bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacillus Velezensis as Antagonist Towards Penicillium Roqueforti s.l. in Silage: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation
Authors: Wambacq Eva , Audenaert Kris , Höfte Monica , De Saeger Sarah , Haesaert Geert
Published: March 2018

In Belgium, silages are often infected by Penicillium roqueforti sensu lato (s.l.). These toxigenic fungi are well adapted to silage conditions, and their prevention during feed-out is difficult. Bacillus velezensis strain NRRL B-23189 has been reported to inhibit P. roqueforti s.s. conidiospore germination in vitro by the production of lipopeptides. In the present study, the antagonistic effect of this B. velezensis strain towards P. roqueforti s.l. was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, corn silage conditions were simulated, and the impact of B. velezensis culture supernatant or cell suspension on P. roqueforti s.l. growth, conidiospore germination and survival and roquefortine C production was evaluated. The antagonism was promising, but growth of B. velezensis in corn silage infusion was poor. An in vivo experiment with microsilos containing a mixture of perennial ryegrass and white clover artificially contaminated with P. roqueforti s.l. was carried out to determine if B. velezensis cell suspension could be used as an antagonistic silage inoculant. The B. velezensis cell suspension applied was unsuccessful in reducing P. roqueforti s.l. numbers at desiling after 56 days compared to no additive application. However, feed-out of the silage was not simulated, so it remains elusive whether or not B. velezensis exerts antagonistic activity during this phase.
Targeting Early Dementia: Using Lipid Cubic-Phase Nanocarriers to Cross the Blood-Brain Barrier
Authors: D'Arrigo Joseph S.
Published: March 2018

Over past decades, a frequent co-morbidity of cerebrovascular pathology and Alzheimer's disease pathology has been observed. Numerous published studies indicate that preservation of healthy cerebrovascular endothelium can be an important therapeutic target. By incorporating appropriate drug(s) into biomimetic (lipid cubic-phase) nanocarriers, one obtains a multitasking combination therapeutic which targets certain cell-surface scavenger receptors, mainly class B type 1 (i.e., SR-BI), and crosses the blood-brain barrier. This targeting allows for various Alzheimer’s-related cell types to be simultaneously searched out for localized drug treatment in vivo.
Vaccination Coverage Increase among Adolescent and Young Adults of the Palermo District (Italy) as a Result of a Public Health Strategy to Contrast an “Epidemic of Panic”
Authors: Costantino Claudio , Restivo Vincenzo , Ventura Gianmarco , D'Angelo Claudio , Randazzo Maria Angela , Casuccio Nicolò , Palermo Mario , Casuccio Alessandra , Vitale Francesco
Published: March 2018

During summer 2016 in the District of Palermo, Italy, the rapid succession of four cases of invasive meningococcal disease among young adults, with one death, have had an extraordinary emphasis by Local and National mass media. The resultant “epidemic of panic” among general population overloaded vaccination Units of the Palermo District during following months. Strategies implemented by Sicilian and Local Public Health Authorities to counteract “meningitis fear” were: a) extension of active and free of charge anti-meningococcal tetravalent vaccination from age class 12–18 to 12–30 years old; b) implementation of vaccination units usual opening hours and rooms tailored for vaccine administration; c) development of informative institutional tools and timely communications throughout local mass media to reassure general population. In 2016, was observed an increase of anti-meningococcal coverage in Palermo District (+18% for 16th y.o. and + 14% for 18th y.o. cohorts) and at Regional Level (+11.2% and +13.5% respectively). Concurrent catch-up of other recommended vaccination for age (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis-poliomyelitis and papillomavirus), resulted in further increase of doses administered. The fear for meningitis, managed by Sicilian Public Health Authorities, had positive reverberations in terms of prevention. In particular, informative strategies adopted sensibly contributed to get Sicilian young adults closer to vaccination issues.
Self-Tuning Method for Increasing Reliability in Obstacle Detection based on Internet-of-Things LiDAR Sensor Models
Authors: Castaño Fernando , Beruvides Gerardo , Villalonga Alberto , Haber Rodolfo
Published: March 2018

Nowadays, the research and development of on-chip LiDAR sensors for vehicle collision avoidance is growing very fast. Therefore, the assessment of the reliability in obstacle detection using the information provided by LiDAR sensors has become a key issue to be explored by the scientific community. This paper presents the design and implementation of a self-tuning method in order to maximize the reliability of an Internet-of-Things sensors network and to minimize the number of sensors to localize with the required accuracy obstacles by a detection threshold. In order to achieve this goal, models that predict accuracy (i.e., prediction error) for object localization using data collected by LIDAR sensors are designed and implemented in Webots Automobile 3D simulation tool. The approach is based on combining different techniques. Firstly, point-cloud clustering technique and an error prediction model library composed by a multilayer perceptron neural network with backpropagation, k-nearest neighbors and linear regression are explored. Secondly the above-mentioned techniques for modeling are also combined with a supervised and reinforcement machine learning technique, Q-learning in order to minimize the detection threshold. In addition, a IoT driving assistance simulated scenario with a LiDAR sensor network is designed in order to validate the prediction model and the optimal configuration of the sensor network to guarantee reliability in obstacle localization. The results demonstrate that the self-tuning method is appropriate to increase the reliability of the sensor network whereas minimizing the detection threshold
Agnoprotein is an Essential Egress Factor during BK Polyomavirus Infection
Authors: Maria-Panou Margarita , Prescott Emma L. , Hurdiss Daniel L. , Swinscoe Gemma , Hollinshead Michael , Caller Laura G. , Morgan Ethan L. , Carlisle Louisa , Muller Marietta , Antoni Michelle , Kealy David , Ranson Neil A. , Crump Colin M. , Macdonald Andrew
Published: March 2018

