bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing Performance of Nonlinear Complexity Metrics for Assessing Quality of ECGs Collected in Real Time
Authors: Zhang Yatao , liu Hai , Wei Shoushui , Liu Chengyu
Published: November 2017

We compared performance of a novel encoding Lempel-Ziv complexity (ELZC) with approximate entropy (ApEn), sample entropy (SmpEn) and permutation entropy (PerEn) as nonlinear metric to assess ECG quality. Firstly to compare performance of discerning randomness and inherent nonlinear properties within time series, this study calculated the aforementioned four nonlinear complexity values on several typical artificial time series i.e., Gauss noise, two kinds of noisy time series, two kinds of Logistic series and periodic series, respectively. Then for analyzing sensitivity of the aforementioned four complexity methods to content level of different types noise within ECG recordings, we investigated variation trend of ELZC, ApEn, SmpEn and PerEn in several synthetic ECG recordings containing different types noise (i.e., baseline wander, muscle artefacts, electrode motion, power line and mixed noise) and different signal noise ratios (i.e., 15, 10, 5, 0, −5 and −10 dB). Finally, the four complexity methods were employed to classify the quality of real ECG recordings from the PhysioNet/Computing in Cardiology Challenge 2011 (CINC 2011) of the MIT databases, then receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) and their corresponding area under curve (AUC) were yielded. The results showed ELZC could not only distinguish randomness and chaotic within time series but also reflect content level of noise within time series, and the highest AUC of PerEn, ELZC, SmpEn and ApEn were 0.850, 0.695, 0.474 and 0.461, respectively. The results demonstrated PerEn and ELZC were more effectively than ApEn and SmpEn for assessing ECG quality.
H∞ Robust Control of a Large-Piston MEMS Micromirror for Compact Fourier Transform Spectrometer Systems
Authors: Chen Huipeng , Li Mengyuan , Zhang Yi , Xie Huikai , Chen Chang , Peng Zhangming , Su Shaohui
Published: November 2017

Incorporating linear-scanning MEMS micromirrors into Fourier transform spectral acquisition systems can greatly reduce the size of the spectrometer equipment, making portable Fourier transform spectrometers (FTS) possible. How to minimize the tilting of the MEMS mirror plate during its large linear scan is a major problem in this application. In this work, an FTS system has been constructed based on a biaxial MEMS micromirror with a large piston displacement of 180 μm, and a biaxial H∞ robust controller is designed. Compared with open-loop control and PID closed-loop control, H∞ robust control has good stability and robustness. The experimental results show that the stable scanning displacement reaches 110.9 μm under the H∞ robust control, and the tilting angle of the MEMS mirror plate in that full scanning range falls within ±0.0014°. Without control, the FTS system cannot generate meaningful spectra. In contrast, the FTS yields a clean spectrum with an FWHM spectral linewidth of 96 cm-1 under the H∞ robust control. Moreover, the FTS system can maintain good stability and robustness under various driving conditions.
Conservation laws for a Boussinesq equation.
Authors: Gandarias M.L. , Bruzón M.S.
Published: November 2017

In this work, we study a generalized Boussinesq equation from the point of view of the Lie theory. We determine all the low-order conservation laws by using the multiplier method. Taking into account the relationship between symmetries and conservation laws and applying the multiplier method to a reduced ordinary differential equation, we obtain directly a second order ordinary differential equation and two third order ordinary differential equations.
UAE New Drilling Record
Authors: Allahyarov Rashad , Al Khatib Osama , Bermudez Romulo
Published: November 2017

This development, predominantly from four artificial islands, of a giant offshore field in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) requires Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) well design including extended length liners in order to reach drilling and geological targets of the field and Maximum Reservoir Contact (MRC) well design that can drastically decrease development costs.

Despite drilling challenges during well construction process such as losses in UER, shallow aquifer flows in Simsima, key seating issues in the base of Simsima, wellbore instability in Laffan and Nahr Umr shale, losses in Salabikh and etc. the team has managed to deliver the longest well to date in UAE to a depth of 35,800 feet and has set many ZADCO internal records for drilling performance with no HSE events.

Through the use of enabling best practices, lessons learnt and new technologies such as Casing Swivel, Fixed-Bonded non-rotating centralizers and 21 days swell packers, the well was drilled and completed 11.3 days under Authorization for Expenditure (AFE). Several major milestones and records were achieved such as record drilling performance (spud to TD), longest 8 ½" hole section (18,800 feet) with one Bit and Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA), 16" surface hole inclination of 56°, deepest set 9 ⅝" casing to 17,000 feet MD, longest single stage 6 ⅝" liner in the world (total length of 19,004 feet at the time).

