bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENERAPAN STRATEGI THE POWER OF TWO UNTUK MENINGKATKAN AKTIVITAS BELAJAR MATEMATIKA SISWA KELAS X SMAN 9 PEKANBARU
Authors: Hanifli Hanifli
Published: March 2019

This research is motivated by the low activity of learning mathematics class X SMAN 9 Pekanbaru. This study aims to increase the activity of learning mathematics class X SMAN 9 Pekanbaru with the implementation of strategy the power of two. The subjects were all students of grade X SMAN 9 Pekanbaru totaling 34 people, in the academic year 2015/2016. Form of research is classroom action research. The research instrument consists of instruments and instrument performance data collection activity observation sheet form teacher and student activity. Based on the results of research and discussion can be concluded that the strategy implementation power of two can increase the activity of learning mathematics students in the class X SMAN 9 Pekanbaru in the first semester of the 2015/2016 academic year. Although implementation of the strategy is a power of two can increase the activity of learning mathematics in grade X SMAN 9 Pekanbaru it is seen as the first cycle reaching an average of 60.5% and increased in the second cycle to 78%, this was successful because it exceeds 75%.
PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN LANGSUNG UNTUK MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR MATEMATIKA SISWA KELAS III SD NEGERI 003 PULAU JAMBU
Authors: Rosmi Nurli
Published: March 2019

This research is motivated by the results of learning mathematics students class SD Negeri 003 Pulau Jambu, Kecamatan Cerenti, Kabupaten Kuantan Singingi which is still very low. This study aims to improve the results of learning mathematic on the subject of angles, circumference of square and rectangle. This study is a classroom action research conducted in two cycles, each cycle is implemented with four stages, namely: planning, implementation, observation and reflection. From the data analysis, there is an increase of both teacher activity, student activity, and student learning result. The teacher activity at the 1st cycle of percentage is 75% (Good) and at the 2nd meeting it increases 5% to 80% (Very Good). The average percentage of teacher activity in cycle I was 77.5% (Good). In the second cycle of the 3rd meeting increased by 10% from 80% (Good) to 90% (Very Good) and at 4th meeting increased by 5% from 90% (Very Good) to 95% (Very Good). The average Percentage of teacher activity in cycle II was 92.5% (Very Good). Judging from the student activity also increased from the 1st cycle meeting I was 60% (Enough) and at the 2nd meeting increased 15% to 75% (Good). The average percentage of student activity in cycle I was 67.5% (Enough). In the second cycle of meeting 3 it increases 10% from 75% (Good) to 85% (Very Good) and at 4th meeting increases 5% from 85% (Very Good) to 90% (Very Good). The average of student activity percentage in cycle II is 87,5% (Very Good). The average base score of 51.88 increased to 68.44 in the first cycle of the increase of 16.56 points and then in the second cycle increased to 88.75 on the second cycle of large increase of 36.87 points. From the data analysis there is an increase both from teacher activity, student activity, and student learning outcomes. It can be concluded that the enforcement of direct learning model can improve student learning outcomes mathematics class III SD Negeri 003 Pulau Jambu, Kecamatan Cerenti, Kabupaten Kuantan Singingi.
PENINGKATAN KEMAMPUAN PEMECAHAN MASALAH LUAS BANGUN DATAR GABUNGAN MENGGUNAKAN METODE PROBLEM SOLVING DISERTAI DISKUSI SISWA KELAS KELAS VI SDN 29 AIR DINGIN
Authors: Nurhayati Nurhayati
Published: March 2019

This research was conducted based on the result of reflection on the low ability of problem solving of SDN 29Air Dingin students on the broadly built joint vase meteri. In revealing the problem the researchers reflect on thelearning process that has been implemented, the effort has been made and the cause why the effort has not metthe results that have been implemented and analysis of previous learning documents that have beenimplemented. Solving the problems encountered using problem solving learning method with four phases ofproblem solving, that is understanding the problem, planning the settlement, solving the problem and rechecking all the steps that have been done. With the aim of describing the improvement of problem solving skillsof students in the material widescreen combined with the problem solving method along with discussion. Thetype of research conducted is classroom action research conducted in two cycles. The first cycle is held 2 timesthe second cycle is held 2 times in class VI of SDN 29 Air Dingin with the number of students 20 people. Theresults of research conducted two cycles, data analysis techniques used is descriptive analysis techniques. Theresult of research stated that students' ability to increase in cycle I the number of students who reach the criteriamastery is 15 students (75.00%). On the second cycle increased by the number of 18 students (90.00%).
UPAYA PENINGKATAN HASIL BELAJAR PAI MELALUI MODEL PEMBELAJARAN KOOPERATIF TIPE DUA TAMU DUA TINGGAL (DUTA DUTI) PADA KELAS VI DI SD NEGERI 07 TANJUNG PENYEMBAL KOTA DUMAI
Authors: Latifah Latifah
Published: March 2019

