bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metodologias ativas de ensino e aprendizagem: uma experiência com docentes da educação básica
Authors: Ferreira Antônio Eustáquio
Published: March 2018

Relato com o objetivo de descrever a experiência de um curso de formação continuada de professores, cujo título é Metodologias Ativas de Ensino e Aprendizagem: uma experiência com docentes da educação básica, desenvolvido em parceria com a Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, sob a coordenação e execução do autor. Os resultados evidenciaram que o contato dos docentes da educação básica com algumas técnicas das Metodologias Ativas de Ensino e Aprendizagem provocam reflexões sobre suas atitudes e o seus papeis diante de um cenário desafiador, cujos estudantes têm acesso a um número sem limites de informações. O modelo utilizado teve como estratégia de ensino-aprendizagem o próprio método das Metodologias Ativas, caracterizado por colocar o estudante em contato com as técnicas, visando um ensino efetivamente comprometido com a aquisição de competências, habilidades e conhecimentos de modo que eles, os estudantes ou cursistas no caso possam ser atores críticos, reflexivos, transformadores da realidade, dos problemas que se apresentam. Os cursistas professores puderam repensar sobre seus deveres éticos para com a sociedade, revisando suas práticas de ensino-aprendizagem e modelos de avaliações.
PENGAMANAN PESAN TEKS MENGGUNAKAN TEKNIK STEGANOGRAFI SPREAD SPECTRUM BERBASIS ANDROID
Authors: Yohanes Nugraha Achmad Noercholis,
Published: March 2018

Keamanan dalam pengiriman informasi yang bersifat rahasia merupakan salah satu faktor penting yang harus dijaga. Salah satu teknik yang dapat dipakai untuk menangani hal tersebut adalah steganografi. Steganografi merupakan ilmu dan seni yang mempelajari cara penyembunyian informasi rahasia ke dalam suatu media sedemikian sehingga manusia tidak dapat menyadari keberadaan pesan tersebut.Dalam hal ini teknik steganografi yang digunakan adalah metode spread spectrum. Dalam teknik steganografi ini terdapat dua proses yaitu proses embedding dan proses extraction. Pada proses embedding pesan rahasia akan disisipkan ke dalam citra JPG dengan menggunakan metode spread spectrum. Dan proses extraction untuk mendapatkan hasil dari pesan rahasia yang telah disisipkan juga menggunakan spread spectrum.Dalam proses pengujian yang dilakukan dengan beberapa image dengan ukuran yang berbeda-beda dapat disimpulkan bahwa jumlah maksimal karakter pesan yang dapat ditampung oleh sebuah image mengikuti ukuran image tersebut. Semakin besar ukuran image atau cover yang digunakan untuk menyisipkan, semakin banyak jumlah karakter atau teks yang mampu disisipkan.
SISTEM PENDUKUNG KEPUTUSAN PEMILIHAN DOSEN BERPRESTASI MENGGUNAKAN METODE ANALYTICAL HIERARCHY PROCESS (AHP)
Authors: Puspitasari Wahyu Dwi , Ilmi D.Kharidatul
Published: March 2018

Pemilihan dosen berprestasi di Universitas Islam Balitar berkaitan dengan adanya pemilihan dosen berprestasi yang diadakan oleh Kopertis Wilayah VII, sehingga universitas akan ikut berpartisipasi untuk mengirim perwakilan dosen ke tingkat Kopertis. Kriteria yang digunakan dalam pemilihan dosen berprestasi adalah kriteria prestasi unggul dan karya tridarma. Subkriteria untuk prestasi unggul adalah penelitian, pendidikan dan pengabdian. Subkriteria untuk karya tridarma adalah penelitian, pendidikan, pengabdian dan penunjang lainnya. Sistem pendukung keputusan pemilihan dosen berprestasi ini menggunakan metode Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) yang dilakukan dengan membuat nilai matriks berpasangan untuk masing-masing kriteria. Nilai dari matriks berpasangan hasilnya harus konsisten. Data penilaian dosen akan dihitung dengan nilai matriks berpasangan dan hasil dari perhitungan tersebut akan muncul berbentuk rating nilai. Rating nilai dosen yang tertinggi, berhak untuk menjadi dosen berprestasi di Universitas Islam Balitar.
COMPUTING GRAYSCALE OF FACE DETECTION MENGGUNAKAN METODE SOBEL DAN LAPLACIAN OF GAUSSIAN
Authors: Kustanto Kustanto
Published: March 2018

Citra dari sudut pandang matematis, merupakan fungsi menerus atau continue dari intensitas cahaya pada bidang dua dimensi f(x, y), dengan x dan y adalah koordinat spasial dan amplitude f pada pasangan koordinat (x, y) yang disebut intensitas atau derajat keabuan citra pada titik tersebut. Jika x, y, dan semuanya berhingga, dan nilainya diskrit, citra tersebut merupakan citra digital Citra digital adalah citra yang disimpan dalam format digital atau dalam bentuk file. "Pengolahan citra digital merupakan proses yang bertujuan untuk memanipulasi dan menganalisis citra digital dengan bantuan komputer". Penggunaannya, deteksi wajah mengunakan operatorberbasis turunan pertama dan turunan kedua. Saat ini telah ada beberapa metode yang dapat digunakan dalam mendeteksi wajah, contohnya adalah metode Sobel dan Laplacianof Gaussian atau LoG, kedua metode ini cocok dalam menyelesaikan penghitungan komputasi. Kedua metode deteksi wajah ini menghasilkan citra yang berbeda, dimana citra yang dihasilkan metode Sobel lebih baik dan jumlah pixsel warna putih yang diperoleh lebih banyak dibandingkan dengan metode Laplacian.
PENERAPAN METODE PROMETHEE DALAM SELEKSI BEASISWA MAHASISWA BERPRESTASI
Authors: Amalia Eka Larasati , Wibowo Dimas Wahyu
Published: March 2018