All well objectives have been achieved. Several technologies were deployed to enable the abovementioned records including the use of Fixed-Bonded non-rotating centralizers in tandem with sacrificial casing swivel.
The effects of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption on earnings quality: evidence from Korea
Authors: Hoon Yuk Jee , Bin Leem Wook
Published: November 2017

This study investigates whether earnings quality of Korean listed firms was substantially improved after the IFRS adoption in long-term aspect and which firms listed in KOSPI or KOSDAQ market had been more enjoyed the benefit. Prior studies related to this subject don’t provide consistent results and have a limitation of insufficiency of research periods. Therefore, this study analyzes the positive effect of the IFRS adoption in Korea using long-term based approach and comparative analysis on each Korean stock market. Furthermore, this study considered Korean specific institutional environment in which main financial statements prepared and disclosed by listed firms were changed from individual financial statements to consolidated financial statements after the IFRS adoption. Results of the study found that earnings quality of Korean listed firms had been significantly improved during 5 years after the IFRS adoption. In addition, earnings quality on consolidated financial statements of KOSDAQ listed firms has improved more than that of KOSPI listed firms. The results provide meaningful implications to evaluate the effects of IFRS adoption on earnings quality and to assess accomplishment of fundamental purpose of the IFRS adoption in Korea.
MICROBIAL OXIDATION OF FINASTERIDE WITH MACROPHOMINA PHASEOLINA(KUCC 730)
Authors: Erum Saira , Sultan Sadia , Shah Syed Adnan Ali , Ashraf Muhammad , Choudhary Muhammad Iqbal
Published: November 2017

Objectives: New  microbial oxidative derivatives of Finasteride [17β-(N-tert-butylcarbamoyl)-4-aza-5α-androst-1-en-3-one] (1) has been investigated with Macrophomina phaseolina (ATCC730).Methods: Fermented media of  Macrophomina phaseolina (ATCC730) was prepared to cultivate the fungal cultures . Substrate 1 was incubated in liquid media for 16 days. After sixteen days, filtration and extraction of the fermented media was carried out with 9 L DCM in three portions. Resulting organic extract was dried using anhydrous (Na2SO4), and evaporated to afford a brown gum (950 mg). This on chromatographic purification with MeOH in CH2Cl2 afforded the metabolites 2-4 . Results: Three oxidised metabolites of finasteride (1) which were identified as 15-oxo-finasteride (2), 11a-hydroxyfinasteride (3), and 15β-hydroxyfinasteride (4). Metabolite 2 was found to be new. The structure of the oxidised metabolites were elucidated by 1-D (1H, 13C) and 2-D NMR (COSY, HMBC, HMQC, NOESY) techniques and MS analyses.Conclusion: As a result of these study, oxidation at C-7, C-11 and C-15 positions were found. Metabolite 2 was identified as a new metabolite.
IN VIVO ANTICANCER EVALUATION OF (2-AMINO-3,4,5-TRIMETHOXYPHENYL) (6-METHOXY-1H-INDOL-3-YL) METHANONE
Authors: Patel Vijay K. , Rajak Harish
Published: November 2017

Objective: The design and development of Combretastatin A-4 analogues as anticancer agent has always attracted the attention of scientific community involved in anticancer research. The aim of the present work was to investigate the in-vivo cytotoxic activity of a novel CA-4 analogues i.e., (2-amino-3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)(6-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)methanone.Method: The in-vivo cytotoxic activity of test compound was examined using Human Tumor Xenograft model on MCF-7 cancer cell line in Balb/c mice.Result: The test compound exhibited excellent cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 (0.013 µM), and colon HT-29 (0.143 µM), slightly higher than CA-4 activity. Relative Tumor Volume (RTV) value was found to increase rapidly in control group A during the period of 1 to 18 days indicating the higher growth rates of tumor. On the other hand group B and C showed slower growth rate of tumor as a result of treatment with CA-4 and test compound, respectively. The group B treated with CA-4 (5 mg/kg) showed significant inhibition in tumor growth during day 5 to 18 with %TGI in range of 47.24%-62.31% as compared to control group. The group C treated with test compound  (5mg/kg) caused significant inhibition in tumor growth during day 5 to 18 with %TGI in range of 55.66%-75.93% as compared to control group. The % survival value was found 100% indicating that CA-4 and test compound were nontoxic at the dose of 5mg/kg under experimental conditions.Conclusion: The parameters of In-vivo anticancer evaluation i.e., relative tumour volume and % tumor growth inhibition showed better anticancer potential of test compound. It was further supported by non-toxic nature of test compound as indicated by 100% survival value determined at the dose of 5 mg/kg during in-vivo studies.
EVALUATION OF CYTOTOXIC AND GENOTOXIC EFFECTS OF ZERUMBONE ON COLON ADENOCARCINOMA COLO205 CELLS AND HUMAN LYMPHOCYTES
Authors: Thiyam Rima , Narasu Mangamoori Lakshmi
Published: November 2017

Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate the growth inhibitory effect, apoptosis initiation and genotoxic effect of zerumbone (ZER), a phytochemical and cisplatin, a chemotherapeutic drug on human colorectal cancer cell line COLO205 and normal human lymphocytes.Methods: The antiproliferative activity of ZER and cisplatin (positive control) on COLO205 cells and lymphocytes was analysed by 3( 4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2-5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Morphological analysis of the cells was studied by using inverted phase contrast microscope. Propidium iodide staining method was used to observe the apoptotic morphological changes in the treated cells. Finally comet assay was conducted to observe the extent of DNA damage induced by ZER and cisplatin on COLO205 and lymphocytes.Results: ZER and cisplatin exhibited growth inhibition in a dose and time dependent manner against COLO205 with no considerable effect on lymphocytes. The IC50 values of ZER on COLO205 for 24h, 48h and 72h were 19 µg/ml, 10 µg/ml and 5 µg/ml. Comparatively the IC50 values of cisplatin on COLO205 for 24h, 48h and 72h were 38 µg/ml, 24 µg/ml and 15 µg/ml.  Morphological changes such as cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing and nuclear condensation were observed in COLO205 while no significant change was observed in lymphocytes. Fluorescence imaging studies confirmed apoptotic cell death in treated COLO205 cells while no significant cell death was observed in treated lymphocytes. Comet assay revealed significant DNA damage in treated COLO205 cells.Conclusion: The present study demonstrated the cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of ZER and cisplatin on COLO205 cells. These drugs showed no significant effect on lymphocytes.
A CASE REPORT ON ISOLATED HEMATURIA WITH ANEMIA DUE TO SCHISTOSOMA HAEMATOBIUM
Authors: Pamu Sagar , Thakkalapally Lakshmi , Vuyyala Balakrishna
Published: November 2017

