bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HUBUNGAN ANTARA MOTIVASI BELAJAR DAN KOMPETENSI GURU DENGAN PRESTASI BELAJAR SISWA PADA MATA PELAJARAN BAHASA ARAB DI MADRASAH TSANAWIYAH KECAMATAN RANCABUNGUR BOGOR
Authors: . Irawati , . Indupurnahayu , Lisnawati Santi
Published: April 2019

Tujuan penelitian menganalisis seberapa besar hubungan motivasi belajar dan kompetensi Guru dengan prestasi belajar belajar Bahasa Arab dengan menggunakan metode penelitian kuantitatif, dan menggunakan analisis regresi sederhana dengan jumlah sampel 150. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat hubungan positif dan signifikan motivasi belajar dengan prestasi belajar Bahasa Arab siswa, dengan nilai koefisien korelasi sebesar 0.523, nilai signifikan sebesar 0.000, dan koefisien determinasi sebesar 27,4% dan sisanya 72,6% dipengaruhi oleh faktor-faktor lain. Terdapat hubungan positif dan signifikan kompetensi guru dengan prestasi belajar Bahasa Arab siswa, dengan nilai koefisien korelasi sebesar 0.516, nilai signifikan sebesar 0.000, dan koefisien determinasi sebesar 26,6% dan sisanya 73,4% dipengaruhi oleh faktor-faktor lain. Terdapat hubungan positif dan signifikan motivasi belajar dan kompetensi guru dengan prestasi belajar siswa pada mata pelajaran Bahasa Arab, dengan nilai koefisien korelasi ganda sebesar 0.548 dan koefisien determinasi sebesar 30% dan sisanya 70% dipengaruhi oleh faktor lain, yaitu faktor keluarga dan lingkungan .
PERAN GURU DALAM PENDIDIKAN LINGKUNGAN HIDUP
Authors: Muhyidin Nurzaelani Mohammad
Published: April 2019

Artikel ini mengkaji tentang peran guru dalam pendidikan lingkungan hidup (PLH). Di latar belakangi masalah lingkungan merupakan masalah nyata yang dihadapi manusia dan disebabkan pola perilaku manusia yang tidak selaras dengan lingkungan. Oleh karena itu tujuan Pendidikan Lingkungan Hidup (PLH) untuk mengubah perilaku sudah sangat tepat, dengan belajar dari alam dalam memelihara lingkungannya yaitu dengan prinsip keberlanjutan dan menerapkan beberapa pendekatan pembelajaran yang melibatkan siswa aktif secara mental sesuai dengan filsafat kontruktivis seperti pembelajaran berbasis masalah, pemecahan masalah, inkuiri, pembelajaran kontekstual dan klarifikasi nilai diharapkan pembelajaran PLH menjadi lebih efektif. Guru PLH khususnya dan bahkan semua guru memiliki peran penting di dalam menyukseskan program PLH, membangun gaya hidup dan menanamkan prinsip keberlanjutan dan menerapkan etika lingkungan..
PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN BERBASIS PROYEK PADA MATA PELAJARAN FINISHING KONSTRUKSI KAYU MENGGUNAKAN POLITUR UNTUK MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR PESERTA DIDIK DI KELAS XI BA SMK NEGERI 2 KOTA BOGOR
Authors: . Surisman
Published: April 2019

Penelitian ini beranjak dari fenomena yang terjadi di kelas bahwa rendahnya pemahaman dan hasil belajar peserta didik pada pembelajaran finishing konstruksi kayu menggunakan politur.  Oleh karena itu seorang guru perlu mempertimbangkan strategi pembelajaran sehingga dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar peserta didik. Penelitian ini bertujuan: 1) untuk mengetahui bahwa model pembelajaran berbasis proyek dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar peserta didik tentang finishing konstruksi kayu menggunakan politur di kelas XI.BA SMK Negeri 2  Kota Bogor; 2) untuk menggambarkan proses peningkatan hasil belajar peserta didik tentang finishing konstruksi kayu menggunakan politur sebelum dan sesudah menggunakan model pembelajaran berbasis proyek di kelas XI.BA SMK Negeri 2  Kota Bogor; 3) untuk mengukur besarnya peningkatan hasil belajar peserta didik tentang finishing konstruksi kayu menggunakan politur setelah menggunakan model pembelajaran berbasis proyek di Kelas XI.BA SMK Negeri 2 Kota Bogor, tahun pelajaran 2014 -2015.             Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa dengan menggunakan model pembelajaran berbasis proyek dapat menjadi variasi pembelajaran yang menyenangkan bagi peserta didik sehingga terbukti meningkatkan hasil belajar peserta didik di Kelas XI .BA SMK Negeri 2 Kota Bogor. Sebelum menggunakan model pembelajaran berbasis proyek hasil belajar peserta didik pra siklus hanya mencapai nilai rata-rata 55,96 kemudian terjadi peningkatan setelah menggunakan model pembelajaran berbasis proyek menjadi 73,33 pada siklus 1 dan 80,75 pada siklus 2.
Расчет эффектов реактивности в подкритической сборке с тепловым спектром нейтронов, управляемой внешним источником нейтронов
Authors: Шишкина Мария , Фоков Юрий , Рутковская Кристина , Куликовская Алла
Published: April 2019

