bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A DESIGN OF SALES INFORMATION SYSTEM ON PAPER CUTTING MACHINE DISTRIBUTOR
Authors: Permatasari Angelina
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this research is to analyze the problems that exist in a company engaged in the sales of paper cutting machine that is on sale systems that are running on the company, identifying the needs of enterprise information and designing information systems that are able to meet the company’s information needs. The used methodology is the method of analysis and design methods. The analysis method is library research, observation, survey of the old system, the identification of information needs and interviews. While the design method used is Object Oriented Analysis and Design (OOAD).The achieved results are in the form of sales information system for paper cutting machine distributor in the form of application design to improve the sales system, which is still done manually. The conclusion is a computerized information system sales can solve problems that occur on the old systems and procedures in the company.Keywords: Design; Sales Information System
THE DEVELOPMENT OF A WEB BASED DATABASE APPLICATIONS OF PROCUREMENT, INVENTORY, AND SALES AT PT. INTERJAYA SURYA MEGAH
Authors: Huda Choirul , Hudyanto Chendra , Sisillia Sisillia , Persada Revin Kencana
Published: June 2016

The objective of this research is to develop a web based database application for the procurement, inventory and sales at PT. Interjaya Surya Megah. The current system at PT. Interjaya Surya Megah is running manually, so the company has difficulty in carrying out its activities. The methodology, that is used in this research, includes interviews, observation, literature review, conceptual database design, logical database design and physical database design. The results are the establishment of a web-based database application at PT. Interjaya Surya Megah. The conclusion is the company can be easier to run the day-to-day activities because data processing becomes faster and more accurate, faster report generation and more accurate, more secure data storage.Keywords: database; application; procurement; inventory; sales
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE APPLICATION OF A DATA WAREHOUSE AT PT JKL
Authors: Huda Choirul , Sari Rita Puspita , Haekal Muharram Hasein , Agustaria Tri
Published: June 2016

One rapidly evolving technology today is information technology, which can help decision-making in an organization or a company. The data warehouse is one form of information technology that supports those needs, as one of the right solutions for companies in decision-making. The objective of this research is the development of a data warehouse at PT JKL in order to support executives in analyzing the organization and support the decision-making process. Methodology of this research is conducting interview with related units, literature study and document examination. This research also used the Nine Step Methodology developed by Kimball to design the data warehouse. The results obtained is an application that can summarize the data warehouse, integrating and presenting historical data in multidimensional. The conclusion from this research is the data warehouse can help companies to analyze data in a flexible, fast, and effective data access.Keywords: Data Warehouse; Inventory; Contract Approval; Inventory; Dashboard
AN ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION END TO END QUALITY OF SERVICE ON 3G TELECOMMUNICATION NETWORK
Authors: Lukito Cahya , Lukito Rony Baskoro , Arifin Deddy
Published: June 2016

End to End Quality of Service is a way to provide data package service in a telecommunication network that based on Right Price, Right Service Level, and Right Quality. The goal of this research is to analyze the impact of End to End QoS use on 3G telecommunication network for voice service and data. This research uses an analysis method by doing the application on the lab. The result that is achieved in this research shows that End to End QoS is very influental to the Service Level Agreement to the users of the telecommunication service.Keywords: End to End Qos, SLA, Diffserv
COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE AS ONE OF THE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE OF ORGANIZATION
Authors: Veronica Veronica , Suryawan Angellia Debora
Published: June 2016

Many organizations in the world realize that to maintain the stability of an organization within a lot of turnover in human resources, Knowledge Management (KM) is a matter that cannot be forgotten. Since by storing the knowledge, organizations can continue to distribute the knowledge to people and to develop it into a practice of learning, problem solving, and then at the end it becomes a “Best Practice”. Sharing knowledge becomes the main reference in KM in large and small organizations. By multiplying the activities of knowledge sharing among employees in an organization, it can improve the competitiveness of the organization. All activities in knowledge sharing will be easier if it is formed in a Community of Practice (CoP). CoP can be regarded as a best method. In addition there are many benefits that can be spawned by it, such as in the development, dissemination of knowledge to the development of culture in an organization. The method in this paper uses literature study by describing best practices and case studies in a private bank in Indonesia. By forming the CoP, it is expected to motivate employees to share knowledge for the improvement of organizational performance.Keywords: organization, knowledge management, community of practice
HYBRID QUICKSORT: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY
Authors: Sujarwo Surya
Published: June 2016

