah Ciranjang, Sukaratu, Sindangjaya, Mekargalih, Bojongpicung, Kertajaya, dan Cibiuk.
Responsabilité sociale des entreprises
Authors: Restrepo Amariles David , van Waeyenberge Arnaud , Colombani Lorenzo
Published: March 2018

Cet article analyse la responsabilité sociale des entreprises en tant que régime normatif doté d’effets contraignants à l’échelle globale. Il montre que l’articulation des instruments multilatéraux de standardisation, tels que les codes de conduite ou les lignes de conduite multilatérales, et les nouveaux mécanismes d’exécution fondés sur l’audit, la conformité et les nouvelles technologies (blockchain,big dataet algorithmiques) transforme la nature volontaire et autorégulatrice de la RSE et transfère aux juristes d’entreprises un rôle central dans sa conception et sa mise en œuvre.
La puissance des grandes entreprises mondialisées à l’épreuve du judiciaire
Authors: Aggeri Franck , Saussois Jean-Michel
Published: March 2018

Pour avoir contourné les normes environnementales sur ses véhicules diesel, Volkswagen a été lourdement sanctionnée aux États-Unis. C’est l’origine du scandale du dieselgate. Dans cet article, à partir d’une analyse compréhensive du processus judiciaire des deux côtés de l’Atlantique, les auteurs mettent au jour le conflit latent entre les normes juridiques et les normes managériales en étudiant le jeu autour des normes antipollution. Celui-ci a pu être mis en échec aux États-Unis par l’activation d’un dispositif d’enquête judiciaire sans équivalent en Europe. Les auteurs terminent par une discussion plus générale sur l’autonomisation des grandes entreprises et sur les conditions d’une action judiciaire performative pour contrebalancer leur puissance d’agir.
Painless motor radiculopathy of the cervical spine: clinical and radiological characteristics and long-term outcomes after operative decompression
Authors: Siller Sebastian , Kasem Rami , Witt Thomas-Nikolaus , Tonn Joerg-Christian , Zausinger Stefan
Published: March 2018

OBJECTIVE

Various neurological diseases are known to cause progressive painless paresis of the upper limbs. In this study the authors describe the previously unspecified syndrome of compression-induced painless cervical radiculopathy with predominant motor deficit and muscular atrophy, and highlight the clinical and radiological characteristics and outcomes after surgery for this rare syndrome, along with its neurological differential diagnoses.

METHODS

Medical records of 788 patients undergoing surgical decompression due to degenerative cervical spine diseases between 2005 and 2014 were assessed. Among those patients, 31 (3.9%, male to female ratio 4.8 to 1, mean age 60 years) presented with painless compressive cervical motor radiculopathy due to neuroforaminal stenosis without signs of myelopathy; long-term evaluation was available in 23 patients with 49 symptomatic foraminal stenoses. Clinical, imaging, and operative findings as well as the long-term course of paresis and quality of life were analyzed.

RESULTS

Presenting symptoms (mean duration 13.3 months) included a defining progressive flaccid radicular paresis (median grade 3/5) without any history of radiating pain (100%) and a concomitant muscular atrophy (78%); 83% of the patients were smokers and 17% patients had diabetes. Imaging revealed a predominantly anterior nerve root compression at the neuroforaminal entrance in 98% of stenoses. Thirty stenoses (11 patients) were initially decompressed via an anterior surgical approach and 19 stenoses (12 patients) via a posterior surgical approach. Overall reoperation rate due to new or recurrent stenoses was 22%, with time to reoperation shorter in smokers (p = 0.033). Independently of the surgical procedure chosen, long-term follow-up (mean 3.9 years) revealed a stable or improved paresis in 87% of the patients (median grade 4/5) and an excellent general performance and quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Painless cervical motor radiculopathy predominantly occurs due to focal compression of the anterior nerve root at the neuroforaminal entrance. Surgical decompression is effective in stabilizing or improving motor function with a resulting favorable long-term outcome.
Longitudinal anterior-to-posterior shift of collateral channels in patients with moyamoya disease: an implication for its hemorrhagic onset
Authors: Yamamoto Shusuke , Hori Satoshi , Kashiwazaki Daina , Akioka Naoki , Kuwayama Naoya , Kuroda Satoshi
Published: March 2018

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess longitudinal changes in the collateral channels originating from the lenticulostriate artery (LSA), posterior communicating artery (PCoA), and anterior and posterior choroidal arteries (AChA and PChA, respectively) during disease progression and/or aging. The impact of collateral channels on onset type was also examined.