Описаны конструкция и материальный состав ядерно-физической подкритической сборки «Ялiна-Тепловая». По данной установке создан входной файл ядерно-физического кода MCNP для расчета основных характеристик, достаточно подробно описывающий геометрию и материальный состав сборки, а также энергетическое распределение нейтронов. Выполнено расчетное моделирование пошаговой загрузки топлива в активную зону; оценен статистический вес твэлов центральной, промежуточной и периферийной областей активной зоны сборки; вклад в реактивность свинцовой мишени, расположенной в центральной полости сборки; расчет величины эффективной доли запаздывающих нейтронов.
Программные средства, применяемые для анализа и обоснования безопасности атомной электростанции в части нейтронно-физических вычислений
Authors: Третьякевич Сергей , Сперанский Филипп
Published: April 2019

Представлен обзор нейтронно-физических программных средств различных стран, используемых для анализа и обоснования безопасности блока АЭС, в том числе для определения параметров активной зоны блока АЭС в различных режимах эксплуатации, расчета топливной кампании, выгорания ядерного топлива и т. д. Рассмотрены программные средства для создания библиотек малогрупповых констант, включающих нейтронные макроскопические сечения элементов активных зон ядерных реакторов в зависимости от физических характеристик ядерного реактора, программы-имитаторы активных зон ядерных реакторов для сравнительно быстрых вычислений нейтронно-физических характеристик на основе предварительно подготовленной библиотеки малогрупповых констант, и прецизионные программы на основе метода Монте-Карло. Предложены программные средства для проведения нейтронно-физических расчетов ядерных реакторов Белорусской АЭС эксплуатирующей организацией и регулирующим органом и его организациями технической поддержки.
Advice for Student Authors: How to Organize Your Research Article
Authors: Staff Editorial
Published: April 2019

General information about article organization is presented. Questions about equation placement, chart or graph usage, figure placement, and bibliographic style are answered. Information about how a paper is reviewed is discussed, and steps for submitting a research paper are outlined.
Three-Minute Herbal Treatment to Reduce Dental Caries with a Newbouldia laevis Based Extract
Authors: Okeke Amaechina
Published: April 2019

An extract made from leaves of the tree Newbouldia laevis was tested as a bactericide for the bacteria implicated in dental caries. Thirty toothache patients used the extract as a mouthwash and the mouthwash’s bactericidal action was tested under laboratory conditions. Bacterial action was arrested in 25 of the 30 patients.
Physiological and Behavioral Effects of d-threo-methylphenidate Hydrochloride in Male Wistar-Kyoto and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Sayler Jennifer , Tennison Linda , Mitchell David
Published: April 2019

Millions of children and adults worldwide are diagnosed with Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and yet its very existence, definition, and treatment are surrounded with discord and controversy. ADHD and its treatments are brought together through this investigation into the effects that drug therapy has on Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) and a strain of Spontaneously Hypertensive rats (SHR) selectively inbred from WKY rats. The effects of the drug d-threo-methylphenidate hydrochloride (d-MPH - the d-isomer of the ADHD drug Ritalin) on spatial working memory abilities, overall growth rate, blood glucose levels, blood pH, and erythrocyte membrane lipids were examined in the two rat strains. Although all four physiological properties remained constant and normal over the course of the experiment, the spatial working memory abilities were inhibited in WKY rats receiving the drug. These results suggest that the d-isomer of this drug may have a significant impact on cognitive function in rats and possibly humans.
Isolation of Microsatellite Loci in Sceloporus grammicus (Squamata, Phrynosomatidae)
Authors: Degnan Patrick , Arévalo Elisabeth
Published: April 2019

The mesquite lizard (Sceloporus grammicus) exhibits multiple Robertsonian chromosomal rearrangements (mainly centric fissions) resulting in several cytotypes. In a transitional environment from oak-pine forests to a drier xeric habitat in central Mexico, two cytotypes (F5: 2n = 34 and FM2: 2n = 46) are known to hybridize. A partial genomic library was constructed from S. grammicus genomic DNA and then screened for microsatellites. Microsatellites are short tandem nucleotide repeats that have near universal occurrence in all eukaryotic genomes. Microsatellites exhibit variable length polymorphisms that can be characterized and utilized as genetic markers for population studies. Thirteen microsatellite arrays were isolated from the S. grammicus genomic library and PCR primers were designed in the flanking regions for the amplification of these alleles. These microsatellite loci would be the primary tool used to answer behavioral, ecological, chromosomal and evolutionary questions that influence the maintenance of this hybrid zone.
Line × Tester Analysis for Morphological and Fruit Biochemical Traits in Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Using Wild Relatives as Testers
Authors: Kaushik Prashant
Published: April 2019

Wild relatives of eggplant are commonly exploited for eggplant improvement, but the genetic improvement relies on the information of the genetic basis of inheritance of traits. In this study, two eggplant lines, one with oriental and another with occidental cytoplasm, were crossed with four testers representing three wild species, namely, Solanum insanum, S.anguivi, and S. lichtensteinii. The Line × Tester cross produced a total of eight interspecific hybrids. Parents and their hybrids were evaluated for 3 biochemical, 12 morphological, and 8 Tomato Analyzer-based descriptors. A significant amount of variation was noticed for all 23 traits studied. The higher values for the specific combining ability (SCA) component were determined as compared to the general combining ability (GCA) component. The testers were more significant for most of the traits than the cultivated varieties. Positive heterosis was determined for the 12 characteristics and negative heterosis for the 11 attributes. Overall, S.anguivi, and S. lichtensteinii were better for the biochemical traits’ improvement, whereas S. insanum was a better tester for the morphological traits.
An Analysis of Culling Patterns during the Breeding Cycle and Lifetime Production from the Aspect of Culling Reasons for Gilts and Sows in Southwest China
Authors: Wang Chao , Wu Yinghui , Shu Dingming , Wei Hongkui , Zhou Yuanfei , Peng Jian
Published: April 2019

