bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGARUH DOSIS INOKULUM AZOLLA DAN PUPUK FOSFAT ALAM TERHADAP KETERSEDIAAN P DAN HASIL PADI DI ALFISOL
Authors: Nusantara Canggih Jati , Sumarno Sumarno , Dewi Widyatmani Sih , Sudadi Sudadi
Published: March 2018

Rice production in Indonesia can not cover the national needs. The low productivity caused by the decline in soil fertility. One way to increase the phosphorus content in the soil is to provide natural phosphate fertilizer and Azolla inoculum. This study was conducted to determine the proper dose of Azolla inoculum and rock phosphate to increase the availability of phosphate and increase the yield of rice plants on land Alfisol. This study uses the two-factor factorial CRD comparative treatment of manure and fertilizer N, P, K. Analysis of the observed data using analysis of variance at 5% level and if there is a significant difference effect followed by DMRT 5% level to compare between treatments. The results showed that treatment of Azolla inoculum and phosphate can increase the availability of phosphate in the Alfisol soil and can increase rice yield. On the parameters available P showed the highest results in the treatment of Azolla 2.5 tons / ha without natural phosphate and Azolla 5 tons / ha of natural phosphate 350 kg / ha which is 10.81 ppm. In addition, administration of Azolla inoculum and phosphate levels give rise to CEC, organic matter, total N in the soil and soil pH.
KAJIAN KESIAPSIAGAAN TERHADAP BENCANA TSUNAMI DI KECAMATAN PURING KABUPATEN KEBUMEN TAHUN 2016
Authors: Utomo Kukuh Setio , Muryani Chatarina , Nugraha Setya
Published: March 2018

This study aims to determine : (1) Preparedness of individuals to tsunamis in Puring SubDistrict Kebumen Regency (2) Preparedness of school comunity to tsunamis in Puring Sub-District Kebumen Regency (3) Preparedness of government to tsunamis in Puring Sub-District Kebumen Regency (4) Efforts made by individuals, school community, and goverment to improve tsunami preparedness in Puring Sub-District Kebumen Regency. This study is a qualitative study using a spatial approach. A sampling technique that Area Probability sample. Data were analyzed using index formula guides sourced from LIPI (2006) and elaborated descriptively.
The results showed that (1) Preparedness of individuals included in the category of ready with an average index value of 67.06. (2) School community preparedness included in the category of ready with an average index value of 68.25. (3) Government preparedness included in the category of ready with an average index value of 68. (4) The efforts made by individuals to improve preparedness by following the socialization and simulation. Schools apply knowledge of disaster in the learning material, whereas the government conduct socialization to the public and coordination with the relevant parties.
Keywords: Disaster, Tsunami, Disaster Preparedness, Individual, Household, Community Schools, Government
A Novel Treatment for a Rare Injury: Pediatric Massive Intrasubstance Rotator Cuff and Periscapular Muscle Tears Treated with a Custom Brace
Authors: Lewis Molly K. , Ramos-Williams Omar , Syed Hasan M. , Gregorius Theodore K.
Published: March 2018

Case:

A 9-year-old boy sustained intrasubstance tears of the rotator cuff and periscapular muscles due to a fall, resulting in scapular winging and severely decreased shoulder range of motion. Treatment consisted of a modified thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO) with a shoulder immobilizer attachment (to reduce the scapula to the thoracic wall and hold the arm in 10° of abduction). The brace was worn for 8 weeks. The patient recovered full, pain-free shoulder function and range of motion, and returned to high-level athletics.

Conclusion:

Pediatric massive intrasubstance rotator cuff and periscapular muscle tears can be treated nonoperatively with use of a modified TLSO.
Third-Ray and Capitate Resection with Limited Midcarpal Fusion for Recurrent Giant Cell Tumor
Authors: Bokemper Michael K. , Araiza Edgar T. , Templeton Kimberly J. , Fox Tyler J.
Published: March 2018

Case:

We describe a 23-year-old man who had multiple recurrences of a giant cell tumor (GCT) of the third metacarpal. Initial treatments consisted of curettage without the use of an adjuvant and bone-grafting. At the time of the latest recurrence, the lesion had extended into the capitate and the trapezoid. Treatment included third-ray resection and limited midcarpal fusion. No local recurrence was identified at more than 1 year after surgery.

Conclusion:

GCTs of the hand should be aggressively treated, but care should be taken to preserve function whenever possible.
Perioperative Pain Management Strategies for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Jansson Hayley , Narvy Steven J. , Mehran Nima
Published: March 2018

* Multiple opioid and non-opioid medications have proven effectiveness for pain relief after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

* Regional anesthesia may be of value, but the evidence in support of indwelling catheters is weak.