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) causes a lifelong chronic infection and is associated with debilitating disease in kidney transplant recipients. Despite its importance, aspects of the virus life cycle remain poorly understood. In addition to the structural proteins, the late region of the BK genome encodes for an auxiliary protein called agnoprotein. Studies on other polyomavirus agnoproteins have suggested that the protein may contribute to virion infectivity. Here, we demonstrate an essential role for agnoprotein in BK virus release. Viruses lacking agnoprotein do not propagate to wild-type levels and fail to release from host cells. Despite this, loss of agnoprotein does not impair virion infectivity or morphogenesis. Instead, agnoprotein expression correlates with nuclear egress of BK virions. We demonstrate that the agnoprotein binding partner α-SNAP is necessary for BK virion release, and siRNA knockdown of α-SNAP prevents nuclear release of wild-type BK virions. These data highlight a novel role for agnoprotein and begin to reveal the mechanism by which polyomaviruses leave an infected cell.
Chitosan Derivatives: Introducing New Functionalities with a Controlled Molecular Architecture for Innovative Materials †
Authors: Argüelles-Monal Waldo M. , Lizardi-Mendoza Jaime , Fernández-Quiroz Daniel , Recillas-Mota Maricarmen T. , Montiel-Herrera Marcelino
Published: March 2018

The functionalization of polymeric substances is of great interest for the development of innovative materials for advanced applications. For many decades, the functionalization of chitosan has been a convenient way to improve its properties with the aim to prepare new materials with specialized characteristics. In the present article, we summarize the latest methods for the modification and derivatization of chitin and chitosan, trying to introduce specific functional groups under experimental conditions, which allow a control over the macromolecular architecture. This is motivated because an understanding of the interdependence between chemical structure and properties is an important condition for proposing innovative materials. New advances in methods and strategies of functionalization such as click chemistry approach, grafting onto copolymerization, coupling with cyclodextrins and reactions in ionic liquids are discussed.
The Main Agroecologycal Structure (MAS) of the Agroecosystems: Concept, Methodology and Applications
Authors: León-Sicard Tomás Enrique , Calderón José Javier Toro , Martinez-Bernal Liven Fernando , Cleves–Leguízamo José Alejandro
Published: March 2018

This document presents, from environmental thinking (ecosystem - culture relations), the concept of the Main Agroecological Structure of Agroecosystems (MAS), considered as a dissipative cultural structure. It discusses its possible applications (resilience, production, diversity) both inside and outside the farms. The MAS can be useful in the land planning on the farms, based on the concept of potential MAS that allows the quantification of the management of internal and external corridors, including natural vegetation. At the same time, it can be useful in the context of landscape management because it shows a series of cultural relations (economic, social, symbolic and technological) hidden from the partial analysis of landscape ecology.
Effects of Ventilation Improvement on Measured and Perceived Indoor Air Quality in a School Building with a Hybrid Ventilation System
Authors: Vornanen-Winqvist Camilla , Järvi Kati , Andersson Maria A. , Ahmed Kaiser , Toomla Sander , Mikkola Raimo , Marik Tamás , Kredics László , Salonen Heidi , Kurnitski Jarek
Published: March 2018

This paper describes a case study of ventilation as well as measured and perceived indoor air quality (IAQ) in a Finnish comprehensive school with a hybrid ventilation system and reported IAQ problems. An operational error was found when investigating the ventilation system that prevented air from coming into classrooms, except for short periods of high carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations. However, results indicated that hybrid ventilation system was able to provide adequate ventilation and sufficient IAQ once properly designed and maintained. After ventilation operation was improved, occupants reported less unpleasant odors and stuffy air. The amount of total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and some single volatile organic compounds (VOCs) decreased. Indoor mycobiota was observed in settled dust in the classrooms, from which ventilation improvement eliminated the dominant, opportunistic human pathogen species Trichoderma citrinoviride found before improvement.
A (p,v)-Extension of Hurwitz-Lerch Zeta Function and its Properties
Authors: Rahman Gauhar , Nisar KS , Mubeen Shahid
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we define a (p,v)-extension of Hurwitz-Lerch Zeta function by considering an extension of beta function defined by Parmar et al. [J. Classical Anal. 11 (2017) 81–106]. We obtain its basic properties which include integral representations, Mellin transformation, derivative formulas and certain generating relations. Also, we establish the special cases of the main results.
The Effect of Propeller Scaling Methodology on the Performance Prediction
Authors: Helma Stephan , Streckwall Heinrich , Richter Jan
Published: March 2018