Penentuan penerima beasiswa yang dilakukan Politeknik Negeri Malang saat ini masih bersifat manual. Hal ini tentu memerlukan waktu yang lama dan tingkat akurasi yang rendah, karena dimungkinkan adanya pengamatan kriteria calon penerima yang terlewat. Diperlukan sebuah sistem penentuan penerimaan beasiswa yang mampu menghasilkan perangkingan yang tepat dari sebuah penilaian dengan menggunakan algoritma Promethee. Promethee (Preference Ranking Organization Method For Enrichment Evaluation) merupakan metode penentuan urutan dalam analisis multikriteria. Kriteria yang digunakan dalam proses seleksi adalah IPK, prestasi yang diperoleh, keaktifan di bidang organisasi, penghasilan kotor orangtua, kondisi keluarga, asal mahasiswa ditinjau dari letak kampus, dan mengikuti Ordik & LDK. Dengan menggunakan metode ini menjadi suatu alat untuk dapat membantu menentukan mahasiswa yang berhak menerima beasiswa.
SISTEM INFORMASI GEOGRAFIS (SIG) PEMETAAN SEKOLAH BERBASIS WEB DI KECAMATAN WONODADI KABUPATEN BLITAR
Authors: Husaini Moh. Aghus , Dwi P Wahyu
Published: March 2018

Pendidikan merupakan salah satu faktor yang terpenting dalam kehidupan yang perlu untuk dikembangkan. Kecamatan Wonodadi merupakan salah satu wilayah baru yang sedang berkembang dan memiliki penyediaan sarana fisik pendidikan yang memadai serta tenaga pendidik berkualitas. Sistem Informasi Geografis pemetaan sekolah dibangun dengan berbasis web., dan dapat di akses secara tepat dan efektif dimanapun dan kapanpun selama pengguna terkoneksi dengan internet. Penelitian yang di lakukan di kecamatan Wonodadi menunjukan hasil kuesioner desain yang cukup bagus dengan memperoleh persentase sangat setuju sebesar 43,58%, setuju sebesar 42,30%, dan biasa sebesar 14,10%. Untuk kesesuaian sistem memperoleh persentase sangat setuju sebesar 42,99%, setuju sebesar 42,01%, dan biasa sebesar 14,98%. Sedangkan untuk kemudahan dalam penggunaan sistem memperoleh persentase sangat setuju sebesar 40,89%, setuju sebesar 45,04% dan biasa sebesar 14,05%.
PENERAPAN METODE PROFILE MATCHING PADA SISTEM PENDUKUNG KEPUTUSAN PERFORMA PRODUKSI BURUNG PUYUH
Authors: Denabayu Riska , Zainudin Ahmad
Published: March 2018

Penetasan telur burung puyuh dapat dilakukan dengan dua cara, yaitu alami dan buatan. Alami artinya telur burung puyuh dierami langsung oleh induknya. Sedangkan cara buatan artinya telur burung puyuh ditetaskan dengan bantuan mesin tetas. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah merancang, mengimplementasi, dan menguji sistem pendukung keputusan performa produksi burung puyuh dengan metode profile matching. Metode profil matching adalah metode yang mengasumsikan bahwa subyek yang diteliti harus memenuhi tingkat variabel prediksi ideal bukan tingkat minimal.Terdapat tiga spek yang digunakan dalam menentukan performa produksi burung puyuh. Aspek tersebut adalah genetik, ransum pakan, dan lingkungan. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah aplikasi yang dibangun dapat membantu, mempercepat,dan mempermudah proses pengambilan keputusan performa produksi burung puyuh. Selain itu, aplikasi yang dibangun mudah digunakan.
SISTEM PENDUKUNG KEPUTUSAN DENGAN MENERAPKAN METODE ELECTRE DALAM MENENTUKAN PRIORITAS CALON DEBITUR
Authors: Rahmad Cahya , Wibowo Dimas Wahyu , Saputra Pramana Yoga
Published: March 2018

Pinjaman dana tunai adalah fasilitas yang disediakan oleh PT. NSC Finance untuk konsumen melakukan pinjaman dengan jaminan BPKB Motor. Proses pengolahan pinjaman dana tunai di proses bagian marketing, survei, dan administrasi. Data yang dikelola adalah berkas pengajuan, surat perjanjian pinjaman dana tunai, motor diasuransikan, hasil survei, jumlah pinjaman, angsuran pinjaman dan pembayaran angsuran. Laporan yang diproses dalam pinjaman dana tunai adalah laporan berkas pengajuan, laporan angsuran konsumen, isi perjanjian pembayaran dan laporan motor yang digunakan. Proses input data dilakukan oleh admin atau Credit Marketing Suvervisor (CMS). Jika salah satu syarat tidak terpenuhi maka secara otomatis sistem akan menolak pengajuan pinjaman dana, sehingga dapat mengganggu pemasukan perusahaan. Oleh sebab itu, diperlukan sistem pendukung keputusan yang dapat membantu perusahaan dalam mengambil keputusan. Dengan menggunakan Sistem Pendukung Keputusan menggunakan ELECTRE diharapkan dapat mempermudahkan perusahaan dalam menentukan prioritas pinjaman dana kepada nasabah.
PERANCANGAN SISTEM PENDUKUNG KEPUTUSAN DENGAN MENERAPKAN METODE PROFILE MATCHING SEBAGAI ALTERNATIF PENENTUAN DOSEN FAVORIT PILIHAN MAHASISWA
Authors: Sanjaya Himawan Eka , Kusuma Abdi Pandu , Febrinita Filda
Published: March 2018

