bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia and its risk factors
Authors: C Kavitha Chandran , R Sujith Kumar , Scaria Sujamol
Published: January 2017

Hospitals are intended to heal the sick; but they are also sources of infection. Ironically, the advances in medicine are partly responsible for the fact that today; hospital infections are the leading cause of death worldwide. Newer technology and latest surgical and medical diagnostic methods and treatment procedures have increased the number of invasive techniques leading to higher chances of nosocomial infection. Pneumonia is the leading cause of death due to nosocomial infections. Intubation & mechanical ventilation greatly increases the risk for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). In developing country like India, such hospital-acquired infections have a significant impact on patient’s morbidity, mortality, hospital stay and on financial concerns of the patient, hospital and community. The present investigation was aimed to determine the incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia in the neurosurgery intensive care unit of a tertiary care centre and to determine the risk factors of ventilator associated pneumonia. A total of 30 samples belonging to the age group of 15 to 75 years who where on mechanical ventilator for more than 48 hours in the neurosurgery intensive care unit of a tertiary care centre were selected using convenience sampling. The incidence of VAP was estimated to be 30%. The risk factors identified for the development of VAP was found to be combined head and cervical spine injury (P=0.001), associated injuries (P=0.035), additional surgeries (P=0.025), nasogastric feeding (P=0.001), intake of immuno suppressive drugs (P=0.004), pre operative antibiotics (p=0.000) and duration of mechanical ventilation >5 days (P=0.000). The mortality among patients with VAP was found to be higher than patients without VAP (88.9% than non VAP patients).
Inovações e Alterações do Código de Processo Civil, e a Manutenção do Subjetivismo do Termo “Insuficiência de Recursos” Para a Concessão da Gratuidade de Justiça
Authors: Krefta Juliane Dziubate , Morelatto Aline Fatima
Published: January 2017

O presente trabalho é voltado à análise da Gratuidade da Justiça como um importante mecanismo de acesso à justiça. Pretende abordar as novidades sobre a Gratuidade da Justiça no atual Código de Processo Civil, recentemente alterado pela Lei nº. 13.105/2015, trazendo à tona importantes alterações que corrigiram a obsoleta Lei nº. 1.060/50. Objetiva fazer uma reflexão a respeito do requisito para a concessão do benefício da gratuidade da justiça, qual seja, a insuficiência de recursos, e o seu alto grau de subjetivismo, pontuando algumas questões positivas e negativas a ele relacionadas.
O Princípio da Cooperação Judiciária do Novo Código de Processo Civil: Uma Análise a Partir da Proteção ao Trabalhador Frente ao Instituto da Recuperação Judicial
Authors: Bega Patricia Fernandes , Moreira Alexandre Magno Augusto
Published: January 2017

O artigo tem por tema estudar o Princípio da Cooperação Judicial. O problema da pesquisa se concentra no conflito entre o instituto da recuperação judicial e a legislação trabalhista. A hipótese inicial de trabalho é que o princípio da proteção ao trabalhador e o instituto da Recuperação Judicial revelam embate, contradição e não cooperação. Desta maneira, o trabalho procura demonstrar que a regra processual da cooperação judicial trazida pelo Novo CPC é um instrumento de diálogo entre contradições materiais. Objetiva-se analisar o novo código de processo civil e a dificuldade de cooperar o inconciliável. O método utilizado foi o dedutivo.
PERAN TUMBUHAN BERBUNGA SEBAGAI MEDIA KONSERVASI ARTROPODA MUSUH ALAMI (THE ROLE OF FLOWERING PLANTS IN CONSERVING ARTHROPOD NATURAL ENEMIES)
Authors: Kurniawati Nia , Martono Edhi
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTFlowering plants are plants with the ability to attract a lot of insects and other plant-loving organisms, as they possess various functions for these organisms, for instance as feed sources, ovipositions’ sites, or hiding places out of danger (refugia). Their varied functions make flowering plants to play important roles as special habitats for insects and other organisms. Their presence needs to be considered especially in agricultural land where the dominant planting pattern is monoculture, such as rice fields. The presence of flowering plants themselves will invite many different organisms playing their parts not only as herbivores, but also as natural enemies, pollinators and other ecologically important organisms. The faunal diversity stimulated by flowering plants will create more stable ecosystem, which in turn will keep the ecosystem components’ balance in check. The presence of flowering plants are therefore essential to the conservation of natural enemies in some particular ecosystem, such as agroecosystem.Keywords: conservation, flowering plants, natural enemies INTISARITumbuhan berbunga merupakan tumbuhan yang berkemampuan memikat banyak serangga dan jasad pemanfaat tumbuhan lainnya, dan memiliki banyak manfaat bagi jasad-jasad ini, misalnya sebagai sumber pakan maupun tempat perhentian (untuk meletakkan telur atau menyembunyikan diri dari bahaya). Fungsi yang beragam ini menyebabkan pentingnya memperhatikan tumbuhan berbunga sebagai habitat khusus bagi serangga dan jasad lainnya, terutama di pertanaman yang selama ini dominan sebagai ekosistem monokultur, misalnya pertanaman padi. Adanya tumbuhan berbunga akan mengundang berbagai jenis jasad yang dalam ekosistem tersebut memiliki bermacam-macam peran selain sebagai herbivora, misalnya sebagai musuh alami, polinator atau fungsi ekologis lainnya. Keberagaman fauna karena adanya tanaman berbunga akan menyebabkan terbentuknya ekosistem yang lebih stabil, yang pada gilirannya akan menjaga terjadinya keseimbangan komponen ekosistem. Kehadiran tumbuhan berbunga dengan demikian sangat penting untuk melestarikan populasi musuh alami di suatu ekosistem seperti agroekosistem.Kata kunci: konservasi, musuh alami, tumbuhan berbunga
Activity of Liquid Smoke of Tobacco Stem Waste as An Insecticide on Spodoptera litura Fabricius Larvae
Authors: Prabowo Heri , Martono Edhi , Witjaksono Witjaksono
Published: January 2017