In common model testing practise, the measured values of the self propulsion test are split into the characteristics of the hull, the propeller and into the interaction factors. These coefficients are scaled separately to the respective full scale values and subsequently reassembled to give the power prediction. The accuracy of this power prediction depends {\em inter alia} on the accuracy of the measured values and the scaling procedure. An inherent problem of this approach is, that it is virtually impossible to verify each single step, because of the complex nature of the underlying problem. In recent years the scaling of the open-water characteristics of propeller model tests attracted a renewed interest, fuelled by competitive tests, which became the norm due to requests of the customer. This paper will show the influence of different scaling procedures on the predicted power. The prediction is compared to the measured trials data and the quality of the prediction will be judged. The procedures examined are the standard ITTC~1978 procedure plus derivatives of it: the Meyne, the strip method and the βᵢ-method.
Casimir Energies for Isorefractive or Diaphanous Balls
Authors: Milton Kimball , Brevik Iver
Published: March 2018

It is familiar that the Casimir self-energy of a homogeneous dielectric ball is divergent, although a finite self-energy can be extracted through second order in the deviation of the permittivity from the vacuum value. The exception occurs when the speed of light inside the spherical boundary is the same as that outside, so the self-energy of a perfectly conducting spherical shell is finite, as is the energy of a dielectric-diamagnetic sphere with $\varepsilon\mu=1$, a so-called isorefractive or diaphanous ball. Here we re-examine that example, and attempt to extend it to an electromagnetic $\delta$-function sphere, where the electric and magnetic couplings are equal and opposite. Unfortunately, although the energy expression is superficially ultraviolet finite, additional divergences appear that render it difficult to extract a meaningful result in general, but some limited results are presented.
MgAl-Layered Double Hydroxide Solid Base Catalysts for Henry Reaction: A Green Protocol
Authors: Abdellattif Magda H. , Mokhtar Mohamed
Published: March 2018

A series of MgAl-layered double hydroxide (MgAl-HT), the calcined form at 500oC (MgAlOx) and the re-hydrated one at 25oC (MgAl-HT-RH) were synthesized. Physicochemical properties of the catalysts were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Surface area of the as-synthesized, calcined and re-hydrated catalysts was determined by N2 physisorption at -196oC. CO2-teperature programmed desorption (CO2-TPD) was applied to determine the basic sites of catalysts. The catalytic test reaction was carried out using benzaldehyde and their derivatives with nitromethane and their derivatives. The Henry products (1-15) were obtained in a very good yield using MgAl-HT-RH catalyst either by conventional method at 90oC in liquid phase, or under microwave irradiation method. The mesoporous structure and basic nature of re-hydrated solid catalyst were responsible for their superior catalytic efficiency. The robust nature was determined by using the same catalyst for five times, where the product % yield was almost unchanged significantly.
Inequalities and Approximations for the Finite Hilbert Transform: A Survey of Recent Results
Authors: Dragomir Silvestru Sever
Published: March 2018

In this paper we survey some recent results due to the author concerning various inequalities and approximations for the finite Hilbert transform of a function belonging to several classes of functions, such as: Lipschitzian, monotonic, convex or with the derivative of bounded variation or absolutely continuous. More accurate estimates in the case that the higher order derivatives are absolutely continuous, are also provided. Some quadrature rules with error bounds are derived. They can be used in the numerical integration of the finite Hilbert transform and, due to the explicit form of the error bounds, enable the user to predict a priory the accuracy.
Map Archive Mining: Visual-analytical Approaches to Explore Large Historical Map Collections
Authors: Uhl Johannes H. , Leyk Stefan , Chiang Yao-Yi , Duan Weiwei , Knoblock Craig A.
Published: March 2018

Historical maps constitute unique sources of retrospective geographic information. Recently, several map archives containing map series covering large spatial and temporal extents have been systematically scanned and made available to the public. The geographic information contained in such data archives allows extending geospatial analysis retrospectively beyond the era of digital cartography. However, given the large data volumes of such archives and the low graphical quality of older map sheets, the processes to extract geographic information need to be automated to the highest degree possible. In order to understand the salient characteristics, data quality variation, and potential challenges in large-scale information extraction tasks, preparatory analytical steps are required to efficiently assess spatio-temporal coverage, approximate map content, and spatial accuracy of such georeferenced map archives across different cartographic scales. Such preparatory steps are often neglected or ignored in the map processing literature but represent highly critical phases that lay the foundation for any subsequent computational analysis and recognition. In this contribution we demonstrate how such preparatory analyses can be conducted using classical analytical and cartographic techniques as well as visual-analytical data mining tools originating from machine learning and data science, exemplified for the United States Geological Survey topographic map and Sanborn fire insurance map archives.
Potential Energy Production from Citrus Pulp and Olive Pomace: A Case Study in a Region of Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Valenti Francesca , Porto Simona M.C. , Lanteri Paolo , Arcidiacono Claudia
Published: March 2018

The necessity to investigate suitable alternatives to conventional fossil fuels has developed the interests in many renewable energy alternatives, especially biomass resources which are widely available and allow to reach both environmental and socio-economic improvements. Among the bioenergy solutions the anaerobic digestion technology makes it possible to produce biogas by reusing and valorising agricultural residues and by-products. In Southern Italy, to date, the development of biogas sector is still very limited, despite the importance of the agricultural sector, especially of citrus and olive cultivation. For this reason, in previous studies the availability of two by-products, i.e., citrus pulp and olive pomace, was analysed in order to choose the most suitable area for a sustainable development of new biogas plants according to the new Biogasdoneright concept. In this paper, after a resume of the multi-step methodology which allowed the computation of biogas production, it was demonstrated that 15.9 GWh-e electricity and 24.5 GWh-e heat per year could be generate by reusing only these two kind of by-products, and could satisfy approximate 17% of the total electricity demand of the agricultural sector (90.2 GWh-e/year) in Catania.
The Effect of Seeding Rate on Selected Physical Parameters and the Biomass Yield of Maize
Authors: Markowski Piotr , Lipiński Adam Józef , Kaliniewicz Zdzisław , Anders Andrzej , Ślesicka Elwira , Dobrowolski Przemysław , Sulewski Karol
Published: March 2018

