bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALISA PERFORMANSI HEAT PUMP MENGGUNAKAN COUNTER FLOW HEAT EXCHANGERS
Authors: Kusnandar Kusnandar , Kusnandar Kusnandar
Published: August 2018

Heat pump is a device that can be make heat and cool , which is functions as a cooling evaporator can be replaced to be a heating condenser. With adding a heat exchanger in the heat pump can provide better effect of heating and cooling. In this experiment, the heat pump using type hydrocarbon refrigerantand type friendly refrigerant to the environment, one of refrigerant isR-290. From the results that obtained value Coefficient Of Performance (COP) in the heat pump that uses a counter flow heat exchanger is 4.8 while the heat pump that does not use a counterflow heat exchanger obtained COP of 4.1. Efficiencies increase in the heat pump without using counter flow heat exchanger is 74%, otherwise the efficiency decrease of the heat pump using heat pump is 85%.
Studi Eksperimental Pengaruh Sumber Kalor Terhadap Distribusi Temperatur dan Temperatur Pendidihan pada Tapering Heat Pipe
Authors: Sarip Sarip , Sudjito Sudjito , Yuliati Lilis , Agus Choiron Moch.
Published: August 2018

Heat source of the heat energy can affected of the temperature distribution and the boiling temperature of the tapering heat pipe located on the evaporator. The purpose of this study was conducted to determine the effect of heat source on the temperature distribution and boiling temperature that occur in the tapering heat pipe. In this study, used heat pipe tapered shape of the copper pipe diameter of 10 mm and 20 mm as evaporator as condenser with a length of 200 mm. Tapering heat pipe inside there is a wick mesh screen serves as the axis of the capillary to the return liquid / backflow of fluid from the condenser to the evaporator. The condenser ends mounted a valve to inject the working fluid into the tapering heat pipe. K-type thermocouple is integrated with NI-9211 module and c-DAQ 9271 to measure the temperature distribution along the tapering heat pipe with a heat source of DC power supply for (25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50) Watt. The results showed that there was a difference of temperature distribution and boiling temperature caused by the variations heat source. Temperature of distribution and boiling temperature which tends to increase in value the greater the heat source, so it can be concluded that the heat source has an influence on the temperature distribution and the boiling temperature of the tapering heat pipe with 50 Watt heat source generates temperature distribution and boiling temperature stable.
Rancang Bangun Pagar Otomatis dengan Finger Print Berbasis Mikrokontroller
Authors: Usman Usman , Abdul Azis Rahmansyah Abdul , Fajri Apriadi Nur
Published: August 2018

The fence is one of the leading security in maintaining a building. Conventional fence require operator to open and close it, so it does not effective and efficient. This problem can be solved with automated systems. This research aims to design fance system using finger print sensor  based microcontroller arduino, which is equipped with a locking system that use a solenoid. This experimental research is starts from the design, fabrication and testing. Fences made have specifications 3.2 m x 1.5 m with a total weight is 30.67 kg, path lengthis 2.1 m, diameter sprocket 0.03 m, Voltage DC motor is 12 V  and rotation is 195 rpm. The test results showed a good performance conform with its initial design, where a fence can be opened with a fingerprint has been recorded before. Solenoid can open and lock, likewise with the the photodiode can detect object is on the track. The test results obtained there are differences when opening / closing compared with the results design is 20%, with an average voltage is 12.06  V, current is 1 A, rotation is 135 rpm, and the time it takes 9.9 s, where the torque produced is of 0.64 Nm and maximum load can be driven by a DC motor is at 59.97 kg.
Rancang Bangun Vibration Test Bench untuk Mensimulasikan Kondisi Unbalance dengan Pengaturan Putaran dan Beban Unbalance
Authors: Maolana Imam
Published: August 2018

The goal of this work is to design and build a vibration test bench to simulate unbalance in rotating machine. The vibration test bench made of a 25 mm diameter steel shaft and length of 410 mm supported by two ball bearings. Two steel discs to variate unbalance load installed in the shaft powered by 0.5 Hp electric motor with maximum rotation of 1400 RPM. Inverter used to control rotation from electric motor. Vibration testing conducted at two condition; (1) without load and rotation variation, (2) unbalance load with variation of unbalance mass. Pick up point of vibration measurement at bearing house in radial and axial direction. The vibration parameter measured are amplitude and spectrum (wave form). Amplitude measurement using hand held vibrometer, while spectrum using accelerometer conected to a Data Acquisition. After testing the condition using unbalance load, we conclude that the vibration test bench match unbalance condition as described in theory which is high amplitude at machine frequency, and it’s value proportional to unbalance mass. We find that the highest amplitude is at horizontal direction where machine stiffnes is smallest. Vibration testing with no load condition show that there is harmonic in vibration spectrum indicating rotating looseness, probably caused by bearing wear.
OPTIMASI TEMPERATUR INTERFACE PADA PELAPISAN ULANG NI-HARD 1 DENGAN METODE GRAVITY CASTING
Authors: Hanaldi Kus , Purwadi Wiwik , Kurnia Nurzaenal Friya
Published: August 2018

