bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relative Comparison of Complex Dynamic Modulus Predictive Models for Non-Conventional Asphalt Concrete Mixtures
Authors: Mensching D. J. , Jeong M. M. , Myers McCarthy L.
Published: October 2017

Because of the widespread use of additives, a revised dynamic modulus (|E*|) predictive approach is needed for the mechanistic–empirical analysis of asphalt pavement designs. The importance of predicting |E*| relates to its use as a sensitive input in the AASHTO Pavement ME Design software. The objective of this study is to evaluate two |E*| predictive models currently used for asphalt mixtures that include non-conventional additives, and to provide recommendations for enhancing prediction capability of the models when these types of materials are used. The focus of the paper is on finding ways to efficiently and accurately generate |E*| inputs for the software when actual pavement response is not measured. Impacts of mixture type, temperature, and binder grade on |E*| predictions are explored. The current software uses three levels of inputs, two of which require key material characteristics to predict |E*| values rather than employing laboratory-measured |E*|. This study shows that for non-conventional mixtures, 53 % of |E*| values predicted by the 2006 Witczak predictive equation (WPE) are greater than values predicted by the 1999 WPE. This trend of over-prediction is observed at both low and high test temperatures. However, the opposite effect exists between the two WPEs at intermediate test temperatures. This research shows that adjusting the original binder type of non-conventional mixtures provides a significant improvement in predictive accuracy for |E*|. The findings of this study provide suggestions for alterations to binders, to adjust the WPE model’s terms for better predictive accuracy, and supplies recommendations to practitioners who use the AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design software; however, it is still evident that the laboratory measurement of |E*| values is still the preferred approach for generating inputs for the software.
Metallurgical Analysis of Inconel 625 Metallic Gaskets Produced by Centrifugal Casting
Authors: Rivolta B. , Gerosa R. , Tavasci F. , Ori Belometti L.
Published: October 2017

The global demand of materials with high mechanical and corrosion performances is increasing in many engineering fields. Among these materials, nickel alloys and duplex stainless steels have great importance, especially in the oil and gas industry, in which the use of pipes, flanges, and gaskets is very common. In the international standards, much attention is paid to the first two components, but less information is available about the gaskets and their behavior during the tightening operation. The standards generally require a maximum hardness for the gasket, even if this parameter cannot be considered enough to describe the whole plastic behavior of the material. In this experimental work, centrifugal cast Inconel 625 rings, solubilized at 1,180°C, were investigated by hardness, tensile, and compression tests to study the stress–strain behavior in the elastic and plastic fields. Moreover, a wide microstructural survey was performed, and finally, the corrosion resistance of the alloy was studied according to ASTM G48, Standard Test Methods for Pitting and Crevice Corrosion Resistance of Stainless Steels and Related Alloys by Use of Ferric Chloride Solution.
Students’ Perceptions of Interactive Biology Instruction
Authors: Rosier Renee L.
Published: October 2017

Many studies support the shift to interactive biology classrooms. Implementing these pedagogical changes can be particularly challenging for educators who must balance class preparation time with student engagement and course content. One approach to finding this balance is the use of complex classes with many components that continually redirect student focus. This study aimed to determine which components of a complex lecture were most engaging to senior-level college students in an animal behavior course. For this study, I presented students in two animal behavior classes with a PowerPoint presentation, an activity, group work, class discussion, and a PowerPoint presentation with videos. Students responded to Likert items on a survey to rate their interest in lecture activities, the extent to which the activities encouraged thinking, and to identify their favorite component of the class. Students agreed that the activity encouraged. The two classes varied in preferred components, with the first class leaning toward the activity, whereas the second class preferred the videos, but these differences were not statistically significant. Overall, most students identified components of the traditional lecture as their favorites. These results suggest that moderately interactive approaches, such as videos, can engage students.
Using Spreadsheets to Simulate an Evolving Population
Authors: Langendorf Ryan E. , Strode Paul K.
Published: October 2017

Biology teachers inevitably struggle with how best to teach evolution. Students arrive in their classrooms with preconceptions, many of which are overwhelmingly skeptical, and science teachers are increasingly being pressured to adhere to an arbitrary degree of objectivity that makes discussing scientific worldviews challenging. These challenges have resulted in evolution being taught largely as a series of explanations for questions arising from observations of the living world. In so doing, students may not have a chance to grapple with the worldview that produced those explanations, or develop a more mechanistic intuition for inheritance and change in the world they see around themselves. Here we put forth all the tools necessary for a class to build a simulation of an evolving population experiencing natural selection from scratch in a Google Docs spreadsheet. Not only will this activity help students experiment with the natural world more mechanistically, but it will also allow them to learn as actual evolutionary biologists do.
An Authentic Research Experience for Undergraduates in the Developmental Biology and Physiology Laboratory Using the Chick Embryonic Heart
Authors: McLaughlin Jacqueline S. , Patel Mit A.
Published: October 2017

