bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meta-analysis of naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions for young children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Tiede Gabrielle , Walton Katherine M.
Published: April 2019

Naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention is an emerging class of interventions for young children with autism spectrum disorder. The present article is a meta-analysis of outcomes of group-design studies ( n = 27) testing interventions using naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention strategies. Small, significant positive effects of naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention were found for expressive language ( g = 0.32), reduction in symptoms of autism spectrum disorder ( g = −0.38), and play skills ( g = 0.23). Larger effects were found for social engagement ( g = 0.65) and overall cognitive development ( g = 0.48). A marginal effect was found for joint attention ( g = 0.14) and receptive language ( g = 0.28). For joint attention, improvement was moderated by hours of professional involvement. Evidence of publication and reporting bias was present for language outcomes. This meta-analysis grows the evidence base for naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions, particularly in the key areas of social engagement and cognition.
Relative quantitation of phosphatidylcholines with interfered masses of protonated and sodiated molecules by tandem and Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry
Authors: Chagovets Vitaliy , Kononikhin Aleksey , Tokoreva Alisa , Bormotov Denis , Starodubtseva Nataliia , Kostyukevich Yury , Popov Igor , Frankevich Vladimir , Nikolaev Eugene
Published: April 2019

The present work deals with deconvolution of interfered peaks of protonated and sodiated phosphatidylcholines to solve the problem of relative quantitation of these compounds. The method was developed based on the fact that adducts of phosphatidylcholines with proton and sodium ion give unique characteristic peaks in tandem mass spectrometry. Ultra-high-resolution Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry was used to resolve interfered peaks and thus validate the results of tandem mass spectrometry-based deconvolution. Applicability of the method was tested with synthesized phosphatidylcholines and applied for tissue-spray analysis of the clinical samples and demonstrated good correlation (0.996) between MS/MS and Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry results.
Decades of Doing: Indigenous Women Academics Reflect on the Practices of Community-Based Health Research
Authors: Anderson Kim , Cidro Jaime
Published: April 2019

It has been several decades since the establishment of Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP®) and the proliferation of work on Indigenous research ethics. Most of this dialogue emerged because of egregious health research practices in Indigenous communities and has since taken a foothold across all disciplines. Community-engaged research in Indigenous communities is challenging. It is important to reflect on some of the early ethical and methodological debates, which shape how we currently work with communities. This research describes the themes that emerged when two Indigenous scholars interviewed their Indigenous university-based colleagues who work in Indigenous health. These interviews uncovered four critical themes that were prominent and related specifically to understanding research ethics in Indigenous health research specifically. These themes included research in relationship, creating partnerships and negotiating across systems, self-determination applied to research, and community-engaged research.
Predictive Factors and Duration to Return to Sport After Isolated Meniscectomy
Authors: Agarwalla Avinesh , Gowd Anirudh K. , Liu Joseph N. , Lalehzarian Simon P. , Christian David R. , Cole Brian J. , Forsythe Brian , Verma Nikhil N.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Return to sport (RTS) after meniscectomy is an important metric for young, active patients. However, the impact of the duration from surgery to RTS on clinical outcomes is not fully understood and is not reflected in outcome scores.

Purpose:

To establish when patients RTS after meniscectomy and to determine predictive measures for the ability to return to their preinjury activity.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

All patients undergoing meniscectomy between 2016 and 2017 from a single institution were assessed for inclusion. RTS, type of activity, and level of function upon returning were obtained. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID), substantial clinical benefit, and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) were calculated for the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaire using anchor-based and distribution-based approaches. Preoperative knee-specific and generic quality-of-life scores were analyzed to determine their predictive power of RTS. A multivariate logistical analysis was also performed to determine which demographic variables corresponded to RTS.

Results:

Overall, 94 patients (mean age, 51.0 ± 11.1 years) who underwent meniscectomy participated in sports within 6 months of surgery. Of these patients, 76.6% returned to sport without permanent restrictions at a mean of 8.6 ± 6.9 weeks postoperatively. RTS rates for low-, medium-, and high-intensity activities were 75.0%, 70.0%, and 82.5%, respectively. RTS was associated with achieving the PASS for the KOOS–Physical Function short form (PS), KOOS-Pain, and KOOS-Sports ( P = .004, P = .007, and P = .006, respectively) but not for the IKDC questionnaire ( P = .3). Achieving the MCID was associated with RTS for the KOOS-Sports, KOOS-Pain, and IKDC questionnaire ( P < .001, P = .03, and P = .001, respectively). There was no preoperative or intraoperative variable that was predictive of RTS. Preoperative KOOS-PS scores ≥37.8 (area under the curve = 76.3%) and KOOS-Pain scores ≥51.4 (area under the curve = 72.5%) were predictive of RTS.

