bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MANAGEMENT OF MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM POTENCY IN KUALA LANGSA, ACEH
Authors: Zurba Nabil , Effendi Hefni , Yonvitner .
Published: January 2018

The potency of mangrove ecosystems can be a provider of economic resources, preserving the ecological environment and providing environmental services. The existence of mangroves in Kuala Langsa is important to study about the economic potential, the potential of carbon sequestration in the form of biomass, coastal tourism potential and social potential of society in support of its development efforts. The result of the research shows that the potential existence of mangrove ecosystem to fishery sector is Rp. 657.563.000 / year, carbon sequestration potential in the form of biomass of 180.365 ton /year, with the economic value of carbon trade of Rp. 2.344.745.000/year, economic potential of coastal tourism reached Rp 22,921,107,253/year. Overall, the estimated total potential of existing mangrove ecosystems in Kuala Langsa is Rp. 29.923.415.253/year. To manage these potentials, a conservation strategy is required, performance improvement of customary institutions and the existence of such management institutions must be continuously strengthened.                                                                                                   Keywords:  institutional, Kuala Langsa, mangrove, potency, strategic                        management
SEDIMENT ACCUMULATION PROFILE IN MANGROVE RESTORATION AREA OF LEMBAR BAY-LOMBOK ISLAND
Authors: Paputungan Mohammad Sumiran , Koropitan Alan Frendy , Prartono Tri , Lubis Ali Arman
Published: January 2018

Mangrove restoration is really needed for restoring its ecosystem functions, so that it could be able to support fisheries activity and to protect coastal by extreme weather. In addition, mangrove is able to accumulate sediment that important in protecting the coastal area from sea level rise. Therefore,  the aim of this study is to investigate sediment accumulation rate in mangrove area during post restoration. Sampling location were divided into three different stations based on estimated restoration ages, such as ≥ 15  years old (Station 1), 4 - 10 years old (Station 2) and 2 - 8 years old (Station 3). Sediment cores were carried out by inserting 7.6 cm diameter and 100 cm length of polyvinyl chloride pipes. Sedimentation rate is measured by using Pb-210 radionuclide analysis. The results show that the sediment accumulation rate in the last 20th years from all station ranges from 0.17 to 0.42 g/cm2/year. The highest accumulation rate is found at oldest year old station while the lowest accumulation rate is found at younger year old station of mangrove restoration area. Restoration process is clearly able to recover the mangrove’s role in trapping sediment in coastal region. Keywords: sediment accumulation, mangrove restoration, Lembar Bay-                   Lombok Island
POTENTIAL FISHING GROUND MAPPING BASED ON GIS HOTSPOT MODEL AND TIME SERIES ANALYSIS: A CASE STUDY ON LIFT NET FISHERIES IN SERIBU ISLAND
Authors: Rivai Andi Alamsyah , Siregar Vincentius P. , Agus Syamsul B. , Yasuma Hiroki
Published: January 2018

Information on the spatial and temporal of fishing activity can optimize a fisheries management and increase their economical and biological benefit. For effective management and good understanding of fishing activities, information about fishing ground is crucial. In this study, we aimed to analyze the spatio-temporal of lift net fisheries in Kepulauan Seribu by analyzing their fishing season, investigating their hotspot of fishing ground using GIS-based hotspot model, and mapping the potential fishing ground of each target species. We found that anchovy and scad could be caught throughtout the year, while sardine and squid had high fishing season in west monsoon. Hotspot of fishing ground of lift net fisheries in Kepulauan Seribu waters generally was concentrated around Lancang Island and in southern part of Kotok Island. Potential fishing ground for sardines was located in around Lancang Island on west monsoon. Squids were highly distributed around Lancang Island in December to January and around Lancang and Rambut Islands in November. Anchovy and scad had more potential fishing ground in around Kepulauan Seribu waters.  Keywords: fishing ground, lift net, hotspot, fishing season
ANALISYS AND MAPPING OF ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY INDEX IN BANGGAI REGENCY AND BANGGAI ISLANDS REGENCY, CENTRAL SULAWESI
Authors: Putranto Sugeng , Zamani Neviaty P. , Sanusi Harpasis S. , Riani Etty , Fahrudin Achmad
Published: January 2018

The Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) is a description of the biological, socio-economic and socio-cultural values of a particular coastal and marine area used as a priority response to oil spills, shown on a map by applying spatial analysis using geographic information system technology. The purpose of this research was to analyse mangrove ecosystem area in Banggai and Banggai Islands Regency based on its vulnerability value by analyzing mangrove community structure and socio-economic services for local community. The research was conducted in nine sub-districts, among others: South Batui, Batui, East Luwuk, Lamala, Masama, Balantak, Bualemo (Banggai) and Bulagi and Buko (Banggai Islands). The study was conducted from August to November 2016, with field observations, direct interviews with communities and local government and literature review. The results of spatial analysis of ESI in the coastal areas of Banggai and Banggai Islands are obtained from sensitivity values of medium and sensitive. Areas with moderate sensitivity are Batui, East Luwuk, Masama, Lamala, Balantak and Bualemo sub-districts with grades of 16,78 – 24,35. The value of ESI with sensitive category ranges from 38,24 – 57,54 in Bulagi, Buko and South Batui sub-districts. Keywords: mangrove ecosystem, Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI)
Back-Matter
Authors: Bengen Dietriech G.
Published: January 2018