The use of chemical insecticide in crop protection around the world has resulted in disturbances of the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to develop for environmentally friendly insect pest management techniques such as the activity of liquid smoke made from tobacco stem waste as an insecticide to Spodoptera litura. Activity of liquid smoke of tobacco stem waste was carried out at the laboratory condition. The results showed that the application of liquid smoke by using the spraying method (direct method) showed better results compared to the results of feeding method (indirect method). Lethal concentration (LC) at 5 days after treatment, LC50 and LC75 values the direct method of 2.9% and 8.87%, while the indirect method of 6,99% and 21.03%. The sub lethal concentration did not cause mortality of S. litura larvae, but inhibited the growth such as indicated by lower weight of larval and pupal in treated larvae than in control. Liquid smoke of tobacco stem waste has activity as an insecticide to S. litura. INTISARIPenggunaan pestisida kimia dalam pengendalian hama di dunia telah menimbulkan gangguan terhadap lingkungan. Maka teknik pengendalian hama yang ramah lingkungan perlu dikembangkan, misalnya aktivitas asap cair limbah batang tembakau sebagai insektisida pada Spodoptera litura. Aktivitas asap cair limbah batang tembakau dilakukan pada kondisi laboratorium. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa aplikasi asap cair secara langsung (metode semprot) lebih efektif daripada tidak langsung (metode celup pakan). Lethal concentration (LC) pada 5 hari setelah perlakuan, LC50 dan LC75 pada aplikasi langsung sebesar 2,9% dan 8,87%, sedangkan pada aplikasi tidak langsung 6,99% dan 21,03%. Konsentrasi subletal tidak menyebabkan kematian S. litura tetapi mampu menghambat pertumbuhan yang diindikasikan dengan rendahnya bobot larva dan pupa S. litura. Asap cair limbah batang tembakau bersifat insektisida terhadap larva S. litura.
Meruntuhkan Budaya Kuasa dan Kekerasan pada Anak: Belajar dari Ki Hadjar Dewantara
Authors: Hakim Muhammad Andi
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis research investigates the cultural power and violence to children in education and parenting activity. The theory of education developed by Ki Hadjar Dewantara is used to analyze the problem of the research. The data of this research were taken from the Ki Hajar’s book and the violence contemporary condition that flourish to children. The steps in analyzing the data were first: taking literatures about violence and Ki Hadjar’s theory, second: reading the texts in the book, third: identifying the cultural violence to children in their life, and fourth, formulating a concept model on education which friendly for children. The results of the analysis show that some thoughts of Ki Hadjar can be implemented to solve the cultural power and violence on the education and parenting activity. By applying Pancadharma, Trisaksi Jiwa, Tri Nga, Leadership Trilogy and Among pattern can give the better life for children.Keywords: Violence, Culture, Parenting, Education AbstrakPenelitian ini mengkaji budaya kuasa dan kekerasan pada anak dalam pendidikan dan pola pengasuhan orang tua. Pemikiran, ajaran, fatwa dan falsafah pendidikan yang dikembangkan oleh Ki Hadjar Dewantara menjadi teori yang digunakan untuk membedah permasalahan dalam penelitian. Data penelitan berasal dari uraian buku pemikiran Ki Hadjar dan keadaan kontemporer kekerasan yang marak terjadi pada anak. Tahapan dalam analisis data yang dilakukan  diantaranya studi literatur tentang budaya kekerasan dan pemikiran pendidikan Ki Hadjar, membaca teks dalam buku yang dikaji, mengidentifikasi budaya kekerasan pada anak dalam kehidupanya, dan memformulasikan konsep model untuk pendidikan ramah anak. Hasil telaah yang dilakukan menunjukan bahwa pemikiran-pemikiran Ki Hadjar Dewantara dapat diimplementasikan untuk meruntuhkan budaya kuasa dan kekerasan pada anak dalam pendidikan dan pola pengasuhanya. Dengan menerapkan ajaran dan fatwa, Pancadharma, Trisaksi Jiwa, Tri Nga, Trilogi Kepemimpinan dan pola among dapat menjadikan kehidupan anak menjadi lebih baik.Kata Kunci: Kekerasan, Budaya, Pola Asuh & Pendidikan
Konsepsi Kepemilikan dan Pemanfaatan Hak atas Tanah Harta Bersama antara Suami Istri
Authors: Mahfiana Layyin
Published: January 2017