The lab presented in this paper utilizes a proven four-step pedagogical framework (McLaughlin & Coyle, 2016) to redesign a classic Association of Biology Laboratory Education (ABLE) undergraduate lab (McLaughlin & McCain, 1999) into an authentic research experience on vertebrate four-chambered heart development and physiology. The model system is the chicken embryo. Through their research, students are also exposed to the embryonic anatomy and physiology of the vertebrate heart, the electrical circuitry of the developing heart, and the effects of pharmacological drugs on heart rate and contractility. Classical embryological micro-techniques, explantation of the embryo, surgical removal of the beating heart, isolation of the heart chambers, and more advanced tissue culture methods are also conducted. In this laboratory paradigm, students work in pairs to ask their own questions concerning the effects of two human cardiovascular drugs, denopamine™ and acebutolol™ on both in vivo and in vitro chicken embryonic heart rate and contractility, develop testable hypotheses based on information gathered from relevant scientific literature, devise and carry out a controlled experiment, and present the data in a professional scientific manner pertaining to a topic of clinical significance.
A Question-Based Approach to Teaching Photosynthesis, Carbohydrate Partitioning, and Energy Flow
Authors: Lubkowitz Mark , Koch Karen , Weil Cliff , Braun David M.
Published: October 2017

To help high school students develop a deeper understanding of energy and matter flow in biological systems, a key goal of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), we have designed a series of inquiry-driven modules that experimentally explore photosynthesis in the context of carbohydrate partitioning. Carbohydrate partitioning refers to the distribution of photosynthesis products from source organs, such as leaves, to growing or storage tissues. These cost- and time-effective modules help students develop a more integrated understanding of how energy flows from light into leaves before moving outward to other parts of the plant and ultimately into other organisms. Our approach of teaching carbohydrate partitioning along with photosynthesis greatly expands the number of NGSS core ideas and cross-cutting concepts in an integrated manner, empowers students to see how photosynthesis and carbohydrate partitioning are central to their existence, and provides a rich platform for experimentally addressing questions related to photosynthesis, crop production, global climate change, plant physiology, and the carbon cycle.
The Risks of Renal Angiomyolipoma: Reviewing the Evidence
Authors: Seyam Raouf M. , Alkhudair Waleed K. , Kattan Said A. , Alotaibi Mohamed F. , M. Alzahrani Hassan , M. Altaweel Waleed
Published: October 2017

Renal angiomyolipoma (RAML), though a rare benign tumor, may impose a significant morbidity or even mortality due to its unique characteristics and the complications subsequent to its treatment. The classic tumor variant is composed of smooth muscular, vascular, and fatty components. The most straightforward diagnosis is when the fat component is abundant and gives a characteristic appearance on different imaging studies. In fat-poor lesions, however, the diagnosis is difficult and presumed a renal cell carcinoma. Yet, some variants of RAML, though rare, express an aggressive behavior leading to metastasis and mortality. The challenge lies in the early detection of benign variants and identifying aggressive lesions for proper management. Another challenge is when the vascular tissue component predominates and poses a risk of hemorrhage that may extend to the retroperitoneum in a massive life-threatening condition. The predicament here is to identify the characteristics of tumors at risk of bleeding and provide a prophylactic treatment. According to the clinical presentation, different treatment modalities, prophylactic or therapeutic, are available that span the spectrum of observation, embolization, or surgery. Renal impairment may result from extensive tumor burden or as a complication of the management itself. Improvement of diagnostic techniques, super-selective embolization, nephron-sparing surgery, and late treatment with the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors have provided more effective and safe management strategies. In this review, we examine the evidence pertaining to the risks imposed by RAML to the patients and identify merits and hazards associated with different treatment modalities.
What Do We Know about Effects of Diversity Management? A Meta-analysis
Authors: Turek Dariusz
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this paper is to synthesise the literature on the relationship between diversity management and the main organisational and team outcomes (organisational performance, job performance, organisational commitment and turnover). The author conducts a meta-analysis of the relationship between diversity management and organisational and team outcomes using a sample of 17 studies and 29 different correlations. The results show significant overall relationships between diversity management and organisational performance (zr = 0.27, p < 0.05), job performance (zr = 0.16, p < 0.01) organisational commitment (zr = 0.30, p < 0.01) and turnover (zr = –0.43, p < 0.01). The article extends previous research by quantitatively reviewing the relationship between diversity management and organisational and team outcomes. It shows that diversity management has the potential to increase organisational and employee performance and job attitudes. Implications of research done to date for future analyses are discussed and recommendations are made.
Kompleksowe podejście do zapewnienia bezpieczeństwa i ochrony zdrowia pracowników – studium przypadku
Authors: Chomątowska Barbara , Molek-Winiarska Dorota
Published: October 2017

Nowadays, more and more organizations are using a system-based, proactive approach to the management of occupational safety and health (OSH). This requires that treatment of worker health and safety now be more complex and comprehensive than it has been. The aim of this paper is to present the diversity of OSH dimensions within the framework of the contemporary approach to OSH management.The paper looks particularly at issues of organizational health and interventions addressing work-related stress. The second part of the article describes a case study of the implementation of a system-based OSH programme in one company, which undertook numerous technical, systemic and behavioral activities requiring the cooperation of many departments and individuals: OSH, HR, quality management and occupational medicine and Occupational Health Psychologists.
Is access to medical education improving?
Authors: Hays Richard
Published: October 2017

