bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upaya Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam (IPA) dengan Metode Pembelajaran Two Stay Two Stray (TSTS)
Authors: Bachri Syaeful , Dasmo Dasmo
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this research is to improve the result of studying science using two stays two strays (TSTS) learning method by controlling the students’ ability in the beginning. This research used the experimental method with ANAKOVA analysis. The sample used is the students of class VIII SMP Negeri 242 Jakarta with 60 students’ divided into control and experimental class with each totaling 30 samples. The results of this research are: First, controlling influence the students’ ability, in the beginning, there is difference result of studying science which is significant between the students who study by using two stays two stray and using conventional method (Fhitung = 15,05 > Ftabel = 4,01). Second, controlling influence the students’ ability, in the beginning, the result of study science, the students who study by using stay two stray is better than using conventional model (thitung = 3,892 > ttabel = 1,672).
PENGARUH SUPERVISI KEPALA SEKOLAH TERHADAP PENINGKATAN KINERJA GURU DI SMAN 2 KUOK KABUPATEN KAMPAR
Authors: Saleh Mardawi
Published: March 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengukur prosentase peningkatan kompetensi guru dalam menyusun silabus dan RPP setelah supervisi akademik berkelanjutan kepada guru yang sudah menyusun silabus dan RPP di tahun sebelumnya dan pada guru yang belum menyusun silabus dan RPP, juga untuk membuktikan secara ilmiah apakah supervisi akademik berkelanjutan dapat meningkatkan kompetensi guru dalam menyusun silabus dan RPP, serta untuk mengetahui langkah-langkah yang tepat dalam melakukan supervisi akademik agar mampu meningkatkan kompetensi guru dalam menyusun silabus dan RPP. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan metode penelitian tindakan kelas yang berlangsung selama 2 siklus. Masing-masing siklus terdiri dari tahapan perencanaan, pelaksanaan, observasi dan refleksi. Metode penelitian yang dilakukan peneliti adalah dengan melaksanakan supervisi akademik yang meliputi supervisi tradisional dan supervisi klinis. Berdasarkan analisis dan pembahasan peneliti dapat menyimpulkan bahwa melalui model supervisi akademik secara berkelanjutan terbukti secara ilmiah dapat meningkatkan kompetensi guru dalam menyusun silabus dan RPP di SMA Negeri 2 Kuok. Ini terbukti dengan meningkatnya jumlah silabus guru yang baik dari 35% menjadi 76% setelah supervisi akademik. Selain itu jumlah RPP yang berkualitas baik juga meningkat dari 53% menjadi 82%
IMPLEMENTASI KEBIJAKAN TENTANG PENGANGKATAN PENGAWAS SEKOLAH DI KOTA PEKANBARU
Authors: Kusuma Yanti Yandri
Published: March 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memperoleh pemahaman yang mendalam mengenai Implementasi Kebijakan tentang pengangkatan Pengawas Sekolah di lingkungan Dinas Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan Pekanbaru. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode studi kasus. Dalam penelitian ini, narasumber ditetapkan secara sengaja dengan pertimbangan tertentu (purposive sampling). Data kemudian dianalisis  dengan teknik interaktif (interactive analysis) yaitu melalui proses pengumpulan data, reduksi data, penyajian data dan penarikan kesimpulan. Pemeriksaan keabsahan data diuji melalui uji kreadibilitas. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa proses pengangkatan pengawas sekolah di lingkungan Dinas Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan Kota Pekanbaru dimulai dari  usulan Kadisdik Pekanbaru kepada Walikota Pekanbaru. Selain itu ketercapaian jumlah pengawas sekolah di dalam rumpun mata pelajaran pengawas sekolah belum tepat pada bidangnya, sehingga berdampak terhadap kelancaran tugas pengawas sekolah tersebut yang tidak efektif. Rekomendasi penelitian ini adalah agar Dinas Pendidikan Kota Pekanbaru dalam proses pengangkatan pengawas sekolah agar pengawas sekolah yang diangkat dimulai dengan analisis kebutuhan sehingga dapat dicapai ketepatan jumlah pengawas sekolah sesuai dengan rumpun mata pelajaran. Dengan demikian, pengawas dapat bekerja lebih efektif.
Instagramda Farklı Süre Geçiren Kullanıcılar, Instagram Reklamlarından Farklı Mı Etkilenir?
Authors: SARIYER Nilsun , ZÜMRÜT Seçil
Published: March 2018

