bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UPAYA PEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT MELALUI DETEKSI DINI DAN PENGENDALIAN KESEHATAN REPRODUKSI DI DSN. TAWUN I, DS. TAWUN, KEC. KASREMAN WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS KASREMAN KABUPATEN NGAWI
Authors: Sa’adah Hamidatus Daris , Komalawati Rini , Mariasih Agnes
Published: November 2018

Abstrak

 

Latar Belakang: Premenopause adalah Fase terjadi pada usia 40 tahun dan dimulainya fase klimakterium. Fase ini timbul ditandai dengan siklus menstruasi menjadi tidak teratur, perdarahan menstruasi memanjang, jumlah darah menstruasi menjadi lebih banyak, dan adanya rasa nyeri saat menstruasi. Dampak secara fisik biologis yang dialami wanita pada sindrom premenopause adalah perasaan panas (hot flush), sakit kepala, cepat lelah, rematik, sakit pinggang, sesak napas, susah tidur, dan osteoporosis. Sedangkan untuk gejala psikologis adalah ingatan menurun, kecemasan, mudah tersinggung, setres dan depresi. Upaya pencegahan dan penanganan kejadian tersebut dapat dilakukan dengan tindakan deteksi dini reproduksi dan sebagai dasar dalam pengendalian permasalahan Pre Menopause. Tujuan: meningkatkan pengetahuan, kesadaran, kemampuan dan kemauan hidup sehat bagi setiap penduduk agar dapat mewujudkan derajat reproduksinya sendiri serta berperan aktif dalam mewujudkan kesehatan pre menopause. Metode: Pengabdian masyarakat yaitu pendidikan kesehatan meliputi ceramah atau penyuluhan, Tanya jawab, diskusi dan gambar tentang pengenalan dan tindak lanjut pre menopause di tatanan masyarakat. Hasil: Mayoritas masyarakat yang terlibat dalam pengabdian masyarakat ini adalah perempuan (72%). Rerata usia wanita middle age (59,74 ± 6,5),  wanita usia subur dengan normotensi sebanyak  57,4%,  Sebagian besar peserta penyuluhan kesehatan mempunyai sikap baik dalam menghadapi menopause, dengan tingkat pengetahuan baik. Kesimpulan: Deteksi dini reproduksi merupakan upaya dasar yang penting dilakukan dalam rangka pengendalian permasalahan reproduksi pada wanita. Upaya pengendalian ini dapat dimulai dengan pendidikan kesehatan untuk meningkatkan pemberian informasi tentang menopause megenai perubahan fisik yang dialami pada masa menopause dan ibu-ibu premenopause agar lebih siap menghadapi perubahan fisik yang terjadi. Gejala Premenopause adalah hal yang normal dialami oleh perempuan dan dapat melibatkan masyarakat dalam membantu ibu menghadapi gejala premenopause pada saat kegiatan masyarakat melalui tokoh masyarakat setempat.

Kata Kunci: Pre Menopause, Kesehatan Reproduksi, Pengabdian Masyarakat
Analisis Pengaruh Citra Merek, Kualitas Produk dan Harga terhadap Perpindahan Merek (Studi Kasus pada Produk Oriflame di Kota Langsa)
Authors: Meutia Rahmi
Published: November 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh citra merek, kualitas produk dan harga terhadap keputusan perpindahan merek oriflamme di kota langsa. Penelitian ini dilakukan terhadap konsumen yang sebelumnya tidak memakai oriflamme kemudian berpindah menggunakan oriflamme. Persamaan regresi dalam penelitian ini adalah Y= 2,183 + 0,152X1 + 0,323X2 +  0,009X3. Hasil uji t menunjukkan secara parsial hanya variabel kualitas produk yang memiliki pengaruh signifikan terhadap perpindahan merek. Hasil uji F menunjukkan bahwa secara simultan variabel bebas mempunyai pengaruh signifikan terhadap perpindahan merek. Nilai Adjusted R square didapat sebesar 8%, sedangkan sisanya sebesar 92% dijelaskan oleh variabel-variabel lain yang tidak termasuk dalam penelitian ini.
Pengaruh Kepercayaan Merek terhadap Loyalitas Konsumen pada Produk Kosmetik Pixy (Studi Kasus pada Mahasiswi Universitas Samudra)
Authors: Dewi Meutia
Published: November 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh kepercayaan merek (karakteristik merek, karakteristik perusahaan, dan karakteristik konsumen merek) terhadap loyalitas konsumen pada produk kosmetik Pixy. Persamaan regresi linear berganda yang dihasilkan dalam penelitian ini adalah Y = 2,866 + 0,202 X1 + 0,179 X2 + 0,488 X3. Nilai koefisien determinasi (R2) sebesar 0,72 berarti bahwa karakteristik merek, karakteristik perusahaan, dan karakteristik konsumen merek mempengaruhi loyalitas konsumen pada produk kosmetik Pixy sebesar 72,00 % dan sisanya 28,00 % dipengaruhi oleh variabel lain yang tidak diteliti dalam penelitian ini. Dari hasil penelitian dapat dinyatakan bahwa variabel karakteristik merek, karakteristik perusahaan, dan karakteristik konsumen merek secara parsial berpengaruh signifikan terhadap loyalitas konsumen pada produk kosmetik Pixy. Dari hasil uji F dapat dinyatakan bahwa variabel karakteristik merek, karakteristik perusahaan, dan karakteristik konsumen merek secara simultan berpengaruh signifikan terhadap loyalitas konsumen pada produk kosmetik Pixy dapat diterima.
Faktor-faktor yang Mempengaruhi Mahasiswa Baru Memilih Program Studi padaFakultas Ekonomi Universitas Samudra
Authors: Sah Syardian
Published: November 2018

Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor dominan apa saja yang mempengaruhi mahasiswa baru memilih program studi pada Fakultas Ekonomi Universitas Samudra. Faktor-faktor yang diindikasikan memiliki pengaruh terdiri dari 4 faktor yang terdiri dari faktor kebudayaan, sosial, pribadi dan psikologi. Dari ke 4 faktor-faktor tersebut dijabarkan kedalam 12 faktor yang telah lulus uji validitas dan reabilitas yang terdiri dari faktor kebudayaan karena adanya muatan lokal, faktor kebudayaan karena pengaruh dari lingkungan tempat tinggal, faktor kebudayaan karena persamaan segi budaya dan lingkungan, faktor kebudayaan karena dapat bermanfaat bagi pengembangan budaya dan lingkungan, faktor  sosial karena komunitas lingkungan sepermainan dan teman sekolah, faktor sosial karena pendapat anggota keluarga  dan faktor  sosial karena status keluarga dalam masyarakat, factor pribadi karena pendapatan orang tua, faktor pribadi karena melihat keberhasilan lulusannya, faktor psikologi karena meningkatkan status sosial, faktor psikologis karena mudahnya penyelesaian studi, dan faktor psikologis karena tenaga pengajar (Dosen) yang berkualitas. Dari hasil pengolahan data dan pembahasan diperoleh bahwa ke dua belas faktor yang dianggap menjadi faktor-faktor mahasiswa baru memilih program studi pada Fakultas Ekonomi Universitas Samudra terdapat 5 faktor dominan yang sangat mempengaruhi yaitu faktor budaya karena adanya muatan lokal, pengaruh lingkungan tempat tinggal, persamaan segi budaya dan lingkungan, pengembangan budaya dan lingkungan dan faktor sosial karena komunitas lingkungan sepermanian dan teman sekolah.
Analisis Pengaruh Kualitas Pelayanan terhadap Kepuasan Konsumen pada Depot Air Minum Isi Ulang Tirta Tamiang di Kecamatan Tenggulun
Authors: Safrizal Safrizal
Published: November 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan: (1) Untuk mengetahui pengaruh kualitas pelayanan (bukti fisik, keandalan, daya tanggap, jaminan dan perhatian) secara parsial terhadap kepuasan konsumen pada depot air minum isi ulang Tirta Tamiang di Kecamatan Tenggulun. (2) Untuk mengetahui pengaruh kualitas pelayanan (bukti fisik, keandalan, daya tanggap, jaminan dan perhatian) secara simultan terhadap kepuasan konsumen pada depot air minum isi ulang Tirta Tamiang di Kecamatan Tenggulun. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah konsumen air isi ulang berdasarkan catatan pihak depot air minum isi ulang Tirta Tamiang dari Januari 2016 sampai Desember 2016 yang jumlahnya 936 konsumen. Hasil analisis data yaitu KK = 2,193 + 0,065BF + 0,166K + 0,032DT + 0,075J + 0,164E. Koefisien determinasi (Adjusted R Square) yaitu 0,219. Artinya, bukti fisik, keandalan, daya tanggap, jaminan, dan empati mempengaruhi kepuasan konsumen pada depot air minum isi ulang Tirta Tamiang sebesar 21,9%.
Pengaruh Positioning terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Sepeda Motor Honda di Kota Langsa
Authors: Mauliansyah Roni
Published: November 2018

Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengetahui pengaruh positioning terhadap keputusan pembelian sepeda motor Honda di Kota Langsa. Jumlah sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini berjumlah 96 responden. Metode analisis data yang digunakan yaitu analisis regresi linear sederhana, uji t dan analisis koefisien determinasi. Dari analisis data diperoleh persamaan regresi linear sederhana yaitu KP = 2,232 + 0,505P. Nilai konstanta yaitu 2,232 yang berarti jika positioning bernilai 0 maka keputusan pembelian adalah sebesar 2,232 satuan. Nilai koefisien regresi positioning mempunyai pengaruh positif yang berarti jika positioning meningkat sebesar satu satuan maka keputusan pembelian akan meningkat sebesar 0,505 satuan. Dari analisis koefisien determinasi diketahui bahwa positioning  mempengaruhi keputusan pembelian sepeda motor Honda di Kota Langsa sebesar 35,0% sementara sisanya 65,0% dipengaruhi oleh variabel lain yang tidak diteliti dalam penelitian ini, seperti promosi dan harga. Positioning berpengaruh signifikan terhadap keputusan pembelian sepeda motor Honda di Kota Langsa yang dibuktikan dari hasil uji t dimana diperoleh t sig 0,000 < 0,05sehingga hipotesis diterima.
PENGARUH EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT DAN KEPEMIMPINAN TERHADAP KINERJA PEGAWAI PADA DINAS PARIWISATA, BUDAYA, PEMUDA DAN OLAH RAGA KABUPATEN SERDANG BEDAGAI
Authors: Lubis Anggia Sari , Wulandari Sari
Published: November 2018

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis  apakah employee engagement dan kepemimpinan berpengaruh secara simultan dan parsial terhadap kinerja pegawai pada dinas pemuda olahraga, kebudayaan, pariwisata Kabupaten Serdang Bedagai. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan survey , adapun sifat dari penelitian ini adalah penjelasan dan jenis penelitian adalah deskriptif kuantitatif. Sampel penelitian ini adalah 70 orang pegawai negeri sipil di lingkungan dinas pemuda olahraga, kebudayaan, pariwisata Kabupaten Serdang Bedagai .

