bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Levosimendan improves cardiac function and myocardial efficiency in rats with right ventricular failure
Authors: Hansen Mona S. , Andersen Asger , Tolbod Lars P. , Hansson Nils H. , Nielsen Roni , Vonk‐Noordegraaf Anton , Nielsen‐Kudsk Jens Erik
Published: November 2017

Levosimendan is an inotropic and vasodilator drug, which is known to improve cardiac function in animal models of right ventricular (RV) failure. The effects of levosimendan on oxygen consumption and myocardial efficiency in the failing RV is unknown. We investigated the effects of levosimendan on RV function, myocardial oxygen consumption, myocardial external efficiency (MEE), and myocardial metabolism in rats with RV hypertrophy and failure. RV hypertrophy and failure were induced by pulmonary trunk banding in rats. Rats were randomized to seven weeks of treatment with vehicle (n = 16) or levosimendan (3 mg/kg/day) (n = 13). Control animals without pulmonary banding received vehicle treatment (n = 11). RV MEE and RV metabolism were evaluated by echocardiography, 11C‐acetate positron emission tomography (PET), 18F‐FDG PET, and invasive pressure measurements. We found that levosimendan improved RV MEE (26 ± 3 vs. 14 ± 1%, P < 0.01) by increasing RV external work (0.62 ± 0.06 vs. 0.30 ± 0.03 mmHgċmL, P < 0.001) without affecting RV myocardial oxygen consumption (P = 0.64). The improvement in RV MEE was not associated with a change in RV myocardial glucose uptake (1.3 ± 0.1 vs. 1.0 ± 0.1 µmol/g/min, P = 0.44). In conclusion, in the hypertrophic and failing RV of the rat, levosimendan improves RV function without increasing myocardial oxygen consumption leading to improved MEE. The improvement in RV MEE was not associated with a change in myocardial glucose uptake. This study emphasizes the potential therapeutic value of chronic levosimendan treatment RV failure. It extends previous observations on the effect profile of levosimendan and motivates clinical testing of levosimendan in RV failure.
British Association of Urological Surgeons standards for management of acute ureteric colic
Authors: Tsiotras Alexios , Smith R Daron , Pearce Ian , O’Flynn Kieran , Wiseman Oliver
Published: November 2017

These guidelines have been developed by the British Association of Urological Surgeons to give a framework to clinicians, based primarily in the UK, for the management of patients presenting acutely with ureteric colic. They have been developed by consensus with reference to the American Urological Association/Endourological Society guidelines on the surgical management of stones and the European Association of Urology guidelines on urolithiasis, and adapted to the logistics of those practicing within the National Health Service. Grades of recommendation and levels of evidence are based upon the system adopted by the European Association of Urology.
Workplace Spirituality: Themes, Impact and Research Directions
Authors: Pandey Ashish
Published: November 2017

This note is aimed at presenting an overview of the workplace spirituality research in last four decades. First it presents the distinction of religion and spirituality noticeable in the workplace spirituality literature. Next, it summarizes the themes in the scholarship of the field of workplace spirituality. Then it discusses the empirical studies about the impact of workplace spirituality. The note concludes with the importance of workplace spirituality research in current times and future research directions in this field.
Neurocognitive Deficits of Concussed Adolescent Athletes at Self-reported Symptom Resolution in the Zurich Guidelines Era
Authors: Kriz Peter K. , Mannix Rebekah , Taylor Alex M. , Ruggieri Danielle , Meehan William P.
Published: November 2017

Background:

Previous studies have evaluated high school and collegiate athletes in the pre–Zurich guidelines era; whether adolescent athletes demonstrate similar neurocognitive decrements in the current concussion management era remains unclear.

Purpose:

To assess for the presence of neurocognitive deficits in adolescents with a sport-related concussion at the time of self-reported symptom resolution.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We conducted a prospective cohort study of 32 patients, aged 13 to 18 years, who sustained concussions during ice hockey and who were referred to 3 sports medicine clinics between September 1, 2012, and March 31, 2015. Demographic, anthropometric, and injury data were collected at the time of the initial postconcussion evaluation. To document symptoms, patients completed the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) at initial and follow-up visits. Baseline and postinjury neurocognitive function were assessed using computerized neurocognitive testing (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test [ImPACT]), and a reliable change index was used to determine significant changes in composite scores. Statistical comparisons were conducted using the Student t test and Mann-Whitney U test.

Results:

A total of 9 of 32 athletes (28.1%; 95% CI, 14.8%-46.9%) demonstrated continued neurocognitive impairment on ≥1 composite score when no longer reporting concussion-related symptoms, while only 2 of 32 athletes (6.3%; 95% CI, 1.4%-23.2%) demonstrated continued neurocognitive impairment on ≥2 composite scores.