Sosyal medya sadece iletişim alanında dikkat
çekici bir gelişme yaratmamış aynı zamanda pazarlama alanında da işletmelerin
hedef tüketici kitlesine ulaşmasını kolaylaştırmıştır. Özellikle Web 2.0 ile
sosyal medya karşılıklı iletişimi mümkün hale getirmiştir. Bu çalışmada sosyal
medya reklamları ele alınmıştır. Sosyal medya uygulamalarından biri olan
Instagram reklamlarına yönelik bir araştırma yapılmıştır. Araştırmanın amacı,
sosyal medya reklamlarının farklı tüketici grupları için farklı algılanıp
algılanmadığının belirlenmesidir. Tanımlayıcı nitelik taşıyan bu araştırmada,
birincil veriler kullanılmıştır. Veriler, anket yoluyla toplanmıştır. Anket,
Google Doküman kullanılarak oluşturulmuştur. Araştırmada tesadüfi olmayan
örnekleme yöntemlerinden kartopu örneklemesi kullanılmıştır. Anketler Instagram
uygulaması üzerinden yayınlanarak toplam 410 kişiye ulaşılmıştır. Elde edilen
verilerin analizinde faktör analizi ve ayırma analizi kullanılmıştır. Araştırma
sonucunda Instagramda günlük 2 saatten fazla zaman geçiren kullanıcıların
Instagram reklamlarının içeriğine önem verdikleri sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
Teslim Tarihi Problemi ve İnovatif Bir Karar Modeli Önerisi
Authors: AKTÜRK Cemal , GÜLSEÇEN Sevinç
Published: March 2018

Siparişe üretim yapan firmalarda ürünlerin
teslim tarihinin belirlenmesi, firmanın karlılığı ve müşteri memnuniyeti
açısından oldukça hayati öneme sahiptir. Çünkü, müşteriler bir siparişi
onaylarken hem ürünün fiyatından hem de teslim tarihinden memnun olmalıdır. Erken
verilecek teslim tarihleri üretim programında yığılmalara neden olabilir ve geç
teslim tarihleri sipariş ve müşteri kaybına sebep olmaktadır. Bu çalışmada,
siparişe üretim ortamı için teslim tarihi problemine getirilen çözüm önerileri
araştırılmıştır. Yapılan önceki araştırmalar kapsamlı bir şekilde incelenerek
teslim tarihi problemine çözüm önerisi olacak inovatif bir doğrusal karar
modeli önerilmiştir.
Ecological impact of coal mines on lichens: A case study at Moghla coal mines Kalakote (Rajouri), J&K
Authors: Charak Sangeeta , Sheikh Mukhtar A. , Raina Anil K. , Upreti D. K.
Published: March 2018

The data on the frequency, density and abundance of the lichens growing around the Moghla Coal mines, Kalakote has been recorded and compared with lichens growing in a forest area away from the coal mines to work out effect of coal mines on the diversity and distribution of lichens. The data revealed that pollutants released by the open coal mining activities not only effected qualitative distribution but also have effect on the quantitative parameters. Over all 10 species of lichens belonging to 9 genera and 6 families have been recorded from the vicinity of coal mines as compared to 15 species, belonging to 9 genera and 7 families, recorded from the forest area.
Fetal weight nomogram for Nepalese population
Authors: Joshi Birendra Raj
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Determination of fetal weight is important in all pregnancies. Accurate antenatal assessment of the fetal weight is essential for deciding the plan of management that will minimize the perinatal morbidity and mortality rate.Methods: This prospective longitudinal study was based on 221 low-risk pregnancies. Gestational age was computed from last menstrual period (LMP). Biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femoral length (FL) were measured using ultrasound and Estimated fetal weight (EFW) was calculated.Results: Intrauterine growth expressed by EFW showed a continuous pattern until term. Conclusion: The presented growth chart is recommended as robust reference ranges for assessing growth.
Ultrasonological evaluation of acute scrotum
Authors: Sharma Prakash , Gyawali Merina , Singh Sristi
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Acute scrotum is a common surgical condition. Ultrasound along with Doppler plays an important role in differentiating the various causes. Purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of ultrasound in identifying the various causes of acute scrotum.Methods: All patients with history of acute scrotum presenting to the Department of Radiology were included in the study. Scrotal ultrasound was performed with a linear 7.5 to 12-MHz transducer with abundant acoustic gel. Imaging was done in longitudinal and transverse planes with Power Doppler and Color Doppler. The testes, epididymis, spermatic cord, scrotal wall and inguinal region were evaluated. Kidney, Ureter and Bladder region was evaluated for possibility of calculus. Final diagnosis was made based on clinical outcome, follow up, intraoperative findings and histopathology when available. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 18 for windows. Descriptive analysis was done. Non parametric correlation between side and torsion was done using Kendall Rank Correlation Coefficient.Results: There were altogether 50 patients available for statistical analysis. Age of the patients ranged from 14 to 65 years with mean age of 34.7±14.7 years. Most common age group was 21 to 40 years. Inflammatory pathology was the most common pathology of actual scrotal pain. There was no significant correlation between side of pain and testicular torsion.Conclusion: Inflammatory pathology was the most common cause for actual scrotal pain. The most common age group was 21 to 40 years.
Ultrasonographic Measurement of Placental Thickness During Pregnancy as a Parameter For Estimating Gestational Age of The Foetus
Authors: Khanal Umesh Prasad , Paudel Sharma , Lohani Benu
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Routine ultrasonography in pregnancy has the role in identifying the position, parenchyma echo pattern, variability of thickness of placenta which is associated with increased perinatal risk to both the foetus and mother. This study was carried out to establish the value of placental thickness measurement during normal pregnancy as a reliable parameter for estimating gestational age of the foetus.Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study done in the Department of Radiology and Imaging at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital from September 2004 to April 2005. Total 350 normal pregnant women of more than 15 weeks of gestation were included. Ultrasonographic measurement of placental thickness and fetal biometric measurements were obtained. Correlation coefficient tests were performed between the gestational age in weeks and placental thickness using Karl Pearson formula in SPSS 10 package.Results: Mean placental thickness measured at the cord insertion site increased from 15.28 mm at 15 weeks of gestational age to 39.57 mm at 39 weeks of gestational age correlated almost exact with a standard mean of deviation of ± 1.8 mm (r >0.851, p <0.001).Conclusion: Ultrasonographic measurement of placental thickness during normal pregnancy can predict the gestational age of the fetus with high confidence level and can be included as one of the biometric measurements of foetus to estimate its gestational age.
Characterization of Thyroid Nodule by Sonographic Features
Authors: Khadka Hensan , Sharma Saroj , Ghimire Ram Kumar , Sayami Gita
Published: March 2018