METHODS

This study included 71 involved hemispheres in 41 patients with moyamoya disease. The disease was categorized into 6 stages according to Suzuki’s angiographic staging system. The degree of development of each moyamoya vessel was categorized into 3 grades.

RESULTS

The LSA started to dilate in stage 2, showed the most prominent development in stage 3, and decreased in more advanced stages (p < 0.001). The AChA most notably developed in stage 3 and gradually shrank (p = 0.04). The PCoA started to dilate in stage 3 and showed the most prominent development in stage 4 (p = 0.03). The PChA started to dilate in stage 3 and showed the most prominent development in stages 4 to 5 (p < 0.001). Patient age was negatively related to LSA development (p = 0.01, R = 0.30) and was positively associated with the abnormal dilation and extension of the PCoA (p = 0.02, R = 0.28) and PChA (p < 0.001, R = 0.45). The PCoA, AChA, and PChA more distinctly developed in hemispheres with intracerebral or intraventricular hemorrhage than in hemispheres with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (p < 0.001, p = 0.03, and p = 0.03, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that the collateral channels through moyamoya vessels longitudinally shift from the anterior to posterior component during disease progression and aging, which may be closely related to the onset of hemorrhagic stroke in adult moyamoya disease.
Shelah-Stupp’s Iteration and Muchnik’s Iteration
Authors: Caucal Didier , Knapik Teodor
Published: March 2018

In the early seventies, Shelah proposed a model-theoretic construction, nowadays called “iteration”. This construction is an infinite replication in a tree-like manner where every vertex possesses its own copy of the original structure. Stupp proved that the decidability of the monadic second-order (MSO) theory is transferred from the original structure onto the iterated one. In its extended version discovered by Muchnik and introduced by Semenov, the iteration became popular in computer science logic thanks to a paper by Walukiewicz. Compared to the basic iteration, Muchnik’s iteration has an additional unary predicate which, in every copy, marks the vertex that is the clone of the possessor of the copy. A widely spread belief that this extension is crucial is formally confirmed in the paper. Two hierarchies of relational structures generated from finite structures by MSO interpretations and either Shelah-Stupp’s iteration or Muchnik’s iteration are compared. It turns out that the two hierarchies coincide at level 1. Every level of the latter hierarchy is closed under Shelah-Stupp’s interation. In particular, the former hierarchy collapses at level 1.
Ordered Weighted Hesitant Fuzzy Information Fusion-Based Approach to Multiple Attribute Decision Making with Probabilistic Linguistic Term Sets
Authors: Farhadinia Bahram , Xu Zeshui
Published: March 2018