To investigate culling patterns during the breeding cycle and lifetime production associated with culling reasons, 19,471 culling records were collected in southwest China. Lifetime pigs born alive (LPBA) and parity for culling reasons, and reason distribution at different parities and breeding cycle were analyzed. Sows culled for stress and death (SD), lameness (LA), common disease (CD), not being pregnant, return to estrus, and abortion (NP) had fewer than 20 LPBA (p < 0.05). Gilts were mainly culled for anestrus beyond nine months (AB9), CD, and LA, while weaned sows were culled for reproductive system disease (RS), CD, and anestrus beyond seven days (p < 0.0033). Gestating sows were mainly culled for NP, CD, and SD, while lactating sows were mainly culled for low or no milk production (NM), poor litter size, and CD (p < 0.0033). Moreover, sows were mainly culled at parity 0, 1, and 2 (p < 0.0024). Besides CD and RS, LA and NP were the primary reasons for parity 1 and 2 culls, respectively. In conclusion, SD, LA, CD, and NP sharply decrease sow lifetime production. AB9, RS, NP, and NM mainly occurred in gilts, weaned, gestating, and lactating sows, respectively. Low parity sows had a higher risk of CD, RS, LA, and NP.
Antioxidative Effects of Olive Polyphenols Compared to Vitamin E in Piglets Fed a Diet Rich in N-3 PUFA
Authors: Leskovec Jakob , Rezar Vida , Nemec Svete Alenka , Salobir Janez , Levart Alenka
Published: April 2019

The aim of the current study was to assess the antioxidative effects of the dietary supplementation of olive leaf extract (OLE) in different concentrations compared to those of vitamin E in piglets under conditions of dietary n-3 PUFA-induced oxidative stress. Forty-eight castrated male piglets (10.6 ± 0.99 kg) were fed the following experimental diets: Cont− (low-fat diet, no supplement), Cont+ (high linseed oil diet, no supplement), Vit-E (as Cont+, 105 IU vitamin E/day), OLE-1 (as Cont+, 3.84 mg hydroxytyrosol equivalents (HEQs)/day), OLE-2 (as Cont+, 38.4 mg HEQ/day), and OLE-3 (as Cont+, 96 mg HEQ/day). After 21 days of feeding, the experimental diets, blood and urine samples were collected to assess the extent of the oxidative stress. Results indicated that diet OLE-1 lowered the activity of gamma-glutamyl transferase, protected DNA (measured as DNA tail %) and altered urinary 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Dietary vitamin E lowered the levels of urinary F2-isoprostanes, as well as of plasma malondialdehyde and γ-tocopherol, but raised the plasmatic α-tocopherol and altered the level of urinary 8-OHdG. In conclusion, only minor positive effects of dietary OLE on the oxidative stress parameters were observed. Additionally, OLE did not show concentration dependence.
A Study of Traveller Horse Owners’ Attitudes to Horse Care and Welfare Using an Equine Body Condition Scoring System
Authors: Rowland Marie , Coombs Tamsin , Connor Melanie
Published: April 2019

Traveller horses are often perceived to be exposed to poor welfare due to Travellers’ traditional way of horsemanship. However, few studies have investigated Traveller horse welfare. Hence, the present study aims to explore Traveller horse owners’ attitudes to horse care and welfare. Semi-structured interviews and discussion groups examined 14 Irish Traveller horse owners’ attitudes and approach to horse ownership. Additionally, a body condition scoring (BCS) instrument was assessed for its accuracy and ease of use when applied by Traveller horse owners. Additionally, the BCS system was used to assess 18 horses. Results show that Travellers have a good understanding of horses’ natural behaviours and environment, which is reflected in their management practices. However, barriers to improved welfare are land availability, since landowners are often reluctant to lease to Travellers, and the impoundment of horses as a consequence of fly grazing, under the Control of Horses Act 1996 (Ireland). Furthermore, Travellers regarded the BCS as a useful tool, but would require training to apply the scoring successfully. The results suggest that attitudes and management practices are favourable, but Travellers have limited means to overcome barriers. Therefore, it is necessary to increase capacity building and assist with the acquisition of land.
IMGT® and 30 Years of Immunoinformatics Insight in Antibody V and C Domain Structure and Function
Authors: Lefranc Marie-Paule , Lefranc Gérard
Published: April 2019