Tenaga pendidik atau kependidikan pada perguruan tinggi yang khusus diangkat dengan tugas utama mengajar adalah Dosen (PP. No.60 /1999). Dosen merupakan salah satu faktor penentu dalam keberhasilan proses pendidikan. Menurut UU No.14 Pasal 14 /2005, dosen wajib memiliki kualifikasi akademik, kompetensi, sertifikat pendidik, sehat jasmani dan rohani, dan memenuhi kualifikasi lain yang dipersyaratkan satuan pendidikan tinggi tempat bertugas, serta memiliki kemampuan untuk mewujudkan tujuan pendidikan nasional. Dengan demikian, dosen diharapkan mampu melaksanakan kinerjanya dengan baik dan tepat. Kinerja dosen pada suatu universitas dapat diketahui salah satunya melalui penilaian angket dosen favorit oleh mahasiswa.Penilaian angket ini dapat dikemas dalam suatu aplikasi Sistem Pendukung Keputusan sebab SPK memiliki kemampuan untuk memecahkan masalah dengan kondisi semi terstruktur dan tak terstruktur.Pada penelitian ini, SPK dirancang dengan menggunakan metode Profile Matching. Pada aplikasi SPK ini, penilaian dosen favorit didasarkan pada tiga aspek utama sebagai acuan dalam pengambilan keputusan. Aspek yang digunakan, yaitu aspek interaksi, perilaku, dan pembelajaran. Dari aplikasi SPK yang telah dirancang, dilakukan pengujian degan menggunakan metode BlackBox. Hasil pengujian Blackbox menunjukkan bahwa aplikasi dapat berjalan 96,29% sesuai dengan yang diharapkan. Sedangkan untuk uji kelayakan pada ahli pemograman diperoleh nilai 3,08 (Cukup) dan untuk uji kelayakan penguji praktisi diperoleh nilai 3,7 (Baik). Perhitungan perankingan dari penguji praktisi, didapatkan dosen favorit pilihannya adalah M. Nasichin Al Muiz dengan nilai ranking 5,652.
ANALISIS KELAYAKAN USAHA TERNAK KELINCI (Kelompok Ternak Kelinci “Sumber Lestari” Desa Sumber Kecamatan Sanankulon Kabupaten Blitar)
Authors: Fajarini Rosyda
Published: March 2018

The study was started on May 1, 2012 through June 15, 2012 in the rabbit animal group "SUMBER LESTARI" Sumber Village Sanankulon subdistrict Blitar District. The purpose of this Thesis are to (1) determine the expenditure and revenue of the rabbit animal group "SUMBER LESTARI", (2) determine the feasibility of the rabbit animal group "SUMBER LESTARI".The material obtained from this study were in the rabbit animal group "SUMBER LESTARI" Sumber Village Sanankulon subdistrict Blitar District by the number of respondents as many as 17 people. The research method used in this thesis research is descriptive method that is trying to tell the current problem solving based on the data, so it presents research data, analyze and interpret.The results of this study were (1) The amount of expenditures and receipts of the rabbit animal group "SUMBER LESTARI" is an average of Rp. 1.971.529/year for expenses while receiving an average of Rp. 2.126.659/year, (2) The the rabbit animal group "SUMBER LESTARI" worth the try. It can be seen from the R/C by an average of 1.074 and the value of B /C average of 0.074.Keywords : rabbit, feasibility, recipts.
STRATEGI PEMASARAN PAKAN SATWA UNGGUL BLITAR
Authors: W.P Handika Rifki , Tribudi Yuli Arif , Kunharjati Agustina Widyaworo
Published: March 2018

This study analyzes the marketing strategies of Pakan in PS SatwaUnggulBlitar views of the concept of the marketing mix.This case study research using descriptive analytic method with purposive sampling technique.Marketing mix strategy being conducted by PS Satwa Unggul are strategies related products (such as brand awareness on brand), pricing strategy (in the form of rebates), the distribution strategy (in the form of three patterns of distribution), and promotion strategies (in the form of veterinary inspection and a free counseling service) can be considered to have successfully accommodate the needs of customers with a variety of facilities and corporate excellence. Based on the research it was concluded that the strategy used in the form of improved relationships with customers through personal selling, promotion price, free inspection, extension livestock and other facilities. Suggestions for the company should maintain an edge marketing strategies implemented in the form of personal selling and promotional strategies, but it is also the company should conduct regular research on consumer behavior animal drugs that strategy actually implemented in accordance with market conditions.
Drug Allergy
Authors: Neupane Yogesh
Published: March 2018

Not available.Nepalese Journal of ENT Head and Neck Surgery, Vol. 6, No. 1, 2015
Patterns of Facial Bone Fractures in Western Region of Nepal
Authors: Bhatta Rishi , Pyakurel Manita , Prabhu Namdeo , Kansakar Niva
Published: March 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine pattern of facial bones fracture in western region of Nepal.Material and Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in department of ENT, Nepalgunj medical college, Nepalgunj. Records from emergency department, inpatient ward and OPD of ENT and dental department of last 3 years (Jan 2012 to Dec 2014) were enrolled in the study and entered into proforma.  Comparison was done between mode of injury, demography and types of injuries. Data was analyzed using SPSS 17 software.Results: Out of included 626 cases, there were 410 male patients and 216 female patients. Age ranged from 3 to 68 years with average age being 32.4 years. Most of the male patients sustained trauma due to road traffic accidents (51.7%) followed by physical assault (23.9%). In female also same mode of injuries were common with higher proportion due to physical assault. Majority of cases were from Midwestern Terai region (35.4%). There were 288(46.0%) cases with isolated facial bone fracture. The maximum was that of mandibular fracture (29.1%) followed by nasal bone fracture (27.7%) and maxilla (24.3%). Rest of 338 patients had multiple facial bone fractures with zygomatic bone fracture (79.2%) being commonest. It was followed by maxilla (64.4%) and mandible fracture (36.6%). The overall frequency of fracture is mainly involving zygomatic bone (49.5%) followed by maxilla (46.0%) and mandible (33.2%).Conclusion: Middle aged male patients are usually involved in facial bone fractures with road traffic accident and physical assault being common modes of injury. Zygomatic bone is the commonest bone to get fractured in isolated cases while mandible is commonest bone to get fractured in multiple fracture cases.Nepalese Journal of ENT Head and Neck Surgery, Vol. 6, No. 1, 2015
Short Term Versus Long Term Graft Uptake Rates Following Myringoplasty in Chronic Otitis Media–Mucosal Type
Authors: Acharya Kunjan
Published: March 2018

