bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategi Kepala Sekolah dalam Meningkatkan Mutu Pembelajaran di MTsN Kabupaten Lampung Utara Melalui Pengembangan Kompetensi Profesional Guru
Authors: Nurdin Rahmawati , Pahrudin Agus , Thahir Andi
Published: September 2024

This study aims to investigate the strategies used by school principals in improving the quality of learning in the State Madrasah Tsanawiyah (MTsN) of North Lampung Regency through developing teachers' professional competencies. The quality of education is strongly influenced by teachers' qualifications, competence, and dedication in carrying out their professional duties. Principals have a very important role as leaders who can influence, motivate and guide teachers to achieve the desired educational goals.
This study used a qualitative approach with a focus on describing and analyzing the phenomenon under study. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with principals and teachers, observations, and document studies. The research was conducted in three MTsN in North Lampung District.
The results showed that there are various strategies implemented by principals to improve teachers' professional competence. These strategies can be divided into formal and informal activities. Formal activities include participation in seminars, workshops, training, and coaching organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, MGMP, madrasah external mentors, and madrasah supervisors. In addition, non-formal activities such as experience-sharing sessions are also organized to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience between teachers.
The study also identified several obstacles faced by principals in developing teachers' professionalism, such as limited mastery of technology, limited teacher creativity, and the lack of scientific research conducted by teachers.
Overall, the role of school principals is very significant in improving the quality of learning at MTsN in North Lampung Regency. Through appropriate strategies, both through formal and informal activities, as well as overcoming the obstacles faced, principals can help improve teachers' professional competence and overall learning quality.
Analisis Kesiapan Penerapan Kurikulum Merdeka di Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Negeri 1 Lampung Timur
Authors: Rosida
Published: September 2024

This study aims to describe the readiness for independent curriculum implementation in Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Negeri 1 Lampung Timur. The independent curriculum is a policy that focuses on developing student potential and avoiding administrative pressure and other policies, to produce better teacher potential.
This research uses qualitative methods with data collection techniques in the form of interviews, observation, and documentation.
This study shows the readiness of the implementation of the Independent Curriculum at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Negeri 1 Lampung Timur, which includes learning planning, learning process, and assessment evaluation. There are advantages to the independent curriculum, such as flexibility for teachers in teaching according to the stage of development and the needs of students. However, there are still weaknesses in the teaching system that have not been well planned. In addition, internal factors such as student motivation, attitudes, and interests, as well as external factors such as parental support, madrasah head leadership, madrasah facilities, learning systems, learning methods, and teacher competence are inhibiting factors in the implementation of the independent curriculum.
The obstacles faced in implementing the independent curriculum include limited material books, so teachers have to look for additional sources. In addition, teachers also face challenges in adjusting learning methods to the independent curriculum.
This research provides an overview of the readiness to implement the independent curriculum at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Negeri 1 Lampung Timur, focusing on lesson planning, implementation of the learning process, and evaluation. The obstacles faced in implementing the independent curriculum are an important concern in optimizing the implementation of the independent curriculum in the future.
Perubahan Sosial Ekonomi dan Pola Pikir Masyarakat dengan Munculnya Objek Wisata Puncak Nirwana Lampung
Authors: Riswan  , Mardian Husni , Sava Husada Hindiana
Published: September 2024

Lampung Province is intensively developing local tourism because natural resources (SDA) are very supportive of the potential for tourism development. One of the tourist attractions is Puncak Nirwana, which is located in Kupang Jernih village, Sukarame II, West Teluk Betung District, Bandar Lampung City. The progress of the current tourism economy is very strategic. Many local residents are motivated to make progress on tourism potential in their respective areas. With the increase in the tourism economy, it is one of the projects that can provide benefits for local residents. This is also driven by the progress of the tourism economy which is currently skyrocketing and provides benefits for many parties. This research was conducted using a qualitative method and a descriptive approach. The emergence of the Puncak Nirwana Lampung tourist attraction has clearly had an impact on changing socio-economic conditions for the surrounding community, apart from changing the income of the local community, the emergence of the Puncak Nirwana Lampung tourist attraction has changed the mindset and perspective of the community, where people are more open and motivated to learn about managing tourist attractions. promotion for the progress of their environment. The advice given is the need for more serious and consistent management so that the Puncak Nirwana Lampung tourist attraction can survive for a long time and be able to compete again with other tourist attractions.
تصميم المواد التعليمية للمحادثة لطلبة الفصل السابع والثامن في معهد محمدية الإسلامي جيتس فونوروكو 2022\1444
Authors: Mardian Husni , Marnoto
Published: September 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menjelaskan karakteristik bahan ajar Muhadatsah untuk siswa kelas VII dan kelas VIII, dan juga dapat mengetahui efektifitas materi ajar yang disusun dalam pembelajaran Muhadatsah siswa kelas VII dan kelas VIII di pondok Pesantren MBS Jetis-Ponorogo setelah diujicobakan. Penelitian ini merupakan jenis penelitian Research and Development (R&D). Dalam pengumpulan data, peneliti menggunakan metode Observasi, Wawancara, Tes, Kuesioner, dan Dokumentasi.  Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah tersusunnya buku ajar sebagai pegangan siswa, dalam penyusunan buku tersebut peneliti merujuk pada analisis kebutuhan dari hasil wawancara dengan guru dan siswa kelas VII dan Kelas VIII dipondok Pesantren MBS Jetis-Ponorogo. Diketahui bahwa buku bahan ajar ini terbukti layak, dilihat dari hasil penilaian para ahli 89%, hasil penilaian guru 94%, dan hasil penilaian siswa 85%. Diketahui bahwa buku pendamping ini terbukti efektif dilihat dari hasil Mann Whitney nilai sig. (2-Tailed) 0,000 lebih kecil dari 0,05.
Strategi Manajemen Komunikasi Media Online PT. Warta Global Republik Dalam Mengatasi Persaingan Antarmedia Online
Authors: Usman Isbat , L Nata Andrian Anwar , Irawan Hengki
Published: September 2024