At the 10th Human Genome Mapping (HGM10) Workshop, in New Haven, for the first time, immunoglobulin (IG) or antibody and T cell receptor (TR) variable (V), diversity (D), joining (J), and constant (C) genes were officially recognized as ‘genes’, as were the conventional genes. Under these HGM auspices, IMGT®, the international ImMunoGeneTics information system®, was created in June 1989 at Montpellier (University of Montpellier and CNRS). The creation of IMGT® marked the birth of immunoinformatics, a new science, at the interface between immunogenetics and bioinformatics. The accuracy and the consistency between genes and alleles, sequences, and three-dimensional (3D) structures are based on the IMGT Scientific chart rules generated from the IMGT-ONTOLOGY axioms and concepts: IMGT standardized keywords (IDENTIFICATION), IMGT gene and allele nomenclature (CLASSIFICATION), IMGT standardized labels (DESCRIPTION), IMGT unique numbering and IMGT Collier de Perles (NUMEROTATION). These concepts provide IMGT® immunoinformatics insights for antibody V and C domain structure and function, used for the standardized description in IMGT® web resources, databases and tools, immune repertoires analysis, single cell and/or high-throughput sequencing (HTS, NGS), antibody humanization, and antibody engineering in relation with effector properties.
Can Nebulised Colistin Therapy Improve Outcomes in Critically Ill Children with Multi-Drug Resistant Gram-Negative Bacterial Pneumonia?
Authors: Aygun Fatih , Aygun Fatma Deniz , Varol Fatih , Durak Cansu , Cokugraş Haluk , Camcioglu Yildiz , Cam Halit
Published: April 2019

In the past decade, multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative bacteria have become a major problem, especially for patients in intensive care units. Recently, colistin became the last resort therapy for MDR gram-negative bacteria infections. However, nebulised colistin use was limited to adult patients. Thus, we investigated the efficacy and safety of nebulised colistin treatment against MDR microorganisms in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Data of all patients admitted for various critical illnesses (January 2016 to January 2019) were reviewed. Differences between groups (with and without a history of nebulised colistin) were compared. Of 330 patients, 23 (6.97%) used nebulised colistin. Significant relationships were found between nebulised colistin usage and several prognostic factors (inotropic drug use (p = 0.009), non-invasive mechanical ventilation (p ≤ 0.001), duration in PICU (p ≤ 0.001), and C-reactive protein level (p = 0.003)). The most common microorganism in tracheal aspirate and sputum cultures was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13 patients). The most common underlying diagnosis was cystic fibrosis, noted in 6 patients. No serious nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity occurred. This study showed that colistin can be safely used directly in the airway of critically ill children. However, nebulised colistin use did not have a positive effect on mortality and prognosis.
Expression of Antioxidant Enzymes in Patients with Uterine Polyp, Myoma, Hyperplasia, and Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Todorović Ana , Pejić Snežana , Gavrilović Ljubica , Pavlović Ivan , Stojiljković Vesna , Popović Nataša , Pajović Snežana B.
Published: April 2019

We previously found that compared to patients with benign uterine diseases (polyps, myomas), patients with premalignant (hyperplasia simplex and complex) and malignant (adenocarcinoma) lesions had enhanced lipid peroxidation and altered uterine antioxidant enzyme (AOE) activities. To further elucidate the mechanism of the observed changes, we examined protein and mRNA levels of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and transcription factor Nrf2. We also examined correlations of AOE expression with AOE activity, lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) level, and level of Nrf2. Our results showed decreased CuZnSOD, CAT, and Nrf2 levels, and increased GPx and GR levels in hyperplasias, while in patients with adenocarcinoma, the level of CAT was decreased and GR was increased, compared to benign groups. Similar changes in mRNA levels were also detected, indicating predominantly translational control of the AOE expression. The positive correlation of enzyme expression/activity was recorded for CuZnSOD, GPx, and GR, but only among groups with benign diseases. Only GR and GPx expressions were positively correlated with LOOH. Nrf2 protein was positively correlated with mRNA levels of CuZnSOD and GR. Observed results indicate involvement of diverse redox mechanisms in etiopathogenesis of different gynecological diseases, and may improve redox-based approaches in current clinical practice.
Natural Antioxidant Resveratrol Suppresses Uterine Fibroid Cell Growth and Extracellular Matrix Formation In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Chen Hsin-Yuan , Lin Po-Han , Shih Yin-Hwa , Wang Kei-Lee , Hong Yong-Han , Shieh Tzong-Ming , Huang Tsui-Chin , Hsia Shih-Min
Published: April 2019

Resveratrol (RSV) is a polyphenolic phytoalexin found in peanuts, grapes, and other plants. Uterine fibroids (UF) are benign growths that are enriched in extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of RSV on UF using in vivo and in vitro approaches. In mouse xenograft models, tumors were implanted through the subcutaneous injection of Eker rat-derived uterine leiomyoma cells transfected with luciferase (ELT-3-LUC) in five-week-old female nude (Foxn1nu) mice. When the tumors reached a size of 50–100 mm3, the mice were randomly assigned to intraperitoneal treatment with RSV (10 mg·kg−1) or vehicle control (dimethyl sulfoxide). Tumor tissues were assayed using an immunohistochemistry analysis. We also used primary human leiomyoma cells as in vitro models. Cell viability was determined using the sodium bicarbonate and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The protein expression was assayed using Western blot analysis. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression was assayed using quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR). Cell apoptosis was assayed using Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and propidium iodide (PI) and Hoechst 33342 staining. RSV significantly suppressed tumor growth in vivo and decreased the proportion of cells showing expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). In addition, RSV decreased the protein expression of PCNA, fibronectin, and upregulated the ratio of Bax (Bcl-2-associated X) and Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 2) in vivo. Furthermore, RSV reduced leiomyoma cell viability, and decreased the mRNA levels of fibronectin and the protein expression of collagen type 1 (COL1A1) and α-SMA (ECM protein marker), as well as reducing the levels of β-catenin protein. RSV induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at sub-G1 phase. Our findings indicated the inhibitory effects of RSV on the ELT-3-LUC xenograft model and indicated that RSV reduced ECM-related protein expression in primary human leiomyoma cells, demonstrating its potential as an anti-fibrotic therapy for UF.
Partially Coherent Flat-Topped Beam Generated by an Axicon
Authors: Zhang Minghui , Liu Xianlong , Guo Lina , Liu Lin , Cai Yangjian
Published: April 2019