Back-Matter
LAND CHANGES AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES OF MANGROVE IN SAWO DISTRICT, NORTH NIAS REGENCY, NORTH SUMATERA PROVINCE
Authors: Mendrofa Septinus , Kurnia Rahmat , Pratiwi Niken T.M.
Published: January 2018

One of the resources that has potential to utilization is a mangrove ecosystem. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in the area of mangroves, analyze the causes of destruction of mangroves, and formulate strategies for sustainability management of mangroves in Sawo District. The changes in the area of mangroves was identified from  imagery and analyzed by ArcGis 10.2.2. The causes of mangrove destruction was analyzed from the data collected from the stakeholders in Sawo District that related to management of mangroves in district level, regency level, and province. The data was analyzed by Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to formulate the strategies for sustainability management of mangroves. The result of landsat imagery showed that, mangrove area has decreased about 17,405 ha within a decade. Mangrove destruction was caused by human activities, such as logging and conversion of mangrove land into agriculture. The main strategy for sustainability management of mangroves was community’s empowerment, then followed by others alternatives. Keywords: AHP, coastal, destruction, ecosystem, landsat
SELECTION OF KURAU FISHING TECHNOLOGY UNITS Eleutheronema tetradactylum WHICH COMPETITIVE AND SUSTAINABLE
Authors: Kholis Muhammad Natsir , Wahju Ronny I , Mustaruddin .
Published: January 2018

Environmentally friendly fishing technology unit is needed in sustainable fisheries management. The purpose of this study was to determine the fishing technology unit of kurau competitive and sustainable. Data collection was carried out from July to September 2016 in the Coastal Pambang of Bengkalis District of Riau Province, by using the survey method. The analytical data method used is scoring the biological, technical and socioeconomic aspects the fishing technology unit of kurau. Results of research show that combined analysis of biological, technical and socioeconomic aspects have the value of the VA fishing line function (2.48) is higher than the other three fishing gear. Thus, the fishing line is a selected fishing technology unit of kurau competitive and sustainable in the Coastal Pambang Bengkalis District. Keywords: competitive,coastal pambang, fishing technology, kurau fish,sustainable fishing
IMPACT OF NURSERY USING DIFFERENT PHYSICAL FILTRATION SYSTEM ON HEMOLYMPH GLUCOSE LEVEL AND SURVIVAL RATE OF SPINY LOBSTER JUVENILE Panulirus homarus
Authors: Prama Ega Aditya , Supriyono Eddy , Nirmala Kukuh , Adiyana Kukuh
Published: January 2018

The problems in culture of early juvenile phase of spiny lobster Panulirus homarus is low survival rate of the seed. One of strategies to improve production is using filtration system during nursery of spiny lobster. The aim of this study to evaluate differentation of physical filtration system on responsse stress and survival rate of juvenile P. homarus. Experimental design of this study consisted of four treatments and two replications. The treatments were using flow through system without protein skimmer and filter (K), filtration system with protein skimmer (SK), filtration system with top filter (F) and filtration system with combinations of protein skimmer and top filter (SKF). P. homarus with initial weight 0.18+0.01 g were cultured for 60 days with density 250 lobster/tank. During maintenance, P. homarus were fed trash fish with feeding rate 20% of body weight. Parameters of glucose hemolymph were evaluated to determine stress response. Stress response was determined at day 0, 6, 20 and 60. Parameters of survival rate were determined at the end of experiment. The result showed that the treatment of filtration system with combination of protein skimmer and top filter (SKF) decreased stress responsse by decreasing glucose hemolymph of juvenile P. homarus during maintenance. Survival rate also higher (P<0.05) in treatment SKF (33.2%) than other treatments. It is concluded that SKF was the best physical filtration system for juvenile period of spiny lobster P. homarus  Keywords: filtration system, glucose hemolymph, spiny lobster, survival rate
CHARACTERISTICS OF BREAKING WAVES AND ANALYSIS OF SEDIMENT TRANSPORT IN TELUK KENDARI
Authors: Ondara Koko , Husrin Semeidi
Published: January 2018

One of the problems that often occured in the bay area is a sedimentation process that occurred continuously, causing silting. The movement of sediment material in the process of sedimentation is influenced by the movement of the water flow like the tides, winds, currents and waves. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of the hydrodynamic conditions, particularly the distribution pattern and the capacity of the sediments in the Kendari Bay with oceanographic modeling approach. Bathymetry data measured at the site of the research conducted in August 2015. The analysis of distribution patterns of sedimentation, sedimentation capacity, wave hindcasting, wind data and tidal data using software, hindcasting results indicate the dominant wind direction coming from the east. Type tides in Kendari Bay is a mixed mainly semiurdunal tides. The concentration of suspended sediment at low tide is greater than at high tide.  Keywords: sediment transport, wave characteristics, Kendari Bay, hydro - dynamics, mike21
DISTRIBUTION AND BIOACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS Pb AND Cd ON BIVALVES Anadara nodifera, Meretrix lyrata, AND Solen lamarckii IN COASTAL WATERS OF THE WEST MADURA STRAIT
Authors: Ahyar . , Bengen Dietriech G. , Wardiatno Yusli
Published: January 2018