The rapid growth of the internet has resulted in the widespread existence of online media in Indonesia. As a result, competition between these online media platforms is increasing. With so much competition between online media, this research was conducted to find out how the communication management strategy carried out by PT Warta Global Republik as a new online media company to overcome competition between other online media. The method applied in this research uses a qualitative approach by analyzing POAC communication management theory (Planning, Organizing, Actuating, and Controlling). The data collection techniques implemented involved documentation studies, literature studies, observation, and in-depth interviews. The results of this study show that the management strategy implemented by PT Warta Global Republik has a good and effective communication foundation. Starting from the planning stage, Warta Global Republik takes steps to evaluate previous performance results, then maintains what is good and then replaces what is ineffective. At the organizing stage Warta Global uses a communication approach with the Journalist Organization, then at the actuating stage Warta Global uses effective communication to move the team, finally at the controlling stage the Chief Editor of Warta Global as the Warta Network oversees all articles to comply with company regulations. From the analysis of POAC management theory, it can be seen that the results of research on Warta Global Republik's management strategy say that Planning, Organizing, Actuating and Controlling are important points in the communication management of a company. In addition, the editor-in-chief of Warta Global Republik also holds full responsibility for competing with competing online media
Pengaruh Perataan Laba dan Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure Terhadap Reaksi Pasar dan Resiko Investasi (Studi Empiris Pada Perusahaan Manufaktur Yang Terdaftar Di Bursa Efek Indonesia)
Authors: Agassi Ivan Arviansyah , Prastya Hendra , Susanto Rindang
Published: September 2024

The market reacts to news regarding company earnings, which further suggests that earnings revisions have a negative effect on market reactions. This means that the greater the profit moderation action, the weaker the market reaction to company profit news. CSR agents cannot strengthen or weaken the relationship between income smoothing and market response. This research aims to determine the effect of income smoothing and disclosure of corporate social responsibility on market reactions and investment risk in manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. This research focuses on problem solving to explain the relationship between one variable and another. others in qualitative and quantitative analysis. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that income smoothing does not have a significant effect on market reactions. CSR disclosure does not have a significant effect on market reactions. Income smoothing does not have a significant effect on investment risk. The moderating variables of profit and CSR disclosure, if examined together or simultaneously, do not have a significant influence on increasing market response. Based on the calculation results, it can be seen that there is a difference between investment risk and income smoothing. This disclosure will also produce positive abnormal returns because it contains information that has economic value. With the insights from this research, it is hoped that investors will be able to make investment decisions that will bring extraordinary returns to the market.
Pengaruh Budaya Organisasi Terhadap Kinerja Pegawai Pada Kantor Kecamatan Teluk Betung Timur
Authors: Murtini  , Mazwini Vina , Husada Hindiana Sava
Published: September 2024

To improve the quality and professional performance of East Teluk Betung District Office employees, one of the factors that can be applied in the work environment is organizational culture. Organizational culture can help employee performance because it creates an extraordinary level of motivation for employees at the East Teluk Betung sub-district office to try their best to take advantage of the opportunities offered by their organization. This research focuses on problem solving which aims to explain the relationship between one variable and another through qualitative and quantitative analysis. There is a significant influence between organizational culture (X) on employee performance (Y), with a regression model Y = 35.017 + 0.001X. From the results of the analysis by comparing the tcount and ttable values, it can be concluded that the organizational culture variable (X) tcount dangt; t table, or 1.839 andgt; 1.67, then H0 is rejected and H1 is accepted, which means organizational culture (X) has a significant effect on performance (Y). There is a significant influence between organizational culture (X) on employee performance (Y) with the regression model Y = 30.042 + 0.114X. The results of data processingobtained an Fcount value of 3.482 and an Fcount value of 3.482. greater than Ftable. Based on the results of the hypothesis test, it was decided to reject H0 and accept H1, which means that organizational culture (X) as a whole has a significant effect on employee performance (Y).
Hubungan Kinerja Karyawan Terhadap Kepuasan Konsumen Pada PT. Bess Finance Kota Metro
Authors: Nanto Rocky , Wimbawani Wiwik , Umar M Abdullah
Published: September 2024