Metode pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan kuesioner. Kuesioner dalam penelitian ini dengan memberikan atau menyebar daftar pertanyaan kepada responden, dari hasil penelitian yang telah memenuhi uji validitas, uji reliabilitas dan uji asumsi klasik diolah sehingga menghasilkan persamaan regresi sebagai berikut, Y = 0,030 X1 +0.246 X2+ e.

Hasil model regresi linier berganda mendapatkan bahwa kedua variabel yaitu employee engagement dan kepemimpinan memiliki pengaruh positif terhadap kinerja pegawai Dinas Pariwisata Budaya Pemuda dan Olahraga. Nilai koefisien determinasi (R²) yang diperoleh sebesar 0,631. Hal ini berarti 63,1% kinerja pegawai dapat dijelaskan oleh variabel employee engagement dan kepemimpinan. Dan Berdasarkan hasil uji secara parsial (Uji t) diperoleh bahwa variabel yang paling dominan dalam mempengaruhi kinerja karyawan adalah variabel kepemimpinan, dengan nilai t hitung 2,979 lebih besar dibanding nilai t hitung variabel employee engagement.

 

Kata kunci : Employee Engagement, Kepemimpinan, Kinerja Pegawai
Pengaruh Pelatihan dan Disiplin Kerja Terhadap Karyawan PT.Bank Aceh Medan
Authors: Sari Pratiwi eka
Published: November 2018

Pemerintah  daerah  belum  memiliki  bank  tersendiri,  yang  dijadikan sebagai alat kelengkapan pemerintah daerah atas dasar meningkatkan taraf hidup rakyat dan menambah Pendapatan Asli Daerah (PAD). Permasalahan dalam perusahaan PT. Bank Aceh Cabang Medan adalah Kinerja karyawan, dimana karyawan masih merasa kurang puas dalam melaksanakan tugas dan kewajibannya dalam perusahaan yaitu terkait oleh pelatihan dan disiplin kerja. Hal ini dapat dilihat masih kuranganya kedisiplinan karyawan. masih kuranganya pemberian pelatihan karyawan. Teori yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah teori-teori yang berhubungan dengan Manajemen Sumber Daya Manusia, yang berkaitan dengan Pelatihan, Disiplin, dan Kinerja. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah pendekatan kuantitatif, jenis penelitian ini adalah deskriptif kuantitatif, dan sifat penelitian adalah deskriptif eksplanatory. Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan wawancara, kuesioner, dan studi dokumentasi. Metode analisis data yang digunakan adalah regresi linear berganda. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah karyawan pada PT. Bank Aceh Cabang Medan dengan jumlah populasi yang digunakan sebagai sampel yaitu 66 orang dan 30 orang untuk uji validitas. Hasil penelitian pada hipotesis menunjukkan bahwa secara pelatihan dan disiplin kerja secara serempak maupun parsial berpengaruh signifikan positif terhadap kinerja pada PT. Bank Aceh Cabang Medan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan dengan nilai koefisien determinasi sebesar 52,9%. Kesimpulan dalam penelitian ini adalah secara serempak dan parsial pelatihan dan disiplin kerja berpengaruh signifikan positif terhadap kinerja karyawan pada PT. Bank Aceh Cabang Medan.

Keywords : Pelatihan, Disiplin dan Kinerja
THE EFFECT OF ADDITION OF TAXPAYERS NUMBER, TAX AUDIT, TAX BILLING, AND TAXPAYERS COMPLIANCE TOWARD TAX REVENUE
Authors: Waluyo Waluyo
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of addition of Taxpayer Number, Tax Audit, Tax Billing and Taxpayer Compliance toward tax revenue in simultaneously and partially. This research is done by using a multiple linear regression analysis model. The object of this research are tax office Tigaraksa for the period of 2009-2012. Data are collected from annual report of Tax Office Tigaraksa for the period of 2009-2012, consist of the number of additionaltaxpayer, number ofeffectivetax payers, the realization oftax assessments, the amount oftax arrears,number ofactual disbursement oftax arrears,tax revenue target,tax revenue, andthe reportednumber oftax returns. The results of this research are (1) increasing the number of taxpayers effect on tax revenue, (2) tax audit effect on tax revenue, (3) tax billing has no effect on tax revenue, (4) tax compliance effect on tax revenue, (5) the addition of the taxpayer, tax audits, tax billing and tax compliance simultaneously affect the tax revenue.
THE INFLUENCE OF BUDGETING PARTICIPATION AND ASYMMETRIC INFORMATION AGAINST THE BUDGETING VARIANTS REFERS TO THE ORGANIZATION COMMITMENT AS THE INTERVENING VARIABLE OF THE SURVEY AT FOOD AND BEVERAGE COMPANY IN THE INDUSTRIAL AREA JABABEKA KARAWANG
Authors: Prasetya Syarief Gerald , Wardhani Yustiana
Published: November 2018