This study investigates the effect of the seeding rate of two hybrid cultivars of maize harvested for silage on selected, i.e.: physical parameters (stem length, stem diameter, total plant weight and weight of ears with husks), fresh weight yield and ear yield of maize plants. A field experiment was carried out in 2011-2013 on soil of weak rye complex (cv. Kosmo) and a good rye complex (cv. Kixxo). The results were processed by one-way analysis of variance, correlation analysis and regression analysis. The analyses revealed that at constant inter-row spacing of 0.75 m, seeding rate (6.5 to 11.9 seeds∙m-2 for cv. Kosmo and 8 to 12∙m-2 for cv. Kixxo) significantly (α=0.05) influenced the evaluated parameters. Higher plant density lowered the weight of plants and ears and resulted in lower stem diameter. Plants grown in treatments with lower seeding rates were larger and heavier. In cv. Kosmo, the highest total yield and ear yield were noted at the seeding rate of 11∙m-2. Maize plants cv. Kixxo sown at the rate of 12∙m-2 were characterized by the highest fresh weight yield and the highest yield of ears with husks. A set of equations were developed to analyze the correlations between seeding rate and the physical parameters of maize plants and between seeding rate vs. green fodder yield and ear yield.
Optimization of The Mechanical Drive on Set-up of Homemade Surface Plasmon Resonance
Authors: Arifin Muhammad , Laksono Febrilian Dwi , Supardianningsih Supardianningsih , Abraha Kamsul
Published: March 2018

Mechanical optimization has been done on the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) homemade. At set-up, angle scanning comes a small resolution to detect changes in the thickness of the thin film or refractive index of the sample. The mechanical drive has a function to rotate the prism and detector. Torsional Spring-Loaded Gear Antibacklash is used to improve the accuracy of the mechanical drive. The stepper motor is used to rotate the mechanical drive automatically. The built system has successfully increased the resolution of the prism rotation angle by 0.01°. The test using the blank prism indicates the angle of Total Internal Reflection occurs at an incident angle of 41.80 °. The SPR phenomenon was observed in a thin layer of gold deposited on the prism using a vacuum evaporator. The observed SPR angles on samples A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I were 45.02°, 45.05°, 46.30°, 44.48°, 44.70°, 45.49°, 45.52°, 45.66°, and 44.44°, respectively. The SPR angle change shows the difference in the thickness of the gold thin film.
PENGARUH LUBANG PERFORASI DAN JENIS PLASTIK KEMASAN TERHADAP KUALITAS SAWI HIJAU (BRASSICA JUNCEA L.)
Authors: Anggraini Renny , Permatasari Nelsy Dian
Published: March 2018

Produk pascapanen sayuran seperti sawi hijau mengalami kemunduran kualitas yang dicirikan oleh terjadinya proses pelayuan yang cepat, untuk mempertahankan mutu selama penyimpanan perlu pengemasan dan penyimpanan yang tepat. . Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis dan menentukan jenis plastik dan jumlah lubang perforasi terbaik dalam pengemasan sawi hijau yang dapat memperpanjang umur simpannya. Sawi hijau dikemas dalam plastik LDPE, PP, dan stretch film. Masing-masing jenis plastik kemudian dilubangi sebanyak 2, 4, dan 6 dengan pelubang kertas, serta tanpa lubang. Seluruh perlakuan diulang sebanyak 3 kali dan selanjutnya disimpan dalam lemari pendingin dengan suhu 5oC. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa plastik LDPE merupakan kemasan terbaik yang mampu mempertahankan kadar air, susut bobot, dan vitamin C pada sawi hijau selama penyimpanan, sedangkan plastik PP merupakan kemasan terbaik yang mampu mempertahankan TPT sawi hijau. Jumlah lubang perforasi hanya berpengaruh nyata terhadap TPT sawi hijau pada hari ke-6 penyimpanan. Berdasarkan uji indeks efektifitas, perlakuan terbaik dalam penelitian ini adalah kemasan plastik LDPE dengan 4 lubang perforasi
KONVERSI TANDAN KOSONG KELAPA SAWIT (TKKS) MENJADI ARANG HAYATI DAN ASAP CAIR
Authors: Kresnawaty Irma , Putra Soekarno Mismana , Budiani Asmini , Darmono TW
Published: March 2018