An unsual case in India was reported with an Isolated Hematuria with Anemia due to Schistosoma Haematobium. A male North African patient aged with 22 years admitted in hospital in Hyderabad with chief complaints of hematuria with dysuria, fever with night sweats and shortness of breath during exercise. His skin appears as pale. His history known that he came to India for his academics. He has a habit of swimming in lake at his country. He has no known past medical history and medication history. His blood reports were found to be low hemoglobin levels and low RBC count. His urine analysis results with reddish colored erythrocytes and crystals with an absence of proteins and casts. Microscopic examination of urine detects Schistosoma Haematobium eggs by using repeated concentration techniques.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF ACACIA SEYAL STEM, STEM WOOD AND STEM BARK DRY DISTILLATES USED BY SUDANESES WOMEN AS COSMETIC AND MEDICINE
Authors: Eltayeb Ikram Mohamed , Elhassan Itmad Awad , Elrasoul Jihad Hasab , Eldind Eiman Salah
Published: November 2017

Objective: The content and chemical composition of dry distillates of the stem, stem wood and stem bark of Acacia seyal were investigated. The distillates are fumigants of A. seyal locally known in Sudan as Dokhan and widely used for its cosmetic, aromatic and medicinal value for the treatment of candidiasis, genital yeast infection, urinary tract infection, diarrhoea, respiratory tract infection, skin infection and with potent, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.Methods: The dry distillates were prepared by dry distillation method from the Acacia seyal stem, stem wood and stem bark and investigated chemically by GC-MS analysis.Results: The percentage yield of dry distillates (Dokhan) wer found to be 4.0 %, 4.8%, 1.4.1% v/w for stem, stem wood and stem bark respectively. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of one hundred and twenty three constituents in the stem distillate with major constituents of solerone (7.27%), furfural (7.15%), catechol (7.11%), syringol (5.56%), allo-inositol (4.86%), mequinol (4.81%), furfuralcohol (3.35%), 3-methyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione (3.24%), phenol (2.73%), homovanillyl alcohol (2.56%) and 3-cresol (2.11%). the wood distillate show detection of eighty compounds, with main compounds: 1, 3-dimethyl-5-methoxypyrazol (10.61%), syringol (6.75%), furfuralcohol (5.24%), mequinol (4.49%), 1,2-anhydro-3,4,5,6-alloinositol (4.26%), 3-methyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione (3.42%), catechol (3.37%), 3-methoxycatechol (3.22%), homovanillyl alcohol (2.78%), homosyringic acid (2.40%), 3-cresol (2.18%), 3-methyl-2-cyclopentenone (2.44%) and 1,2-cyclopentanedione (2.03%). Sixty six compounds were detected in the distillate bark and the main compounds were found to be hexadecanoic (62.83%), catechol (3.38%), tetrapentacontane (3.18%), phenol (2.72%), mequinol (2.30%) and 2-ethylfurane (2.22%).Conclusion: The result concludes that the medicinal Sudanese Dokhan have good potential as sources of different bioactive compounds and antioxidants.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PARTIAL MICROTURBINES WITH NOZZLES HAVING SMALL OUTLET ANGLE
Authors: Solomahin Yuri Vasilyevich , Akulenko Vera Mikhailovna , Yatsenko Alexander Alekseevich
Published: November 2017

The article presents the results of the pilot study of gas microturbine constructions both axial and centripetal, with a relatively big pitch of impeller blade and nozzles with small outlet angles. The case is that lowering the angle of a nozzle doesn’t solve the problem of low gas consumption when it is necessary to supply gas to the turbine wheel and to distribute it around blades. This makes execute microturbine steps with partial gas supply to the wheel. There were revealed instances when negative degree of reactivity was permitted. There has been found a degree of the impact to heat drop to the step with a change of partition, which makes the choice of operation mode of the microturbine well grounded.
CALCULATION OF PARAMETRICAL VIBRATIONS OF A SHIP SHAFT LINE SUBJECT TO RIGIDITY OF A STERN BEARING
Authors: Migunov Alexander Alekseevich , Mamontov Victor Andreevich , Khalyavkin Aleksey Aleksandrovich
Published: November 2017

The paper studies parametrical vibrations of the ship shaft line, which arise because of harmonical change in time of rigidity of a propeller shaft and a stern bearing. The design model of a propeller shaft shows a beam with a cross section constant along its length, which leans on hinged immovable and springy support simulating a stern bearing. At the end of a beam there is a disk simulating a propeller screw. Parametrical vibrations arise due to the external loading and as a result of amortization of the stern bearing. In the analysis of parametrical vibrations of the ship shaft line there are used Mathieu's equation and Strutt-Ince diagram. Dynamic stability of a ship shaft line is defined subject to a gap between a propeller shaft and a stern bearing.
HANDLING A SHIP WITH WHEELED PROPULSION-STEERING COMPLEX WHILE PERFORMING MOORING OPERATIONS
Authors: Grosheva Lyudmila Serafimovna , Plyushchayev Valerii Ivanovich
Published: November 2017