AbstractArticle 9 paragraph (2) of UUPA gives equality for Indonesian men and women, one of them is related to ownership, utilization of HAT whether for men or women who is given the equality in family by the law.  However in fact the wife often finds difficulties in the ownership and utilization of the land rights, especially the property and its causing factor, such as the gender inequality of the social and cultural values , which commonly gives more priority to the men than the women (patriarchal ideology);  Most of the constitutional regulation still takes the part of one gender, in other words, it does not reflect the gender equality;  Moreover the interpretation of religious lessons that are less comprehensive, contextual and holistic, or inclined to be textual and partially understood also very influence the mindset that the ownership, utilization of HAT  for women is different from the men.Keywords: wives’ rights, HAT & Collective Property Abstrak Pasal 9 ayat (2) UUPA memberi kedudukan yang sama bagi laki-laki maupun perempuan warga negara Indonesia, salah satunya berkaitan dengan kepemilikan, pemanfaatan  HAT baik laki-laki maupun perempuan yang diberi kedudukan sama oleh hukum di dalam keluarga. Tetapi di dalam kenyataannya seringkali isteri kesulitan dalam kepemilikan dan pemanfaatan hak atas tanah khususnya harta bersama faktor penyebabnya, diantaranya kesenjangan gender dalam tata nilai sosial budaya masyarakat, umumnya lebih mengutamakan laki-laki daripada perempuan (ideologi patriarki). Kebanyakan peraturan perundang-undangan yang ada masih berpihak pada salah satu jenis kelamin dengan kata lain belum mencerminkan kesetaraan gender. Selain itu, penafsiran ajaran agama yang kurang komprehensif atau cenderung tekstual dan kurang kontekstual, cenderung dipahami parsial kurang holistic juga sangat berpengaruh terhadap pola pikir bahwa kepemilikan, pemanfaatan  HAT perempuan memang berbeda dengan laki-laki.Kata Kunci: Hak Istri, HAT & Harta Bersama
Pendidikan Keluarga dalam Pemikiran Sahal Mahfudh
Authors: Al-Nashr M. Sofyan
Published: January 2017

This paper aims to reveal Sahal Mahfudh’s thought on family education. This study used an interpretative method, that is a method that uses the work of a public figure then being examined in order to grasp the meaning of the distinctively embedded notion. According to Kiai Sahal, the hope to embody benefit for other people can be achieved through the benefit of the family as the smallest unit of the society. The Maslahah family is the family whose members are able to understand their rights and obligations as equivalent as their understanding of the rights and obligations of others. A good family education has a great potential to produce a qualified generation that will provide a positive impact on the society. Family education initiated by Kiai Sahal aims at providing ‘maslahah’ to the society. One of the family education output is a child who has a noble character and manner, a ‘shalih’ and ‘akram’ individual, also a productive human.Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk mengungkap pemikiran Sahal Mahfudh tentang pendidikan keluarga. Untuk menguak pemikiran Kiai Sahal digunakan metode interpretatif, yakni metode yang menggunakan karya tokoh kemudian diselami untuk menangkap arti dari nuansa yang dimaksudkan tokoh secara khas. Menurut Kiai Sahal, cita-cita mewujudkan kemaslahatan umat dapat tercapai melalui maslahatnya unit terkecil dari masyarakat, yaitu keluarga. Keluarga maslahah yaitu keluarga yang setiap anggota keluarganya mampu memahami hak dan kewajibannya setara dengan pemahamannya atas hak dan kewajiban orang lain. Pendidikan keluarga yang baik berpotensi besar menghasilkan generasi berkualitas yang dapat memberikan dampak positif bagi masyarakat. Pendidikan keluarga yang digagas Kiai Sahal ditujukan untuk memberikan maslahah kepada masyarakat umum. Salah satu output dari pendidikan keluarga ialah anak dengan watak dan perilaku mulia, insan shalih dan akram, serta manusia yang produktif.
Ajaran Minardi Mursyid dan Korelasinya dengan Aliran Sesat di Indonesia
Authors: Rumtianing U.H. Irma
Published: January 2017

AbstractAlong with the surge of “religious” studies, we apparently have to be selective in attending it, because nowadays many people who attending the Islamic study feel worry about  what is delivered by the religious teacher, which is considered as “ingkar sunnah”, that is, abandoning the prophet’s hadits, in the explanation of his speech. Similar to what Minardi Mursyid from Surakarta did about his lesson on hadits which has ruined up and spoiled the principles of Islamic aqidah. The investigation of the Fatwa Team of Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) of Surakarta on Minardi Mursyid’s lesson and the LPPA Tauhid activities found out that Minardi Mursyid’s lesson is similar to the ingkar sunnah sect which has been declared as deviant by MUI and their activities are prohibited by the government. Keywords: inkar as-sunnah, deviant sect, Minardi Mursyid’s lesson Abstrak Seiring dengan maraknya gelaran kajian-kajian “agama”, kiranya kita tetap harus selektif dalam mengikutinya, karena kini tidak sedikit para jamaah yang hadir dalam sebuah kajian tersebut sudah mulai merasa resah dengan apa yang disampaikan oleh beberapa narasumber yang disinyalir “Inkar Sunnah/ menafikan hadits Rasulullah Saw.” dalam paparan kajiannya. Seperti yang dilakukan oleh Minardi Mursyid dari Surakarta mengenai ajaranya tentang hadits yang telah merusak sendi-sendi aqidah Islam dan menodainya. Kajian tim fatwa MUI Surakarta terhadap ajaran Minardi Mursyid dan kegiatan LPPA Tauhid menyimpulkan, bahwa ajaran Minardi Mursyid serupa dengan aliran ingkar sunah yang telah difatwakan sesat oleh MUI dan dilarang kegiatannya oleh pemerintah. Kata Kunci: Inkar as-sunnah, aliran sesat, Ajaran Minardi Mursyid
Bilik-Bilik Demokrasi dalam Pendidikan
Authors: Mukodi Mukodi
Published: January 2017