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. The number of medical school places appears to be increasing faster than population growth in many parts of the world, with perhaps two main drivers. The first is the increasing population, in particular those with who are older and with chronic, complex health conditions. The second is globalisation and commercialisation of medical education, with growing numbers of fee-paying programs for applicants seeking careers in countries that offer the best career opportunities. Using Australia as an example, this paper suggests that while access to primary medical qualification programs is increasing, barriers to progress may have simply been moved to postgraduate employment and training opportunities, such that producing the workforce needed for a healthier population remains challenging.
Clinical N-PAL Preferentially Benefits International Students
Authors: Iqbal Halima , Galea Michela , Agius Andee , Stabile Isabel
Published: October 2017

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which Near Peer Assisted Learning influences the final practical examination results of Year 3 medical students at the University of Malta.Twenty-five Year 4 students received 10 hours of training using standardized clinical histories and corresponding checklists. Fifty-three Year 3 students in a 1:2 tutor:learner ratio attended ten prepared sessions covering history taking and examination skills in each of the body systems. Results: EU participants had significantly higher mean scores than non-EU students (78 vs 66%, p = 0.02). EU and non-EU N-PAL participants had higher mean clinical examination scores than EU and non-EU non-participants (77.3 vs 70.5%, p=0.1; 66.3 vs 47.8%, p=0.07, respectively). The mean pre/post test score for doing a clinical examination increased by 29%. Discussion: Perhaps because peer assisted tutoring is perceived to be less formidable than clinician-led teaching, N-PAL participating students from non-EU countries scored almost one fifth higher than their non-participating peers in the final clinical skills examination. Perceived pre/post test scores improved dramatically in doing a clinical examination, indicating that participants felt that they benefited from attending these sessions. Conclusion: If used as an adjunct to formal teaching, Near Peer Assisted Learning is particularly beneficial to non-EU students studying within the EU, probably because it improves communication skills, instills self-confidence as well as helps students to practice practical skills in an informal setting. Take home messages : Near Peer Assisted Learning boosts the confidence of non-EU students allowing them to perform better in clinical exam situations. However, a ll participants reported the sessions as being very helpful in improving their history-taking and clinical examination skills.
Management of issues in the delivery of airport infrastructure within Western Australia
Authors: Lopez Robert , Mascione Daniel , Liu Henry Junxiao
Published: October 2017

The objective of this paper is to present the identified underlying antecedents of problems unique to the procurement of airport infrastructure and recommend initiatives for their management. This research is significant due to the importance of airports in economic growth through improving the logistics of both freight and people. This paper first presents the typical characteristics of airport infrastructure procurement. It then focuses on the main issues with project procurement method selection and management of stakeholders involved within an airport infrastructure project. A case study of stakeholder industry practitioners involved in a Western Australian airport terminal project was then undertaken to reveal issues with current practices encountered during its planning, design and construction phases. Their management strategies and control techniques were also compared. The planning phase in particular was found to have the greatest influence over the nature and severity of issues encountered within the airport terminal project later on. This paper suggests that these issues could be mitigated if properly managed at the project level from the outset.
Atoll Reef Geomorphology of Sagori Island, SE Sulawesi: A Reconnaissance Study
Authors: Solihuddin Tubagus
Published: October 2017

DOI: 10.17014/ijog.4.3.181-191The Sagori Atoll of the Kabaena Island, SE Sulawesi is one of Indonesia’s remote tropical reefs and such has received little attention from reef researchers. Non of early scientific expeditions reported either geomorphology or ecology of the Sagori Atoll in detail. This study is the first investigation of the reef geomorphology and associated habitats of Sagori Atoll within a biodiversity of “Coral reef Triangle Initiative - CTI” region, using data from satellite imagery and on ground observation. The Sagori Atoll environment consists of reef-island, atoll rim, and lagoon in which six habitats are associated, including: sand cay, coralgal pavement, sand sheet (intertidal and subtidal), sand-hardground striation, and outer atoll rim and lagoon (shallow and deep). The reef-island is built from sediments that are entirely calcareous, resting on a platform of lithified coral conglomerate. The atoll rim is dominated by coralgal pavement consisting mainly of both encrusting and living coralline algae. The lagoon which is a semi-enclosed pool and opens to the eastern side, consists of sand and scattered corals. The atoll formation is considered to be of nonvolcanic origin, but is rising from the depth of due to anticlinal island subsidence.
¿Qué es una capacidad?
Authors: Munck Jean De
Published: October 2017