Madura strait receives waste disposal from various activites in the mainland, making it vulnerable to contamination of harmful pollutants. Some of the harmful pollutants are heavy metal Pb and Cd. The high concentration Cd and Pb give negative impacts to the biota including bivalves. This study was conducted to assess the distribution of heavy metals Pb and Cd in the waters and their accumulation in bivalves Anadara nodifera, Meretrix lyrata, and Solen lamarckii in coastal waters of the West Madura Strait. Heavy metal analysis refer to APHA 2012 using AAS. The results showed that concentration of Cd and Pb in water were below the quality standards, while in sediment were above the standard (Cd of 7.20 mg/kg and Pb of 62.06 mg/kg). The concentration of Cd in bivalve were different among the species tested A. nodifera of 6.10 mg/kg, M. lyrata of 3.65 mg/kg, and S. lamarckii of 2.74 mg/kg, as well as Pb concentration A. nodifera of 60.10 mg/kg, M. lyrata of 51.48 mg/kg, and S. lamarckii of 45.29 mg/kg). These results indicated that the three shells have exceeded the maximum limit of heavy metal contamination in food (Cd of 1.0 mg/kg and Pb of 1.5 mg/kg). Keywords: bivalve, heavy metal, Madura Strait
DIVERSITY OF BRITTLE STARS (OPHIUROIDEA) IN TALISE WATERS, NORTH SULAWESI
Authors: Nurdiansah Doni , Supono .
Published: January 2018

Talise waters, located in North Sulawesi, is one of many coastal areas in Indonesia with sea grass cover extending along the reef flat. This ecological feature is beneficial for living habitat of associated fauna, including brittle stars. Brittle stars are group of Echinodermata reported to be abundantly found in sea grass ecosystem. However, the diversity of this fauna is less reported except as part of echinoderm studies. This research aims to investigate the diversity of brittle stars in Talise waters. Data were collected in July 2009 applying quadrant transect method. In total of 650 individuals belonging to 4 families (Ophiotrichidae, Ophiodermatidae, Ophiocomidae and Ophiuridae) and 10 species were recorded during this study. The diversity (H’=1.58), richness (D=1.69) and Evennes Index (J=0.89) was relatively higher compared to adjacent water in North Sulawesi such as Wori (H =1.64, D =1.38, J=0.85), Kema (H =1.3, D =0.38, J=0.36) but lower than East Likupang waters (H =1.95, D =2.42, J=0.97). Keywords: brittle star, diversity, richness, evennes, Talise waters
GENETIC DIVERSITY OF OLIVE RIDLEY Lepidochelys olivacea ASSOCIATED WITH CURRENT PATTERN IN CENDRAWASIH BAY, PAPUA
Authors: Bahri Samsul , Atmadipoera Agus S. , Madduppa Hawis H.
Published: January 2018

Cendrawasih Bay is habitat for olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) which is directly adjacent to the Pacific Ocean. The presence and the diversity of L. olivacea in Cendrawasih Bay has been threatened. Genetics can be the key to conservation because they play an important role in maintaining population and recovering from damage. This study aims to determine the genetic diversity of L. olivacea and its association to the current pattern in the waters of Cendrawasih Bay. Samples of L. olivacea (n=20) were collected in Kwatisore (n=8) and Yapen Island (n=12) in Cendrawasih Bay waters from August 2015 to December 2016. The molecular analysis was based on 791-bp fragment of D-Loop on the non-coding region gen. The current pattern analysis was performed through INDESO data and visualized by using Ferret software. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 2 groups of L. olivacea from a total of 2 haplotypes, whose population from Kwatisore was dispersed in two haplotypes, while the population from Yapen Island was only dispersed in one haplotype. Populations from Kwatisore showed higher variations than populations from Yapen Island. The current pattern analysis suggests that the two study sites, Kwatisore and Yapen islands are different. Both populations are only connected by the Northwest monsoon currents period that indicates a little geneflow between this populations. Thus causing differences variation between Kwatisore and Yapen Island populations genetically. Keywords: genetic diversity, current pattern, coral triangle, olive ridley
Thermodynamic description of the Cu–S–Sn system
Authors: Guo Cuiping , Zhang Xiaobo , Li Changrong , Du Zhenmin
Published: January 2018

The thermodynamic optimisation of the Cu–S–Sn system was carried out using the CALPHAD technique. For the liquid phase, an associated solution model, (Cu, Cu2S, S, SnS, Sn), was used by assuming the existence of two associates: Cu2S and SnS. Ternary compounds Cu5Sn2S7and Cu10Sn2S13were treated as stoichiometric compounds. Ternary compounds Cu4SnS4, Cu2SnS3, and Cu4Sn3S8were located on the Cu2S–SnS2joint and described using the model (Cu2S)p(SnS2)q. The Cu2Sn3S7compound was also located on the Cu2S–SnS2joint and was described as (Cu2S, SnS2) considering the range of its homogeneity. With the present thermodynamic parameters, the projection of the liquidus surfaces and invariant reactions of the Cu–S–Sn system were predicted. A set of self-consistent thermodynamic parameters of the Cu–S–Sn system could be obtained.
A simple and economic approach to superhydrophobic films
Authors: Zhao Aijuan , Chen Xiuli , Sun Haijie , Gao Hairong , Wang Shaoqing
Published: January 2018