Grinding roll is one type of product made by the method of bimetallic casting. The product consists of two types of material that held together with foundry process. Grinding roll has two kinds of different material properties, outer grinding roll should be hard because it would destroy the mine or rock with material hardness at 9.3 mohs. The inside of the grinding roll should be soft,  for machining process , and also for dampen the vibration caused by the grinding process. In use, the outer layer of the grinding roll will be thinned. The purpose of this study to fix the beam Ni-Hard 1 by coating using a material Ni-Hard 1 with variable temperature liquid interface. The methodology of this study is the beam of Ni-Hard 1 to be coated (called die blank) is heated by the flow of liquid metal Ni Hard1. This process is called flushing. The volume of flushing fluid is accommodated at the disposal basin. The design, which has been determined, simulated using software (solidcast 8.2)  to determine the temperature of interface, and then carried out experiments in the workshop.The bond was analyzed by testing the microstructure, composition, and hardness. Results from this study is the technology to coat Ni-Hard 1 with material Ni-Hard 1 that bonding occurs at the surface. Results of research showed that surface fixing with gravity casting method can be applied at Grinding roll, with the temperature variable interface that must be achieved between 887 ° C – 1198 ° C, flushing time between 10-20 seconds, with a pouring temperature of 1438 ° C – 1468 ° C.
PENERAPAN DIGITAL WATERMARK SEBAGAI VALIDASI KEABSAHAN GAMBAR DIGITAL DENGAN SKEMA BLIND WATERMARK
Authors: Suheryadi Adi
Published: August 2018

Digital watermarking is an important field of technological development that has now grown in the digital era. Digital era encourage the spread digital images on internet by the websites with a large scale. On the other hand, digital images are objects that are very easy to change or manipulate, and even copied irresponsibly. Meanwhile it is very difficult to prove the image has been changed by existing equipment at this time, and it is difficult to prove its ownership. This is an important issue, when the image is one of the evidences for legal cases, news reporting and medical filing, where the image must be ensured that the digital image is not subject to change or manipulation. In this paper, we present the application of digital watermarking to authentication and ownership validation of digital image so the image can be ascertained its validity. This research applies blind watermark scheme by using secret key that inserted at least-significant bits (LSB) of host image therefore the watermark is invisible watermark. The result of watermarked image has a small decrease in quality with the mean value of PSNR and MSE about 34.08 and 14.62.
TEST CHARACTERISTICS OF CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS ON COOLING HYDRONIC SYSTEM USING ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY REFRIGERATION
Authors: Kurniawan Yudhy , Kusnandar Kusnandar
Published: August 2018

In generally cooling hydronic system applied to large-scale commercial or industrial use, where water cooling is processed through heat transfer mechanism in the evaporator pipe using a vapour compression system such as a chiller with refrigerant. The research idea is based on not available practice test of cooling hydronic system at the Department of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineering at State Polytechnic of Indramayu which is the main competency in the course of Air Conditioning Applied. As teh utilization practice made cooling hydronic system by utilizing a vapour compression system that is split AC using refrijeran R32 is environmentally friendly. The split AC system modifies its evaporator coil into a heat exchange medium to cool water in the water tank. The cold water is then distributed in the piping installation system with the two pumps that are varied in series and parallel. From this process, it is necessary to know the working capability of the pumps in terms of its characteristics (head and capacity) or its performance, including energy losses and cooling capacity system. The results obtained are analyzed and the calculation is in accordance with theoretically known study.
Performance and Economic Analysis of Solar Water Pump System Laboratory Scale
Authors: Usman Usman , Sunding Alang , Parawangsa Akbar Naro
Published: August 2018

The dependence of solar radiation in generating electricity by PV will have an impact on the PVWPS performance, besides The PVWPS consists many components with different characteristics. Thus this research will investigation the performance conduct economic analysis of PVWPS. To achieve that objective measurement of data starting at 09.00 until 16.00. The data are solar radiation, voltage and current of PV/pump and the time required to fill the container with a certain volume. Analysis data is using the equations that have been predetermined and comparison other research. The results obtained that the water discharge generated by PVWPS will be proportional to solar radiation, as a result the production of electricity generated by PV. The pump efficiency and system is proportional to solar radiation. This phenomenon is the effect of water debit dependence on solar radiation. The result of economic analysis is the price of electricity generated by SPATS is relatively cheap and the water cost for every m3 is inversely proportional to the water discharge generated by the pump.
Diseño de un modelo de auto-organización para la solución de las crisis en las organizaciones empresariales
Authors: Bohórquez Luz Esperanza
Published: August 2018

Business crises situations are to be expected due to the high level of interdependent systems that characterize the environment. The mainstream of thought for business management has focused on preventing crises from identifying causal relationships between system variables; but to date it has not produced the expected results. The sciences of complexity have proposed that the best alternative to overcome the crisis is the adaptability of the system through self-organization; however, the business context research is in early stages and there are no models and / or empirical evidences to corroborate the strength of these ideas. The article proposes the design of a model for self-organization business in order to overcome the crisis. The proposal raises implications for new ways of managing business organizations, and especially for the solution of the crisis.
Metodología y algoritmo para encontrar números perfectos en un rango determinado de números naturales usando Programación Funcional
Authors: Trejos B. Omar I.
Published: August 2018