Not only having state and nation that requires democratic civility, but education also urgently requires fundamental democratic principles. The democracy is principled with transparency, participation, tolerance, openness of thought and diversity of ideas. Also with education, taking apart in culture and being naturally with it. The realization of the democratic education constructs academic maturation process. Lastly, it has impact on the building of the tolerant and humanist individual; that finally, realizing the leading Indonesian generation who ready to compete in the global world arena. The realization also have to be pursued through the contestation of the real democracy education. Bukan hanya bernegara dan berbangsa yang membutuhkan keadaban demokrasi, akan tetapi pendidikan pun sangat membutuhkan prinsip-prinsip demokrasi yang asasi. Demokrasi berprinsipkan transparansi, partisipatif, toleransi, keterbukaan pemikiran, dan keragaman ide serta gagasan. Pun demikian halnya dengan pendidikan, meretas kultur dan alaminya dengan hal itu. Terwujudnya pendidikan demokratis menjadikan proses pematangan akademik. Ujungnya, berdampak pada terbentuknya manusia toleran, dan humanis. Muara akhirnya, mewujudkan generasi Indonesia yang handal dan siap berkompetisi dalam percaturan dunia global. Perwujudannya pun harus diupayakan melalui ruang kontestasi pendidikan demokrasi yang sesungguhnya.
Mencari Formulasi Baru antara Agama dan Sains: Refleksi Etis atas Kasus Bank Sperma
Authors: Mibtadin Mibtadin
Published: January 2017

The emergence of a sperm bank with its effects becomes the topics that are strictly discussed by religion and science, and there is no common ground. The religion with its text power as a justification forced of science. The conflict between the religion and science related to the sperm bank occurred since there are no clear boundaries among them.  The existence of the sperm bank basically becomes a necessity for those with special needs, for instance to continue the descendant, under a certain condition, as the objective to keep human from extinction. The sperm bank as a form of representation of biotechnology advance should not be impacted with the religious values, because the sperm bank itself is not free from the values, then the religion and science is able to cooperate to bring people to the better life conception in which the knowledge is reinforced by the religious morality. The harmonious relations will be materialized if the science and religion is able to keep their egos not to overthrow; otherwise both of them have to be interrelated each other. Kemunculan bank sperma dengan berbagai efeknya menjadi diskursus yang secara ketat dibicarakan oleh agama dan sains, serta belum ada titik temu. Agama dengan kekuatan teks sebagai kekuatan justifikasi pada sains. Konflik antara agama dan sains terkait bank sperma terjadi karena tidak jelasnya batas-batas diantara keduanya. Keberadaan bank sperma pada dasarnya menjadi kebutuhan bagi mereka yang berkebutuhan khusus, misalnya untuk menyambung generasi, dengan catatan dalam kondisi tertentu, sebagaimana tujuannya untuk menjaga manusia dari kemusnahan. Keberadaan bank sperma sebagai bentuk representasi kemajuan bioteknologi tidak seharusnya dibenturkan dengan nilai-nilai agama, karena keberadaan bank sperma sendiri tidak bebas dari nilai, maka agama dan sains bisa bekerja sama untuk membawa manusia pada konsepsi kehidupan yang lebih baik dimana keberadaan pengetahuan dikuatkan dengan moralitas agama. Relasi yang harmonis ini akan bisa terwujud selama sains dan agama mampu menjaga ego masing-masing untuk tidak saling menjatuhkan, malah sebaliknya keduanya harus saling tegur sapa.
Repeatability vs. multiple-trait models to evaluate shell dynamic stiffness for layer chickens
Authors: Wolc A. , Arango J. , Settar P. , O'Sullivan N. P. , Dekkers J. C. M.
Published: January 2017

Shell quality is one of the most important traits for improvement in layer chickens. Proper consideration of repeated records can increase the accuracy of estimated breeding values and thus genetic improvement of shell quality. The objective of this study was to compare different models for genetic evaluation of the collected data. For this study, 81,646 dynamic stiffness records on 21,321 brown egg layers and 93,748 records on 24,678 white egg layers from 4 generations were analyzed. Across generations, data were collected at 2 to 4 ages (at approximately 26, 42, 65, and 86 wk), with repeated records at each age. Seven models were compared, including 5 repeatability models with increasing complexity, a random regression model, and a multitrait model. The models were compared using Akaike Information Criteria with significance testing of nested models with a Log Likelihood Ratio test. Estimates of heritability were 0.31–0.36 for the brown line and 0.23–0.26 for the white line, but repeatability was higher for the model with age-specific permanent environment effects (0.59 for both lines) than for the model with an overall permanent environmental effects (0.47 for the brown and 0.41 for the white line). The model that allowed for permanent environmental effect within age and heterogeneous residual variance between ages resulted in improved fit compared to the traditional model that fits single permanent environment and residual effects, but was inferior in fit and predictive ability to the full multiple-trait model. The random regression model had better fit to the data than repeatability models but slightly worse than the multiple-trait model. For traits with repeated records at different ages, repeatability within and across ages as well as genetic correlations should be considered while choosing the number of records collected per individual as well as the model for genetic evaluation.
Development of a Simulation Framework for Analyzing Security of Supply in Integrated Gas and Electric Power Systems
Authors: Pambour Kwabena , Cakir Erdener Burcin , Bolado-Lavin Ricardo , Dijkema Gerard
Published: January 2017