Customer satisfaction is a crucial element in the financial industry that affects customer loyalty. This study aims to examine the relationship between employee performance and customer satisfaction at PT Bess Finance Metro City. Involving qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques, this field research examined the independent variable (employee performance) and the dependent variable (customer satisfaction). Through an explanatory survey of 62 customers, data was processed to evaluate employee performance and customer satisfaction. Results showed a significant relationship between employee performance and customer satisfaction. Data collected from consumer respondents showed that there was a male dominance in the respondents, with the majority of BPKB motorcycle collateral users in the age range of 30 to 39 years. The frequency distribution of employee performance indicated the highest score in the 38 to 41 score range, while the lowest score was in the 50 to 53 range. Through Spearman Rank correlation analysis, a significant relationship was found between employee performance and customer satisfaction. The conclusion of this study confirms the positive relationship between employee performance and customer satisfaction. The higher the employee performance, the higher the level of customer satisfaction. The implication of this study shows the need for training and guidance for employees of PT Bess Finance Metro City to improve their performance in serving customers. This study provides limited insight into the population and sample at PT. Bess Finance Metro City, with the hope that it can be a source of development for further research.
Pengaruh Kompetensi Dan Budaya Kerja Terhadap Kinerja Sales Marketing Pada Pt. Danamas Insan Kreatif Andalan Dan PT. Bank Central Asia Kantor Cabang Lampung
Authors: Saputra Yoga , Budiarti Riskha Tri , Alfarezi Muhammad
Published: September 2024

This study examines the effect of competence and work culture on sales marketing performance at PT Danamas Insan Creative Andalan and PT Bank Central Asia Lampung Branch. This research uses quantitative research methods with a descriptive approach with data analyzed using SPSS v17.0. The results show that competence and work culture have a significant effect on sales marketing performance. Competence, as measured by the understanding of organizational values and its application to the organization's personality, has a significant effect with a tcount> ttable value (3.55> 1.67). This means that the hypothesis that competence affects performance is accepted. Work culture, as measured by the quality of the elements that build it, also has a significant effect on performance with a tcount value > ttable (3.57 > 1.67). This means that the hypothesis that work culture affects performance is accepted. This research proves that competence and work culture both play an important role in improving sales marketing performance at PT Danamas Insan Creative Andalan and PT Bank Central Asia Lampung Branch.
Pengaruh Penerapan Standar Akuntansi Negara Terhadap Kualitas Pelaporan Keuangan Pada Rekening Daerah Kementerian Agama Provinsi Lampung
Authors: Alayubi Fandhuta Dhafa , Komariah Rizka , Susanto Rindang
Published: September 2024

Financial reports of exceptional quality at the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religion in Lampung Province (Kanwil Kemenag Lampung) demonstrate the accountability and effectiveness of regional managers. These reports showcase their commitment to responsible resource management and demonstrate their responsiveness to financial accountability. This study, conducted from March to April 2022, employed a combination of questionnaires and face-to-face interviews with key stakeholders to gather primary data. The research concludes that implementing government accounting standards within Kanwil Kemenag Lampung has yielded highly beneficial results. The quality of financial reporting has been significantly elevated, indicating responsible stewardship of public resources. This analysis, utilizing simple linear regression conducted through SPSS, further reveals a strong positive correlation between the effectiveness of applying government accounting standards and the overall quality of government financial reporting. The study's sample included 30 employees from the regional office's finance department and 10 additional multipliers. Statistical tests, including a T-test, revealed significant differences in the effectiveness of implementing government accounting standards. The T-statistic of 33.968, with a p-value of 0.021 (significantly lower than the 0.05 threshold), confirms a statistically significant impact. Additionally, the regression coefficient of 0.930 underscores a strong positive correlation between the two variables. In essence, this research highlights the positive impact of implementing government accounting standards on the financial reporting quality and accountability of regional offices. By ensuring responsible resource management and effective financial reporting practices, Kanwil Kemenag Lampung exemplifies a model for other regional offices to emulate.
Manajemen Akuntansi Hijau Dalam Efisiensi Biaya Lingkungan Studi Pada Pt. Coca Cola Bottling Indonesia Tanjung Bintang
Authors: Bagas Muhammad Adi , Riani Novi , Ekawati Farida
Published: September 2024

This study explores the implementation of green accounting at PT. Coca-Cola Bottling Indonesia Tanjung Bintang Suda Lampung, highlighting its role in environmental sustainability and business performance.
Green accounting transcends traditional cost accounting by incorporating environmental factors like air and water pollution, waste management, and resource utilization. By evaluating environmental activities and their associated costs, it encourages companies to identify hidden costs, improve efficiency, and ultimately reduce environmental impact. This research analyzes PT. Coca-Cola's green accounting approach through a descriptive qualitative lens, interviewing key personnel and examining relevant documents. The findings reveal that the company utilizes green accounting as a tool for efficient resource allocation and informed decision-making. It provides valuable financial data and performance indicators, enabling managers to identify cost-saving opportunities and enhance environmental responsibility. Furthermore, PT. Coca-Cola effectively communicates its green accounting practices to stakeholders, including regulators, investors, and the local community. This transparency fosters trust and contributes to positive relationships with external parties.
Beyond direct cost savings, PT. Coca-Cola recognizes the long-term benefits of environmental protection. Reduced environmental damage enhances brand reputation, attracts responsible investors, and secures future business operations. By integrating green accounting with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives aligned with ISO 26000 standards, PT. Coca-Cola demonstrates its commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility. This approach creates a win-win situation, leading to a sustainable future for the company and its surrounding community. This revised text condenses the original information while maintaining the key points about green accounting at PT. Coca-Cola, emphasizing its positive impact on environmental sustainability and business performance.
Zdeněk Rosák, podnikový výtvarník v normalizační Karose
Authors: Jančařík Tomáš
Published: September 2024