* Gabapentin, tranexamic acid, and corticosteroids may offer additional analgesic benefits.
Persepsi Pemustaka Terhadap Kualitas Layanan di Perpustakaan IAIN Ponorogo
Authors: Mujiati Mujiati
Published: March 2018

Kualitas layanan merupakan komponen yang sangat penting dalam pemasaran produk jasa. Kualitas layanan yang baik akan memberikan suatu dorongan kepada pemustaka untuk menjalin ikatan yang kuat dengan perpustakaan. Dengan ikatan yang kuat, maka perpustakaan dapat menjaga loyalitas pemustaka untuk selalu mengunjungi perpustakaan.  Dalam memberikan pelayanan kepada pemustaka, sebuah pelayanan yang bagus dan berkualitas menjadi suatu keharusan. Karena tujuannya adalah untuk menarik minat pengunjung untuk berkunjung diperpustakaan serta memasyarakatkan kebiasaan membaca agar tercipta bangsa yang cerdas.Dalam penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui persepsi pemustaka terhadap kualitas layanan yang di tawarkan Perpustakaan IAIN Ponorogo dari sisi: 1) bukti fisik, 2) keandalan, 3) daya tanggap, 4) jaminan, dan 5) empatiMetode penelitian yang dipakai adalah kualitatif dengan jenis penelitian  studi kasus. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah wawancara, observasi dan dokumentasi. Teknik analisisnya menggunakan metode Miles dan Huberman dengan langkah sebagai berikut: pengumpulan data, reduksi data, display data dan penarikan kesimpulan.Hasil penelitian ini adalah: kualitas layanan di Perpustakaan IAIN Ponorogo, 1) aspek bukti fisik dengan indikator gedungnya representatif, penampilan pegawainya rapi, fasilitas kantor memadai 2) aspek keandalan, dengan indikator pegawai telah memberikan layanan dengan akurat dalam peminjaman dan pengembalian buku 3) aspek daya tanggap, dengan indikator pegawai memberikan pelayanan dengan cepat 4) aspek jaminan keamanan, dengan indikator pemustaka merasa tenang karena ada peringatan keterlambatan denda lewat surat elektronik dan adanya loker yang memakai kunci 5) aspek empati, dengan indikator pegawai perpustakaan ramah, walaupun ada sebagian pegawai yang tidak ramah namun tidak membeda-bedakan strata sosial dalam memberikan pelayanan, Sehingga sudah memenuhi standard kualitas pelayanan.
Pemanfaatan Publikasi Ilmiah di Perguruan Tinggi
Authors: Nugrohoadhi Agung
Published: March 2018

Abstraksi  : Publikasi  merupakan sarana untuk menyampaikan informasi  yang  diharapkan mampu memberikan  kontribusi positif  bagi pengembangan wawasan ilmiah bagi  seseorang. Dalam perguruan tinggi  publikasi ilmiah bisa berbentuk majalah, jurnal,  ataupun  koleksi  digital berupa e-journal dan e-book  yang saat ini sudah menjadi  kebutuhan yang tak terbantahkan untuk digunakan bagi pendukung proses belajar mengajar ataupun sebagai kegiatan proses kreatif segenap civitas akademika untuk memunculkan ide ide segar sebagai pendukung penelitian. Maka tidaklah mengherankan  apabila perpustakaan sebagai perpustakaa riset  dengan menyediakan publikasi ilmiah yang menyediakan beragam informasi . Dalam perkembangan selanjutnya muncul koleksi repository yang lebih mengkhususkan diri untuk mengelola dokumen yang dihasilkan oleh sebuah instansi dalam hal ini perguruan tinggi dengan sebutan literature kelabu (grey literature) yang dapat berupa dokumen yang khas dan , buku-buku yang jarang didapatkan di pasar buku dan juga dokumen yang sering disebut  local content. Publikasi local content  ini saat ini menjadi salah satu ukuran tolok ukur akreditasi perguruan tinggi  sehingga semakin mengokohkan publikasi ilmiah sebagai salah satu instrument penilaian akreditasi perguruan tinggi. ABSTRACT: Publication is a means to convey information that is expected to contribute positively to the development of scientific insight for a person. In college, scientific publications can be in the form of magazines, journals, or digital collections such as e-journals and e-books that are now an indispensable requirement to be used for teaching and learning process support or as creative activities of the entire academic community to generate ideas Fresh as research supporters. So it is not surprising if the library as a library of research by providing scientific publications that provide a variety of information. In subsequent developments appears more specialized repository collection to manage documents produced by an institution in this college with a literature gray literature that can be a typical document and, the books are rarely found in the book market and also Documents that are often called local content. This local content publication is now one of the benchmarks of college accreditation so that it becomes more and more solidifies the scientific publication as one of the accreditation assessment instruments of universities.
Analisis Komparatif Sumber Tebuka (Open Source) Sistem Manajemen Perpustakaan Terpadu Antara Koha dan Newgenlib
Authors: Setiawan Setiawan
Published: March 2018