Recently, an extension of typical hesitant fuzzy element (HFE) called the ordered weighted hesitant fuzzy element (OWHFE) has been proposed to allow the membership of a given element is to be defined in terms of several possible values together with their importance weights. Moreover, the concept of probabilistic linguistic term sets (PLTSs) has been defined to extend hesitant fuzzy linguistic term sets (HFLTSs) by adding probabilities without loss of any original linguistic information. In fact, the concept of PLTS allows the membership of a given element is to be defined in terms of several possible linguistic values over an object together with the probabilistic information of the set of values. However, the PLTSs have some drawbacks in comparison to the newly defined concept OWHFEs, and such disadvantages of the PLTSs can be prevented by using the OWHFEs. This reveals the need of first defining the modified-PLTS (M-PLTS), and then transforming the M-PLTSs to the OWHFEs which will be the heart of this contribution. Finally, to demonstrate the advantage of the proposed methods, we implement again a number of practical problems that were previously associated with PLTSs.
Some Novel Pythagorean Fuzzy Interaction Aggregation Operators in Multiple Attribute Decision Making
Authors: Gao Hui , Lu Mao , Wei Guiwu , Wei Yu
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we investigate the multiple attribute decision making problems with Pythagorean fuzzy information. Then, we utilize arithmetic and geometric operations to develop some Pythagorean fuzzy interaction aggregation operators: Pythagorean fuzzy interaction weighted average (PFIWA) operator, Pythagorean fuzzy interaction weighted geometric (PFIWG) operator, Pythagorean fuzzy interaction ordered weighted average (PFIOWA) operator, Pythagorean fuzzy interaction ordered weighted geometric (PFIOWG) operator, Pythagorean fuzzy interaction hybrid average (PFIHA) operator, Pythagorean fuzzy interaction hybrid geometric (PFIHG) operator, Pythagorean fuzzy interaction correlate aggregation operators, Pythagorean fuzzy interaction induced aggregation operators, Pythagorean fuzzy interaction induced correlate aggregation operators, Pythagorean fuzzy interactive power arithmetic and geometric aggregation operators. The prominent characteristic of these proposed operators are studied. Then, we have utilized these operators to develop some approaches to solve the Pythagorean fuzzy multiple attribute decision making problems. Finally, a practical example for selecting the service outsourcing provider of communications industry is given to verify the developed approach and to demonstrate its practicality and effectiveness.
An in vitro study to elucidate the effects of Septilin TM on immune pathways
Authors: Hoosen Mujeeb , Pool Edmund John
Published: March 2018

Objective: The use of herbal immunomodulatory preparations to prevent and treat immunological complications is increasing in popularity. Rigorous in vitro, in vivo and clinical trial studies are needed to ensure safety, quality and efficacy for the wellbeing of patients. SeptilinTM, a proprietary herbal medicinal product has been reported to have immunomodulatory effects. This study investigated the in vitro effects of SeptilinTM on biomarkers of specific immune pathways by using whole blood culture assays (WBC).Materials and Methods: Stimulated and unstimulated WBC have been incubated with the product. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assays have been used to screen for IL-6, IL-10, and IFN γ as biomarkers for inflammation, humoral immunity, and cell mediated immunity, respectively.Results: SeptilinTM had no effect on the release of IL-6 production by (lipopolysaccharide) LPS stimulated WBC across all concentrations tested. However, SeptilinTM induced significant higher levels (P<0.001) of IL-6 release in unstimulated WBC across all concentrations between 0µg/ml-258µg/ml. SeptilinTM had no effect on the release of IL-10 release in unstimulated WBC across all concentrations. However the presence of SeptilinTM in phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated WBC induced significant higher release (P<0.01) of IL-10 release at concentrations between 64.5µg/ml- 258µg/ml when compared to the control. The presence of SeptilinTM in unstimulated WBC had no effect on the release of IFN γ production across all concentrations. The presence of SeptilinTM in PHA stimulated WBC release of IFN γ is inconclusive.Conclusion: This study shows that SeptilinTM has immunomodulatory effects on WBC in vitro.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.17(2) 2018 p.238-244
Occupation related differences in the thickness of metatarsal fat pads: an in vivo assessment in a young male adult population
Authors: Augustine Egwu Ogugua , GG Akunna
Published: March 2018

Background: The foot combines mechanical complexities with structural strength to withstand pressure and the metatarsal fat pads play a major role in this.Methods Material: In this study, we determined the metatarsal fat pad thickness of 40 male students that constituted a control group and an age-matched 40 male auto mechanic artisans within Abakaliki metropolis, southeast Nigeria, which served as the quasi-experimental group. Evaluation was made using a brightness mode ultrasound system. Their weights, heights, foot length, foot breadth and mid foot circumference were measured.Results: Results show a significant (P<0.05) difference in the mid-foot circumference and metatarsal fat pad thickness between the control (9.99±0.55cm and 2.04±0.35mm respectively) and artisans (9.58±2.0.59cm and 2.50±2.0.38mm respectively). However, there was no significant (P>0.05) differences in the foot breadth and length between the control (9.86±0.84cm and 26.96±1.03cm) and artisans (10.03±0.54cm and 26.16±1.39cm).Conclusion: These findings indicate that occupation related physical activity that increases plantar pressure can induce an unprecedented thickening of the Metatarsal fat pads thereby reducing elasticity and shock absorbing ability of the fat pads. This could trigger the development of overuse injuries of the foot and plantar foot ulcers. The assessment could also serve as a guidepost in the biomechanical evaluation of the metatarsal fat pad thickness.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.17(2) 2018 p.245-250
Various outcomes of Idiopathic Grade IV Intraventricular Haemorrhage in term newborns at two years of age.
Authors: Das Suman , Bhattacharya Mala , Chatterjee Kaushani , Sarkar Nirmalya , Aich Bholanath
Published: March 2018