The intensity distribution of a partially coherent beam with a nonconventional correlation function, named the multi-Gaussian Schell-model (MGSM) beam, focused by an axicon was investigated in detail. Our numerical results showed that an optical needle with a flat-topped spatial profile and long focal depth was formed and that we can modulate the focal shift and focal depth of the optical needle by varying the width of the degree of coherence (DOC) and the parameters of the correlation function. The adjustable optical needle can be applied for electron acceleration, particle trapping, fiber coupling and percussion drilling.
Development of a Data-Mining Technique for Regional-Scale Evaluation of Building Seismic Vulnerability
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Hsu Ting-Yu , Wei Hsi-Hsien , Chen Jieh-Haur
Published: April 2019

Assessing the seismic vulnerability of large numbers of buildings is an expensive and time-consuming task, requiring the collection of highly complex and multifaceted data on building characteristics and the use of sophisticated computational models. This study reports on the development of a data mining technique: Support Vector Machine (SVM) for resolving such multi-dimensional data problems for assessing buildings’ seismic vulnerability at a regional scale. Particularly, we developed an SVM model for rapid assessment of the macroscale seismic vulnerability of buildings in terms of spectral yield and ultimate points of their capacity curves. Two case studies, one with 11 building characteristics and the other with 20, were used to test the proposed SVM model. The results show that when 20 building characteristics are included, an individual building’s seismic vulnerability in term of its spectral yield and ultimate points can be predicted by the proposed SVM model with an average 64% accuracy if the training dataset contains 400 samples, rising to 74% with 4400 training samples. Coupling the proposed technique with demand curves based on buildings’ locations will enable rapid and reliable seismic-risk assessment at a regional scale, requiring only basic building characteristics rather than complex computational models.
Inter-Sentence Segmentation of YouTube Subtitles Using Long-Short Term Memory (LSTM)
Authors: Song Hye-Jeong , Kim Hong-Ki , Kim Jong-Dae , Park Chan-Young , Kim Yu-Seop
Published: April 2019

Recently, with the development of Speech to Text, which converts voice to text, and machine translation, technologies for simultaneously translating the captions of video into other languages have been developed. Using this, YouTube, a video-sharing site, provides captions in many languages. Currently, the automatic caption system extracts voice data when uploading a video and provides a subtitle file converted into text. This method creates subtitles suitable for the running time. However, when extracting subtitles from video using Speech to Text, it is impossible to accurately translate the sentence because all sentences are generated without periods. Since the generated subtitles are separated by time units rather than sentence units, and are translated, it is very difficult to understand the translation result as a whole. In this paper, we propose a method to divide text into sentences and generate period marks to improve the accuracy of automatic translation of English subtitles. For this study, we use the 27,826 sentence subtitles provided by Stanford University’s courses as data. Since this lecture video provides complete sentence caption data, it can be used as training data by transforming the subtitles into general YouTube-like caption data. We build a model with the training data using the LSTM-RNN (Long-Short Term Memory – Recurrent Neural Networks) and predict the position of the period mark, resulting in prediction accuracy of 70.84%. Our research will provide people with more accurate translations of subtitles. In addition, we expect that language barriers in online education will be more easily broken by achieving more accurate translations of numerous video lectures in English.
Discrimination between Modal, Breathy and Pressed Voice for Single Vowels Using Neck-Surface Vibration Signals
Authors: Lei Zhengdong , Kennedy Evan , Fasanella Laura , Li-Jessen Nicole Yee-Key , Mongeau Luc
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using neck-surface acceleration signals to discriminate between modal, breathy and pressed voice. Voice data for five English single vowels were collected from 31 female native Canadian English speakers using a portable Neck Surface Accelerometer (NSA) and a condenser microphone. Firstly, auditory-perceptual ratings were conducted by five clinically-certificated Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) to categorize voice type using the audio recordings. Intra- and inter-rater analyses were used to determine the SLPs’ reliability for the perceptual categorization task. Mixed-type samples were screened out, and congruent samples were kept for the subsequent classification task. Secondly, features such as spectral harmonics, jitter, shimmer and spectral entropy were extracted from the NSA data. Supervised learning algorithms were used to map feature vectors to voice type categories. A feature wrapper strategy was used to evaluate the contribution of each feature or feature combinations to the classification between different voice types. The results showed that the highest classification accuracy on a full set was 82.5%. The breathy voice classification accuracy was notably greater (approximately 12%) than those of the other two voice types. Shimmer and spectral entropy were the best correlated metrics for the classification accuracy.
Leg Trajectory Planning for Quadruped Robots with High-Speed Trot Gait
Authors: Zeng Xuanqi , Zhang Songyuan , Zhang Hongji , Li Xu , Zhou Haitao , Fu Yili
Published: April 2019