It has been recognized that a simple and economic preparation of superhydrophobic films is the prerequisite for their industrial and commercial applications. In this work, superhydrophobic films were successfully achieved on insulating materials. For such films, the contact angle can reach a maximum of 151.8° (sliding angle about 8°) with a surface roughness of 10.88 μm. If surface roughness was less than 10.88 μm, the contact angle increased with roughness, but for roughness greater than 10.88 μm, the contact angle decreased with roughness. It was further revealed that the surface hierarchical structures of the films were responsible for such a high contact angle and a low sliding angle. Moreover, the wetting ability of the rough films was different and can be interpreted using the different wetting state models. In addition, sandstorm tests and hydrophobicity experiments showed that such films could resist the external force well and exhibit a durable superhydrophobicity.
Thermophysical properties of NPG solid solution in the NPG–SCN organic system
Authors: Karadağ Saadet B. , Öztürk Esra , Aksöz Sezen , Maraşlı Necmettin
Published: January 2018

A horizontal linear heat flow apparatus connected to an optical microscope was used to directly observe the grain boundary groove shapes of solid neopentylglycol solution equilibrated with neopentylglycol-succinonitrile eutectic liquid at a constant temperature gradient. The thermal conductivity variations with temperaure for solid neopentylglycol solution and neopentylglycol-succinonitrile eutectic solid were measured with a radial heat flow apparatus. By using the observed grain boundary groove shapes and measured values of temperature gradients and thermal conductivity of solid phase and liquid phase, the values of the Gibbs–Thomson coefficient, solid–liquid interfacial energy and grain boundary energy were determined for the solid neopentylglycol solution equilibrated with the neopentylglycol-succinonitrile eutectic liquid.
Incretin Hormones and Insulin Responses During OGTT in Newly Diagnosed T2DM Patients
Authors: Jhuma Khadija Akther , Giasuddin ASM , Haque AM Mujibul , Huque Md Mahbubul
Published: January 2018

Several research groups have reported variable results about incretin effects of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1) particularly, as well as cytokines balance in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The present case-control prospective interventional study was conducted in 2014-2015 at Medical College for Women & Hospital, Dhaka, investigating responses of incretin hormones and insulin to oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in Bangladeshi subjects. Blood samples were collected from 36 OGTT positive adult T2DM patients (Pt) and 30 normal adults (NC) at '0' minute (fasting) and at 2 hours after OGTT. Routine laboratory investigations in blood were done and special parameters in serum, i.e. insulin, HGH, TSH, GIP and GLP-1 were analyzed using enzyme immunoassay kits. Pt had FBG and BG2Hr levels much higher than NC (p<0.001). In Pt, F-Insulin and Insulin2Hr were much lower than NC subjects (p<0.001), although Insulin2Hr level was higher than F-Insulin level in Pt. F-GIP (p=0.309) and F-GLP-1(p=0.984) levels were similar between Pt and NC. Interestingly, NC responded to OGTT by increasing GIP2Hr and GLP-1,2Hr levels about 3 times, whereas Pt responded by raising about 1.5 times only compared to F-GIP and F-GLP-1 (p<0.001). Reduced insulin levels, both fasting and postprandial, were possibly due to decreased responses of GIP and GLP-1 to glucose load in T2DM patients. Further studies with a larger sample size including cytokines are warranted.
Methodological challenges of investigating in-tellectual cooperation, relational expertise, and transformative agency
Authors: Langemeyer Ines
Published: January 2018

Methodological issues arise with the research of societal practices of ‘knowing’. This object of study is understood as concrete human activity that always integrates mental, communicative and practical behaviour in interaction and cooperation with others. Especially with regard to contemporary forms of labour in the high-tech-world, this issue has become a salient task. As it is explained, it implies investigation of people communicating and reasoning while developing concrete forms of activity. In particular, the methodological issues concern the social and psychodynamic quality of this practice. Within the tradition of cultural-historical research and activity theory, mile-stones of this matter have already been reached. Cultural-historical concepts like the ‘motive’ of an activity as well as the ‘emotions’ that bias the ‘experience’ of ‘transformative engagements’ with the world show that their theoretical and methodological understanding are adept to approach the dialectics between the social and the individual quality of practice and agency in general, but also with regard to contemporary challenges of intellectualized cooperation in particular. ‘Double stimulation’, a concept coined by Vygotsky, is relevant in this context as well. However, the paper discusses critically whether it fits with the system theoretical understanding of activities and transformative agency as it can be found in Engeström’s writings. Finally, the core requirements for a VET-research methodology for intellectualized collaboration are resumed.
Slot Waveguide Enhanced Bloch Surface Waves
Authors: Roussey Matthieu
Published: January 2018

The paper presents a novel concept for the on-chip integration of a multilayer platform sustaining Bloch surface waves further enhanced by the so-called slot waveguide effect. Through simulations, we demonstrate that a carefully designed polymer waveguide arrangement coated with a subwavelength dielectric multilayer can be efficiently used to first excite a Bloch surface wave at the surface of the multilayer and second to enhance this wave and allow longer propagation of the surface mode by constructive superimposition of two evanescent tails inside a narrow gap.
Methodology of Classifying the Causes of Occupational Accidents Involving Construction Scaffolding Using Pareto-Lorenz Analysis
Authors: Hoła Anna , Sawicki Marek , Szóstak Mariusz
Published: January 2018