In Russia radically new ships with wheeled propulsion-steering complex have appeared. They do not have a traditional steering wheel. Steering is exercises by changing the ratio of the paddle wheels rotation frequency. That provides improved maneuverability of the vessel, but at the same time creates significant difficulties for the navigator while holding the vessel on a predetermined course and mooring operations. The article suggests equipping the ship with an azimuth bow thruster in order to improve its operational characteristics. The article presents dynamic characteristics of the ship while using thrusters. Simulating results show that using a thruster on board the ships with wheel-propulsion and steering complex greatly improves maneuverability at low speeds, but is considered inexpedient at higher speeds.
ANALYSIS OF OPTIMUM INTERVALS OF CHECKING THE OPERATING CONDITION OF FREQUENCY ROTATION REGULATORS
Authors: Kochergin Victor Ivanovich
Published: November 2017

The article shows the need of optimization of control in order to provide proper running characteristics and reduce costs of operational checks on the example of frequency rotation regulators of the marine power plants. Classification of the main failures of frequency rotation regulators has been given. For selecting diagnostic parameters under continuous or discrete control of operational condition there are used two techniques. The first technique is based on the assessment of efficiency of continuous control by the analysis of amount of specific probabilistic expenses. The second one implies choosing diagnostic parameters by means of priority of control over structural parameters of technical condition. Making the list of controlled parameters of operational state of power plants was based on the data on diesel engines reliability of Ч (ЧН) 15/18 family. Design values and non-constructive parameters were ranked in order to prevent emergency stop of the engine. According to the experts, characteristics of the fuel system and the system of automatic regulation of rotary speed are of top priority in the aspect of operational condition control. Results of calculations made using special software showed that the greater service frequency of the regulator, the greater total costs of monitoring procedure. The recommended service regularityfor a frequency rotation regulator is every 300 hours.
FAKTOR FINANSIAL DAN NON FINANSIAL YANG MEMPENGARUHI AGRESIVITAS PAJAK DI INDONESIA
Authors: Kristanto Ari Budi
Published: November 2017

Tax aggressiveness conveys benefit in promoting taxpayers’ efficiency,but also bringing the risk at once. The efficiency can be reached through minimizing the tax payment. On the other hand, tax payers’ reputation and firm value may be weakened if the tax aggressiveness is put into opportunistic objective.This paper aims to investigate whether the financial and non-financial factors influence the tax aggressiveness. Financial factors comprise leverage and liquidity. Moreover, the nonfinancial factors cover the proportion of independent commissioners, audit committee and family ownership. Furthermore, the tax payers’ aggressiveness is measured by Effective Tax Rate. The research formulates five hypotheses which are tested using linear regression methods. Moreover, this research employs 72 firmyears as samples, which cover manufacturing companies listed in the Indonesian Stock Exchange during 2010 until 2013. Those samples are sorted out by purposive sampling method. The samples are chosen using the purposive sampling method based on certain designated criterias. The result shows that financial factors consist of leverage and liquidity, and nonfinancial factor of audit committee positively influences the tax aggressiveness. While the proportion of independent commissioners and family ownership do not have significant influence toward tax aggressiveness. This finding implies that Indonesian companies tend to aggressive in avoiding the tax for the financial motives rather than non financial motives.
BUSINESS STANDARDIZATION IN THE WORLD – STATE OF THE ART
Authors: Algheriani Nuri Mohamed Saad
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this paper is to conduct an analysis of number of companies with certified standardized management systems (SMS) obtained for standards 9001, 14001, 16949, 13485, 22000, 27000, and ISO50001 across the continents: Central and South America, North America, East Asia and Pacific, Central and South Asia, Europe, and Africa. In 2014 the number of certificates for all SMS amounts1580679 of which 657280 certificates were issued in Europe, 63430 in Central and South America, 74127 in North America, 708091 in East Asia and Pacific, 63002 in central and South Asia, and 14749 in Africa. Since the number of inhabitants and gross domestic product are important growth predicto rs together with number of certificates they are combined for further analysis. The European continent is the leader according to the number of certificates per number of inhabitants , whereas East Asia and Pacific is ranked first in the parameter gross domestic product per number of certificates . Regression analysis is used to calculate the predicted number of certificates including all SMS and it gives forecast for the next decade (2024th year).
UNCERTAINTY ESTIMATION OF CONSTRUCTED METROLOGY FRAME
Authors: Furutani Ryoshu
Published: November 2017