Conclusion:

Approximately 77% of patients returned to sport after meniscectomy at a mean of 2 months postoperatively. The level of activity intensity did not significantly alter the rate of RTS. Higher preoperative scores on the KOOS-PS and KOOS-Pain were predictive of RTS. Identifying these factors allows physicians to counsel patients on expected outcomes after meniscectomy.
Patient-Reported Experiences After Hysterectomy: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Views of Over 2300 Women
Authors: Janda Monika , Armfield Nigel R , Kerr Gayle , Kurz Suzanne , Jackson Graeme , Currie Jason , Page Katie , Weaver Edward , Yazdani Anusch , Obermair Andreas
Published: April 2019

Objective:

To evaluate women’s experiences after hysterectomy and predictors of their contentment and regret with the surgical approaches.

Methods:

Cross-sectional, Patient-Reported Experience Measures survey in 2319 Australian women aged 21 to 90 years (median age of 52 years) who had received hysterectomy in the preceding 2 years.

Results:

Overall, the vast majority of women (>96%) did not regret having had the hysterectomy. Women who received an open abdominal hysterectomy reported slower recovery with about 7% of women still not fully recovered after 12 months compared to those whose surgery was through a less invasive approach. Women who reported no adverse events, having been given a choice of type of hysterectomy, women who received an alternative to open abdominal hysterectomy, and women who felt prepared for discharge from hospital were significantly more likely to be content with their hysterectomy and report positive patient experiences.

Conclusions:

Compared with those who received a less invasive approach to hysterectomy, women who received open surgery were more likely to express negative experiences relating to their hospital stay and recovery from surgery. The results inform future improvements of care for women planning a hysterectomy.
RUNX1-targeted therapy for AML expressing somatic or germline mutation in RUNX1
Authors: Mill Christopher P. , Fiskus Warren , DiNardo Courtney D. , Qian Yimin , Raina Kanak , Rajapakshe Kimal , Perera Dimuthu , Coarfa Cristian , Kadia Tapan M. , Khoury Joseph D. , Saenz Dyana T. , Saenz David N. , Illendula Anuradha , Takahashi Koichi , Kornblau Steven M. , Green Michael R. , Futreal Andrew P. , Bushweller John H. , Crews Craig M. , Bhalla Kapil N.
Published: April 2019

RUNX1 transcription factor regulates normal and malignant hematopoiesis. Somatic or germline mutant RUNX1 (mtRUNX1) is associated with poorer outcome in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Knockdown or inhibition of RUNX1 induced more apoptosis of AML expressing mtRUNX1 versus wild-type RUNX1 and improved survival of mice engrafted with mtRUNX1-expressing AML. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing-out of RUNX1 enhancer (eR1) within its intragenic super-enhancer, or BET protein BRD4 depletion by short hairpin RNA, repressed RUNX1, inhibited cell growth, and induced cell lethality in AML cells expressing mtRUNX1. Moreover, treatment with BET protein inhibitor or degrader (BET–proteolysis targeting chimera) repressed RUNX1 and its targets, inducing apoptosis and improving survival of mice engrafted with AML expressing mtRUNX1. Library of Integrated Network–based Cellular Signatures 1000–connectivity mapping data sets queried with messenger RNA signature of RUNX1 knockdown identified novel expression-mimickers (EMs), which repressed RUNX1 and exerted in vitro and in vivo efficacy against AML cells expressing mtRUNX1. In addition, the EMs cinobufagin, anisomycin, and narciclasine induced more lethality in hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) expressing germline mtRUNX1 from patients with AML compared with HPCs from patients with familial platelet disorder (FPD), or normal untransformed HPCs. These findings highlight novel therapeutic agents for AML expressing somatic or germline mtRUNX1.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Numb inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition via RBP-Jκ-dependent Notch1/PTEN/FAK signaling pathway in tongue cancer
Authors: Li Jin-Yun , Huang Wen-Xiao , Zhou Xiao , Chen Jie , Li Zan
Published: April 2019

Background

Oral cancer has been estimated as the sixth most frequent solid cancer all over the world, in which tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is the most common type of oral cancers. However, the mechanism of TSCC metastasizing to lymph node and distant sites has not been completely understood.

Methods

In this study, RT-qPCR method was used to detect the mRNA level of Numb, PTEN and Notch1 genes, as well as EMT-associated genes. Western blot assay was utilized to detect protein level of these genes. In addition, we determined cell proliferation by MTT assay and employed transwell invasion assay and wound healing assay to probe the abilities of invasion and migration, respectively. To investigate the role of PTEN, its inhibitor VO-Ohpic trihydrate was used to treat SCC-4 and CAL27 cells.

Results

We found that Numb expression was downregulated in SCC-9 and CAL-27 cells compared to NHOK cells. Instead, Notch1 level in SCC-9 and CAL-27 cells were higher than that in NHOK cells. Furthermore, the results showed that Numb overexpression significantly suppressed proliferation, migration and invasion of SCC-9 and CAL-27 cells via regulating Notch1 signaling and EMT-related genes expression. By contrast, we observed that RBP-Jκ knockdown had an inhibitory role in proliferation, migration and invasion of SCC-9 and CAL-27 cells. In cells with Numb overexpression or RBP-Jκ knockdown, p-FAK and EMT-related genes were remarkably regulated.