Introduction:  The thyroid is an endocrine gland situated in the infrahyoid compartment of neck in a space outlined by muscle, trachea, esophagus, carotid arteries and jugular veins. Though nodular thyroid disease is relatively common, thyroid cancer is rare and accounts for less than 1% of all malignancies indicating that overwhelming majority of thyroid nodules are benign. The purpose of this study was to assess the sonographic characteristics in a solitary thyroid nodule and predict  risk of malignancy.Methods:  This prospective study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Kathmandu.62 patients with palpable thyroid nodule were evaluated for sonographic characteristics .USG guided FNA for cytopathological examination was then performed.Results: Out of 66 patients, four were subsequently excluded because they didn’t fulfill the inclusion criteria. Of the 62 patients, 47 (75.8%) were females and 15 (24.2%) were males. Among 56 benign nodules, 45 (80.4%) were in females and 11(19.6) were in male. Among 6 malignant nodules, 4(66.7%) were in males and 2 (33.3%) were in females. Result shows 5 malignant nodules (83.3%) were solid where as 1 malignant nodule (16.7%) was complex with solid predominance. All 4 cystic nodules (7.1%) were benign. All complex nodules with predomint cystic components were also benign. One malignant nodule (16.7%) had snow storm type of microcalcification.  None of the benign nodules had microcalcification. Nodule having microcalcification was malignant. Findings showed that all malignant nodules (100%) had increased internal vascularity whereas benign nodules were variable in internal vascularity.Conclusion: This study has shown that colloid goiter is the commonest benign diagnosis whereas papillary carcinoma is the commonest malignancy. Malignant nodules are solid or predominantly solid whereas cystic and predominantly cystic nodules are likely to be benign. Macrocalcification and internal vascularity are not reliable to differentiate benign from malignant nodule. However, snowstorm calcification makes a nodule likely to be malignant whereas egg shell calcification is characteristic for benign nodule.
The 1956 Strike of Middle-Class Professionals
Authors: Bareli Avi , Cohen Uri
Published: March 2018

This article assumes, first, that during the 1950s the government,
the trade union Histadrut, and the political party Mapai situated
themselves in an intermediate position between the Ashkenazi public and
the recently arrived Mizrahi immigrants. Second, it assumes that the right
and center-right public forces, such as the General Zionist and Herut parties,
and the influential liberal-oriented newspaper Ha’aretz played key
roles in the evolution of ethnic relations during this period and impacted
the political orientation of the Ashkenazi middle class. It examines these
assumptions by considering the part played by the right, the center-right,
and the Mapai government during a prolonged conflict between the
Ashkenazi academic middle class and the government during the mid-
1950s. This dispute centered on the appropriate extent of the wage gaps
set between the salaries of the new Ashkenazi academic middle class and
those of the new Mizrahi proletariat.
Neonatal Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease Transgenic Mouse Model
Authors: Mazi Aise Rumeysa , Arzuman Aysegul Sumeyye , Gurel Busra , Sahin Betul , Tuzuner Mete Bora , Ozansoy Mehmet , Baykal Ahmet Tarik
Published: March 2018

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive disorder characterized by a variety of molecular pathologies causing cortical dementia with a prominent memory deficit. Formation of the pathology, which begins decades before the diagnosis of the disease, is highly correlated with the clinical symptoms. Several proteomics studies were performed using animal models to monitor the alterations of the brain tissue proteome at different stages of AD. However, proteome changes in the brain regions of newborn transgenic mouse model have not been investigated yet. To this end, we analyzed protein expression alterations in cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum of transgenic mice carrying five familial AD mutations (5XFAD) at neonatal day-1. Our results indicate a remarkable difference in protein expression profile of newborn 5XFAD brain with region specific variations. Additionally, the proteins, which show similar expression alteration pattern in postmortem human AD brains, were determined. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the molecular alterations were mostly related to the cell morphology, cellular assembly and organization, and neuroinflammation. Moreover, morphological analysis revealed that there is an increase in neurite number of 5XFAD mouse neurons in vitro. We suggest that, molecular alterations in the AD brain exist even at birth, and perhaps the disease is silenced until older ages when the brain becomes vulnerable.
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and the Diagnostic Stability of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Sugarman Michael A. , Alosco Michael L. , Tripodis Yorghos , Steinberg Eric G. , Stern Robert A.
Published: March 2018

Background:

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate diagnosis between normal cognition (NC) and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia. However, MCI is heterogeneous; many individuals subsequently revert to NC while others remain stable at MCI for several years. Identifying factors associated with this diagnostic instability could assist in defining clinical populations and determining cognitive prognoses.