This work recapitulates the career of industrial designer Zdeněk Rosák in Karosa, Vysoké Mýto factory, based on his memories obtained in interviews with the author and information provided in other primary and secondary sources. Rosák’s specific career was at key moments influenced by important events in Czechoslovak history of the 20th century (1939, 1948, 1968, 1989), but also by opportunities present in the long-term trends of national and factory culture. His artistic contribution to design was influenced by the factory tradition, but also by wider international trends, filtered by contemporary ideology and practice, and Rosák’s formative education in Zlín. As we focus most on the design of the buses that had the widest impact, we also monitor and analyze wider contexts and influences.
Peber, ingefær, nelliker og muskatnød: Koloniale materialer og naturhistorisk ekspertise i Antoni van Leeuwenhoeks mikroskopiske observationer
Authors: Basse Eriksen Christoffer
Published: September 2024

I takt med at det naturhistoriske vidensideal i løbet af 1600-tallet i højere grad blev knyttet til observationer, eksperimenter og andre former for direkte kontakt med naturens fænomener, fremkom den naturhistoriske ekspert som en vigtig videnskabelig aktør. I denne artikel viser jeg, hvordan den hollandske mikroskopist Antoni van Leeuwenhoek indgik som ekspert i to umiddelbart væsensforskellige netværk, nemlig det engelske videnskabelige selskab Royal Society og det Nederlandske Ostindiske Handelskompagni (VOC). Hvor Royal Society havde som sit erklærede formål at skabe ny, eksperimentel viden om naturen, var VOC’s formål at tjene penge til sin bestyrelse på baggrund af aggressiv ekspansion af koloniale aktiviteter i Sydøstasien. Leeuwenhoeks evner indenfor mikroskopi gjorde, at Royal Societymedlemmerne sendte ham observationsopgaver og endda objekter, som han kunne undersøge gennem sine mikroskoper. På samme måde fik Leeuwenhoek adgang til VOC-officerers kister med koloniale frø, og han blev bedt om at undersøge deres krydderilagre med det formål at skabe bedre viden om de koloniale materialers reproduktionscyklusser. Ved at studere Leeuwenhoeks rolle som ekspert i disse to netværk argumenterer jeg for en porøs distinktion mellem kommerciel og videnskabelig aktivitet.
Er prognoser og ekspertråd ideologi eller videnskab?
Authors: Andersen Heine
Published: September 2024

I moderne samfund bygger ekspertråd og prognoser i stigende grad på forskning, der tilstræbes at fremtræde som uafhængig af politiske holdninger og interesser. I højkomplekse samfund gør styringshensyn det påkrævet at reducere kompleksitet og forenkle kommunikation mellem relativt autonome delsystemer gennem et afpolitiseret og entydigt fælles sprog. Forskning med kvantificering og standardisering er egnede metoder. Emnet har haft opmærksomhed og været videnskabsteoretisk standardstof stort set siden fagenes fødsel, men repræsentative empiriske undersøgelser, i særdeleshed danske, er faktisk sjældne. Jeg inddrager danske og udenlandske empiriske undersøgelser om forskeres holdninger og vurderinger samt udvalgte eksempler fra mine egne og andres undersøgelser om eksterne interessers påvirkning. Politisering og pression svækker forskningens legitimitet og troværdighed. Legitimitet og tillid kunne øges, hvis eksperter redegjorde for usikkerheden, og hvis der blev etableret rammer, der i højere grad sikrede forskningens uafhængighed.
Samfundsøkonomiske modeller og prognoser: Hvad har økonomer bidraget med?
Authors: Jespersen Jesper
Published: September 2024

Arbejdet med at udarbejde kvantificerede samfundsøkonomiske prognoser blev indledt af Jan Tinbergen og Lawrence Klein i 1940erne med stærk inspiration fra keynesiansk økonomi. Sigtet var at opstille en matematisk model på et solidt empirisk/statistisk grundlag, der kunne bruges til prognoser den økonomiske udvikling 1-3 år. Disse modeller blev i 1980erne og de kommende årtier afløst af generelle ligevægtsmodeller baseret på ny-neoklassisk teori med et mikroøkonomisk fundament, dvs. (neo)-liberalt inspireret, kendetegnet ved individuelt optimerende aktører og et perfekt fungerende markedsøkonomisk system. Omvendt blev der renonceret på den empiriske forankring. Disse modeller skulle primært benyttes til mere langsigtede fremskrivninger. I en dansk sammenhæng er disse to modeltyper også repræsenteret. På den ene side ved ADAM (Danmarks Statistik) og SMEC (Det økonomiske Råd): konjunktur/kort sigts prognoser og på den anden side DREAM (Velfærdskommissionen): struktur/lang sigts fremskrivninger/prognoser. De internationale (og danske) erfaringer med begge typer af prognosemodeller har været skuffende. Kort fortalt: de fanger ikke konjunkturkriserne, og de langsigtede fremskrivninger afspejler blot, ’hva
Kampen om klassifikationerne: Økonomernes virke i den moralske elite
Authors: Sevelsted Anders , Lunding Jacob
Published: September 2024