Tandan Kosong Kelapa Sawit (TKKS) merupakan salah satu limbah perkebunan yang jumlahnya sangat melimpah. Telah banyak penelitian dilakukan yang bertujuan untuk memanfaatkan limbah ini menjadi produk yang bernilai ekonomi tinggi dan salah satu adalah mengomposkan TKKS tersebut. Teknik pengomposanTKKS yang selama ini memerlukan waktu 2-4 bulan dan pengangkutan produk kompos yang dihasilkan memerlukan biaya yang mahal. Waktu pengomposan yang lama tidak dapat mengatasi permasalahan banyaknya limbah TKKS ini dihasilkan di pabrik (21-23% dari Tandan Buah Segar). Sehingga diperlukan teknik pengolahan limbah yang lebih cepat. Pada penelitian sebelumnya TKKS terbukti dapat dikonversi melalui proses pirolisis yang relatif lebih cepat menjadi arang hayati dan asap cair. Arang hayati memiliki banyak manfaat khususnya untuk meningkatkan produktivitas tanaman. Selain itu juga dapat memacu aktivitas mikroba tanah, terutama yang berasosiasi dengan akar tanaman dan mampu meningkatkan konservasi unsur hara mudah larut sehingga pencucian hara menjadi minimal. Asap cair selama ini banyak digunakan sebagai bahan pengawet makanan dan penghilang bau pada industri karet. Pada penelitian ini akan dilakukan karakterisasi arang hayati dan asap cair dari TKKS . Dari 6 kg TKKS dapat dihasilkan 1,9 kg arang hayati dan 3,6 L asap cair. Arang hayati TKKS memiliki kadar makronutrien : C 60%; N 1,07%; P 1,29%; K 13,37%; Mg 1,02%; Ca 1,71% dan mikronurien Fe 0,95%; B 31 ppm dan Zn 248 ppm, dengan pH 9. Asap cair yang dihasilkan memiliki pH 3,5 dan dapat dihilangkan kandungan tar-nya dengan pengendapan semalam. Kandungan asap cair ini. mengandung karbonil 2,984 %; turunan fenol 13,169 %; dan asam organik 74,268 %.
Implementasi Teori Kreativitas Graham Wallas Dalam Sekolah Kepenulisan di Pesantren Mahasiswa Hasyim Asy’ari Cabeyan Yogyakarta
Authors: Rusdi Rusdi
Published: March 2018

Abstract: Man is a creature who is blessed with creative potential in him. That potenty can provide benefits for human life that can be developed properly and maximally. This paper will discuss about human creativity and the ways that can be done to develop it. Many theories put forward by the figures about the notion of creativity and the process in stimulating and developing creativity itself. One of them is the theory of Graham Wallas which says that the process of creativity in human beings occurs through four stages that include the stage of preparation, incubation, illumination and verification. Through these four stages human beings are expected to develop their creative potential well. The four stages of this creativity process are applied in the writing school at Hasyim Asy'ari College Student Boarding School Cabeyan Yogyakarta.Abstrak: Manusia adalah makhluk yang dikaruniai potensi kreatif dalam dirinya. Potensi itu dapat memberikan manfaat bagi kehidupan manusia selama keberadaannya mampu dikembangkan dengan baik dan maksimal. Kajian ini akan membahas tentang kreativitas manusia dan cara-cara yang dapat dilakukan untuk mengembangkannya. Banyak teori yang dikemukakan oleh para tokoh tentang pengertian kreativitas dan proses dalam merangsang serta mengembangkan kreativitas itu sendiri. Salah satunya adalah teori Graham Wallas yang mengatakan bahwa proses kreativitas pada diri manusia terjadi melalui empat tahap yang meliputi tahap preparasi, inkubasi, iluminasi dan verifikasi. Melalui keempat tahap inilah manusia diharapkan dapat mengembangkan potensi kreativitasnya dengan baik. Keempat tahap proses kreativitas inilah yang diterapkan dalam sekolah kepenulisan di Pesantren Mahasiswa Hasyim Asy’ari Cabeyan Yogyakarta
Standar Proses Pembelajaran Sebagai Sistem Penjaminan Mutu Internal di Sekolah
Authors: Puspitasari Heppy
Published: March 2018

Abstract: The quality of the learning process is manifested into the achieving standards in learning. These standards will be guidelines for all the process of learning activities, namely, planning, implementing and monitoring / evaluation. SMPN 1 Geger is one of the formal educational institutions that run the learning process by applying internal quality assurance to certify that the learning process is guaranteed and in accordance with predetermined standards. The result of this research revealed that in ensuring the quality of learning process, SMPN 1 Geger has a policy refers to the applicable legislation and internal policies made by the institution. Policies in the learning process comprises planning, implementation, assessment and supervision of learning. Quality assurance mechanism of learning process is conducted in five stages, namely; Quality mapping, compiling of quality fulfillment plan, quality fulfillment, conducting evaluation / quality audit, and formulating standard above SNP. There are several excellent programs implemented at SMPN 1 Geger, including implementing IT / E-Learning learning,  ICT Day, English Day, and Dinten Boso Jawi program, sister classes, GLS culture and teaching and learning system outside the class.Abstrak: Kualitas mutu proses pembelajaran dinyatakan dalam bentuk pencapaian standar-standar dalam pembelajaran. Standar-standar tersebut akan menjadi pedoman seluruh aktivitas proses pembelajaran, mulai dari perencanaan, pelaksanaan dan monotoring/evaluasi. SMPN 1 Geger merupakan salah satu lembaga pendidikan formal yang mengawal proses pembelajaran dengan menerapkan penjaminan mutu internal untuk memastikan bahwa proses pembelajaran terjamin dan sesuai dengan standar yang telah ditetapkan. Dari penelitian ini diketahui bahwa dalam menjamin mutu proses pembelajaran, SMPN 1 Geger memiliki kebijakan mengacu pada peraturan perundang-undangan yang berlaku serta kebijakan internal yang dibuat lembaga. Kebijakan dalam proses pembelajaran meliputi perencanaan, pelaksanaan, penilaian dan pengawasan pembelajaran. Mekanisme penjaminan mutu proses pembelajaran yang dilakukan di  SMPN 1 Geger dilakukan melalui lima tahapan, yakni; pemetaan mutu, penyusunan rencana pemenuhan mutu, pemenuhan mutu, evaluasi/audit mutu, dan penyusunan standar di atas SNP. Terdapat beberapa program unggulan yang diterapkan di SMPN 1 Geger, diantaranya adalah menerapkan pembelajaran berbasis IT / E-Learning, terdapat juga program ICT Day, English Day, dan Dinten Boso Jawi, serta membentuk kelas rujukan, budaya GLS dan menggerakkan sekolah lapang atau sistem belajar mengajar di luar bangku sekolah.
Leakage estimation in developing country water networks based on water balance, minimum night flow and component analysis methods
Authors: Amoatey P. K. , Minke R. , Steinmetz H.
Published: March 2018