This article explains a model of teaching computer programming applied to the solution of a specific problem from functional programming paradigm establishing a relationship to the student, academically among the topics covered in mathematics and possibility of capitalizing computer technology to solve it. This research used the method of study and solution of a specific case from the perspective of mathematical logic implementation developed in the first course of computer programming in Systems Engineering. The results show an assimilation, appropriation, application and feedback conducted so that it has been applied, by students in similar exercises from the perspective of autonomous learning and active participation. The conclusion is that the solution of mathematical problems from programming is an area that could be exploited much more, from the teaching, to reach learning goals of student and that this strategy enable selflearning and active learning.
Modelo simple y generalizado para estimar la entalpía de vaporización de sustancias puras
Authors: Cardona Palacio Luis Fernando
Published: August 2018

O calor de vaporização de substâncias puras em sua temperatura normal de ebulição é uma propriedade utilizada em diferentes aplicações na indústria de processos. No presente trabalho, uma nova equação generalizada para predizer a entalpia de vaporização é proposta para substâncias puras. A partir de valores de pressão crítica, temperatura crítica, temperatura normal de ebulição e dados experimentais da entalpia de evaporação de 300 substâncias puras e mediante o algoritmo de Lasdon et al., o qual minimiza a soma dos quadrados dos desvios relativos da entalpia de vaporização, foram determinadas as constantes características da nova equação. Para validar o modelo proposto obtido, foram avaliadas 227 substâncias puras, gerando percentuais de desvio relativo de 0.0821%. Os resultados foram comparados com modelos preditivos para o cálculo da entalpia da vaporização, como são as equações de: Riedel, Chen, Trouton, Zhao ey al., Vetere, Liu, Mehmandoust et al., Morgan, Carruth e Kobayashi e os resultados indicam que a nova equação proposta gera uma melhor precisão.
Degradación fotocatalítica de la orto y meta-Nitroanilina en un reactor cilíndrico – parabólico compuesto
Authors: Diaz Prada Wilberth Daniel , Cortes Hernández Héctor Fabio , Rodríguez Espinosa Jhon Alexander
Published: August 2018

Catalytic photodegradation with solar radiation is one of the most economical and highly useful technologies in advanced oxidation processes for the treatment of contaminants in water. The technique uses semiconductors that take advantage of a percentage of the wavelength emitted by the sun for the generation of species pair hollow-electron, that initiate the conversion of the molecules to be degraded. In the present research the photodegradation of the ortho and meta-Nitroaniline systems is studied in a solar reactor fitted with a compound Parabolic Collector (CPC) built at microscale, using TiO2 as a catalyst in suspension. The optimum conditions were determined in terms of solution flow rate, species derived from the acid and type of oxidizing agent. The results reveal a higher percentage of degradation with the use of hydrogen peroxide regardless of the flow rate for both compounds and an acceptable water quality under biological analysis on species guppies (Poecilia reticulata).
Peran Desa Sebagai Basis Migrasi Aman dalam Perlindungan Tenaga Kerja Indonesia
Authors: Ardhanariswari Riris , Pamuji Kadar , P. Oktafiani Catur
Published: August 2018

The lack of knowledge possessed by Indonesian labor abroad gives rise to some vulnerability. An urgent problem to solve is the formulation of village regu-lations on the protection of the Pamijen Village workforce in order for Indonesian workers from Pamijen Village to be protected for safe migration and to ensure that abandoned families can educate abandoned children well. This research uses a qualitative approach because it has advantages in constructing social reality, cultural meaning, focusing on interactive processes and events. The authors discussed with Pamijen Village Government to get inputs related to improving the capacity of the village apparatus through training on the formulation of Village Regulations on the Protection of Indonesian Workers and then conducting public hearing activities through focus group discussions. The results of the research conducted in Pamijen Village, Sokaraja Sub-district resulted in an agreement to draft the Pamijen Village Rule of Re-gulation on the Protection of Prospective Indonesian Workers/ Indonesian Migrant Workers and Their Families
Keywords: Village, Protection, Indonesian Worker
The Attendance of Independent Candidates in Local Head Election as a Effort to Improvement The Government System
Authors: Martono Joko , Budimansyah Budimansyah , Annurdi Annurdi
Published: August 2018

The nature of political party is accentuated their interest that causes the decrease of public confidence in the political party. It affects the election of local heads when the candidate supported by the political party in the election process. So that the presence of regulation that opens the opportunity for independent candidates in the election of local head, raises the hope to improve the government system. This research type is normative juridical research, and the data used for this research are some legislation, documents, and books relating the election of local head. The result of this research revealed that independent candidates that elected as local head face problems when they must be able to maintain a balance with the local parliament as a consequence of did not get support from political parties.
Keywords: Independent Candidate, Local Head Election
Economic Analysis of Law Pada Perubahan Kebijakan Kontrak Karya Menjadi Ijin Usaha Pertambangan Khusus (IUPK): Studi Kasus Pt. Freeport Indonesia
Authors: Sulistyorini Isti , Zulaekhah Siti
Published: August 2018