The study was based on the issue of managers in setting budgets often the difference (variance) is quite large and aims to demonstrate empirically the direct and indirect effects of budgetary participation and information asymmetry partially on budgetary slack. The analytical method used is path analysis with the participation of the budget, the asymmetry of information and organizational commitment as exogenous and endogenous budgetary slack variables. The sample used in this study as many as 78 people functional managers who have a tenure of more than five years, so hopefully they have experience in budgeting.The survey results revealed that the budgetary participation has positive effect directly against budgetary slack, the information asymmetry positive effect directly against budgetary slack, budgetary participation negatively impact directly on organizational commitment, the information asymmetry negative effect directly on organizational commitment, organizational commitment negatively affect directly to the budgetary slack, budgetary participation indirect positive effect on budgetary slack through organizational commitment, the information asymmetry indirect positive effect on budgetary slack through organizational commitment and it is known that the model in the study track is fit.
DEVELOPING THE SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN ABILITY (ABK) TO MOTIVATE AND TO OBTAIN THEIR SELF-DEPENDENCY AT THE EXTRAORDINARY EDUCATION PROGRAM SCHOOL B AND C AT KEBON KOSONG DISTRICT, KEMAYORAN SUBDISTRICT, CENTRAL JAKARTA
Authors: Yani Ari Soerti , Sitorus Riris Rotua , Fauziah Fauziah
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Special Education Program is an education for abnormality student or student with extraordinary intelligence can be run in secondary and junior education.Special education can be held as Extraordinary School matched with his needs / specialty. Improving the ability of students at Harapan Ibu and Makna Bakti Extraordinary School located in Central Jakarta adapted to the place and the environment, such as self development (the ability to be independently), skills, crafts, cooking, and can operate the computer and can socialize in the community such as small conversation. Extraordinary school B’s student or deaf student, are children who have hearing obstacles in both permanent and non-permanent. Because that student has a bottleneck in hearing so that student has speaking obstacle. Students or mentally disabled, is children who have mental retardation or low intelligence and difficult to adjust and thrive. For the mentally disabled can be classified based on the level of IQ, ie C / low (IQ = 51-70), and C / moderate (IQ = 36-51), severe (IQ = 25-35) and severe (IQ below 20). Through Focus Group Discussions in this case are focused by providing training such as computer operation, utilizing the skills of crafts with recycled items such as sisri tea’s glass, assorted packs of coffee, milo and others. Besides learning cooking and establishing themselves as well as how students can socialize in the community. To improve Extraordinary School students’s ability is not only through training, but also aid equipment such as computers, crafts skills, cooking and establish themselves. This equipment is very helpful and supportive in the smooth process of learning.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MATRIX SWOT STRATEGY WITHIN THE ELABORATION OF THE VISION AND MISSION AT THE PRIVATE COLLEGES IN BOGOR AND SUKABUMI (This Research Has Been Done at Binaniaga Economics College Bogor, Binaniaga Computer Science College Bogor, Academy of Computer and Information Management Bogor, and BBC Polytechnique Sukabumi)
Authors: Djan Ismulyana
Published: November 2018

This research aims to make the vision and mission created by the college come true refers to the job program of each authority person and executor applying SWOT (Threats, Opportunities, Weaknesses, Strengths) matrix strategy. The research based on the implementation of the theory determined which has been applied practically obtaining the vision and mission that should have to be elaborated accordingly which is in compliance with the mechanism of the theory completed and integrated. Elaborating the vision and mission to achieve the objectives, goals and strategy as well as a clear job program of the college as the guideline for the people in charge to perform their duties accordingly refers to the budget, scope of the responsibility, coordination with their superior due to the time-line of their duties.
Innovative Female-Led Startups. Do Women in Business Underperform?
Authors: Demartini Paola
Published: November 2018

The spur of innovative startups has provided an unprecedented opportunity for female entrepreneurship. However, the mainstream literature on startups has elaborated a gender performance gap hypothesis. Considering the speed of technological, social, and cultural changes that have taken place in this millennium, we wonder if this gap can still be found today, with particular reference to new technology-based ventures. A financial analysis has been conducted on a sample of innovative Italian startups, and the following variables have been used to assess the company’s success: (i) size, (ii) profitability, (iii) efficiency, (iv) financial structure, and (v) financial management. Our results reveal that as far as financial performance is concerned, innovative female-led startups do not lag behind male ones in terms of dimension, company profitability, efficiency, and financial management. However, findings confirmed, even for our sample, that female businesses raise, on average, a lower amount of financial resources in comparison to men.
Marketplace Location Decision Making and Tourism Route Planning
Authors: Sirirak Worapot , Pitakaso Rapeepan
Published: November 2018

This research addresses the problem of planning tourism routes and finding appropriate shopping (market place) locations for agricultural product transportation. Generally, tourists visit popular tourism attractions; and generally, unpopular tourism attractions do not stimulate the economy, trade, or local income. Popular tourism attractions that are located far away from each other require the transportation of local products, and tourists must make decisions as to which locations to visit when planning their vacation. Planning a tourism route while balancing tourism attractions and shopping markets is important for the economic stimulation of tourism. This work presents a problem-solving method for tourism route-planning for a particular case study in Chiang Rai province, Thailand, using the Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search (ALNS) method. Six main destruction and five repair cycles in the ALNS method were applied to solve the tourism route design problem and to find the best solution so that tourists can visit all of the main attractions. We found that 13 tourism routes provide the shortest travel distance for each travel route. The total distance traveled was 2538.02 km for all routes. To balance the tourism on all routes, the popular and less popular tourism attractions were combined. For all routes, the shopping market location is the best place for tourism products to be sold and where tourist relaxation occurs. The results from ALNS were compared with the results from those obtained by the exact Lingo program V11. The ALNS algorithm results were not significantly different from the Lingo results. For the computational results for all examined cases, the ALNS algorithm was shown to be competitive, with short processing times given the sizes of the problems. For the traveling distance, the ALNS result significantly differs from the exact method by approximately 1.12%, and had a better effect than the exact method by approximately 99% in terms of processing time. Therefore, the proposed methodology provides an effective and high-quality solution for tourism route planning.
A Cucumber AGAMOUS-LIKE 15 (AGL15) MADS-Box Gene Mediates Abnormal Leaf Morphology in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhou Yong , Ge Lingli , Hu Lifang , Yang Yingui , Liu Shiqiang
Published: November 2018