El “teorema de Sen”, que plantea un desacuerdo entre la eficiencia y las libertades; la discusión sobre el origen de las hambrunas; la controversia con Rawls; el debate con Nussbaum; la crítica del utilitarismo que tiene que ver con la idea misma de desarrollo; la objeción a Law and Economics. A través de estas etapas tan diversas de una biografía intelectual, un solo objetivo estaba en juego: soldar de nuevo, a través de mil eslabones y sobre mil temas, la cadena rota de la filosofía política y de la economía. En el centro de dicho trabajo se encuentra la noción de “capacidad”, noción prometida a una fulgurante carrera que ahora invade las ciencias sociales. No sin mezclas y confusiones: ¿qué no invoca las competencias? ¿Los saberes prácticos? ¿Las “skills”? ¿Las disposiciones? El discurso agrupa en una gran familia semántica todas esas nociones que tienen tanto que ver con reflexividad, aprendizajes y capital humano. Las “capacidades” de Sen tienen seguramente algo que ver con todo eso. Ciertamente participan de las corrientes contemporáneas. Sin embargo, el éxito de la noción es actualmente lo que nos separa de Sen de la misma manera en que es lo que nos conduce a él. Tenemos que retomar la especificidad del procedimiento de Sen antes de tejer vínculos con otros enfoques (de sociología, de psicología, de derecho) y de operar todas las combinaciones.
Mundos Plurales. Revista Latinoamericana de Políticas y Acción Pública
Authors: Flacso Ecuador Universidad Nacional de Colombia
Published: October 2017

Esta revista pretende ser un foro abierto a investigadores y a profesionales para el debate en el campo de las políticas públicas, así como para la difusión y discusión de las ideas y prácticas de acción pública que privilegian la participación y la deliberación como instrumentos de construcción de una sociedad democrática, respetuosa de los derechos del hombre y la naturaleza, que apela a principios de justicia. Con estos propósitos, la revista publicará resultados de investigaciones empíricas y teóricas relacionadas con la acción pública, de tipo cualitativo y/o cuantitativo, con un especial interés en los trabajos realizados desde una perspectiva crítica y comparada.
Tomo I: Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición de la población ecuatoriana de cero a 59 años, ENSANUT-ECU 2012 Por Freire, Wilma et al
Authors: López Cevallos Daniel
Published: October 2017

Wilma Freire, Co-Directora del Instituto de Investigación en Salud y Nutrición de la Universidad San Francisco de Quito, y quien fuera Jefe de la Unidad de Nutrición de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud, lideró un equipo multidisciplinario e interinstitucional para la realización de la que es, a la fecha, la más grande encuesta sobre salud y nutrición en la población ecuatoriana. En el Tomo I, la Dra. Freire y su equipo nos presentan una descripción detallada de los aspectos conceptuales y metodológicos de la ENSANUT-ECU 2012, y enfocan el análisis en los resultados de salud y nutrición de la población de cero a 59 años, dejando para el Tomo II, los resultados sobre salud sexual y reproductiva de mujeres y hombres en edad fértil, además de datos sobre la utilización y gasto en servicios de salud.
Análisis de la política ecuatoriana de becas de estudios de posgrado en el exterior y su relación con el cambio de matriz productiva
Authors: Escobar Jiménez Christian
Published: October 2017

Este artículo hace una breve evaluación de la política de becas para estudios en el extranjero que mantiene el gobierno ecuatoriano a través de la Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (Senescyt).Teóricamente, la política de becas está asociada a los objetivos de cambio de la matriz productiva y a la reestructuración de la educación superior. Para la evaluación de tales objetivos, se han levantadoestadísticas en base a diferentes fuentes de información. Se expone y analiza los criterios detrás de la política de becas, el cambio de matriz productiva y una evaluación de cómo la ejecución de tal política nopuede asociarse directamente a tales objetivos; y, más bien, tiende a establecerse un fenómeno cercano al Efecto San Mateo, lo que limita la equidad en el acceso. Se pretende demostrar que tal política no estánecesariamente encauzada a los objetivos perseguidos.
TABLA DE CONTENIDO
Authors: Miranda Limachi Keila Ester
Published: October 2017

TABLA DE CONTENIDO
Editorial
Authors: Miranda Limachi Keila Ester
Published: October 2017

Editorial
Influencia del modelo estético e insatisfacción corporal en adolescentes mujeres de una institución educativa estatal de Lima este, 2016
Authors: Agesto Pinaud Jhonny , Barja Becerra Betsaida , Santillán Mejía Aida
Published: October 2017

Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre las influencias del modelo estético e insatisfacción corporal en adolescentes mujeres de 3° a 5° de secundaria de una institución educativa estatal de Lima este, 2016. Materiales y métodos: El estudio es de diseño no experimental, de corte transversal y de alcance correlacional. Para lograrlo, se contó con una muestra de 255 estudiantes mujeres cuyas edades oscilan entre 13 y 17 años, a quienes se les aplicó el Cuestionario de Influencias del Modelo Estético (CIMEC) y el Body Shape Questionnarie (BSQ). Resultados: Fueron obtenidos a través del coeficiente de correlación de Spearman muestran una relación altamente significativa entre la influencia del modelo estético y la insatisfacción corporal (rho= ,785**, p<0,000). Asimismo, la relación entre las dimensiones de influencias del modelo estético y la variable de insatisfacción corporal son significativas. Conclusiones: A mayor influencia del modelo de belleza, mayor será la preocupación por la imagen corporal y el peso en las adolescentes.
Infecciones de vías urinarias como factor de riesgo en embarazadas multíparas del centro de salud Siete de Octubre del cantón Quevedo, Ecuador
Authors: Miranda Limachi Keila Ester
Published: October 2017

