bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broad Prebiotic Potential of Non-starch Polysaccharides from Oats (Avena sativa L.): an in vitro Study
Authors: SARGAUTIENE VANDA , NAKURTE ILVA , NIKOLAJEVA VIZMA
Published: September 2018

Prebiotics inducing the growth or activity of beneficial intestinal bacteria – probiotics producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) have lately received wide recognition for their beneficial influence on host intestinal microbiota and metabolic health. Some non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) are defined as prebiotics and oats being one of richest sources of NSP in grains are considered as potentially having prebiotic effect. However, information on fermentation of specific NSP of oats is limited. Moreover, bacterial cross-feeding interactions in which fermentation of prebiotics is involved is poorly characterized. Here, we report the exploration of new candidates for the syntrophic bacterial interactions and fermentability of oat non-starch polysaccharides (NSP). The results obtained by differentiating composition, viscosity and concentration of oats NSP in fermentation medium showed that Bacillus licheniformis pre-digests oat NSP, degrades high viscosity of oat β-glucan and makes hemicellulose easier to access for other bacteria. Because of fermentation, B. licheniformis produces lactic and succinic acids, which further can be used by other bacteria for cross-feeding and SCFA production.
The Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on Listeria monocytogenes PCM2191 Peptidoglycan Metabolism and Cell Permeability
Authors: MARKOWSKA KATARZYNA , GRUDNIAK ANNA MARIA , MILCZAREK BARBARA , WOLSKA KRYSTYNA IZABELLA
Published: September 2018

Listeria monocytogenes is Gram-positive bacterial pathogen, a causative agent of food poisoning and systemic disease – listeriosis. This species is still susceptible to several conventionally used antibiotics but an increase in its resistance has been reported. For this reason the search for new, alternative therapies is an urgent task. Silver nanoparticles seem to be the promising antibacterial agent. Minimal inhibitory concentration of silver nanoparticles was determined. Sublethal concentrations were used in study of nanosilver effect on cells lysis by estimation of the number of cells surviving the treatment with 0.25 or 0.5 of minimal inhibitory concentrations of silver nanoparticles. Autolysis of isolated peptidoglycan was studied by measuring the absorbance of preparation subjected to nanosilver treatment. Silver nanoparticles effect on L. monocytogenes envelopes permeability was determined by measuring the efflux of cF, DNA and proteins. It was demonstrated that nanosilver enhanced the lysis of L. monocytogenes cells and, to the lesser extent, autolysis of isolated peptidoglycan. The increase in the efflux of carboxyfluoresceine, DNA and proteins was also noted. The obtained results allow to postulate that L. monocytogenes peptidoglycan, constituting the main component of cell wall, is the target of silver nanoparticles activity against this pathogen.
Isolation of Bacterial Endophytes from Phalaris arundinacea and their Potential in Diclofenac and Sulfamethoxazole Degradation
Authors: WĘGRZYN ANNA , FELIS EWA
Published: September 2018

Diclofenac (DCF), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX), an antimicrobial agent, are in common use and can be often detected in the environment. The constructed wetland systems (CWs) are one of the technologies to remove them from the aquatic environment. The final effect of the treatment processes depends on many factors, including the interaction between plants and the plant-associated microorganisms present in the system. Bacteria living inside the plant as endophytes are exposed to secondary metabolites in the tissues. Therefore, they can possess the potential to degrade aromatic structures, including residues of pharmaceuticals. The endophytic strain MG7 identified as Microbacterium sp., obtained from root tissues of Phalaris arundinacea exposed to DCF and SMX was tested for the ability to remove 2 mg/l of SMX and DCF in monosubstrate cultures and in the presence of phenol as an additional carbon source. The MG7 strain was able to remove approximately 15% of DCF and 9% of SMX after 20 days of monosubstrate culture. However, a decrease in the optical density of the MG7 strain cultures was observed, caused by an insufficient carbon source for bacterial growth and proliferation. The adsorption of pharmaceuticals onto autoclaved cells was negligible, which confirmed that the tested strain was directly involved in the removal of DCF and SMX. In the presence of phenol as the additional carbon source, the MG7 strain was able to remove approximately 35% of DCF and 61% of SMX, while an increase in the optical density of the cultures was noted. The higher removal efficiency can be explained by adaptive mechanisms in microorganisms exposed to phenol (i.e. changes in the composition of membrane lipids) and by a co-metabolic mechanism, where non-growth substrates can be transformed by non-specific enzymes. The presence of both DCF and SMX and the influence of the supply frequency of CWs with the contaminated wastewater on the diversity of whole endophytic bacterial communities were demonstrated. The results of this study suggest the capability of the MG7 strain to degrade DCF and SMX. This finding deserves further investigations to improve wastewater treatment in CWs with the possible use of pharmaceuticals-degrading endophytes.
Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii from Air and Patients of Intensive Care Units
Authors: JIANG MEIJIE , MU YUNQING , LI NING , ZHANG ZHIJUN , HAN SHULIN
Published: September 2018