Abstract not availableBangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.17(2) 2018 p.316-318
Novel Method for the Identification of the Variety of Grape Using Their Capability to Form Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Rodriguez Silvia , De Lamo Beatriz , García-Hernández Celia , García-Cabezón Cristina , Rodríguez-Méndez Maria
Published: March 2018

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been obtained using musts (freshly prepared grape juices where solid peels and seeds have been removed) as the reducing and capping agent. Transmission Electron Microscope images show that the formed AuNPs are spherical and their size increases with the amount of must used. The size of the AuNPs increases with the Total Polyphenol Index (TPI) of the variety of grape. The kinetics of the reaction monitored using UV-Vis shows that the reaction rates are related to the chemical composition of the musts and specifically to the phenols that can act as reducing and capping agents during the synthesis process. Since the particular composition of each must produces AuNPs of different sizes and at different rates, color changes can be used to discriminate the variety of grape. This new technology can be used to avoid fraud.
Diagnosis, Evaluation and Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Children
Authors: Frank Benjamin , Ivy D.
Published: March 2018

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH), the syndrome of elevated pressure in the pulmonary arteries, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality for affected children. PH is associated with a wide variety of potential underlying causes, including cardiac, pulmonary, hematologic and rheumatologic abnormalities. Regardless of the cause, for many patients the natural history of PH involves progressive elevation in pulmonary arterial resistance and pressure, right ventricular dysfunction, and eventually heart failure. In recent years, a number of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-targeted therapies have become available to reduce pulmonary artery pressure and improve outcome. A growing body of evidence in both the adult and pediatric literature demonstrates enhanced quality of life, functional status, and survival among treated patients. This review provides a description of select etiologies of PH seen in pediatrics and an update on the most recent data pertaining to evaluation and management of children with PH/PAH. The available evidence for specific classes of PAH-targeted therapies in pediatrics is additionally discussed.
Analysis of the Temperature Changes in the Aburrá Valley between 1995 and 2015 and Modeling Based on Urban, Meteorological and Energetic Parameters
Authors: Posada Enrique , Cadavid Andrea
Published: March 2018

There is a perception among the inhabitants of the Aburrá Valley Region, that this heavily populated region, which is situated in the Andean mountains of Colombia, has been suffering large temperature elevations in the last years, especially in the last decade. To give perspective about this issue, the authors have gone through the available information about temperature changes in three meteorological stations in the region and have correlated it with a set of variables of urban, climatic, and energetic nature, with the intention of developing an approximate model to understand the temperature changes. Changes in the mean temperature, based on the linear correlation of the data were estimated on 0.47 °C for the 20 years between 1995 and 2015; the study showed that 60% of change was found to be related to local human activities and 40% was attributed to the impact of global warming. For the local influences some practical mitigation actions are proposed, related to better energy management and paying more attention to the temperature changes through improvements in the number and capability of sampling stations in the urban air and in the river, which serve as clear indicators of the changes and the effect of any mitigation measures.
Ageing and Langmuir Behavior of the Cage Occupancy in the Nitrogen Gas Hydrate
Authors: Petuya Claire , Damay Françoise , Desplanche Sarah , Aupetit Christian , Desmedt Arnaud
Published: March 2018