Freeport Indonesia is the first Indonesian PMA company in the field of mineral mining which has been operating its business activities since 1968, at the time of enactment of Law no. 1 Year 1967 about PMA. Political turmoil and economic instability, low exchange rate and social conflicts are a burden to the government and demand a swift step to overcome them. As a potential economic sector deemed capable of sustaining state revenues to be distributed to the public and ultimately improving the welfare of the people, the mining sector receives serious attention. Based on author literature search, PT. Freeport Indonesia is the first Indonesian PMA company in the field of mineral mining which has been operating its business activities since 1968, at the time of enactment of Law no. 1 Year 1967 about PMA. Based on the economic analysis of law according to Richard A. Postner, the change of the mining concession policy from contract-based in the form of Contract of Work (KK) to license-based through a Special Mining Business License (IUPK) is in accordance with the economic approach to the law. Government of Indonesia gradually over its attitude that the renewal of mining concession mechanism that is more oriented to the greatest prosperity of the people.
Keywords: Economic Analysis Of Law, Contract of Work, Freeport
Severity of Antimicrobial Resistance: Bangladesh Perspective
Authors: Sultana Hafiza
Published: August 2018

Abstract Not AvailableBangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases 2017;4(2):29
Study of Bacterial Pathogens in Urinary Tract Infection and their Antimicrobial Sensitivity Pattern
Authors: Parveen Rezina , Rahim Ina
Published: August 2018

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections in Bangladesh. Antimicrobial agents are used for its treatment. The increase in antibiotic resistance among uropathogens is a global problem.Objective: This study was designed to find out the prevalence of UTI, its causative agents and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns among suspected patients of UTI attending Dhaka Dental College Hospital, Dhaka.Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Dhaka Dental College Hospital, Dhaka during the period of November 2014 to May 2017. Clinically diagnosed cases of UTI irrespective of age and sex from out-patient department and in-patient department were selected for the purpose of the study. For culture, the urine samples were inoculated on 5% sheep blood agar and MacConkey’s agar media using calibrated loop following standard bacteriological technique. After the incubation period, the plate were examined for bacterial pathogen. The disk diffusion method (Kirby Bauer’s) was used to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates. Standard inoculums were inoculated on Mueller-Hinton agar and incubated at 37oC for 24 hours.Result: Ninety three urine samples were studied. Among the 93 samples most of them were in the age group of 21 to 30 years. Out of 93 samples, 26 (27.95%) samples were found culture positive. Escherichia coli (92.30%) was found to be the predominant organism.  Regarding antimicrobial sensitivity pattern Esch. coli was found to be most sensitive to Imipenem (100%), Amikacin (87.5%), and Nitrofurantoin (83.33%).Conclusion: In conclusion young aged female are commonly suffering from UTI and Escherichia coli is the most common isolated bacteria.Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, December 2017;4(2):40-44
Corporate Governance and the Capital Market in Ghana: The Stymieing Role of the State
Authors: Srem-Sai Justice
Published: August 2018

Ghana's capital market is greatly undervalued, extremely concentrated and widely divorced from the country's actual economy. Investors prefer sole proprietorships and closely held businesses, and are antipathetic towards the capital market. This article seeks to implicate the state as the main cause of this antipathy. The article will argue that this antipathy is a consequence of the repeated failure of the state-owned or state-controlled enterprises or corporations (collectively referred to as ‘SOEs’). It will, through real-life cases, also show that the failure of SOEs in Ghana is as a result of bad corporate governance practices by the state in respect of wholly state-owned corporations and, later, in corporations in which the state became a controlling shareholder. The article, further, attempts to link the economic challenges in Ghana to the failure of its SOEs.
Evolving Legal Protections for Indigenous Peoples in Africa: Some Post-UNDRIP Reflections
Authors: Inman Derek , Cambou Dorothée , Smis Stefaan
Published: August 2018

Prior to the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) many African states held a unified and seemingly hostile position towards the UNDRIP exemplified by the concerns outlined in the African Group's Draft Aide Memoire. In order to gain a better understanding of the protections offered to indigenous peoples on the African continent, it is necessary to examine the concerns raised in the aforementioned Draft Aide Memoire and highlight how these concerns have been addressed at the regional level, effectively changing how the human rights norms contained within the UNDRIP are seen, understood and interpreted in the African context. The purpose of this article is to do just that: to examine in particular how the issue of defining indigenous peoples has been tackled on the African continent, how the right to self-determination has unfolded for indigenous peoples in Africa and how indigenous peoples' right to free, prior and informed consent has been interpreted at the regional level.
The Paris Agreement 2015 as a Primer for Developing Nigerian Off-grid Solar Electricity
Authors: Ole Ngozi Chinwa
Published: August 2018