The AGL15 subfamily MADS-box proteins play vital roles in various developmental processes, such as floral transition, somatic embryogenesis, and leaf and fruit development. In this work, an AtAGL15 ortholog, CsMADS26, was cloned from cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). The open reading frame (ORF) of CsMADS26 is 669 bp in length, encoding a predicted protein of 222 amino acids. The CsMADS26 protein contains a highly conserved MADS-box domain and a variable C domain, as well as less conserved I and K domains. Phylogenetic relationship analysis revealed that CsMADS26 was clustered into the AGL15 clade of AGL15 subfamily. Expression analysis based on qRT-PCR showed that CsMADS26 is mainly expressed in reproductive organs including flowers and fruits. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants with ectopic expression of CsMADS26 exhibited curled rosette and cauline leaves, and the leaf size was much smaller than that of wild-type (WT) plants. These results provide clues for the functional characterization of CsMADS26 in the future.
Ergonomic Evaluation of Current Advancements in Blueberry Harvesting
Authors: Kim Eunsik , Freivalds Andris , Takeda Fumiomi , Li Changying
Published: November 2018

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) accounted for 32% of days-away-from-work cases in private industry in 2016. Several factors have been associated with MSDs, such as repetitive motion, excessive force, awkward and/or sustained postures, and prolonged sitting and standing, all of which are required in farm workers’ labor. While numerous epidemiological studies on the prevention of MSDs in agriculture have been conducted, an ergonomics evaluation of blueberry harvesting has not yet been systematically performed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors of MSDs for several types of blueberry harvesting (hand harvesting, semi-mechanical harvesting with hand-held shakers, and over-the-row machines) in terms of workers’ postural loads and self-reported discomfort using ergonomics intervention techniques. Five field studies in the western region of the United States between 2017 and 2018 were conducted using the Borg CR10 scale, electromyography (EMG), Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), the Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD) index, and the NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) lifting equation. In evaluating the workloads of picking and moving blueberries by hand, semi-mechanical harvesting with hand-held shakers, and completely mechanized harvesting, only EMG and the NIOSH lifting equation were used, as labor for this system is limited to loading empty lugs and unloading full lugs. Based on the results, we conclude that working on the fully mechanized harvester would be the best approach to minimizing worker loading and fatigue. This is because the total component ratio of postures in hand harvesting with a RULA score equal to or greater than 5 was 69%, indicating that more than half of the postures were high risk for shoulder pain. For the semi-mechanical harvesting, the biggest problem with the shakers is the vibration, which can cause fatigue and various risks to workers, especially in the upper limbs. However, it would be challenging for small- and medium-sized blueberry farms to purchase automated harvesters due to their high cost. Thus, collaborative efforts among health and safety professionals, engineers, social scientists, and ergonomists are needed to provide effective ergonomic interventions.
Segmentation of Rice Seedlings Using the YCrCb Color Space and an Improved Otsu Method
Authors: Liao Juan , Wang Yao , Yin Junnan , Liu Lu , Zhang Shun , Zhu Dequan
Published: November 2018

Rice seedling segmentation is a fundamental process of extracting the guidance line for automated rice transplanters with a visual navigation system, which can provide crop row information to ensure the transplanter plants seedlings along the crop row without damaging seedlings. However, obtaining accurate rice seedling segmentation in paddy fields is still a challenging task. In this paper, a rice seedling segmentation method in paddy fields is proposed. The method mainly consists of two steps: image graying and threshold segmentation. In the procedure of image graying, the RGB (Red Green Blue) seedling image is first converted into the YCrCb color space and a Cg component is constructed. A color-index 2Cg-Cb-Cr is then constructed for image graying based on the excess green index (2G-R-B), which can reduce the influence of illumination variation on the equality of image graying. For the second step, an improved Otsu method is proposed to segment rice seedlings. With respect to the improved Otsu method in this research, the background variance of within class variance is weighted by a probability parameter to ensure that the method works well for both bimodal and near-unimodal histogram images, and the search range of gray levels is constrained to reduce the time to search the segmentation threshold. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method achieves better segmentation results and reduces the computational cost compared with the traditional Otsu method and other improved Otsu methods.
Brexit and Animal Protection: Legal and Political Context and a Framework to Assess Impacts on Animal Welfare
Authors: McCulloch Steven P.
Published: November 2018

The British people voted to leave the European Union (EU) in a 2016 referendum. The United Kingdom (UK) has been a member of the EU since the Maastricht Treaty was signed in 1993 and before that a member of the European Communities (EC) since 1973. EU animal health and welfare regulations and directives have had a major impact on UK animal protection policy. Similarly, the UK has had a substantial impact on EU animal protection. Brexit represents a substantial political upheaval for animal protection policy, with the potential to impact animal welfare in the UK, EU and internationally. Brexit’s impact on farmed animals will determine the overall impact of Brexit on animals. A major threat to animal welfare is from importing lower welfare products. A major opportunity is reform of UK agricultural policy to reward high welfare outside the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). A soft Brexit, in which the UK remains in the single market and/or customs union, mitigates the threat of importing lower welfare products. A harder Brexit means threats to animal welfare are more likely to materialise. Whether threats and opportunities do materialise will depend on political considerations including decisions of key political actors. The Conservative Government delivering Brexit has a problematic relationship with animal protection. Furthermore, Brexit represents a shift to the political right, which is not associated with progressive animal protection. There is significant political support in the Conservative Party for a hard Brexit. Further research is required to investigate whether the various threats and opportunities are likely to materialise.
Hypoxia and Oxidative Stress Are Associated with Reduced Fetal Growth in Twin and Undernourished Sheep Pregnancies
Authors: Sales Francisco , Peralta Oscar A. , Narbona Eileen , McCoard Sue , De los Reyes Mónica , González-Bulnes Antonio , Parraguez Víctor H.
Published: November 2018