Objetivo: Identificar los principales factores de riesgo de la infección de las vías urinarias en las embarazadas multíparas, y determinar la correlación entre las infecciones de vías urinarias y las complicaciones en las embarazadas. Materiales y Métodos: El método utilizado fue descriptivo transversal. La población comprendida por 436 mujeres embarazadas, del centro de salud “Siete de Octubre”, dando como muestra luego de aplicar la fórmula de probabilidad con un 5% de error de 204 pacientes que fueron encuestadas. Resultados: El 55% índico que 1 vez al día realiza el aseo íntimo, 76% manifestaron que con mucha frecuencia se aguanta las ganas de orinar más que todo cuando no se encuentran en sus hogares; 42% de las mujeres embarazadas manifestaron que las medidas preventivas o tratamientos que ha realizado cuando presenta infección de las vías urinarias es la utilización de remedios caseros, 71% de las mujeres embarazadas indicaron que si algunas veces han tenido que abandonar el cuidado y tratamiento de la infección de vías urinarias por la escasez de recursos económicos, el 69% de las mujeres embarazadas no conocen cuales son las principales causas por la que se genera las infecciones y un 100% de las mujeres, indicaron que si participarían en capacitaciones para conocer los métodos de prevención de la patología. Conclusiones: Se deben establecer estrategias educativas comunitarias orientadas a las mujeres embarazadas del centro de salud Siete de Octubre del cantón Quevedo para disminuir el índice de pacientes embarazadas multíparas con infecciones en la vías urinarias.
Efectividad del programa “Anotaciones, que hablan por ti” en los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas de los profesionales de enfermería en las anotaciones de enfermería según el modelo SOAPIE en los servicios de hospitalización del Hospital II Vitarte, L
Authors: Miranda Limachi Keila Ester
Published: October 2017

Objetivo: Determinar la efectividad del programa “Anotaciones, que hablan por ti” en los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas de los profesionales de enfermería, en las anotaciones de enfermería según el Modelo SOAPIE, de los servicios de hospitalización del Hospital II Vitarte. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de enfoque cuantitativo; diseño pre experimental con un antes y después, de corte longitudinal. Participaron 24 profesionales de enfermería de los servicios de hospitalización de Medicina, Pediatría, Cirugía y Unidad de Vigilancia Intensiva; a quienes se les aplicó tres tipos de instrumentos: un cuestionario para medir conocimientos, la escala de actitudes tipo Likert y la guía de observación para evaluar la práctica. Resultados: El programa educativo mejoró el nivel de conocimientos sobre las anotaciones de enfermería en el modelo SOAPIE de los profesionales de enfermería, incrementando el promedio de calificación antes y después de la intervención de 20.7 a 25.0 puntos (p-valor =.000) , asimismo, mejoró el nivel de actitudes, pasando de un promedio de 47.17 a 48.75 puntos (p-valor=.000)y mejoró la práctica de las anotaciones de enfermería, incrementando el promedio de puntuación de 6.33 a 10.21 (p-valor =.000). Conclusiones: El programa educativo “Anotaciones, que hablan por ti” fue efectivo en los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas según el modelo SOAPIE, en los profesionales de Enfermería del Hospital
II Vitarte-EsSalud.
UCP-1 (Abcam ab10983) immunohistochemical protocol v1
Authors: Hemmeryckx Bianca , Bauters Dries , Roger Lijnen H.
Published: October 2017

Increasing energy expenditure by stimulating thermogenesis through activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and/or induction of browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) is considered a promising strategy to treat/prevent obesity and related metabolic diseases. Whereas WAT is adapted to store energy as triglycerides, BAT produces heat (non-shivering thermogenesis). In brown adipocytes, the uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) regulates conversion of energy into heat by uncoupling ATP production from mitochondrial respiration. Also in WAT adaptive UCP-1 positive adipocytes (brown in white: brite or beige) can arise, predominantly in subcutaneous (s) WAT. This browning of WAT is enhanced by exposure to cold temperatures.
Determination of protein levels of browning genes in murine adipose tissues by western blotting. v1
Authors: Hemmeryckx Bianca , Bauters Dries , Roger Lijnen H.
Published: October 2017

Increasing energy expenditure by stimulating thermogenesis through activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and/or induction of browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) is considered a promising strategy to treat/prevent obesity and related metabolic diseases. Whereas WAT is adapted to store energy as triglycerides, BAT produces heat (non-shivering thermogenesis). In brown adipocytes, the uncoupling protein-1 (Ucp-1) regulates conversion of energy into heat by uncoupling ATP production from mitochondrial respiration. Also in WAT adaptive Ucp-1 positive adipocytes (brown in white: brite or beige) can arise, predominantly in subcutaneous (s) WAT. Therefore, this browning of sWAT can be visualized by makingsWAT protein extracts and byanalyzing protein levels of brown adipocyte-specific markers such as Ucp-1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 α (Pgc1α) in theseextracts.
Protocol for amplification of three DNA regions from Nephila clavipes (Araneae: Araneidae). v1
Authors: Filipe Bartoleti Luiz
Published: October 2017

Protocol for amplification of the mitochondrial gene "Citocrome Oxidase I" and the nuclear genes "subunit a from the Histone 3" and "Internal Transcribed Spacer 2" from Nephila clavipes (Araneae: Araneidae).
Understanding Nuclear Binding Energy with Strong and Electroweak Coupling Constants
Authors: Seshavatharam U.V. Satya , Lakshminarayana S.
Published: October 2017