Objective:

The current study examined whether neuropsychiatric symptoms could partially account for the temporal instability in cognitive diagnoses.

Method:

The sample included 6,763 participants from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set. All participants had NC at baseline, completed at least two follow-up visits (mean duration: 5.5 years), and had no recent neurological conditions. Generalized linear models estimated by generalized estimating equations examined associations between changes in cognitive diagnoses and symptoms on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15).

Results:

1,121 participants converted from NC to MCI; 324 reverted back to NC and 242 progressed to AD dementia. Higher symptoms on the GDS-15 and circumscribed symptom domains on the NPI-Q were associated with conversion from NC to MCI and a decreased likelihood of reversion from MCI to NC. Individuals with higher symptoms on NPI-Q Hyperactivity and Mood items were more likely to progress to AD dementia.

Discussion:

The temporal instability of MCI can be partially explained by neuropsychiatric symptoms. Individuals with higher levels of specific symptoms are more likely to progress to AD dementia and less likely to revert to NC. Identification and treatment of these symptoms might support cognitive functioning in older adults.
Harpagoside Rescues the Memory Impairments in Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion Rats by Inhibiting PTEN Activity
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhang Haifeng , Xu Hongliang , Xue Rui , Zheng Yake , Wu Tianwen , Lian Yajun
Published: March 2018

Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common dementia worldwide. Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, VaD does not yet have effective therapeutic drugs. Harpagoside is the most important component extracted from Harpagophytum procumbens, a traditional Chinese medicine that has been widely used. The neuroprotective effects of harpagoside have been studied in Aβ- and MPTP-induced neurotoxicity. However, whether harpagoside is protective against VaD is not clear. In this study, with the use of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion rats, a well-known VaD model, we demonstrated that chronic administration (two months) of harpagoside was able to restore both the spatial learning/memory and fear memory impairments. Importantly, the protective effects of harpagoside were not due to alterations in the physiological conditions, metabolic parameters, or locomotor abilities of the rats. Meanwhile, we found that harpagoside suppressed the overactivation of PTEN induced by CCH by enhancing PTEN phosphorylation. Furthermore, harpagoside elevated the activity of Akt and inhibited the activity of GSK-3β, downstream effectors of PTEN. Overall, our study suggested that harpagoside treatment might be a potential therapeutic drug targeting the cognitive impairments of VaD.
Silt content approximation of Neogene Surma group mudrocks, Sitakund anticline, Bengal basin
Authors: Gazi Md Yousuf , Kabir SM Mainul , Imam Md Badrul
Published: March 2018

Petrography of the Neogene mudrocks in this study incorporates laser particle size analysis, thin sections and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ten representative mudrock samples were collected from outcrops of the Sitakund structure. From the studies, it is evident that mudrocks of Sitakund structure are characteristically silty. The silt content, as estimated by laser grain size analysis, of the mudrocks ranges from 39 to 77% with average of 58%. Significant amount of granular silt with the platy clay minerals is also evident from the SEM micrographs. The silts are mainly quartz, feldspar and micas. The high silt content in the Neogene mudrocks implies an enormous flux of silty sediments with a very high rate of sedimentation allowing little time for a more selective sorting. This supports the geologic history that the uplifting and erosion of Himalaya was at the peak during Miocene and the Ganges mega delta received highest rate of sedimentation and growth rendering shale consistently silty.Bangladesh J. Sci. Res. 30(1&2): 35-43, December-2017
Long term carrying over effects of basic slag, soil aggregate size and groundwater treatments for the reclamation of acid sulfate soils
Authors: Manjur Monija , Hossain Sonia , Khan Md Harunor Rashid
Published: March 2018

A pot experiment was conducted to study the carrying over effects of soil aggregate size, groundwater level and basic slag treatments in acid sulfate soils of Badarkhali and Cheringaseries which were examined for the reclamation during 1998-2001. Initially the soils were very strongly acidic (pH 3.9 for Badarkhali; 3.6 for Cheringa) and very strongly saline (ECe 23 mS/cm for Badarkhali) to moderately saline (10.3 mS/cm for Cheringa). Application of these treatments exerted remarkable improvement in soil fertility and plant growth on these soils after 18 years of occasional cultivation. In 2016, pH at different treatments in these soils ranged from 6.2 to 7.4 for Badarkhali, 5.2 to 7.1 for Cheringa and ECe from 1.7 to 3.2 mS/cm for Badarkhali, 1.5 to 8.75 for Cheringa soils. At the same time in Badarkhali soil, organic matter content (1.3 - 2.8%), total N (0.02 - 0.11%), available N (2.69 - 18.29 mmol/kg), available P (0.78 - 5.08 mmol/kg) were determined and almost similar values of these parameters were recorded in Cheringa soil. Available S contents were found to decrease and ranged from 0.06 - 0.18 cmol/kg in Badarkhali and 0.08 - 0.21 cmol/kg in Cheringa soils. In spite of using basic slag, the concentrations of lead and cadmium in the studied soils were determined below (highest value of Pb was 2.07 mg/kg and Cd 1.8 mg/kg) the normal contents (Pb 70 mg/kg and Cd 10 mg/kg) in the agricultural soils.Bangladesh J. Sci. Res. 30(1&2): 69-79, December-2017
Identifying factors that influence access to banking services in Bangladesh: A household level analysis
Authors: Dey Soma , Majumder Sacchidanand
Published: March 2018