This article describes an empirical study of hybrid approach of quicksort algorithms. The hybrid approach uses various variations of quicksort partition algorithms in combination with cutoff to shellsort using several cutoff elements. The paper compares the running time performance of the existing quicksort partition algorithms with the proposed hybrid approachusing uniqueand duplicate elements. As a result, it is found that several the hybrid approaches performs faster than the existing algorithms for uniqueand duplicate elements.
THE ENHANCEMENT OF STRATEGIC AND OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE THROUGH ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE IN XYZ’S DISTRICT ATTORNEY OFFICES
Authors: Erika Frisa , Hudiarto Hudiarto , Candra Sevenpri
Published: June 2016

The deteriorating image of law enforcement agencies in serving the needs of nowadays community is making the chiefs of XYZ’s district attorney offices to search the best way so that the law service in their offices can be better. This problem is the general reflection of how bad the public service in law’s field is in our country. For that noble purpose, the chiefs see that there is a chance to use the ability of system and information technology. That system is not only for the necessary needs in district attorney office but it is also combined in the existing process in security and court. The chief of office feels that the enhancement performance will be obtained easier if there is the same system and technology and are designed carefully. Within this paper, the researcher uses the framework of Enterprise Architecture to develop the needed system and technology so that it can be realized strategically and operationally much better and can be accounted. The result is the current time conservative service system and have the quality of office automation systems is gradually planned to change into automation for the next two or three years. Therefore, the connection and the cooperation between the attorney, the police and the court will be more harmonic, thus gradually increased the service to the community.
MODEL OF MOBILE TRANSLATOR APPLICATION OF ENGLISH TO BAHASA INDONESIA WITH RULE-BASED AND J2ME
Authors: Tedjosurya Dian Puspita , Suharjito Suharjito
Published: June 2016

Along with the development of information technology in recent era, a number of new applications emerge, especially on mobile phones. The use of mobile phones, besides as communication media, is also as media of learning, such as translator application. Translator application can be a tool to learn a language, such as English to Bahasa Indonesia translator application. The purpose of this research is to allow user to be able to translate English to Bahasa Indonesia on mobile phone easily. Translator application on this research was developed using Java programming language (especially J2ME) because of its advantage that can run on various operating systems and its open source that can be easily developed and distributed. In this research, data collection was done through literature study, observation, and browsing similar application. Development of the system used object-oriented analysis and design that can be described by using case diagrams, class diagrams, sequence diagrams, and activity diagrams. The translation process used rule-based method. Result of this research is the application of Java-based translator which can translate English sentence into Indonesian sentence. The application can be accessed using a mobile phone with Internet connection. The application has spelling check feature that is able to check the wrong word and provide alternative word that approaches the word input. Conclusion of this research is the application can translate sentence in daily conversation quite well with the sentence structure corresponds and is close to its original meaning.
DEVELOPMENT OF FOOD SECURITY INFORMATION SYSTEM BASED ON BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE IN FOOD SECURITY AGENCY, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, INDONESIA
Authors: Hendrawaty Manise , Harisno Harisno
Published: June 2016