Clathrate hydrates are ice-like systems in which nanometric water cages encapsulate guest molecules. Functionalizing clathrate hydrates is an important issue, accomplished by playing with their chemical composition and their cage structure. In this issue, the cage occupancy and its kinetics constitute key information for future developments. In many aspects, nitrogen gas hydrate represents an interesting system not only for its applied relevance (e.g., gas separation and methane/carbon dioxide exchange), but also for its fundamental interest (e.g., structural metastability and kinetics). Thanks to the complementarity of neutron diffraction and Raman scattering, the vibrational signatures of the so-called SI and SII clathrate structures of the nitrogen hydrates are reviewed. Moreover, the investigation of the ageing of the SII structure is reported together with its interpretation in the frame of the Langmuir behavior of the cage filling at low temperature. The cage filling is monitored with the help of a time-dependent analysis of the Raman scattering signals (over several months). The SII large cage filling decreases with a kinetic rate of 5.9 ± 3.3 × 10 − 3 h−1 at 77 K and atmospheric pressure, so that equilibrium is reached after ca. eight weeks. Isotherm measurements of the guest Raman signatures lead to revealing a Langmuir constant higher in the small cage than in the large cage at 150 K. Such a behavior might thus be correlated with the nitrogen depletion with time, observed in the large cage of the SII nitrogen hydrate.
Generalized Pesin-Like Identity and Scaling Relations at the Chaos Threshold of the Rössler System
Authors: Cetin Kivanc , Afsar Ozgur , Tirnakli Ugur
Published: March 2018

In this paper, using the Poincaré section of the flow we numerically verify a generalization of a Pesin-like identity at the chaos threshold of the Rössler system, which is one of the most popular three-dimensional continuous systems. As Poincaré section points of the flow show similar behavior to that of the logistic map, for the Rössler system we also investigate the relationships with respect to important properties of nonlinear dynamics, such as correlation length, fractal dimension, and the Lyapunov exponent in the vicinity of the chaos threshold.
Single Inductor-Multiple Output DPWM DC-DC Boost Converter with a High Efficiency and Small Area
Authors: Park Young , Khan Zaffar , Oh Seong , Jang Byeong , Ahmad Nabeel , Khan Danial , Abbasizadeh Hamed , Shah Syed , Pu Young , Hwang Keum , Yang Youngoo , Lee Minjae , Lee Kang
Published: March 2018

In this paper, a small-area and high-efficiency single-inductor multiple output (SIMO) boost converter with digital pulse-width modulation (DPWM) is proposed. The DPWM comprises a delay line using interlaced hysteresis delay cells (IHDCs) that occupy a small area while consuming a low power amount. These proposed IHDCs are applied to replace the conventional delay cells of the prior works for both the power and area reductions. Regarding the DC-DC converter, this technique comprises fewer digital blocks in the feedback path compared with the conventional DC-DC converter, and the DPWM architecture uses IHDCs. The purpose of the digital limiter block is to concede some helpful code for the DPWM. The IHDC topology used for delay in DPWM is of the simplest architecture. The high-side power switch gate drivers need individual phases which are generated by phase control. The Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)-fabrication process is 55 nm, with a standard supply voltage of 1.8 V and outputs of 2.2 and 2.4 V. The chip area is approximately 170 × 190 µm and its efficiency is 94.4%.
Economically Efficient Design of Market for System Services under the Web-of-Cells Architecture
Authors: Bobinaite Viktorija , Obushevs Artjoms , Oleinikova Irina , Morch Andrei
Published: March 2018

Significant power sector developments beyond 2020 will require changing our approach towards electricity balancing paradigms and architectures. Presently, new electricity balancing concepts are being developed. Implementation of these in practice will depend on their timeliness, consistency and adaptability to the market. With the purpose of tailoring the concepts to practice, the development of a balancing market is of crucial importance. This article deals with this issue. It aims at developing of a high-level economically efficient market design for the procurement of system balancing products within the Web-of-Cells architecture. Literature and comparative analysis methods are applied to implement the aim. The analysis results show that a more efficient balancing capacity allocation process should be carried out in a competitive way with closer allocation time to real-time, especially with increased penetration of renewable energy sources. Bid time units, the timing of the market, procurement and remuneration schemes as well pricing mechanisms are the most decisive elements of the market. Their respective advantages and disadvantages are analyzed in the article, as well as their analysis is done against the selected assessment criteria. The results of the analysis show that seeking to improve the operational efficiency of the market, the sequential approach to the market organization should be selected and short-term market time units should be chosen. It is expected that price efficiency could be improved by establishing an organized market where standardized system balancing products should be traded. The balance service providers, who own capital expenditures (CAPEX) sensitive production units, should be remunerated both for the availability of balancing capacities and for their utilization. Uniform pricing rule and cascading procurement principal should be applied to improve the utilization efficiency.
Pyrolysis of Grape Marc from Tunisian Wine Industry: Feedstock Characterization, Thermal Degradation and Kinetic Analysis
Authors: Khiari Besma , Jeguirim Mejdi
Published: March 2018