Gas and power networks are tightly coupled and interact with each other due to physically interconnected facilities. In an integrated gas and power network, a contingency observed in one system may cause iterative cascading failures, resulting in network wide disruptions. Therefore, understanding the impacts of the interactions in both systems is crucial for governments, system operators, regulators and operational planners, particularly, to ensure security of supply for the overall energy system. Although simulation has been widely used in the assessment of gas systems as well as power systems, there is a significant gap in simulation models that are able to address the coupling of both systems. In this paper, a simulation framework that models and simulates the gas and power network in an integrated manner is proposed. The framework consists of a transient model for the gas system and a steady state model for the power system based on AC-Optimal Power Flow. The gas and power system model are coupled through an interface which uses the coupling equations to establish the data exchange and coordination between the individual models. The bidirectional interlink between both systems considered in this studies are the fuel gas offtake of gas fired power plants for power generation and the power supply to liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and electric drivers installed in gas compressor stations and underground gas storage facilities. The simulation framework is implemented into an innovative simulation tool named SAInt (Scenario Analysis Interface for Energy Systems) and the capabilities of the tool are demonstrated by performing a contingency analysis for a real world example. Results indicate how a disruption triggered in one system propagates to the other system and affects the operation of critical facilities. In addition, the studies show the importance of using transient gas models for security of supply studies instead of successions of steady state models, where the time evolution of the line pack is not captured correctly.
Consistency of Trend Break Point Estimator with Underspecified Break Number
Authors: Yang Jingjing
Published: January 2017

This paper discusses the consistency of trend break point estimators when the number of breaks is underspecified. The consistency of break point estimators in a simple location model with level shifts has been well documented by researchers under various settings, including extensions such as allowing a time trend in the model. Despite the consistency of break point estimators of level shifts, there are few papers on the consistency of trend shift break point estimators in the presence of an underspecified break number. The simulation study and asymptotic analysis in this paper show that the trend shift break point estimator does not converge to the true break points when the break number is underspecified. In the case of two trend shifts, the inconsistency problem worsens if the magnitudes of the breaks are similar and the breaks are either both positive or both negative. The limiting distribution for the trend break point estimator is developed and closely approximates the finite sample performance.
Effects of Replication and Transcription on DNA Structure-Related Genetic Instability
Authors: Wang Guliang , Vasquez Karen
Published: January 2017

Many repetitive sequences in the human genome can adopt conformations that differ from the canonical B-DNA double helix (i.e., non-B DNA), and can impact important biological processes such as DNA replication, transcription, recombination, telomere maintenance, viral integration, transposome activation, DNA damage and repair. Thus, non-B DNA-forming sequences have been implicated in genetic instability and disease development. In this article, we discuss the interactions of non-B DNA with the replication and/or transcription machinery, particularly in disease states (e.g., tumors) that can lead to an abnormal cellular environment, and how such interactions may alter DNA replication and transcription, leading to potential conflicts at non-B DNA regions, and eventually result in genetic stability and human disease.
Land Use and Land Cover Changes under Climate Uncertainty: Modelling the Impacts on Hydropower Production in Western Africa
Authors: Obahoundje Salomon , Ofosu Eric , Akpoti Komlavi , Kabo-bah Amos
Published: January 2017

The Bui hydropower plant plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of Ghana. This paper attempt to explore the combined effects of climate-land use land cover change on power production using the (WEAP) model: Water Evaluation and Planning system. The historical analysis of rainfall and stream flow variability showed that the annual coefficient of variation of rainfall and stream flow are, respectively, 8.6% and 60.85%. The stream flow varied greatly than the rainfall, due to land use land cover changes (LULC). In fact, the LULC analysis revealed important changes in vegetative areas and water bodies. The WEAP model evaluation showed that combined effects of LULC and climate change reduce water availability for all of demand sectors, including hydropower generation at the Bui hydropower plant. However, it was projected that Bui power production will increase by 40.7% and 24.93%, respectively, under wet and adaptation conditions, and decrease by 46% and 2.5%, respectively, under dry and current conditions. The wet condition is defined as an increase in rainfall by 14%, the dry condition as the decrease in rainfall by 15%; current account is business as usual, and the adaptation is as the efficient use of water for the period 2012–2040.
Influence of Crust Formation on Soil Porosity under Tillage Systems and Simulated Rainfall
Authors: Dalla Rosa Jaqueline , Cooper Miguel , Darboux Frédéric , Medeiros João , Campanaro Carla , Martins Pinto Luiz
Published: January 2017

Surface crusts, formed by raindrop impact, degrade the soil surface structure causing changes in porosity. An experiment was conducted with the objective of evaluating the influence of the formation of a crusting layer on the porosity (percentage of area, shape and size) of a Haplic Acrisol under three tillage systems, and simulated rainfall. The tillage systems were: conventional tillage (CT), reduced tillage (RT) and no-tillage (NT). Each tillage system was submitted to different levels of simulated rainfall (0, 27, 54 and 80 mm) at an intensity of 80 mm·h−1. Undisturbed soil samples were collected and resin impregnated for image analysis in two layers: layer 1 (0–1 cm) and layer 2 (1–2 cm). Image analysis was used to obtain the pore area percentage, pore shape and size. The degradation of the soil surface and change in porosity, caused by rainfall, occurred differently in the tillage systems. In the CT and RT systems, the most pronounced pore changes caused by rainfall occurred in layer 1, but in the NT system, this change occurred in layer 2. The rainfall caused change of pore area percentage in the CT and RT systems, with reduction of complex and an increase of rounded pores. The NT system showed greater occurrence of the rounded pores (vesicles), originated by processes of wetting below the residue cover, and by alternating periods of wetting and drying. In this study, the changes in porosity were attributed to two main factors: (1) to the effect of the raindrop directly on the soil surface (for CT and RT tillage systems) and (2) water transfer processes in the soil surface (for NT systems).
Kinematic Precise Point Positioning Using Multi-Constellation Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Observations
Authors: Yu Xidong , Gao Jingxiang
Published: January 2017

