bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Where is the EU (going): three perspectives and three Integration issues
Authors: Mesquita Maria José Rangel de
Published: November 2017

The present text, assuming that the option of carrying on the European integration project, as well the option of Portugal to take part in it, are still fully valid, addresses the question “where are going (now)”on the basis of three actual and relevant issues regarding the survival of the EU which concern both the relationship between the EU and International Relations and the relationship between EU legal order and national legal orders, in particular the Portuguese legal order: the new Global Strategy for the EU’s Foreign and Security Policy, the new legal framework to protect EU’s fundamental values, especially the rule of law, and its recent application to a member State, as well as the functioning of the special procedure on excessive budgetary deficit which led to the application of “zero”sanctions to Portugal – enouncing some questions related to such topics as well as with the interrogation on the trend towards a “centralization” at the EU level that such topics may illustrate.
Mobile Technology Utilization Among Patients From Diverse Cultural and Linguistic Backgrounds Attending Cardiac Rehabilitation in Australia: Descriptive, Case-Matched Comparative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Zhang Ling , Ding Ding , Neubeck Lis , Gallagher Patrick , Paull Glenn , Gao Yan , Gallagher Robyn
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Barriers to attending cardiac rehabilitation (CR), including cultural and linguistic differences, may be addressed by recent technological developments. However, the feasibility of using these approaches in culturally and linguistically diverse patients is yet to be determined.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess the use of mobile technologies and features, as well as confidence in utilization across patients speaking different languages at home (ie, English, Mandarin Chinese, and a language other than English and Mandarin [other]) and are both eligible and physically suitable for CR. In addition, the study aims to determine the sociodemographic correlates of the mobile technology/feature use, including language spoken at home in the three groups mentioned above.

METHODS

This is a descriptive, case matched, comparative study. Age and gender-matched patients speaking English, Mandarin and other languages (n=30/group) eligible for CR were surveyed for their mobile technology and mobile feature use.

RESULTS

‘Participants had a mean age of 66.7 years (SD 13, n=90, range 46-95), with 53.3% (48/90) male. The majority (82/90, 91.1%) used at least one technology device, with 87.8% (79/90) using mobile devices, the most common being smartphones (57/90, 63.3%), tablets (28/90, 31.1%), and text/voice-only phones (24/90, 26.7%). More English-speaking participants used computers than Mandarin or “other” language speaking participants (P=.003 and .02) and were more confident in doing so compared to Mandarin-speaking participants (P=.003). More Mandarin-speaking participants used smartphones compared with “other” language speaking participants (P=.03). Most commonly used mobile features were voice calls (77/82, 93.9%), text message (54/82, 65.9%), the internet (39/82, 47.6%), email (36/82, 43.9%), and videoconferencing (Skype or FaceTime [WeChat or QQ] 35/82, 42.7%). Less Mandarin-speaking participants used emails (P=.001) and social media (P=.007) than English-speaking participants. Speaking Mandarin was independently associated with using smartphone, emails, and accessing the web-based medication information (OR 7.238, 95% CI 1.262-41.522; P=.03, OR 0.089, 95% CI 0.016-0.490; P=.006 and OR 0.191, 95% CI 0.037-0.984; P=.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals a high usage of mobile technology among CR patients and provides further insights into differences in the technology use across CALD patients in Australia. The findings of this study may inform the design and implementation of future technology-based CR.
Optimization of Fluidized Bed Reactor of Oxidative Coupling of Methane
Authors: Eghbal-Ahmadi Mohammad-Hosein , Zaerpour Masoud , Daneshpayeh Mahdi , Mostoufi Navid
Published: November 2017

Optimization of process variables in the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) over Mn/Na2WO4/SiO2 catalyst in a fluidized bed reactor was carried out. Effects of operating temperature, distribution pattern of oxygen injected to the reactor and the number of injections on the reactor performance on C2 (ethane + ethylene) yield were investigated. Process variables for one, two and three secondary oxygen injections were investigated to obtain the maximum C2 yield by genetic algorithm optimization method. The maximum C2 selectivity and yield of 47.1% and 22.87%, respectively, were achieved for three secondary oxygen injections at operating temperature of 746.05°C. The C2 yield achieved in this study is approximately 4% better than previous works reported in literature while the optimum temperature is lower.
Effects of Panax Notoginseng (Chinese Ginseng) and Acute Exercise on Postprandial Glycemia in Non-diabetic Adults
Authors: Liang Michael T.C. , Lau W.Y. Jamie , Sokmen Bulent , Spalding Thomas W. , Chuang William J.
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study is to determine whether Panax Notoginseng (PNG) taken for 3 days and one 30-min cycling exercise can reduce postprandial hyperglycemia after ingesting a 75-mg oral glucose solution (OGTT) in untrained non-diabetic men, age 20-45 years. We randomly assigned 52 men to: 1) ginseng (G) + exercise (G+Ex, n=14), 2) ginseng (G, n=13), 3) placebo (C) + exercise (C+Ex, n=12), and 4) placebo control groups (C, n=13). The G and C groups took a daily 3g dose of PNG and cornstarch-placebo supplement for 3 days, respectively. The exercise groups also performed a 30-min cycling exercise on day 3 prior to OGTT. The daily 3g-dose of PNG supplementation significantly lowered postprandial plasma glucose (PG) concentration at 30 min post-OGTT in the G group, compared with C (mean Δ±SE: G vs. C = 26.3±11 mg/dl, p<0.05) and PG area under the curve (PG-AUC0-90) in the G and G+Ex groups, relative to the C (G vs. C = 96.5±42 and G+Ex vs. C = 85.2±41 mg/dl, both p<0.05). We conclude that a daily 3g-dose of PNG taken for 3 days, not one acute bout of 30-min cycling exercise at 60% VO2max, lowered postprandial glycemia at 30-min post-OGTT and PG-AUC 0-90 min in non-diabetic men, age 20-45 years.
Protective Effects of Capparis sepiaria Root Extracts against Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats
Authors: Madhavan V. , Pandey Ajay Shankar , Murali Anita , Yoganarasimhan S. N.
Published: November 2017