Conclusions

Our findings provide new mechanism of understanding the metastasis of TSCC and help develop therapeutic strategies for treating tongue cancer.
Collaborative care: enough of the why; what about the how?
Authors: Ramanuj Parashar Pravin , Pincus Harold Alan
Published: April 2019

The clinical and cost-effectiveness of collaborative care for improving outcomes in people with mental and physical comorbidities is well established. However, translating these models into enduring change in routine care has proved difficult. In this editorial we outline how to shift the conversation on collaborative care from ‘what are we supposed to do?’ to ‘how we can do this’.

Declaration of interest

P.P.R. has received honoraria from Publicis LifeBrands and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement outside of the submitted work. H.A.P. reports personal fees from the BIND Health Plan outside of the submitted work; and is a Member of the Council on Quality of Care of the American Psychiatric Association.
Multimodal Approach to Outcome Prediction in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer by Integrating Functional Imaging and Plasma DNA Analysis
Authors: Conteduca Vincenza , Scarpi Emanuela , Matteucci Federica , Caroli Paola , Ravaglia Giorgia , Fantini Lorenzo , Gurioli Giorgia , Schepisi Giuseppe , Wetterskog Daniel , Menna Cecilia , Burgio Salvatore Luca , Lolli Cristian , Paganelli Giovanni , Attard Gerhardt , De Giorgi Ugo
Published: April 2019

PURPOSE

Biomarkers for treatment personalization in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) could help improve patient outcomes. Multiple tests on blood have reported associations with poorer outcome, including serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), chromogranin A (CGA), neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and, recently, copy number (CN) of androgen receptor (AR) in plasma DNA. Biologic data suggest an association between choline uptake and AR signaling. We aimed to integrate 18F-fluorocholine (FCH) uptake on positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scanning with plasma AR CN and other routinely obtained circulating biomarkers to evaluate their association with outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We determined plasma AR CN by digital droplet polymerase chain reaction from 105 mCRPC samples collected before abiraterone (n = 65) or enzalutamide (n = 40) therapy in the before (n = 26) and after (n = 79) chemotherapy settings. Pretreatment serum LDH, CGA, and NLR were also measured. FCH-PET/CT scan was performed at baseline, and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), total lesion activity (TLA), and metabolic tumor volume (MTV) were calculated. Main end points were the correlation of FCH-PET/CT parameters with circulating biomarkers and their impact on outcome.

RESULTS

Plasma AR CN gain was observed in 27 patients (25.7%), and it correlated significantly with higher median SUVmax, TLA, and MTV values ( P < .001). Kaplan-Meier curves showed significantly worse progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with plasma AR gain and higher SUVmax, TLA, and MTV values ( P < .001 in each prognostic group). Conversely, no association was reported for prostate-specific antigen response. On multivariable analysis of overall survival, we showed as independent factors AR gain (hazard ratio [HR], 1.92; 95% CI, 1.07 to 3.47; P = .029), presence of visceral metastasis (HR, 3.04; 95% CI, 1.66 to 5.58; P = < .001), LDH (HR, 2.95; 95% CI, 1.72 to 5.05; P < .001), NLR (HR, 3.51; 95% CI, 2.14 to 5.74; P < .001), serum CGA (HR, 3.36; 95% CI, 1.99 to 5.67; P < .001), and MTV (HR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.25 to 3.50; P = .005).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate the potential usefulness of integrating functional imaging with plasma DNA analysis and other noninvasive biomarkers as a tool to improve treatment selection for CRPC. A larger prospective evaluation is warranted.
Medroxyprogesterone Acetate in Gender-Affirming Therapy for Transwomen: Results From a Retrospective Study
Authors: Jain Jaison , Kwan Daniel , Forcier Michelle
Published: April 2019

Context

Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is a widely used progestin in feminizing hormone therapy. However, the side effects and hormonal changes elicited by this drug have never been investigated in the transgender population.

Objective

We evaluated the incidence of self-reported effects among transwomen using MPA and this drug’s impact on hormonal and metabolic parameters.

Design, Setting, and Participants

We retrospectively collected data from 290 follow-up visits (FUVs) of transwomen treated at Rhode Island Hospital from January 2011 to July 2018 (mean duration of therapy 3.4 ± 1.7 years). FUVs followed regimens of estradiol (E) and spironolactone, with MPA (n = 102) or without MPA (n = 188).

Main Outcome Measures

We assessed the incidence of self-reported effects after MPA treatment. We also compared blood levels of E, testosterone, and various laboratory parameters between MPA and non-MPA groups.

Results

Mean weighted E level was 211 ± 57 pg/mL after MPA treatment and 210 ± 31 pg/mL otherwise; this difference was nonsignificant [t(274) = 0.143, P = 0.886]. Mean weighted testosterone level was 79 ± 18 ng/dL after MPA treatment and 215 ± 29 ng/dL otherwise; testosterone levels were significantly lower in the MPA group [t(122) = 32.4, P < 0.001]. There were minimal changes in other laboratory parameters. Of 39 patients receiving MPA, 26 reported improved breast development and 11 reported decreased facial hair. Five patients experienced mood swings on MPA.