Abstrak            Perkembangan Teknologi Informasi informasi yang semakin pesat berdampak kepada berkembangnya perangkat lunak dengan sumber terbuka  Open Source Software (OSS) seperti  LINUX (yang lebih kepada Sistem operasinya), MySQL (basis data) PHP, Perl, Pyton (bahasa pemograman). OSS yang telah dikembangkan seperti Koha dan NewGenLib merupakan suatu tawaran yang menarik bagi perpustakaan untuk mengembangkan sistem pengelolaan di perpustakaan.            Penelitian  ini memberikan analisis rinci mengenai perbandingan dari kedua jenis perangkat lunak, yaitu Koha (3.2.4) dan NewGenLib (3,0), sebagaimana yang akan dilakukan dalam penelitian ini. Metodologi yang digunakan untuk penelitian ini adalah "metode Evaluasi"            Hasil dari Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mempelajari sistem pengelolaan perpustakaan terpadu sumber terbuka (Open Source), yaitu Koha dan NewGenLib, untuk menginformasikan kepada pustakawan tentang pertimbangan apa yang harus dibuat ketika memilih sumber terbuka untuk sistem manajemen perpustakaan terpadu.                                                            AbstractDevelopment of Information Technology Information that increasingly rapidly affect the development of software with open source Open Source Software (OSS) such as LINUX (more to the operating system), MySQL (database) PHP, Perl, Pyton (programming language). Developed OSS such as Koha and NewGenLib are an attractive offer for libraries to develop library management systems.This study provides a detailed analysis of the comparison of the two types of software, ie Koha (3.2.4) and NewGenLib (3.0), as will be done in this study. The methodology used for this study is "Evaluation method"The results of this study aim to study open source integrated library management system (Open Source), that is Koha and NewGenLib, to inform the librarian about what considerations should be made when selecting open source for integrated library management system.
IMPLEMENTASI REMOTE METHOD INVOCATION (RMI) UNTUK TES ONLINE INTERAKTIF MULTIUSER PADA LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN)
Authors: Wikana Adrian Nathaniel , Purwadi Joko , Restyandito Restyandito
Published: March 2018

Teknologi informasi telah berkembang dengan pesat dan membawa banyakparadigma perubahan dalam aktivitas manusia dalam betajar dan bekeda. Perkembanganteknologi informasi saat ini cenderung rnengarah pada sistem terdistribusi (client/sen'er)dimana fungsi sebuah komputer dapat digunakan secara terkoordinasi dengan beberapakomputer lainnya. Perkernbangan tersebut dituntut untuk agar dapat dioperasionalkan dandimanfaatkan secara optimal di berbagai bidang. Dalam bidang pendidikan perkembanganteknologi client/server dapat dirnanfaatkan untuk membuat sistem ujian terkomputerisasi.Salah satu metode teknologi client/server adalah RMI. Artikel ini membahas bagaimanaimplementasi RMI pada tes online termasuk didalamnya teknologi tambahanyangdibutuhkanuntuk mendukung pengimplementasian, dan keunggulan teknologi ini.
Penerapan Social Network Analysis dalam Penentuan Centrality Studi Kasus Social Network Twitter
Authors: Susanto Budi , Lina Herlina , Chrismanto Antonius Rachmat
Published: March 2018

The twitter provides a kind of relation between users in specific form. When someone follow others, it doesn’t mean that she/he know well about them. We have defined a friend relationship between users in twitter as connection following and follower between two users. Based on this definition we develop a system to get friends and also friends of friends relation from a specific user. We use twitter API to get following and follower list and then construct a graph that represent a social network between those users. From this graph, we analyse the centrality using SNA (Social Network Analysis) method, i.e. closeness and betweeness. We propose to use these methods in order to find out who is the most influence user in the his/her social network to spread out the tweet or information. With this system, user can know about their social network based on their friend list on twitter.   Kata Kunci : Social Network Analysis, Betweenness Centrality, Closeness Centrality
Pengembangan Aplikasi Konversi Representasi Not Balok Ke Not Angka Untuk Paduan Suara Campur
Authors: Chrisantyo Lukas , Hartanto Rudy , Nugroho Lukito Edy
Published: March 2018

Beam notation is a notation that is officially used in the whole world as an intermediary to do musical communication. In Indonesia, notation that is more absorbed and mostly easy to learn autodidactly is numbered notation, while beam notation is more difficult to learn and tend to be avioded. Traditionally, beam notation can be converted to numbered notation by fully relying on human skills and abilities. It is obvious that the conversion process would require much time and energy. Therefore, a new conversion application is developed to cope the conversion from beam notation into numbered notation specally for mixed choir, with representated in a XML file called MusicXML. MusicXML is a representation of beam notation that are more easily to be compressed and has a universal characteristic, can be opened in a wide range of applications. The purpose of this research was to design a fast, reliable and accurate application to convert beam notation into numbered notation for mixed choir which consist of multiple voice parts, according to the prevailing theory of music. Kata-kunci: rekayasa perangkat lunak, konversi notasi musik, MusicXML
Pengambilan Keputusan Dalam Penerimaan Karyawan Bank Dengan Pendekatan Terstruktur Berbasis Sistem Pakar
Authors: Saptadi N. Tri Suswanto , Sebukita Vini Silviani
Published: March 2018

Development of the information services in recruitment bank employees cannot be supported the availability of the information system component. Meeting the need of the availability of good and competence employees needs to key attention to the recruitment and placement of the employees effectively. The use of expert system in recruitment helps the decision making contribute to the placement of the employees. This effort greatly assists personnel managers in making decisions in a way to minimize the positioning error and to know the characteristics of prospective employees of the bank. The research method begins by collecting facts through interviews and questionnaires. Stages followed by analysis of the problem to get answers. To connect the user to use an expert systems with a system modeling. Development in the addition of applied knowledge through system programming. Application of the system to help managers in making decisions on personnel recruitment. Keywords: recruitment, expert systems and decision making
Best Practices For Choosing Non-Intrusive But Effective CAPTCHAs
Authors: Budi Setia
Published: March 2018