Low birth weight has profound implications for perinatal mortality and morbidity in lambs, causing higher mortality and lower growth potential. Low birth weight, as a consequence of fetal growth restriction, occurs in undernourished and multiple pregnancies, where hypoxia and oxidative stress could play a critical role. Our aim was to establish the effects of nutritional deprivation and pregnancy rank on fetal growth, oxygenation, and oxidative status in sheep pregnancies under extensive Patagonian conditions. At 30 days after mating, single- and twin-bearing ewes were offered only natural pasture (undernutrition group) or natural pasture plus concentrate supplementation (well-nourished group). At day 140 of gestation, blood gases and redox status were evaluated in venous cord blood, and fetal biometric characteristics were obtained after cesarean section. Both maternal undernutrition and twinning led to decreased oxygen supply to the fetuses (p = 0.016 and p = 0.050, respectively), which was associated with decreased intrauterine growth (r = 0.446, p < 0.01). Moreover, twinning increased oxidative stress in cord blood (p < 0.05), which might also contribute to fetal growth restriction. These results reinforce the importance of maternal nutrition, especially for those ewes bearing multiples, and opens new possibilities for nutritional or antioxidant interventions for preventing fetal hypoxia and oxidative stress.
Inter-Laboratory Correlation Exercise with Portable Emissions Measurement Systems (PEMS) on Chassis Dynamometers
Authors: Giechaskiel Barouch , Casadei Simone , Mazzini Michele , Sammarco Mario , Montabone Gisella , Tonelli Roberto , Deana Mauro , Costi Giovanni , Di Tanno Francesco , Prati Maria Vittoria , Clairotte Michael , Di Domenico Andrea
Published: November 2018

The recently introduced Real Driving Emissions (RDE) light-duty vehicle emissions regulation requires testing with Portable Emissions Measurement Systems (PEMS) during type approval and in-service conformity. The studies on the accuracy of PEMS today are limited. An inter-laboratory correlation exercise with PEMS took place in Italy in 2017. Eight laboratories measured exhaust emissions from a Golden Euro 6 gasoline vehicle with a Golden PEMS installed in it, along with the individual lab’s own PEMS, following the regulated laboratory method (bags from the dilution tunnel). The data of the exercise were used to estimate the repeatability and reproducibility of the methodology with PEMS. The statistical analysis estimated reproducibility of 2.9% (bags) to 5.5% (lab PEMS) for CO2, 20–25% for CO (all methods), 23–31% for NOx (all methods), and 29% (tunnel, Golden PEMS) to 39% (lab PEMS) for particle number. The mean differences of the PEMS to the regulated method were ±1.5 g/km (or ±1%) for CO2, <16 mg/km (or <5%) for CO, <4 mg/km (or <11%) for NOx and 1 × 1011 particles/km (40%) for particle number. The results of this study confirm the satisfactory performance of PEMS and the permissible tolerances introduced in RDE regulation.
Smart Grid Testing Management Platform (SGTMP)
Authors: Schvarcbacher Martin , Hrabovská Katarína , Rossi Bruno , Pitner Tomáš
Published: November 2018

The Smart Grid (SG) is nowadays an essential part of modern society, providing two-way energy flow and smart services between providers and customers. The main drawback is the SG complexity, with an SG composed of multiple layers, with devices and components that have to communicate, integrate, and cooperate as a unified system. Such complexity brings challenges for ensuring proper reliability, resilience, availability, integration, and security of the overall infrastructure. In this paper, we introduce a new smart grid testing management platform (herein called SGTMP) for executing real-time hardware-in-the-loop SG tests and experiments that can simplify the testing process in the context of interconnected SG devices. We discuss the context of usage, the system architecture, the interactive web-based interface, the provided API, and the integration with co-simulations frameworks to provide virtualized environments for testing. Furthermore, we present one main scenario about the stress-testing of SG devices that can showcase the applicability of the platform.
Preparation and Two-Photon Photoluminescence Properties of Organic Inorganic Hybrid Perovskites (C6H5CH2NH3)2PbBr4 and (C6H5CH2NH3)2PbI4
Authors: Liu Shuai , Li Fang , Han Xiaobo , Xu Litu , Yao Fuqiang , Liu Yahui
Published: November 2018

Organic inorganic hybrid perovskites have potential applications in solar cells, electroluminescent devices and radiation detection because of their unique optoelectronic properties. In this paper, the perovskites (C6H5CH2NH3)2PbBr4 and (C6H5CH2NH3)2PbI4 were synthesized by solvent evaporation. The crystal structure, morphology, absorption spectrum, laser power dependence of the photoluminescence (PL) intensity and lifetime were studied. The results showed that the perovskites (C6H5CH2NH3)2PbBr4 and (C6H5CH2NH3)2PbI4 display a layered stacking structure of organic and inorganic components. The absorption peaks are located at 392 nm (3.16 eV) and 516 nm (2.40 eV), respectively. It was observed that the PL intensity and photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) increases with increasing laser power, and that the PL lifetime decreases with increasing laser power, which is mainly due to the non-geminate recombination.
Frequency-Domain Filtered-x LMS Algorithms for Active Noise Control: A Review and New Insights
Authors: Yang Feiran , Cao Yin , Wu Ming , Albu Felix , Yang Jun
Published: November 2018