To understand the molecular epidemiology and antibiotic resistance of air and clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii, the intensive care unit settings of a hospital in Northern China were surveyed in 2014. Twenty non-duplicate A. baumannii isolates were obtained from patients and five isolates of airborne A. baumannii were obtained from the wards’ corridors. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) were used to analyze the homology relationships of isolates. Resistance and resistance genes were detected by drug susceptibility test and PCR. The results demonstrated that all isolates can be classified into eight PFGE types and four sequence types (ST208, ST195, ST369 and ST530). A pair of isolates from patients (TAaba004) and from the air (TAaba012) that share 100% similarity in PFGE was identified, indicating that air might be a potential and important transmission route for A. baumannii. More than 80% of the isolates were resistant to carbapenems and aminoglycoside antibiotics. Twenty-four isolates, which were resistant to carbapenems, carried the bla
OXA-23-like gene. The data indicated that air might be an alternative way for the transmission of A. baumannii. Hospitals should pay more attention to this route, and design new measures accordingly.
RNA Quality Control Using External Standard RNA
Authors: HASEGAWA TAKEMA , TAKAHASHI JUNKO , IWAHASHI HITOSHI
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we propose a new evaluation method using external standard RNA for quality control of the extracted RNA. RNA Integrity Number and UV absorption are generally used as a basis for RNA quality control; however, these methods do not always reflect the quality of mRNA. While standard RNA is supposedly designed on the basis of mRNA, it has the potential to be used to evaluate the quality of the mRNA. In this study, we took into consideration the three essential factors, viz., yield of mRNA, inhibition to DNA polymerase, and degradation of mRNA for determining the RNA quality using standard RNA. It would be possible to know yield of mRNA and inhibition of the enzyme reaction by adding standard RNA before RNA extraction and looking at standard RNA loss. Degradation was evaluated by comparing the differences in the 3’ and 5’ regions of the RNA. In our study, it was demonstrated that in the crude extract of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, degradation was comparatively higher at the 3’ end of RNA than at the 5’ end. Hence, the degree of RNA degradation can be evaluated by comparing the ratio of degradation from the 3’ and 5’ end.
The Emergence of Different Functionally Equivalent PAH Degrading Microbial Communities from a Single Soil in Liquid PAH Enrichment Cultures and Soil Microcosms Receiving PAHs with and without Bioaugmentation
Authors: PIUBELI FRANCINE AMARAL , DOS SANTOS LIGIA GIBBI , FERNÁNDEZ EMILIA NARANJO , DA SILVA FLÁVIO HENRIQUE , DURRANT LUCIA REGINA , GROSSMAN MATTHEW JAMES
Published: September 2018

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) are common soil contaminants of concern due to their toxicity toward plants, animals and microorganisms. The use of indigenous or added microbes (bioaugmentation) is commonly used for bioremediation of PAHs. In this work, the biodegradation rates and changes in the bacterial community structure were evaluated. The enrichment culture was useful for unambiguously identifying members of the soil bacterial community associated with PAH degradation and yielded a low diversity community. No significant difference in the rate of PAH degradation was observed between the microcosm receiving only PAHs or PAHs and bioaugmentation. Moreover, identical matches to the bioaugmentation inoculum were only observed at the initial stages of PAH degradation on day 8. After 22 days of incubation, the substantial degradation of all PAHs had occurred in both microcosms and the PAH contaminated soil had statistically significant increases in Alphaproteobacteria. There were also increases in Betaproteobacteria. In contrast, the PAH contaminated and bioaugmented soil was not enriched in PAH degrading Proteobacteria genera and, instead, an increase from 1.6% to 8% of the population occurred in the phylum Bacteroidetes class Flavobacteria, with Flavobacterium being the only identified genus. In addition, the newly discovered genus Ohtaekwangia increased from 0% to 3.2% of the total clones. These results indicate that the same soil microbial community can give rise to different PAH degrading consortia that are equally effective in PAH degradation efficiency. Moreover, these results suggest that the lack of efficacy of bioaugmentation in soils can be attributed to a lack of persistence of the introduced microbes, yet nonetheless may alter the microbial community that arises in response to PAH contamination in unexpected ways.
Interplay between sensation seeking and risky alcohol drinking in Mexican adolescents: An structural modeling equation approach.
Authors: Palacios Jorge
Published: September 2018

Alcohol drinking represents one of the most important public health problems in adolescents. One axis of analysis of the correlates that affect alcohol consumption in adolescents is personality traits. In particular, sensation seeking maintains a consistent relationship with consumer behaviors. The objective of this research was tested in a structural equation model to show the structural effect of sensation seeking on risky alcohol drinking. The sensation seeking inventory (Palacios, 2015a) was used and alcohol drinking was measured with a survey of a sample of 550 Mexico City youth between 14 and 23 (M= 16.88; SD= 1.3) years old The results indicated the factorial validity of alcohol drinking in this sample. The structural equation modeling analyses suggested sensation seeking is a significant predictor for alcohol drinking behavior. The discussion analyzes the influence of sensation seeking on alcohol drinking and suggests implications for interventions.
Bistable perception: neural bases and usefulness in psychological research
Authors: Rodríguez Martínez Guillermo Andrés , Castillo Parra Henry
Published: September 2018

Bistable images have the possibility of being perceived in two different ways. Due to their physical characteristics, these visual stimuli allow two different perceptions, associated with top-down and bottom-up modulating processes. Based on an extensive literature review, the present article aims to gather the conceptual models and the foundations of perceptual bistability. This theoretical article compiles not only notions that are intertwined with the understanding of this perceptual phenomenon, but also the diverse classification and uses of bistable images in psychological research, along with a detailed explanation of the neural correlates that are involved in perceptual reversibility. We conclude that the use of bistable images as a paradigmatic resource in psychological research might be extensive. In addition, due to their characteristics, visual bistable stimuli have the potential to be implemented as a resource in experimental tasks that seek to understand diverse concerns linked essentially to attention, sensory, perceptual and memory processes.
Case comment: Judgment of the Court of 15 September 2016 PGE Górnictwo i Energetyka Konwencjonalna SA v Energy Regulatory Office
Authors: Maziarz Aleksander
Published: September 2018