Despite the huge amounts of grape marc generated in Tunisia from the wine industry, very few efforts have been exerted to manage this harmful waste. Therefore, thermal processes may contribute to an environmental friendly management and also help winemakers to create new economic profitable circuits in an increasingly competitive context. Among the various thermochemical conversion process, pyrolysis is suitable for the recovery of food processing residues, due to their high minerals content and ability to create high added values of the derived products (biochar, bio-oil and syngas). In this context, the aim of this work is to optimize the pyrolysis process in order to benefit from the grape marc potential for achieving highest product yields. Therefore, physico-chemical and energy characteristics of grape marc issued from a Tunisian wine cooperative were determined according to international standards. Thermogravimetric analyzes were also performed to predict the grape marc behavior during degradation under an inert atmosphere. The profile of the mass loss rate shows two decomposition peaks corresponding to the cellulose and lignin decomposition. These peaks are shifted to lower temperatures comparing to several lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks due to high content of minerals that may play a catalytic role in the thermal degradation process. The biochar yield was about 40%, which was never met in literature for agricultural biomass in slow pyrolysis. Such behavior may be attributed to high lignin content in grape marc. Activation energies were calculated using integral Flynn-Wall-Ozawa and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose methods and differential Friedman method. The obtained values were 226.8, 224.2 and 229.5 kJ/mol, respectively. Such kinetics data are crucial in the design of the pyrolyzer for Tunisian grape marc recovery.
A Novel Single-Phase Reactive Current Detection Algorithm Based on Fast Orthogonal Signal Generator and Enhanced Moving Average Filter
Authors: Xiong Liansong , Liu Xiaokang , Zhu Yixin , Xu Zhao , Yang Ping , Song Hanliang
Published: March 2018

This paper developed a novel single-phase reactive current detection algorithm based on fast orthogonal signal generator (OSG) and enhanced moving average filter (MAF), overcoming the limitation of conventional schemes in detection speed, computation burden and noise/harmonic immunity. A fast and accurate OSG scheme is introduced first, which can remarkably improve the precision and response speed of the developed detection scheme. In d-q frame, the enhanced MAF is developed and its optimal design principle is also presented, which can sufficiently eliminate the noise and harmonics while achieve the possible shortest response time, particularly in the case of selective harmonics cancellation. Finally, high-performance single-phase STATCOM control is realized utilizing the proposed method. Experiments reveal that the proposed detection scheme exhibits fast speed, high precision as well as noise/harmonics immunity, providing satisfactory control performances.
A Fuzzy Gravitational Search Algorithm to Design Optimal IIR Filters
Authors: Pelusi Danilo , Mascella Raffaele , Tallini Luca
Published: March 2018

The goodness of Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) digital filters design depends on pass band ripple, stop band ripple and transition band values. The main problem is defining a suitable error fitness function that depends on these parameters. This fitness function can be optimized by search algorithms such as evolutionary algorithms. This paper proposes an intelligent algorithm for the design of optimal 8th order IIR filters. The main contribution is the design of Fuzzy Inference Systems able to tune key parameters of a revisited version of the Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA). In this way, a Fuzzy Gravitational Search Algorithm (FGSA) is designed. The optimization performances of FGSA are compared with those of Differential Evolution (DE) and GSA. The results show that FGSA is the algorithm that gives the best compromise between goodness, robustness and convergence rate for the design of 8th order IIR filters. Moreover, FGSA assures a good stability of the designed filters.
Comprehensive Instrumental Odor Analysis Using SIFT-MS: A Case Study
Authors: Langford Vaughan , McEwan Murray , Askey Mary , Barnes Helena , Olerenshaw James
Published: March 2018