This article considers whether the enforcement tools of the Paris Climate Change Agreement 2015 are adequate to the extent that would secure the development of the targeted solar technologies in the Nigerian National Determined Contribution. It finds that there are several tools that would render these tools inadequate.
Recording Neural Activity Based on Surface Plasmon Resonance by Optical Fibers-A Computational Analysis
Authors: Abedini Mitra , Tekieh Tahereh , Sasanpour Pezhman
Published: August 2018

An all optical, non-destructive method for monitoring neural activity has been proposed and its performance in detection has been analyzed computationally. The proposed method is based on excitation of Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) through the structure of optical fibers. The sensor structure consists of a multimode optical fiber where, the cladding of fiber has been removed and thin film of gold structure has been deposited on the surface. Impinging the laser light with appropriate wavelength inside the fiber and based on the total internal reflection, the evanescent wave will excite surface plasmons in the gold thin film. The absorption of light by surface plasmons in the gold structure is severely dependent on the dielectric properties at its vicinity. The electrical activity of neural cells (action potential) can modulate the dielectric properties at its vicinity and hence can modify the absorption of light inside the optical fiber. We have computationally analyzed the performance of the proposed sensor with different available geometries using Finite Element Method (FEM). In this regard, we have shown that the optical response of proposed sensor will track the action potential of the neuron at its vicinity. Based on different geometrical structure, the sensor has absorption in different regions of visible spectrum.
(Un)bounding the Meta-Organization: Co-Evolution and Compositional Dynamics of a Health Partnership
Authors: Cropper Steve , Bor Sanne
Published: August 2018

In their treatise on meta-organization, Ahrne and Brunsson theorize a distinctive organizational form, the association of organizations. Meta-organizations have the properties of formal organizations—boundaries set by determinations of membership, goals, a centre of authority, and ways of monitoring and sanctioning member behaviors. The theory draws a strong distinction between meta-organizations and networks, suggesting that similarity among members is the primary characteristic of meta-organizations, whereas networks signify complementarity and difference. Meta-organizations serve and are governed by their members, though the meta-organization itself may develop its own agency and may regulate its members. It is on this basis that Ahrne and Brunsson develop an account of the dynamics of meta-organizations, placing less emphasis on external sources of change than on the internal relationships between members and the meta-organization itself. This paper appraises the theory of meta-organizations, using a case study of Partners in Paediatrics, a subscription association of health care organizations, as the empirical reference point. Data about this partnership’s membership and its activities are drawn from 12 ‘annual reports’ covering a 17-year period. Focusing, particularly, on the membership composition of the Partnership and its relationship to the changing environment, the case analysis traces the changing character and circumstances of the Partnership, identifying four distinct phases, and raising questions for meta-organization theory and its account of meta-organization dynamics.
Research on Stagger Coupling Mode of Pulse Duration and Tool Vibration in Electrochemical Machining
Authors: Jiang Xiaochen , Liu Jia , Zhu Di , Wang Mingming , Qu Ningsong
Published: August 2018

Tuning the coupling of pulse duration and tool vibration in electrochemical machining (PVECM) is an effective method to improve machining accuracy and surface quality. In general, the pulse is set at the same frequency as the tool vibration, and a symmetrical distribution is attained at the minimum inter-electrode gap. To analyse the characteristics of the electrolyte fluid flow and of the electrolysis products in the oscillating inter-electrode gap, a dynamic simulation of the PVECM process was carried out. The simulation results indicated that the electrolyte pressure and gas void fraction when the pulse arrived as the inter-electrode gap was narrowing clearly differed from those when the inter-electrode gap was expanding. Therefore, in addition to the traditional symmetry coupling mode, two other coupling modes called the pre-position and the post-position coupling modes are proposed which use a pulse either just before or just after the minimum inter-electrode gap. Comparative experiments involving the feed rate and machining localization were carried out to evaluate the influence of the three coupling modes. In addition, current waveforms were recorded to analyse the differences between the three coupling modes. The results revealed that the highest feed rate and the best machining localization were achieved by using the pre-position coupling mode.
A Comparative Study of Fungal Community Structure, Diversity and Richness between the Soil and the Phyllosphere of Native Grass Species in a Copper Tailings Dam in Shanxi Province, China
Authors: Jia Tong , Wang Ruihong , Fan Xiaohui , Chai Baofeng
Published: August 2018