Conclusion:

Neurocognitive deficits persist in adolescent athletes who no longer report concussion-related symptoms, at rates similar to those of collegiate athletes but at longer time intervals. This finding provides further evidence that adolescent athletes with a sport-related concussion demonstrate a protracted recovery and resolution of neurocognitive deficits compared with collegiate and professional athletes. Computer-based neurocognitive testing as part of a multifaceted approach continues to play an important role in return-to-play decision making after a sport-related concussion in adolescent athletes. Test-taking strategies may erroneously identify asymptomatic athletes as exhibiting neurocognitive impairment.
Electrical resistivity tomography and distributed temperature sensing monitoring to assess the efficiency of horizontal recirculation drains on retrofit bioreactor landfills
Authors: Dumont Gaël , Robert Tanguy , Nguyen Frédéric
Published: November 2017

In bioreactor landfills, the recirculation of water can accelerate biodegradation and increase gas production. The dedicated infrastructure aims at increasing wastewater content over a wide area, with a long-lasting effect. To assess the efficiency of horizontal drains in bioreactor landfills, we use electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and distributed temperature sensing (DTS) to monitor two injection experiments. The first monitoring experiment focuses on image resolution and takes advantage of a pseudo 3D ERT data set. This technique successfully highlights the waste horizontal anisotropy and the crucial role of existing gas wells, acting as vertical preferential flow paths. The observations are supported by borehole temperature logging. The second monitoring experiment focuses on temporal resolution and requires repeated 2D ERT measurements. The hourly acquisition frequency offers better insight on the water-flow dynamics, such as the flow direction and velocity and the water retention trough time. Temperature logging along the horizontal drain indicates that the injected water is distributed over the entire drain length. Altogether, the two recirculation experiments inform us on the suitability of large horizontal drains for water recirculation on bioreactor landfills. In conclusion, the two geophysical tools provide essential information to determine the most appropriate water-injection protocol in terms of frequency, volume, and flow rate.
Impaired Insulin Action Is Associated With Increased Glucagon Concentrations in Nondiabetic Humans
Authors: Sharma Anu , Varghese Ron T , Shah Meera , Man Chiara Dalla , Cobelli Claudio , Rizza Robert A , Bailey Kent R , Vella Adrian
Published: November 2017

Context

Abnormal glucagon concentrations contribute to hyperglycemia, but the mechanisms of α-cell dysfunction in prediabetes are unclear.

Objective

We sought to determine the relative contributions of insulin secretion and action to α-cell dysfunction in nondiabetic participants across the spectrum of glucose tolerance.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study. A subset of participants (n = 120) was studied in the presence and absence of free fatty acid (FFA) elevation, achieved by infusion of Intralipid (Baxter Healthcare, Deerfield, IL) plus heparin, to cause insulin resistance.

Setting

An inpatient clinical research unit at an academic medical center.

Participants

A total of 310 nondiabetic persons participated in this study.

Interventions

Participants underwent a seven-sample oral glucose tolerance test. Subsequently, 120 participants were studied on two occasions. On one day, infusion of Intralipid plus heparin raised FFA. On the other day, participants received glycerol as a control.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

We examined the relationship of glucagon concentration with indices of insulin action after adjusting for the effects of age, sex, and weight. Subsequently, we sought to determine whether an acute decrease in insulin action, produced by FFA elevation, altered glucagon concentrations in nondiabetic participants.

Results

Fasting glucagon concentrations correlated positively with fasting insulin and C-peptide concentrations and inversely with insulin action. Fasting glucagon was not associated with any index of β-cell function in response to an oral challenge. As expected, FFA elevation decreased insulin action and also raised glucagon concentrations.

Conclusions

In nondiabetic participants, glucagon secretion was altered by changes in insulin action.
Adrenocorticotropin Acutely Regulates Pregnenolone Sulfate Production by the Human Adrenal In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Rege Juilee , Nanba Aya T , Auchus Richard J , Ren Jianwei , Peng Hwei-Ming , Rainey William E , Turcu Adina F
Published: November 2017

Background

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) is the most abundant steroid in human circulation, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is considered the major regulator of its synthesis. Pregnenolone sulfate (PregS) and 5-androstenediol-3-sulfate (AdiolS) have recently emerged as biomarkers of adrenal disorders.

Objective

To define the relative human adrenal production of Δ5-steroid sulfates under basal and cosyntropin-stimulated conditions.

Methods

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify three unconjugated and four sulfated Δ5-steroids in (1) paired adrenal vein (AV) and mixed venous serum samples (21 patients) and (2) cultured human adrenal cells both before and after cosyntropin stimulation, (3) microdissected zona fasciculata (ZF) and zona reticularis (ZR) from five human adrenal glands, and (4) a reconstituted in vitro human 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase/(P450 17A1) system.

Results

Of the steroid sulfates, PregS had the greatest increase after cosyntropin stimulation in the AV (32-fold), whereas DHEAS responded modestly (1.8-fold). PregS attained concentrations comparable to those of DHEAS in the AV after cosyntropin stimulation (AV DHEAS/PregS, 24 and 1.3 before and after cosyntropin, respectively). In cultured adrenal cells, PregS demonstrated the sharpest response to cosyntropin, whereas DHEAS responded only modestly (21-fold vs 1.8-fold higher compared with unstimulated cells at 3 hours, respectively). Steroid analyses in isolated ZF and ZR showed similar amounts of PregS and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone in both zones, whereas DHEAS and AdiolS were higher in ZR (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our studies demonstrated that unlike DHEAS, PregS displayed a prominent acute response to cosyntropin. PregS could be used to interrogate the acute adrenal response to ACTH stimulation and as a biomarker in various adrenal disorders.
Identification of diverse defense mechanisms in trout red blood cells in response to VHSV halted viral replication
Authors: Nombela Ivan , Puente-Marin Sara , Chico Veronica , Villena Alberto J. , Carracedo Begoña , Ciordia Sergio , Mena Maria Carmen , Mercado Luis , Perez Luis , Coll Julio , Estepa Amparo , Ortega-Villaizan Maria del Mar
Published: November 2017

Background:It has been described that fish nucleated red blood cells (RBCs) generate a wide variety of immune-related gene transcripts when viruses highly replicate inside them and are their main target cell. The immune response and mechanisms of fish RBCs against viruses targeting other cells or tissues has not yet been explored and is the objective of our study.