Capparis sepiaria L. known as Himsra is an important drug in Ayurveda. In this study extracts of the root of C. sepiaria were evaluated for their hepatoprotective potential on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in albino Wistar rats. The extent of hepatoprotection was evaluated by estimating the serum levels of hepatic transaminases (SGPT and SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), and bilirubin (total and direct). Aqueous and ethanol extracts of C. sepiaria significantly reduced the increased liver weight as well as serum levels of SGPT, SGOT, ALP, and bilirubin, and normalized the reduced serum protein levels in the treated rats. These observations were supported by the results of histopathology studies as well. The extracts were also subjected to preliminary organic analysis and chromatographic studies including HPTLC finger print studies. The results indicate that the roots of C. sepiaria show significant hepatoprotective effect on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity, thus substantiating its use as a potential hepatoprotective drug.
Gestión organizacional en entornos complejos por parte de las Mipymes del sector servicios de la ciudad de Sincelejo
Authors: Del Rio Vásquez Jorge Luis
Published: November 2017

Con el propósito de determinar los modelos de gestión organizacional en entornos complejos que practican las MIPYMES del sector servicios en la ciudad de Sincelejo - Sucre - Colombia, se adelanta la presente investigación. Para ello es importante tener en cuenta su gestión actual, toda vez que estas representan en su mayoría el tejido empresarial de las economías locales y nacionales.El presente artículo pretende un análisis, a la luz de la teoría y antecedentes empíricos, que demuestre la relación entre la gestión organizacional y los índices de perdurabilidad o tasas de mortalidad de las MIPYMES del sector servicios, definiendo los principales enfoques de modelos de gestión organizacional en cabeza de autores como Koontz y Weihrich, (1998), De la Rosa, (2002), Wong, (2000), entre otros.Finalmente, las MIPYMES del sector, desde su enfoque funcional u operativo e informalidad no se aprestan a un enfoque basado en procesos, por lo tanto, los esfuerzos en materia de fortalecimiento y consolidación empresarial, estarían encaminados al desarrollo de la gestión del talento humano, la gestión comercial, la gestión gerencial, la gestión de producción, la gestión financiera, la gestión tecnológica y la gestión de calidad.
Cambio climático: impactos y perspectivas de investigación desde una visión multidisciplinar
Authors: Forero Cantor Germán Augusto , Saldarriaga Muñoz Juan Pablo , Vargas Romero Melissa
Published: November 2017

La preocupación que en los últimos años ha surgido por parte de los países desarrollados ante los crecientes impactos económicos generados por el Cambio Climático el cual se refleja en el incremento del número de investigaciones en este campo. La mayoría de los estudios muestran que el Cambio Climático afecta múltiples aspectos del entorno trayendo como resultado impactos directos sobre la economía de un país que en la mayoría de los casos se evidencia en alteraciones positivas y negativas del PIB. Los mayores impactos se presentan en los países del trópico donde paradójicamente hay una cantidad relativamente baja de investigaciones que aborden a profundidad el tema, siendo una posible causa de esto el desconocimiento que se tiene de los conceptos fundamentales relacionados con el tema. Este trabajo muestra desde una revisión actualizada y exhaustiva de la literatura un marco conceptual general que sirve como base para emprender procesos de investigación desde una perspectiva multidisciplinar alrededor de los principales impactos del Cambio Climático.
The anti-candidal activity of Pelargonium graveolens essential oils against clinical isolates of Candida albicans
Authors: Mahboubi Mohaddese , Mahdizadeh Elaheh , HeidaryTabar Rezvan
Published: November 2017

Objectives: Candida albicans as important opportunistic dimorphic fungi can cause the life threatening infections in humans. In this study, we evaluated the anticandidal activities of six samples of Pelargonium graveolens essential oils against 31 clinical isolates of C. albicans. Materials and methods: The anti-candidal activity was performed by disc diffusion and micro-broth dilution assays. The chemical compositions of essential oils were analyzed by Gas Chromatography (GC) apparatus. Results: P. graveolens essential oil samples with citronellol (7.7-43.7%) and geraniol (19.3-48.5%) showed the same anti-candidal activity in two different methods. There is no significant difference between the inhibition zone diameters (19.3-24.1 mm), and the MIC and MFC values (1.06-1.48 and 1.5-1.72 μl/ml) of essential oil samples with different percent of citronellol and geraniol. Conclusion: Therefore, P. graveolens essential oils can be used as anti-candidal agent for further studies.
Metalobetalactamasa de tipo Nueva Delhi en Risaralda (Colombia): reporte de un caso
Authors: Ordóñez-Díaz Karen M. , Estupiñán José Leyner , Alzate John Alexander
Published: November 2017

Se presenta un caso de un hombre con diagnóstico de osteomielitis crónica con aislamiento en cultivo de hueso de Providencia rettgeri productora de carbapenemasa de tipo Nueva Delhi. El paciente presentó control de la infección por este germen con terapia antibiótica combinada con cefepime y gentamicina. Es el primer reporte de una infección por enterobacterias con este mecanismo de resistencia en la región.
Candida haemulonii: causa infrecuente de peritonitis asociada a diálisis peritoneal
Authors: Bravo Juan , Larrarte Carolina , Quiñonez Sylvia , Echeverri Jorge , Quiroga Camilo , Gómez Carlos
Published: November 2017