In the study area, mining processes have led to the accumulation of a large amount of ore sand and a tailings dam was established above this artificial overburden. After a long period of restoration, the area was reclaimed by a variety of native vegetation. This study investigated four of these native grass species, namely, Bothriochloa ischaemum, Imperata cylindrica, Elymus dahuricus and Calamagrostis epigejos, having reestablished themselves after the restoration of a copper tailings dam built in 1969 in Shanxi Province, China. We analyzed the fungal community structure in the soil and the phyllosphere of the four native grass species using high-throughput sequencing. Results showed that the soil of the tailings dam was weakly alkaline and copper (Cu) was the most pervasive element present. Ascomycota were the dominant fungal taxa in the soil and the phyllosphere of all four native grass species, for which total soil nitrogen (N) content was an influencing factor. Basidiomycota was positively correlated to cadmium (Cd), which can additionally be used as an indicator of Cd pollution in copper tailings dams. Among the four native grass species, Nectriaceae was the dominant fungal family found exclusively in B. ischaemum; Meruliaceae and Phaeosphaeriaceae were the dominant fungal families of E. dahuricus; Cordycipitaceae and Sporormiaceae were only found in C. epigejos. However, we found no evidence of a dominant fungal family in I. cylindrica. Furthermore, Erythrobasidiales sp., which had the highest betweenness centrality after network analysis, was identified as the key fungal species in all four native grass species.
The Development of a Digital Management System for Historic Buildings in Taiwan
Authors: Lee Yu-Lung , Lu Ming-Jin , Shiau Yan-Chyuan
Published: August 2018

Because of the numerous types of world heritage that currently exist, UNESCO divides them into four categories: cultural heritage, natural heritage, cultural and heritage dual heritage, and cultural landscape heritage. Taiwan’s Cultural Heritage Preservation Act stipulates that tangible cultural heritage include monuments, historic buildings, commemorative buildings, groups of buildings, archaeological sites, historic sites, cultural landscapes, antiquities, and natural landscapes and natural monuments, whereas its intangible cultural heritage include traditional performing arts, traditional craftsmanship, oral traditions and expressions, folklore, and traditional knowledge and practices. Because of continually increasing tasks associated with cultural heritage management, this study adopted research approaches such as compilation of relevant laws and regulations and interviews with managers to identify their needs in managing cultural heritage. This study posited that digital-based information management is highly conductive to managing cultural heritage. Thus, a dynamic cultural heritage management system was developed to help managers perform various heritage preservation and management-related work. The proposed system enables digitalizing related documents to facilitate their preservation, provides diversified functions that allow managers to conduct remote interactive management, and enables establishing various economical monitoring functions. This study used actual cases of cultural heritage preservation and input data collected from various management tasks into the proposed management system. Accordingly, the management functions of the system were verified successfully. The proposed system can help relevant departments manage cultural heritage, diminish the occurrence of problems concerning heritage management, reduce unnecessary waste of resources, and elevate the management quality of monuments and historical buildings.
Using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model for Precipitation Forecasting in an Andean Region with Complex Topography
Authors: Yáñez-Morroni Gonzalo , Gironás Jorge , Caneo Marta , Delgado Rodrigo , Garreaud René
Published: August 2018

The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model has been successfully used in weather prediction, but its ability to simulate precipitation over areas with complex topography is not optimal. Consequently, WRF has problems forecasting rainfall events over Chilean mountainous terrain and foothills, where some of the main cities are located, and where intense rainfall occurs due to cutoff lows. This work analyzes an ensemble of microphysics schemes to enhance initial forecasts made by the Chilean Weather Agency in the front range of Santiago. We first tested different vertical levels resolution, land use and land surface models, as well as meteorological forcing (GFS/FNL). The final ensemble configuration considered three microphysics schemes and lead times over three rainfall events between 2015 and 2017. Cutoff low complex meteorological characteristics impede the temporal simulation of rainfall properties. With three days of lead time, WRF properly forecasts the rainiest N-hours and temperatures during the event, although more accuracy is obtained when the rainfall is caused by a meteorological frontal system. Finally, the WSM6 microphysics option had the best performance, although further analysis using other storms and locations in the area are needed to strengthen this result.
A Convex Model for Edge-Histogram Specification with Applications to Edge-Preserving Smoothing
Authors: Chan Kelvin C. K. , Chan Raymond H. , Nikolova Mila
Published: August 2018

The goal of edge-histogram specification is to find an image whose edge image has a histogram that matches a given edge-histogram as much as possible. Mignotte has proposed a non-convex model for the problem in 2012. In his work, edge magnitudes of an input image are first modified by histogram specification to match the given edge-histogram. Then, a non-convex model is minimized to find an output image whose edge-histogram matches the modified edge-histogram. The non-convexity of the model hinders the computations and the inclusion of useful constraints such as the dynamic range constraint. In this paper, instead of considering edge magnitudes, we directly consider the image gradients and propose a convex model based on them. Furthermore, we include additional constraints in our model based on different applications. The convexity of our model allows us to compute the output image efficiently using either Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers or Fast Iterative Shrinkage-Thresholding Algorithm. We consider several applications in edge-preserving smoothing including image abstraction, edge extraction, details exaggeration, and documents scan-through removal. Numerical results are given to illustrate that our method successfully produces decent results efficiently.
New Insights into GFAP Negative Astrocytes in Calbindin D28k Immunoreactive Astrocytes
Authors: Xu Jie
Published: August 2018