This article presents the developed methodology of classifying and evaluating the causes of accidents involving construction scaffolding. This methodology allows the causes of accidents to be identified, classified into generic groups, and also allows the importance of individual causes in their generic groups to be assessed. For the classification of causes, the Technical–Organizational–Human (TOH) method was used. Its assumption is the division of causes into technical (T), organizational (O), and human (H) ones. Pareto-Lorenz analysis and ABC classification were used to identify the most important causes. The developed methodology was used to analyze and assess the causes of accidents that involve construction scaffolding using the data of accidents that occurred in Poland as an example. The use of the proposed methodology in different countries will enable the results of the conducted studies and analysis to be compared, and conclusions that would be of a great importance in accident prevention to be drawn.
Linear Approximation Signal Detection Scheme in MIMO-OFDM Systems
Authors: Ro Jae-Hyun , Kim Jong-Kwang , You Young-Hwan , Song Hyoung-Kyu
Published: January 2018

In this paper, a linearly approximate signal detection scheme is proposed in multiple input multiple output-orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) systems. The huge MIMO-OFDM system, which uses many transmit antennas and high order modulation, requires a detection scheme at the receiver with very low complexity for practical implementation. In the proposed detection scheme, one N × N MIMO-OFDM system is divided into N / 2 2 × 2 MIMO-OFDM systems for linear increase of complexity. After the partial zero-forcing (ZF), decision feedback equalizer (DFE) and QR decomposition-M algorithm (QRD-M) are applied to each 2 × 2 MIMO-OFDM system. Despite nonlinear detection schemes, the overall complexity of the proposed algorithm increases almost linearly because the DFE and the QRD-M are applied to 2 × 2 MIMO-OFDM systems. Also, the value of M in the QRD-M is fixed according to position of the center point in constellation for efficient signal detection. In simulation results, the proposed detection scheme has higher error performance and lower complexity than the conventional ZF. Also, the proposed detection scheme has very lower complexity than the conventional DFE, with slight loss of error performance.
IR Reflectography and Active Thermography on Artworks: The Added Value of the 1.5–3 µm Band
Authors: Peeters Jeroen , Steenackers Gunther , Sfarra Stefano , Legrand Stijn , Ibarra-Castanedo Clemente , Janssens Koen , Van der Snickt Geert
Published: January 2018

Infrared Radiation (IR) artwork inspection is typically performed through active thermography and reflectography with different setups and cameras. While Infrared Radiation Reflectography (IRR) is an established technique in the museum field, exploiting mainly the IR-A (0.7–1.4 µm) band to probe for hidden layers and modifications within the paint stratigraphy system, active thermography operating in the IR-C range (3–5

μ

m) is less frequently employed with the aim to visualize structural defects and features deeper inside the build-up. In this work, we assess to which extent the less investigated IR-B band (1.5–3

μ

m) can combine the information obtained from both setups. The application of IR-B systems is relatively rare as there are only a limited amount of commercial systems available due to the technical complexity of the lens coating. This is mainly added as a so-called broadband option on regular Mid-wave infrared radiation (MWIR) (IR-C’/3–5

μ

m) cameras to increase sensitivity for high temperature applications in industry. In particular, four objects were studied in both reflectographic and thermographic mode in the IR-B spectral range and their results benchmarked with IR-A and IR-C images. For multispectral application, a single benchmark is made with macroscopic reflection mode Fourier transform infrared (MA-rFTIR) results. IR-B proved valuable for visualisation of underdrawings, pencil marks, canvas fibres and wooden grain structures and potential pathways for additional applications such as pigment identification in multispectral mode or characterization of the support (panels, canvas) are indicated.
Editorial for Special Issue: “Application of Artificial Neural Networks in Geoinformatics”
Authors: Lee Saro
Published: January 2018

Recently, a need has arisen for prediction techniques that can address a variety of problems by combining methods from the rapidly developing field of machine learning with geoinformation technologies such as GIS, remote sensing, and GPS.[…]
Passive Sonar Target Detection Using Statistical Classifier and Adaptive Threshold
Authors: Komari Alaie Hamed , Farsi Hassan
Published: January 2018

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation about target detecting with passive sonar in Persian Gulf. Detecting propagated sounds in the water is one of the basic challenges of the researchers in sonar field. This challenge will be complex in shallow water (like Persian Gulf) and noise less vessels. Generally, in passive sonar, the targets are detected by sonar equation (with constant threshold) that increases the detection error in shallow water. The purpose of this study is proposed a new method for detecting targets in passive sonars using adaptive threshold. In this method, target signal (sound) is processed in time and frequency domain. For classifying, Bayesian classification is used and posterior distribution is estimated by Maximum Likelihood Estimation algorithm. Finally, target was detected by combining the detection points in both domains using Least Mean Square (LMS) adaptive filter. Results of this paper has showed that the proposed method has improved true detection rate by about 24% when compared other the best detection method.
Family A and B DNA Polymerases in Cancer: Opportunities for Therapeutic Interventions
Authors: Shanbhag Vinit , Sachdev Shrikesh , Flores Jacqueline , Modak Mukund , Singh Kamalendra
Published: January 2018