In this paper, a single leg platform for quadruped robots is designed based on the motivation of high-speed locomotion. The leg is designed for lightweight and low inertia with a structure of three joints by imitating quadruped animals. Because high acceleration and extensive loadings will be involved on the legs during the high-speed locomotion, the trade-off between the leg mass and strength is specifically designed and evaluated with the finite element analysis. Moreover, quadruped animals usually increase stride frequency and decrease contact time as the locomotion speed increases, while maintaining the swing duration during trot gait. Inspired by this phenomenon, the foot-end trajectory for quadruped robots with a high-speed trot gait is proposed. The gait trajectory is planned for swing and stance phase; thus the robot can keep its stability with adjustable trajectories while following a specific gait pattern. Especially for the swing phase, the proposed trajectory can minimize the maximum acceleration of legs and ensure the continuity of position, speed, and acceleration. Then, based on the kinematics analysis, the proposed trajectory is compared with the trajectory of Bézier curve for the power consumption. Finally, a simulation with Webots software is carried out for verifying the motion stability with two trajectory planning schemes respectively. Moreover, a motion capture device is used for evaluating the tracking accuracy of two schemes for obtaining an optimal gait trajectory suitable for high-speed trot gait.
A Novel Independently Biased 3-Stack GaN HEMT Configuration for Efficient Design of Microwave Amplifiers
Authors: Nguyen Huy Hoang , Luong Duy Manh , Bach Gia Duong
Published: April 2019

The power amplifier (PA) and low-noise amplifier (LNA) are the most critical components of transceiver systems including radar, mobile communications, satellite communications, etc. While the PA is the key component of the transmitter (TX), the LNA is the key component of the receiver (RX) of the transceiver system. It is pointed out that traditional design approaches for both the LNA and PA face challenging drawbacks. When designing an LNA, the power gain and noise figure of the LNA are difficult to improve simultaneously. For PA design, it indicates that efficiency and linearity of the PA are also hard to improve simultaneously. This study aims to surmount this by proposing a novel independently biased 3-stack GaN high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) configuration for efficient design of both PA and LNA for next generation wireless communication systems. By employing an independently biased technique, the proposed configuration can offer superior performance at both small-signal (SS) for LNA design and large-signal (LS) for PA design compared with other typical circuit configurations. Simulation results show that by utilizing an adaptive bias control of each transistor of the proposed configuration, both power gain and noise figure can be improved simultaneously for the LNA design. Moreover, efficiency and linearity can be also improved at the same time for the PA design. Compared results with other typical configurations including a single-stage, conventional cascode, independently biased cascode, and conventional 3-stack reveals that the proposed configuration exhibits superior advantages at both SS and LS operation.
Simulation Research on the Time-Varying Meshing Stiffness and Vibration Response of Micro-Cracks in Gears under Variable Tooth Shape Parameters
Authors: Ma Jianfeng , Liu Tongtong , Zha Chunqing , Song Liuyang
Published: April 2019

The gear is one of the important parts of a rotary gearbox. Once catastrophic gear failure occurs, it will cause a great threat to production and life safety. The crack is an important failure factor causing changes in time-varying stiffness and vibration response. It is difficult to effectively identify the vibration response and meshing stiffness changes when there is a fine crack in the gear. Therefore, it is of great importance to improve the accuracy of meshing stiffness calculation and dynamic simulations under micro-cracks. Investigations of meshing stiffness and the vibration response of a gearbox is almost all about fixed gear shape parameters. However, the actual production process of gear system needs to change gear shape parameters. In this paper, the meshing stiffness and vibration response of the dynamic simulation signals of gear teeth with different crack depths at different tooth shape parameters (the pressure angle, the modulus, and the tooth number) were calculated, respectively. The influence of cracks on the vibration response was investigated by the fault detection indicators, the Root Mean Square (RMS), the kurtosis, and the crest factor. The result shows that when the pressure angle and modulus change, the vibration response changes erratically. However, when the tooth numbers change, the vibration response changes regularly. The results could be a guide for choosing gears in different shape parameters when system stability is the aim.
Effectiveness of Collagen Membrane in the Treatment of Schneiderian Membrane Perforation
Authors: Lee Jae-Yeol , Kwon Jin-Ju , Sándor George K. , Kim Yong-Deok
Published: April 2019

Schneiderian membrane perforation (SMP) is the most common complication encountered during sinus lift procedures. SMPs should be managed to prevent loss of the valuable bone graft and bone substitute materials. A fast-resorbing collagen membrane (CM) is a soft, white, pliable, and nonfriable sponge used in dental surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of SMP repair using CMs when an SMP had occurred during a sinus lifting procedure. The patients were divided into three groups according to the size of the SMPs during the sinus lift procedure. (A) Group 1: there was no perforation of the Schneiderian membrane but the membrane was weakened (or thinned) and repaired using CMs. (B) Group 2: the SMP was small to medium in size (< 10 mm) and repaired using CMs and fibrin adhesive (FA). (C) Group 3: the SMP was large in size (> 10 mm) and repaired using a collagen plug. The negative control group consisted of patients who did not have any SMP (Control) and these patients were randomly selected. Orthopantomographic X-rays taken before surgery, 2–3 days following surgery, and over 6 months after surgery (follow-up) were used to evaluate the acquired bone height according to groups. Bone heights were measured from the crestal bone at the planned implant placement sites. Clinical outcomes, including implant success and complications according to repair method, were also investigated. There was no significant difference in bone heights between the groups with the exception of group 3. The overall implant survival rate was 100% for implants placed in sinuses with frank SMPs or weakened sinus membranes. The CM is applicable for small-to-moderate perforations or sinus membranes which have been weakened or thinned during sinus lift procedures.
Physical and Mechanical Characteristics of Soft Rock Tunnel and the Effect of Excavation on Supporting Structure
Authors: Zhu Yimo , Chen Liang , Zhang Heng , Zhou Zelin , Chen Shougen
Published: April 2019