Food is the main basic need of human, because of that fulfillment of human need of food has to be fulfilled. So it can fulfill that need, then government institution, Food Security Agency (BKP) is formed so it can monitor fulfillment of food need of society. The goals of this writing are to develop food security information system that provides dashboard facility based on business intelligence, to develop food security information system that can give fast, precise and real time information about food security, to develop decision-making support system for chairman in food security institution. Data is obtained from questionnaires to 51 respondents that are chairmen in Food Security Agency. Data is analyzed with SWOT analysis method for business environment and IT balanced scorecard (IT BSC) for IS/IT environment. The result of analysis of food security information system in Food Security Agency can help chairman in decision-making by presenting information about dashboard that gives fast, precise and real time information. It can be concluded that development of information is successfully done.
EFEKTIVITAS MEDIASI DALAM PENYELESAIAN PERKARA PERCERAIAN DI PENGADILAN AGAMA JAWA TENGAH
Authors: Saifullah Muhammad
Published: June 2016

Mediation as one of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is seen as a way dispute resolution humane and just. Humanist because the mechanism decision-making (the peace agreement) become the authority of the parties dispute and maintain good relations. Fair because each party negotiate to option a problem solution from his problem and outputs a win-win solution. Therefore, dispute resolution with litigation is becoming obsolete and people turn to mediation. Through the Supreme Court Regulation (Perma) No. 1 In 2008, mediation has been integrated into the proceedings in the court system. Every civil matters must completed first by way of mediation. Each judge's decision not by way of mediation first, the decision shall be considered null and void. This paper discusses the effectiveness of mediation in the settlement of divorce cases in the Religious Court Central Java, because of a divorce case is a matter of the highest ranks in the Religious Court. The focus of the study is the implementation of divorce mediation cases, mediation success standard divorce cases and the litigants public response to the peace efforts through mediation procedures
Aminopyridine modified Spirulina platensis biomass for chromium(VI) adsorption in aqueous solution
Authors: Bayramoglu Gulay , Akbulut Aydin , Arica M. Yakup
Published: June 2016

Chemical modification of Spirulina platensis biomass was realized by sequential treatment of algal surface with epichlorohydrin and aminopyridine. Adsorptive properties of Cr(VI) ions on native and aminopyridine modified algal biomass were investigated by varying pH, contact time, ionic strength, initial Cr(VI) concentration, and temperature. FTIR and analytical analysis indicated that carboxyl and amino groups were the major functional groups for Cr(VI) ions adsorption. The optimum adsorption was observed at pH 3.0 for native and modified algal biomasses. The adsorption capacity was found to be 79.6 and 158.7 mg g−1, for native and modified algal biomasses, respectively. For continuous system studies, the experiments were conducted to study the effect of important design parameters such as flow rate and initial concentration of metal ions, and the maximum sorption capacity was observed at a flow rate of 50 mL h−1, and Cr(VI) ions concentration 200 mg L−1 with modified biomass. Experimental data fitted a pseudo-second-order equation. The regeneration performance was observed to be 89.6% and 94.3% for native and modified algal biomass, respectively.
Common Neurogenetic Diagnosis and Meso-Limbic Manipulation of Hypodopaminergic Function in Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS): Changing the Recovery Landscape
Authors: Blum Kenneth , Febo Marcelo , Badgaiyan Rajendra D. , Demetrovics Zsolt , Simpatico Thomas , Fahlke Claudia , M. Oscar-Berman , Li Mona , Dushaj Kristina , Gold Mark S.
Published: June 2016

Background: In 1990, Blum and associates provided the first confirmed
genetic link between the DRD2 polymorphisms and alcoholism. This finding was
based on an earlier conceptual framework, which served as a blueprint for their
seminal genetic association discovery they termed “Brain Reward Cascade.” These
findings were followed by a new way of understanding all addictive behaviors
(substance and non-substance) termed “Reward Deficiency Syndrome” (RDS). RDS
incorporates a complex multifaceted array of inheritable behaviors that are polygenic.

Objective: In this review article, we attempt to clarify these terms and provide a
working model to accurately diagnose and treat these unwanted behaviors.