La peritonitis fúngica es la responsable del 3 a 6% de los casos de peritonitis asociada a diálisis. Es causa importante de morbimortalidad y de falla de la técnica. El microorganismo aislado con mayor frecuencia es la Candida albicans. Sin embargo, en los últimos años la incidencia de nuevos casos asociados a Candida no albicans y otros hongos, ha aumentado. De estas especies patógenas, Candida haemulonii es causal de infecciones humanas, siendo inusual en pacientes en diálisis, encontrándose un caso reportado en la literatura de peritonitis asociado a diálisis. C. haemulonii supone ciertos retos diagnósticos ya que es un complejo de tres especies que requieren métodos moleculares de laboratorio para su diferenciación. Adicionalmente, tiene un perfil de multirresistencia a los antimicóticos que constituye para el clínico, un reto en el oportuno tratamiento de estos pacientes. A continuación, se describe un caso de peritonitis asociado a diálisis peritoneal por C. haemulonii.
French bank mergers and acquisitions performance
Authors: Ben Said Houda , Zouari-Hadiji Rim , Bouri Abdelfettah
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we empirically investigate the impact of mergers and acquisitions on French bank performance. Performance is measured by potential gains in efficiency and value creation. We first analyzed efficiency using the data envelopment analysis (DEA) under input oriented with variable returns to scale to obtain the efficiency scores. Second, we analyzed the impact on French bank value creation following mergers-acquisitions operations of a set of control variables (model 1) and explicative variables measuring strategic similarities between bidders and targets (model 2).
The sample studied is composed of French bank mergers-acquisitions happening between 1996 and 2006 and implying one of the 14 greatest French banking groups.
Empirical result showed that mergers and acquisitions have been traduced by an improvement in the overall efficiency by 17.82% and a shareholder value reduction by 5.14%.
Foreign direct investment risk implication on employment in an emerging economy
Authors: Ngwakwe Collins C.
Published: November 2017

This paper analysed the employment risk-effect of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow in South Africa for the periods 1991 to 2014. The paper is an attempt to contribute to the growing debate on the role of FDI in economic development, but specifically on employment. The paper applied a quantitative method and used time series data from the World Bank development indicators. The ordinary least square (OLS) regression statistics was used to analyse the relationship between FDI and employment in South Africa for 1991 – 2014. Consistent with some previous research findings, results showed that during the period of study, FDI showed a negative relationship with employment – a growth in FDI had a negative effect on local employment by 1.29 percent. The paper thus highlights that if FDI does not received proper strategy, the host country may run the risk of not benefitting economically from FDI. This unexpected result can be attributed to some causes, which include inter alia reduction in domestic productivity because of FDI, the nature of FDI and the host country regulation of FDI. The paper suggests further research on the role of FDI on domestic productivity in South Africa
Morphometric similarities and differences between tree genotype of Pramenka sheep from central Bosnia
Authors: Vazic Bozo , Rogic Biljana , Drinic Milanka , Savic Nebojsa
Published: November 2017

Morphometric characterization of three strains: Dub, Privor and Kupres was
done in order to obtain the genetic characterization of autochthonous sheep
strains in Central Bosnia. Total of 205 ewes and rams was measured in order
to determine similarities and differences between them. The eight, most
important, morphometric trait were determined: wither height, rump height,
body length, shoulder width, chest depth, hip width, chest perimeter and shin
perimeter. Ewes of Dub Pramenka in relation to Privor and Kupres strains had
pronounced morphometric measures, and established differences were
statistically significant and highly significant. Statistically significant
differences in all measures was observed between rams, expect for hip width.
The obtained results show a significant difference in morphometric measures
of three autochthonous Pramenka strains from Central Bosnia.
Effects of supplementation of different levels of garlic (Allium sativum) on selected blood profile and immunity of white leghorn chicken
Authors: Zeryehun Tesfaheywet , Asrat Meseret , Amha Negassi , Urge Mengistu
Published: November 2017

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding different levels of
garlic powder inclusion on selected blood profile and immunity of white
leghorn chicken. A total of 180 chickens (156 layers and 24 cocks) were
randomly distributed in to 12 pens and assigned to 4 treatments. Treatments
were rations containing 0, 1, 2, and 3% garlic powder for T1, T2, T3 and T4,
respectively. The CP and ME content of treatment rations were 16-16.6% and
3021.31-3244.4 kcal/kg DM, respectively. Blood profile parameters were
determined using established laboratory methods. The value of hemoglobin
(Hb) increased insignificantly due to supplementation of different levels of
garlic powder. Total white blood cell count (TWBC), basophile, lymphocytes,
heterophils and monocytes were not affected (P > 0.05) by treatments. But,
slight rise in lymphocyte and heterophil counts were observed in garlic
supplemented groups which may be due to immuno-stimulatory effects of
garlic. Packed cell volume (PCV) and eosinophils were affected (P < 0.05) by
treatments, PCV (38.1, 45,2,41.5 and 39. 2), eosinophils (4.9, 3.2, 3 and
2.8), for T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. Mean values of total protein
(g/dl) was not affected (P > 0.05) by treatment. The mean values of total
immunoglobulin (gm/dl) (3.53, 4.09, 5.58, 3.04) was significantly (P<0.05)
higher in T3 compared to other treatments. Generally, inclusion of 2% garlic
powder has significantly improved total immunoglobulin. But it significantly
lowered eosinophils compared to control group. The present study revealed
that mixing layer diets with 1-3% garlic powder could be used in practical
layer diets to improve some haematological and immunoglobulin values which
might consequently improve blood circulation and immunity of White Leghorns
Chickens.
Accumulation of heavy metals and trace elements in Medicago sativa L. grown along the E75 route section Belgrade-Leskovac
Authors: Pivic Radmila , Dinic Zoran , Stanojkovic Aleksandar , Maksimovic Jelena , Josic Dragana , Stanojkovic-Sebic Aleksandra
Published: November 2017