Methods:Trout RBCs were obtained from peripheral blood, ficoll purified and exposed toViral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia virus(VHSV). Immune response was evaluated by means of RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) protein profiling

Results:VHSV N gene transcripts incremented early postexposure and were drastically decreased after 6 hours postexposure (hpe). The expression of the type I interferon (ifn1) gene was significantly downregulated at early postexposure (3 hpe), together with a gradual downregulation of interferon-induciblemxandpkrgenes until 72 hpe. Type I IFN protein was downregulated and interferon-inducible Mx protein was maintained at basal levels. Co-culture assays of RBCs with TSS (stromal cell line from spleen) revealed the IFN crosstalk between both cell types. On the other hand, anti-microbial peptide β-defensin 1 and neutrophil chemotactic factor interleukin 8 were slightly upregulated in VHSV-exposed RBCs Isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) revealed that VHSV exposure can induce a global protein downregulation in trout RBCs, mainly related to RNA stability and proteasome pathways. The antioxidant/antiviral response is also suggested to be involved in the response of trout RBCs to VHSV.

Conclusions:A variety of mechanisms are proposed to be implicated in the antiviral response of trout RBCs against VHSV halted infection. Ongoing research is focused on understanding the mechanisms in detail. To our knowledge, this is the first report that implicates fish RBCs in the antiviral response against viruses not targeting RBCs.
How Young/Old Does One Look? Sales Personnel’s and Laypersons’ Estimation of Young People’s Age
Authors: Kask Kristjan , Tael-Öeren Mariliis
Published: November 2017

Several studies have found that the level of alcohol use among minors both in Europe generally and in Estonia is relatively high. However, we have less knowledge of issues related to age estimations in this field. Therefore, research was conducted to examine how accurate sales personnel in Estonia are in estimating the age of young people and, in addition, to compare salespersons and laypersons (i.e., persons not working in shops that sell food and alcohol) with regard to their ability to make accurate age estimations. For this purpose, 20 salespersons and 20 laypersons participated in an experiment in which they estimated the age of people whose faces were presented to them in images. Salespersons’ estimation of young persons’ age from the photos was more accurate than laypersons’ estimation. However, both groups tended to overestimate the age of the people shown, especially when the focus was on the difference between minors of age 17 and young adults of age 18 or 19. It can be concluded that accurately discriminating between minors’ and adults’ faces by using only facial cues is difficult. One solution for addressing this issue in practice would be to raise the age threshold for asking for ID. While many shops already pursue this approach, it is on a voluntary basis; in Estonia, there is no legal requirement to do so.
Tutorial 4: Evolving Open Solutions
Authors: Magnoni Dee
Published: November 2017

The “evolving open” topic covers a lot of ground, much of which has been already discussed in previous tutorials. The following items are intended to fill in some of the gaps that haven’t been covered yet, particularly in science and medical research but also with regard to some of the initiatives being undertaken by your OSI colleagues (particularly in your own workgroup)
HSS Scholars & Scientists Workgroup Report
Authors: Eller Shira , Gunn William , Scott-Lichter Diane , Lippincott Joan , Nixon Aimee , Seminara Concetta , Schonfeld Roger
Published: November 2017

The HSS Scholars and Scientists workgroup was convened in recognition of the diverse dynamics and requirements of different research communities, particularly within the Humanities and the Social Sciences (HSS). Within these disciplines there are significant differences in research culture, practices, and access to funding, highlighting that a different approach may be required to embed an open science environment.
Institutional Repositories Workgroup Report
Authors: Clement-Stoneham Geraldine , Jahn Najko , Mitchell Catherine , Orlowitz Jake , Ross Dave , Simpson William , Tein Andrew
Published: November 2017

Our task in the second OSI convening of the institutional repository workgroup was to propose a way forward for repository and infrastructure solutions: detailing what’s needed before action can be taken, what this action should look like, and what actors should be involved.Our main recommendation is directional: repositories must evolve and move toward interoperability and sustainability.Repositories should be diverse, decentralized, interoperable networks across the world.It is time for repository staff to shift focus more towards interoperability (policy-driven, research-relevant, and standards-based) and less on supporting content.The scholarly communication community should be incentivized to make choices related to repositories that are more sustainable.The scope and power of OSI lies in clarifying what this means and coordinating (or suggesting coordination) among existing stakeholders. OSI is not currently able to sustain, support, or itself build the solutions.
Practical reflections on combining workshops and mentorships to build capacity in demand and use of evidence in government organisations
Authors: Stewart Ruth , Wildeman Russell , Jordaan Sunet , Erasmus Yvonne , Langer Laurenz , Maluwa Louis , Tannous Natalie , Mitchell Janine
Published: November 2017