Objective: The objective of study is to compare overall success rate of myringoplasty after 6 weeks and 4 months following surgery.Materials and Methods: Retrospective analytical study was done at Lahan Ear Hospital, Nepal. All the data were collected from the operative notes of Lahan ear hospital which were done in-between August 2010 to October 2012 for a period of 26 months. All Myringoplasty were done under local anesthesia using either temporalis fascia or Tragal cartilage. Outcome measured was the graft uptake rate at the end of 6 weeks and end of 4 months.Results: Total of 978 patient underwent Myringoplasty during the period of 26 months. The mean age was 24.4 years, minimum age who underwent surgery was 15 years and maximum age was 60 years.  571 patients completed 6 weeks follow up and only 419 patient completed 4 months follow up. The overall graft uptake rate was 82 % and 78 % by the end of 6 weeks and 4 months respectively.Conclusion: The overall graft uptake rate was 82 % by the end of 6 weeks which further decreased to 78% by the end of 4 months.Nepalese Journal of ENT Head and Neck Surgery, Vol. 6, No. 1, 2015
Otogenic Intracranial Complications in Bir Hospital; an Eight Years Retrospective Review
Authors: Yadav Lal Kishor , Thapa Prakash Bahadur , Pradhananga Jayendra
Published: March 2018

Objectives: To review our experiences on intracranial complications secondary to otitis media and to compare the results with other studies.Material and Methods: A retrospective chart review of  all patients with intracranial complications secondary to otitis media over eight years period in Bir hospital was done. Clinical presentation, radiological findings, microbiology, surgical management and antibiotics used were studied.Results: Forty eight cases were included in this study of which 23 had meningitis, 15 had brain abscess, 7 had lateral sinus thrombosis and 3 had petrositis. 37 of these were secondary to chronic otitis media and 11 were secondary to acute otitis media. Otorrhoea, headache, earache, fever, vertigo and vomiting were the main symptoms. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacteria isolated followed by Pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae and Klebsiella.Conclusion: Early recognition, multi drug treatment with broad spectrum antibiotic and multi disciplinary approach are the mainstay of management of otogenic intracranial complications.Nepalese Journal of ENT Head and Neck Surgery, Vol. 6, No. 1, 2015
Registration of ‘Bolles’ Hard Red Spring Wheat with High Grain Protein Concentration and Superior Baking Quality
Authors: Anderson J. A. , Wiersma J. J. , Linkert G. L. , Reynolds S. K. , Kolmer J. A. , Jin Y. , Rouse M. , Dill-Macky R. , Smith M. J. , Hareland G. A. , Ohm J.-B.
Published: March 2018

The hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) market class in the United States commands the highest prices on the worldwide wheat markets because of its high protein concentration, strong gluten, and good baking properties. ‘Bolles’ (Reg. No. CV‐1140, PI 678430) hard red spring wheat was released by the University of Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station in 2015 and combines very high grain protein concentration, strong gluten, and good baking characteristics, along with competitive grain yields and good resistance to the diseases Fusarium head blight, leaf rust, stripe rust, and stem rust. Bolles is a mid‐late maturity, semidwarf cultivar that should improve the overall end‐use quality of the hard red spring wheat crop in its region of adaptation in the north‐central United States.
Epidemiology of Airmen Treated with Immunosuppressive Drugs and Vaccination Concerns
Authors: Guiu Gaetan , Monin Jonathan , Hamm-Hornez Anne-Pia , Manen Olivier , Perrier Eric
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND: Immunosuppressive treatments are increasingly prescribed in a variety of diseases. This issue concerns airmen.METHODS: To assess the problem, we conducted an observational retrospective study in the aircrew population examined in 2014 at the Aeromedical
Center of Percy Military Hospital.RESULTS: Airmen treated with immunosuppressive drugs accounted for 0.5% of the total population (N = 13,326). Rheumatic and digestive diseases were the main etiologies, respectively 43% and 35% of cases. One-third of airmen took such medications
during at least 3 yr and three-quarters of airmen were declared fit to fly, with some limitations.DISCUSSION: Due to their working conditions, airmen are exposed to a real infectious risk, which is, however, difficult to evaluate. The risk is obviously increased by immunosuppressive
drugs and may affect flight safety. Aeromedical evaluation should consider this problem. Vaccination plays a central role in the prevention of infectious risk. Based on French recommendations, we propose a vaccination schedule for these particular patients.Guiu G, Monin J, Hamm-Hornez
A-P, Manen O, Perrier E. Epidemiology of airmen treated with immunosuppressive drugs and vaccination concerns. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2018; 89(4):377–382.
Engineering of Phage-Derived Lytic Enzymes: Improving Their Potential as Antimicrobials
Authors: São-José Carlos
Published: March 2018