The contents of heavy metals and trace elements and their accumulation in
Medicago sativa L., cultivated on Eutric cambisol along the E75 route section
Belgrade-Leskovac, were examined in order to assess the health and safety of
animal feed. The samples of soil and aerial parts of the plant material were
collected from both sides of lanes at 10, 30, 50 and 400 m perpendicular to
the direction of the highway. Soil and plant analyses of the metals content
were done according to ICP methodology. The results showed that at the
locality L 14, a distance of 30 and 50 meters away from the lanes, the
content of total forms of Cr, Ni and Pb in soil was above the maximum
permissible concentration. In the plant biomass it was determined the
following: in a sample from the location L 14 at a distance of 50 meters from
the lanes concentrations of Ni and Co were higher than normal values, and
concentrations of Fe and Pb were above toxic levels or maximum tolerance
levels for animal feed; determined Fe content in the sample of alfalfa at
location L 11, 400 m away from the lanes, and Ni in the sample from the site
D 12 at a distance of 50 m from the lanes, was above the normal values, while
in the sample from D12 location, at a distance of 30 m from the lanes, the
content of Pb was above the toxic levels or maximum tolerance levels for
animal feed. The results suggest a caution in the use of alfalfa, grown near
the highway route, for animal feed because of the potential entry of heavy
metals into the food chain.
Influence of four dietary oils on selected blood constituents in egg-type chickens
Authors: Agboola Adebisi , Omidiwura Babatunde , Olurinola Jeremiah
Published: November 2017

The enrichment of eggs with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), particularly
with omega-3 fatty acids, has attracted the attention of both researchers and
the food industry, because these fatty acids are essential for normal body
development and play an important role in the prevention of heart diseases.
This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of four dietary oils on
selected blood metabolites in egg-type chickens. One hundred and five (105)
Isa Brown laying hens at 34 weeks of age were used and the study lasted for 6
weeks in a completely randomised design. Hens were randomly allotted to seven
dietary treatments namely: basal diet (T1), basal diet + 1.5% palm oil (T2),
basal diet + 1.5% soybean oil (T3), basal diet + 1.5% sesame seed oil (T4),
basal diet + 1.5% fish oil (T5), basal diet + 0.75% soybean oil + 0.75% fish
oil (T6) and basal diet + 0.75% sesame seed oil + 0.75% fish oil (T7). The
treatments had 5 replicates of 3 hens each. Blood samples (5mls) were
collected from the jugular vein of a bird per replicate for serum and
haematological parameters. There were no significant differences observed in
packed cell volume, haemoglobin, red blood cell, white blood cell,
lymphocyte, heterophils and basophils of birds on experimental diets but
diets had an influence (P<0.05) on the monocytes, eosinophils and platelets
of birds. Monocytes of birds on the control diet were similar to those of
birds on T3 (basal diet + 1.5% soyabean oil) but significantly (P<0.05)
higher than monocyte counts for birds on other diets. Eosinophils of birds on
the experimental diets were similar except for those on T4 (basal diet + 1.5%
sesame seed oil) with significantly higher eosinophil values compared with
others. A similar trend was observed in platelets of birds on the
experimental diets. There were no significant differences observed in
triglycerides, high density lipoproteins and cholesterol of birds on
experimental diets. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) of birds on the control
diet was similar to those recorded for birds on different dietary oils
supplemented diets except for those on T6 (basal diet + 0.75% soybean oil +
0.75% fish oil) with significantly (P<0.05) reduced LDL. It can be concluded
that dietary oils combination of 0.75% soybean oil + 0.75% fish oil could be
effective in reducing serum low density lipoprotein in laying birds.
Improved synthesis of quinocetone and its two desoxymetabolites
Authors: Li Yuwen , Qiu Mei , Bai Yubin , Qu Shaoqi , Hao Zhihui
Published: November 2017

Oxidation of o-nitroaniline with sodium hypochlorite afforded benzofurazan oxide in 96 % yield, and treatment of benzofurazan oxide with acetylacetone in the presence of triethylamine gave 2-acetyl-3-methyl-quinoxaline- -1,4-dioxide in 94 % yield. Finally, condensation of 2-acetyl-3-methyl-quinoxaline- 1,4-dioxide with benzaldehyde using 4-(dimethylamino)pyridinium acetate as a catalyst led to quinocetone in 95 % yield. Subsequently, reduction of the synthesized quinocetone with sodium dithionite resulted in two deoxy derivatives, 1-(3-methyl-4-oxido-2-quinoxalinyl)-3-phenyl-2-propen-1-one and 1-(3-methyl-2-quinoxalinyl)-3-phenyl-2-propen-1-one in 88.5 and 92 % yield, respectively. Furthermore, the synthesized quinocetone, and its deoxy derivatives were characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and elemental analysis.
Synthesis, characterization and biological activity of new Ni(II), Pd(II) and Cr(III) complex compounds with chlorhexidine
Authors: Mihalache Mădălina , Negreanu-Pîrjol Ticuţa , Dumitraşcu Florea , Drăghici Constantin , Călinescu Mirela
Published: November 2017