Økonomer har fra den statsvidenskabelige uddannelses oprettelse i 1848 udgjort en central del af den danske moralske elite, forstået som den del af eliten, der har bl.a. uddannelsesmæssige og organisatoriske ressourcer til at påvirke samfundets normative fundament. I artiklen gennemføres en karrierenetværksanalyse af data fra Kraks Blå Bog i perioden 1910-1923 til at skitsere en prosopografi (kollektiv biografi) af økonomerne som gruppe. Det vises, at økonomerne i Blå Bog i høj grad reproducerede deres klassemæssige baggrund, og at de var engagerede i samfundets dominerende organisationer på tværs af sektorer. Desuden identificeres fem klynger af økonomer. I anden del fokuseres idéhistorisk på klynge fem, i hvilken en ny generation af videnskabeligt revolutionerende statsøkonomer befinder sig. Særligt fokus lægges på professor Harald Westergaard, idet det vises, hvordan de nye metoder, han var med til at udvikle, fungerede rammesættende for den politiske debat om universalisme i socialpolitikken, mens hans eget sociale engagement gik på tværs af sektorer, idet han fremførte, grundlagde og støttede religiøse civilsamfundsorganisationer som en løsning på samfundsproblemer.
“Vi forlænger vore hjerner med datamaskiner”: Prognoser om det postindustri- elle samfund og konstruktionen af dansk fremtidsforskning, 1967-1975
Authors: Skov Andersen Rasmus
Published: September 2024

Denne artikel undersøger fremkomsten af dansk fremtidsforskning i forbindelse med samtidige prognoser omkring det postindustrielle videns- og informationssamfunds kommen. Artiklen demonstrerer, hvordan postindustriel teori og hertil knyttede opfattelser omkring fundamentale samfundsforandringer dannede baggrund for fremtidsforskernes interventioner i væsentlige samtidige debatter omkring fremtidens planlægning og politiske organisation. De teknologiske og økonomiske udviklinger, der fulgte med overgangen til det postindustrielle samfund, blev opfattet som uundgåelige af de danske fremtidsforskere, hvilket ledte til et narrativ omkring behovet for konstant og planlagt innovation i alle samfundssfærer for at kunne tilpasse sig det nye samfund. Således argumenterer artiklen for, at den danske fremtidsforsknings fremtidsvisioner var styret af en teknologisk og økonomisk determinisme, der resulterede i en form for accelereret og reformbaseret “nødvendighedens politik.” Artiklen bidrager med en dansk case til den voksende internationale litteratur om fremtidsforskningens historie, ligesom den bidrager med nye perspektiver på dansk samfundsdebat i 1960’erne og 1970’erne.
Rousseaus lovgiver mellem ekspertviden og folkevilje
Authors: Beck Holm Andreas
Published: September 2024

I den filosofiske tradition er filosoffen ‘eksperten’, hvis ekspertise bl.a. er forståelsen af det gode for individ og samfund. I denne artikel undersøges lovgiverens funktion i Rousseaus Samfundspagten, idet denne figur her udfylder ekspertens rolle. Artiklen argumenterer for, at dilemmaet mellem lovgiverens ekspertise og idealet om folkesuverænitet tvinger Rousseau til at anvende to uforenelige logikker i sin argumentation, hvilket i sidste ende får hans projekt til at kuldsejle. Og endelig antydes Gramscis begreb om organiske intellektuelle som en mulig vej ud af problemerne.
Planning and Coordination in Multiagent Environments
Authors: Torreño Alejandro , Onaindia Eva , Botti Vicente
Published: November 2016

This article provides an overview of different multiagent environments that require the application of planning techniques. The main techniques and approaches to multiagent planning (MAP) existing in the literature as well as the coordination mechanisms used by the agents are presented. The content of the article is organized around two types of multiagent domains, deterministic and nondeterministic domains, that feature different requirements and functionalities. In deterministic multiagent planning, we stress aspects related to the representation in MAP, privacy, cooperative MAP, and MAS platforms to develop planning and execution applications. In this article, we present some of the most widely extended approaches to nondeterministic MAP used to deal with uncertainty in the world. This article is intended to be a sample of the great variety of multiagent planning domains that can be found in real‐world problems.
Resistive Gas Sensors
Authors: Neri Giovanni , Donato Nicola
Published: November 2016

Resistive gas sensors are electronic devices whose electrical resistance is a function of the surrounding gas ambient. This article presents sensor parameters, including selectivity and sensitivity, sensing materials, and fundamentals of the sensing mechanism. Particular focus is placed on sensors based on metal oxide semiconductors (MOS) and conducting polymers, since these sensors are the most widely studied and used in applications. In addition, practical aspects as well as current and future applications of resistive gas sensors are also discussed.
Multimodal Optimization using Niching Methods
Authors: Li Xiaodong
Published: November 2016