The case deals with the problem of the division of powers as well as state aid law in relation to the issue of compensation schemes for the termination of long-term contracts in the electricity sector. Moreover, the case faces the problem of interpretation of the scope of the adjustment of state aid.
New Hybrid Scaffolds based on Hydrazinyl Thiazole Substituted Coumarin; As Novel Leads of Dual Potential; In Vitro α-Amylase Inhibitory and Antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS Radical Scavenging) Activities
Authors: Salar Uzma , Khan Khalid M. , Chigurupati Sridevi , Syed Shazia , Vijayabalan Shantini , Wadood Abdul , Riaz Muhammad , Ghufran Mehreen , Perveen Shahnaz
Published: September 2018

Background:

Despite many side effects associated, there are many drugs which are
being clinically used for the treatment of type-II diabetes mellitus (DM). In this scenario, there is
still need to develop new therapeutic agents with more efficacy and less side effects. By keeping in
mind the diverse spectrum of biological potential associated with coumarin and thiazole, a hybrid
class based on these two heterocycles was synthesized.

Method:

Hydrazinyl thiazole substituted coumarins 4-20 were synthesized via two step reaction.
First step was the acid catalyzed reaction of 3-formyl/acetyl coumarin derivatives with thiosemicarbazide
to form thiosemicarbazone intermediates 1-3, followed by the reaction with different
phenacyl bromides to afford products 4-20. All the synthetic analogs 4-20 were characterized by
different spectroscopic techniques such as EI-MS, HREI-MS, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR. Stereochemical
assignment of the iminic double bond was carried out by the NOESY experiments. Elemental
analysis was found in agreement with the calculated values.

Results:

Compounds 4-20 were screened for α-amylase inhibitory activity and showed good activity
in the range of IC50 = 1.829 ± 0.102-3.37 ± 0.17 µM as compared to standard acarbose (IC50 =
1.819 ± 0.19 µM). Compounds were also investigated for their DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging
activities and displayed good radical scavenging potential. In addition to that molecular modelling
study was conducted on all compounds to investigate the interaction details of compounds 4-20 (ligands) with active site (receptor) of enzyme.

Conclusion:

The newly identified hybrid class may serve as potential lead candidates for the management
of diabetes mellitus.
Nitrogen and Sulfur Co-doped Fluorescent Carbon Dots for the Detection of Morin and Cell Imaging
Authors: Li Xuebing , Yang Haifen , Wang Ning , Sun Tijian , Bian Wei , Choi Martin M.F.
Published: September 2018

Background:

Morin has many pharmacological functions including antioxidant, anticancer,
anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. It is commonly used in the treatment of antiviral infection,
gastropathy, coronary heart disease and hepatitis B in clinic. However, researches have shown
that morin is likely to show prooxidative effects on the cells when the amount of treatment is at high
dose, leading to the decrease of intracellular ATP levels and the increase of necrosis process. Therefore,
it is necessary to determine the concentration of morin in biologic samples.

Method:

Novel water-soluble and green nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon dots (NSCDs) were prepared
by a microwave heating process with citric acid and L-cysteine. The fluorescence spectra were
collected at an excitation wavelength of 350 nm when solutions of NSCDs were mixed with various
concentrations of morin.

Results:

The as-prepared NSCDs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction
and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The fluorescence intensity of NSCDs decreased significantly
with the increase of morin concentration. The fluorescence intensity of NSCDs displayed a linear
response to morin in the concentration 0.10-30 μM with a low detection limit of 56 nM. The proposed
fluorescent probe was applied to analysis of morin in human body fluids with recoveries of
98.0-102%.

Conclusion:

NSCDs were prepared by a microwave heating process. The present analytical method is
sensitive to morin. The quenching process between NSCDs and morin is attributed to the static
quenching. In addition, the cellular toxicity on HeLa cells indicated that the as-prepared NSCDs fluorescent
probe does not show obvious cytotoxicity in cell imaging. Our proposed method possibly
opens up a rapid and nontoxic way for preparing heteroatom doped carbon dots with a broad application
prospect.
Determination of Vulpinic Acid Effect on Apoptosis and mRNA Expression Levels in Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Kılıç Nil , Aras Sümer , Cansaran-Duman Demet
Published: September 2018

Objective: Breast cancer is one of the most common diseases among women worldwide and it is
characterized by a high ratio of malignancy and metastasis and low rate of survival of patients. Due to limited
treatment options, the discovery of alternative therapeutic agents and clarifying the molecular mechanism of
breast cancer development may offer new hope for its treatment. Lichen secondary metabolites may be one of
these therapeutic agents.

Methods:

In this study, the effects of Vulpinic Acid (VA) lichen secondary metabolite on the cell viability and
apoptosis of breast cancer cells and non-cancerous cell line were investigated. Quantitative polymerase chain
reaction was also performed to determine changes in the expression of apoptosis-related genes at a molecular
level.