Six new coordination compounds of Ni(II), Pd(II) and Cr(III) with chlorhexidine, 1,1?-hexamethylenebis[5-(4-chlorophenyl)biguanide], were prepared, characterized and examined for their potential as antimicrobial agents, as well as for their antioxidant activity. The metal complexes correspond to the formulas: [Ni(CHX)]Cl2?2H2O, [Ni(CHX)]Br2?2H2O, [Ni(CHX)](CH3COO)2?C2H5OH, [Pd(CHX)][PdCl4]?2H2O, [Pd(CHX)](CH3COO)2 and [Cr(CHX)Cl2](CH3COO), where CHX = chlorhexidine. Investigations on the in vitro antimicrobial activity of the complexes indicated that all have high activity against the tested bacteria, but are less active against fungi. Among the six complexes, those of Pd(II) showed the highest antibacterial activity, [Pd(CHX)][PdCl4]?2H2O being more active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria than chlorhexidine diacetate. The antioxidant activity of the metal complexes was investigated by photochemiluminescence and the results showed that the palladium( II) complexes have high antioxidant activities.
The effect of porosity and cu rate on microstructure and mechanical properties of co alternative powder metallurgy compound
Authors: Çelık Ertuğrul , Aslan Alı
Published: November 2017

Cu-Ni-MX1480 powder compound were prepared at six different alloy ratios and
cold pressed with a pressure of 300 MPa. Then 12 samples were obtained by
hot pressing at 700 ?C with 20 MPa pressure and at 800?C with 30 MPa
pressure for 4 minutes in a vacuum atmosphere hot pressing machine. Porosity
ratios of samples were calculated by the different between theoretical
density and measured density of samples. Effect of porosity on
microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated by performing
SEM, XRD, hardness measurements and TRS tests. It was observed that as a
result of increased hot pressing parameters and increased Cu ratio, porosity
ratio was decreased and better mechanical properties achieved.
The chemometric study of limestone physico-chemical properties and thermal behavior for application in construction composites
Authors: Radulovic Dragan , Terzic Anja , Pezo Lato , Andric Ljubisa , Grigorova Irena
Published: November 2017

The limestone, as an economically sustainable and easily available basic raw
material, is frequently utilized in the building industry for resolving of
the environmental protection issues. The limestone is incorporated in a
cementitious system either by grinding with cement clinker, or by blending
with the binder during concrete production. The employing of powdery
limestone as partial cement replacement gives the construction composites
with properties comparable to that of conventional concrete. The study of
limestone thermal behavior and its chemistry is crucial for the prognosis of
the designed composites properties. In this work, the instrumental techniques
(atomic emission spectroscopy, differential thermal and thermo-gravimetric
analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and the Principal
component analysis were employed to discriminate and classify 22 limestone
types. The PCA statistical method, as a means of spectra and experimental
data fingerprinting, grouped the samples in a multi-dimensional factor space
producing four graphical prognosis - one for each instrumental method. DTA/TG
peak values varied the most in a short range between 830-870?C, while FTIR
spectra showed the highest diversity in the 867-887 cm-1 and 1237-1647 cm-1
ranges. This research was governed by an idea to reveal whether it is
possible to differentiate various limestone types and to predict the
possibility of their employment in construction composites on the basis of
the results of instrumental and mathematical analyses.
The influence of calcination temperature on structural and optical properties of ZnO nanoparticles via simple polymer synthesis route
Authors: Alibe Ibrahim , Matori Amin , Saion Elias , Ali Alibe , Zaid Mohd
Published: November 2017

A simple polymer synthesis was used to successfully synthesized Zinc Oxide
Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), and the influence of the different calcination
temperature on the structural, and optical properties of the material was
observed using several techniques. The formation of ZnO NPs was confirmed by
FT?IR, EDX, XRD, FESEM and TEM images upon calcination from 500?750?C. The
FESEM images showed the ZNO NPs synthesized possessed a hexagonal shape and
tended to become larger at higher calcination temperature. The XRD and FTIR
revealed the precursor to be amorphous at room temperature but transform to a
crystalline structure during the process of calcination. The crystalline and
particle size increase as the temperature was increased. The crystalline size
was between 24?49 nm for all samples calcined at 500?750?C. The optical
properties obtained by UV?vis reflectance spectrometer have further confirmed
the formation of ZnO NPs. The band gap exhibits typical ZnO wide band gap,
and the values decrease with an increase in calcination temperature.
Sol-gel synthesis of anatase nanopowders for efficient photocatalytic degradation of herbicide Clomazone in aqueous media
Authors: Golubovic Aleksandar , Simovic Bojana , Gasic Slavica , Mijin Dusan , Matkovic Aleksandar , Babic Biljana , Scepanovic Maja
Published: November 2017

TiO2 nanopowders were produced by sol-gel technique using TiCl4 as a starting
material. For the preparation of crystalline anatase with developed surface
area, this aqueous solution has been mixed with 0.05 M or 0.07 M (NH4)2SO4
solution in a temperature-controlled bath. The pH values of the suspension
were 7, 8 or 9. According to the x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis the anatase
crystallite sizes were about 12 nm, which coincided with the average particle
size revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Raman scattering
measurements have shown the presence of a small amount of highly disordered
brookite phase in addition to dominant anatase phase with similar
nanostructure in all synthesized powders. BET measurements revealed that all
synthesized catalysts were fully mesoporous, except the sample synthesized
with 0.07 M (NH4)2SO4 at pH=9, which had small amount of micropores. The
photocatalytic degradation of herbicide Clomazone was carried out for both
the pure active substance and as the commercial product (GAMIT 4-EC) under UV
irradiation. The best photocatalytic efficiency was obtained for the catalyst
with the largest specific surface area, confirming this parameter as crucial
for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of the pure active substance and
commercial product of herbicide Clomazone.
APLIKASI SISTEM CERDAS UNTUK PREDIKSI ENERGI LISTRIK PEMAKAIAN SENDIRI DI PT INDONESIA POWER SUB UNIT PLTA KABUPATEN WONOGIRI
Authors: Hasanah Herliyani , Nurmalitasari Nurmalitasari
Published: November 2017