Estimating leakage in developing countries’ water networks is challenging as accurate records are needed. Three leakage estimation methods were compared to ascertain which was most suitable for such networks. The factors accounting for the differences in application of these methods to water networks were also ascertained. The water balance and component analysis methods were compared with the modified minimum night flow (MNF) method. The MNF method was modified to make it suitable for networks in developing countries. In the comparison, leakage was estimated at 10 and 18%, respectively, against 11% for the modified MNF. The latter is considered the most suitable for developing countries as all parameters are determined or estimated from field measurements. It was realized that burst flow rates and the infrastructure condition factor used in the water balance and component analysis methods affect the accuracy of leakage estimates. This has implications for further research, as well as policy and practice for developing countries’ water utilities.
Full scale optimisation of sludge dewatering and phosphate removal at Harnaschpolder wwtp (The Hague, NL)
Authors: Mulder M. , Appeldoorn K. , Weij P. , van Kempen R.
Published: March 2018

At Harnaschpolder wwtp phosphate removal from wastewater and sludge dewatering is optimised by dosing magnesium hydroxide to digested sludge. To optimise sludge dewatering and phosphate removal, a full-scale test has been executed since August 2015 using temporary equipment. In this test magnesium hydroxide is added to the digested sludge buffer. Significant positive results are achieved. An excellent quality of the reject water is obtained, through which the phosphorus load in this reject water returned to head of works is negligible. This decrease in combination with other optimisations are beneficial for the biological phosphorus removal process. In 2016 the phosphorus effluent quality remained constant, while 42% less iron chloride was added to meet the legal phosphorus effluent quality requirements (yearly moving average Ptotal < 1.0 mg P/l). The polymer usage decreased by 25% and the year average dry matter content of the dewatered sludge increased from 22% in 2014 to 24% in 2016. Struvite scaling or blockage is avoided in piping, pumps or dewatering equipment, through optimised control of dosage of magnesium hydroxide. The full-scale test results prove that the addition of magnesium hydroxide to digested sludge leads to a significant cost reduction and major environmental benefits. In 2017 a permanent installation will be realised. The magnesium hydroxide dosage will be further optimised based on lessons learnt. Also an improved operation control of sludge dewatering is possible through additional in-line measurements for dry solids content of dewatered sludge. It is therefore expected that results will further improve concerning the use of iron chloride and polymers, dry solids content of dewatered sludge and phosphate effluent quality. Through this optimisation, the operating costs1 of Harnaschpolder wwtp are reduced by over 4%. The return on investment is estimated at 1.5 years.
Sodium chloride as a tracer for hydrodynamic characterization of a shallow maturation pond
Authors: Passos R. G. , Dias D. F. C. , Matos M. P. , von Sperling M.
Published: March 2018

The results of tests with a sodium chloride tracer in a shallow maturation pond in Brazil are presented. The pond – a full-scale effluent treatment unit for around 250 p.e – was 0.80 m deep with a length/width ratio of 4.3:1, and had accumulated sludge for 12 years to about 40% of the total volume. The pond is subject to daily cycles of thermal stratification/destratification, as shown by vertical profiles of temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and redox potential, and by Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations. Four tracer tests were undertaken. There was a tendency to complete mixing with high dispersion, and daily vertical cycles were evident in all tracer response curves, a distinctive feature of these studies. However, the reliability of the hydraulic retention time calculation, and the short-circuit and mixing indicators, is doubtful, primarily because of the liquor's high density. The study's results enabled practical consideration of the use of saline tracers in pond systems. Sodium chloride acquisition and semi-continuous sensor measurements of effluent concentrations (electrical conductivity) are both easy, but the large amount of salt required (around 300 kg for a 125 m3 pond) and solution density are limiting factors, and can yield unrepresentative results, making this tracer potentially impractical, especially for larger ponds. However, the diurnal cycles of effluent tracer concentration were important in this study and assisted in verification of hydraulic behavior in the liquid column, associated with the stratification and mixing patterns.
Quantification of leakage in batch biogas assays
Authors: Hafner Sasha D. , Rennuit Charlotte , Olsen Palle J. , Pedersen Johanna M.
Published: March 2018