This research is do it because the result of learning religious education inslam grade VI students of SD Negeri007 Tanjung Penyembal, Dumai which still very low. This study aims to improve student learning outcomes.From the data analysis, there was an increase of both teacher activity, student activity, and student learningresult. The teacher activity at the 1st cycle meeting was 70% (good enough) and at the 2nd meeting increased10% to 80% (good). In the second cycle of the meeting 3 teacher activity scored 85% (very good) and at the 4thmeeting to 95% (very good). From cycle I to cycle II, teacher activity increased by 15%. The student activityactivity also increased from 1st cycle meeting I was 65% (enough) and at 2nd meeting increased 15% to 80%(good). In the second cycle of meeting 3 it increases 5% from 80% (good) to 85% (very good) and at meeting 4increases 10% from 85% (very good) to 95% (very good). Student learning outcomes also showed an increase,from the basic score score of 65 increased to 75,5 in the first cycle of 10,5 points increase then in cycle IIincreased to 90 on the second cycles increased 14,5 points. From the data analysis there is an increase bothfrom teacher activity, student activity, and student learning outcomes. It can be concluded that the Enhancementof the Two Guests Two Stay Learning Model. can improve learning outcomes religious education islam grade 6students SD 007 Tanjung Pengembal Dumai.
PENERAPAN METODE COOPERATIVE LEARNING TIPE BERPASANGAN UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN TEKNIK DASAR BERMAIN KASTI DI KELAS V.A SDN 002 PANTAI CERMIN KABUPATEN KAMPAR
Authors: Mulud Abd.
Published: March 2019

This research is motivated by the low ability of basic technique of playing the students' grate V.A SDN 002Pantai Cermin Kabupaten Kampar. This study aims to improve the basic techniques of playing kasti throughcooperative learning methods paired type students class V.A SDN 002 Pantai Cermin Kampar District. Thesubjects of this study are students of class V.A SDN 002 Pantai Cermin Kabupaten Kampar with the number ofstudents as many as 28 people. The form of research is classroom action research. The instrument of thisresearch consisted of performance instrument and data collection instrument in the form of observation sheet ofteacher activity and student activity. The basic technique ability to play with cooperative method of paired typelearning in VA VAN 002 Pantai Cermin Kabupaten Kabupaten Kampar average of basic technique ability toplay the students' census on the initial test is categorized less with percentage 48,9%, in cycle I increase to68,4% with sufficient category whereas in cycle II the average ability of students is categorized very high with90.8% percentage. The cassical completeness specified in this study that 80% of students have been declaredthoroughly achieved. The conclusion of this research is the application of cooperative learning method pair typecan improve basic technique of playing kasti.
UPAYA MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR IPA MELALUI PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN PROBLEM SOLVING DI KELAS IV SEKOLAH DASAR NEGERI 035 TARAI BANGUN
Authors: Harwati Tuti
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study is to improve the learning outcomes of grade IV primary school science on basiccompetence to describe the forms of heat energy. The research method uses classroom action research,consisting of two cycles, the research stages in each cycle consist of initial reflection, planning, action,observation and reflection. The subjects of the study were the fourth graders of Sekolah Dasar Negeri 035 TaraiBangun with 31 students. The research instrument used is learning tools (syllabus, learning implementationplan, and student worksheet), teacher and student observation sheet, and repetition for daily one and two dailyreplications. Data collection techniques used observation techniques and test techniques, while data analysistechniques using descriptive analysis. The result of the research shows that the teacher activity data hasincreased from 58,44% with enough criterion to become 70,83% with good criterion, then become 83,33% withvery good criteria and increase again to 87,50% with very good criteria. So also with the activity of studentsfrom 54.16% with enough criteria to increase to 66.66% with good criteria, then to 75.00% with good criteriaand increased again to 79.16% with good criteria. Improved learning outcomes from the average base score of67.87 to 74.45 in cycle I with the percentage increase of 9.70%, then increased again to 80.26 with thepercentage increase of 18.25%. Based on the results of research and discussion, this study can be concluded thatthe application of problem solving learning model can improve science learning outcomes of fourth gradersSekolah Dasar Negeri 035 Tarai Bangun.
PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN KOOPERATIF TIPE NUMBERED HEADS TOGETHER (NHT) UNTUK MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR EKONOMI SISWA KELAS XI SMA NEGERI 5 PEKANBARU
Authors: Jumraini Jumraini
Published: March 2019

The background of this study is the low level of economic learning outcomes of students of class XI SMA Negeri 5Pekanbaru, low student learning outcomes is seen from the average learning outcomes obtained by students is59,40. The low acquisition of student learning outcomes done efforts to improve learning outcomes by applying themodel NHT type cooperative learning. This study is a classroom action research conducted in class XI SMA Negeri5 Pekanbaru with the number of students as many as 40 students, this research conducted two cycles consisting oftwo meetings and two daily test, this research was conducted through four stages: planning, observation, andreflection. Based on the research data, it can be concluded that the implementation of cooperative learning modeltype NHT can improve student's economic learning outcomes, seen from the acquisition of learning data data on theaverage data of student learning outcomes of 59,40, in the first cycle has increased with the acquisition of 69,60,and in the second cycle increased with the acquisition of 75,80. In addition, the number of student completeness alsoincreased, in the initial data the number of completed students amounted to 17(42,50%), in the first cycle increasedby the number 25 (62,50%), and in the second cycle increased by the number 33 (82,50%)
ANALISIS MINAT BACA SISWA DI PERPUSTAKAAN SDN 37 PEKANBARU
Authors: Pahrurrazi Pahrurrazi , Kurniaman Otang , Alpusari Mahmud
Published: March 2019