Lytic enzymes encoded by bacteriophages have been intensively explored as alternative agents for combating bacterial pathogens in different contexts. The antibacterial character of these enzymes (enzybiotics) results from their degrading activity towards peptidoglycan, an essential component of the bacterial cell wall. In fact, phage lytic products have the capacity to kill target bacteria when added exogenously in the form of recombinant proteins. However, there is also growing recognition that the natural bactericidal activity of these agents can, and sometimes needs to be, substantially improved through manipulation of their functional domains or by equipping them with new functions. In addition, often, native lytic proteins exhibit features that restrict their applicability as effective antibacterials, such as poor solubility or reduced stability. Here, I present an overview of the engineering approaches that can be followed not only to overcome these and other restrictions, but also to generate completely new antibacterial agents with significantly enhanced characteristics. As conventional antibiotics are running short, the remarkable progress in this field opens up the possibility of tailoring efficient enzybiotics to tackle the most menacing bacterial infections.
The Rotating Flow of Magneto Hydrodynamic Carbon Nanotubes over a Stretching Sheet with the Impact of Non-Linear Thermal Radiation and Heat Generation/Absorption
Authors: Muhammad Sher , Ali Gohar , Shah Zahir , Islam Saeed , Hussain Syed
Published: March 2018

The aim of this research work is to investigate the innovative concept of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) three-dimensional rotational flow of nanoparticles (single-walled carbon nanotubes and multi-walled carbon nanotubes). This flow occurs in the presence of non-linear thermal radiation along with heat generation or absorption based on the Casson fluid model over a stretching sheet. Three common types of liquids (water, engine oil, and kerosene oil) are proposed as a base liquid for these carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The formulation of the problem is based upon the basic equation of the Casson fluid model to describe the non-Newtonian behavior. By implementing the suitable non-dimensional conditions, the model system of equations is altered to provide an appropriate non-dimensional nature. The extremely productive Homotopy Asymptotic Method (HAM) is developed to solve the model equations for velocity and temperature distributions, and a graphical presentation is provided. The influences of conspicuous physical variables on the velocity and temperature distributions are described and discussed using graphs. Moreover, skin fraction coefficient and heat transfer rate (Nusselt number) are tabulated for several values of relevant variables. For ease of comprehension, physical representations of embedded parameters such as radiation parameter ( R d ) , magnetic parameter ( M ) , rotation parameter ( K ), Prandtl number ( P r ), Biot number ( λ ) , and heat generation or absorption parameter ( Q h ) are plotted and deliberated graphically.
On the Influence of Thermal Mass and Natural Ventilation on Overheating Risk in Offices
Authors: Brambilla Arianna , Bonvin Jerome , Flourentzou Flourentzos , Jusselme Thomas
Published: March 2018

Free cooling strategies are gaining importance in design practice due to the increased risk of overheating in well-insulated buildings with high internal loads such as offices. The state of the art highlights that the most efficient passive solution for indoor temperature stabilization and control is the integration of thermal mass with an optimized ventilative cooling profile to enhance the thermal cycle of heat storage. Due to its cyclical behavior, thermal mass effects are difficult to predict and quantify with the traditional steady-state approach to building thermal performance. Dynamic thermal simulations help to assess a building’s behavior under transient situations, including the thermal mass influence. However, building codes usually include thermal simulations based on standard assumptions: typical meteorological year (TMY), standard occupancy, standard daily-based lighting and appliances profiles, and standard weekly-based occupancy. Thus, when assumptions change, the actual behavior of the building may vary consistently from the predicted conditions. In this paper, we focused on the ability of thermal mass to contrast the influence of variations from the standard assumptions, especially in relation to climate and ventilation profiles. The results show the necessity of encompassing different risk scenarios when evaluating a free cooling solution performance. Among the different scenarios simulated, natural ventilation misuse shows greater influence on the thermal indoor environment, especially if coupled with low thermal mass.
Vanadium Supported on Alumina and/or Zirconia Catalysts for the Selective Transformation of Ethane and Methanol
Authors: Benomar Souhila , Massó Amada , Solsona Benjamín , Issaadi Rachid , López Nieto Jose
Published: March 2018

Vanadium supported on pure (Al2O3, ZrO2) or mixed zirconia-alumina (with Al/(Al + Zr) ratio of 0.75 or 0.25) catalysts have been prepared by wet impregnation, using homemade prepared supports. The catalysts have been characterized and tested in the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of ethane and in the methanol aerobic transformation. The catalytic performance strongly depends on the nature of the metal oxide support. Thus, activity decreases in the order: VOx/ZrO2 > VOx/(Al,Zr-oxides) > VOx/Al2O3. On the other hand, at low and medium ethane conversions, the selectivity to ethylene presents an opposite trend: VOx/Al2O3 > VOx/(Al,Zr-oxides) > VOx/ZrO2. The different selectivity to ethylene at high conversion is due to the lower/higher initial ethylene formation and to the extent of the ethylene decomposition. Interestingly, VOx/(Al,Zr-oxides) with low Zr-loading present the lowest ethylene decomposition. The catalytic results obtained mainly depend on the nature of the supports whereas the role of the dispersion of vanadium species is unclear. In methanol oxidation, the catalysts tested present similar catalytic activity regardless of the support (Al2O3, ZrO2 or mixed Al2O3-ZrO2) but strong differences in the selectivity to the reaction products. Thus, dimethyl ether was mainly observed on alumina-supported vanadium oxide catalysts (which is associated to the presence of acidic sites on the surface of the catalyst, as determined by TPD-NH3). Formaldehyde was the main reaction product on catalysts supported on Zr-containing oxides (which can be related to a low presence of acid sites). In this article, the importance of the presence of acid sites in ethane ODH, which can be estimated using the methanol transformation reaction, is also discussed.
Comparison of the Critical Coagulation Concentrations of Allophane and Smectites
Authors: Kaufhold Stephan , Kaufhold Annette , Dohrmann Reiner
Published: March 2018