Conclusions

In our cohort of transwomen, we found minimal side effects, unchanged E levels, and a decline in testosterone associated with MPA, outcomes consistent with feminization. Prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Optimal Learning for Urban Delivery Fleet Allocation
Authors: Huang Yixiao , Zhao Lei , Powell Warren B. , Tong Yue , Ryzhov Ilya O.
Published: April 2019

In a two-tiered city logistics system, an urban logistics company usually partitions the urban area into regions and allocates its delivery fleet (e.g., vehicles, couriers) to these regions. On a daily basis, the delivery station in each region receives the delivery packages from the city distribution centers and delivers them to customers within the region, using its allocated delivery vehicles. A tactical decision in such a city logistics system is the allocation of its delivery fleet to the regions to minimize the expected operational cost of the entire system. However, because of the complexity of the urban delivery operations and the day-to-day variance of the customer demand, an accurate evaluation of the expected operational cost associated with an allocation decision can be very expensive. We propose a learning policy that adaptively selects the fleet allocation to learn the underlying expected operational cost function by incorporating the value of information. Specifically, we exploit the monotonicity of the expected operational cost in the number of allocated delivery vehicles in a region and extend the idea of knowledge gradient with discrete priors with resampling and regeneration (KGDP-R&R). Our numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of KGDP-R&R against other learning policies as well as its managerial implications compared with heuristics in practice.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2018.0861 .
Kinetics of Mercury and Nickel Adsorption Using Chemically Pretreated Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) Husks
Authors: Tejada-Tovar Candelaria , Villabona-Ortíz Angel , González-Delgado Ángel Dario , Jiménez-Villadiego María
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Agroindustrial wastes have been widely used to prepare adsorbents for heavy metal removal because of their low cost, accessibility, and high efficiency. This work focuses on preparing a novel material from cocoa ( L.) husk residual biomass chemically modified with sodium hydroxide for used as a biosorbent for nickel and mercury uptake. The cocoa husk residual biomass was characterized by FT-IR analysis to test the diversification of functional groups. The effect of particle size on removal yield was evaluated through batch adsorption experiments. The experimental results were fitted to mathematical models to determine the adsorption kinetics and isotherms. Particle size significantly affected the adsorption process, and the highest removal yields (91.59% and 79.96%) were achieved using 0.36 mm and 0.5 mm particles for Hg (II) and Ni (II) ions, respectively. The adsorption kinetic model that best fit the experimental data corresponded to the Elovich model, with correlation coefficients (R2) above 0.89. The adsorption process of nickel and mercury onto cocoa husk biomass followed the Freundlich isotherm model. The results show that modification with sodium hydroxide improves the adsorption capacity of cocoa husk residual biomass, indicating that this novel material could be efficiently applied for nickel and mercury uptake. Keywords: Adsorption, Heavy metals, Removal yield.
Text classification using artificial neural networks
Authors: Lakshmi Prasanna P , D.Rajeswara Rao Dr
Published: April 2019

Text Categorization is the process of classifying the text or documents into its corresponding categories which are defined previously. As the text or data is increasing enormously now-a-days it’s not possible to classify all the text documents manually hence its necessary to use some techniques or methods to classify the text automatically. In this paper we are using the ANN technique to classify the text, the purpose of choosing it, its advantages and its process is described in the further sections.
A novel method for minimizing distortions in endoscopy medical images
Authors: Sathiya R. , Kalaimagal R.
Published: April 2019

A short prologue to the historical backdrop of endoscopy we outline the distinctive strategies which exist to perform endoscopic techniques. Medicinal endoscope creature has the attributes as very exactness, utilitarian adaptability and cost effectiveness, which makes it the aide of therapeutic, analyze and additionally the establishment of long-remove transmission of restorative pictures .In this paper, real time endoscopic optical rationality tomography (EOCT) imaging framework. A few mechanical advancements are presented that enhance EOCT proficiency and execution. By utilizing EOCT framework, clinical investigations in first stage the throat, intestine, duodenum, ileum, colon, and rectum of patients with typical endoscopic discoveries were inspected. Tiny structures, for example, organs, veins, pits, awful, and graves were likewise watched. The mutilation of medicinal picture, for example, fluffy key points of interest of tissues might show up affected by the intertwining filtering innovation, which may cause misdiagnoses. De-interweaving system to kill mutilation is basic. At last, as indicated by the significant reason of picture intertwining twisting in medicinal endoscope framework, versatile de-joining calculation is utilized to wipe out the mutilation with.
Secured cryptographic data model for cloud
Authors: Kumar K Antony , E A Neeba , S Durai , . Ravikumar
Published: April 2019