Decision makers’ capacity to use evidence is a key component of evidence-informed decision making (EIDM) at a policy level. This paper describes a unique combination of EIDM workshops and mentoring to build decision makers’ capacity to use evidence. It reflects how the deliberate design of sequential workshop and mentoring capacity-building activities enhanced programme effects and reports on the design features that we believe have most contributed to the observed effects. We have found that this combined approach is most effective when it is underpinned by a relationship-building theory of change and remains flexible and responsive to delivering on the needs of participants, and when it is delivered in a timely manner by partners who have been carefully paired with participants based on required expertise.
El ocio de los jóvenes en España. Una aproximación a sus prácticas y barreras
Authors: Caballo Villar María Belén , Varela Crespo Laura , Nájera Martínez Eusebio Manuel
Published: November 2017

El artículo toma como referencia el proyecto “De los tiempos educativos a los tiempos sociales: la construcción cotidiana de la condición juvenil en una sociedad de redes. Problemáticas y alternativas pedagógico-sociales” (EDU2012-39080-C07). Presenta los resultados referidos a la utilización del tiempo libre derivados de un cuestionario aplicado en el curso 2015-2016 a una muestra de 2694 estudiantes de Educación Secundaria Postobligatoria. Se concluye el predominio de prácticas asociadas a las dimensiones lúdica, cultural y festiva del ocio, siendo residual la dimensión solidaria. Destacan las barreras temporales y el déficit de alfabetización en ocio.
Ferramentas para o Ensino-Aprendizagem do Pensamento Computacional: onde está Alan Turing?
Authors: Bombasar James Roberto , Raabe André , De Santiago Rafael
Published: November 2017

INTRODUCTION: Since 2006, when Jeannette Wing popularized the term "Computational Thinking" as an essential skill for people in the twenty-first century, there is great interest from the scientific community and governments of various countries in the Computational Thinking exploration in K-12. Although Wing describes Computational Thinking as a process of problem solving that is based on the limits of computing, and more fundamentally addresses the question "What is computable?", little attention has been given to this question in practice. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to present a theoretical reflection about the importance of the notion of computability for Computational Thinking, and present a game project for its introduction in K-12. METHODS: Through the bibliographical research method, a study was carried out on the Computational Thinking, Theory of Computation and technologies used in the exploration of Computational Thinking. RESULTS: Based on the studies carried out, the design of a logic game inspired by computational models was elaborated. CONCLUSION: The game proposed in this article may represent a new strategy for the Computational Thinking exploration in K-12, because in addition to bringing notions of computability to the fore, it leads to a thinking way based in states changes, which represents an adequate model of the brain conscious functioning.
GENERATION OF TRANSPORT PATHS IN FRACTURED POROUS MEDIA
Authors: Říha Jakub , Královcová Jiřina
Published: November 2017

In this article, a method for generation of transport paths in combined equivalent porous media / discrete fracture network computational meshes is proposed as an alternative to a particle tracking method. It is based on a computation of the functional of the velocity and concentration individually for each element of a mesh. Its functionality is demonstrated on two test cases.
CONTRA-ROTATING PROPELLER AERODYNAMICS SOLVED BY A 3D PANEL METHOD WITH COUPLED BOUNDARY LAYER
Authors: Štorch Vít , Nožička Jiří
Published: November 2017

The aerodynamics of contra-rotating propellers is a complex three-dimensional problem of an unsteady flow, which is often approached by assuming numerous simplifications. Presented computational model combines a 3D panel method with a force-free vortex wake and a two-dimensional two-equation boundary layer model in an attempt to capture all the main contributing elements of the flow physics. An emphasis is placed on the interaction of the viscous boundary layer region with the inviscid region and the development of a portable method of their coupling. The kinematics of a force-free vortex wake is supplemented with a vortex aging due to a diffusion. Extra attention is paid to the process of the blade passing through the wake of another blade. To demonstrate the ability of the numerical model, several test cases are presented, illustrating the reaction of the system to various operational conditions.
Las poéticas de Beatriz Vallejos y Juan L. Ortiz: una lectura de la diáspora zen
Authors: Raynoldi Abigail
Published: November 2017

El presente trabajo, en sus diferentes momentos, tiene como reunión la poesía. Se considera la perspectiva comparada como una oportunidad única, como dice Franco Carvalhal, para escenificar “interrelaciones culturales y literarias” entre postulados del budismo zen, la poesía japonesa haiku y las poéticas de dos escritores de nuestra zona: un pasaje rápido por el referente entrerriano Juan L. Ortiz y principalmente la poeta santafesina, Beatriz Vallejos.
Climate change, food security and environmental securi-ty : A conflict inclination assessment of Karamoja region of Uganda
Authors: Akiyode Oluwole , Tumushabe Anne , Hadijjah Katongole , Peter Onu
Published: November 2017

The study investigates the consequences of climate change on food security and environmental security in the Karamoja region of Uganda. It relates climate change to the conflict, insecurity and crises that have been witnessed in the region in the past years.It examines the implications of the change in the grazing pattern of the pastoralists and herdsmen in the time of recurrent drought and dry spells in Karamoja on the security of the region and other communities in Uganda and beyond. It relates the interplay of climate change, environmental security and food security to human security in Karamoja region.It also through focus group discussion (FGD) conducted in Kaabong District of the Karamoja region, identifies the presumed impacts of climate change on the environment and the people alongside its socio-economic implications. In the end, the study suggests proactive environmental security programmes in the Karamoja region which are expected to encourage sustainable mitigation and adaptation strategies in its communities, which will encourage its regional peace, security and stability.
Awakening the Learner Within: Purposeful Prompts and Lifelong Learning Measures in a First-Year Composition Course
Authors: Moore Tara , Shaffer Suzanne C.
Published: November 2017