This study, employing a logistic regression model seeks to identify the important factors that influence household’s access to banking services. The result shows that about 31.7% households have bank account while the remaining 68.3% households have no such account. The result found that with the increase in age of household’s head access to banking services increased gradually. As observed, female headed household have greater access to banking services as compared to male headed household. More so, formerly/ever married headed households have less access to banking services by comparison with never married headed households. The result also shows that access to banking services gradually increased with increasing education level of household’s head. It is found that poor households have very less access to banking services as compared to non-poor households. Increased land ownership of household allowed gradual increase in the access to banking services. The result also mentions that nonowner homestead households have less access to banking services as compared to own homestead households. According to the logistics regression analysis, comparing with the rural households it has been found that the urban households have more access to banking facilities.Bangladesh J. Sci. Res. 30(1&2): 81-89, December-2017
In vitro evaluation of selected fungicides and some plant extracts against seed-borne fungi of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
Authors: Hosen Md Delwar , Shamsi Shamim
Published: March 2018

Abstract not availableBangladesh J. Sci. Res. 30(1&2): 91-95, December-2017
Genome-Wide Identification of Insertion and Deletion Markers in Chinese Commercial Rice Cultivars, Based on Next-Generation Sequencing Data
Authors: Markkandan Kesavan , Yoo Seung-il , Cho Young-Chan , Lee Dong
Published: March 2018

Rice, being a staple food crop for over one-third of the world’s population, has become a potential target for many dishonest traders and stakeholders for mixing with low-grade, low-cost grains/products and poorly nutritious adulterants to make a profit with the least effort. Single-nucleotide and insertion–deletion (InDel) polymorphisms have been widely used as DNA markers, not only in plant breeding but also to identify various traits in rice. Recently, next-generation sequencing (NGS) has produced sequences that allow for genome-wide detection of these molecular markers. These polymorphisms can potentially be used to develop high-accuracy polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based markers. PCR-based techniques are rapid and successful methods to deal with the problem of adulteration at a commercial level. Here, we report the genome-wide analysis of InDel markers of 17 commercially available Chinese cultivars. In order to achieve accurate results, all samples were sequenced at approximately 30× genome coverage using Illumina HiSeq 2500™ system. An average of 10.6 GB clean reads per sample was produced and ~96.3% of the reads could be mapped to the rice genome reference IRGSP 1.0. After a series of filtering, we selected five InDel markers for PCR validation. The results revealed that these InDel markers can be used for authentication of Korean elite cultivars from the adulterants.
Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry of Compounds Containing Carboxyl Groups Using CdTe and CuO Nanoparticles
Authors: Sakurai Megumi , Sato Taro , Xu Jiawei , Sato Soichi , Fujino Tatsuya
Published: March 2018

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry of compounds containing carboxyl groups was carried out by using semiconductor nanoparticles (CdTe and CuO) as the matrix. Salicylic acid (Sal), glucuronic acid (Glu), ibuprofen (Ibu), and tyrosine (Tyr) were ionized as deprotonated species (carboxylate anions) by using electrons ejected from CdTe after the photoexcitation. When CuO was used as the matrix, the peak intensity of Tyr became high compared with that obtained with CdTe. Measurements of model peptides, angiotensin II (AngII) and substance P (SubP), were also carried out but the obtained peak intensities were very low. In order to explain this result, the interaction between CdTe and AngII was confirmed by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The results suggest that electrostatic binding between semiconductor nanoparticles and AngII prevented the efficient desorption of AngII into the gas phase.
A Bayesian Network Based Adaptability Design of Product Structures for Function Evolution
Authors: Li Shaobo , Wu Yongming , Xu Yanxia , Hu Jie , Hu Jianjun
Published: March 2018

Structure adaptability design is critical for function evolution in product families, in which many structural and functional design factors are intertwined together with manufacturing cost, customer satisfaction, and final market sales. How to achieve a delicate balance among all of these factors to maximize the market performance of the product is too complicated to address based on traditional domain experts’ knowledge or some ad hoc heuristics. Here, we propose a quantitative product evolution design model that is based on Bayesian networks to model the dynamic relationship between customer needs and product structure design. In our model, all of the structural or functional features along with customer satisfaction, manufacturing cost, sale price, market sales, and indirect factors are modeled as random variables denoted as nodes in the Bayesian networks. The structure of the Bayesian model is then determined based on the historical data, which captures the dynamic sophisticated relationship of customer demands of a product, structural design, and market performance. Application of our approach to an electric toothbrush product family evolution design problem shows that our model allows for designers to interrogate with the model and obtain theoretical and decision support for dynamic product feature design process.
Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters for Deep Blue Organic Light Emitting Diodes: A Review of Recent Advances
Authors: Bui Thanh-Tuân , Goubard Fabrice , Ibrahim-Ouali Malika , Gigmes Didier , Dumur Frédéric
Published: March 2018