Cloud computing turns into the cutting edge engineering of IT Enterprise. Cloud essential key thought is to move the whole information models into the server farms where the portability and administration of information isn't completely reliable. The principle challenge in the cloud is the client information and framework application information is gotten to from the cloud supplier's premises; even security arrangements sent in the premises don't take care of the demand of the clients where the need differs. The on-request security arrangement is alluring, yet now days all the cloud suppliers are utilizing encryption systems to exchange the information and information ask for and reaction. Consequently in this proposition, another security show is proposed for the cloud model to give security highlights. The new thought is to apply elliptic curve cryptography to give the security highlights to on request information handling. This proposition explores the essential issue of cloud computing information security. At last the security demonstrate is conveyed in the cloud OS "open stack" and "cloud stack".
Performance of segmentation in infrared breast thermograms using level set method
Authors: Saran Raj S , R Hariharan
Published: April 2019

Breast cancer is the overall most basic obtrusive tumour in females. The breast cancer can be dealt with successfully that they are analyzed at a beginning time. It can watch the principal indication of shaping up disease before mammography can recognize. The thermal data can be appeared in a pseudo shading where each shading speaks to a particular scope of temperature. Different techniques can be connected to extricate hot districts for distinguishing associated areas with interests in the thermograms and possibly suspicious tissues. in this paper at first the pre process of the thermogram pictures are done then they are improved. The upgraded pictures are divided by two picture segmentation strategy: K-means and level set technique are study and compared. The highlights have been extracted and classification for both the segmentation techniques.
A study on the need and impact of emotional intelligence with special reference to managerial effectiveness in the organization
Authors: Vani Murugesan Mrs. , H Sankaran Dr
Published: April 2019

Emotional intelligence (EI) plays avital role in enhancing managerial effectiveness, which is closely related to the professional growth and achievement of an individual in any organization. The study intends to discover the impact of various attributes of EI on the managerial effectiveness in inorganization. Various researches in the past haved hailed Emotional Intelligence as critical to succeed in professional roles. Four factors (i.e.) Self-management, Self-regulation, Internal motivation and empathy had been taken into study to measure the managerial effectiveness of employees [1]. The methodology concerned with this system uses responses based on certain variables, which are closely related to emotional intelligence and managerial effectiveness in an organization. Results show that these four factors have a positive implication on the managerial effectiveness and on the professional performance of an manager in organization
A novel review on various energy efficient routing algorithms in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Jain Abhilasha , Kumar Goel Ashok
Published: April 2019

In the past few decades, Wireless sensor networks have exhibited a significant amount of growth and have been used in various applications like traffic control, environment monitoring etc. It comprises an accumulation of sensor nodes that sense the data from their surroundings and relay it to the base station. The network suffers from the limited energy constraints since the sensor nodes are mobile nodes and they run out of battery after a considerable amount of time. To overcome this, a certain level of heterogeneity is introduced among the nodes in terms of energy consumption to sustain the overall network lifetime. Various protocols are developed to prolong the network longevity. Among those, PEGASIS (Power-Efficient Gathering in Sensor Information Systems) and LEACH (Low- Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy) are the significant ones, which ensures power-efficient gathering of the data in the sensor networks. This paper attempts to discuss the different aspects of PEGASIS and LEACH and their advantages and disadvantages in detail.
User-friendly novel method of geopolymer con-crete production mixes
Authors: Sabu Akshay , Rajamane Nirmalakumar
Published: April 2019

Geopolymer is an inorganic polymer, which can perform as an effective binder in place of Portland cement. With this, the Geopolymer concrete has become highly Ecofriendly with very low carbon footprint. The GPC formulation at present utilises industrial waste materials like fly ash and GGBS, which are activated with well-proportioned alkaline liquid. At present the commercially available lye and Sodium Silicate solution are used to prepare alkaline liquid capable of initiating geopolymer reaction. It is noticed that the liquid system has limited shelf life by making field production of Geopolymer concrete mixes was a difficult one more over the liquid system and its ingredients are difficult to transport over longer distances. This has been the main obstacle for development of large-scale applications of GPC mixes on commercial basis. This issue was addressed in the present study by using solid activator in replacement of liquid solution. The solid activating system can be produced just before the preparation of fresh GPC mixes at anyway at any time. It is found that the mechanical strength (40 – 45Mpa) property was similar to the liquid activating GPC mixes. This new technique of production of GPC mixes using solid activators can be consider as the major breakthrough for commercialization / large scale field applications of Geopolymer technology.
A Slack-Based Measures for Improving the Efficiency Performance of Departments in Universitas Malikussaleh
Authors: Abdullah Dahlan , . Tulus , Suwilo Saib , Efendi Syahril , . Hartono , Ita Erliana Cut
Published: April 2019