This research was based on the background of students' interest in reading at the SDN 37 Pekanbaru library. This study aimsto determine (1) the willingness to read students; (2) student reading needs; (3) the act of reading students; In this study, thefocus of the research was students and librarians of SDN 37 Pekanbaru. Methods of data collection using closedquestionnaires, observation, documentation and unstructured interviews. Data analysis techniques use statistical methodswith percentage formulas and analysis of interview results. The results showing the aspects (1) the readability of students ofSDN 37 Pekanbaru in the library was well known; (2) the reading needs of students of SDN 37 Pekanbaru in the library arewell known; (3) the act of reading students from SDN 37 Pekanbaru in the library is well known.
Penerapan Algoritma K-Means Untuk Clustering Penilaian Dosen Berdasarkan Indeks Kepuasan Mahasiswa
Authors: Nurzahputra Aldi , Muslim Much Aziz , Khusniati Miranita
Published: March 2019

Dalam lingkup perguruan tinggi, aktivitas penilaian kinerja juga diterapkan untuk menilai kinerja dosen. Dasar yang digunakan dalam penilaian tersebut menggunakan dasar tri dhrama perguruan tinggi. Dalam penilaian kinerjanya, diperlukan data terkait kepuasan mahasiswa terhadap dosen. Data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah data kepuasan mahasiswa jurusan Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam, FMIPA, UNNES, berjumlah 146 untuk semua dosen di prodi yang berjumlah 12 dosen. Dalam pengambilan data menggunakan kuesioner dari Badan Penjaminan Mutu Unnes. Varibale yang digunakan (1) kehandalan dosen (reliability); (2) sikap tanggap (responsiveness); (3) jaminan (assurance); dan (4) empati (empathy). Data akan diolah dengan melakukan clustering kinerja dosen dalam cluster baik, atau kurang. Metode clustering yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode K-Means. Cetroid data untuk cluster_baik 17.099 dan cluster_kurang 15.874. Sehingga diperoleh penilaian dosen berdasarkan indeks kepuasan mahasiswa dengan 5 dosen cluster_baik dan 7 dosen_cluster kurang. Hasil yang dari penelitian dapat digunakan untuk meningkatkan kinerja dosen dalam mengajar untuk meningkatkan indeks kepuasan mahasiswa. Kata kunci—Clustering, K-Means, Data Mining, Penilaian Dosen
KONSUMSI BAHAN MAKANAN SUMBER KARBOHIDRAT DAN BUAH INDEKS GLIKEMIK TINGGI DENGAN KEJADIAN DM
Authors: . Kasmiyetti
Published: March 2019

ABSTRAC

Diabetes Mellitus occupy as the fourth largest cause of death in Padang. Based on data from Puskemas Nanggalo Padang in 2013, there were 1.012 people (2.7%) who suffered from diabetes mellitus. The glycemix index is defined as the level of food according to their effect on blood sugar levels. The aim of this research was to determine the relationship of consumption food sources of carbohydrates and fruit high glycemic index of  diabetes mellitus tipe II outpatients in Puskesmas Nanggalo Padang in 2016. Using cross sectional design, the participants of this research were taken with accidental sampling method, as may as 50 peoples. Data of patients were collected through interviews, while the consumption patterns measure by using the Form Food Frequency (FFQ). The statistical test used is chi-square test with 95% confidence level. The results of analysis there are significant correlation between consumption food sources of high-glycemic carbohydrate with the incidence of diabetes mellitus tipe II, there are no significant correlation between consumption food sources of high-glycemic fruit with the incidence of diabetes mellitus.            Based on the results, the health center was suggested to provide a nutrition counseling of glycemic index and refer diabetes patients to a dietitian for get an education about  dietary management to reduce the incidence of diabetes mellitus.

 

Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Carbohydrat ,High Glycemic Index Fruit
MOBILE HEALTH UPAYA DALAM MENINGKATKAN KEBERHASILAN PENGOBATAN PASIEN TUBERCULOSIS : KAJIAN LITERATUR
Authors: Arjuna Arjuna , Sukihananto Sukihananto
Published: March 2019

Tujuan   - mengetahui potensi pengembangan mobile health pada pasien TB Paru dalam  tatanan keperawatan komunitas yang merupakan tindak lanjut asuhan keperawatan setelah pasien dirawat di rumah sakit atau didiagnosa TB Paru.

Metode   - Database yang digunakan Scopus,google scholar,PubMed   diambil untuk mengekstrak artikel yang relevan. Istilah awal untuk mengekstrak studi terkait adalah "Tuberculosis." Directly observed therapy "," Mobile Health "," nursing and mHealth "," scrining case TB ", dan" sms remaind to patient Tuberculosis".  Artikel dibatasi berdasarkan pada kriteria inklusi termasuk; Artikel diterbitkan antara 2010 dan 2018. Para peneliti juga memasukkan beberapa jenis desain studi termasuk studi survei, yang bersifat deskriptif belajar, dan campuran desain metode dalam proses penyaringan.