Clays consist of fine particles (clay minerals) which under certain conditions can be dispersed in water, forming a fairly stable dispersion. The stability of the clay mineral dispersions depends on the pH, solid/liquid ratio, and most of all on the type and concentration of dissolved ions. The difference between the dispersibility of different clays is not yet understood. In the present study allophane and smectite (main constituent of bentonite) are compared. Allophane surfaces are dominated by aluminol groups. Therefore, they can be used to investigate the properties of the edges of platy dioctahedral clay minerals. Dispersion and coagulation of allophane was understood based on the charge of the surface functional groups. Dispersion of allophane was only possible at pH < 5 where the aluminol groups became positive and at low ionic strength (critical coagulation concentrations (CCC) < 10 mmol/L NaCl). Dispersion at high pH may also be possible but this was not tested in the present study. In contrast to allophane, bentonite dispersions coagulated when the edges of the smectites became positive. This is probably caused by heterocoagulation leading to edge (+)/face (−) aggregation. CCC values of different bentonite dispersions ranged from 10 to 750 mmol/L. Most of the Wyoming bentonite dispersions were more stable and even above the CCC, sedimented much slower compared to other bentonites. The reason for this phenomenon could not be identified and needs further research.
A Novel Effective Multipath Routing Technique Providing High Availability in Wireless Networks
Authors: Tien Nguyen , Rhee Jong , Park Sang
Published: March 2018

Wireless networks, such as mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) or wireless sensor networks (WSNs), usually suffer link failures and topology changes, due to the mobility of wireless nodes, the insufficient power of wireless nodes, the unstable state of wireless links, and unpredictable environmental interference. If any link or node failure occurs, a lack of fault-tolerant mechanisms may lead to the interruption of active communication between the source and destination nodes. Multipath routing protocols have been proposed to solve the problem. In this paper, we propose a novel multipath routing approach called node-disjoint multipath routing (NDMR) for discovering and establishing two node-disjoint paths between a source and a destination in a wireless network. The proposed approach uses the request-reply mechanism to find the node-disjoint paths. However, it discards duplicates of request messages instead of re-broadcasting them as occurs in several existing approaches. Additionally, NDMR uses a two-way handshake or three-way handshake process for discovering the node-disjoint paths. If the destination can find two node-disjoint paths in the first route discovery, it uses the two-way handshake process. Otherwise, it applies the three-way handshake process. By decreasing the number of steps in the route discovery process, NDMR reduces the route discovery time achieved by existing techniques. These advantages make NDMR very useful for applications that demand high availability and fault tolerance in MANETs and WSNs. The performance of NDMR has been analyzed, evaluated, and compared with that of several existing approaches. Various simulations were conducted to validate the analyzed results. The analyzed and simulated results show that NDMR significantly reduces the control overhead as well as the time required, by existing approaches, for route discovery.
Temporal Patterns of Wildfire Activity in Areas of Contrasting Human Influence in the Canadian Boreal Forest
Authors: Campos-Ruiz Rodrigo , Parisien Marc-André , Flannigan Mike
Published: March 2018

The influence of humans on the boreal forest has altered the temporal and spatial patterns of wildfire activity through modification of the physical environment and through fire management for the protection of human and economic values. Wildfires are actively suppressed in areas with higher human influence, but, paradoxically, these areas have more numerous ignitions than low-impact ones because of the high rates of human-ignited fires, especially during the springtime. The aim of this study is to evaluate how humans have altered the temporal patterns of wildfire activity in the Canadian boreal forest by comparing two adjacent areas of low and high human influence, respectively: Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP) and the Lower Athabasca Plains (LAP). We carried out Singular Spectrum Analysis to identify trends and cycles in wildfires from 1970 to 2015 for the two areas and examined their association with climate conditions. We found human influence to be reflected in wildfire activity in multiple ways: (1) by dampening (i.e., for area burned)—and even reversing (i.e., for the number of fires)—the increasing trends of fire activity usually associated with drier and warmer conditions; (2) by shifting the peak of fire activity from the summer to the spring; (3) by altering the fire-climate association; and (4) by exhibiting more recurrent (<8 year periodicities) cyclical patterns of fire activity than WBNP (>9 years).
Racial, Ethnic, and Nativity Differences in Mental Health Visits to Primary Care and Specialty Mental Health Providers: Analysis of the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey, 2010–2015
Authors: Jones Audrey , Cochran Susan , Leibowitz Arleen , Wells Kenneth , Kominski Gerald , Mays Vickie
Published: March 2018

Background. Black and Latino minorities have traditionally had poorer access to primary care than non-Latino Whites, but these patterns could change with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). To guide post-ACA efforts to address mental health service disparities, we used a nationally representative sample to characterize baseline race-, ethnicity-, and nativity-associated differences in mental health services in the context of primary care. Methods. Data were obtained from the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey (MEPS), a two-year panel study of healthcare use, satisfaction with care, and costs of services in the United States (US). We pooled data from six waves (14–19) of participants with serious psychological distress to examine racial, ethnic, and nativity disparities in medical and mental health visits to primary care (PC) and specialty mental health (SMH) providers around the time of ACA reforms, 2010–2015. Results. Of the 2747 respondents with serious psychological distress, 1316 were non-Latino White, 632 non-Latino Black, 532 identified as Latino with Mexican, Central American, or South American (MCS) origins, and 267 as Latino with Caribbean island origins; 525 were foreign/island born. All racial/ethnic groups were less likely than non-Latino Whites to have any PC visit. Of those who used PC, non-Latino Blacks were less likely than Whites to have a PC mental health visit, while foreign born MCS Latinos were less likely to visit an SMH provider. Conditional on any mental health visit, Latinos from the Caribbean were more likely than non-Latino Whites to visit SMH providers versus PC providers only, while non-Latino Blacks and US born MCS Latinos received fewer PC mental health visits than non-Latino Whites. Conclusion. Racial-, ethnic-, and nativity-associated disparities persist in PC provided mental health services.
The Empirical Analysis of the Impact of Bank Capital Regulations on Operating Efficiency
Authors: Lotto Josephat
Published: March 2018