Multi-constellation global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) are expected to enhance the capability of precise point positioning (PPP) by improving the positioning accuracy and reducing the convergence time because more satellites will be available. This paper discusses the performance of multi-constellation kinematic PPP based on a multi-constellation kinematic PPP model, Kalman filter and stochastic models. The experimental dataset was collected from the receivers on a vehicle and processed using self-developed software. A comparison of the multi-constellation kinematic PPP and real-time kinematic (RTK) results revealed that the availability, positioning accuracy and convergence performance of the multi-constellation kinematic PPP were all better than those of both global positioning system (GPS)-based PPP and dual-constellation PPP. Multi-constellation kinematic PPP can provide a positioning service with centimetre-level accuracy for dynamic users.
Sensitivity of Quantitative Signal Detection in Regards to Pharmacological Neuroenhancement
Authors: Gahr Maximilian , Connemann Bernhard , Schönfeldt-Lecuona Carlos , Zeiss René
Published: January 2017

Pharmacological neuroenhancement (PNE) is a form of abuse and has not yet been addressed by methods of pharmacovigilance. In the present study, we tested if quantitative signal detection may be sensitive in regards to PNE. We evaluated the risk of drug abuse and dependence (DAAD) related to substances that are known to be used for PNE and divided this group into agents with (methylphenidate) and without a known abuse potential outside the field of PNE (atomoxetine, modafinil, acetylcholine esterase inhibitors, and memantine). Reporting odds ratios (RORs) were calculated using a case/non-case approach based on global and country-specific drug safety data from the Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC). Both control substances (diazepam and lorazepam) and methylphenidate were statistically associated with DAAD in all datasets (except methylphenidate in Italy). Modafinil was associated with DAAD in the total dataset (ROR, 2.7 (95% confidence interval (CI), 2.2–3.3)), Germany (ROR, 4.6 (95% CI, 1.8–11.5)), and the USA (ROR, 2.0 (95% CI, 1.6–2.5)). Atomoxetine was associated with DAAD in the total dataset (ROR, 1.3 (95% CI, 1.2–1.5)) and in the UK (ROR, 3.3 (95% CI, 1.8–6.1)). Apart from memantine, which was associated with DAAD in Germany (ROR, 1.8 (95% CI, 1.0–3.2)), no other antidementia drug was associated with DAAD. Quantitative signal detection is suitable to detect agents with a risk for DAAD. Its sensitivity regarding PNE is limited, although atomoxetine and modafinil, which do not have a known abuse potential outside PNE, and no antidementia drugs, whose use in PNE is presumably low, were associated with DAAD in our analysis.
RNA Interference for Mosquito and Mosquito-Borne Disease Control
Authors: Airs Paul , Bartholomay Lyric
Published: January 2017

RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool to silence endogenous mosquito and mosquito-borne pathogen genes in vivo. As the number of studies utilizing RNAi in basic research grows, so too does the arsenal of physiological targets that can be developed into products that interrupt mosquito life cycles and behaviors and, thereby, relieve the burden of mosquitoes on human health and well-being. As this technology becomes more viable for use in beneficial and pest insect management in agricultural settings, it is exciting to consider its role in public health entomology. Existing and burgeoning strategies for insecticide delivery could be adapted to function as RNAi trigger delivery systems and thereby expedite transformation of RNAi from the lab to the field for mosquito control. Taken together, development of RNAi-based vector and pathogen management techniques & strategies are within reach. That said, tools for successful RNAi design, studies exploring RNAi in the context of vector control, and studies demonstrating field efficacy of RNAi trigger delivery have yet to be honed and/or developed for mosquito control.
A First Principles Study of H2 Adsorption on LaNiO3(001) Surfaces
Authors: Pan Changchang , Chen Yuhong , Wu Na , Zhang Meiling , Yuan Lihua , Zhang Cairong
Published: January 2017

The adsorption of H2 on LaNiO3 was investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The adsorption sites, adsorption energy, and electronic structure of LaNiO3(001)/H2 systems were calculated and indicated through the calculated surface energy that the (001) surface was the most stable surface. By looking at optimized structure, adsorption energy and dissociation energy, we found that there were three types of adsorption on the surface. First, H2 molecules completely dissociate and then tend to bind with the O atoms, forming two –OH bonds. Second, H2 molecules partially dissociate with the H atoms bonding to the same O atom to form one H2O molecule. These two types are chemical adsorption modes; however, the physical adsorption of H2 molecules can also occur. When analyzing the electron structure of the H2O molecule formed by the partial dissociation of the H2 molecule and the surface O atom, we found that the interaction between H2O and the (001) surface was weaker, thus, H2O was easier to separate from the surface to create an O vacancy. On the (001) surface, a supercell was constructed to accurately study the most stable adsorption site. The results from analyses of the charge population; electron localization function; and density of the states indicated that the dissociated H and O atoms form a typical covalent bond and that the interaction between the H2 molecule and surface is mainly due to the overlap-hybridization among the H 1s, O 2s, and O 2p states. Therefore, the conductivity of LaNiO3(001)/H2 is stronger after adsorption and furthermore, the conductivity of the LaNiO3 surface is better than that of the LaFeO3 surface.
Dietary Patterns and Pancreatic Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lu Pei-Ying , Shu Long , Shen Shan-Shan , Chen Xu-Jiao , Zhang Xiao-Yan
Published: January 2017