Method: We are hereby proposing the development of a translational model we term "Reward Deficiency
Solution System™" that incorporates neurogenetic testing and meso-limbic manipulation of a
"hypodopaminergic" trait/state, which provides dopamine agonistic therapy (DAT) as well as reduced
"dopamine resistance," while embracing "dopamine homeostasis."

Result: The result is better recovery and relapse prevention, despite DNA antecedents, which could
impact the recovery process and relapse. Understanding the commonality of mental illness will transform
erroneous labeling based on symptomatology, into a genetic and anatomical etiology. WC: 184.
Gender Differences in Periodontal Status and Oral Hygiene of Non-Diabetic and Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Schulze Antina , Busse Martin
Published: June 2016

Background:

This study investigated gender dependent differences by the comparison of periodontal status and oral hygiene between diabetic patients and non-diabetic subjects.

Methods:

517 mostly obese subjects (171 non-diabetic, 205 type 2 diabetic with oral and 141 with insulin therapy; mean: 59 years) completed an oral hygiene questionnaire and had a clinical examination, including periodontal screening and recording (PSR), percentage of bleeding teeth (PBT), probing pocket depth (PD), gingivitis index (GI), and number of teeth (Tn). Main parameters were “periodontitis” and “oral hygiene behaviour”, each defined by 5 sub-parameters. For a comparison of all results, each sub-parameter was set 0.2. The “low performance index“ (LoP) was the sum of significantly worse sub-parameters in the compared groups (maximum of low performing = 1.0).

Results:

Gender comparison: In non-diabetic and diabetic patients with oral medication, males performed worse (LoP: periodontitis 0.6 - 0.8; oral hygiene 0.4 - 0.6). The male insulin group performed worse oral hygiene (LoP: 0.4) than females with insulin therapy, whereas the periodontal status showed no difference.

Diabetic and non-diabetic groups: Females: Diabetic groups performed worse than non-diabetics (LoP: periodontitis 0.2 - 1.0; oral hygiene 0.4). Insulin patients had worse periodontal status and showed no difference in oral hygiene when compared to diabetic patients with oral medication (LoP: 0.2). Males: Diabetic group with oral medication had worse periodontal status than non-diabetics (LoP: 0.6).

Conclusions:

The periodontal status was mainly due to oral hygiene behaviour, which was worse in men. Apparently behaviour and not diabetes is the major determinant of periodontitis. Men apparently need much more advise than women.
High Dose Omega-3 Fatty Acid Administration and Skeletal Muscle Protein Turnover in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Deger Serpil Muge , Hung Adriana M. , Ellis Charles D. , Booker Cindy , Bian Aihua , Chen Guanhua , Abumrad Naji N. , Ikizler T. Alp
Published: June 2016

Background and Objectives

Protein energy wasting and systemic inflammation are prevalent in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown to improve protein homeostasis. We hypothesized that administration of high-dose (2.9 g/d) ω-3 would be associated with decreased muscle protein breakdown in MHD patients with systemic inflammation.

Design, setting, participants & measurements

This is a substudy from a randomized, placebo-controlled study (NCT00655525). Patients were recruited between September 2008 and June 2011. Primary inclusion criteria included signs of chronic inflammation (average C-reactive protein of ≥5 mg/L over three consecutive measurements), lack of active infectious or inflammatory disease, no hospitalization within 1 month prior to the study, and not receiving steroids (>5 mg/d) and/or immunosuppressive agents. The primary outcomes were forearm muscle and whole body protein breakdown and synthesis before and after the intervention. The patients received ω-3 (n=11) versus placebo (n=9) for 12 weeks. Analysis of covariance was used to compare outcome variables at 12 weeks. Models were adjusted for a propensity score that was derived from age, sex, race, baseline high sensitivity C-reactive protein, diabetes mellitus, and fat mass because the groups were not balanced for several characteristics.