In general, the profile measuring machine uses the displacement sensor attached on movable mechanism in order to measure the object. It could measure the object profile by the amount of movement of the displacement sensor and output of the displacement sensor. When measuring the object, metrological frame is important as a reference. If the metrological frame has some profile errors, the output of the displacement sensor includes the profile error of the metrological frame. We proposed a new method to distinguish the profile error of the metrological frame from the output of the displacement sensor. This method requires two linear stages and a displacement sensor. The object profile and profile error of the movable mechanism are determined by calculation using output of the displacement sensor. The validity of the new method was confirmed by the simulation andexperiment. It was confirmed to be possible to construct metrological frame below 1μm. As a lot of number of iteration are required, the reduction of iteration was discussed. As a result of reduction of measurement, the uncertainties of measurement are shown and compared.
COMPETITIVENESS OF SERBIAN ORGANISATIONS BASED ON MODERN ORGANIZATIONAL AND INDUSTRIAL CONCEPTS
Authors: Delić Milan , Cvetković Nela , Vrhovac Violeta , Milisavljević Stevan , Morača Slobodan
Published: November 2017

The aim of this paper is to examine the relationship between the dimensions of lean implementation success and time efficiency. The potential statistical significance of dimensions: quality, customer, process, human resources and supplier on time efficiency, has been investigated using a sample of 217 organizations and multiple regression model. The results of this study show that, overall, there is a positive relationship between dimensions of lean concept and time efficiency, and that constructs model explains about 51% of the variances in time efficiency. Furthermore, looking at the dimensions separately, customer and human resources seem to be the most significant in the case of firms where advanced lean concepts are not applied, while human resources management dimension shows the greatest effect on time efficiency in firms applying lean practices.
ASSESSMENT OF INDUSTRIAL MATURITY LEVEL BY MULTI-CRITERIAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Babić Zoran , Veža Ivica , Banduka Nikola
Published: November 2017

Project Innovative Smart Enterprise wants to improve the scientific understanding of average Croatian manufacturing enterprise, by promoting empirical, enterprise-level research on technological and non-technological process and organizational innovation. A special effort will be made to bridge the cultural and mentality gap between Croatian and EU manufacturing enterprises. In order to enable development of Croatian model of Innovative Smart Enterprise, it was mandatory to analyse current state of Croatian manufacturing industry. Evaluation of industrial maturity level research is carried out using Web questionnaires and interviews with 50 CEOs (chief executive officer) from 38 manufacturing enterprises. The problem of industrial enterprises evaluation is solved by a model that combines Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS).
Relaxed structure of typical nitro explosives in the excited state: observation, implication and application
Authors: Chu Genbai , Yang Zuhua , Xi Tao , Xin Jianting , Zhao Yongqiang , He Weihua , Shui Min , Gu Yuqiu , Xiong Ying , Xu Tao
Published: November 2017

Understanding the structural, geometrical and chemical changes that occur after electronic excitation is essential to unraveling the inherent mechanism of nitro explosives. In this work, relaxed structures of typical nitro explosives in the excited state are investigated by time-dependent density functional theory. During the excitation process, nitro group becomes activated and then relaxes, leading to a relaxed structure. All five nitro explosives exhibit a similar behavior, and impact sensitivity is related to excitation energy of relaxed structure. High sensitivity d-HMX has a lower excitation energy for relaxed structure than b-HMX. This work offers a novel insight into energetic material.
DA (IM) POSSIBILIDADE DE DECLARAÇÃO EX OFFÍCIO DA PRESCRIÇÃO TRIBUTÁRIA PELA AUTORIDADE ADMINISTRATIVA
Authors: Nobre Simone Cruz
Published: November 2017

A prescrição pode ser declarada de ofício pelo magistrado. Contudo, a prescrição pode ocorrer na esfera administrativae, realizar a inscrição em dívida ativa e ajuizaração que sabe indevida, acaba por ferir princípios da Administração Pública.Muito se defende que esse procedimento seria um poder-dever e sua declaração pode ser procedida ex offício. Há Estados em que a competência para realizar estes atos não estão condensadas na mesma autoridade administrativa. Assim, faz-se necessário avaliar se a declaração não conflita com a competência legal exclusiva do agente público. Estaria este ato amparado no poder de autotutela?
STUDY OF PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER COMPETENCE IN TANAH BUMBU REGENCY
Authors: Atmono Dwi , Rahmattullah Muhammad
Published: November 2017

Teacher competence is central factor that influencing teacher performance to create human resources with certain quality. Teacher competence influenced by many factors, such as educational background and teaching experience for his specific subject. This study aims to: 1) map the competence of primary school teachers in Tanah Bumbu Regency, and 2) analyze the effect of educational background and teaching experience to teacher competence. This study used quantitative approach. Population of this research is all primary school teachers in Tanah Bumbu regency which already followed Online Test of Teacher Competence (UKG Online) as many as 1,106 teachers. Samples were taken by using purposive random sampling as much as 20% of the total population that numbered 160 people. Variables of this study are: 1) Teacher Competence, 2) Educational Background and 3) Teaching Experience. This study used quantitative analysis includes percentage technique and multiple linear regressions. The results showed: 1) Primary school teacher competence in Tanah Bumbu Regency is above the national average score of 53.05, but still below the Minimum Competence Standards (SKM) of 55. The average score of pedagogic competence is 48.15 and professional competence is 55.91. 2) There is a significant simultaneous effect of educational background and teaching experience to teacher performance. Partially, only teacher experience variable that that significantly influence the teacher competence.
Character Education Based on Pancasila Values Through Curriculum 2013 on Primary Education Children in Madura
Authors: Indriani Dian Eka
Published: November 2017