Results:

The results demonstrated that VA significantly inhibited the cell viability and induced apoptosis of
human breast cancer cells. The highest rates of decreased growth were determined using the IC50 value of VA
for 48h on MCF-7 breast cancer cell. Interestingly, VA treatment significantly reduced cell viability in all examined
breast cancer cell lines compared to their non-cancerous human breast epithelial cell line. This is the first
study on the investigation of the effects of VA on the molecular mechanisms associated with the expression of
apoptosis-related genes in breast cancer cell lines. Results demonstrated that the gene expression of P53 genes
was altered up to fourteen-fold levels in SK-BR-3 cell lines whereas it reached 2.5-fold in the MCF-12A cell
line after treatment with VA. These observations support that VA induces apoptosis on the breast cancer cells
compared with the non-cancerous human breast epithelial cell line.

Conclusion:

It is implicated that VA may be a promising novel molecule for the induction of apoptosis on
breast cancer cells.
Arsenic Trioxide and Artemisinin Act Synergistically to Kill Tumor Cells In Vitro
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyan , Yang Sen , Zhang Duoduo , Li Zhubo , Huang Chengzhi
Published: September 2018

Background:

Arsenic trioxide (As2O3), which has been shown to be effective in treating leukemia and
other solid tumors, was strictly restricted in clinical application due to its severe toxicity. The present study was
performed to explore whether the combination of As2O3 and artemisinin could produce a more powerful anticancer
effect and reduce the toxicity of As2O3.

Method:

MTT assay was performed to detect the cell viability of A549, Hela and HepG2 cells treated with As2O3
and artemisinin. Combination Index (CI) analysis was carried out to evaluate the synergistic effect of As2O3 and
artemisinin. Wound healing assay was performed to evaluate the migration rate. Fluorescent microscopy
measurements and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the apoptosis.

Result:

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) was detected with DCFH-DA. The cell proliferation assay indicated that
artemisinin significantly enhanced the inhibitory effect of As2O3 in a dose and time-dependent manner (P<0.01).
Combination Index (CI) analysis further demonstrated that combining artemisinin with As2O3 generated synergistic
effects in A549 (CI=0.65±0.05), Hela (CI=0.68±0.07) and HepG2 (CI=0.47±0.01) cells. The combination of these
two drugs also evidently reduced the cell migration rate. Artemisinin also enhanced the apoptosis, necrosis in As2O3-
treated A549 and Hela cells. Combination of As2O3 and artemisinin significantly induced more apoptosis (22.1%)
than As2O3 (5.68%) or ART (5.93%) alone in Hela cells. In addition, ROS levels were increased obviously by
combining artemisinin with As2O3.

Conclusion:

The present study indicated that combining artemisinin with As2O3 would be a novel therapeutic
strategy for cancer therapy.
Isolation and Molecular Identification of Aeromonas Wound Infection in Iranian Burn Patients
Authors: Hadi Nahal , Mahmoodi Zhaleh , Emami Amir , Malekzadegan Yalda , Valadbeygi Tahereh
Published: September 2018

Introduction:

Aeromonas have recently emerged as opportunistic pathogens and only a
few studies are available regarding the isolation of these bacteria from burn wound infections.
This study aimed at isolating Aeromonas as an infrequent cause of infection in this group of immunocompromised
patients.

Methods:

A total of 300 samples were collected from the wounds of burn patients hospitalized in
Gotbodin Shirazi Burn Center in 2013. The samples were cultured on Aeromonas specific media
and then confirmed using standard biochemical tests and 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing.
The antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was determined using the disk diffusion and
broth microdilution methods.

Results:

Biochemical tests demonstrated five presumptive samples of Aeromonas, while, molecular
testing confirmed only three. All isolates were resistant to ampicillin-sulbactam, erythromycin,
oxacillin, and vancomycin. However, they were susceptible to gentamicin, meropenem, nitrofurantoin,
chloramphenicol, cephalexin, and cefotaxime. Two Aeromonas veronii isolates were
resistant to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim and sensitive to nalidixic acid, while Aeromonas
bestiarum was sensitive to the former and resistant to the latter antibiotics. Lastly, only one of the
A. veronii isolates was found to be resistant to tetracycline.

Conclusion:

This study is the first to report on the isolation of Aeromonas spp. from burn patients
in Iran. Moreover, this is the first report of isolating A. bestiarum from burn wounds. The results
of this study confirm earlier findings that the use of molecular methods is essential to accurately
identify these bacteria.
Plasma Saturated and Monounsaturated Fatty Acids in Behçet’s Disease
Authors: Messedi Meriam , Naifar Manel , Grayaa Sahar , Frikha Faten , Messoued Mariem , Sethom Mohamed Marouene , Feki Moncef , Kaabach Naziha , Bahloul Zouheir , Jamoussi Kamel , Ayedi Fatma
Published: September 2018

Background:

Fatty Acid (FA) composition of serum has been associated with many markers of inflammation. In this study, we tried to examine plasma Saturated Fatty Acid (SFA) and Monounsaturated Fatty Acid (MUFA) composition in Behçet's Disease (BD) patients. The associations between the circulating FA levels and some markers of inflammation have also been investigated.

Methods:

This study is a cross-sectional one. In fact, a total of 101 BD patients and healthy controls group of 99 subjects are enrolled. Gas Chromatograph equipped with a Capillary Split/Splitless Injector and flame ionization detector was used to analyze the plasma SFA and MUFA compositions. The high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) and fibrinogen levels were measured using standard techniques.

Results:

BD patients had significantly higher proportions of Mystiric Acid (MA), Palmitic Acid (PAM), Palmitoleic Acid (POA) and Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase (SCD)-16, compared to controls.