Instrumental analysis of odor is challenging due to the chemical diversity of many important odorants, the high sensitivity required to achieve human odor thresholds, and the dynamic nature of the odor itself. Conventional sensor-based and chromatographic technologies are poorly suited to the task. In this paper, we apply a novel direct mass spectrometric technique—selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS)—to the chemical analysis of odor. The SIFT-MS technique provides comprehensive real-time odor analysis through detection and quantitation of all odorants, including aldehydes, amines, organosulfur compounds, and volatile fatty acids. In the case study described, SIFT-MS is utilized to monitor specific odor compounds at a gelatin factory in Christchurch, New Zealand. Odor composition from various steps in the gelatin manufacturing process was determined using SIFT-MS in scan mode. Over a period of several years, the gelatin manufacturer made improvements to their plant to reduce fugitive odors, and sources were re-analyzed. In this investigation, SIFT-MS analysis was utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of an odor neutralization technology based on UV photolysis at the plant.
Physical Practice and Wellness Courses Reduce Distress and Improve Wellbeing in Police Officers
Authors: Acquadro Maran Daniela , Zedda Massimo , Varetto Antonella
Published: March 2018

Background: The aim of this work was to evaluate a course to reduce distress in an Italian police force. Based on the findings from the first investigations on this population, courses to improve the ability to manage distress were tailored by management. Several free courses were proposed, including physical efficiency (e.g., total body conditioning) and wellness (e.g., autogenic training) classes. The goal of this research was to evaluate the courses and their impact on the perceived distress and general health of the participants, as well as the effectiveness in increasing the use of adaptive coping strategies. Methods: A descriptive investigation was conducted involving a sample of 105 police officers before (time 1) and after (time 2) they had participated in the courses. Results: Findings confirmed both physical and wellness courses affected, in participants, the perceived distress, thereby increasing the perception of wellbeing. The participants expressed having mental health benefits, the use of adaptive coping strategies increased, while the maladaptive coping strategies decreased. Conclusion: This study confirms that these courses could effectively reduce the risk of chronic disease, a consequence of persistent exposure to distress.
Combined Subchronic Toxicity of Aluminum (III), Titanium (IV) and Silicon (IV) Oxide Nanoparticles and Its Alleviation with a Complex of Bioprotectors
Authors: Minigalieva Ilzira , Katsnelson Boris , Privalova Larisa , Sutunkova Marina , Gurvich Vladimir , Shur Vladimir , Shishkina Ekaterina , Valamina Irene , Makeyev Oleg , Panov Vladimir , Varaksin Anatoly , Bushueva Tatiana , Sakhautdinova Renata , Klinova Svetlana , Solovyeva Svetlana , Meshtcheryakova Ekaterina
Published: March 2018

Stable suspensions of metal/metalloid oxide nanoparticles (MeO-NPs) obtained by laser ablation of 99.99% pure elemental aluminum, titanium or silicon under a layer of deionized water were used separately, or in three binary combinations, or in a ternary combination to induce subchronic intoxications in rats. To this end, the MeO-NPs were repeatedly injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) 18 times during 6 weeks before measuring a large number of functional, biochemical, morphological and cytological indices for the organism’s status. In many respects, the Al2O3-NP was found to be the most toxic species alone and the most dangerous component of the combinations studied. Mathematical modeling with the help of the Response Surface Methodology showed that, as well as in the case of any other binary toxic combinations previously investigated by us, the organism’s response to a simultaneous exposure to any two of the MeO-NP species under study was characterized by a complex interaction between all possible types of combined toxicity (additivity, subadditivity or superadditivity of unidirectional action and different variants of opposite effects) depending on which outcome this type was estimated for and on effect and dose levels. With any third MeO-NP species acting in the background, the type of combined toxicity displayed by the other two remained virtually the same or changed significantly, becoming either more or less unfavorable. Various harmful effects produced by the (Al2O3-NP + TiO2-NP + SiO2-NP)-combination, including its genotoxicity, were substantially attenuated by giving the rats per os during the entire exposure period a complex of innocuous bioactive substances expected to increase the organism’s antitoxic resistance.
Compressive Force Spectroscopy: From Living Cells to Single Proteins
Authors: Wang Jiabin , Liu Meijun , Shen Yi , Sun Jielin , Shao Zhifeng , Czajkowsky Daniel
Published: March 2018