Hasil        - Mobile Health mampu memberikan pelayanan yang efektif, efisen, dan berkualitas pada pasien TB Paru dibeberapa negara. Indonesia memiliki potensi besar dalam dalam penerapan mobile health berbasi smartphone. Walaupun demikian penggunaan mobile health tidak bisa sepenuhnya digunakan dalam asuhan keperawatan komunitas karena sifatnya yang belum bisa konfrehensif.
Additive Manufacturing and Big Data
Authors: Lidong Lidong , Alexander Cheryl Ann
Published: March 2019

Additive manufacturing (AM) can produce parts with complex geometric shapes and reduce material use and weight. However, there are limited materials available for AM processes; the speed of production is slower compared with traditional manufacturing processes. Big Data analytics helps analyze AM processes and facilitate AM in impacting supply chains. This paper introduces advantages, applications, and technology progress of AM. Cybersecurity in AM and barriers to broad adoption of AM are discussed. Big data in AM and Big Data analytics for AM are also presented.
Modeling and Characterizing Software Vulnerabilities
Authors: Bhatt Navneet , Anand Adarsh , Yadavalli V. S. S. , Kumar Vijay
Published: March 2019

With the association of software security assurance in the development of code based systems; software developers are relying on the Vulnerability discovery models to mitigate the breaches by estimating the total number of vulnerabilities, before they’re exploited by the intruders. Vulnerability Discovery Models (VDMs) provide the quantitative classification of the flaws that exists in a software that will be discovered after a software is released. In this paper, we develop a vulnerability discovery model that accumulate the vulnerabilities due to the influence of previously discovered vulnerabilities. We further evaluate the proportion of previously discovered vulnerabilities along with the fraction additional vulnerabilities detected. The quantification methodology presented in this article has been accompanied with an empirical illustration on popular operating systems’ vulnerability data.
Utilization of Karnaugh Maps in Multi-Value Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Authors: Rushdi Ali Muhammad Ali
Published: March 2019

A recent debate in the literature of Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) concerns the potentials and pitfalls of the multi-value variant (mvQCA) in comparison with the more established crisp-set QCA (csQCA) and fuzzy-set QCA (fsQCA) variants. So far, the mvQCA methodology has been implemented either algebraically or via specific software tools such as TOSMANA. The main goal of this paper is to enhance the mvQCA methodology through the utilization of several varieties of Karnaugh maps including (a) the Conventional Karnaugh Map (CKM), (b) the Multi-Valued Karnaugh Map (MVKM), and (c) the Variable-Entered Karnaugh Map (VEKM). The paper offers a tutorial exposition of each of these maps in terms of two recently-published problems concerning the legal provision (introduction) and implementation of party bans in sub-Saharan Africa. Results obtained via various map techniques agree exactly among themselves, and are generally more compact than those obtained earlier via elementary algebraic manipulations, or even via software tools. We show, by way of example, that coding multi-valued variables by binary ones has a harmful primary effect of increasing the input domain. This effect is partially counterbalanced by a (contrarily to common belief) beneficial secondary effect of introducing genuine don’t-care configurations. We also address the issue of unresolved contradictory configurations, and propose two strategies to cope with them. The maps used tackle seven binary variables (or their equivalent), a number beyond the typical map limit of six variables. They are used to produce not only the minimal sum of a Boolean function but the complete sum as well. Though this paper is basically intended as a contribution to mvQCA methodology, it is also of significant utility in any field that demands the use of the Karnaugh map. It serves as a unification/exposition of three fundamental variants of the map, and has a definite pedagogical advantage for the wide spectrum of map users.
Features of Loss of Stability of the Work of Two-Link Mechanisms That Have an Infinite Number of Degrees of Freedom
Authors: Kondratenko Leonid , Mironova Lubov
Published: March 2019

Mechanisms consisting of two links, a leading (engine) and a slave (executive body), which are connected by long lines of force, are considered. With the use of the new method, general equations are derived in Laplace images describing the oscillations of the velocities of motion and stresses in mechanical and hydraulic systems. Obtained transfer functions. The functional coefficients in these equations take into account the properties of the mechanisms and the distribution of the parameters of the lines of force. As a result of the transition from equations in images to equations in the originals, expressions are obtained that describe in real-time oscillations of the velocities of motion. The criterion for the stability of the work is derived on the basis of Lyapunov's first method. As an example, a volumetric hydraulic drive with long hydraulic lines is considered. With the loss of stability in this mechanism, self-oscillations appeared. Areas of stable and unstable work are defined.
Exploring the Frequency of Homologous Recombination DNA Repair Dysfunction in Multiple Cancer Types
Authors: Gentles Lucy , Goranov Bojidar , Matheson Elizabeth , Herriott Ashleigh , Kaufmann Angelika , Hall Sally , Mukhopadhyay Asima , Drew Yvette , Curtin Nicola J. , O’Donnell Rachel L
Published: March 2019