Organic light-emitting diodes offer attractive perspectives for the next generation display and lighting technologies. The potential is huge and the list of potential applications is almost endless. So far, blue emitters still suffer from noticeably inferior electroluminescence performances in terms of efficiency, lifespan, color quality, and charge injection/transport when compared to that of the other colors. Emitting materials matching the NTSC standard blue of coordinates (0.14, 0.08) are extremely rare and still constitutes the focus of numerous academic and industrial researches. In this context, we review herein the recent developments on highly emissive deep-blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters that constitute the third-generation electroluminescent materials.
Novel Automatic Idle Speed Control System with Hydraulic Accumulator and Control Strategy for Construction Machinery
Authors: Ren Haoling , Lin Tianliang , Zhou Shengyan , Huang Weiping , Miao Cheng
Published: March 2018

To reduce the energy consumption and emissions of the hydraulic excavator, a two-level idle speed control system with a hydraulic accumulator for the construction machinery is proposed to reduce the energy consumption and improve the control performance of the actuator when the idle mode is cancelled. The structure and working principle are analyzed. The hydraulic accumulator (HA) is used to store the energy, which can provide backup pressured fluid when the idle mode is cancelled. Then, a method of how to set the pressure differential between the hydraulic accumulator and the load is proposed and the control law is discussed. The test rig is built. The experimental result shows that the idle speed can be switched among the first idle speed, the second idle speed and the normal speed automatically. Though the idle speed in the novel system can be reduced more than that in the conventional automatic idle speed control system (AISCS), the proposed system can still build the actuator pressure more quickly when the idle mode is cancelled. When compared to the system without the idle speed control, the energy saving of the proposed system is about 67%. The proposed two-level idle speed control system with a HA can achieve a high energy efficiency and a good control performance.
Groundsel Bush (Baccharis halimifolia) Extract Promotes Adipocyte Differentiation In Vitro and Increases Adiponectin Expression in Mature Adipocytes
Authors: Boudreau Anik , Fuller Scott , Ribnicky David , Richard Allison , Stephens Jacqueline
Published: March 2018

An ethanolic extract of Baccharis halimifolia (groundsel bush, GB), which is a native Louisiana plant with documented use in Creole folk medicine, has been shown to inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in cultured macrophages. Here, we examine the effects of GB on adipocyte development and function, as these processes are attractive targets for intervention in insulin resistance. Oil Red O neutral lipid staining, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and immunoblotting were used to measure GB effects on lipid accumulation, gene expression, and protein abundance, respectively. In differentiating 3T3-L1 adipocytes, GB enhanced lipid accumulation and increased expression of several adipogenic genes (GLUT4, aP2, ADPN, CEBPα, FAS, and PPARγ). Protein levels of two of these adipogenic markers (aP2 and adiponectin) were examined and found to be induced by GB treatment. In mature adipocytes, GB reduced the gene expression of resistin, a pro-inflammatory endocrine factor, increased the adiponectin protein levels in a time-dependent manner, and substantially attenuated the TNF-alpha-induced reduction in adiponectin. In macrophages, GB reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory genes that were induced by LPS. GB produces metabolically favorable changes in differentiating adipocytes, mature adipocytes, and macrophages in vitro, suggesting its potential use as a dietary supplement or nutraceutical to support metabolic health and resiliency.
Characteristics of Thermal Comfort Conditions in Cold Rural Areas of China: A Case study of Stone Dwellings in a Tibetan Village
Authors: Cheng Bin , Fu Yangliu , Khoshbakht Maryam , Duan Libin , Zhang Jian , Rashidian Sara
Published: March 2018

This paper focuses on thermal environmental conditions in the stone dwellings of a Tibetan village in Danba County, Sichuan, China, in winter. During the study, field measurements and subjective survey studies were collected, simultaneously, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the thermal comfort conditions that were experienced by residents in cold rural areas of Sichuan. Subjective surveys involved questions about thermal comfort perceptions and acceptability in cold conditions. The status of thermal comfort and characteristics of indoor environmental qualities were investigated in the study. The majority of survey participants (47% and 74%) voted as “slightly cool” for temperature, and “slightly dry” for humidity in the studied typical winter days, respectively. The available adaptive opportunities for the residents were investigated through the survey studies. Adjusting clothing, drinking hot beverages, blocking air infiltration through windows, and changing activities were the most common adaptive measures. An adaptive coefficient ( λ ) was determined based on adaptive predicted mean votes (aPMV) models using least square methods to assess the different adaptation measures in the region. Findings of this study provided a valuable reference for thermal comfort adaptations in cold climates, where limited adaptive opportunities were available due to the low standard of living.
Fabrication of Silica Microspheres (HB/A@SI-MNS) for Hafnium and Zirconium Recovery from Zirconyl Leach Liquor
Authors: Abd El-Magied Mahmoud , Salem Waheed , Daher Ahmad , Elshehy Emad
Published: March 2018