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is commonly used as a specific marker for the identification of astrocytes. Nevertheless, it is known from the literature that astrocytes in situ in contrast to cultured astrocytes may feature lower levels of GFAP. In order to characterize the properties of GFAP in Calbindin D28k immunoreactive astrocytes, we use primary astrocyte cultures from cells of new-born mice. A double fluorescence immunocytochemical analysis reveals that GFAP in cultured Calbindin D28k astrocytes behaves differently depending on whether the medium contains foetal bovine serum (FBS) or not. The novelty in our study is, however, that a high percentage of Calbindin D28k cultured astrocytes in a medium with 10% FBS are GFAP negative. In addition, the study shows that Calbindin D28k astrocytes have (i) a different morphology and (ii) a higher concentration of Calbindin D28k in the nucleus than in the cytoplasm. The study provides new evidence that in order to fully understand the characteristics of astrocytes, astrocytes which are Calbindin D28k positive have to be investigated.
Exploring Definitions and Prevalence of Verbal Sexual Coercion and Its Relationship to Consent to Unwanted Sex: Implications for Affirmative Consent Standards on College Campuses
Authors: Pugh Brandie , Becker Patricia
Published: August 2018

Campus sexual assault is a pervasive issue impacting the well-being, quality of life, and education of all students. There have been many recent efforts to prevent and address campus sexual assault, most notably the adoption of affirmative consent standards. (1) Efforts to address sexual assault on college campuses through an affirmative consent standard could be undermined by traditional gender norms, sexual scripts, and the power dynamics inherent in heterosexual relations, which lead to situations in which many women provide consent to unwanted sex. (2) Studies indicate that college women are likely to experience verbal sexual coercion, yet research has failed to come to a consensus on how to define, operationalize, and study verbal sexual coercion. (3) Research on sexual consent is also lacking, in particular as it relates to consent to unwanted sex as a result of the presence of verbal sexual coercion. (4) This article discusses how multiple forms of unwanted sex can be conceptually examined. (5) Policy implications and areas for future research are discussed.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Patients with Pulmonary Interstitial Change: High Incidence of Fatal Radiation Pneumonitis in a Retrospective Multi-Institutional Study
Authors: Onishi Hiroshi , Yamashita Hideomi , Shioyama Yoshiyuki , Matsumoto Yasuo , Takayama Kenji , Matsuo Yukinori , Miyakawa Akifumi , Matsushita Haruo , Aoki Masahiko , Nihei Keiji , Kimura Tomoki , Ishiyama Hiromichi , Murakami Naoya , Nakata Kensei , Takeda Atsuya , Uno Takashi , Nomiya Takuma , Takanaka Tuyoshi , Seo Yuji , Komiyama Takafumi , Marino Kan , Aoki Shinichi , Saito Ryo , Araya Masayuki , Maehata Yoshiyasu , Tominaga Licht , Kuriyama Kengo
Published: August 2018

Pretreatment pulmonary interstitial change (PIC) has been indicated as a risk factor of severe radiation pneumonitis (RP) following stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for early-stage lung cancer, but details of its true effect remain unclear. This study aims to evaluate treatment outcomes of SBRT for stage I non-small cell lung cancer in patients with PIC. A total of 242 patients are included in this study (88% male). The median age is 77 years (range, 55–92 years). A total dose of 40–70 Gy is administered in 4 to 10 fractions during a 4-to-25 day period. One, two, and three-year overall survival (OS) rates are 82.1%, 57.1%, and 42.6%, respectively. Fatal RP is identified in 6.9% of all patients. The percent vital capacity <70%, mean percentage normal lung volume receiving more than 20 Gy (>10%), performance status of 2–4, presence of squamous cell carcinoma, clinical T2 stage, regular use of steroid before SBRT, and percentage predicting forced expiratory volume in one second (<70%) are associated with worse prognoses for OS. Our results indicate that fatal RP frequently occurs after SBRT for stage I lung cancer in patients with PIC.
Circular RNAs: Characteristics, Function and Clinical Significance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Man , Yu Fei , Li Peifeng
Published: August 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. HCC patients are commonly diagnosed at an advanced stage, for which highly effective therapies are limited. Moreover, the five-year survival rate of HCC patients remains poor due to high frequency of tumor metastasis and recurrence. These challenges give rise to the emergent need to discover promising biomarkers for HCC diagnosis and identify novel targets for HCC therapy. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of long-overlook non-coding RNA, have been revealed as multi-functional RNAs in recent years. Growing evidence indicates that circRNA expression alterations have a broad impact in biological characteristics of HCC. Most of these circRNAs regulate HCC progression by acting as miRNA sponges, suggesting that circRNAs may function as promising diagnostic biomarkers and ideal therapeutic targets for HCC. In this review, we summarize the current progress in studying the functional role of circRNAs in HCC pathogenesis and present their potential values as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. In-depth investigations on the function and mechanism of circRNAs in HCC will enrich our knowledge of HCC pathogenesis and contribute to the development of effective diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC.
Catalytic Copyrolysis of Cork Oak and Waste Plastic Films over HBeta
Authors: Park Young-Kwon , Lee Boram , Watanabe Atsushi , Lee Hyung Won , Lee Ji Young , Kim Seungdo , Han Tae Uk , Kim Young-Min
Published: August 2018