At nuclear scale, we present three heuristic relations pertaining to strong and electroweak coupling constants. With these relations, close to beta stability line, it is possible to study nuclear binding energy with a single energy coefficient of magnitude ( 1 α s )[ e 2 4π ε 0 R 0 ]≈10.0 MeV. With reference to up and down quark masses, it is also possible to interpret that, nuclear binding energy is proportional to the mean mass of [ ( 2 m u + m d ) and ( m u +2 m d ) ]≈10.0 MeV.
Validity of Dietary Assessment in Athletes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Capling Louise , Beck Kathryn L. , Gifford Janelle A. , Slater Gary , Flood Victoria M. , O'Connor Helen
Published: October 2017

Dietary assessment methods recognized as appropriate for the general population are usually applied in a similar manner to athletes, despite knowledge that sport-specific factors can complicate assessment and impact accuracy in unique ways. As dietary assessment methods are used extensively within the field of sports nutrition, there is concern the validity of methodologies have not undergone more rigorous evaluation in this unique population sub-group. The purpose was to systematically review studies comparing two or more methods of dietary assessment, including dietary intake measured against biomarkers or reference measures of energy expenditure, in athletes. Six electronic databases were searched for English-language, full-text articles published from January 1980 until June 2016. The search strategy combined the following keywords: diet, nutrition assessment, athlete and validity; where the following outcomes are reported but not limited to: energy intake, macro and/or micronutrient intake, food intake, nutritional adequacy, diet quality, or nutritional status. Meta-analysis was performed on studies with sufficient methodological similarity, with between-group standardized mean differences (or effect size) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) calculated. Of the 1624 studies identified, 18 were eligible for inclusion. Studies comparing self-reported energy intake (EI) to energy expenditure assessed via doubly labelled water were grouped for comparison (n=11) and demonstrated mean EI was under-estimated by 19 % (- 2793 ± 1134 kJ/d). Meta-analysis revealed a large pooled effect size of - 1.006 (95% CI: -1.3 to -0.7; p<0.001). The remaining studies (n=7) compared a new dietary tool or instrument to a reference method(s) (e.g. food record, 24-h dietary recall, biomarker) as part of a validation study. This systematic review revealed there are limited robust studies evaluating dietary assessment methods in athletes. Existing literature demonstrates substantial variability between methods, with under and misreporting of intake frequently observed. There is a clear need for careful validation of dietary assessment methods, including emerging technical innovations, among athlete populations.
The Optimum Slash Pile Size for Grinding Operations: Grapple Excavator and Horizontal Grinder Operations Model Based on a Sierra Nevada, California Survey
Authors: Yoshioka Takuyuki , Sakurai Rin , Kameyama Shohei , Inoue Koki , Hartsough Bruce
Published: October 2017

The processing of woody biomass waste piles for use as fuel instead of burning them was investigated. At each landing slash pile location, a 132 kW grapple excavator was used to transfer the waste piles into a 522 kW horizontal grinder. Economies of scale could be expected when grinding a larger pile, although the efficiency of the loading operation might be diminished. Here, three piles were ground and the operations were time-studied: Small (20 m long × 15 m wide × 4 m high), Medium (30 × 24 × 4 m), and Large (35 × 30 × 4 m) piles. Grinding the Medium pile was found to be the most productive at 30.65 bone dry tons per productive machine hour without delay (BDT/PMH0), thereby suggesting that there might be an optimum size of slash pile for a grinding operation. We also examined modeling of the excavator and grinder operations, and we observed that the constructed simulation model well-replicated the actual operations. Based on the modeling, we estimated that the productivity of grinding at a landing area of 710 m2 of slash pile location was 31.24 BDT/PMH0, which was the most productive rate.
Microcantilever Resonators for Ochratoxin A Detection in Food and Drinks
Authors: Santoro Karin , Prelle Ambra , Spadaro Davide , Gullino Maria Lodovica , Ricciardi Carlo
Published: October 2017

Mycotoxins food contamination represents a serious risk for consumers health. They are secondary metabolites of fungi that can be present in a wide range of foodstuffs. Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the most toxic compound and it is classified as a possible carcinogenic molecule. The harmful effects of OTA on human and animal health lead to a big boost to develop and optimize highly sensitive and accurate methods for OTA detection. An innovative and rapid detection method based on microcantilever resonators for ochratoxin A identification in food matrix has been developed. This work demonstrates the possibility to apply microcantilever technology in food safety field, showing for the first time in literature the successful detection of one of the most dangerous mycotoxin in different food matrixes both solids and liquids, such as green coffee, grape juice and wine. Sensing performances are discussed in terms of calibration plot and limit of detection.
A Novel Approach to Monitor the Curing of Composite Materials in Closed Tools by the Use of Ultrasonic Spectroscopy
Authors: Pommer Christian , Sinapius Michael
Published: October 2017