Dysfunctional homologous recombination DNA repair (HRR), frequently due to BRCA mutations, is a determinant of sensitivity to platinum chemotherapy and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi). In cultures of ovarian cancer cells, we have previously shown that HRR function, based upon RAD51 foci quantification, correlated with growth inhibition ex vivo induced by rucaparib (a PARPi) and 12-month survival following platinum chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of measuring HRR dysfunction (HRD) in other tumours, in order to estimate the frequency and hence wider potential of PARPi. A total of 24 cultures were established from ascites sampled from 27 patients with colorectal, upper gastrointestinal, pancreatic, hepatobiliary, breast, mesothelioma, and non-epithelial ovarian cancers; 8 were HRD. Cell growth following continuous exposure to 10 μM of rucaparib was lower in HRD cultures compared to HRR-competent (HRC) cultures. Overall survival in the 10 patients who received platinum-based therapy was marginally higher in the 3 with HRD ascites (median overall survival of 17 months, range 10 to 90) compared to the 7 patients with HRC ascites (nine months, range 1 to 55). HRR functional assessment in primary cultures, from several tumour types, revealed that a third are HRD, justifying the further exploration of PARPi therapy in a broader range of tumours.
Uniform Widespread Nuclear Phosphorylation of Histone H2AX Is an Indicator of Lethal DNA Replication Stress
Authors: Moeglin Eric , Desplancq Dominique , Conic Sascha , Oulad-Abdelghani Mustapha , Stoessel Audrey , Chiper Manuela , Vigneron Marc , Didier Pascal , Tora Laszlo , Weiss Etienne
Published: March 2019

Phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX), a central player in the DNA damage response (DDR), serves as a biomarker of DNA double-strand break repair. Although DNA damage is generally visualized by the formation of γ-H2AX foci in injured nuclei, it is unclear whether the widespread uniform nuclear γ-H2AX (called pan-nuclear) pattern occurring upon intense replication stress (RS) is linked to DDR. Using a novel monoclonal antibody that binds exclusively to the phosphorylated C-terminus of H2AX, we demonstrate that H2AX phosphorylation is systematically pan-nuclear in cancer cells stressed with RS-inducing drugs just before they die. The pan-nuclear γ-H2AX pattern is abolished by inhibition of the DNA-PK kinase. Cell death induction of cancer cells treated with increasing combinations of replication and kinase (ATR and Chk1) inhibitory drugs was proportional to the appearance of pan-nuclear γ-H2AX pattern. Delivery of labeled anti-γ-H2AX Fabs in stressed cells demonstrated at a single cell level that pan-nuclear γ-H2AX formation precedes irreversible cell death. Moreover, we show that H2AX is not required for RS-induced cell death in HeLa cells. Thus, the nuclear-wide formation of γ-H2AX is an incident of RS-induced cell death and, thus, the pan nuclear H2AX pattern should be regarded as an indicator of lethal RS-inducing drug efficacy.
Size Matters: The Functional Role of the CEACAM1 Isoform Signature and Its Impact for NK Cell-Mediated Killing in Melanoma
Authors: Helfrich Iris , Singer Bernhard B.
Published: March 2019

Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive and treatment resistant type of skin cancer. It is characterized by continuously rising incidence and high mortality rate due to its high metastatic potential. Various types of cell adhesion molecules have been implicated in tumor progression in melanoma. One of these, the carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1), is a multi-functional receptor protein potentially expressed in epithelia, endothelia, and leukocytes. CEACAM1 often appears in four isoforms differing in the length of their extracellular and intracellular domains. Both the CEACAM1 expression in general, and the ratio of the expressed CEACAM1 splice variants appear very dynamic. They depend on both the cell activation stage and the cell growth phase. Interestingly, normal melanocytes are negative for CEACAM1, while melanomas often show high expression. As a cell–cell communication molecule, CEACAM1 mediates the direct interaction between tumor and immune cells. In the tumor cell this interaction leads to functional inhibitions, and indirectly to decreased cancer cell immunogenicity by down-regulation of ligands of the NKG2D receptor. On natural killer (NK) cells it inhibits NKG2D-mediated cytolysis and signaling. This review focuses on novel mechanistic insights into CEACAM1 isoforms for NK cell-mediated immune escape mechanisms in melanoma, and their clinical relevance in patients suffering from malignant melanoma.
A Comparative Study of YSZ Suspensions and Coatings
Authors: Tarasi Fariba , Alebrahim Elnaz , Dolatabadi Ali , Moreau Christian
Published: March 2019

The demand for suspensions that are used in thermal spray processes is expanding from research labs using the lab-prepared suspensions toward actual coating production in different industrial sectors. Industrial applications dictate the reduced production time and effort, which may in turn justify the development of the market for ready-to-use commercial suspensions. To this end, some of the powder suppliers have already taken steps forward by introducing, to the market, suspensions of some of the most used materials, such as yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), alumina, and titania. However, there is a need to compare the suspension characteristics over time and the resultant coatings when using these suspensions when compared with the freshly prepared homemade suspensions. In this work, such a comparison is done using YSZ suspensions of the sub-micron to a few micron powders. In addition, some changes in the suspensions’ formula were performed as a tool to vary the coatings’ microstructures in a more predictable way, without any variation of the spray parameters. The coatings were generated while using both radial and axial injection of the suspensions into Oerlikon-Metco 3MB and Mettech Axial III plasma spray torches, respectively. A clear effect of suspension viscosity on the coating microstructure was observed using the 3MB torch with a radial injection of suspension (i.e., cross flow atomization). However, the viscosity role was not dominant when using the Axial III torch with an axial feed injection system (i.e., coaxial flow atomization).
Occurrence and Characterization of Paraffin Wax Formed in Developing Wells and Pipelines
Authors: El-Dalatony Marwa M. , Jeon Byong-Hun , Salama El-Sayed , Eraky Mohamed , Kim Won Beom , Wang Jihoon , Ahn Taewoong
Published: March 2019