DNA polymerases are essential for genome replication, DNA repair and translesion DNA synthesis (TLS). Broadly, these enzymes belong to two groups: replicative and non-replicative DNA polymerases. A considerable body of data suggests that both groups of DNA polymerases are associated with cancer. Many mutations in cancer cells are either the result of error-prone DNA synthesis by non-replicative polymerases, or the inability of replicative DNA polymerases to proofread mismatched nucleotides due to mutations in 3′-5′ exonuclease activity. Moreover, non-replicative, TLS-capable DNA polymerases can negatively impact cancer treatment by synthesizing DNA past lesions generated from treatments such as cisplatin, oxaliplatin, etoposide, bleomycin, and radiotherapy. Hence, the inhibition of DNA polymerases in tumor cells has the potential to enhance treatment outcomes. Here, we review the association of DNA polymerases in cancer from the A and B families, which participate in lesion bypass, and conduct gene replication. We also discuss possible therapeutic interventions that could be used to maneuver the role of these enzymes in tumorigenesis.
Skipping Multiple Exons to Treat DMD—Promises and Challenges
Authors: Aslesh Tejal , Maruyama Rika , Yokota Toshifumi
Published: January 2018

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal disorder caused by mutations in the DMD gene. Antisense-mediated exon-skipping is a promising therapeutic strategy that makes use of synthetic nucleic acids to skip frame-disrupting exon(s) and allows for short but functional protein expression by restoring the reading frame. In 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved eteplirsen, which skips DMD exon 51 and is applicable to approximately 13% of DMD patients. Multiple exon skipping, which is theoretically applicable to 80–90% of DMD patients in total, have been demonstrated in animal models, including dystrophic mice and dogs, using cocktail antisense oligonucleotides (AOs). Although promising, current drug approval systems pose challenges for the use of a cocktail AO. For example, both exons 6 and 8 need to be skipped to restore the reading frame in dystrophic dogs. Therefore, the cocktail of AOs targeting these exons has a combined therapeutic effect and each AO does not have a therapeutic effect by itself. The current drug approval system is not designed to evaluate such circumstances, which are completely different from cocktail drug approaches in other fields. Significant changes are needed in the drug approval process to promote the cocktail AO approach.
The EFPA Test-Review Model: When Good Intentions Meet a Methodological Thought Disorder
Authors: Barrett Paul
Published: January 2018

The European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations (EFPA) has issued sets of test standards and guidelines for psychometric test reviews without any attempt to address the critical content of many substantive publications by measurement experts such as Joel Michell. For example, he has argued that the psychometric test-theory which underpins classical and modern IRT psychometrics is “pathological”, with the entire profession of psychometricians suffering from a methodological thought disorder. With the advent of new kinds of assessment now being created by the “Next Generation” of psychologists which no longer conform to the item-based, statistical test theory generated last century, a new framework is set out for constructing evidence-bases suitable for these “Next Generation” of assessments, which avoids the illusory beliefs of equal-interval or quantitatively structured psychological attributes. Finally, with no systematic or substantive refutations of the logic, axioms, and evidence set out by Michell and others; it is concluded psychologists and their professional associations remain in denial. As with the eventual demise of a similar attempt to maintain the status quo of professional beliefs within forensic clinical psychology and psychiatry during the last century, those following certain EFPA guidelines might now find themselves required to justify their professional beliefs in legal rather than academic environments.
Immune Evasion in Pancreatic Cancer: From Mechanisms to Therapy
Authors: Martinez-Bosch Neus , Vinaixa Judith , Navarro Pilar
Published: January 2018

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), the most frequent type of pancreatic cancer, remains one of the most challenging problems for the biomedical and clinical fields, with abysmal survival rates and poor therapy efficiency. Desmoplasia, which is abundant in PDA, can be blamed for much of the mechanisms behind poor drug performance, as it is the main source of the cytokines and chemokines that orchestrate rapid and silent tumor progression to allow tumor cells to be isolated into an extensive fibrotic reaction, which results in inefficient drug delivery. However, since immunotherapy was proclaimed as the breakthrough of the year in 2013, the focus on the stroma of pancreatic cancer has interestingly moved from activated fibroblasts to the immune compartment, trying to understand the immunosuppressive factors that play a part in the strong immune evasion that characterizes PDA. The PDA microenvironment is highly immunosuppressive and is basically composed of T regulatory cells (Tregs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSCs), which block CD8+ T-cell duties in tumor recognition and clearance. Interestingly, preclinical data have highlighted the importance of this immune evasion as the source of resistance to single checkpoint immunotherapies and cancer vaccines and point at pathways that inhibit the immune attack as a key to solve the therapy puzzle. Here, we will discuss the molecular mechanisms involved in PDA immune escape as well as the state of the art of the PDA immunotherapy.
Modification of Epigenetic Histone Acetylation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Kwei-Yan , Wang Li-Ting , Hsu Shih-Hsien
Published: January 2018