Lifelong learning skills have been shown to benefit students during and after college. This paper discusses the use of the Effective Lifelong Learning Inventory (ELLI) in a first-year composition course. Reflective writing assignments and pre- and post-semester ELLI data were used to assess student growth as lifelong learners over the course of a semester. Statistically significant gains in lifelong learning dimensions were made by students in the study as compared to those in a control group who received no direct instruction. The authors reflect on the outcomes of the project for students and instructors and question the general assumptions often made about the outcomes of a college education, namely, whether students gain lifelong learning skills simply by virtue of attending college, or is more instruction on these “intangible” qualities needed?
Exploring Instructors’ Practices in Student Engagement: A Collective Case Study
Authors: Arghode Vishal , Wang Jia , Lathan Ann
Published: November 2017

Instructors use various strategies to improve learning. To explore what instructors perceived as critical aspects of engaging instruction, we conducted a qualitative case study with seven instructors in the United States. Data was collected through individual face-to-face interviews. The conversations were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. The analyses of the transcriptions were conducted using the constant comparative method. Findings from the study varied. Yet, participants agreed that an engaging instructor must focus on learning; consider various aspects of students’ personal development including their cognitive, social, and emotional development; and take care of different student learning styles, for example, visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Participants stressed the importance of student engagement. Body language, verbal and non-verbal cues, and eye contact were the main parameters used by the participants to evaluate student engagement. Participants also emphasized the importance of asking questions and assessing instructional effectiveness by evaluating the questions asked by students.
Enhanced Grey Wolf Optimizer Based MPPT Algorithm of PV System Under Partial Shaded Condition
Authors: Cherukuri Santhan Kumar , Rayapudi Srinivasa Rao
Published: November 2017

Partial shading condition is one of the adverse phenomena which effects the power output of photovoltaic (PV) systems due to inaccurate tracking of global maximum power point. Conventional Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) techniques like Perturb and Observe, Incremental Conductance and Hill Climbing can track the maximum power point effectively under uniform shaded condition, but fails under partial shaded condition. An attractive solution under partial shaded condition is application of meta-heuristic algorithms to operate at global maximum power point. Hence in this paper, an Enhanced Grey Wolf Optimizer (EGWO) based maximum power point tracking algorithm is proposed to track the global maximum power point of PV system under partial shading condition. A Mathematical model of PV system is developed under partial shaded condition using single diode model and EGWO is applied to track global maximum power point. The proposed method is programmed in MATLAB environment and simulations are carried out on 4S and 2S2P PV configurations for dynamically changing shading patterns. The results of the proposed method are analyzed and compared with GWO and PSO algorithms. It is observed that proposed method is effective in tracking global maximum power point with more accuracy in less computation time compared to other methods.Article History: Received June 12nd 2017; Received in revised form August 13rd 2017; Accepted August 15th 2017; Available onlineHow to Cite This Article: Kumar, C.H.S and Rao, R.S. (2017 Enhanced Grey Wolf Optimizer Based MPPT Algorithm of PV System Under Partial Shaded Condition. Int. Journal of Renewable Energy Development, 6(3), 203-212.https://doi.org/10.14710/ijred.6.3.203-212
Performance of Loaded Thermal Storage Unit with a Commercial Phase Change Materials based on Energy and Exergy Analysis
Authors: Olimat Abdullah Nasrallh , Awad Ahmad S , AL-Gathain Faisal M. , Shaban Nabil Abo
Published: November 2017

This work presents an energy/exergy analysis to investige performance of thermal storage unit which loaded with a commercial phase change material (Plus ICE H190). The influence of fluid parameters on the energy/exergy effectiveness was examined. The temporal changes of the energy and exergy rate and performace of the storage unit are obtained  in the results. Latent heat principle is considered an efficient method to gain a higher effectiveness of system from an energy and exergy aspects. The fluid mass flow rate during charging and discharging periods were 2.50 kg/min and 1.26 kg/min, respectively. The results showed a significant increase of thermal resistance on the thermal storage unit performance. Fluid and phase change material show significant temperature difference on the rate of energy/exergy quantites and the time of melting or soldification. Ther results indicated that the average rate of energy and exergy were 1.3 kW and 0.54 kW, respectively. Wheras, energy and exergy  average rate during discarging periods were 1.1 kW and 0.31 kW, respectively. Also, the global rate during the experimetal periods were about 84% and 54%, respectively.Article History: Received July 6th 2017; Received in revised form September 15th 2017; Accepted 25th Sept 2017; Available onlineHow to Cite This Article: Olimat, A.N., Awad, A.S., Al-Gathain, F.M., and Shaban, N.A.. (2017) Performance of Loaded Thermal Storage Unit With A Commercial Phase Change Materials Based on Energy and Exergy Analysis. International Journal of Renewable Energy Development, 6(3),283-290.https://doi.org/10.14710/ijred.6.3.283-290
Pemodelan Metode Elemen Hingga Kontak Femoral Head dengan Acetabular Liner pada Sendi Panggul Buatan dengan Variasi Diameter Celah pada Acetabular Liner
Authors: Ismail Rifky , Sugiyanto Sugiyanto , Kristianto Henry , Saputra Eko , Jamari Jamari
Published: November 2017