Deposition and precipitation of paraffin wax in pipelines are major problems in the production, transfer, storage, and processing of crude oil. To prevent complete clogging, it is necessary to minimize and remove deposited wax in pipelines and tubing. Significant research has been done addressing the mechanisms of wax formation and its composition. In this review, the status of research and perspectives on the occurrence and characterization of the paraffin wax that forms in crude oil developing wells and pipelines has been critically reviewed. Several approaches for detecting paraffin wax and managing wax formation damage during oil recovery were discussed. This review also highlighted the effects of temperature and crude oil type on wax formation.
Analysis of the Energy Consumption Behavior of European RES Cooperative Members
Authors: Sifakis Nikolaos , Savvakis Nikolaos , Daras Tryfon , Tsoutsos Theocharis
Published: March 2019

REScoops are cooperatives of renewable energy producers and/or consumers that are being formed in the developing European Smart Grid. Today, there are more than 2397 REScoops with more than 650,000 members. Their development indicates the necessity of producing and consuming green energy, assists the fight against energy poverty, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing smart management systems and self-consumption techniques. An essential objective of the H2020 REScoop Plus project is to stimulate better understanding and promote the cooperatives’ commitment to behavioral change. To achieve such a goal, this paper presents the methodology adopted to assess the energy-saving activities and behavior of the REScoops. In order to obtain relevant conclusions, a detailed statistical analysis was undertaken. Moreover, the analysis led to an effective classification of the various members, providing insights regarding their contribution to consumption reduction according to various specific characteristics. The statistical analysis showed that REScoop members contribute significantly to energy conservation and the reduction of harmful gas emissions, and subsequently, the majority of the energy efficiency (EE) interventions led to achieving more than 20% reductions. Specific practices, already adopted by the REScoops, lead to increased energy efficiency and environmental benefits.
Modelling of Electrically-Assisted Turbocharger Compressor Performance
Authors: Alshammari Mamdouh , Xypolitas Nikolaos , Pesyridis Apostolos
Published: March 2019

For the purposes of design of a turbocharger centrifugal compressor, a one-dimensional modelling method has been developed and applied specifically to electrically-assisted turbochargers (EAT). For this purpose, a mix of authoritative loss models was applied to determine the compressor losses. Furthermore, an engine equipped with an electrically-assisted turbocharger was modelled using commercial engine simulation software (GT-Power) to assess the performance of the engine equipped with the designed compressor. A commercial 1.5 L gasoline, in-line, 3-cylinder engine was selected for modeling. In addition, the simulations have been performed for an engine speed range between 1000 and 5000 rpm. The design target was an electric turbocharger compressor that could meet the boosting requirements of the engine with noticeable improvement in a transient response. The results from the simulations indicated that the EAT improved the overall performance of the engine when compared to the equivalent conventional turbocharged engine model. Moreover, the electrically-assisted turbochargers (EAT) equipped engine with power outputs of 1 kW and 5 kW EAT was increased by an average of 5.96% and 15.4%, respectively. This ranged from 1000 rpm to 3000 rpm engine speed. For the EAT model of 1 kW and 5 kW, the overall net reduction of the BSFC was 0.53% and 1.45%, respectively, from the initial baseline engine model.
A Remaining Discharge Energy Prediction Method for Lithium-Ion Battery Pack Considering SOC and Parameter Inconsistency
Authors: Fang Qiaohua , Wei Xuezhe , Dai Haifeng
Published: March 2019

The remaining discharge energy prediction of the battery pack is an important function of a battery management system. One of the key factors contributing to the inaccuracy of battery pack remaining discharge energy prediction is the inconsistency of the state and model parameters. For a batch of lithium-ion batteries with nickel cobalt aluminum oxide cathode material, after analyzing the characteristics of battery model parameter inconsistency, a “specific and difference” model considering state of charge and R0 inconsistency is established. The dual time-scale dual extended Kalman filter algorithm is proposed to estimate the state of charge and R0 of each cell in the battery pack, and the remaining discharge energy prediction algorithm of the battery pack is established. The effectiveness of the state estimation and remaining discharge energy prediction algorithm is verified. The results show that the state of charge estimation error of each cell is less than 1%, and the remaining discharge energy prediction error of the battery pack is less than 1% over the entire discharge cycle. The main reason which causes the difference between the “specific and difference” and “mean and difference” models is the nonlinearity of the battery’s state of charge - open circuit voltage curve. When the nonlinearity is serious, the “specific and difference” model has higher precision.
Decreased Spikelets 4 Encoding a Novel Tetratricopeptide Repeat Domain-Containing Protein Is Involved in DNA Repair and Spikelet Number Determination in Rice
Authors: Ni Shen , Li Zongzhu , Ying Jiancheng , Zhang Jian , Chen Hongqi
Published: March 2019