This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the frequency-domain filtered-x least mean-square (FxLMS) algorithms for active noise control (ANC). The direct use of frequency-domain adaptive filters for ANC results in two kinds of delays, i.e., delay in the signal path and delay in the weight adaptation. The effects of the two kinds of delays on the convergence behavior and stability of the adaptive algorithms are analyzed in this paper. The first delay can violate the so-called causality constraint, which is a major concern for broadband ANC, and the second delay can reduce the upper bound of the step size. The modified filter-x scheme has been employed to remove the delay in the weight adaptation, and several delayless filtering approaches have been presented to remove the delay in the signal path. However, state-of-the-art frequency-domain FxLMS algorithms only remove one kind of delay, and some of these algorithms have a very high peak complexity and hence are impractical for real-time systems. This paper thus proposes a new delayless frequency-domain ANC algorithm that completely removes the two kinds of delays and has a low complexity. The performance advantages and limitations of each algorithm are discussed based on an extensive evaluation, and the complexities are evaluated in terms of both the peak and average complexities.
Advanced Ultraviolet Radiation and Ozone Retrieval for Applications (AURORA): A Project Overview
Authors: Cortesi Ugo , Ceccherini Simone , Del Bianco Samuele , Gai Marco , Tirelli Cecilia , Zoppetti Nicola , Barbara Flavio , Bonazountas Marc , Argyridis Argyros , Bós André , Loenen Edo , Arola Antti , Kujanpää Jukka , Lipponen Antti , Wandji Nyamsi William , Van der A Ronald , Van Peet Jacob , Tuinder Olaf , Farruggia Vincenzo , Masini Andrea , Simeone Emilio , Dragani Rossana , Keppens Arno , Lambert Jean-Christopher , Van Roozendael Michel , Lerot Christophe , Yu Huan , Verberne Koen
Published: November 2018

With the launch of the Sentinel-5 Precursor (S-5P, lifted-off on 13 October 2017), Sentinel-4 (S-4) and Sentinel-5 (S-5)(from 2021 and 2023 onwards, respectively) operational missions of the ESA/EU Copernicus program, a massive amount of atmospheric composition data with unprecedented quality will become available from geostationary (GEO) and low Earth orbit (LEO) observations. Enhanced observational capabilities are expected to foster deeper insight than ever before on key issues relevant for air quality, stratospheric ozone, solar radiation, and climate. A major potential strength of the Sentinel observations lies in the exploitation of complementary information that originates from simultaneous and independent satellite measurements of the same air mass. The core purpose of the AURORA (Advanced Ultraviolet Radiation and Ozone Retrieval for Applications) project is to investigate this exploitation from a novel approach for merging data acquired in different spectral regions from on board the GEO and LEO platforms. A data processing chain is implemented and tested on synthetic observations. A new data algorithm combines the ultraviolet, visible and thermal infrared ozone products into S-4 and S-5(P) fused profiles. These fused products are then ingested into state-of-the-art data assimilation systems to obtain a unique ozone profile in analyses and forecasts mode. A comparative evaluation and validation of fused products assimilation versus the assimilation of the operational products will seek to demonstrate the improvements achieved by the proposed approach. This contribution provides a first general overview of the project, and discusses both the challenges of developing a technological infrastructure for implementing the AURORA concept, and the potential for applications of AURORA derived products, such as tropospheric ozone and UV surface radiation, in sectors such as air quality monitoring and health.
Impacts of Pacific SSTs on Atmospheric Circulations Leading to California Winter Precipitation Variability: A Diagnostic Modeling
Authors: Myoung Boksoon , Yeh Sang-Wook , Kim Jinwon , Kafatos Menas C.
Published: November 2018

One of the primary meteorological causes of the winter precipitation deficits and droughts in California (CA) is anomalous developments and maintenance of upper-tropospheric ridges over the northeastern Pacific. In order to understand and find the key factors controlling the winter precipitation variability in CA, the present study examines two dominant atmospheric modes of the 500 hPa geopotential height in the Northern Hemisphere using an Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) and their associated large-scale circulation patterns for the last 41 winters (1974/75–2014/15). Explaining 17.5% of variability, the second mode (EOF2) shows strong anti-cyclonic circulations in the North Pacific and cyclonic circulations in the eastern USA and mid-latitude North Atlantic, similar to the atmospheric circulation observed in the 2013/14 drought of CA. EOF2 is tightly and significantly correlated with CA winter precipitation. EOF2 is associated with warm western‒cool eastern tropical Pacific, resembling a mirror image of canonical El Niño events. In particular, it is found that, since the mid-1990s, sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the western tropical Pacific have been more tightly correlated with EOF2 and with the variability of CA precipitation. A diagnostic regression model based on the west‒east SST difference in the tropical Pacific developed for two recent decades (1994/95–2014/15) has been found to capture the slow-moving interannual variability of the CA winter precipitation (about 50%). The regression model performs well, especially for the central and northern CA precipitation, where the impacts of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) on precipitation are indecisive. Our results emphasize the significant role of the western tropical Pacific SST forcing in the recent past, and in turn on CA droughts and potentially other precipitation extremes.
Renal Cell Carcinoma Is Abrogated by p53 Stabilization through Transglutaminase 2 Inhibition
Authors: Lee Seon-Hyeong , Lee Won-Kyu , Kim Nayeon , Kang Joon Hee , Kim Kyung-Hee , Kim Seul-Gi , Lee Jae-Seon , Lee Soohyun , Lee Jongkook , Joo Jungnam , Kwon Woo Sun , Rha Sun Young , Kim Soo-Youl
Published: November 2018