The importance of character education seems to have been recognized by the government. As an expression comes from the founding father of the nation that the battle will be more severe because the opponent is no longer come from the outside but from the inside, then through character education is proclaimed in the curriculum, especially in curriculum 2013, an obvious emphasis on the spiritual and social through their first core competencies and second core competencies that must exist in all subjects in school. This study is a qualitative descriptive study with triangulation, using data collection techniques, namely questionnaire, observation and interview. Research will be conducted in an elementary school using Curriculum 2013 in the District Kamal, there are five primary schools in Kamal those are SDN Banyuajuh 2, SDN Banyuajuh 3, SDN Banyuajuh 6, SDN Kamal 1, SDN Gili Anyar. The results of this study are expected to examine more deeper in the development of character-building nation, ie characters that contain values of Pancasila as education that contains the values of Pancasila with the essence of Pancasila as the outlook of the nation is a prime shield for the challenges and threats as forming the national character that is unique and distinctive that became distinguishing element between one nation by another nation.
Quo vadis universitas? Remarks, comments and questions (non?) Pedagogical
Authors: Levovickij Tadeush ,   Higher Teacher Education School of the Polish Teachers` Union (Warsaw)
Published: November 2017

The transformation of social and economic system and the integration of Poland with European Union have brought many positive chances. Simultaneously, some negative processes have intensified (also accompanied by new ones), which makes difficult the functioning and development of higher education. These negative processes and their noticeable results are presented in the article. Apart from critical opinions and questions about the direction of changes in higher education, some suggestions of improvements are included in the text of article.
The Prevalence and Implications of Slipping on Low-Stakes, Large-Scale Assessments
Authors: Culpepper Steven Andrew
Published: November 2017

In the absence of clear incentives, achievement tests may be subject to the effect of slipping where item response functions have upper asymptotes below one. Slipping reduces score precision for higher latent scores and distorts test developers’ understandings of item and test information. A multidimensional four-parameter normal ogive model was developed for large-scale assessments and applied to dichotomous items of the 2011 National Assessment of Educational Progress eighth-grade mathematics and reading tests. The results suggest that the probability of slipping exceeded 5% for 47.2% and 51.1% of the dichotomous mathematics and reading items, respectively. Furthermore, allowing for slipping resulted in larger item discrimination parameters, increased information in the lower-to-middle range of the latent trait, and decreased precision for scores one standard deviation above the mean. The results provide evidence that slipping is a factor that should be considered during test development and construction to ensure adequate measurement across the latent continuum.
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Treatment of Muscle Impairment: Critical Review and Recommendations for Clinical Practice
Authors: Nussbaum Ethne L. , Houghton Pamela , Anthony Joseph , Rennie Sandy , Shay Barbara L. , Hoens Alison M.
Published: November 2017

Purpose: In response to requests from physiotherapists for guidance on optimal stimulation of muscle using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), a review, synthesis, and extraction of key data from the literature was undertaken by six Canadian physical therapy (PT) educators, clinicians, and researchers in the field of electrophysical agents. The objective was to identify commonly treated conditions for which there was a substantial body of literature from which to draw conclusions regarding the effectiveness of NMES. Included studies had to apply NMES with visible and tetanic muscle contractions. Method: Four electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, PUBMED, and SCOPUS) were searched for relevant literature published between database inceptions until May 2015. Additional articles were identified from bibliographies of the systematic reviews and from personal collections. Results: The extracted data were synthesized using a consensus process among the authors to provide recommendations for optimal stimulation parameters and application techniques to address muscle impairments associated with the following conditions: stroke (upper or lower extremity; both acute and chronic), anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, patellofemoral pain syndrome, knee osteoarthritis, and total knee arthroplasty as well as critical illness and advanced disease states. Summaries of key details from each study incorporated into the review were also developed. The final sections of the article outline the recommended terminology for describing practice using electrical currents and provide tips for safe and effective clinical practice using NMES. Conclusion: This article provides physiotherapists with a resource to enable evidence-informed, effective use of NMES for PT practice.
Micro-Focusing of Broadband High-Order Harmonic Radiation by a Double Toroidal Mirror
Authors: Coudert-Alteirac Hélène , Dacasa Hugo , Campi Filippo , Kueny Emma , Farkas Balázs , Brunner Fabian , Maclot Sylvain , Manschwetus Bastian , Wikmark Hampus , Lahl Jan , Rading Linnea , Peschel Jasper , Major Balázs , Varjú Katalin , Dovillaire Guillaume , Zeitoun Philippe , Johnsson Per , L’Huillier Anne , Rudawski Piotr
Published: November 2017

We present an optical system based on two toroidal mirrors in a Wolter configuration to focus broadband extreme ultraviolet (XUV) radiation. Optimization of the focusing optics alignment is carried out with the aid of an XUV wavefront sensor. Back-propagation of the optimized wavefront to the focus yields a focal spot of 3.6 × 4.0 µm2 full width at half maximum, which is consistent with ray-tracing simulations that predict a minimum size of 3.0 × 3.2 µm2. This work is important for optimizing the intensity of focused high-order harmonics in order to reach the nonlinear interaction regime.
Interpretation US Elastography in Chronic Hepatitis B with or without Anti-HBV Therapy
Authors: Lee Cheng-Han , Wan Yung-Liang , Hsu Tse-Hwa , Huang Shiu-Feng , Yu Ming-Chin , Lee Wei-Chen , Tsui Po-Hsiang , Chen Yi-Cheng , Lin Chun-Yen , Tai Dar-In
Published: November 2017