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is a data-oriented performance evaluation method that has a very satisfactory performance when there are multiple inputs and outputs presented in the form of set of peer Decision Making Units (DMU). In the discussion of DEA, basically measures the efficiency of each DMU in specific performance based on DEA Efficiency Scores. In DEA, when there is a value of Non-Zero Input and Output Slacks then this often means inefficiency. This scalar measures directly with the input surplus and the output of the short decision of the decision making unit (DMU). Universitas Malikussaleh as one of the State Universities in Indonesia, it is necessary to follow the regulations of the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education of the Republic of Indonesia (KEMENRISTEKDIKTI), one of which is the measurement of efficiency based on the number of lecturers research, the efficient use of resources included in the number of lecturers and employees, as well as students who can be accommodated based on efficiency measurements using DEA. This paper will measure the efficiency of each department in Malikussaleh University and if there is an inefficient department then it will be measured based on slack-based measures to advise aspects that need attention so that the department can be efficient.
Investigation of flexural and impact strength of carbon nanotube reinforced AA7075 metal matrix
Authors: Kasi V Rao Pothamsetty , Raghu Kumar B , Sudheer Kumar B , Phanindra Swamy G , Ganga Raju Y , Sajjad Ali Khan P
Published: April 2019

Metal matrix nano-composites are grabbing more attention by many researchers in the recent years as they exhibit outstanding properties when compared to pure metal alloys. In the present study Aluminium Alloy 7075 was selected as the matrix and carbon nanotubes was selected as reinforcing element to investigate the percentage enhancement of flexural strength and impact strength of metal matrix composite. Stir casting process was selected to fabricate the specimens. The multi walled carbon nanotubes with different weight percentages (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0 wt %) were selected to prepare the AA7075-CNT metal matrix composite.  Microstructure and dispersion of CNT was examined using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with EDX. The experimental results of mechanical tests showed that if the MWCNTs particle content increases considerably flexural strength and impact strength also increases about 125% and 90% respectively. Thus the AA7075-CNT metal matrix can be used in automobile and aerospace applications under high load conditions.
10Ghz Charge Pump PLL for Low Jitter Applica-tions
Authors: D S Rajeshwari , V Rao P , Karmungi Ramesh
Published: April 2019

This paper presents design and simulation of charge pump architectures for 10GHz Charge Pump Phase locked Loop. Differential delay cell VCO with symmetric load and Programmable frequency divider are efficiently implemented in loop. Able to achieve Peak jitter of the Divider 10ns, Peak jitter of VCO 205ps at 1GHz.Charge pump is analysed in loop by reduced current mismatch using improved high swing cascode structure including start up circuitand it has low turn ON voltage and high ouput impedance to provide stable voltage.Charge pump results current mismatch less than 0.05%.10GHz DPLL is simulated with 65nm techonology, 1.2V and tsmc foundary model files
Automatic generation control of a two area power system implementing IDDF controller under restructured environment
Authors: Sinha Sayantan , Kumar Mallick Ranjan , Mohapatra Monalisha , Kumar Giri Rohit
Published: April 2019

This paper presents the Automatic generation control of an interlinked power system in a restructured environment. The model consists of a hydro plant, a thermal plant and a diesel plant incorporated in both areas. The Area Control Error (ACE) is minimized with the help of a new controller called the Integral Double Derivative controller (IDDF) employed as a secondary controller in the proposed model. The controller parameters are optimized by a novel optimization scheme called the Lightning Search Algorithm. The proposed model is simulated under two market scenarios. The robustness of the system is also examined under step load perturbations, random loading conditions and parameter variation. The settling time of the IDDF controller is put to comparison with the PID controller and the supremacy is established.
Optimization of energy from photovoltaic cell using three port converter for home appliances
Authors: Kumar M Jagadeesh , G Jayanthi , . Priyadharshni , S Subhikshaa , K Sivaranjani
Published: April 2019

The main objective of this paper is to propose the significant usage of photovoltaic modules in household applications. This paper describes a compact but fully functional design by integrating basic converters to form a simplified single inductor converter structure while keeping minimum number of switches. The resultant converter is fully reconfigurable that all possible power flow combinations among the sources and load are achieved through different switching patterns. Single inductor converter module is used to simplify the structure while reducing the number of switches. This is fully configurable enabling all possible power flow combinations. The experimental behavior of this module from morning till evening is observed and the wave pattern of the subjective proposed results are recorded and verified.
A Study on Multiple Crew Based Productivity Scheduling Method in Construction Projects
Authors: J Rajprasad , V Thamilarasu , Lokesh Kumar Reddy C
Published: April 2019

The development construction assumes a critical part in any developing nation. Now a days time, cost and productivity of project had become primary concern of all the construction projects so in order to tackle the time, work and resource productivity in the scheduling works. There is most likely that development is a key movement inside any economy; it impacts, and is affected by, the country's (GDP).The objective to investigation and  find out the RII to identify rank of factor to influence multiple crew based productivity scheduling for construction projects on Chennai. To achieve this objective, 30 productivity scheduling factors of multiple crew which are grouped as seven groups: a)design and planning engineer crew ,b).engineering crew, a) construction supervisor crew, d) labour crew, e) fabrication crew, f) safety crew, g)quality crew and this are done by the questionnaire survey and representative by the statistical approach. The factors which effects on multiple crew based productivity scheduling  are investigated and top 10 are the most critical factors which are given as follows: (1) Shortage of labours , (2) Shifting methods ,(3)Financial issues   ,(4)Workmanship  , (5) Insufficient lighting ,(6)Distribution  of skill labour, (7) Skill of labour,  (8) Weather conditions, (9) Preparing and assigning the resources ,(10) Length of working day. Despite the fact that the results of this investigation in  factors affecting on multiple crew in the construction companies in Chennai to fill a gap of knowledge used by construction  industry members to construct up a more deeper and wider  viewpoint of the issues affecting the productivity of crew, and give direction to engineers, managers, experience persons of multiple crew force for effective utilization, consequently help with accomplishing a realistic level of effectiveness and financially effective activity.
Electrostatic field theoretic approach to analyze the partial discharge phenomenon pertaining to insulation degradation
Authors: Mukherjee Shubhankan , Chattopadhyay Adhir Baran , Thomas Sunil
Published: April 2019