The problem of large deformation is very prominent in deep-buried tunnel excavation in soft rock, which brings serious potential safety hazards and economic losses to projects. The knowledge of deformation law and support measures is the key to ensure the rational design and safe construction in a large deformation tunnel of soft rock. This paper describes rock physical and mechanical tests and field monitoring is employed to investigate the cause and development process of large deformation in Dongsong hydropower station in Sichuan Province, China. The results show that the free expansion rate of the rock sample is 20.0%, the average expansion stress of the rock sample is 11.0 kPa, and the expansibility of the rock is low. Large deformation of surrounding rock mainly comes from the dilatancy effect with high geostress and relaxation deformation with weak support. Shotcrete sealing exposed surrounding rock, and early strength support avoiding water immersion are useful to deal with the three main factors (weathering, water and confining pressure) that affect the strength of surrounding rocks. The second lining applied in time can effectively limit the further development of stress and deformation of initial support, and prevent the cracking and large deformation of concrete. Clearance convergence is suggested to be the main monitoring work in construction, because of its advantages of intuitive results, easy quality assurance of instrument installation and high accuracy.
Iridescent Techniques in Ceramics: Physico-Chemical Analysis and Colorimetric Characterization of the Headquarters of the Botín Foundation in Santander
Authors: Echarri-Iribarren Víctor , González-Avilés Ángel , Viqueira-Pérez Valentín
Published: April 2019

In recent years, the use of porcelain stoneware in building envelopes has opened new lines of research and innovation favoring energy efficiency and the reduction of environmental impacts. However, there has been little research on its relationship with light vibration and reflectivity, visual perception, and integration in the urban environment and landscape. In this study, an analysis was conducted on the production and application of crafted pieces of porcelain stoneware, shaped in spherical caps, at the headquarters of the Botín Foundation in Santander (Spain). Various enamels with an iridescent-nacreous finish and metallic reflection were applied to the stoneware to generate a vibrant skin that would constantly change with natural light and the environment. A vitrification and metal deposition process were designed through successive applications of enamels and firings. The physico-chemical properties of the enameling and the microcracking factors that produced the iridescent effect were characterized. A colorimetric characterization was performed evaluating the goniochromatic or iridescent colors, measuring the spectral radiance factor of the light, and comparing these results with other ceramic pieces.
Collinear Deflection Method for the Measurement of Thermal Conductivity of Transparent Single Layer Anisotropic Material
Authors: Kim Moojoong , Park Kuentae , Kim Gwantaek , Yoo Jaisuk , Kim Dong-Kwon , Kim Hyunjung
Published: April 2019

Transparent anisotropic materials have garnered attention along with the growth of the semiconductor and display industries. Transparent anisotropic materials have the characteristic of varying electrical, optical, and thermal properties based on their crystal orientation, and many studies are being conducted on this topic. In order to utilize transparent anisotropic materials properly, thermal properties such as thermal conductivity are essentially required. However, due to the limitations of the existing thermal property measurement methods for transparent anisotropic materials, it is difficult to provide the thermal properties of transparent anisotropic materials. To address this problem, a transparent anisotropic collinear method capable of measuring the effective thermal conductivity of a transparent anisotropic material according to its crystal orientation is proposed in this paper. To this end, the internal temperature distribution of a transparent anisotropic material and the phase delay of the probe beam were theoretically derived through a numerical analysis model that uses a three-dimensional heat conduction equation. This model was applied to anisotropic thermal conductivity with orthorhombic structure. To verify the proposed method of measuring the thermal conductivity of a transparent anisotropic material, the thermal properties of 3 mm-thick A-plane sapphire glass were measured and compared with those of the existing literature. It was confirmed that the absolute errors were less than about 4 W/mk.
Active Control of Broadband Noise Inside a Car Using a Causal Optimal Controller
Authors: Zhu Liping , Yang Tiejun , Li Xinhui , Pang Lihong , Zhu Minggang
Published: April 2019

This paper investigates active broadband noise control inside vehicles with a multichannel controller. The noncausal inversion of a practical nonminimum-phase secondary path is formulated, and its influence on noise-reduction performance is analyzed. Based on multiple coherence between reference signals and undesired noise, a novel formulation for identifying primary paths with correlated excitation signals is presented and a causal optimal controller is proposed. Meanwhile, the proposed controller can be used as an accurate predictor to estimate the maximal achievable noise reduction and provide a reference to improve the control systems. The robustness of the proposed algorithm is examined by varying the uncertainty of primary paths. Finally, the performance of the proposed causal optimal controller is validated using the data measured in a car. The results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms traditional algorithms and achieves a significant broadband noise reduction in time-invariant systems.
Using Dual Double Fuzzy Semi-Metric to Study the Convergence
Authors: Wu Hsien-Chung
Published: April 2019