Inflammation has significant impacts on liver fibrosis measurement by ultrasound elastography. The interpretation requires further optimization in patients with or without anti-viral therapy. We prospectively enrolled a consecutive series of patients with chronic hepatitis B who received liver histology analysis and acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI). 146 patients who underwent liver biopsy (50.9%) or tumor resection (49.1%) were enrolled. 34 patients (23.3%) had been receiving anti-hepatitis B therapy of various duration. The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) for the diagnosis of Metavir F4 by mean ARFI was 0.820 in the non-treatment group and 0.796 in the treatment group. The ARFI tended to be not lower (100%) than the corresponding Metavir grading in patients with treatment within 12 months, equal (75%) from 13 to 31 months, and lower (71.4%) after 32 months. We conclude that ARFI is a reliable tool for measurement of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients with ALT (alanine aminotransferase) <5x the upper limit of normal. For those patients under anti-HBV therapy, the optimal timing for ARFI analysis will be over 1–2.5 years of nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy. The ARFI measurement after 2.5 years tends to be lower than the corresponding histology grading.
The Air-Sea Nitrous Oxide Flux along Cruise Tracks to the Arctic Ocean and Southern Ocean
Authors: Zhan Liyang , Wu Man , Chen Liqi , Zhang Jixia , Li Yuhong , Liu Jian
Published: November 2017

Nitrous oxide is a trace gas with two global environmental effects: it depletes stratospheric ozone and contributes to the greenhouse effect. Oceans are one of the most significant nitrous oxide sources; however, there are ocean areas whose contributions to the nitrous oxide budget are not yet well studied. The Southern Ocean and the Arctic Ocean feature strong winds and portions that are covered by sea ice. These intense environmental conditions and the remoteness of these regions hamper fieldwork; hence, very limited data are available on the distributions and the source and sink characteristics of nitrous oxide. Using data from the 4th Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition and the 27th Chinese National Antarctic Research Expedition, the first global-scale investigation of the surface water N2O distribution pattern, the factors influencing the N2O distribution and the air-sea N2O flux are discussed in this study. The results show that the tropical and subtropical regions (30° N–30° S) exhibit significant source characteristics, with a maximum air-sea flux of approximately 21.0 ± 3.9 μmol·m−2·d−1. The high air-sea flux may result from the coastal influences and high wind speeds in certain areas. The distribution patterns of N2O in the sub-polar regions (30° N–60° N, 30° S–60° S) transition from oversaturated to approximate equilibrium with the atmosphere, and the boundaries generally correspond with frontal structures. The distributions of N2O in the high-latitude Southern Ocean and Arctic Ocean (>60° N and 60° S) exhibit contrasting patterns. With the exception of the continental shelf hotspot, the Arctic Ocean surface water is undersaturated with N2O; in contrast, the high-latitude Southern Ocean along the cruise track is oversaturated with N2O. The high-latitude Southern Ocean may act as a N2O source, with a maximum air-sea N2O flux of approximately 9.8 ± 0.5 μmol·m−2·d−1 at approximately 60° S, whereas the air-sea N2O flux of the Arctic Ocean is close to zero due to the low wind speed conditions at these latitudes.
The Multi-Wavelength Absorption Analyzer (MWAA) Model as a Tool for Source and Component Apportionment Based on Aerosol Absorption Properties: Application to Samples Collected in Different Environments
Authors: Bernardoni Vera , Pileci Rosaria , Caponi Lorenzo , Massabò Dario
Published: November 2017

The multi-wavelength absorption analyzer model (MWAA model) was recently proposed to provide a source (fossil fuel combustion vs. wood burning) and a component (black carbon BC vs. brown carbon BrC) apportionment of babs measured at different wavelengths, and to provide the BrC Ångström Absorption exponent (αBrC). This paper shows MWAA model performances and issues when applied to samples impacted by different sources. To this aim, the MWAA model was run on samples collected at a rural (Propata) and an urban (Milan) site in Italy during the winter period. Lower uncertainties on αBrC and a better correlation of the BrC absorption coefficient (babsBrC) with levoglucosan (tracer for wood burning) were obtained in Propata (compared to Milan). Nevertheless, the correlation previously mentioned improved, especially in Milan, when providing a priori information on αBrC to MWAA. Possible reasons for this improvement could be the more complex mixture of sources present in Milan and the aging processes, which can affect aerosol composition, particle mixing, and size distribution. OC and EC source apportionment showed that wood burning was the dominating contributor to the carbonaceous fractions in Propata, whereas a more complex situation was detected in Milan. Simultaneous babs(BC) apportionment and EC measurements allowed MAC determination, which gave analogous results at the two sites.
Effective Postharvest Preservation of Kiwifruit and Romaine Lettuce with a Chitosan Hydrochloride Coating
Authors: Fortunati Elena , Giovanale Geremia , Luzi Francesca , Mazzaglia Angelo , Kenny Josè , Torre Luigi , Balestra Giorgio
Published: November 2017