This article introduces multimodal optimization (MMO) methods aiming to locate multiple optimal (or close to optimal) solutions for an optimization problem. MMO is an important topic that has practical relevance in problem solving across many fields. Many real‐world optimization problems are multimodal by nature –in other words, processing in more than one mode. There often exist multiple satisfactory solutions. For such an optimization problem, it may be desirable to locate all global optima and/or some local optima that are considered as being satisfactory. MMO has practical relevance to many engineering problems. Optimization methods specifically designed for solving MMO problems, often called niching methods, are predominantly developed from the field of evolutionary computation that belongs to a family of stochastic optimization algorithms (or metaheuristic algorithms), including genetic algorithms, evolutionary strategies, particle swarm optimization, differential evolution, and so on. This article covers selected classic niching methods, along with performance measures and benchmark test function suites developed for evaluating niching methods. The article also presents a list of niching application examples and suggestions on further readings of niching methods.
Identification of a classic nuclear localization signal at the N terminus that regulates the subcellular localization of Rbfox2 isoforms during differentiation of NMuMG and P19 cells
Authors: Wenzel Manuel , Schüle Martin , Casanovas Sonia , Strand Dennis , Strand Susanne , Winter Jennifer
Published: November 2016

Nuclear localization of the alternative splicing factor Rbfox2 is achieved by a C‐terminal nuclear localization signal (NLS) which can be excluded from some Rbfox2 isoforms by alternative splicing. While this predicts nuclear and cytoplasmic localization, Rbfox2 is exclusively nuclear in some cell types. Here, we identify a second NLS in the N terminus of Rbfox2 isoform 1A that is not included in Rbfox2 isoform 1F. Rbfox2 1A isoforms lacking the C‐terminal NLS are nuclear, whereas equivalent 1F isoforms are cytoplasmic. A shift in Rbfox2 expression toward cytoplasmic 1F isoforms occurs during epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and could be important in regulating the activity and function of Rbfox2.
Sediment melting during subduction initiation: Geochronological and geochemical evidence from the Darutso high‐Mg andesites within ophiolite melange, central Tibet
Authors: Zeng Yun‐Chuan , Chen Jian‐Lin , Xu Ji‐Feng , Wang Bao‐Di , Huang Feng
Published: November 2016

In addition to fluids, the concept of sediment‐derived melts infiltrating the fore‐arc mantle during subduction initiation has been proposed based on studies of modern subduction zones and ophiolite mélange. However, outcrops that contain the products of such melts are rare, especially in conjunction with boninite. New U‐Pb zircon dating reveals that the Darutso volcanic rocks (DVRs) within ophiolitic mélange in the Beila area, central Tibet, crystallized at ∼164–162 Ma. This is the first recognition of Jurassic volcanic rocks in the middle section of the Bangong‐Nujiang Suture Zone. Geochemically, the DVRs are high‐Mg andesites with moderate SiO2 (59.03–63.62 wt %) and high MgO (3.74–6.53 wt %), Cr (up to 395 ppm), and Mg# (50.3–67.9). They also have high Th contents, (La/Sm)N ratios, and (87Sr/86Sr)i values (0.7085–0.7147); low Ba/Th, U/Th, and Sr/Y ratios; and negative values of εNd(t) (−8.7 to −9.8) and zircon εHf(t) (−7.4 to −9.9). The εNd(t) values of the DVRs overlap those of regional sediments. Detailed analyses of these geochemical characteristics indicate that the DVRs were derived from partial melting of subducted sediments and subsequent interaction with overlying mantle peridotite in a shallow and hot setting. In combination with the regional geology, in particular adjacent ophiolites that contain MORB‐like and boninite mafic lavas, these rocks collectively recorded the evolution of a fore‐arc setting during the initiation of the northward subduction of the south branch of the Bangong‐Nujiang Ocean. Therefore, the results provide direct evidence for sediment melting during subduction initiation and constrain the Jurassic tectonic evolution of the Lhasa terrane.
Log‐ratio transformed major element based multidimensional classification for altered High‐Mg igneous rocks
Authors: Verma Surendra P. , Rivera‐Gómez M. Abdelaly , Díaz‐González Lorena , Quiroz‐Ruiz Alfredo
Published: November 2016