Sendi panggul buatan (artificial hip joint) memiliki beberapa komponen utama, yaitu stem, femoral head dan acetabular shell yang terbuat dari material logam dan acetabular liner yang terbuat dari komponen polimer dengan jenis UHWMPE (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene). Pada desain sendi panggul buatan, yang diproduksi oleh UNDIP terdapat alternatif desain permesinan komponen acetabular liner yang memiliki celah pada titik pusat acetabular liner-nya. Untuk menguji alternatif desain ini, perlu dilakukan penelitian untuk mengetahui efek dari celah yang terdapat pada pusat acetabular liner terhadap distribusi contact pressure dan tegangan von Mises. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan tujuan mengetahui pengaruh dari variasi diameter celah yang terdapat pada acetabular liner sendi panggul buatan produk UNDIP terhadap tekanan kontak dan tegangan von Mises. Penelitian dilakukan menggunakan metode elemen hingga dengan software ABAQUS. Femoral head dimodelkan menggunakan material stainless steel AISI 316L dan acetabular liner dimodelkan menggunakan material UHMWPE. Beban yang diberikan pada kontak femoral head dan acetabular liner ini dimodelkan sebesar 5 N menuju titik pusat acetabular liner dengan variasi diameter celah: 0,5 mm, 1 mm, 1,5 mm, 2 mm, 2,5 mm dan 3 mm.. Jumlah elemen yang digunakan sebanyak 9000 buah setelah dikonfirmasi validitas penentuan mesh. Hasil simulasi menunjukkan bahwa terdapat konsentrasi tegangan pada tepi celah yang ditandai dengan tinggiya contact pressure dan tegangan von Mises. Nilai tertinggi kedua luaran ini terlihat pada diameter celah sebesar 2 mm yang nilai maksimumnya mencapai 4 kali dari besar contact pressure dan tegangan von Mises pada diameter celah yang lain. Fenomena ini diperkirakan disebabkan karena tepi dari celah berimpit dengan tepi dari jari-jari kontak yang terbentuk pada sistem kontak mekanik femoral head dan acetabular liner. Adanya kenaikan yang dramatis ini dapat mengakibatkan naiknya keausan (wear) dan munculnya kemungkinan terjadinya deformasi plastis yang lebih besar pada liner. Rekomendasi yang diberikan pada pemberian celah ini adalah sebaiknya dihindari untuk mengurangi terjadinya wear dan deformasi plastis yang terlalu besar. Dalam kondisi celah tidak dapat dihindari maka diameter celah tidak lebih dari 14% dari diameter femoral head
Pengaruh Komposisi Bahan Bakar Metanol-Bensin Terhadap Torsi Dan Daya Sebuah Mobil Penumpang Sistem Injeksi Elektronik 1200 CC
Authors: Sinaga Nazaruddin , Rifal Mohamad
Published: November 2017

Pada saat ini jumlah kendaraan bermotor di Indonesia sudah sangat banyak sehingga menimbulkan masalah dalam pengadaan bahan bakar, karena sebagian harus dibeli dari luar negeri. Di samping itu juga terdapat kecenderungan dan tekanan internasional untuk menggunakan bahan bakar yang lebih ramah lingkungan dan dapat diperbaharui. Penggunaan metanol sebagai bahan bakar alternatif memiliki prospek yang baik bila dapat direalisasikan di Indonesia, karena cukup banyak bahan mentah dan bahan baku yang tersedia di dalam negeri. Namun demikian hingga saat ini penggunaannya belum direkomendasikan oleh banyak pihak, karena masih terdapat keraguan akan dampak negatif yang ditimbulkannya terhadap kinerja mesin, gas buang yang dihasilkan, kerusakan komponen mesin dan sebagainya. Oleh karena itu perlu dilakukan berbagai riset untuk mempelajari efek penggunaan metanol ini serta upaya-upaya yang perlu dilakukan untuk mengatasi dampak negatif tersebut. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mempelajari pengaruh variasi komposisi campuran bensin-metanol terhadap kinerja sebuah kendaraan penumpang berbahan bakar bensin yang dilengkapi dengan sistem injeksi bahan bakar elektronik. Parameter yang diamati adalah nilai torsi dan daya yang dihasilkan mesin kendaraan pada komposisi metanol 0% (M0), 10% (M10), 15% (M15), 30% (M30), 50% (M50) dan 65% (M65). Penelitian ini dilakukan di Laboratorium Efisiensi dan Konservasi Energi, Departemen Teknik Mesin, Fakultas Teknik Universitas Diponegoro dengan menggunakan mobil Mitsubishi Mirage A/T 1200 CC tahun pembuatan 2015. Untuk memperbaiki sifat bahan bakar ditambahkan larutan aditif 1,2 Propylene glycol dengan konsentrasi 0,7%. Adapun pengaturan injeksi bahan bakar dilakukan dengan menambahkan Methanol Injection Control. Pengukuran torsi dan daya dilakukan di atas dinamometer sasis dengan menggunakan engine scanner. Bensin yang digunakan adalah jenis Premium dengan nilai RON 88 dan metanol yang digunakan memiliki konsentrasi 75%.  Dari penelitian ini secara umum didapatkan bahwa variasi komposisi metanol tidak memberikan pengaruh yang besar terhadap kurva torsi dan daya, jika dibandingkan dengan mesin berbahan bakar bensin murni (M0). Hal ini disebabkan karena kondisi operasi mesin, yaitu waktu penyalaan, laju aliran udara, rasio udara bahan-bakar, tidak mengalami perubahan yang berarti. Oleh karena itu melalui penelitian ini dapat direkomendasikan bahwa penggunaan metanol sebagai bahan bakar alternatif pada kendaraan berbahan bakar bensin memiliki prospek untuk diterapkan. Namun demikian perlu dilakukan beberapa penelitian lanjut untuk mengetahui dampaknya terhadap kerusakan komponen mesin, dan pengaturan injeksi maupun penyalaan yang memberikan kinerja mesin yang lebih baik.
Analisa Pengeringan Secara Konveksi Butiran Teh pada Fluidized Bed Dryer Menggunakan Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD)
Authors: Utomo MSK Tony Suryo , Yanuar Ghiffar
Published: November 2017