Completely Automated Public Turing Test to Tell Computers and Humans Apart (CAPTCHA) is has become a part of computer security standard in order to distinguish humans from computers. This paper mainly discusses usability and robustness issues in CAPTCHA design and implementation. A brief introduction about CAPTCHA and some attempts to defeat CAPTCHA, including how to deal with it are also described in this paper.
University-Based Knowledge Product Outsourcing Model
Authors: Marcial Dave E.
Published: March 2018

Outsourcing is not new in this ever changing world. It refers to the process of subcontracting a process, such as product design or manufacturing, to a third-party company. Today, the IT outsourcing industry has matured. This paper highlights about outsourcing with emphasis on its scope of operation, importance and impact in the business process and industry in general. This paper describes the unique approach in a university-based knowledge product outsourcing. It presents a discussion on the different resources in the operation and management of the university-based knowledge enterprise. The inception stage in the development of the outsourcing model is also described in this paper. The outsourcing process model presented in this paper highlights the following: faculty and staff as the knowledge provider, infrastructure as the outsourcing facility, business sector as the knowledge seeker, University-based as the business process, and product cost and income as the sharing of limited practice of profession. This paper further describes the features in the development of an online knowledge product outsourcing as a platform for an innovative knowledge enterprise.
ANALISIS IMPLEMENTASI ALGORITMA A* (A-STAR) PADA	GAME RPG (ROLE PLAYING GAME) 3D SEBAGAI DASAR PERGERAKAN NPC (NON-PLAYER CHARACTER) MENDEKATI PLAYER UNTUK MENINGKATKAN REALITAS GAME WORLD
Authors: K Bonifatius Galih , Delima Rosa , G. Samuel Gandang
Published: March 2018

Game is a form of interactivity where player and game world interact to each other. In a game, one of the elements which can be considered necessary to support the course and the reality of the game is how a NPC (Non-Player Character) in the game moves. A* (A-star) is an algorithm which can be used to perform pathfinding. In this case, A* will be used to find a shortest distance between the NPC and the player character. This research was performed to conduct experiments on the implementation of the A* algorithm in the 3D game. The research will be conducted by implementing an A* algorithm to a game, precisely to the enemy characters that exist in the game. Once the implementation was conducted, an experiment will performed using certain cases as a proving ground for the implementation. As a conclusion, from a hundred experiments, A* algorithm always can find the path for enemy to catch player and 73% of them are optimal paths.
IMPLEMENTASI HYBRID INTELLIGENT INFORMATION SYSTEM UNTUK DIAGNOSIS KEPERAWATAN
Authors: Alfionita Ratih , Delima Rosa , C. Antonius Rachmat
Published: March 2018

By increasing amounts of data, a system gets more complex in accessing and processing, especially if the system is used to process information and makes a decision. Hybrid Intelligent Information System is a combination of information systems and expert systems. The system is better able to process the data and information, that generated be some knowledge to support decision making. Some application needs to process complex and large data, such as Medical Information Systems. Determination of medical treatment provided by nurses on patients can be obtained from the grievances felt by the patient and the history of medical treatment was ever given. Merger between expert systems and information systems are embedded in a computer is expected to facilitate the nurse in providing medical treatment to patients. Certainty Factor method was chosen to implement the expert system. Certainty Factor calculates the level of trust and user response will determine a nursing diagnosis decisions. After analyzing and testing, it was concluded that the Hybrid Intelligent Information System for Nursing Diagnosis can generate nursing diagnoses with 93.796% accuracy of diagnosis in 20 cases of a given expert.
RANCANG BANGUN APLIKASI INFORMASI RUTE BUS MAYASARI BAKTI DENGAN ALGORITMA KNUTH- MORRIS-PRATT BERBASIS ANDROID
Authors: Syahasta A.T. Fransiscus Xaverius , Hansun Seng
Published: March 2018

This research is about design and development of information application of Mayasari Bakti buses’ route for smartphones based on Android operating system. To search for the expected bus, this application implements Knuth-Morris-Pratt Algorithm. The application was tested on 41 respondents and the result is very useful to search for one until two buses which can take the passengers from an origin to destination location which have been selected before, and show it up on a map.
ANALISIS SENTIMEN PADA TWITTER MAHASISWA MENGGUNAKAN METODE BACKPROPAGATION
Authors: Habibi Robet , Setyohadi Djoko Budiyanto , Wati Erna
Published: March 2018

In a learning environment, emotional factors influence student motivation. Students emotion have an important role in students' capability to learn. The tendency of the students emotion are not easily recognizable in a short time. Twitter is a popular micro-blogging system especially for students. Students post tweet about activities, experiences, their feelings anywhere, anytime and in real time. Sentiment analysis on twitter produce content sentiment that represents the feelings and emotions of students. Sentiment analysis system was built using backpropagation method at the stage of classification. In this research backpropagation network and the classification results were tested using WEKA with multilayer perceptron classifier. The results of sentiment analysis with 30 student respondents are 33.33% tendency of positive emotions, neutral emotions tendency 53.33% and 13:33% negative motional tendencies. The results are used as reference in providing the appropriate treatment of the students during the process of learning.
Implementasi Transformasi Haar Wavelet untuk Deteksi Citra Jeruk Nipis yang Busuk
Authors: Sunjoyo Lidya Andriani , Santosa R. Gunawan , Nugraha Kristian Adi
Published: March 2018