With an ever broadening use of composite materials manufacturers are in high demand of efficient curing cycles to reduce costs and speed up production cycles. One method to to archive this goal is active cure monitoring to determine the exact time of curing needed. This article provides a novel method to measure the cure inside of closed tools by using ultrasonic spectroscopy. For this a simple experiment is used to show the change of the ultrasonic spectrum during the cure of an epoxy. The results clearly show a direct correlation of amplitude and state of cure where the amplitude reaches a global minimum at the glass point.
Lembaga dan Organisasi Petani dalam Pengaruh Negara dan Pasar
Authors: Syahyuti NFN
Published: October 2017

English
Farmer’s empowerment through formal organization is very important in Indonesia, but its achievement is quite low.  It is the state desire to formally organize the farmers and in contrary, the market tend to see the farmers, individually or in groups, to efficiently behave. Through the new institutionalism approach, such behavior could be understood on why and how the farmers organize themselves. This approach has been successfully overcome many limitations embedded in the previous approaches. With this new approach, perception on the farmer’s behavior is an awareness act and logically acceptable according to their socio-political context and various potential they have. This paper aims to describe various study results and expert thoughts on the concept and theory of “institution” and “organization”. According to the new institutionalism approach, the development of farmer’s organization need to consider principles that the formal organization is an option, give priority to function rather than bureaucracy administration, organization as a tool, reward based on farmer’s rasionality, and empowerment of farmer’s vertical relations is necessary.

Indonesian
Pemberdayaan petani melalui organisasi formal merupakan hal yang utama di Indonesia, namun keberhasilannya sangat terbatas. Negara menginginkan petani diorganisasikan secara formal, sementara pasar cenderung menghendaki petani (secara individu dan kelompok) untuk berperilaku efisien dan menguntungkan. Melalui pendekatan paham kelembagaan baru (New Instituionalism) dapat dipahami mengapa dan bagaimana petani mengorganisasikan dirinya. Pendekatan ini telah berhasil mengatasi berbagai kekurangan pendekatan sebelumnya. Pada pendekatan baru ini perilaku petani dipersepsikan sebagai sebuah tindakan yang sadar dan rasional sesuai dengan konteks sosial politik yang mereka miliki dan berbagai kekuatan yang melingkupi mereka. Paper disusun dari berbagai hasil studi dan pemikiran ahli berkenaan dengan konsep dan teori tentang “lembaga” (institution) dan “organisasi” (organization). Sesuai dengan pendekatan paham kelembagaan baru, pengembangan keorganisasian petani perlu memperhatikan prinsip-prinsip bahwa organisasi formal adalah sebuah opsi, mengutamakan fungsi daripada administrasi birokrasi, organisasi sebagai alat, penghargaan pada rasionalitas petani, dan perlunya penguatan relasi-relasi vertikal petani.
Potensi dan Kendala Sistem Resi Gudang (SRG) untuk Mendukung Pembiayaan Usaha Pertanian di Indonesia
Authors: Ashari NFN
Published: October 2017

English
Price fall of agricultural commodities usually taking place during harvest season adversely affect the farmers. The government addresses this issue through launching the Warehouse Receipt System (SRG). This paper critically reviews potencies and constraints of WRS in supporting agricultural finance and its improvement measures. Theoretically, SRG provides potential benefits, especially in financial support, stabilizing price fluctuation, increasing farmers’ income, credit mobilization, improving product quality, etc. However, SRG implementation in the agricultural sector encounters a number of constraints, such as high transaction costs, inconsistency of quantity and quality of agricultural products, lack of bank support, and weak farmers’ institutions. Since the farmers’ institutions are not well organized yet, SRG procedures seem very complicated and need simplification. In addition, SRG promotion and more conducive government policy are also necessary to optimize this credit scheme.

 

Indonesian
Fenomena jatuh harga komoditas pertanian, terutama saat panen raya, seringkali merugikan petani. Untuk mengatasi permasalahan ini sekaligus membantu pembiayaan usaha pertanian pemerintah telah menggulirkan skim pembiayaan dengan Sistem Resi Gudang (SRG). Tulisan ini bertujuan melakukan tinjauan secara kritis terkait potensi dan kendala penerapan SRG untuk pembiayaan sektor pertanian. Hasil studi menunjukkan adanya potensi yang dapat dimanfaatkan dari pelaksanaan SRG utamanya dalam mendukung pembiayaan, minimalisasi fluktuasi harga, peningkatan pendapatan petani, mobilisasi kredit, perbaikan mutu produk dan sebagainya. Namun, implementasi SRG di sektor pertanian masih dihadapkan sejumlah kendala diantaranya besarnya biaya transaksi, inkonsistensi kuantitas dan kualitas produk pertanian, minimnya dukungan lembaga perbankan, serta masih lemahnya kelembagaan petani. Dengan kelembagaan petani belum tertata secara baik, aturan SRG masih dipandang terlalu rumit sehingga diperlukan penyederhanaan prosedur agar SRG dapat dimanfaatkan oleh petani. Disamping itu, sosialisasi keberadaan SRG serta dukungan kebijakan pemerintah yang kondusif akan menjadi faktor penting sehingga SRG dapat diimplementasikan lebih optimal.
Pengembangan Agroforestry untuk Mendukung Ketahanan Pangan dan Pemberdayaan Petani Sekitar Hutan
Authors: Mayrowani Henny , Ashari NFN
Published: October 2017

English
Agroforestry is developed to offer benefits to the nearby communities. It also aims at producing food. Improving food production could be carried out through an extensification program, such as an agro forestry system. Ministry of Forestry also takes a part in national food security through agro forestry where it is an intercropping between food crops and forest trees. Agro forestry is run using a Community-Based Forest Management (PHBM). To integrate forest preservation and community development, PHBM facilitates establishment of Forest Village Community Organization (LMDH).  Agro forestry commonly involves LMDH contributes to 41.32 percent of the households’ income and creates employment of 2.39 persons per hectare.  Agro forestry is effective in improving income distribution, households’ income, food production, and poverty alleviation in the communities nearby the forests.