This work describes the synthesis of silica microspheres using sodium silicate obtained as a byproduct in the production of Egyptian Rosetta zircon concentrate. The obtained mesoporous silica microspheres were further modified with aminopropyltriethoxy silane and 2,4-Dihydroxybenzaldehyde to produce Schiff’s base silica sorbent (HB/A@Si-MNS). HB/A@Si-MNS was used for the selective extraction of hafnium from zircon mineral leach liqueur. The fabrication process and surface properties of HB/A@Si-MNS were confirmed by the means of X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscop (SEM), energy depressive X-ray (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and elemental analysis. The uptake behavior of HB/A@Si-MNS towards Zr(IV) and Hf(IV) ions were studied under different experimental conditions. Adsorption curves indicate that the uptake of Zr(IV) and Hf(IV) on HB/A@Si-MNS is a spontaneous, endothermic monolayer system controlled by intraparticle diffusion. Elution efficiencies were found to be 94% and 98% for Zr(IV) and Hf(IV), respectively. The regenerated HB/A@SI-MNS showed uptake capacity comparable to that of fresh ones over 3 cycles. The results of the extraction of Hf(IV) than Zr(IV) from Rosetta zircon concentrate show that HB/A@SI-MNS has a preferential selectivity towards Hf(IV) than Zr(IV). Therefore, the studied material may be promising for the selective separation of Hf(IV) from Zr(IV).
Fluctuations, Finite-Size Effects and the Thermodynamic Limit in Computer Simulations: Revisiting the Spatial Block Analysis Method
Authors: Heidari Maziar , Kremer Kurt , Potestio Raffaello , Cortes-Huerto Robinson
Published: March 2018

The spatial block analysis (SBA) method has been introduced to efficiently extrapolate thermodynamic quantities from finite-size computer simulations of a large variety of physical systems. In the particular case of simple liquids and liquid mixtures, by subdividing the simulation box into blocks of increasing size and calculating volume-dependent fluctuations of the number of particles, it is possible to extrapolate the bulk isothermal compressibility and Kirkwood–Buff integrals in the thermodynamic limit. Only by explicitly including finite-size effects, ubiquitous in computer simulations, into the SBA method, the extrapolation to the thermodynamic limit can be achieved. In this review, we discuss two of these finite-size effects in the context of the SBA method due to (i) the statistical ensemble and (ii) the finite integration domains used in computer simulations. To illustrate the method, we consider prototypical liquids and liquid mixtures described by truncated and shifted Lennard–Jones (TSLJ) potentials. Furthermore, we show some of the most recent developments of the SBA method, in particular its use to calculate chemical potentials of liquids in a wide range of density/concentration conditions.
Software Defined Networks in Wireless Sensor Architectures
Authors: Puente Fernández Jesús , García Villalba Luis , Kim Tai-Hoon
Published: March 2018

Nowadays, different protocols coexist in Internet that provides services to users. Unfortunately, control decisions and distributed management make it hard to control networks. These problems result in an inefficient and unpredictable network behaviour. Software Defined Networks (SDN) is a new concept of network architecture. It intends to be more flexible and to simplify the management in networks with respect to traditional architectures. Each of these aspects are possible because of the separation of control plane (controller) and data plane (switches) in network devices. OpenFlow is the most common protocol for SDN networks that provides the communication between control and data planes. Moreover, the advantage of decoupling control and data planes enables a quick evolution of protocols and also its deployment without replacing data plane switches. In this survey, we review the SDN technology and the OpenFlow protocol and their related works. Specifically, we describe some technologies as Wireless Sensor Networks and Wireless Cellular Networks and how SDN can be included within them in order to solve their challenges. We classify different solutions for each technology attending to the problem that is being fixed.
Stochastic Unit Commitment Based on Multi-Scenario Tree Method Considering Uncertainty
Authors: Jo Kyu-Hyung , Kim Mun-Kyeom
Published: March 2018

With the increasing penetration of renewable energy, it is difficult to schedule unit commitment (UC) in a power system because of the uncertainty associated with various factors. In this paper, a new solution procedure based on a multi-scenario tree method (MSTM) is presented and applied to the proposed stochastic UC problem. In this process, the initial input data of load and wind power are modeled as different levels using the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). The load and wind scenarios are generated using Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) that considers forecasting errors. These multiple scenarios are applied in the MSTM for solving the stochastic UC problem, including not only the load and wind power uncertainties, but also sudden outages of the thermal unit. When the UC problem has been formulated, the simulation is conducted for 24-h period by using the short-term UC model, and the operating costs and additional reserve requirements are thus obtained. The effectiveness of the proposed solution approach is demonstrated through a case study based on a modified IEEE-118 bus test system.
Impact of Conductor Temperature Time–Space Variation on the Power System Operational State
Authors: Wang Yanling , Mo Yang , Wang Mingqiang , Zhou Xiaofeng , Liang Likai , Zhang Pei
Published: March 2018