Lime is a fruit that has been widely cultivated and used in Indonesia. Many products use this fruit in the production process. The process of sorting fruit is undeniably a very substantial early process. It is necessary for large-scale  be aware of this in term of result and time required for the sorting process. Pattern Recognition is a discipline that focuses on classifying or picturing an object based on characteristics or main attribute of the object. In this research, the author implements Haar Wavelet Transformation method by characteristic extraction based on colour and texture ,  performs classification using K-Nearest Neighbor (k-NN) to detect indication of rotten lime and the grade of k on k-NN so the accuracy of the result could be acquired. Based on analysis result, Haar Wavelet Transformation method is able to be implemented to detect the indication of rotten lime and most optimal accuracy level of this system reaches the number of 85 percent.
Taylor expansion for derivative securities pricing as a precondition for strategic market decisions
Authors: Burtnyak Ivan , Malytska Anna
Published: March 2018

The strategy of managing the pricing processes, in particular managing the dynamics of the price of the underlying asset and its volatility, the prices of indices, shares, options, the magnitude of financial flows, in the method of calculating the company’s rating based on the available quotations of securities, is developed. The article deals with the study of pricing and calculating the volatility of European options with general local-stochastic volatility, applying Taylor series methods for degenerate diffusion processes. The application of this idea requires new approaches caused by degradation difficulties. Price approximation is obtained by solving the Cauchy problem of partial differential equations diffusion with inertia, and the volatility approximation is completely explicit, that is, it does not require special functions. If the payoff of options is a function of only x, then the Taylor series expansion does not depend on t and an analytical expression of the fundamental solution is considerably simplified. Applied an approach to the pricing of derivative securities on the basis of classical Taylor series expansion, when the stochastic process is described by the diffusion equation with inertia (degenerate parabolic equation). Thus, the approximate value of options can be calculated as effectively as the Black-Scholes pricing of derivative securities. On the basis of the solved problem, it is possible to calculate their turns step-by-step. This enables to predict the dynamics of the pricing of derivatives and to create a strategy of behavior at options according to the passage of the process. For each approximation, price volatility is calculated, which makes it possible to take into account all changes in the market and to calculate possible situations. The step-by-step finding of the change in yield and volatility in the relevant analysis enables us to make informed strategic decisions by traders in the financial markets.
Investigating the effects of precipitation on drought in the Hanjiang River Basin using SPI
Authors: Liu Hai , Wu Jing , Xu Yanqing
Published: March 2018

The Hanjiang River Basin serves as the water source for the Middle Route South-to-North Water Delivery Project. Droughts are not uncommon in this region and have affected the water supply directly. This study is designed to gain more in-depth knowledge of spatial and temporal drought variations in the Hanjiang River Basin, and the synchronization of drought variations in upstream and downstream regions of the Danjiangkou Dam. Compared with drought analysis in the upstream or the downstream, respectively, research shows the spatial difference between the upstream and the downstream clearly. The following conclusions can be drawn: Standardized Precipitation Indexes in the Hanjiang River Basin did not significantly decrease; droughts considered moderate or worse occurred most frequently in autumn and winter, but most rarely in summer; the cumulative probability of moderate to severe droughts was highest in October and December. Drought conditions in the upstream region varied in a fluctuating way. The upstream region has become increasingly wet since the turn of the 21st century, while the downstream region has become increasingly dry since the 1990s. The probability of synchronous droughts both upstream and downstream was only 9.8%.
Application and critical assessment of qualitative comparative analysis: determinants for the presence of service provision models for water supply and sanitation services in Brazil
Authors: Roland Nathalia , Rezende Sonaly , Heller Léo
Published: March 2018

The provision of water supply and sanitation services in Brazil is characterized by a diverse range of management models, public or private operators and various judicial-institutional arrangements. Using a quali-quantitative technique – qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) – this article presents an investigation of determining factors for the presence of different service provision models in Brazil, and discusses the application of said technique. In this study, four models were comparatively analyzed: direct municipal administration, indirect municipal administration, state utility company, and private enterprise (PRIV). Eight municipalities, with an urban population ranging from 10 to 20 thousand inhabitants, from Minas Gerais (a state in the Southeast region of Brazil) were selected for this study. The findings suggest that the decision-making process regarding a service provision model, in the cases studied, involves a combination of economic, political, social, institutional, and legal factors. The qualitative comparative analysis proved capable of compiling information for this analysis as it uncovered how determining factors are inter-related and allowed the predominant factors in each of the studied management models to be identified.
Energy consumption in the life cycle of plumbing fixtures
Authors: Kalbusch A. , Ghisi E.
Published: March 2018