This paper elucidates the application of electrostatic field theory to analyze partial discharge due to the void formation inside the insulating material. Formation of voids leads to accumulation of static charges leading to capacitance build-up. The most probable cause of insulation failure is due to the subjection of high voltage. Prolonged high voltage poses a threat and leads to insulation failure. Failures occur in the tip gap between the conductor and insulating material’s inner periphery. Probable causes of such failures are corona discharge, surface discharge and treeing, leading to formation of Lichtenberger figures in the material and cavity discharge. This paper presents a way of fabricating the inner lining of the insulator with a semiconductor layer obeying avalanche breakdown at breakdown voltage or voltages at which partial discharge is likely to occur. With the onset of high voltage which can cause a discharge, the semiconductor experiences avalanche breakdown giving out a single photon ejection by Geiger mode (principle). A superior prevention method of using Teflon for insulation instead of XLPE/PILC has been suggested and simulated using COMSOL. Detection using Avalanche photo-detector(LiDAR) may enable us to track the probable location of the occurrence of partial discharge and isolate the system.
Ifosfamide toxicity to the retina and the possible roles of lecithin and quercetin in albino rats
Authors: Ahmed Rehab , Aly Eman , Mahmoud Sherif , Awad Sahar , Kamal Gehan
Published: April 2019

Background: During cancer chemotherapy, drug-induced oxidative stress can limit therapeutic efficiency and cause a number of side effects. Objectives: Our study aimed to characterize the side effects of an alkylating agent chemotherapy ifosfamide to the retina and if the supplementation of lecithin and or quercetin can diminish its oxidative stress by means of comet assay and FTIR.Methods: Seventy female albino rats divided as control, rats given orally quercetin or lecithin, rats injected with ifosfamide, rats given quercetin or lecithin and in combination of them with ifosfamide injection.Results: Lecithin and quercetin groups indicate a normal comet parameters and distribution of protein secondary structure components content of β-turn, α-helix and β-sheet. After Ifosfamide injection, all comet parameters and β-Turns content were significant increase (p˂0.05) with the same context significant decrease (p˂0.05) of α-helix was observed. Lecithin or quercetin reduces the effect of ifosfamide injection in tail length and percentage tailed DNA. Combined treatment gives more protection against DNA damage. Lecithin role is cleared in returning the normal distribution of β-turn, α-helix, β-sheet and lack of protective effect of quercetin regarding the protein secondary structure of retina was observed.Conclusion: We suggest using lecithin and quercetin in combined treatment to reduce the oxidative stress due to ifosfamide.
Prototype File Transfer Protocol Application for LAN and Wi-Fi Communication
Authors: Rahim Robbi , Aryza Solly , Wibowo Pristisal , Khadijatul Z Harahap Adek , Rahman Suleman Abdul , Epron Sihombing Edi , Harputra Yuswin , Rahman Rambe Muhammad , Putera Utama Siahaan Andysah , Hermansyah H , Riswanto Ari , Adhi Prasnowo M , Djanggih Hardianto , Karinda Kisman , Nasrudin N , Agustina Ika
Published: April 2019

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is one of the earliest Internet protocols developed. An FTP server can be accessed by using a URI (Universal Resource Identifier), using FTP file exchange between client and server is easier to do because the communication is done directly without going through an intermediary, for communication using FTP need to be designed an application that allows communication between the client and server directly without using the browser, for it is designed an FTP application using programming language in this case is Borland Delphi programming language, the ease of sending files between computers based on IP is a value added from the FTP application that is designed because most existing FTP applications can only send files between the server and the client in the internet network means that online must not be local area network or wide area network.
A Study of Fuzzy Logic as a Decision Support System for Determining the Best Athletes
Authors: Karo-Karo Siddik , . . , . . , . . , . .
Published: April 2019