Simulasi numerik perpindahan panas pada teh dilakukan dengan menempatkan material teh pada domain komputasi sebuah aliran eksternal. Penurunan massa pada teh dihitung secara analitik dengan menggunakan persamaan laju penurunan massa. Teh dimodelkan dengan bentuk menyerupai bola setelah dilakukan pelayuan untuk kemudian dikeringkan. Kecepatan masuk aliran udara divariasikan sesuai dengan batas kecepatan minimum dan maksimum fluidisasi pada fluidized bed dryer. Kecepatan yang divariasikan yaitu 3 m/s, 5 m/s, dan 7 m/s. Temperatur masuk aliran udara juga divariasikan berdasarkan temperatur pengeringan teh untuk fluidized bed dryer yaitu 920C, 950C, dan 1000C. Model aliran yang digunakan yaitu aliran laminar dengan Re < 105 untuk aliran external. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perpindahan panas dan perpindahan massa terjadi dengan cepat untuk material teh. Berdasarkan variasi kecepatan aliran udara dan temperatur, maka semakin tinggi kecepatan dan temperatur masuk aliran udara mengakibatkan semakin menurunnya waktu yang dibutuhkan untuk mengurangi kadar air pada teh. Waktu yang digunakan untuk menurunkan kadar air hingga 3% berdasarkan temperatur pada kecepatan 3 m/s secara berurutan adalah 515 s (920C), 455 s (950C), dan 380 s (1000C). Sementara pada kecepatan 5 m/s waktu yag dibutuhkan adalah 400 s (920C), 355 s (950C), dan 295 s (1000C) serta untuk kecepatan 7 m/s berturut-turut 340 s (920C), 300 s (950C), dan 250 s (1000C). Untuk pengeringan teh lebih optimal dilakukan dengan menaikkan kececepatan masuk aliran fluida dibandingkan dengan menaikkan temperatur.
Overview of ribosomal and non-ribosomal antimicrobial peptides produced by Gram positive bacteria
Authors: Tajbakhsh M. , Karimi A. , Fallah F. , Akhavan M. M.
Published: November 2017

The increasing incidence of antimicrobial resistance bacterial infection and decreasing effectiveness of conventional antibiotics to treatment have caused serious problems worldwide. The demand for new generationantibiotics to combat microbial pathogens is imperative. Cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with different sources from prokaryotic to complex eukaryotic organisms, with variable length, amino acid composition and secondary structure, have been consideredduring the past decades.  The advantages of large number of AMPs are related to broad spectrum and morphogenetic activities, low resistance rate among microorganismswithout side effect on human cells, rapid killing of bacteria via membrane damage and intracellular targets,and their critical roles in anti-inï¬‚ammatory. Ribosomal synthesized peptides of Gram positive bacteria with various post translational modificationsrepresent extended types of antimicrobial peptide with different structural and functional diversity. These types of peptides have been considered as new therapeutic agents for pharmaceutical development .In addition, non- ribosomal synthesized peptides are a wide range of peptides , an extremely extensive range of biological activities and pharmacological properties that are not synthesized by ribosomes,  show interesting biological properties ranging from antibiotic to bio surfactants. This review focused on genetics, mechanism of action and modifications, resistance mode of Gram positive bacteria to AMPs and the biotechnological application of ribosomally and non-ribosomally synthesized peptides derived from Gram positive bacteria.
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase 27VNTR (4b/4a) gene polymorphism and the risk of diabetic microvascular complications in Chinese populations
Authors: Zhang X. , Yang Z. , Chen X.
Published: November 2017

To access the association of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene 27VNTR (4b/4a) polymorphism with diabetic microvascular complications (DMI) susceptibility in Chinese populations. Data were retrieved in a systematic manner on PubMed database, ISI Web of Knowledge, the Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang, as well as manual searching of the references of the identified articles. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval were used to evaluate the strength of associations. Potential sources of heterogeneity and publication bias were explored. Twelve published articles with thirteen outcomes including 1484 DMI patients and 1225 diabetic controls were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed no evidence for significant association of 27VNTR (4b/4a) polymorphism with DMI risk in dominant model (OR=1.36, 95% CI=0.90–2.06, P=0.15), and similar results were obtained in the allelic, additive and the recessive models (Pï¹¥0.05). Our meta-analysis suggests that eNOS gene 27VNTR (4b/4a) polymorphism might not be a risk factor for DMI in Chinese populations.
Application of 3D DIC Displacement Field Measurement in Residual Stress Calculations
Authors: Brynk T.
Published: November 2017