The main objective of this paper is to propose a method for quantifying the energy consumption in the life cycle of different plumbing fixtures. The method can be used to estimate the energy consumption in the production, use and disposal phases of plumbing fixtures. This allows for the comparison between the performances of different plumbing fixtures and the identification of the share of each phase on the energy consumption over the life cycle. The method was applied in a case study in Southern Brazil to quantify the energy consumption in the life cycle of two types of taps installed on a university campus. The total energy consumption in the life cycle of ordinary and self-closing taps used in the study was respectively, 177.71 MJ and 164.11 MJ over 4 years. Production accounted for 33% of the energy consumption share of the ordinary tap, while the use phase accounted for 65% and the disposal phase for 2%. For the self-closing tap, the production phase accounted for 46% of the energy consumption share, the use phase for 52% and the disposal phase for 2%. Therefore, considering the energy consumption in the life cycle, self-closing taps should be preferred over ordinary taps.
The All Towns Reconciliation Strategies a partnership between water resource management and water services
Authors: Esterhuizen M. , de Jager L. , Jezewski W. A.
Published: March 2018

In 2012, the South African Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) initiated a study: Continuation of the Northern Planning Region's All Towns Reconciliation Strategies: Phase 1. This study reviewed, prioritised and updated the rudimentary All Towns strategies initially developed by DWS in 2011. The purpose of the strategies was to reconcile water requirements with available resources for the 2011–2035 planning horizon by estimating the projected water requirements, determining available water resources (surface and groundwater) and developing a water balance. Recommendations were made to conserve, manage and administer local water sources as well as to augment water supplies from other sources if required. The recommendations provided actions and options for implementation by the relevant Water Services Authorities and the DWS at a local and regional level, providing the opportunity for integrated and coordinated planning. Bulk and reticulation metering, the implementation of water conservation and demand management programmes and recommendations on the updating of water use allocations were prioritised. Detailed studies required to determine the most feasible water resource augmentation options to ensure a positive water balance were identified. The study coordinated efforts by officials and stakeholders representing both the water resources and water services sectors. The prioritised strategies defined the deficit or surplus of the water resources per water source on a technical level, but also highlighted the need for planning and coordination between the water resources and water services sectors. The strategies are not legally mandated documents, but represent some of the best efforts spanning across various sectors to realise coordinated water infrastructure planning in DWS’ Northern Planning Region. The use of the documents in the local, district and national planning environments should be promoted for integrated planning, and it may be fitting to incorporate the All Towns Reconciliation Strategy documents as a valuable resource to inform the water legislation currently being reviewed.
Salinity and pH effects on floating and emergent macrophytes in a constructed wetland
Authors: Hadad H. R. , Mufarrege M. M. , Di Luca G. A. , Maine M. A.
Published: March 2018

Salvinia herzogii, Pistia stratiotes and Eichhornia crassipes (floating species) were the dominant macrophytes in a constructed wetland (CW) over the first years of operation. Later, the emergent Typha domingensis displaced the floating species, becoming dominant. The industrial effluent treated at this CW showed high pH and salinity. The aim of this work was to study the tolerance of floating species and T. domingensis exposed to different pH and salinity treatments. Treatments at pH 8, 9, 10 and 11 and salinities of 2,000; 3,000; 4,000; 6,000; and 8,000 mg L−1 were performed. Floating macrophytes were unable to tolerate the studied pH and salinity ranges, while T. domingensis tolerated higher pH and salinity values. Many industrial effluents commonly show high pH and salinity. T. domingensis demonstrated to be a suitable macrophyte to treat this type of effluents.
Diagnostic Assessment of the Pulmonary Hypertension Patient
Authors: Wertheim Bradley M. , Maron Bradley A.
Published: March 2018

A methodical approach to pulmonary hypertension (PH) assessment in clinical practice is critical to ensure the correct diagnosis, determine disease severity, and initiate appropriate therapy. Data from epidemiological, clinical, and survey studies suggest that practice patterns vary widely across geographic regions, hospitals, and even within the expert community despite international consensus recommendations on the appropriate strategy for PH diagnosis.1–4 This knowledge gap is an important contributor to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, inappropriate treatment, and potentially suboptimal outcome in at-risk or affected patients.5 Therefore, a discussion on the approach to diagnosing and staging PH remains timely and important. This review will outline current understanding that informs PH clinical practice with emphasis on data gathering and interpretation at point of care.
Current and Emerging Biomarkers for Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Hemnes Anna R.
Published: March 2018

“A biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that is a sign of a normal or abnormal process, or of a condition or disease. A biomarker may be used to see how well the body responds to a treatment for a disease or condition. Also called molecular marker or signature molecule” – Biomarker definition, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Dictionary of Cancer Terms

Although this definition pertains to the field of cancer and cancer biology, it applies to many disciplines, including the field of pulmonary vascular disease. In the world of pulmonary hypertension (PH), biomarkers hold a special place. In the diagnosis of PH subtype, we are limited by the risk of lung biopsy1 and, further, in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) we are limited by the inability to frequently obtain our strongest predictors of mortality: invasive pulmonary hemodynamic assessment. Thus, biomarkers hold much promise for the field of PH. We are searching for markers of PH subtypes and endophenotypes. We are looking for predictors of mortality in all forms of PH and, critically, we are hoping to find peripheral blood markers that will help us discover which drugs are likely to benefit a particular patient. Although we have made inroads in all 3 areas, there are substantial opportunities for refinement of our current biomarkers and discovery of novel markers to improve the care of PH patients. This review will cover the state of current biomarkers in PH and discuss challenges and future directions.
Neurotrophic Factors in Parkinson’s Disease: What Have we Learned from Pre-Clinical and Clinical Studies?
Authors: Ferreira Rodrigo N. , de Miranda Aline S. , Rocha Natalia P. , Simoes e Silva Ana C. , Teixeira Antonio L. , da Silva Camargos Elizabeth R.
Published: March 2018