Cells respond to various environmental factors such as nutrients, food intake, and drugs or toxins by undergoing dynamic epigenetic changes. An imbalance in dynamic epigenetic changes is one of the major causes of disease, oncogenic activities, and immunosuppressive effects. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a unique cellular chemical sensor present in most organs, and its dysregulation has been demonstrated in multiple stages of tumor progression in humans and experimental models; however, the effects of the pathogenic mechanisms of AHR on epigenetic regulation remain unclear. Apart from proto-oncogene activation, epigenetic repressions of tumor suppressor genes are involved in tumor initiation, procession, and metastasis. Reverse epigenetic repression of the tumor suppressor genes by epigenetic enzyme activity inhibition and epigenetic enzyme level manipulation is a potential path for tumor therapy. Current evidence and our recent work on deacetylation of histones on tumor-suppressive genes suggest that histone deacetylase (HDAC) is involved in tumor formation and progression, and treating hepatocellular carcinoma with HDAC inhibitors can, at least partially, repress tumor proliferation and transformation by recusing the expression of tumor-suppressive genes such as TP53 and RB1.
Current Advances in Aptamers for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Hori Shin-ichiro , Herrera Alberto , Rossi John , Zhou Jiehua
Published: January 2018

Nucleic acid aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides that interact with target molecules with high affinity and specificity in unique three-dimensional structures. Aptamers are generally isolated by a simple selection process called systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) and then can be chemically synthesized and modified. Because of their high affinity and specificity, aptamers are promising agents for biomarker discovery, as well as cancer diagnosis and therapy. In this review, we present recent progress and challenges in aptamer and SELEX technology and highlight some representative applications of aptamers in cancer therapy.
2′-Deoxyribosyltransferase from Bacillus psychrosaccharolyticus: A Mesophilic-Like Biocatalyst for the Synthesis of Modified Nucleosides from a Psychrotolerant Bacterium
Authors: Fresco-Taboada Alba , Fernández-Lucas Jesús , Acebal Carmen , Arroyo Miguel , Ramón Fernando , De la Mata Isabel , Mancheño José
Published: January 2018

Structure-function relationships of a novel 2′-deoxyribosyltransferase from the psychrotolerant bacterium Bacillus psychrosaccharolyticus (BpNDT) have been exhaustively studied by biochemical and high resolution crystallographic analyses. Despite BpNDT exhibiting some structural features characteristic of cold-adapted enzymes such as localized flexibility in critical loops, its biochemical properties are typical of mesophilic enzymes. BpNDT is a highly symmetrical homohexamer with tightly associated subunits that possesses flexible and short loops bordering the active sites. The catalytic center is essentially identical to that of other mesophilic homologues. Moreover, BpNDT shows that it is a mesophilic-like enzyme since it is not heat-labile and exhibits an apparent unfolding temperature (Tm) of 49 °C, being active during 96 h at 40 and 50 °C. Finally, BpNDT synthesizes natural and modified nucleosides, with preference for purines as acceptors and pyrimidine nucleosides as donors. Remarkably, the synthesis of several therapeutic nucleosides has been efficiently carried out. In this sense, 5-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxyuridine (5-HMdUrd), 7-deaza-6-hydroxypurine-2′-deoxyriboside (7-DHPdRib) and theophylline-2′-deoxyriboside were synthesized for the first time by an NDT enzyme, showing the biotechnological interest of BpNDT.
Identification and Crystallographic Analysis of a New Carbohydrate Acetylesterase (SmAcE1) from Sinorhizobium meliloti
Authors: Oh Changsuk , Ryu Bum , Yoo Wanki , Nguyen Duy , Kim Truc , Ha Sung-Chul , Kim T. , Kim Kyeong
Published: January 2018

Carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) regulate the synthesis, degradation, and modification of the poly—and oligosaccharides in all three kingdoms of life. A novel carbohydrate acetylesterase from Sinorhizobium meliloti, designated SmAcE1, was identified, characterized, and crystallized. This SmAcE1 is classified into the carbohydrate esterase family 3 (CE3) based on the sequence alignments with other currently known carbohydrate esterase (CE) family enzymes. The SmAcE1 was crystallized as a hexamer in a space group P212121 with the unit cell parameters: a = 99.12 Å, b = 148.88 Å, c = 149.84 Å, and α = β = γ = 90.00°. The diffraction data set was collected up to a 2.05 Å resolution. Hydrolysis activity of SmAcE1 towards glucose pentaacetate and cellulose acetate was further confirmed using acetic acid release assay. Further crystallographic and functional analyses studies on SmAcE1 would be followed to fully understand the reaction mechanisms of CEs.
A One-Dimensional Coordination Polymer Containing Cyclic [Ag4] Clusters Supported by a Hybrid Pyridine and Thioether Functionalized 1,2,3-Triazole
Authors: Bai Shi-Qiang , Wong Ivy
Published: January 2018

A pyridine and thioether co-supported triazole ligand L (L = 2-((4-(3-(cyclopentylthio)propyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine) has been synthesized using the CuAAC click reaction. This ligand supports the formation of a thermally stable, one-dimensional coordination polymer [L2Ag4]n·4n(BF4) (1) possessing a cationic polymeric structure with [Ag4] metallomacrocycles, in which the ligand L displays chelate/bridging coordination modes using all four potential donors of nitrogen (N) and thioether (S). The dominant direction of the prism crystals of 1 aligns with the propagation of the chain in the lattice.
Thermodynamics-Based Evaluation of Various Improved Shannon Entropies for Configurational Information of Gray-Level Images
Authors: Gao Peichao , Li Zhilin , Zhang Hong
Published: January 2018