Kebutuhan akan energi listrik menjadi kebutuhan primer nasional. Dalam keberlangsungan proses produksi energi listrik pada pembangkitan – pembangkitan diperlukan energi listrik untuk pemakaian sendiri. Dalam penelitian ini dibangun sebuah aplikasi sistem cerdas untuk memprediksi energi listrik pemakaian sendiri di PT Indonesia Power sub unit PLTA Wonogiri. Pada penelitian ini menggunakan 2 kelompok input, yaitu input FIS (Fuzzy Inference System) dan input pada NN (Neuro Fuzzy). Input data  merupakan data produksi harian energi listrik di PLTA Wonogiri selama kurun waktu 2010 – 2016. Variabel data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah data produksi listrik untuk pemakaian PLTA Wonogiri adalah energi listrik yang dihasilkan PLTA Wonogiri dengan satuan KwH (f), elevasi muka air waduk dengan satuan meter (a1) dan debit air yang masuk ke turbin dengan satuan /detik (a2).  Output yang diperoleh adalah pusat centroid (m), derajat keanggotaan (mf), bobot (w) dan konsekuen parameter ( c ). Dari hasil pengujian diperoleh keluaran dengan performansi yang optimal pada saat Fuzzy C Means 2 kelas dengan parameter laju pembelajaran 0.4, momentum 0.6 dengan bessar Mean Percentage Error 0.377970875.  Kata kunci:  prediksi, pemakaian sendiri, energi listrik, fuzzy inference system, neuro fuzzy
ANALISIS DAN PERANCANGAN SISTEM INFORMASI PENGOLAHAN DATA PENGELUARAN, PENGGUNAAN BAHAN DAN HUTANG DALAM PELAKSANAAN PROYEK PADA PT BANAMBA PUTRATAMA
Authors: Anisah Anisah , Kuswaya Kuswaya
Published: November 2017

Pelaksanaan pengolahan data pengeluaran, penggunaan bahan dan hutang pada PT Banamba Putratama dilakukan oleh bagian keuangan dan logistik yang saat ini masih menggunakan sistem manual. Dengan menggunakan sistem yang manual tersebut, jika ingin membuat laporan yang dibutuhkan pada saat proyek berjalan membutuhkan waktu yang agak lama (seharian), sering terjadi kerangkapan data (redundancy) dan penyimpanan data yang berkaitan dengan data pengeluaran, penggunaan bahan dan hutang kurang rapi karena masih disimpan di dalam lemari arsip, sehingga pada saat ingin memperoleh informasi yang diinginkan membutuhkan waktu yang agak lama untuk menemukannya. Berdasarkan masalah tersebut, sebuah sistem informasi yang terkomputerisasi bisa dijadikan solusi agar masalah yang terjadi dapat segera diatasi. Dalam hal ini, akan dilakukan analisa dan perancangan sistem informasi untuk membantu PT Banamba Putratama tersebut. Metodologi penelitian menggunakan metodologi berorientasi objek untuk tahapan analisa dan perancangannya, dan alat bantu/tools yang digunakan menggunakan Diagram Unifield Modeling Language( UML).
EVALUASI KINERJA THIRD PARTY LOGISTIC (3PL) PENGIRIMAN LOKAL DENGAN METODE AHP DAN TOPSIS DI PT. APAC INTI CORPORA
Authors: Sari Diana Puspita , Puspitasari Nia Budi , Sulistya Cahya Farradita
Published: November 2017

Evaluasi kinerja Third Party Logistic (3PL) merupakan salah satu faktor penting untuk meningkatkan kinerja logistik suatu perusahaan. Untuk itu perlu dilakukan evaluasi untuk meningkatkan pelayanan yang diberikan, demi terciptanya kepuasan pelanggan secara maksimal. PT Apac Inti Corpora saat ini memiliki 12 3PL yang bekerjasama dalam pengiriman lokal. Namun, selama ini belum terdapat adanya metode penilaian khusus untuk mengevaluasi kinerja 3PL perusahaan. Dengan tidak adanya evaluasi kinerja 3PL tersebut, terdapat adanya beberapa masalah dalam pengiriman yang menyebabkan adanya klaim dari customer dan bertambahnya jam kerja karyawan gudang karena kedatangan armada yang tidak tepat waktu. Untuk itu pada penelitian ini dilakukan evaluasi kinerja 3PL dengan menggunakan metode AHP untuk didapatkan bobot kepentingan kriteria yang digunakan dalam evaluasi dan metode TOPSIS untuk mendapatkan rangking kinerja 3PL yang optimal bagi perusahaan. Selanjutnya akan diberikan usulan model penilaian untuk evaluasi kinerja 3PL pengiriman lokal agar dapat digunakan dalam evaluasi selanjutnya. Model evaluasi yang diusulkan tersebut berdasarkan bobot kepentingan kriteria dari metode AHP dengan rating penilaian dengan skala Likert 1-5. Berdasarkan hasil skor dan rating keseluruhan dapat ditentukan kategori kinerja masing-masing 3PL yang selanjutnya dapat ditindaklanjuti oleh PT AIC sesuai dengan kategori penilaian yang diperoleh. Adapun hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa urutan tingkat kepentingan dari bobot kriteria terbesar yakni ukuran dan kualitas aset tetap, ketepatan waktu pengiriman, kinerja operasional, dan kualitas pelayanan. Dari hasil TOPSIS dan usulan model penilaian yang diberikan didapatkan bahwa 3PL yang memiliki peringkat pertama dengan kategori penilaian kinerja “di atas rata-rata” adalah PT Bakti Jaya, sedangkan untuk peringkat terakhir dengan kategori penilaian kinerja “butuh peningkatan” adalah PT Satyamitra Anugerah Sejahtera.
ANALISIS PEMANFAATAN KAWASAN WILAYAH PESISIR MENGGUNAKAN LOCAL INDICATORS OF SPATIAL ASSOCIATION (LISA) (STUDI KASUS : KABUPATEN KULON PROGO)
Authors: Lina Tirsa Ninia , Sediyono Eko , Prasetyo Sri Yulianto Joko
Published: November 2017