Background:

Parkinson´s Disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive condition, being the second
most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. The classical features include: bradykinesia, resting
tremor, rigidity and festination. These neurological alterations are probably due to the death of dopaminergic
neurons in the Substantia Nigra pars compacta and consequent reduction of dopamine input into
the striatum. The decrease of dopamine levels may also be involved in the emergence of non-motor symptoms,
including cognitive impairment, anxiety and depression symptoms. Neurotrophic Factors (NF) are
proteins that modulate neuronal function, development, and survival. It has been reported that NF might
exert a protective role in PD.

Objective:

We aim to discuss the emerging evidence from pre-clinical and clinical studies regarding the
role of NF in PD as well as their potential as promising therapeutic strategies.

Methods:

We carried out an extensive literature search in PubMed central.

Results:

Pre-clinical studies using NF to treat PD are divergent probably due to several methodological
differences, thus precluding any conclusion. Clinical studies findings obtained with the administration of
NF in patients with PD were even more disappointed. On the other hand, pre-clinical and clinical studies
generally support that physical activity is a low-cost, non-pharmacologic strategy with good results to treat
PD.

Conclusion:

The use of NF as a treatment for PD is still a promise not incorporated in clinical practice.
Methods to deliver NFs, doses and compounds administered, side effects, population characteristics and
duration of disease may probably contribute to the unsuccessful results.
A2A Adenosine Receptor Agonists and their Potential Therapeutic Applications. An Update
Authors: Guerrero Angel
Published: March 2018

Background:

Adenosine is an endogenous purine nucleoside, which mediates a
variety of important biological processes and diseases, such as vasodilation, inflammation,
cancer, wound healing, ischemia reperfusion injury, Parkinson disease, infectious diseases,
and other CNS disorders. Particularly important are the A2A receptors that have been expressed
in the lung, liver, heart, cardiovascular tissues, leukocytes, neutrophils, and endothelial
cells. This review provides an update of the latest A2A receptor agonists developed in the
period 2005-2017, their selectivity regarding other adenosine receptors and their potential
therapeutic applications.

Methods:

I have conducted an extensive search from the most common bibliographic databases
for critically review the most recent works on the A2A receptor agonists and their therapeutic
applications in inflammation, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, myocardial
perfusion imaging, sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, and wound healing, among others.

Results:

In the last decade, a great deal of effort has been devoted to develop adenosine receptor
agonists and antagonists for treatment of a number of diseases. Thus, for A2A receptor
agonists more than 130 papers and reviews have been found, many of them highlighting the
usefulness of these compounds in the field.

Conclusions:

Although so far many of the A2A receptor agonists have failed in clinical trials
due to their side effects, some of them have been approved for protection against cardiac
ischemia-reperfusion injury and anemia. The recently reported crystal structure of the human
A2A receptor in complex with the agonist UK-432097 is a fundamental keystone for the development
of new and selective A2A ligands with new therapeutic applications.
Nanotechnological Advances for Cutaneous Release of Tretinoin: An Approach to Minimize Side Effects and Improve Therapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Raminelli Ana Claudia Pompeu , Romero Valeria , Semreen Mohammad H. , Leonardi Gislaine Ricci
Published: March 2018

Background:

The clinical efficacy of the topical tretinoin is widely studied and has
been well established for many therapeutic interventions, among some, photoaging, acne, and
melasma. However, the side effects, mainly cutaneous irritation, erythema, xerosis and peeling,
remain major obstacle to the patient compliance. Besides, the insight regarding the drug delivery
profile is essential to understand the therapeutic action of the drug.

Methods:

Through bibliographic research in databases we highlight further advances and an update
on tretinoin delivery systems such as liposomes, niosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured
lipid carriers, cyclodextrins, nanostructured polymers and other technological systems
that reduce its side effects and improve the permeation profile to potentiate efficacy and drug
safety on the skin.

Results:

Pharmaceutical preparations were developed and evaluated for permeability in in vitro
models using pig ear, snake, mouse and human skin, and potential for irritation was also verified
using release systems for tretinoin and compared to available commercial formulations. Overall
results indicated the composition, charge and size of the system influences the tretinoin delivery,
modulating the type of release and its retention. Small unilamellar vesicles promoted greater cutaneous
delivery of tretinoin. Negative charge, for both liposomes and niosomes, can improve pig
skin hydration as well as the tretinoin retention. The quantity of solid lipids and the type of oil used
in the composition of solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers affected percutaneous
drug delivery.

Conclusion:

As evident from the literature, the tretinoin technological delivery systems consist an
innovative and potential management for increasing the patient compliance presenting safety and
efficacy.
Effect on Crystallinity of Rice After Iron Fortification
Authors: Pandey Shruti , Ramaswamy Asha M.
Published: March 2018

Background:

Iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA) is the most common nutritional disorder
observed in India particularly in under-five- year-old children, adolescent girls and pregnant women.