A new multidimensional classification scheme consistent with the chemical classification of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) is proposed for the nomenclature of High‐Mg altered rocks. Our procedure is based on an extensive database of major element (SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, Fe2
, MnO, MgO, CaO, Na2O, K2O, and P2O5) compositions of a total of 33,868 (920 High‐Mg and 32,948 “Common”) relatively fresh igneous rock samples. The database consisting of these multinormally distributed samples in terms of their isometric log‐ratios was used to propose a set of 11 discriminant functions and 6 diagrams to facilitate High‐Mg rock classification. The multinormality required by linear discriminant and canonical analysis was ascertained by a new computer program DOMuDaF. One multidimensional function can distinguish the High‐Mg and Common igneous rocks with high percent success values of about 86.4% and 98.9%, respectively. Similarly, from 10 discriminant functions the High‐Mg rocks can also be classified as one of the four rock types (komatiite, meimechite, picrite, and boninite), with high success values of about 88%–100%. Satisfactory functioning of this new classification scheme was confirmed by seven independent tests. Five further case studies involving application to highly altered rocks illustrate the usefulness of our proposal. A computer program HMgClaMSys was written to efficiently apply the proposed classification scheme, which will be available for online processing of igneous rock compositional data. Monte Carlo simulation modeling and mass‐balance computations confirmed the robustness of our classification with respect to analytical errors and postemplacement compositional changes.
Phenylketonuria (
PKU
)
Authors: Gonzalez‐Lopez Eugene , McFalls Ashley J , Vrana Kent E
Published: November 2016

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is one of the first characterised metabolic diseases. PKU is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder resulting in increased phenylalanine concentrations. Without intervention, such as pharmaceutical or dietary restriction of phenylalanine, most children with PKU develop a profound and irreversible intellectual disability. In fact, this treatable condition is one of the leading causes of mental retardation. PKU can occur via two main mechanisms: classical and nonclassical. Classical PKU results from impaired activity of the liver enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase, which converts phenylalanine to tyrosine. In nonclassical PKU, there is an absence or deficiency of dihydropteridine reductase which impairs the regeneration of tetrahydrobiopterin, a necessary cofactor in the conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine. The advent of neonatal screening for PKU has enabled the start of a low‐phenylalanine diet early in life and thus, the prevention of intellectual retardation associated with the disease. The mainstay of treatment is a phenylalanine‐restricted diet, but its application varies both internationally and nationally.

Key Concepts

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare metabolic disorder, characterised by an impaired ability to metabolise the amino acid phenylalanine and resultant high circulating levels of phenylalanine.

Classical PKU (the most common form) is caused by mutations in the gene for phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH).

Nonclassical PKU can be caused by defects in the synthesis or function of the cofactor for PAH (BH
4
).

If not treated shortly after birth, PKU can be destructive to the nervous system, causing intellectual disability.

The identification of PKU during routine newborn screening and management with a diet low in phenylalanine became standard practice in the early 1960s.

PKU is a disorder that has an unequal geographic and ethnic distribution.

Individuals on well‐controlled phenylalanine‐free diet may still develop cognitive symptoms.

Several new therapies have recently emerged that provide alternatives to the strict low‐phenylalanine diet. A description of these treatments (medical foods, BH
4
administration, large neutral amino acid supplementation and enzymatic therapy) is covered herein.
Death and Dying
Authors: Rhodes Rosamond , Hitt James M , Nair‐Collins Michael
Published: November 2016

New understandings of biology as well as new treatments and imaging capacities raise difficult questions about death and dying. In its biological sense, ‘death’ is a vague term that in different contexts marks the loss of metabolic exchange in the entire organism, a part of the organism, an organ, a nest of cells or a cell. ‘Death’ is also a distinctly social term with significant moral implications. The key terms involved in the ethical controversies involving death and dying are standards for declaring death, the minimally conscious state, the concepts of killing, letting die and the doctrine of double effect.
Preimplantation Diagnosis
Authors: Kuliev Anver , Rechitsky Svetlana
Published: November 2016

Preimplantation diagnosis is testing for a causative gene before pregnancy, allowing the preselection of unaffected embryos before implantation into the uterus. It has currently become an alternative to prenatal diagnosis, providing an option for at‐risk couples to have unaffected children of their own without facing the risk of a pregnancy termination after prenatal diagnosis. Preimplantation diagnosis is also extended to late‐onset common disorders with genetic predisposition, such as cancer and heart disease, for which no preclinical diagnosis and effective preventive management exists. The other nontraditional application of preimplantation diagnosis is preimplantation HLA (human leukocyte antigen) typing to improve the access to the HLA‐identical stem cell transplantation, and this will contribute to the development of the cellular therapy for genetic and acquired disorders. However, the major current application of preimplantation genetic testing is detection and avoidance of aneuploid embryos, based on the currently used next‐generation technologies for 24‐chromosome aneuploidy testing, as the practical means in assisted reproduction technology (ART) to improve the
in vitro
fertilisation (IVF) effectiveness and general standards of ART.

Key Concepts

PGD is no longer a research tool, but the established procedure in the genetic practices and ART.

PGD not only avoids the birth of affected offspring but, most importantly, also ensures an unaffected pregnancy from the onset.

Indications for PGD have currently been extended from the traditional ones, which are similar to prenatal diagnosis, to those that are not acceptable for prenatal diagnosis, such as late‐onset common disorders or identification of HLA match for stem cell transplantation.

The majority of PGD is still performed for aneuploidy testing, as a tool to improve the efficiency of IVF.

One of the most recent changes in PGD procedure in the last few years is shifting from blastomere biopsy to blastocyst sampling and vitrification, followed by the frozen transfer of tested embryos.

The other important development in PGD is a shift of genetic testing from FISH testing for a few chromosomes most commonly involved in trisomies to the next‐generation technologies for 24‐chromosome aneuploidy testing.