Kawasan pesisir Kabupaten Kulon Progo terdiri dari empat kecamatan, yaitu kecamatan Galur, Panjatan, Wates, dan Temon. Kawasan pesisir ini rentan terhadap dampak negatif aktifitas manusia seperti penggunaan tanah atau pemanfaatannya yang sering tumpang tindih. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk menganalisis autokorelasi spasial terhadap pemanfaatan kawasan wilayah pesisir di Kabupaten Kulon Progo. Penelitian ini menggunakan salah satu pengujian autokorelasi spasial yaitu Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) dengan indikator Local Moran's I, yang menghasilkan signifikansi secara statistik tinggi (hotspots), signifikansi secara statistik rendah (coldspots), dan pencilan (outlier). Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa kecamatan yang termasuk kategori hotspots (H-H) diantaranya Temon dengan lima hotspots pada kawasan permukiman perdesaan, pertanian lahan kering, industri, sempadan pantai, dan suaka alam, Panjatan dengan tiga hotspots pada kawasan permukiman perkotaan, perdagangan, dan sempadan sungai, Galur dengan dua hotspots pada kawasan pertanian lahan basah dan perdagangan, dan Wates dengan satu hotspots pada kawasan industri.Kata kunci: kawasan pesisir, Kabupaten Kulon Progo, Local Indicators of Spatial Association, LISA, Local Moran's I.
AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) SEBAGAI TEKNOLOGI INTERAKTIF DALAM PENGENALAN BENDA CAGAR BUDAYA KEPADA MASYARAKAT
Authors: Haryani Prita , Triyono Joko
Published: November 2017

Pemanfaatan Teknologi Informasi (TI) dalam proses penyampaian informasi mengalami perkembangan pesat. Saat ini, teknologi terbaru yang digunakan dalam penyampaian informasi adalah teknologi Augmented Reality (AR). Pada teknologi AR, pengguna dapat menvisualisasikan objek atau benda bersejarah dalam bentuk 3 dimensi. AR memiliki kelebihan bersifat interaktif dan real time sehingga AR banyak diimplementasikan di bidang pendidikan sebagai media untuk memperkenalkan benda-benda bersejarah yang merupakan warisan budaya. Benda-benda bersejarah sebagai  warisan budaya termasuk ke dalam katagori cagar budaya. Benda cagar budaya memiliki arti khusus bagi sejarah, ilmu pengetahuan, pendidikan, agama, dan kebudayaan. Selain itu, benda cagar budaya juga memiliki nilai budaya bagi penguatan kepribadian bangsa. Mengingat pentingnya keberadaan cagar budaya tersebut, maka informasi mengenai keberadaan benda cagar budaya harus diketahui oleh masyarakat. Tujuan pada paper ini adalah untuk mereview penggunaan teknologi AR yang bersifat interaktif dan real time dalam memperkenalkan benda cagar budaya kepada masyarakat. Pada bagian selanjutnya akan dibahas mengenai penelitian-penelitian yang relevan dalam penggunaan teknologi AR. Selain itu juga akan dibahas mengenai teknik dan metodologi penelitian dalam pembuatan aplikasi AR tersebut.
Forest, water and people: The roles and limits of mediation in transforming watershed conflict in Northern Thailand
Authors: Dhiaulhaq Ahmad , Wiset Kanchana , Thaworn Rawee , Kane Seth , Gritten David
Published: November 2017

This study focuses on watershed management in Northern Thailand, where conflict over forest, land and water-use is a prevailing problem. A characteristic of watershed conflicts is that they are often multifaceted and involve multiple stakeholders with different interests and values, consequently requiring conflict management approaches that are sustainable in their outcomes, including addressing the underlying causes of the conflicts. Drawing from a case study in Mae Tia Mae Tae watershed in Northern Thailand, this study explores how mediation by external third party can contribute to the transformation of conflicts in the watershed and how the broader institutional contexts in which the conflict is embedded shapes the mediation outcomes. The study suggests that co-creation of mutual understanding and recognition of each party’s socio-cultural differences, including land-use practices, are critical in building trust and in how conflict transformation processes moved forward. Moreover, the ability of the mediator in facilitating the establishment of a deliberative institution (i.e. a watershed network committee) and agreed rules on forest utilization were also critical in maintaining long-term collaboration in the watershed and potentially preventing other conflicts arising in the future. Some issues, however, may threaten the continuity of the cooperation and sustainability of peace in the watershed, including the lack of structural reform that formally recognizes local people’s rights, insecure land tenure, and the absence of legal recognition for the watershed network committee as a legitimate mechanism for watershed decision making. The paper discusses these findings by comparing it with those from our previous studies in other locations (Cambodia, Indonesia and Western Thailand) to strengthen the insights from Northern Thailand. Finally, the research puts forward some recommendations for reforms and to strengthen the use of effective mediation, to achieve transformative outcomes, in conflicts of this nature. iation, to achieve transformative outcomes, in conflicts of this nature.
Social Forestry - why and for whom? A comparison of policies in Vietnam and Indonesia
Authors: Moeliono Moira , Thuy Pham Thu , Waty Bong Indah , Wong Grace Yee , Brockhaus Maria
Published: November 2017