Spikelet number per panicle is a determinative factor of rice yield. DNA repair epigenetically alters the DNA accessibility, which can eventually regulate the transcription of the target genes. However, what and how DNA repair genes are related to rice spikelet development remains unknown. Here, we report the map-based cloning of a novel spikelet number gene DES4 encoding a tetratricopeptide domain-containing protein. DES4 is a close ortholog of Arabidopsis BRU1, which is functionally related to axillary meristem development. A single base pair deletion in the last exon of DES4 caused a premature stop of the resulting protein. The des4 mutant exhibited dwarf, reduced tiller, and spikelet numbers phenotypes, as well as hypersensitivity to genotoxic stresses, suggesting its essential role in DNA repair. DES4 is predominantly expressed in young panicles and axillary meristems, and DES4 protein is localized in nucleus. A set of DNA repair genes such as cyclins, KUs (KD subunits) and recombinases were differentially regulated in des4. Meanwhile, rice spikelet number genes LAX1, LAX2, and MOC1 were significantly down-regulated in des4. In morphology, des4 showed more severe reduction of spikelet numbers than lax1, lax2, and moc1, suggesting that DES4 may work upstream of the three genes.
Race-, Age-, and Anatomic Site-Specific Gender Differences in Cutaneous Melanoma Suggest Differential Mechanisms of Early- and Late-Onset Melanoma
Authors: Yuan Tze-An , Lu Yunxia , Edwards Karen , Jakowatz James , Meyskens Frank L. , Liu-Smith Feng
Published: March 2019

In order to explore melanoma risk factors through gender-, age-, race-, and site-specific incidence rates, malignant melanoma cases from the Caucasian whites and non-whites were retrieved from the US SEER database. Age-standardized, age-, and site-specific tumor rates were calculated. All races and both genders showed positive annual average percentage changes (AAPCs) over the years, but AAPCs varied at different body sites, with men’s trunk exhibiting the fastest increase. Non-whites were diagnosed at a significantly younger age than whites and showed a trend towards fewer gender differences in the age of diagnosis. However, non-whites and whites showed a similar pattern of age-specific gender differences in the incidence rate ratios. A consistent spiked difference (female vs. male, incidence rate ratio (IRR) >2) was observed at or near the age of 20–24 in all race groups and at all body sites. The highest female vs. male IRR was found in the hip and lower extremities, and the lowest IRR was found in the head and neck region in all races. These race-, gender-, and site-dependent differences suggest that age-associated cumulative sun exposure weighs significantly more in late-onset melanomas, while genetics and/or pathophysiological factors make important contributions to early-onset melanomas.
Analysis of Heavy Metals in Foodstuffs and an Assessment of the Health Risks to the General Public via Consumption in Beijing, China
Authors: Liang Gang , Gong Wenwen , Li Bingru , Zuo Jimin , Pan Ligang , Liu Xinhui
Published: March 2019

Consumption of foodstuffs is the most likely route for human exposure to heavy metals. This study was designed to investigate the toxic metals (cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg)) concentrations in different foodstuffs (cereals, vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat) and then estimate the potential health risks of toxic metals via consumption to the local residents in Beijing, China. Most of the selected toxic metal levels in the foodstuffs were lower than the maximum allowable concentrations of Pb, Cr, Cd, As, and Hg for Chinese foodstuffs recommended in the China National Food Safety Standard. The health risks associated with the toxic metals Pb, Cr, Cd, As, and Hg were assessed based on the target hazard quotients (THQs) proposed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). The THQ values of the foodstuffs varied and were 0.03–0.29 for Cr, 0.02–0.23 for Pb, 0.01–0.33 for Cd, 0.01–0.06 for As, and 0.00–0.04 for Hg, not exceeding the maximum level of 1. The total THQ (TTHQ) values were 0.88 for vegetables, 0.57 for cereals, 0.46 for meat, 0.32 for fish, and 0.07 for fruits. This indicates that the risk contribution from vegetable intake (38.8%) was significant in comparison to that from other foodstuffs. The TTHQ values were 0.96 for Cr, 0.54 for Pb, 0.50 for Cd, 0.19 for As, and 0.09 for Hg, suggesting that Cr was a major risk contributor (41.7%) for the local residents of Beijing, which should attract great attention. However, the THQ/TTHQ values were all below 1, suggesting no health risks to the local population through consumption. Furthermore, dietary weekly intakes (WIs) were also calculated and the values were all lower than the proposed limit of Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intakes (PTWI) established by the the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). This suggests no additional health risks as well as consistency with the THQ results.
Thinking Outside the Bug: Molecular Targets and Strategies to Overcome Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Monserrat-Martinez Ana , Gambin Yann , Sierecki Emma
Published: March 2019

Since their discovery in the early 20th century, antibiotics have been used as the primary weapon against bacterial infections. Due to their prophylactic effect, they are also used as part of the cocktail of drugs given to treat complex diseases such as cancer or during surgery, in order to prevent infection. This has resulted in a decrease of mortality from infectious diseases and an increase in life expectancy in the last 100 years. However, as a consequence of administering antibiotics broadly to the population and sometimes misusing them, antibiotic-resistant bacteria have appeared. The emergence of resistant strains is a global health threat to humanity. Highly-resistant bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-resistant) or Enterococcus faecium (vancomycin-resistant) have led to complications in intensive care units, increasing medical costs and putting patient lives at risk. The appearance of these resistant strains together with the difficulty in finding new antimicrobials has alarmed the scientific community. Most of the strategies currently employed to develop new antibiotics point towards novel approaches for drug design based on prodrugs or rational design of new molecules. However, targeting crucial bacterial processes by these means will keep creating evolutionary pressure towards drug resistance. In this review, we discuss antibiotic resistance and new options for antibiotic discovery, focusing in particular on new alternatives aiming to disarm the bacteria or empower the host to avoid disease onset.
Integrated Lipidomics and Metabolomics Analysis of Tears in Multiple Sclerosis: An Insight into Diagnostic Potential of Lacrimal Fluid
Authors: Cicalini Ilaria , Rossi Claudia , Pieragostino Damiana , Agnifili Luca , Mastropasqua Leonardo , di Ioia Maria , De Luca Giovanna , Onofrj Marco , Federici Luca , Del Boccio Piero
Published: March 2019