In general, expression of transglutaminase 2 (TGase 2) is upregulated in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), resulting in p53 instability. Previous studies show that TGase 2 binds to p53 and transports it to the autophagosome. Knockdown or inhibition of TGase 2 in RCC induces p53-mediated apoptosis. Here, we screened a chemical library for TGase 2 inhibitors and identified streptonigrin as a potential therapeutic compound for RCC. Surface plasmon resonance and mass spectroscopy were used to measure streptonigrin binding to TGase 2. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that streptonigrin binds to the N-terminus of TGase 2 (amino acids 95–116), which is associated with inhibition of TGase 2 activity in vitro and with p53 stabilization in RCC. The anti-cancer effects of streptonigrin on RCC cell lines were demonstrated in cell proliferation and cell death assays. In addition, a single dose of streptonigrin (0.2 mg/kg) showed marked anti-tumor effects in a preclinical RCC model by stabilizing p53. Inhibition of TGase 2 using streptonigrin increased p53 stability, which resulted in p53-mediated apoptosis of RCC. Thus, targeting TGase 2 may be a new therapeutic approach to RCC.
Advanced Radiation Techniques in the Treatment of Esthesioneuroblastoma: A 7-Year Single-Institution’s Clinical Experience
Authors: Liermann Jakob , Syed Mustafa , Held Thomas , Bernhardt Denise , Plinkert Peter , Jungk Christine , Unterberg Andreas , Rieken Stefan , Debus Jürgen , Herfarth Klaus , Adeberg Sebastian
Published: November 2018

(1) Background: Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is a rare tumor entity originating from the olfactory neuroepithelium. There is a scarcity of data about different treatment strategies. Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) are advanced radiation techniques that might improve local tumor control. (2) Methods: This retrospective analysis contained 17 patients with ENB (Kadish stage ≥ C: 88%; n = 15). Four patients had already undergone previous radiotherapy (RT). The treatment consisted of either IMRT (n = 5), CIRT (n = 4) or a combination of both techniques (n = 8). Median follow-up was 29 months. (3) Results: In patients that had not been irradiated before (n = 13), calculated overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) rates after 48 months were 100% and 81% respectively (Kaplan-Meier estimates). Two of four patients that underwent reirradiation died after RT, presumably due to tumor progression. Besides common toxicities, five patients (30%) showed mostly asymptomatic radiation-induced brain changes, most likely due to a disturbance of the blood-brain barrier. (4) Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that IMRT, CIRT, a combined approach of IMRT and CIRT as well as reirradiation with CIRT seem to be feasible and effective treatment methods in ENB.
Promotional Effect of Gold on the WGS Activity of Alumina-Supported Copper-Manganese Mixed Oxides
Authors: Tabakova Tatyana , Ivanov Ivan , Karakirova Yordanka , Karashanova Daniela , Venezia Anna Maria , Petrova Petya , Avdeev Georgi , Kolentsova Elitsa , Ivanov Krasimir
Published: November 2018

The water-gas shift (WGS) reaction is a well-known industrial process used for the production of hydrogen. During the last few decades, it has attracted renewed attention due to the need for high-purity hydrogen for fuel-cell processing systems. The aim of the present study was to develop a cost-effective and catalytically efficient formulation that combined the advantageous properties of transition metal oxides and gold nanoparticles. Alumina-supported copper- manganese mixed oxides were prepared by wet impregnation. The deposition-precipitation method was used for the synthesis of gold catalysts. The effect of the Cu:Mn molar ratio and the role of Au addition on the WGS reaction’s performance was evaluated. Considerable emphasis was put on the characterization of the as-prepared and WGS-tested samples by means of a number of physicochemical methods (X-ray powder diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and temperature-programmed reduction) in order to explain the relationship between the structure and the reductive and WGS behavior. Catalytic tests revealed the promotional effect of gold addition. The best performance of the gold-promoted sample with a higher Cu content, i.e., a Cu:Mn molar ratio of 2:1 might be related to the beneficial role of Au on the spinel decomposition and the highly dispersed copper particle formation during the reaction, thus, ensuring the presence of two highly dispersed active metallic phases. High-surface-area alumina that was modified with a surface fraction of Cu–Mn mixed oxides favored the stabilization of finely dispersed gold particles. These new catalytic systems are very promising for practical applications due to their economic viability because the composition mainly includes alumina (80%).
V-Containing Mixed Oxide Catalysts for Reduction–Oxidation-Based Reactions with Environmental Applications: A Short Review
Authors: Guerrero-Pérez M. Olga
Published: November 2018

V-containing mixed oxide catalytic materials are well known as active for partial oxidation reactions. Oxidation reactions are used in industrial chemistry and for the abatement of pollutants. An analysis of the literature in this field during the past few years shows a clear increase in the use of vanadium-based materials as catalysts for environmental applications. The present contribution makes a brief revision of the main applications of vanadium containing mixed oxides in environmental catalysis, analyzing the properties that present the catalysts with a better behavior that, in most cases, is related with the stabilization of reduced vanadium species (as V4+/V3+) during reaction.
MicroRNAs as Biomarkers in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Ricci Claudia , Marzocchi Carlotta , Battistini Stefania
Published: November 2018

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable and fatal disorder characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons in the cerebral cortex, brain stem, and spinal cord. Sporadic ALS form accounts for the majority of patients, but in 1–13.5% of cases the disease is inherited. The diagnosis of ALS is mainly based on clinical assessment and electrophysiological examinations with a history of symptom progression and is then made with a significant delay from symptom onset. Thus, the identification of biomarkers specific for ALS could be of a fundamental importance in the clinical practice. An ideal biomarker should display high specificity and sensitivity for discriminating ALS from control subjects and from ALS-mimics and other neurological diseases, and should then monitor disease progression within individual patients. microRNAs (miRNAs) are considered promising biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases, since they are remarkably stable in human body fluids and can reflect physiological and pathological processes relevant for ALS. Here, we review the state of the art of miRNA biomarker identification for ALS in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood and muscle tissue; we discuss advantages and disadvantages of different approaches, and underline the limits but also the great potential of this research for future practical applications.