The results revealed that patients with severe involvements had high levels of POA and total MUFA associated with higher SCD-16 activity compared to those with minor ones. The receiver operator characteristic curve analysis revealed that POA could well discriminate BD patients with severe clinical manifestations. In the bivariate analysis, hsCRP was found to be positively correlated with total SAFA and POA elongase activity index but negatively correlated with SCD-18 activity index. The STA, POA, elongase and SCD-16 activity index are correlated with fibrinogen. On the other hand, the multivariate analysis showed that POA remained associated with higher levels of hsCRP.

Conclusion:

Unfavourable plasma SFA and MUFA profile were reported in BD patients. POA, which is associated with higher plasma hsCRP level, may play a role in the pathogenesis of BD.
Persistent (Anxiety and Depression) Affected Academic Achievement and Absenteeism in Nursing Students
Authors: Abu Ruz Mohannad Eid , Al-Akash Hekmat Yousef , Jarrah Samiha
Published: September 2018

Background:

Anxiety and depression are common among nursing students due to different factors. When they are minimal and not persistent, they work as stimuli for good achievement. However, when they are high or persistent they have negative consequences (i.e.low academic achievement and higher absenteeism rates).

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to check the effect of persistent anxiety and depression on nursing student academic achievement and absenteeism rate.

Methods:

A prospective observational correlational design with a convenience sample of 170 students enrolled in the undergraduate and graduate programs-college of nursing at a private university in Amman, Jordan. Anxiety and depression were measured twice at the beginning of the semester and then two months later by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Data regarding grade point average, number of absenteeism and the gender of the students; were collected from the electronic system of the university.

Results:

Persistently anxious group has lower grade point average than persistently non-anxious group (mean [SD], 64.1 [13.8]vs. 73.1 [12.3], P< .001). Moreover, they have higher absenteeism rate than persistently non-anxious group (7.62 [5.7]vs. 4.0 [3.4], P< .001) and higher than transiently anxious group (7.62 [5.7]vs. 4.7 [4.6], P< .05). Persistently depressed group has lower grade point average than persistently non-depressed group (64.0 [13.8]vs. 73.2 [13.0], P< .001) and lower than transiently depressed (64.0 [13.8]vs. 71.7 [10.6], P< .01).

Conclusion:

Nursing administrators should search for the underlying causes for these negative emotions. Furthermore, setting strategies to control these negative emotions is highly recommended.
Stability Analysis in RECS Integrated Multi-area AGC System with Modified- SOS Optimized Fuzzy Controller
Authors: Sahu Prakash Chandra , Prusty Ramesh Chandra
Published: September 2018

Background:

Automatic Generation Control (AGC) of multi-area nonlinear power system
integrated with wind energy based Renewable Energy Conversion System (RECS).

Methods:

A fuzzy PID controller has been proposed for AGC of a three equal area thermal system
integrated with RECS. Different physical nonlinear constraints like Governor Dead Band (GDB) and
boiler dynamics are introduced in the model for realization of non linear and realistic of proposed
multi area power system. To determine the optimum gain parameter, a Modified Symbiotic Organism
Search (M-SOS) algorithm has been used along with a fitness function which based on Integral
of Time Multiplied Absolute Error (ITAE).

Results:

For performance analysis, the performance of proposed M-SOS optimized fuzzy-PID controller
is compared with PI, PID and fuzzy PI controllers. For technique comparison, performance of
proposed M-SOS technique is compared with original SOS and conventional PSO algorithms. Robustness
of proposed controller has also been verified by varying applied load and system parameters.

Conclusion:

It is observed that M-SOS technique exhibits improved performance over original SOS
and PSO algorithms. It is also observed that proposed Fuzzy-PID controller provides better system
performance than PI, PID and fuzzy PI controllers. It has been observed that the proposed M-SOS
tuned fuzzy PID controller improves settling time of frequency response in area 1 by 11.30%, 15%
and 17.75% compared to M-SOS tuned fuzzy PI, PID and PI controllers respectively. Significant
improvements in settling time, peak overshoot and peak undershoot of the frequency response in
area 2 and tie line power are observed with the implementation this proposed approach.
Kenyér készítési és fogyasztási szokások a gluténmentes diétában
Authors: Csapóné Riskó Tünde , Péntek Ádám
Published: September 2018

A cöliákia autoimmun rendellenesség, melynek kiváltó ágense egy a gabonafélékben található fehérje, a glutén. Ha egy cöliákiás gluténtartalmú élelmiszert fogyaszt, szervezete a glutént veszélyes anyagként érzékeli és negatívan reagál rá. A cöliákia napjaink tudományos eredményei szerint nem gyógyítható, az egyetlen kezelési lehetőség az élethosszig tartó gluténmentes diéta. A kenyér alapvető és igen gyakran fogyasztott élelmiszerünk, ami alapvetően gluténtartalmú gabonákból készül. A kenyér központi szerepet tölt be a magyar étkezési kultúrában, így joggal merül fel a kérdés, hogy a gluténmentes diétát követők hogyan fedezik kenyér szükségletüket. Primer kutatásunkkal gluténmentes diétát folyatók kenyér készítési és fogyasztási szokásait mértük fel.
Egy geotermikus beruházás finanszírozásának és megtérülésének elemzése – Esettanulmány
Authors: Jenei Tünde
Published: September 2018