This paper principally aims at examining the impact of capital requirements regulation on bank operating efficiency in Tanzania. The study employs bank level data for the period between 2009 and 2015. The findings show a positive and significant relationship between capital ratio and bank operating efficiency. This shows that commercial banks in Tanzania with more stringent capital regulations are more operationally efficient. This relationship proposes that capital adequacy does not only strengthen financial stability by providing a larger capital cushion but also improves bank operating efficiency by preventing a moral hazard problem between shareholders and debt-holders. This result may also imply that the increased regulations on capital requirements influence the bank’s decision to revisit their internal operations strategy in terms of strong corporate governance, risk assessment methods, credit evaluation procedures, employment of more qualified staffs, and enhanced internal control procedures. Another key finding is an inverse relationship between non-performing Loans (credit risk) and bank operating efficiency. The implication of this relationship may simply mean that the bank’s total loan and advances in combination with total deposit either due from customers or from other banks are of little importance in determining the operational efficiency of banks. This probably implies that the amount of money banks loan out is too excessive, which would attract a greater chance of default. The paper lays down some recommendations: first, banks in Tanzania are advised to invest in more advanced technological innovations to reduce the staff costs and other operating expenses to increase their operational efficiency; and, second, bank management is also advised to be more careful in the loan screening process to reduce the incidence of non-performing loans.
Revealing Recurrent Urban Congestion Evolution Patterns with Taxi Trajectories
Authors: An Shi , Yang Haiqiang , Wang Jian
Published: March 2018

Urban congestion can be classified into two types: Recurrent Congestion (RC) and Non-Recurrent Congestion (NRC). RC is more regular than NRC, having fixed and long-standing patterns. Mining urban recurrent congestion evolution patterns can assist with congestion cause analysis and the creation of alleviating strategies. Most existing methods for analyzing urban congestion patterns are based on traditional traffic detector data, which is inflexible and expensive. Additionally, prior research primarily focused on the microscopic model, which simulated congestion propagation based on theoretical models and hypothetical networks. As such, most previous models and methods are difficult to apply to real case scenarios. Therefore, we investigated recurrent congestion patterns by mining historical taxi trajectory data that were collected in Harbin, China. A three-step method is proposed to reveal urban recurrent congestion evolution patterns. Firstly, a grid-based congestion detection method is presented by calculating the change in taxi global positioning system (GPS) trajectory patterns. Secondly, a customized cluster algorithm is applied to measure the recurrent congestion area. Finally, a series of indicators are proposed to reflect RC evolution patterns. A case study was competed in the Harbin urban area to evaluate the main methods. Finally, RC cause analysis and alleviating strategy are discussed. The results study are expected to provide a better understanding of urban RC evolution patterns.
Epigenetic Modifications in Thyroid Cancer Cells Restore NIS and Radio-Iodine Uptake and Promote Cell Death
Authors: Wächter Sabine , Damanakis Alexander , Elxnat Moritz , Roth Silvia , Wunderlich Annette , Verburg Frederik , Fellinger Sebastian , Bartsch Detlef , Di Fazio Pietro
Published: March 2018

Epigenetic modifications have been identified as being responsible for the de-differentiation of thyroid tissue and its malignant transformation. Cell proliferation inhibitory effects of the pan-deacetylase inhibitors panobinostat, SAHA and Trichostatin A (TSA), the modulation of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS; SLC5A5), thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF1), high mobility group A2 (HMGA2), and H19 and their putative targeting miRNAs have been evaluated in vitro. The cell viability was measured in five thyroid cancer cell lines (FTC133, TPC1, BCPAP, 8505C, C643) by real time cell analyzer xCELLigence. Expression of the above mentioned markers was performed by RT-qPCR and Western Blot. Radioiodine up-take was detected by Gamma Counter with I131. Cell viability decreased after treatment in all five cell lines. 10 nM panobinostat; 1 µM TSA or 10 µM SAHA caused a significant over-expression of NIS transcript in all five cell lines, whereas NIS protein was up-regulated in FTC133, BCPAP, and C643 cell lines only. Radioiodine up-take increased in FTC133 and C643 cells after 48 h of treatment with 10 nM panobinostat and 1 µM TSA. A significant down-regulation of the oncogene HMGA2 was detected in all five cell lines; except for TPC1 cells that were treated with 1 µM TSA. In accordance, hsa-let-7b-5p and hsa-let-7f-5p were stable or significantly over-expressed in all of the cell lines, except for TPC1 cells that were treated with 10 µM SAHA. TTF1 was significantly down-regulated in FTC133, BCPAP, and 8505C cells; whereas, TPC1 and C643 showed an up-regulated or stable expression. TTF1 was over-expressed in samples of human anaplastic thyroid cancer; whereas, it was down-regulated in follicular and undetectable in papillary thyroid cancer. H19 was over-expressed after 48 h treatment, except for BCPAP cells that were treated with panobinostat and SAHA. H19 was differently expressed in human anaplastic, follicular and papillary thyroid tumor samples. Deacetylase inhibitors reduced cell viability, restored NIS and H19, and suppressed the oncogenes HMGA2 and TTF1 in thyroid cancer cells.
Synthesis of Benzofuran-2-One Derivatives and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant Capacity by Comparing DPPH Assay and Cyclic Voltammetry
Authors: Miceli Martina , Roma Elia , Rosa Paolo , Feroci Marta , Loreto M. , Tofani Daniela , Gasperi Tecla
Published: March 2018