Kiwifruits and romaine lettuce, among the most horticulturally-consumed fresh products, were selected to investigate how to reduce damage and losses before commercialization. The film-forming properties, physico-chemical, and morphological characteristics, as well as the antimicrobial response against Botrytis cinerea and Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum of chitosan hydrochloride (CH)-based coatings were investigated. The results underlined the film-forming capability of this CH that maintained its physico-chemical characteristics also after dissolution in water. Morphological investigations by FESEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy) underlined a well-distributed and homogeneous thin coating (less than 3–5 μm) on the lettuce leaves that do not negatively affect the food product functionality, guaranteeing the normal breathing of the food. FESEM images also highlighted the good distribution of CH coating on kiwifruit peels. The in vitro antimicrobial assays showed that both the mycelial growth of Botrytis cinerea and the bacterial growth of Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum were totally inhibited by the presence of CH, whereas in vivo antimicrobial properties were proved for 5–7 days on lettuce and until to 20–25 days on kiwifruits, demonstrating that the proposed coating is able to contrast gray mold frequently caused by the two selected plant pathogens during postharvest phases of fruit or vegetable products.
Galloping Reduction of Transmission Lines by Using Phononic Crystal
Authors: Han Lin , Zhang Yan , Li Xiaomei , Jiang Linhua , Chen Da
Published: November 2017

Considering the combination of the transmission lines and phononic crystals (PCs), we propose a new method to solve the problem of the galloping of overhead transmission lines. The method has two key points: attaching the suitable mass-spring system on each spacer, and periodically arranging the modified spacers along a transmission line. Based on the Bloch’s theorem, the PC transmission lines could generate vibration band gaps (BGs), which would reduce galloping. In order to implement our point, we establish the two-dimensional model of the PC transmission lines and derive the transfer matrix method to calculate the frequency dispersion relation of the vertical transverse vibration. Then, the extremely low frequency BG, in the range of galloping frequency, is obtained and verified based on an example of single conductor. To widen the BG range, we also study the effects of the spacer and the attached mass-spring system on the BG. The wide BG, which even covers the range of 0.338–0.909 Hz, could be given just by using the suitable setting of the spacer and mass-spring system.
Coal Supply Chains: A Whole-Process-Based Measurement of Carbon Emissions in a Mining City of China
Authors: Luo Guangfang , Zhang Jianjun , Rao Yongheng , Zhu Xiaolei , Guo Yiqiang
Published: November 2017

The purpose of the study is to understand the carbon emissions in the coal supply chains of a mining city. The paper employed a conceptual methodology for the estimation of carbon emissions in the four processes of coal mining, selection and washing, transportation and consumption. The results show that the total carbon emission of the coal supply chain in Wu’an is up to 3.51 × 1010 kg and is mainly sourced from the coal mining and consumption, respectively accounting for 13.10% and 84.62%, which indicates that deep coal processing plays a more critical determinant in coal production and consumption. Among the pillar industries, the carbon emissions from the steel industry accounts for 85.41% of the total in the coal consumption process, which indicates that the structure of carbon emissions is dependent on the local industrial structure. Additionally, the carbon directly from CO2 accounts for 89.46%. Our study is not only to be able to supply references for the formulation strategy of a low carbon city, but also to provide a new approach to urban development patterns with a new view for coal resource management.
Comparisons of Soil Properties, Enzyme Activities and Microbial Communities in Heavy Metal Contaminated Bulk and Rhizosphere Soils of Robinia pseudoacacia L. in the Northern Foot of Qinling Mountain
Authors: Yang Yurong , Dong Miao , Cao Yaping , Wang Jinlong , Tang Ming , Ban Yihui
Published: November 2017

The toxic effects of heavy metal (HM) contamination on plant metabolism and soil microorganisms have been emphasized recently; however, little is known about the differences in soil physical, chemical, and biological properties between bulk and rhizosphere soils contaminated with HMs in forest ecosystem. The present study was conducted to evaluate the rhizosphere effect on soil properties, enzyme activities and bacterial communities associated with Robinia pseudoacacia L. along a HM contamination gradient. Soil organic matter (SOM), available nitrogen (AN) and phosphorus (AP) contents were significantly higher in rhizosphere soil than those in bulk soil at HM contaminated sites (p < 0.05). Compared to bulk soil, activities of four soil enzymes indicative of C cycle (β-glucosidase), N cycle (protease, urease) and P cycle (alkaline phosphatase) in rhizosphere soil across all study sites increased by 47.5%, 64.1%, 52.9% and 103.8%, respectively. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) were used to determine the relative abundance, composition and diversity of bacteria in both bulk and rhizosphere soils, respectively. The copy number of bacterial 16S rRNA gene in bulk soil was significantly lower than that in rhizosphere soil (p < 0.05), and it had significantly negative correlations with total/DTPA-extractable Pb concentrations (p < 0.01). Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria and Firmicutes were the most dominant groups of bacteria at different study sites. The bacterial diversity index of Species richness (S) and Margalef (dMa) were significantly higher in rhizosphere soil compared with those in bulk soil, although no difference could be found in Simpson index (D) between bulk and rhizosphere soils (p > 0.05). Redundancy analysis (RDA) results showed that soil pH, EC, SOM and total/DTPA-extractable Pb concentrations were the most important variables affecting relative abundance, composition and diversity of bacteria (p < 0.05). Our study highlights the importance of rhizosphere effect on soil nutrient content, enzyme activity, bacterial abundance and community in HM contaminated forest soils. Further study is still required to understand the specific processes in the rhizosphere to achieve a suitable rhizosphere biotechnology for restoration of degraded forest ecosystem.