A number of studies have examined the associations between dietary patterns and pancreatic cancer risk, but the findings have been inconclusive. Herein, we conducted this meta-analysis to assess the associations between dietary patterns and the risk of pancreatic cancer. MEDLINE (provided by the National Library of Medicine) and EBSCO (Elton B. Stephens Company) databases were searched for relevant articles published up to May 2016 that identified common dietary patterns. Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria and were finally included in this meta-analysis. A reduced risk of pancreatic cancer was shown for the highest compared with the lowest categories of healthy patterns (odds ratio, OR = 0.86; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.77–0.95; p = 0.004) and light–moderate drinking patterns (OR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.83–0.98; p = 0.02). There was evidence of an increased risk for pancreatic cancer in the highest compared with the lowest categories of western-type pattern (OR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.06–1.45; p = 0.008) and heavy drinking pattern (OR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.10–1.48; p = 0.002). The results of this meta-analysis demonstrate that healthy and light–moderate drinking patterns may decrease the risk of pancreatic cancer, whereas western-type and heavy drinking patterns may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. Additional prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Identification of a Potent Allosteric Inhibitor of Human Protein Kinase CK2 by Bacterial Surface Display Library Screening
Authors: Nienberg Christian , Garmann Claudia , Gratz Andreas , Bollacke Andre , Götz Claudia , Jose Joachim
Published: January 2017

Human protein kinase CK2 has emerged as promising target for the treatment of neoplastic diseases. The vast majority of kinase inhibitors known today target the ATP binding site, which is highly conserved among kinases and hence leads to limited selectivity. In order to identify non-ATP competitive inhibitors, a 12-mer peptide library of 6 × 105 variants was displayed on the surface of E. coli by autodisplay. Screening of this peptide library on variants with affinity to CK2 was performed by fluorophore-conjugated CK2 and subsequent flow cytometry. Single cell sorting of CK2-bound E. coli yielded new peptide variants, which were tested on inhibition of CK2 by a CE-based assay. Peptide B2 (DCRGLIVMIKLH) was the most potent inhibitor of both, CK2 holoenzyme and the catalytic CK2α subunit (IC50 = 0.8 µM). Using different ATP concentrations and different substrate concentrations for IC50 determination, B2 was shown to be neither ATP- nor substrate competitive. By microscale thermophoresis (MST) the KD value of B2 with CK2α was determined to be 2.16 µM, whereas no binding of B2 to CK2β-subunit was detectable. To our surprise, besides inhibition of enzymatic activity, B2 also disturbed the interaction of CK2α with CK2β at higher concentrations (≥25 µM).
Polymer Conformations in Ionic Microgels in the Presence of Salt: Theoretical and Mesoscale Simulation Results
Authors: Kobayashi Hideki , Halver Rene , Sutmann Godehard , Winkler Roland
Published: January 2017

We investigate the conformational properties of polymers in ionic microgels in the presence of salt ions by molecular dynamics simulations and analytical theory. A microgel particle consists of coarse-grained linear polymers, which are tetra-functionally crosslinked. Counterions and salt ions are taken into account explicitly, and charge-charge interactions are described by the Coulomb potential. By varying the charge interaction strength and salt concentration, we characterize the swelling of the polyelectrolytes and the charge distribution. In particular, we determine the amount of trapped mobile charges inside the microgel and the Debye screening length. Moreover, we analyze the polymer extension theoretically in terms of the tension blob model taking into account counterions and salt ions implicitly by the Debye–Hückel model. Our studies reveal a strong dependence of the amount of ions absorbed in the interior of the microgel on the electrostatic interaction strength, which is related to the degree of the gel swelling. This implies a dependence of the inverse Debye screening length κ on the ion concentration; we find a power-law increase of κ with the Coulomb interaction strength with the exponent 3 / 5 for a salt-free microgel and an exponent 1 / 2 for moderate salt concentrations. Additionally, the radial dependence of polymer conformations and ion distributions is addressed.
AssesSeg—A Command Line Tool to Quantify Image Segmentation Quality: A Test Carried Out in Southern Spain from Satellite Imagery
Authors: Novelli Antonio , Aguilar Manuel , Aguilar Fernando , Nemmaoui Abderrahim , Tarantino Eufemia
Published: January 2017

This letter presents the capabilities of a command line tool created to assess the quality of segmented digital images. The executable source code, called AssesSeg, was written in Python 2.7 using open source libraries. AssesSeg (University of Almeria, Almeria, Spain; Politecnico di Bari, Bari, Italy) implements a modified version of the supervised discrepancy measure named Euclidean Distance 2 (ED2) and was tested on different satellite images (Sentinel-2, Landsat 8, and WorldView-2). The segmentation was applied to plastic covered greenhouse detection in the south of Spain (Almería). AssesSeg outputs were utilized to find the best band combinations for the performed segmentations of the images and showed a clear positive correlation between segmentation accuracy and the quantity of available reference data. This demonstrates the importance of a high number of reference data in supervised segmentation accuracy assessment problems.
Depth Errors Analysis and Correction for Time-of-Flight (ToF) Cameras
Authors: He Ying , Liang Bin , Zou Yu , He Jin , Yang Jun
Published: January 2017