The selection of athletes with the best conditions is very required to follow various sports agenda that will be followed, to do the selection can be used decision support system by applying fuzzy logic as a tool of decision maker by doing the selection of variables used. Expected results with the use of this fuzzy logic obtained optimal selection with sufficient variables complete and the best athlete is a recommendation given and not made the final decision.
The Implementation of Multi-Objective Optimization on the Basis of Ratio Analysis Method to Select the Lecturer Assistant Working at Computer Laboratorium
Authors: Limbong Tonni , Simarmata Janner , Sriadhi S , R S Tambunan A , Keristiana Sinaga Enny , Simbolon Naeklan , M P Simarmata H , L S Siahaan A , Ruth Septarini Indira , Kelana Jaya Indra , Arafat Lubis Maulana , Khairi Siregar Ilham , Kristian Siburian Henry , Purnomo Agung , Anam Fatkul , Azzumarito Pulunga Delyanti , Siagian Parulian , DP Silitonga Parasian , Damanik Romanus , Pakpahan Sorang
Published: April 2019

A lecturer assistant is expected to be professional when dealing with the score or decision. Being professional, the lecturer assistant will be constantly respected by the students. The lecturer assistant should be able to make use of the time to keep the disciplinary. Selecting and determining the lecturer assistant at Computer Science of Unika St. Thomas Medan are conducted by the phases of selecting and taking value of the test score, the semester of lecturer assistant candidate, the number of classes to be assisted, cumulative grade point achievement, and the score of the assisted course. The Method of Multi-Objective Optimization on the Basis of Ratio Analysis (MOORA) is in the part of Decision Support System introduced by Brauers dan Zavadkas. This method is the multi-objective optimization technique which is successfully applied to solve the various complicated decision-making and well-used in terms of lecturer assistant selection due to its simple calculation and easiness to understand.
Application of Taguchi and Analysis Hierarcy Process Methods for Furan Design on Metal Casting Industry
Authors: Hasibuan Abdurrozzaq , Parinduri Luthfi , Krianto Sulaiman Oris , Elviani Sri , Asaad Mhd. , Napid Suhardi , Ekalestari Susi , Hasibuan Masnilam , . Yusmartato
Published: April 2019

In the preparation of furan the raw material used are, Silica Sand, Resin, and Catalyst. Some problem that occurs are high level of water, high level of sour, high level of clay, unsuitable distribution, and low permeability. All those problems above make the power of furan not suitable with the target that has been stated, so that furan can easily be broken, cracked, and do not stand with high temperature and its power becomes weak. The result of this research is that the optimal combination based on the highest TOPSIS score is A1 B2 C3 with the composition of Resin 1.3%, Catalyst 22.5% and new sand 15% + reclaim sand 85%. The coefficient of loss function compression strength is 4.611,11 and 10.375 for the shear strength. The raising quality based on the confirmation experiment is 0.1018 for the compression strength and 0.2339 for the shear strength. The value of S/N in the confirmation experiment for the compression strength is 20.5817 and 23.0480, in which both numbers are in the trust interval limitation that has been decided. It shows that TOPSIS procedure is able to increase furan quality for both responses, that is compression strength response, and shear strength response all at once in one parameter setting.
Study of Optimum Cutting While Lathing Carbonate Steel VCN-150 Uses a Layered Carbide Chisel PVD on Dry and Wet Condition
Authors: R. Harahap Muksin , Bakhori Ahmad , Napid Suhardi , Rafiq Yanhar Muhammad , Hasibuan Abdurrozzaq
Published: April 2019

To improve the productivity of this machining perhaps it may be recommended in a dry cutting but a dry cutting is recognized very sensitive to a high temperature. In this case, in order to overcome is perhaps required by using a tool carbide either in layers or without any layers whereby each layer has certain superior. There was conducted an experiment to have an optimum cutting on a carbon steel VCN-150 using a layers tool carbide  and Respond Surface Method (RSM) with a CCD operation. The result of study recommended that condition optimum cutting shall be achieved (When cutting tc ) on a medium machining refers to ISO 3685 and medium surface roughness (Ra ) ISO 1320. Statistically, there is no found significant difference between a dry and wet cutting on optimum dry condition.
Collaborative Assessment Using QR-Code on Ethno-mathematics Learning for Pre-Service Teacher
Authors: Rahayu Ratri , Ulya Himmatul , . Kartono , . Isnarto , Kurniasih Nuning
Published: April 2019

This research is aimed to analyze the needs of collaborative assessment tools on ethno-mathematics learning. The subjects of this research are four lecturers of ethno-mathematics course, 87 college students in their 6th semester, and the head of Elementary Teacher Education study program of Faculty of Teacher Training and Education of Universitas Muria Kudus, Indonesia. The data is obtained from literary study and field surveys which includes documentation, questionnaire and interview. The technique used to analyze the data is data triangulation which consists of several steps, those are: reduction, data presentation, and conclusion based on the data description. The result of this research showed that (1) the students were not involved in making of ethno-mathematics learning assessment tools; (2) generally, the lecturers were lack in understanding that they did not applied the collaborative assessment on the ethno-mathematics learning; (3) assessment tools were needed to measure mathematical ability using QR-Code and students’ disposition; (4) the lecturers expect that the guide book will provide the concept of collaborative assessment by using communicative language that detailed and practical so that it could be applied easily; (5) the guidebooks can accommodate lecturers' expectations.