Geotermikus energiát felhasználó beruházás megvalósítása egy önkormányzat részére jelentős tőkebefektetéssel jár, amit csak saját forrásból nem tud megvalósítani, ezért szükség van külső pénzügyi források bevonására. A cikkben azt vizsgálom, hogy egy kis település önkormányzata által tervezett beruházás megvalósításához milyen forrásokat tud az önkormányzat bevonni. Elemzem azt is, hogy ezeknek a forrásoknak különböző kombinációja esetén hogyan alakul a beruházás belső megtérülése és a nettó jelenértéke.
Fogyasztói motivációs vizsgálatok fitnesz szolgáltatást igénybe vevők körében
Authors: Bartha Éva Judit , Bácsné Bába Éva
Published: September 2018

A világszerte jellemző inaktivitás számos egészségügyi probléma előidézője. A lakosság mozgásszegény életmódja komoly terheket jelent egy nemzetgazdaság számára. Magyarországon az egészségügyi mutatók rosszabbak az európai átlagnál, nemcsak a fizikai aktivitás, hanem a dohányzás, táplálkozás és alkoholfogyasztás tekintetében is [1]. 2013-ban hazánkban a lakosság mindössze 38%-a sportolt rendszeresen, 62% soha vagy ritkán [2]. Az inaktivitás következtében kialakuló betegségek több költséget jelentenek a gazdaságnak, mint amivel a fizikai aktivitás növelése járna [3]. A korábbi kutatások szerint a szabadidő-sportolók számára hazánkban a legfontosabb rendszeres testmozgásra ösztönző erőt az egészség megőrzése, a fizikai teljesítőképesség növelése, a pihenés és kikapcsolódási lehetőség, a testmozgás szeretete valamint a stressz levezetése jelenti [4; 5]. A fitnesz szektor széles rétegek számára elérhető sportlétesítményei, a fitneszklubok a rendszeres sportolásba való bekapcsolódásra nyújtanak lehetőséget, ezért szükséges vizsgálni, hogy milyen tényezők motiválják a fitneszszolgáltatásokat igénybe vevő sportolók edzéseken való részvételét. A sportolók céljai és a sportolásra ösztönző motivációk vizsgálatával számos kutatás foglalkozott már, amelyek arra az eredményre jutottak, hogy a fitnesztermi vagy otthoni kondicionáló edzések inkább az extrinzik, míg a többi sportban való részvétel az intrinzik motivációs tényezőkkel állnak kapcsolatban [6; 7]. Vizsgálatom középpontjában a fitnesztermek által nyújtott szolgáltatásokat igénybe vevő szabadidő-sportolók (753 fő) álltak, akik esetében az edzéseken való részvételt befolyásoló motivációs tényezőket mértem fel. Eredményeim alátámasztják azt, hogy a fitnesz-szolgáltatások fogyasztóinak motivációi hasonló sorrendet mutatnak a többi szabadidő-sportolóéhoz, legtöbben az egészség megőrzése, a fizikai állóképesség fejlesztése, valamint a kikapcsolódás érdekében járnak fitneszedzésekre, ugyanakkor a válaszadók számára a külső megjelenés javításának célja szintén fontos szerepet tölt be.
Vezetési stílus vizsgálata MLQ segítségével a szabolcs-szatmár-bereg megyei kisvállalkozások körében
Authors: Filep Roland , Filep Roland
Published: September 2018

A vezetés teljes kiterjedése modell különböző viselkedési módokat, stílusokat ír le, amelyek különbséget tesznek a vezetők között. A menedzserek és leaderek mindegyik stílust használják, csak nem egyforma gyakorisággal. A Többfaktorú leadership kérdőív (MLQ) a vezetői stílusok teljes skáláját méri, a kutatók és a gyakorlati szakemberek széles körben alkalmazzák. Ebben a munkámban a témát érintő rövid elméleti áttekintés és a stílusok ismertetése után az empirikus elemzésemre is sor kerül. Munkámban a Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg megyei kisvállalkozások első számú vezetőinek stílusát vizsgálom MLQ segítségével.
A Debreceni Médiacentrum működése
Authors: Szabó József
Published: September 2018

A médiapiac az utóbbi két évtizedben jelentősen átrendeződött. A nagyobb városok helyi médiája hosszú ideig a helyi televíziózás hátterében működött. A megyei print napilapok mellett a televízió volt a fő információforrás. A médiafogyasztási szokások változása, a technikai fejlődés új piaci igényeket és új megjelenési formákat hívott életre. A helyi televíziók nagy része – így a Debrecen Televízió is – működési és szervezeti változásra kényszerült. A média portfólió bővítésével elérte, hogy a teljes piaci szegmenst lefedve ma már a régió meghatározó médiája, ahol a tartalom előállítása és a tartalomszolgáltatás hátterének biztosítása a legmagasabb szinten valósul meg.
Developing problem based calculus learning model
Authors: Djidu Hasan , Jailani Jailani
Published: September 2018

PENGEMBANGAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN KALKULUS BERBASIS MASALAHAbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk menghasilkan model pembelajaran kalkulus berbasis masalah (MPK-BM) yang layak. Pengembangan MPK-BM menggunakan model pengembangan Plomp dengan prosedur pengembangan terdiri atas: studi pendahuluan, tahap pengembangan atau pembuatan prototipe, dan tahap penilaian. Kelayakan MPK-BM mengacu pada kriteria kualitas produk pengembangan yang dikemukakan oleh Nieveen yakni valid, praktis, dan efektif. Pengembangan MPK-BM melibatkan empat orang ahli dan dua orang praktisi. Uji coba MPK-BM melibatkan 71 orang siswa Kelas XI IPA di SMA Negeri 2 Baubau dan dua orang guru matematika. Instrumen yang digunakan terdiri atas: instrumen untuk menilai kevalidan yang meliputi lembar validasi MPK-BM dan perangkat pendukung pelaksanaan pembelajaran, instrumen untuk menilai kepraktisan yang meliputi lembar penilaian kepraktisan dari guru dan siswa, dan lembar observasi keterlaksanaan pembelajaran, serta lembar penilaian keefektifan yaitu tes prestasi belajar. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa MPK-BM yang mencakup sintaks, sistem sosial, prinsip reaksi, sistem pendukung, dan dampak pembelajaran, serta perangkat pendukung pelaksanaan pembelajaran (RPP dan LKS) telah memenuhi kriteria valid, praktis, dan efektif.AbstractThis study was aimed at generating a problem-based calculus learning (PBCL) model. This study used Plomp development model consisting of a preliminary study, development or prototyping phase, and assessment phase. The feasibility of PBCL refers to the criteria of product development qualities, proposed by Nieveen, namely validity, practicality, and effectiveness. The study involved 4 experts and 2 practitioners. The try-out involved 71 students of grade XI of the natural science class and 2 math teachers in State Senior High School 2, Baubau. The instruments for assessing product validity were validation sheets and supplementary learning media; for assessing practicality were assessment sheets for teachers and students and observation sheets of learning implementation; and for effectiveness were test sheets of the learning achievement test. The results show that the PBCL model which includes syntax, social system, reaction principle, support system, and impact of learning, along with supporting learning media (RPP and LKS) have fulfilled the validity, practicality, and effectiveness criteria.
Analyses of inclusive education policy: A case study of elementary school in Jambi
Authors: Muazza Muazza , Hadiyanto Hadiyanto , Heny Delvia , Mukminin Amirul , Habibi Akhmad , Sofwan Muhammad
Published: September 2018

ANALISIS KEBIJAKAN PENDIDIKAN INKLUSI: STUDI KASUS DI SEKOLAH DASAR JAMBIAbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi dan mendiskripsikan jenis kebijakan dan program pendidikan yang dibuat oleh pemerintah khususnya tentang kebijakan pendidikan inklusi terkait dengan kurikulum pendidikan inklusi, rekrutmen guru pembimbing khusus (GPK), dan sarana prasarana di sekolah dengan kebijakan pendidikan inklusi. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara dengan delapan informan, observasi di lima kelas, dan dokumentasi di SD Negeri 131/IV Jambi yang menjadi tempat penelitian ini. Data wawancara dianalisis dengan menggunakan “within case and cross-case analysis” antarinforman. Data observasi dicatat dan disajikan sesuai dengan tema hasil wawancara dan data dokumen digunakan sebagai pembanding data wawancara dan observasi. Hasil dari penelitian ini menjabarkan tentang tidak ada persiapan penerimaan murid baru dan kurangnya perhatian pemerintah atas dukungan sarana prasarana. Penyajian data juga termasuk tantangan yang dihadapi dalam penerapan pendidikan inklusi di Provinsi Jambi. Saran dan masukan berupa peran aktif pihak sekolah dalam penyelenggaraan pendidikan inklusi, melakukan perekrutan guru yang baik, dan bagi pemerintah untuk mendukung sarana dan prasarana pendidikan.AbstractThis study was aimed at exploring and describing the types of education policies and programs developed by the government, especially on inclusive education policies related to inclusion-education curriculum, special mentor recruitment, and infrastructure facilities in the schools which implemented inclusive education policies. The study used a qualitative approach with a case-study method. The data were collected through interviews with 8 informants, 5 classroom observations, and documentation at the State Elementary School 131/ IV Jambi. The interview data were analyzed using within-case and cross-case analyses among informants. The observational data were recorded and presented in accordance with the theme of the interview results and documentation data was used as the comparison. The results show that there is no new student admission preparation, and the lack of government attention on infrastructure supports. The presentation of data also includes the challenges faced in implementing inclusive education in Jambi. The suggestion for school parties in the implementation of inclusive education is by conducting teacher recruitment and for the government to support educational facilities and infrastructure.
Character learning model in vocational school
Authors: Rochayati Umi , Wardani Ratna
Published: September 2018