The conductor temperature of an overhead transmission line varies with time and space, which has an important impact on the system operation. In this paper, the conductor temperature is solved iteratively by the CIGRE heat balance equation. The time–space variation of conductor temperature of a 220-kV transmission line is analyzed using real meteorological data from Weihai. Considering the temporal distribution characteristics, the seasonal model of the conductor temperature is given. Considering the spatial distribution, the mean value model, the weight average model, and the segmentation model are established. The system power flow involving the conductor temperature is established based on the relationship between conductor temperature and transmission line parameters. Through the calculation of power flow and the analysis of the maximum power transmission capability, the accuracy of the segmentation model is verified. The results show that the conductor temperature of overhead lines has obvious time–space variation characteristics. It is necessary to consider the time–space variation when analyzing the operation state of power systems.
An Exploratory Analysis of Sound Field Characteristics using the Impulse Response in a Car Cabin
Authors: Soeta Yoshiharu , Sakamoto Yoshisada
Published: March 2018

Sound environments in cars are becoming quieter and receiving attention because of the prevalence of low-noise engines such as hybrid and electric engines and the manifestation of automated driving. Although the car cabin has potential as a listening space, its acoustic quality has not been examined in detail. The present study investigated sound field characteristics in the car cabin using acoustic parameters obtained by impulse response analysis. In particular, effects of the passenger position, open windows and the use of an air conditioner on acoustic parameters were investigated. The passenger position affected the sound strength at low frequencies. Rear seats, except for the rear central seat, had lower interaural correlation than the front seats, suggesting that rear seats have more diffused sound fields. The opening of windows and use of air conditioners attenuated the ratio of early- and late-arriving energy at high frequencies, suggesting a loss of clarity for music.
The Train Wreck Cluster Abell 520 and the Bullet Cluster 1E0657-558 in a Generalized Theory of Gravitation
Authors: Israel Norman , Moffat John
Published: March 2018

A major hurdle for modified gravity theories is to explain the dynamics of galaxy clusters. A case is made for a generalized gravitational theory called Scalar-Tensor-Vector-Gravity (STVG) or MOG (Modified Gravity) to explain merging cluster dynamics. The paper presents the results of a re-analysis of the Bullet Cluster, as well as an analysis of the Train Wreck Cluster in the weak gravitational field limit without dark matter. The King- β model is used to fit the X-ray data of both clusters, and the κ -maps are computed using the parameters of this fit. The amount of galaxies in the clusters is estimated by subtracting the predicted κ -map from the κ -map data. The estimate for the Bullet Cluster is that 14.1 % of the cluster is composed of galaxies. For the Train Wreck Cluster, if the Jee et al. data are used, 25.7 % of the cluster is composed of galaxies. The baryon matter in the galaxies and the enhanced strength of gravitation in MOG shift the lensing peaks, making them offset from the gas. The work demonstrates that this generalized gravitational theory can explain merging cluster dynamics without dark matter.
Roles of Mitochondrial DNA Mutations in Stem Cell Ageing
Authors: Su Tianhong , Turnbull Doug , Greaves Laura
Published: March 2018

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations accumulate in somatic stem cells during ageing and cause mitochondrial dysfunction. In this review, we summarize the studies that link mtDNA mutations to stem cell ageing. We discuss the age-related behaviours of the somatic mtDNA mutations in stem cell populations and how they potentially contribute to stem cell ageing by altering mitochondrial properties in humans and in mtDNA-mutator mice. We also draw attention to the diverse fates of the mtDNA mutations with different origins during ageing, with potential selective pressures on the germline inherited but not the somatic mtDNA mutations.
The Prevalence of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Acute Geriatric Patients
Authors: Melgaard Dorte , Rodrigo-Domingo Maria , Mørch Marianne
Published: March 2018

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is underdiagnosed and undertreated in many geriatric centers. The aim of this study is to explore the prevalence of OD in acute geriatric patients. The outcome was mortality during hospitalization, mortality, and rehospitalization within 0–30 and 31–180 days of discharge. A total of 313 consecutive acute geriatric patients (44.1% male, mean age 83.1 years (SD 7.8)) hospitalized from 1 March to 31 August 2016 in the North Denmark Regional Hospital were included in this study. The volume-viscosity swallow test and the Minimal Eating Observation Form-II were conducted for each patient in order to screen for OD. A total of 50% patients presented with OD. In the group of patients with OD, significantly more lived in nursing homes; had a lower weight, DEMMI score, and handgrip strength; and smaller circumference of arms and legs compared with non-dysphagia patients. Patients with OD presented an increased length of stay in hospital of one day (p = 0.70). Intra-hospital mortality was 5.8% vs. 0.7%, (p < 0.001) compared with patients with no symptoms of OD. OD is prevalent in acute geriatric patients, and the mortality is 34% within six months of hospitalization. Screening for OD should be given more attention and included in geriatric guidelines.
An Empirical Investigation of Risk-Return Relations in Chinese Equity Markets: Evidence from Aggregate and Sectoral Data
Authors: Chiang Thomas , Zhang Yuanqing
Published: March 2018

This paper investigates the risk-return relations in Chinese equity markets. Based on a TARCH-M model, evidence shows that stock returns are positively correlated with predictable volatility, supporting the risk-return relation in both aggregate and sectoral markets. Evidence finds a positive relation between stock return and intertemporal downside risk, while controlling for sentiment and liquidity. This study suggests that the U.S. stress risk or the world downside risk should be priced into the Chinese stocks. The paper concludes that the risk-return tradeoff is present in the GARCH-in-mean, local downside risk-return, and global risk-return relations.