Avoiding leaks is essential for accurate measurement of biogas production by batch assays. Here we present a simple method for detecting leaks and correcting results, based on the change in bottle mass during incubation. Three experiments were carried out using pure chemicals, wastewater sludge, and other complex substrates to test and demonstrate the method, and leaks were detected in all three. The frequency and magnitude of leakage was related to headspace pressure and the number of times bottle septa had been punctured. Comparison to an independent estimate of leakage in two experiments showed that the proposed method is accurate. This mass-based approach can generally be used to detect leaks as small as 20% of total biogas or methane production, or lower when biogas production is high relative to the precision of mass measurements. Additional research is needed to improve the sensitivity of the method and to better understand the causes of leakage. Given the potential importance of leaks and the simplicity of leakage measurements, we recommend that this method is always used in batch biogas assays.
Role of membrane autopsy in enhancing reverse osmosis plant operation
Authors: Liu G. , Pattanayak S. , Navaneethakrishnan P. , Woodling R.
Published: March 2018

Reverse osmosis (RO) has successfully emerged as a broadly-used commercial water purification technology in recent decades. Nevertheless, RO membrane elements, the core component of this purification process, are frequently subjected to premature degradation and performance deterioration, adversely impacting RO plant operation & maintenance. Membrane autopsy is a well-proven yet under-valued procedure for effectively assessing the condition of membranes and determining the root-cause of performance loss. This paper aims to provide a general methodology utilized commercially to perform membrane autopsy and employ three case studies to explicitly demonstrate the value addition to operators and end-users when applying membrane autopsy in (1) failure analysis and trouble-shooting, (2) operation optimization and routine monitoring, and (3) asset management and maintenance enhancement.
FOG Waste receiving and processing facility design considerations
Authors: Williams Todd O. , Gabel Dale , Robillard Dan
Published: March 2018

Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) wastes and high-strength wastes (HSW) are frequently received at municipal water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) as trucked-in wastes. These wastes offer significant benefits in terms of revenue from tipping fees and feedstock for co-digestion in anaerobic digesters that produce biogas, which can be beneficially used as fuel. The number of treatment plants receiving and beneficially using trucked-in wastes currently in operation or under investigation is increasing rapidly across the North America as utilities strive to remove this material from normal wastewater to avoid sewer system clogging, maintenance and backups, avoid the oxygen demand of these wastes in secondary treatment systems, and to capture and beneficially reuse the energy that is contained within the material.

Historically, trucked-in wastes have been discharged to the head end of treatment plants or to an upstream manhole in the incoming interceptor sewer to enable the material to be mixed with raw wastewater prior to treatment through the liquid stream of the WRRF. However, this approach results in loss of material and degradation of the energy value of the FOG wastes and HSW and also creates collection and maintenance issues in the preliminary and primary treatment systems. To prevent degradation of the material and retain maximum energy for the CHP system, receiving stations are being constructed for direct off-loading of the wastes to processing and storage facilities prior to their transfer to anaerobic digesters at a relatively uniform rate to minimize the potential for digester upsets while at the same time to increase biogas production. This paper presents the key components and considerations in the design and operation of modern FOG waste receiving and processing facilities.
Use of dairy reject and fermented Aleo sp. Leaf Gel mixture in the biological Pre-treatment of landfill leachate
Authors: Mariam Kasmi , Lobna Elleuch , Haifa Abidi , Yassmine Cherni , Cyrine Hosni , Salma Nouioui , Sami Fattouch , Ismail Trabelsi
Published: March 2018

In this study the biotreatability of Jebel Chakir landfill leachate (Tunisia) using a mixture of dairy industry reject (bactofugate) and Aloe sp. leaf gel was evaluated. The effect of Aloe gel fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strain was investigated against some selected bacterial and fungal strains. The inoculation size effect of the treatment mixtures (2, 6, 10 and 12%) in the treatment efficiency was also studied. The obtained results showed that when natural Aloe gel and bactofugate mixtures were used the recorded chemical oxygen demand removal rates exceeded 56% within 48 h of treatment. Whereas, the use of the fermented Aloe gel in the treatment mixtures has promoted the organic matter removal to reach 72%.
Comparison of Two Routes of Administration of Dexamethasone to Reduce the Postoperative Sequelae After Third Molar Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Troiano Giuseppe , Laino Luigi , Cicciù Marco , Cervino Gabriele , Fiorillo Luca , D’amico Cesare , Zhurakivska Khrystyna , Lo Muzio Lorenzo
Published: March 2018

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the clinical efficacy of two routes of dexamethasone administration in reducing the postoperative sequelae after third molar extraction. Electronic databases (PUBMED, SCOPUS and EBSCO library) were screened in order to find both randomized and non-randomized clinical trials that directly compare the submucosal intraoral or the intramuscular extraoral administration of dexamethasone. No restriction about year of publication was imposed. About 340 titles and abstracts were screened independently by two authors. Of these [340 titles], only 4 randomized clinical trials met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. No statistical differences in postoperative pain, swelling and trismus were recorded comparing the intraoral submucosal and the extraoral intramuscular injection of dexamethasone in an extra-oral site.
Evaluation of Microbiological and Physicochemical Parameters of Alternative Source of Drinking Water: A Case Study of Nzhelele River, South Africa
Authors: Edokpayi Joshua N. , Odiyo John O. , Popoola Elizabeth O. , Msagati Titus A.M.
Published: March 2018

Background:

Access to clean and safe drinking water is still a problem in developing countries and more pronounced in rural areas. Due to erratic supply of potable, rural dwellers often seek for an alternative source of water to meet their basic water needs. The objective of this study is to monitor the microbiological and physicochemical water quality parameters of Nzhelele River which is a major alternative source of drinking water to villages along its course in Limpopo province of South Africa.