The present work aimed to synthesise promising antioxidant compounds as a valuable alternative to the currently expensive and easily degradable molecules that are employed as stabilizers in industrial preparation. Taking into account our experience concerning domino Friedel-Crafts/lactonization reactions, we successfully improved and extended the previously reported methodology toward the synthesis of 3,3-disubstituted-3H-benzofuran-2-one derivatives 9–20 starting from polyphenols 1–6 as substrates and either diethylketomalonate (7) or 3,3,3-trifluoromethyl pyruvate (8) as electrophilic counterpart. The antioxidant capacity of the most stable compounds (9–11 and 15–20) was evaluated by both DPPH assay and Cyclic Voltammetry analyses performed in alcoholic media (methanol) as well as in aprotic solvent (acetonitrile). By comparing the recorded experimental data, a remarkable activity can be attributed to few of the tested lactones.
Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids as Potential Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β Inhibitors
Authors: Hulcová Daniela , Breiterová Kateřina , Siatka Tomáš , Klímová Kamila , Davani Lara , Šafratová Marcela , Hošťálková Anna , De Simone Angela , Andrisano Vincenza , Cahlíková Lucie
Published: March 2018

Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) is a multifunctional serine/threonine protein kinase that was originally identified as an enzyme involved in the control of glycogen metabolism. It plays a key role in diverse physiological processes including metabolism, the cell cycle, and gene expression by regulating a wide variety of well-known substances like glycogen synthase, tau-protein, and β-catenin. Recent studies have identified GSK-3β as a potential therapeutic target in Alzheimer´s disease, bipolar disorder, stroke, more than 15 types of cancer, and diabetes. GSK-3β is one of the most attractive targets for medicinal chemists in the discovery, design, and synthesis of new selective potent inhibitors. In the current study, twenty-eight Amaryllidaceae alkaloids of various structural types were studied for their potency to inhibit GSK-3β. Promising results have been demonstrated by alkaloids of the homolycorine-{9-O-demethylhomolycorine (IC50 = 30.00 ± 0.71 µM), masonine (IC50 = 27.81 ± 0.01 μM)}, and lycorine-types {caranine (IC50 = 30.75 ± 0.04 μM)}.
Functional Characterization of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporter 1 (ScENT1)
Authors: Boswell-Casteel Rebba , Johnson Jennifer , Hays Franklin
Published: March 2018

Equilibrative nucleoside transporters (ENTs) are polytopic membrane transporters responsible for the translocation of nucleosides, nucleobases—to a lesser extent—and nucleoside analog therapeutics across cellular membranes. ENTs function in a diffusion controlled bidirectional manner and are thought to utilize an alternating access transport mechanism. However, a detailed understanding of ENT function at the molecular level has remained elusive. ScENT1 (formerly known as Function Unknown Now 26 or FUN26) is the only known ENT ortholog endogenously expressed in S. cerevisiae, and a proteoliposome assay system was used to study homogenously overexpressed and purified ScENT1 (wildtype relative to L390A and F249I mutants). L390 and F249 are highly conserved residues and were found to alter transporter function. L390A produced a reduction of mean transport activity while F249I increased mean substrate translocation relative to wildtype protein. However, both mutations resulted in transport of UTP—a novel gain of function for any ENT. These residues were then mapped onto an ab initio model of FUN26 which suggests they function in substrate translocation (L390) or cytoplasmic gating (F249). Furthermore, wildtype, L390A, and F249I were found to be sensitive to the presence of alcohols. Ethanol attenuated ScENT1-mediated transport of uridine by ~50%. These findings further demonstrate functional similarities between ScENT1 and human ENT isoforms and support identification of FUN26 as ScENT1, the first ENT isoform in S. cerevisiae.
Theoretical Insights into the Solvent Polarity Effect on the Quality of Self-Assembled N-Octadecanethiol Monolayers on Cu (111) Surfaces
Authors: Hu Jun , He Shijun , Zhang Yaozhong , Ma Haixia , Zhang Xiaoli , Chen Zhong
Published: March 2018

The effect of solvent polarity on the quality of self-assembled n-octadecanethiol (C18SH) on Cu surfaces was systematically analyzed using first-principles calculations. The results indicate that the adsorption energy for C18SH on a Cu surface is −3.37 eV, which is higher than the adsorption energies of the solvent molecules. The higher adsorption energy of dissociated C18SH makes the monolayer self-assembly easier on a Cu (111) surface through competitive adsorption. Furthermore, the adsorption energy per unit area for C18SH decreases from −3.24 eV·Å−2 to −3.37 eV·Å−2 in solvents with an increased dielectric constant of 1 to 78.54. Detailed energy analysis reveals that the electrostatic energy gradually increases, while the kinetic energy decreases with increasing dielectric constant. The increased electrostatic energies are mainly attributable to the disappearance of electrostatic interactions on the sulfur end of C18SH. The decreased kinetic energy is mainly due to the generated push force in the polar solvent, which limits the mobility of C18SH. A molecular dynamics simulation also confirms that the -CH3 site has a great interaction with CH3(CH2)4CH3 molecules and a weak interaction with CH3CH2OH molecules. The different types of interactions help to explain why the surface coverage of C18SH on Cu in a high-polarity ethanol solution is significantly larger than that in a low-polarity n-hexane solution at the stabilized stage.
Microscopic Effect on Filamentary Coherent Structure Dynamics in Boundary Layer Plasmas
Authors: Hasegawa Hiroki , Ishiguro Seiji
Published: March 2018

This study has demonstrated kinetic behaviors on the plasma filament propagation with the three-dimensional (3D) Particle-in-Cell (PIC) simulation. When the ion-to-electron temperature ratio T i / T e is higher, the poloidal symmetry breaking in the filament propagation occurs. The poloidal symmetry breaking is thought to be induced by the unbalanced potential structure that arises from the effect of the gyro motion of plasma particles.