Metabolomics based on mass spectrometry represents an innovative approach to characterize multifactorial diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MuS). To date, the most important biomarker source for MuS diagnosis is the cerebrospinal fluid. However, an important goal for research is to identify new molecules in more easily accessible biological fluids. A very interesting biofluid in MuS is represented by tears, considered as an intermediate fluid between the cerebrospinal fluid and serum. In this work, we developed a merged strategy for the analysis of lipids containing choline by Liquid Chromatography coupled to Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), as well as for the targeted analysis of free carnitine, acylcarnitines and aminoacids by direct infusion mass spectrometry. Samples for both metabolomics and lipidomics approaches were obtained in a single extraction procedure from tears of patients affected by MuS and healthy controls. Tear lipidomics showed 30 phospholipids significantly modulated and, notably, many sphingomyelins resulted lower in MuS. Moreover, the metabolomics approach carried out both on tears and serum highlighted the diagnostic potential of specific aminoacids and acylcarnitines. In conclusion, the metabolic profiling of tears appears to reflect the pathological conditions of the central nervous system, suggesting that the molecular repository of tears can be considered as a source of potential biomarkers for MuS.
Causes and Mechanisms of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Aging
Authors: Lee Jungwoon , Yoon Suk Ran , Choi Inpyo , Jung Haiyoung
Published: March 2019

Many elderly people suffer from hematological diseases known to be highly age-dependent. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) maintain the immune system by producing all blood cells throughout the lifetime of an organism. Recent reports have suggested that HSCs are susceptible to age-related stress and gradually lose their self-renewal and regeneration capacity with aging. HSC aging is driven by cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors that result in the disruption of the immune system. Thus, the study of HSC aging is important to our understanding of age-related immune diseases and can also provide potential strategies to improve quality of life in the elderly. In this review, we delineate our understanding of the phenotypes, causes, and molecular mechanisms involved in HSC aging.
LiFePO4-Graphene Composites as High-Performance Cathodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries: The Impact of Size and Morphology of Graphene
Authors: Fu Yanqing , Wei Qiliang , Zhang Gaixia , Zhong Yu , Moghimian Nima , Tong Xin , Sun Shuhui
Published: March 2019

In this work, we investigated three types of graphene (i.e., home-made G, G V4, and G V20) with different size and morphology, as additives to a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode for the lithium-ion battery. Both the LFP and the two types of graphene (G V4 and G V20) were sourced from industrial, large-volume manufacturers, enabling cathode production at low cost. The use of wrinkled and/or large pieces of a graphene matrix shows promising electrochemical performance when used as an additive to the LFP, which indicates that the features of large and curved graphene pieces enable construction of a more effective conducting network to realize the full potential of the active materials. Specifically, compared to pristine LFP, the LFP/G, LFP/G V20, and LFP/G V4 show up to a 9.2%, 6.9%, and 4.6% increase, respectively, in a capacity at 1 C. Furthermore, the LFP combined with graphene exhibits a better rate performance than tested with two different charge/discharge modes. Moreover, from the economic and electrochemical performance view point, we also demonstrated that 1% of graphene content is optimized no matter the capacity calculated, based on the LFP/graphene composite or pure LFP.
Functionalisation of Silicone by Drug-Embedded Chitosan Nanoparticles for Potential Applications in Otorhinolaryngology
Authors: Ajdnik Urban , Zemljič Lidija Fras , Bračič Matej , Maver Uroš , Plohl Olivija , Rebol Janez
Published: March 2019

Silicones are widely used medical materials that are also applied for tympanostomy tubes with a trending goal to functionalise the surface of the latter to enhance the healing of ear inflammations and other ear diseases, where such medical care is required. This study focuses on silicone surface treatment with various antimicrobial coatings. Polysaccharide coatings in the form of chitosan nanoparticles alone, or with an embedded drug mixture composed of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (co-amoxiclav) were prepared and applied onto silicone material. Plasma activation was also used as a pre-treatment for activation of the material’s surface for better adhesion of the coatings. The size of the nanoparticles was measured using the DLS method (Dynamic Light Scattering), stability of the dispersion was determined with zeta potential measurements, whilst the physicochemical properties of functionalised silicone materials were examined using the UV-Vis method (Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), XPS (X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy). Moreover, in vitro drug release testing was used to follow the desorption kinetics and antimicrobial properties were tested by a bacterial cell count reduction assay using the standard gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. The results show silicone materials as suitable materials for tympanostomy tubes, with the coating developed in this study showing excellent antimicrobial and biofilm inhibition properties. This implies a potential for better healing of ear inflammation, making the newly developed approach for the preparation of functionalised tympanostomy tubes promising for further testing towards clinical applications.