The number of different genetic conditions tested by PGD at the present time is over 400 and can be done not only for inherited conditions but also for those determined by
de novo
mutations.

PGD for single‐gene disorders became extremely accurate and reliable, with as high as 99.5% accuracy in our PGD experience, which is the world's largest PGD series.

The shift of PGD for aneuploidies from FISH to NGS‐based testing has further improved the pregnancy and implantation rates, leading also to a considerable reduction of spontaneous abortions.

PGD is already moving towards the universal approaches, combining the testing for single‐gene and chromosomal disorders in a single test.
Public Understanding of Genetics: The Deficit Model
Authors: Marks Nicola J
Published: November 2016

Genetics is relevant to many aspects of our lives. According to the deficit model of public understanding, any misgivings that people have about genetics and its applications are caused by a lack of understanding. Consequently, education in genetics is expected to lead to improved literacy in, and therefore support for, this area. However, studies show that education does not automatically lead to increased public support and that increased knowledge of controversial research may lead to decreased support for it.
Understanding
is thus a complex and dynamic process which depends on people's prior knowledge and on their social and cultural locations. Members of the public should not be seen as
deficient
in understanding. Rather, they have sophisticated understandings which should be acknowledged. Public support for genetics cannot be improved simply through more or better education; alternatives such as public
engagement
in science or institutional changes promoting
trustworthiness
may be more useful.

Key Concepts

According to the deficit model, lack of public understanding of genetics leads to an inability to fully participate in social life and potentially lack of support for new technologies. This can be remedied by education.

According to critical approaches to public understanding, understanding is a complex process that involves social and cultural factors.

Public understanding of genetics is more sophisticated than the deficit model assumes.

The idea of lay expertise suggests that people who are not certified scientists may nonetheless have useful and relevant, often experience‐based, knowledge that helps them make sense of science and genetics.

Public engagement, where people with different kinds of knowledge and opinions are consulted instead of merely educated, may help improve science–society relations.

The deficit model is a sticky concept: it remains popular in some areas of science, policy and science communication despite its shortcomings.
Aberrant Patterns of
DNA
Methylation in Cancer
Authors: Hudler Petra
Published: November 2016

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation is an epigenetic mechanism involved in the regulation of gene expression and preservation of genome stability in normal cells. Alterations of DNA methylation code have been associated with the development and progression of many diseases, including cancer. Novel technologies allow genome‐wide interrogation of methylation patterns. Data on different types of cancer are accumulating; however, elucidation of the consequences of all observed demethylation or methylation events and understanding their associations with other genomic aberrations present great challenges for the future research. Nevertheless, several findings regarding gene silencing by hypermethylation of CpG islands in promoters of genes have been successfully transferred in clinical setting aiding in diagnosis or prognosis of different types of cancer. In addition, therapeutic application of small molecule inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) to reverse epigenetic silencing has been proven to be beneficial for treatment of various cancers.

Key Concepts

Alterations of epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, are implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including cancer.

DNA methylation of CpG dinucleotides distributed in the genome can either repress or enable transcription of genes, depending on the location of CpGs and the level of methylation.

DNA methylation can be influenced by different internal and external factors, which contribute to the establishment of heterogeneous DNA methylation patterns in cancers.

Observed heterogeneity of methylation profiles between tumours and within tumours represents an obstacle in obtaining relevant biological information that could be translated into the knowledge of molecular mechanisms leading to cancer.

Advancements in genome‐wide methodologies and bioinformatic tools used for deciphering the consequences of altered DNA methylation patterns will enable deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms leading to the development of cancer.
Genetics and Demographic History of the
B
antu
Authors: Rocha Jorge , Fehn Anne‐Maria
Published: November 2016

Peoples speaking languages of the Bantu family are widespread in sub‐Saharan Africa, from the equatorial rainforest to the Cape of Good Hope. Their present‐day distribution is the result of a remarkable expansion, which started about 4000–5000 years ago in the borderland between Cameroon and Nigeria. The genetic distances among Bantu‐speaking populations are significantly lower than those between the Bantu and other ethnolinguistic groups from Africa, suggesting an actual movement of people, rather than cultural diffusion. However, this genetic homogeneity places a challenge to the reconstruction of their actual routes of dispersal, with existing hypotheses being mainly based on data from linguistics and archaeology. While the indigenous populations they encountered did not provide a major contribution to the Bantu gene pool at large, admixture studies reveal different patterns of social interaction, which range from Bantu dominance in the rainforest to a more levelled exchange in southern Africa.

Key Concepts

Most speakers of modern‐day Bantu languages share a distinctive genetic component.

The spread of the Bantu languages corresponds to a migratory movement, rather than to cultural diffusion.

The Bantu migrations correlate with the appearance of technological innovations and new subsistence strategies in western Central Africa.

The range of sampled populations and the resolution of the genetic analyses need to be increased to further explore the genetic relationships among different Bantu groups and infer the dispersal models that best explain them.

The best documented cases of admixture between Bantu and non‐Bantu populations are provided by studies that were undertaken in the Central African rainforest and the southern African Kalahari basin.