The quality of an image affects its utility and image quality assessment has been a hot research topic for many years. One widely used measure for image quality assessment is Shannon entropy, which has a well-established information-theoretic basis. The value of this entropy can be interpreted as the amount of information. However, Shannon entropy is badly adapted to information measurement in images, because it captures only the compositional information of an image and ignores the configurational aspect. To fix this problem, improved Shannon entropies have been actively proposed in the last few decades, but a thorough evaluation of their performance is still lacking. This study presents such an evaluation, involving twenty-three improved Shannon entropies based on various tools such as gray-level co-occurrence matrices and local binary patterns. For the evaluation, we proposed: (a) a strategy to generate testing (gray-level) images by simulating the mixing of ideal gases in thermodynamics; (b) three criteria consisting of validity, reliability, and ability to capture configurational disorder; and (c) three measures to assess the fulfillment of each criterion. The evaluation results show only the improved entropies based on local binary patterns are invalid for use in quantifying the configurational information of images, and the best variant of Shannon entropy in terms of reliability and ability is the one based on the average distance between same/different-value pixels. These conclusions are theoretically important in setting a direction for the future research on improving entropy and are practically useful in selecting an effective entropy for various image processing applications.
Human Capital, Social Capabilities and Economic Growth
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Egbetokun Abiodun , Memon Manzoor
Published: January 2018

Theoretically, human capital is conclusively believed to be positively related with economic growth. While empirically, the said relationship does not always hold for several reasons. Thus, the current paper presents new results on a set of conditions under which human capital is robustly and positively associated with economic growth. Using data for 132 countries over 15 years, the empirical results reveal that human capital plays a positive role in per capita GDP growth only in the presence of better economic opportunities and high-quality legal institutions. In fact, economic opportunities reinforce the effect of human capital on growth: the easier it is to do business and trade domestically or internationally, the stronger the effect of human capital on growth. In conclusion, the findings suggest that inconclusive results in previous empirical studies on human capital and growth might be due to omitted variable bias as these studies do not include variables related to social capabilities.
Early Childhood Education Intervention Programs in the Netherlands: Still Searching for Empirical Evidence
Authors: Driessen Geert
Published: January 2018

Early childhood education (ECE) intervention programs nowadays are the core of the educational disadvantage policy in the Netherlands. They offer institutional compensatory activities to young children who lack educational stimulation in the home environment. Target groups mainly comprise children from deprived socioeconomic backgrounds and of immigrant origin. ECE is confronted with several bottlenecks, including the definition of the target groups, the quality of ECE staff, and the ECE programs. Most important is the controversy surrounding the empirical evidence of effects of ECE provisions. This article presents a description of state-of-the-art Dutch ECE, with special attention to recent Dutch studies on the effectiveness of ECE programs.
Integrated STEM: Focus on Informal Education and Community Collaboration through Engineering
Authors: Burrows Andrea , Lockwood Meghan , Borowczak Mike , Janak Edward , Barber Brian
Published: January 2018

This article showcases STEM as an interdisciplinary field in which the disciplines strengthen and support each other (not as separate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines). The authors focus on an open-ended, complex problem—water quality—as the primary teaching and learning task. The participants, middle school female students (aged 9–15 years), interacted in an informal educational setting (i.e., Girl Scouts) on a research project investigating river quality following the river’s restoration. The community, including Girl Scout participants, leaders, parents, university faculty, graduate students, and others, utilized an action research (AR) approach when interacting with the participants. Methods such as observational field notes, focus groups, and collected artifacts were commonly employed. The authors describe the history of STEM and AR leading to authentic science research projects through eight engineering skills/practices (incorporating science, technology, and mathematics) and showcase participant interactions, implementation, and community engagement in the STEM water quality river project. Findings indicate that informal engineering based projects can serve as opportunities for participants to connect with integrated STEM. Implications include the need for engaging participants in informal authentic science to support traditional school STEM learning and encouraging community engagement in integrated STEM to support traditional K-12 classroom instruction.
Practical On-Board Measurement of Lithium Ion Battery Impedance Based on Distributed Voltage and Current Sampling
Authors: Wei Xuezhe , Wang Xueyuan , Dai Haifeng
Published: January 2018

Battery impedance based state estimation methods receive extensive attention due to its close relation to internal dynamic processes and the mechanism of a battery. In order to provide impedance for a battery management system (BMS), a practical on-board impedance measuring method based on distributed signal sampling is proposed and implemented. Battery cell perturbing current and its response voltage for impedance calculation are sampled separately to be compatible with BMS. A digital dual-channel orthogonal lock-in amplifier is used to calculate the impedance. With the signal synchronization, the battery impedance is obtained and compensated. And the relative impedance can also be obtained without knowing the current. For verification, an impedance measuring system made up of electronic units sampling and processing signals and a DC-AC converter generating AC perturbing current is designed. A type of 8 Ah LiFePO4 battery is chosen and the valuable frequency range for state estimations is determined with a series of experiments. The battery cells are connected in series and the impedance is measured with the prototype. It is shown that the measurement error of the impedance modulus at 0.1 Hz–500 Hz at 5 °C–35 °C is less than 4.5% and the impedance phase error is less than 3% at <10 Hz at room temperature. In addition, the relative impedance can also be tracked well with the designed system.