Convergence using dual double fuzzy semi-metric is studied in this paper. Two types of dual double fuzzy semi-metric are proposed in this paper, which are called the infimum type of dual double fuzzy semi-metric and the supremum type of dual double fuzzy semi-metric. Under these settings, we also propose different types of triangle inequalities that are used to investigate the convergence using dual double fuzzy semi-metric.
Unprecedented Vessel-Icing Climatology Based on Spray-Icing Modelling and Reanalysis Data: A Risk-Based Decision-Making Input for Arctic Offshore Industries
Authors: Naseri Masoud , Samuelsen Eirik Mikal
Published: April 2019

Marine icing is considered a major concern for vessels operating in the Arctic Ocean. Interaction between vessels and waves is the major source of sea spray that, under certain conditions, can lead to ice accretion on the vessels and thus create hazardous situations. Various models have been developed for the estimation of ice accretion rate using meteorological and oceanographic parameters. Various data sets are also available containing observations of spray icing events for different Arctic offshore regions. However, there is limited climatological information that can be used for providing decision-makers with the necessary information on optimal options and solutions in advance for assessing, managing, and mitigating the risks imposed by spray icing. In this study, a Marine-Icing model for the Norwegian Coast Guard (MINCOG) is adapted to study and analyze ice accretion on vessels operating in sea areas between Northern Norway and Spitsbergen, their temporal and spatial variations, as well as their statistical distributions over the region. This study uses NOrwegian ReAnalysis 10 km data (NORA10) of atmosphere and ocean parameters as input to the icing model from 1980 to 2012. The developed spray icing maps representing spatial and temporal variation of icing severity and spray-ice accretion rate, as well as the probability of the occurrence of icing events at different junctures and periods, can be used for risk-based decision-making tasks involved in industrial activities including shipping and offshore logistics operations in these sea areas.
The Supermoral Singularity—AI as a Fountain of Values
Authors: Watson Eleanor Nell
Published: April 2019

This article looks at the problem of moral singularity in the development of artificial intelligence. We are now on the verge of major breakthroughs in machine technology where autonomous robots that can make their own decisions will become an integral part of our way of life. This article presents a qualitative, comparative approach, which considers the differences between humans and machines, especially in relation to morality, and is grounded in historical and contemporary examples. This argument suggests that it is difficult to apply models of human morality and evolution to machines and that the creation of super-intelligent robots that will be able to make moral decisions could have potentially serious consequences. A runaway moral singularity could result in machines seeking to confront human moral transgressions in a quest to eliminate all forms of evil. This might also culminate in an all-out war in which humanity might be defeated.
Deciphering White Adipose Tissue Heterogeneity
Authors: Luong Quyen , Huang Jun , Lee Kevin Y.
Published: April 2019

Adipose tissue not only stores energy, but also controls metabolism through secretion of hormones, cytokines, proteins, and microRNAs that affect the function of cells and tissues throughout the body. Adipose tissue is organized into discrete depots throughout the body, and these depots are differentially associated with insulin resistance and increased risk of metabolic disease. In addition to energy-dissipating brown and beige adipocytes, recent lineage tracing studies have demonstrated that individual adipose depots are composed of white adipocytes that are derived from distinct precursor populations, giving rise to distinct subpopulations of energy-storing white adipocytes. In this review, we discuss this developmental and functional heterogeneity of white adipocytes both between and within adipose depots. In particular, we will highlight findings from our recent manuscript in which we find and characterize three major subtypes of white adipocytes. We will discuss these data relating to the differences between subcutaneous and visceral white adipose tissue and in relationship to previous work deciphering adipocyte heterogeneity within adipose tissue depots. Finally, we will discuss the possible implications of adipocyte heterogeneity may have for the understanding of lipodystrophies.
Essential Kinases and Transcriptional Regulators and Their Roles in Autoimmunity
Authors: Deng Ya Nan , Bellanti Joseph A. , Zheng Song Guo
Published: April 2019

Kinases and transcriptional regulators are fundamental components of cell signaling that are expressed on many types of immune cells which are involved in secretion of cytokines, cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Both play important roles in biological responses in health as well as in illnesses such as the autoimmune diseases which comprise at least 80 disorders. These diseases are caused by complex genetic and environmental interactions that lead to a breakage of immunologic tolerance and a disruption of the balance between self-reactive cells and regulatory cells. Kinases or transcriptional regulatory factors often have an abnormal expression in the autoimmune cells that participate in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. These abnormally expressed kinases or transcriptional regulators can over-activate the function of self-reactive cells to produce inflammatory cytokines or down-regulate the activity of regulatory cells, thus causing autoimmune diseases. In this review we introduce five kinds of kinase and transcriptional regulator related to autoimmune diseases, namely, members of the Janus kinase (JAK) family (JAK3 and/or tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2)), fork head box protein 3 (Foxp3), the retinoic acid-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt), and T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet) factors. We also provide a mechanistic insight into how these kinases and transcriptional regulators affect the function of the immune cells related to autoimmune diseases, as well as a description of a current drug design targeting these kinases and transcriptional regulators. Understanding their exact role helps offer new therapies for control of the inflammatory responses that could lead to clinical improvement of the autoimmune diseases.