Methods:

Membrane filtration method was employed in evaluating the levels ofE. coliandEnterococciin the river water from January-June, 2014. Specialized multimeter was used to measure the pH, electrical conductivity and turbidity of the river water. Ion Chromatograph was used to measure major anions such as fluoride, chloride, nitrate and sulphate in the water.

Results:

High levels ofE. coli(1 x 102- 8 x 104cfu/100 mL) andenterococci(1 x 102– 5.7 x 103cfu/100 mL) were found in the river water and exceeded their permissible limits of 0 cfu/100 mL for drinking water. Turbidity values ranged from 1.12-739.9 NTU. The pH, electrical conductivity, chloride, fluoride, nitrate and sulphate levels were below their permissible limits for drinking water.

Conclusion:

The river water is contaminated with faecal organisms and is unfit for drinking purposes. However, the levels of the major anions accessed were within the permissible limits of drinking water.
The Development of Competencies in Interprofessional Health Care for Use in Health Science Educational Programs
Authors: Tashiro Jayshiro , Byrne Carolyn , Kitchen Lisa , Vogel Ellen , Bianco Carrie
Published: March 2018

Background: The Health Education Technology Research Unit (HETRU) at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) has developed an interprofessional framework for use as a learning map to create computer-based simulations that can automatically assess interprofessional competencies of undergraduate health sciences students.Methods: Our interprofessional competency framework was developed through an iterative process of competency mapping. Each iteration involved: 1) a literature review of interprofessional competencies, 2) the mapping of these competencies within a meaningful taxonomy, and 3) the review of the mapping by an expert panel of educators and clinicians.Findings and Conclusions: After three iterations, the research team developed a competency taxonomy that mapped interprofessional competencies from our literature reviews into six competency domains and three cross-cutting themes for each domain. The competency matrix was then used as a learning map to define learning resources related to interprofessional education and learning activities associated with such resources to help students develop competencies in interprofessional healthcare planning and delivery. Interactive, computer-based clinical simulations were then developed to portray opportunities in which the learning resources and activities could be explored and to provide more realistic exposure to complexities in healthcare planning and delivery.
Teaching and Learning Interprofessionally: Family Medicine Residents Differ From Other Healthcare Learners
Authors: Flynn Leslie , Michalska Bethmarie , Han Han , Gupta Sangeeta
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackground: In recent years, interprofessional education and collaborative patient centred care have been promoted to improve efficiency and quality of healthcare service. Teaching interprofessional education has been challenging. There are fewmature curricula, a lack of standardized teaching approaches, and our healthcare learners are educated in different institutional systems. The objective of this study was to explore how one interprofessional educational initiative impacted different healthcare learners from college and university.Methods and Findings: A day-long interprofessional cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) workshop was presented to learners from multiple disciplines. Within aframework of collaborative, experiential, and reflective learning, the workshop aimed to promote interprofessional teamwork skills, professional roles, and collaborative behaviours. A mixed-methods design using pre- and post-workshop questionnaires was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the workshop. Significant differences were found between family medicine (FM) residents and healthcare learners of other disciplines in three domains: a) satisfaction with the CBT content area of the workshop, b) attitude toward interprofessional learning and collaboration, and c) the interprofessional learning experience.Conclusions: The results resonate with longstanding, taken-for-granted roles and attitudes in the culture of healthcare. This study invites serious consideration of when best to embed interprofessional education in healthcare curricula, so that learners will come to shape a professional identity that includes interprofessional collaborative care.
Tutor Experiences with Facilitating Interprofessional Problem-Based Learning
Authors: Jewell Lisa Margaret , D'Eon Marcel , McKee Nora , Proctor Peggy , Trinder Krista
Published: March 2018

Background: This article describes tutors’ experiences with facilitating interprofessional problem-based learning (iPBL), a topic rarely discussed in the literature. We examined tutors’ perceptions of what it was like to tutor iPBL, including the rewarding and challenging aspects. We also reported differences between new and experienced tutors.Methods and Findings: The data presented in this article were collected using three versions of a paper-and-pencil survey (N = 77, N = 99, and N = 97 for each version of the survey, respectively) and six focus groups. Surveys were completed at the conclusion of iPBL modules. Both quantitative and qualitative results indicated that tutors found the experience of facilitating iPBL to be rewarding and encountered few challenges. Tutors felt the training they received prepared them well to tutor. They also felt that facilitating iPBL increased their knowledge in the topic area of the iPBL module and of other professional roles, that it enhanced their skills as facilitators, and that they enjoyed observing students learn. New tutors reported significantly more learning and skill development than experienced tutors.Conclusions: Four lessons were derived from our research: 1) use iPBL to offer IPE; 2) invest in tutor training and support; 3) help tutors trust the process; and 4) consider tutor recruitment and retention strategies.