MODEL PEMBELAJARAN KARAKTER KERJA DI SEKOLAH MENENGAH KEJURUANAbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan model pembelajaran karakter kerja di Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan (SMK). Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dan kuantitatif. Pengembangan model menggunakan pendekatan R & D model ADDIE. Pengembangan model diawali dengan analisis kebutuhan karakter kerja melalui observasi ke SMK Negeri 2 Depok Sleman, SMK Mikael Surakarta, dan beberapa industri terkait. Hasil penelitian ini menemukan 13 indikator karakter kerja yang perlu ditanamkan kepada siswa SMK, meliputi: disiplin, loyalitas, kerja keras, tanggung jawab, profesional, jujur, toleransi, kepemimpinan, kerja sama dalam tim, kemampuan beradaptasi, kreatif, inovasi, dan kemampuan dalam memecahkan masalah. Model pembelajaran dikembangkan sesuai prosedur desain instruksional. Rancangan pembelajaran untuk menanamkan nilai-nilai karakter kerja tersebut dimplementasikan secara eksplisit dalam silabus dan rencana pembelajaran. Nilai-nilai karakter kerja diintegrasikan dalam setiap mata pelajaran terutama mata pelajaran praktik. Model pembelajaran karakter kerja melibatkan dunia usaha dan industri sebagai mitra sekolah dalam proses pembelajaran. Mekanisme yang diterapkan yaitu dengan mengundang dunia usaha dan industri untuk secara berkala memberikan pemahaman tentang budaya kerja di dunia kerja kepada para siswa SMK.AbstractThis study was aimed at developing a work character learning model in the vocational school. This study used qualitative and quantitative methods. The study used the model development of the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) approach Research and Development (R & D). The model development began with the analysis of work characters needed through observation conducted in State Vocational School 2 in Depok Sleman, Mikael Vocational School in Surakarta, and some related industries. The results show that 13 work character indicators need to be implemented namely discipline, loyalty, hard work, responsibility, professionalism, honesty, tolerance, leadership, teamwork, adaptability, creativity, innovation, and problem solving capability. The learning model was developed according to the instructional design procedure. The design of learning to instill the values of work characters is implemented explicitly in the syllabus and lesson plans. The values of work characters are integrated in each subject especially the practice subjects. The school partners (i.e. industry and business parties) are included in the learning process of this model. The mechanism applied is by inviting the business and the industry parties periodically to provide an understanding of work cultures to the students
Matemathics Students’ Misconception in Research Proposal Using Certainty of Response Index
Authors: Pardimin Pardimin
Published: September 2018

This study was aimed at identifying the misconception of Mathematics Education students in the formulation of research methods in their proposals. This study was descriptive quantitative. The population consisted of 195 students of Mathematics Education Department, year 2014, Sarjanawiyata Tamansiswa University. The sample was collected using exhaustive sampling on the entire research population. Data were collected by documentation and closed-option questionnaires. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistical analysis. Analysis of Certainty of Response Index (CRI) was used to find out errors and misconceptions. The results show that most of the students have good understanding in the concepts of research methods. The other have misconceptions and limited understanding. The student misconceptions occur in the aspects of population, research variables, operational definitions and instrument reliability. The students do not explain fully and clearly the operational definition of the variables studied. On the aspect if reliability, errors are made by the students in the unexplained explanation of the reliability test used for the test instrument.MISKONSEPSI MAHASISWA PENDIDIKAN MATEMATIKA PADA KONSEP METODE PENELITIANAbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi kesalahan penyusunan metode penelitian dalam penulisan proposal. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif kuantitatif. Sampel penelitian ini yaitu mahasiswa Jurusan Pendidikan Matematika Angkatan 2014 Universitas Sarjanawiyata Tamansiswa Yogyakarta sebanyak 195 orang. Sampel penelitian diambil menggunakan teknik sampling jenuh yaitu keseluruhan populasi penelitian dijadikan sampel. Instrumen yang digunakan dalam penelitian yaitu kuesioner. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan teknik dokumentasi dan angket. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan dalam penelitian adalah analisis statistik desktiptif. Analisis Certainty of Response Index (CRI) digunakan untuk mengetahui kesalahan dan miskonsepsi yang dialami mahasiswa pada konsep metode penelitian. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa sebagian besar mahasiswa sudah memiliki pemahaman yang baik dan sebagian kecil tidak paham konsep. Miskonsepsi mahasiswa banyak terjadi pada aspek populasi, variabel penelitian, definisi operasional, dan reliabilitas instrumen. Mahasiswa tidak menjelaskan secara lengkap dan jelas definisi operasional dari variabel yang diteliti. Pada asepk reliabilitas, kesalahan yang dibuat mahasiswa yakni dengan tidak tercantumnya penjelasan uji reliabilitas yang digunakan untuk uji instrumen penelitiannya.
Conversation Within a Facebook Smoking Cessation Intervention Trial For Young Adults (Tobacco Status Project): Qualitative Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: McKelvey Karma , Ramo Danielle
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Smoking cessation interventions delivered through social media have the potential to engage young people in behavior change.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe participant-posted messages in a Facebook smoking cessation intervention for young adults to discern support for behavior change.

METHODS

We qualitatively analyzed data from the treatment arm of a randomized trial testing the efficacy of the Tobacco Status Project Facebook intervention. Young adults (N=138) aged 18-25 years (female: 81/138, 58.7%; white: 101/138, 73.2%; mean age 21 years) were recruited using Facebook and placed into one of the 15 secret Facebook groups based on readiness-to-quit smoking. Messages posted to groups for 90 consecutive days were tailored to readiness-to-quit: Not Ready (46/138, 33.3%), Thinking (66/138, 47.8%), and Getting Ready (26/138, 18.8%). Groups were randomized to receive up to US $90 for posting or no incentive. Two independent coders conducted open coding of user posts. We considered content by readiness-to-quit group and incentive condition.

RESULTS

There were 4 dominant themes across all groups: coping skills, friends and family, motivation to quit, and benefits of quitting. The dominant themes in Not Ready groups were friends and family (incentive) and motivation to quit (no incentive), whereas coping skills was the dominant theme in Thinking and Getting Ready groups. The expression of themes varied by readiness-to-quit group but not by incentive condition.

CONCLUSIONS

Intervention messages tailored to readiness-to-quit appear useful in eliciting the desired responses from young adult smokers, with limited influence by monetary incentive.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02207036; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02207036 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/722XAEAAz)