One of the most successful applications of atomic force microscopy (AFM) in biology involves monitoring the effect of force on single biological molecules, often referred to as force spectroscopy. Such studies generally entail the application of pulling forces of different magnitudes and velocities upon individual molecules to resolve individualistic unfolding/separation pathways and the quantification of the force-dependent rate constants. However, a less recognized variation of this method, the application of compressive force, actually pre-dates many of these “tensile” force spectroscopic studies. Further, beyond being limited to the study of single molecules, these compressive force spectroscopic investigations have spanned samples as large as living cells to smaller, multi-molecular complexes such as viruses down to single protein molecules. Correspondingly, these studies have enabled the detailed characterization of individual cell states, subtle differences between seemingly identical viral structures, as well as the quantification of rate constants of functionally important, structural transitions in single proteins. Here, we briefly review some of the recent achievements that have been obtained with compressive force spectroscopy using AFM and highlight exciting areas of its future development.
Impact of the NO-Sensitive Guanylyl Cyclase 1 and 2 on Renal Blood Flow and Systemic Blood Pressure in Mice
Authors: Mergia Evanthia , Thieme Manuel , Hoch Henning , Daniil Georgios , Hering Lydia , Yakoub Mina , Scherbaum Christina , Rump Lars , Koesling Doris , Stegbauer Johannes
Published: March 2018

Nitric oxide (NO) modulates renal blood flow (RBF) and kidney function and is involved in blood pressure (BP) regulation predominantly via stimulation of the NO-sensitive guanylyl cyclase (NO-GC), existing in two isoforms, NO-GC1 and NO-GC2. Here, we used isoform-specific knockout (KO) mice and investigated their contribution to renal hemodynamics under normotensive and angiotensin II-induced hypertensive conditions. Stimulation of the NO-GCs by S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) reduced BP in normotensive and hypertensive wildtype (WT) and NO-GC2-KO mice more efficiently than in NO-GC1-KO. NO-induced increase of RBF in normotensive mice did not differ between the genotypes, but the respective increase under hypertensive conditions was impaired in NO-GC1-KO. Similarly, inhibition of endogenous NO increased BP and reduced RBF to a lesser extent in NO-GC1-KO than in NO-GC2-KO. These findings indicate NO-GC1 as a target of NO to normalize RBF in hypertension. As these effects were not completely abolished in NO-GC1-KO and renal cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels were decreased in both NO-GC1-KO and NO-GC2-KO, the results suggest an additional contribution of NO-GC2. Hence, NO-GC1 plays a predominant role in the regulation of BP and RBF, especially in hypertension. However, renal NO-GC2 appears to compensate the loss of NO-GC1, and is able to regulate renal hemodynamics under physiological conditions.
Magnetron-Sputtered, Biodegradable FeMn Foils: The Influence of Manganese Content on Microstructure, Mechanical, Corrosion, and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Jurgeleit Till , Jessen Lea , Quandt Eckhard , Zamponi Christiane
Published: March 2018

FeMn alloys show a great potential for the use as a biodegradable material for medical vascular implants. To optimize the material properties, with respect to the intended application, new fabrication methods also have to be investigated. In this work different Fe–FeMn32 multilayer films were deposited by magnetron sputtering. The deposition was done on a substrate structured by UV lithography. This technique allows the fabrication of in-situ structured foils. In order to investigate the influence of the Mn content on the material properties foils with an overall Mn content of 5, 10, 15, and 17 wt % were fabricated. The freestanding foils were annealed post-deposition, in order to homogenize them and adjust the material properties. The material was characterized in terms of microstructure, corrosion, mechanical, and magnetic properties using X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, electrochemical polarization, immersion tests, uniaxial tensile tests, and vibrating sample magnetometry. Due to the unique microstructure that can be achieved by the fabrication via magnetron sputtering, the annealed foils showed a high mechanical yield strength (686–926 MPa) and tensile strength (712–1147 MPa). Owing the stabilization of the non-ferromagnetic ε- and γ-phase, it was shown that even Mn concentrations of 15–17 wt % are sufficient to distinctly enhance the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatibility of FeMn alloys.