 

Indonesian
Agroforestry dikembangkan untuk memberi manfaat kepada manusia atau meningkatkan kesejahteraan masyarakat.  Agroforesty utamanya diharapkan dapat membantu mengoptimalkan hasil suatu bentuk penggunaan lahan secara berkelanjutan guna menjamin dan memperbaiki kebutuhan bahan pangan. Tingginya laju pertumbuhan penduduk mengindikasikan meningkatnya pangan yang harus tersedia. Pencapaian sasaran peningkatan produksi pangan dapat dilakukan dengan pola intensifikasi melalui peningkatan teknologi budidaya dan ekstensifikasi yang antara lain dapat dilakukan melalui perluasan areal pertanian di lahan hutan dengan sistim agroforestry. Kementerian kehutanan merupakan salah satu sektor yang ikut bertanggung jawab terhadap ketahanan pangan, yang antara lain mendapat tugas menyediakan lahan hutan untuk pengembangan pangan seperti dalam bentuk tumpangsari  atau agroforestri. Tumpangsari atau agroforestry adalah suatu sistem penggunaan lahan dimana pada lahan yang sama ditanam secara bersama-sama tegakan hutan dan tanaman pertanian.  Manfaat yang diperoleh dari agroforestry adalah meningkatnya produksi pangan, pendapatan petani, kesempatan kerja dan kualitas gizi masyarakat bagi kesejahteraan petani sekitar hutan.   Untuk mengintegrasikan kelestarian fungsi hutan dan kesejahteraan masyarakat dikembangkan konsep hutan kemasyarakatan atau PHBM yang merupakan fasilitasi Lembaga Masyarakat Desa Hutan (LMDH). Perkembangan realisasi agroforestry menunjukan hasil yang sangat menggembirakan.  Agroforestry yang pada umumnya melibatkan LMDH mampu memberikan kontribusi pendapatan rumah tangga 41,32 persen dan penyerapan tenaga kerja 2,39 orang per ha. Agroforestry merupakan salah satu sarana yang efektif untuk pemerataan dan tahapan untuk mengatasi kemiskinan di lingkungan masyarakat desa hutan, yang bisa meningkatkan pendapatan dan produksi pangan.
Pengembangan Cadangan Pangan Nasional dalam Rangka Kemandirian Pangan
Authors: Hermanto NFN
Published: October 2017

English
Food reserve is essential in stabilizing domestic food supplies. According to the Law No. 18/2012 on Food, national food reserve system should meet two principles, namely: (1) the reserve should be mainly built upon the national food production, and (2) the reserve is a multi-layer reserve system. Since there are diversified local food sources, the national food reserve system can be functioned as sources of diversified food supplies for the society. Indonesia needs to build a robust and resilience national food reserve due to increases in threat of global food crisis, volatility of global food supplies and prices, risks of natural disasters, and relatively large numbers of food insecure people. Indonesia adopts the stock based on the utilization ratio method in determining the Government Rice Reserve. It is advisable to harmonize quantities and kinds of food reserves managed by Central Government, Local Governments, private sector, and community.

 

Indonesian
Cadangan pangan merupakan sumber pangan penting untuk menjaga stabilitas pasokan pangan pada saat di luar musim panen dan di daerah defisit pangan. Menurut Undang Undang No 18/2012 Tentang Pangan, ada dua prinsip dalam pembentukan cadangan pangan nasional yang harus dipenuhi, yaitu: (1) bahwa cadangan pangan diutamakan bersumber dari produksi dalam negeri, dan (2) bahwa cadangan pangan nasional merupakan suatu sistem cadangan berlapis. Karena ketersediaan sumber pangan lokal yang beragam, maka cadangan pangan nasional dapat menjadi sumber bagi penyediaan pangan yang beragam bagi masyarakat. Kebutuhan akan cadangan pangan nasional yang kokoh dan mandiri semakin meningkat, karena meningkatnya ancaman krisis pangan global, meningkatnya gejolak pasokan dan harga pangan dunia, meningkatnya ancaman bencana alam, serta masih banyaknya jumlah penduduk miskin dan rawan pangan di Indonesia. Pemeritah Indonesia menentukan jumlah cadangan pangannya berdasarkan rasio antara stok dengan konsumsi pangan yang disesuaikan dengan ketersediaan dana Pemerintah. Untuk mengelola cadangan pangan nasional yang efektif dan efisien, perlu harmonisasi jumlah dan jenis cadangan pangan Pemerintah, Pemerintah Daerah,  swasta dan masyarakat.