The knowledge of residual stress distribution is of great importance from the viewpoint of both, industrial and basal research. The most commonly utilized method of residual stress determination is based on strain measurements near the drilled holes of known geometry made by means of tensometric rosettes. An alternative to tensometers way of strain measurement is Digital Image Correlation (DIC). This optical method utilizes digital images registered during observed object deformation and delivers results in the form of displacement field maps consisting of hundreds or thousands of data points. Therefore, it is possible to deliver much more data in comparison to rosettes (only 3 or 6 tensometers, usually) and use them in the inverse method numeric procedure for residual stress calculations. In the paper the experimental stand consisting of micro driller and stereo imaging system for 3D DIC measurement and its application to residual stress estimation in prestrained steel samples are presented followed by obtained results discussion.
Directions of Growth, Improvement and Prospects for Efficiency of the Productivity of Sheep Breeds Tigaie in the Context of Zootechnical Bioeconomy
Authors: Udrea Lavinia
Published: November 2017

Nowadays, tigaie breed represents almost 26 percents of tha total sheep group in our country, being grown on the hill, plateau and depression areas, with atmosphero=ic precipitation of 650-800 mm, and in limited number in some submontane areas. The proportion of the Tigaie breed will be in the future of about 24% of the total herd. Due to its exceptional resistance and superior combining capabilities, the Tigaie breed will be a biological source of industrial cross-breeding and improvement, as well as the creation of new types, for fine-meat-milk wool, such as Spanca genetically stabilized or semifine-wool, as well as semi-wool milk. In order the breed to be properly harvested in the shown directions, it is necessary to keep valuable cores in the pure breed, subject to an appropriate selection and propagation program. The economic efficiency of animal production is largely determined by the results obtained by forage crops, the low cost of feed, contributing to the increase in the economic efficiency of livestock production.
What Can we Learn from ‘Postmodern’ Critiques of Education for Autonomy?
Authors: Culp Julian
Published: November 2017

Lyotard defines being postmodern as an ‘incredulity toward metanarratives’. Such incredulity includes, in particular, skepticism vis-à-vis Enlightenment ideals like autonomy. Motivated by such skepticism, several educational scholars put into question education for autonomy as it is practiced in the formal settings of national school systems. More specifically, they criticize that practices of autonomy education can have certain normalizing and ideological effects that undermine the aim of creating autonomous subjects. This article examines these critiques of education for autonomy and argues that they are best understood as calls for reforming educational practices, and not as outright rejections of education for autonomy. Thus, since the allegedly ‘postmodern’ critiques of autonomy education cannot be plausibly understood as radical ruptures with Enlightenment ideals, the article concludes that these critiques represent (merely) constructive self-critical reflections on what Habermas dubbed the ‘unfinished project of modernity’.
Democratic Rights and the Choice of Economic Systems
Authors: Platz Jeppe von
Published: November 2017

Holt argues that Rawls’s first principle of justice requires democratic control of the economy and that property owning democracy fails to satisfy this requirement; only liberal socialism is fully democratic. However, the notion of democratic control is ambiguous, and Holt has to choose between the weaker notion of democratic control that Rawls is committed to and the stronger notion that property owning democracy fails to satisfy. It may be that there is a tension between capitalism and democracy, so that only liberal socialism can be fully democratic, but if so,we should reject, rather than argue from, the theory of democracy we find in justice as fairness.
Sensitivity enhancement of a folded beam MEMS capacitive accelerometer-based microphone for fully implantable hearing application
Authors: Dwivedi Apoorva , Khanna Gargi
Published: November 2017

The present work attempts to enhance the sensitivity of a folded beam microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) capacitive accelerometer by optimising the device geometry. The accelerometer is intended to serve as a microphone in the fully implantable hearing application which can be surgically implanted in the middle ear bone structure. For the efficient design of the accelerometer as a fully implantable biomedical device, the design parameters such as size, weight and resonant frequency have been considered. The geometrical parameters are varied to obtain the optimum sensitivity considering the design constraints and the stability of the structure. The optimised design is simulated and verified using COMSOL MULTIPHYSICS 4.2. The stability of the device is ensured using eigenfrequency analysis. Optimised results of the device geometry are presented and discussed. The accelerometer has a sensing area of 1 mm2 and attains a nominal capacitance of 5.3 pF and an optimum sensitivity of 6.89 fF.
Spatial differentiation of urban population change in Russia
Authors: Wiśniewski Rafał
Published: November 2017

The demographic transformations in Russia have led to changes in the country’s urban population (population of cities and urban-type settlements), which declined by 3.3% in the years 1989-2010. However, the population of cities as such increased over the same period by 1.5%, mainly as a result of the huge growth in the population of Moscow. Population changes in Russian cities vary depending on the size of the city. The greatest change was observed, above all, in small peripheral cities, which lost as much as half of their population. However, even more alarming are the trends observed in the smaller cities of the historical heart of Russia, which fall within the catchment area of Moscow (and its aglomeration) and cities of supraregional importance. Such cities have been depopulating as fast as Siberian cities.