The catalytic fast copyrolysis (CFCP) of cork oak (CoOak) and waste plastic films (WPFs) over HBeta(25) (SiO2/Al2O3: 25) was investigated using a thermogravimetric (TG) analyzer and a tandem micro reactor-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TMR-GC/MS) to determine the effectiveness of WPFs as the hydrogen donating cofeeding feedstock on the CFCP of biomass. By applying CFCP, the maximum decomposition temperatures of CoOak (373.4 °C) and WPFs (487.9 °C) were reduced to 364.5 °C for CoOak and 436.5 °C for WPFs due to the effective interaction between the pyrolysis intermediates of CoOak and WPFs over HBeta(25), which has strong acidity and an appropriate pore size. The experimental yields of aromatic hydrocarbons on the CFCP of CoOak and WPFs were higher than their calculated yields concluded from the yields obtained from the individual catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) of CoOak and WPFs. The coke amount produced from the CFP of CoOak and WPFs over HBeta(25) were also decreased by applying CFCP.
Evaluation of Cd(II) Ion Removal from Aqueous Solution by a Low-Cost Adsorbent Prepared from White Yam (Dioscorea rotundata) Waste Using Batch Sorption
Authors: Asuquo Edidiong , Martin Alastair , Nzerem Petrus
Published: August 2018

An agricultural residue, white yam (Dioscorea rotundata) tuber peel (YTBS), was used for the removal of Cd(II) ion from an aqueous solution using a batch method. The adsorbent was characterized using FTIR, TGA, SEM, EDX, N2 BET, XRD, and XRF. The optimization of sorption variables such as pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, and initial metal ion concentration at 25 °C were also carried out. The results indicated the dependence of sorption on the adsorbate pH and adsorbent dose, while the adsorption system reached equilibrium in 180 min. The sorption kinetics was fitted to three models (pseudo first order, pseudo second order, and Elovich) to validate the kinetics, and the pseudo first order was the best model for the description of Cd(II) uptake. Equilibrium isotherm modelling was also carried out using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin models, with the Langmuir isotherm giving the best fitting to the experimental results. The maximum loading capacity (qmax) of the adsorbent for Cd(II) obtained from the Langmuir isotherm model was 22.4 mg∙g−1 with an isotherm constant (KL) of 3.46 × 10−3 L·mg−1 and r2 value of 0.99. This result indicates that the YTBS residue was a good adsorbent for the removal of Cd(II) ion from aqueous system.
Growth and Thermal Properties of Mg-Doped Lithium Isotope Niobate (Mg:7LiNbO3) Crystal
Authors: Zhang Nana , Tai Xishi , Pan Xiaoru , Song Mingjun , Wang Jiyang
Published: August 2018

An Mg-doped isotope lithium niobate (Mg:7LiNbO3) crystal was successfully grown from 7LiOH, Nb2O5, and MgO using the Crozchralski method. The weight of the as-grown crystal with good quality was about 40 g. The crystal structure was determined as an R3c space group using the X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) method, and the crystal composition (Li%) determined using the Raman mode linewidth method was 49.29%. The average transmittance of the crystal in the range of 500–2500 nm was approximately 72%. Various thermal properties, including the specific heat (Cp), the thermal expansion coefficient (α), the thermal diffusion coefficient (λ), and the thermal conductivity (κ), were carefully determined and calculated, and the value divergences among Mg:7LiNbO3, the undoped isotope lithium niobate (7LiNbO3), and natural lithium niobate (LiNbO3) crystals were mainly related to the differences in microstructure caused by the crystal composition.
Analysis of Chemical Composition of Different Irreversible Hydrocolloids
Authors: Borges de Olival Antonio , Da Penha Junior Nilton , Câmara João , Corrêa Duarte Simões Ana , Estruc Verbicário dos Santos José , Groisman Sonia
Published: August 2018

Irreversible hydrocolloids (IR) is a dental impression material commonly used in Brazilian and European dental practice because it is inexpensive, easy to handle, has good reproductive detail and is comfortable for the patient. This research aimed to analyze the chemical composition of eight different IRs for dental use. A sample of 0.2 g was weighed and transferred to a Teflon beaker moistened with drops of distilled or deionized water; 5 mL of nitric acid was added until total solubility of the sample; the solution was transferred to a 100 mL volumetric flask, the volume was filled with distilled or deionized water and homogenized. Thirty-five chemical elements were found: Lithium, Beryllium, Boron, Sodium, Magnesium, Aluminum, Silicon, Phosphorus, Potassium, Titanium, Manganese, Cobalt, Nickel, Vanadium, Zinc, Rubidium, Arsenic, Iron, Copper, Strontium, Yttrium, Zirconium, Niobium, Molybdenum, Ruthenium, Cadmium, Tin, Antimony, Barium, Lanthanum, Cerium, Mercury, Lead, Thorium and Uranium. Only one of the samples contained no Nickel, Antimony and Lead; and Arsenic and Uranium were found in 2 samples. This study provided evidence of high toxicity of the IR brands, pointing out the need for better quality control of this product, in order to prevent health damage in dentists, prosthesis technicians and patients.