Community forestry or social forestry (henceforth referred collectively as SF) programs have become new modes of forest management empowering local managers and hence, allowing integration of diverse local practices and support of local livelihoods.  Implementation of these initiatives, however, face multiple challenges. State-prescribed community programs, for example, will remain isolated efforts if changes in the overall economic and social governance frameworks, including the devolution of rights to local users is lacking. Financial sustainability of these measures remains often uncertain and equity issues inherent to groups and communities formed for SF, can be exacerbated. In this article, we pose the question: Whose interests do SF policies serve? The effectiveness of SF would depend on the motivations and aims for a decentralization of forest governance to the community. In order to understand the underlying motivations behind the governments’ push for SF, we examine national policies in Vietnam and Indonesia, changes in their policies over time and the shift in discourses influencing how SF has evolved. Vietnam and Indonesia are at different sides of the spectrum in democratic ambitions and forest abundance, and present an intriguing comparison in the recent regional push towards SF in Southeast Asia.  We discuss the different interpretations of SF in these two countries and how SF programs are implemented. Our results show that governments, influenced by global discourse, are attempting to regulate SF through formal definitions and regulations.  Communities on the other hand, might resist by adopting, adapting or rejecting formal schemes.  In this tension, SF, in general adopted to serve the interest of local people, in practice SF has not fulfilled its promise.
Consumer Acceptance of Self-service Technologies: An Ability–Willingness Model
Authors: Wang Cheng
Published: November 2017

This study suggests that, in addition to willingness, ability is a relevant and important dimension of self-service technology (SST) acceptance and, going beyond prior studies' exclusive focus on willingness, develops an SST acceptance model that captures both consumer ability and willingness to use such technologies. Previous research on consumer acceptance of SSTs has focused primarily on consumers' willingness, while neglecting their ability – this is evident in many SST studies investigating adoption intentions. However, using an SST often requires skills and some level of confidence. Drawing upon the ability–willingness framework, this study adopts a cross-sectional field survey approach to recruit real consumers using self-checkout technology at a supermarket. Results from structural equation modelling based on 281 consumers highlight the relevance and importance of ability, and show that consumers' willingness and ability to use SSTs are determined by different factors.
Customer Identification in the Healthcare Industry
Authors: Zhang Long , Zhang Yucheng , Jiang Hong , Yang Miles M. , Huang Yu-Ying , Li Shyh-Jane
Published: November 2017

This study investigates the key antecedents and mechanisms that influence customer identification in healthcare contexts, based on two studies from different stakeholders: healthcare workers and patients (customers) of healthcare organisations. The first study (N = 788) explored a positive relationship between a hospital's service tangibility and service reliability. The second (N = 657) affirmed and expanded this finding, and revealed that the service reliability of a hospital was positively related to customer identification with the hospital. This service reliability further mediated the positive relationship between service tangibility and customer identification. Our results highlight the role of service tangibility and reliability in enhancing customer identification in healthcare contexts. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Cloning and Sequence Analysis of Gene Encoding Flavonol Synthase from Trung Du Teas Growing in Thai Nguyen
Authors: Yen Hoang Thi Thu , Trang Mai Thi Huyen , Hang Pham Thi , Hue Huynh Thi Thu
Published: November 2017

In this study, we conducted the cloning and sequencing gene encoding FLS from the two green and purple Trung Du tea cultivars. The length of FLS gene is 996 bp, encodes 331 amino acid. Results of FLS gene analysis showed that green and purple Trung Du cultivars has 13 nucleotide variants total as compare with FLS sequence published on Genbank. Nucleotide sequence differences lead to change amino acid sequence of key functional motives in FLS like motif characterizes the 2OG-Fe (II) oxygenase superfamily, the PxxxIRxxx-EQP motif at the N-terminal (18→29) determines the FLS activity, the CPQ/RPxLAL motif) is the binding site of 2-oxoglutarate. How amino acid position changes affect FLS activity need further research. FLS gene isolates are sources for further research to aim elucidating the function of this enzyme.
AUTONOMIA DA MULHER À LUZ DA CRIAÇÃO HUMANA
Authors: Carvalho Carliane De Oliveira
Published: November 2017

A questão do aborto necessita de uma análise ampla que deve envolver aspectos em que a sociedade deve participar, a individualidade humana afeta ao âmbito familiar e a autonomia da mulher, para assim alcançar a concepção da liberdade individual e jurídica da mulher a respeito do tema.
ESTADOS E OS NOVOS AMBIENTES TRANSNACIONAIS
Authors: Cruz Paulo Márcio , Glasenapp Maikon Cristiano
Published: November 2017

A transnacionalidade faz parte de uma família contemporânea de categorias, que representam um novo contexto mundial, surgido principalmente da intensificação de natureza econômica-comercial no período pós-queda do socialismo. Nesse sentindo, este artigo procura apresentar reflexões sobre as ações que se realizam além das fronteiras nacionais. Igualmente, apresenta reflexões sobre os efeitos da globalização, que teoricamente estão em novos ambientes transnacionais, que não são nacionais nem internacionais.