Time-of-Flight (ToF) cameras, a technology which has developed rapidly in recent years, are 3D imaging sensors providing a depth image as well as an amplitude image with a high frame rate. As a ToF camera is limited by the imaging conditions and external environment, its captured data are always subject to certain errors. This paper analyzes the influence of typical external distractions including material, color, distance, lighting, etc. on the depth error of ToF cameras. Our experiments indicated that factors such as lighting, color, material, and distance could cause different influences on the depth error of ToF cameras. However, since the forms of errors are uncertain, it’s difficult to summarize them in a unified law. To further improve the measurement accuracy, this paper proposes an error correction method based on Particle Filter-Support Vector Machine (PF-SVM). Moreover, the experiment results showed that this method can effectively reduce the depth error of ToF cameras to 4.6 mm within its full measurement range (0.5–5 m).
Mixed-Potential Gas Sensors Using an Electrolyte Consisting of Zinc Phosphate Glass and Benzimidazole
Authors: Akamatsu Takafumi , Itoh Toshio , Shin Woosuck
Published: January 2017

Mixed-potential gas sensors with a proton conductor consisting of zinc metaphosphate glass and benzimidazole were fabricated for the detection of hydrogen produced by intestinal bacteria in dry and humid air. The gas sensor consisting of an alumina substrate with platinum and gold electrodes showed good response to different hydrogen concentrations from 250 parts per million (ppm) to 25,000 ppm in dry and humid air at 100–130 °C. The sensor response varied linearly with the hydrogen and carbon monoxide concentrations due to mass transport limitations. The sensor responses to hydrogen gas (e.g., −0.613 mV to 1000 ppm H2) was higher than those to carbon monoxide gas (e.g., −0.128 mV to 1000 ppm CO) at 120 °C under atmosphere with the same level of humidity as expired air.
The Status of Fusarium Mycotoxins in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review of Emerging Trends and Post-Harvest Mitigation Strategies towards Food Control
Authors: Chilaka Cynthia , De Boevre Marthe , Atanda Olusegun , De Saeger Sarah
Published: January 2017

Fusarium fungi are common plant pathogens causing several plant diseases. The presence of these molds in plants exposes crops to toxic secondary metabolites called Fusarium mycotoxins. The most studied Fusarium mycotoxins include fumonisins, zearalenone, and trichothecenes. Studies have highlighted the economic impact of mycotoxins produced by Fusarium. These arrays of toxins have been implicated as the causal agents of wide varieties of toxic health effects in humans and animals ranging from acute to chronic. Global surveillance of Fusarium mycotoxins has recorded significant progress in its control; however, little attention has been paid to Fusarium mycotoxins in sub-Saharan Africa, thus translating to limited occurrence data. In addition, legislative regulation is virtually non-existent. The emergence of modified Fusarium mycotoxins, which may contribute to additional toxic effects, worsens an already precarious situation. This review highlights the status of Fusarium mycotoxins in sub-Saharan Africa, the possible food processing mitigation strategies, as well as future perspectives.
Gestational Zearalenone Exposure Causes Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity in Pregnant Rats and Female Offspring
Authors: Gao Xin , Sun Lvhui , Zhang Niya , Li Chong , Zhang Jiacai , Xiao Zhuohui , Qi Desheng
Published: January 2017

Zearalenone (ZEN) is an oestrogenic mycotoxin commonly found in food and feed products and can affect reproduction and development in both humans and animals. This study aimed to determine the toxic effects of ZEN on maternal SD rats and the F1 female offspring. Sixty-four pregnant rats were divided into 4 groups and exposed to feed contaminated with ZEN (0, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg feed) on gestational days (GDs) 0–21. Compared with the controls, the groups exposed to 10 and 20 mg/kg ZEN showed significantly decreased feed intake and body weight of pregnant rats and/or female offspring. Meanwhile, 20 mg/kg ZEN significantly decreased the birth weight and viability of F1 newborn rats. Moreover, 10 and 20 mg/kg ZEN diets increased follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations but decreased oestradiol in both maternal and F1 adult rats. In the F1 generation, ZEN caused no pathological changes in ovaries and uterus in weaned rats, but significant follicular atresia and a thinning uterine layer were found in F1 female adult rats in the 20 mg/kg ZEN group. These impairments concurred with the inhibited mRNA and protein levels of oestrogen receptor-alpha (Esr1) and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) in the adult uterus and/or ovaries. Furthermore, 10 and/or 20 mg/kg ZEN exposure significantly reduced Esr1, gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHr), and ATP binding cassette transporters b1 and c1 (ABCb1 and ABCc1) in the placenta and foetal and weaned F1 brains, and also produced a dose-dependent increase in 3β-HSD in the placenta. Additionally, 20 mg/kg ZEN significantly upregulated ABCc5 expression in the placenta and ovaries of weaned rats. These results suggested that prenatal ZEN exposure in rats affected maternal and foetal development and may lead to long-term reproductive impairment in F1 adult females.