Objective:

The present study pioneered an investigation, into one of the varieties of paddy (IR-64)
and their fortification with sodium iron EDTA salt, its physical properties, cooking characteristics,
color, texture and characterization studies.

Methods:

Fortification was done at two concentrations 1.88g/kg and 3.39g/kg (250 & 450 mg/kg corresponding
iron content), it was found that the iron content increased three to four-fold after fortification
when compared to their corresponding controls.

Results:

The results revealed that, there was significant difference in the physical properties of rice in
the control, fortified brown and milled rice. Cooking characteristics revealed, that water uptake and
volume expansion were higher for fortified milled rice as compared to brown rice. The texture of fortified
brown rice was hard as compared to fortified milled rice, although the taste was found satisfactory.
The colour was significantly different in brown and milled rice.

Conclusion:

X-ray diffraction results revealed the polycrystalline nature of the fortified sample, was
somewhat less crystalline as compared to control sample.
Suggested Procedures for the Reproducible Synthesis of Poly(d,l-lactideco-glycolide) Nanoparticles Using the Emulsification Solvent Diffusion Platform
Authors: Haque Shadabul , Boyd Ben J. , McIntosh Michelle P. , Pouton Colin W. , Kaminskas Lisa M. , Whittaker Michael
Published: March 2018

Background:

Poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) based biodegradable nanoparticles
are of key interest for the development of controlled release drug delivery systems and for other
biomedical applications. It has been reported that PLGA polymers can be converted into colloidal
nanoparticulate systems by various techniques, such as emulsification-diffusion, emulsificationevaporation,
interfacial deposition, salting out, dialysis and nanoprecipitation. Emulsificationevaporation
with water immiscible solvents including dichloromethane and chloroform has been the
preferred method for the synthesis of PLGA nanoparticles due to the low boiling point and limited
water solubility of these solvents. We and others, however, have found that when water-immiscible
solvents are used for the synthesis of PLGA nanoparticles, particle aggregation, non-uniform particle
size and multimodal size distribution are commonly encountered problems. This suggests that the
synthesis of PLGA nanoparticles using water immiscible solvents is highly sensitive to small procedural
variations that affect overall reproducibility.

Objective:

This study presents a simple and robust procedure for the preparation of PLGA nanoparticles
with very small batch to batch variability (<5% variability in size (z-average) as determined by
dynamic light scattering).

Results:

The results showed that the emulsification solvent diffusion method teamed with partially
water-miscible solvents, such as ethyl acetate, is a versatile approach for the preparation of PLGA
nanoparticles with highly reproducible sizes (between 50 and 400 nm) and zeta potentials (between -
30 and +30 mV), with relatively narrow polydispersity.

Conclusion:

Emulsification-diffusion with ethyl acetate is, therefore, a more reliable alternative to
several existing procedures for the reproducible and refined synthesis of PLGA nanoparticles.
Novel Hybrid Compound 4-[(E)-2-phenylethenesulfonamido]-N-hydroxybutanamide with Antimetastatic and Cytotoxic Action: Synthesis and Anticancer Screening
Authors: Zborovskii Yurii L. , Orysyk Viktor V. , Golovynska Iuliia , Dzhus Olena I. , Garmanchuk Liudmyla V. , Stepanov Yurii V. , Khranovska Natalia , Nehelia Anatolii O. , Golovynskyi Sergii , Ohulchanskyy Tymish Y. , Qu Junle , Orysyk Svitlana I. , Pekhnyo Vasyl I. , Vovk Myhaylo V.
Published: March 2018

Background:

One of the most promising strategies to develop multi-targeted anticancer therapeutics
is to introduce to the structure of a potential drug two or more pharmacophores (functional groups or
structural fragments), which have antiproliferative, proapoptotic or antimetastatic properties acting via different
mechanisms.

Objective:

To design, synthesize and perform screening of a novel hybrid anticancer compound.

Method:

A novel hybrid compound 4-[(E)-2-phenylethenesulfonamido]-N-hydroxybutanamide, combining
butanehydroxamate and styrenesulfonamide moieties, was designed, synthesized and investigated as a potent
antimetastatic and antiproliferative agent. The structure and purity of the synthesized compound were confirmed
by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, LC/MS spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The compound was screened for
the anticancer activity in vitro against HeLa and in vivo against Lewis lung carcinoma tumor, using an antitumor
metalloenzyme inhibitor GM6001 (Ilomastat, Galardin) and Pifithrin-μ as control anticancer agents.

Results:

It was found that the application of our compound resulted in a high fraction of apoptotic cells in the
cell population, along with disruption in the cell cycle profile manifested as arrest of proliferative phases.
Furthermore, changes of the morphological properties (i.e., an enhancement of adhesive properties and reduction
of the nuclear-to-cytoplasm ratio) were found. The in vivo screening revealed that the compound significantly
inhibited the metastasizing process that was manifested by a reduction in the number and volume of
metastases.

Conclusions:

The obtained results demonstrate that our compound can serve as a base for further structure
optimization in order to design new highly-effective antimetastatic and antitumor agents.