Results

Compared with placebo, ω-3 supplementation was significantly associated with decreased muscle protein breakdown at 12 weeks (−31, [interquartile range, −98–−13] versus 26 [interquartile range, 13–87] µg/100 ml per min; P=0.01), which remained significant after multivariate adjustment (−46, [95% confidence interval, −102 to −1] µg/100 ml per min). ω-3 Supplementation resulted in decreased forearm muscle protein synthesis while the rate in the placebo group increased; however, there is no longer a statistically significant difference in skeletal muscle protein synthesis or in net protein balance after multivariate adjustment. There was no statistically significant effect of ω-3 supplementation on whole body protein synthesis or breakdown.

Conclusions

High-dose ω-3 supplementation over 12 weeks in MHD patients with systemic inflammation was associated with attenuation of forearm muscle protein breakdown but did not influence skeletal muscle protein synthesis, skeletal muscle net protein balance or any component of the whole-body protein balance. These results should be interpreted cautiously given the imbalance in the two groups and the short duration of the intervention.
Effects of previous episodes of influenza and vaccination in preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza in Navarre, Spain, 2013/14 season
Authors: Castilla Jesús , Navascués Ana , Fernández-Alonso Mirian , Reina Gabriel , Albéniz Esther , Pozo Francisco , Álvarez Nerea , Martínez-Baz Iván , Guevara Marcela , García-Cenoz Manuel , Irisarri Fátima , Casado Itziar , Ezpeleta Carmen ,   Primary Health Care Sentinel Network and Network for Influenza Surveillance in Hospitals of Navarra
Published: June 2016

We estimated whether previous episodes of influenza and trivalent influenza vaccination prevented laboratory-confirmed influenza in Navarre, Spain, in season 2013/14. Patients with medically-attended influenza-like illness (MA-ILI) in hospitals (n = 645) and primary healthcare (n = 525) were included. We compared 589 influenza cases and 581 negative controls. MA-ILI related to a specific virus subtype in the previous five seasons was defined as a laboratory-confirmed influenza infection with the same virus subtype or MA-ILI during weeks when more than 25% of swabs were positive for this subtype. Persons with previous MA-ILI had 30% (95% confidence interval (CI): −7 to 54) lower risk of MA-ILI, and those with previous MA-ILI related to A(H1N1)pdm09 or A(H3N2) virus, had a, respectively, 63% (95% CI: 16–84) and 65% (95% CI: 13–86) lower risk of new laboratory-confirmed influenza by the same subtype. Overall adjusted vaccine effectiveness in preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza was 31% (95% CI: 5–50): 45% (95% CI: 12–65) for A(H1N1)pdm09 and 20% (95% CI: −16 to 44) for A(H3N2). While a previous influenza episode induced high protection only against the same virus subtype, influenza vaccination provided low to moderate protection against all circulating subtypes. Influenza vaccine remains the main preventive option for high-risk populations.
Clinical and histopathological features of fatal cases with dengue and chikungunya virus co-infection in Colombia, 2014 to 2015
Authors: Mercado Marcela , Acosta-Reyes Jorge , Parra Edgar , Pardo Lissethe , Rico Angélica , Campo Alfonso , Navarro Edgar , Viasus Diego
Published: June 2016

We report clinical features and histopathological findings in fatal cases with dengue (DENV) and chikungunya (CHIKV) co-infection identified at the Colombian National Institute of Health between September 2014 and October 2015. Seven such cases were documented. Dengue serotype 2 virus was identified in six cases. All patients were adults and comorbidities were present in four. Fever, arthralgia or myalgia was present in all cases. The frequency of rash, haemorrhage, oedema, and gastrointestinal symptoms was variable. Laboratory findings such as thrombocytopenia, renal failure, and leukocyte count were also inconsistent between cases. Post-mortem tissue examination documented focal hepatocellular coagulative necrosis in three cases, incipient acute pericarditis in one and tubulointerstitial nephritis in one. This study provides evidence of mortality in patients with DENV and CHIKV co-infection. Fatal cases were characterised by variable clinical and laboratory features. Evaluation of histopathology of autopsy tissues provided evidence of the pathological consequences of the disease.
Genotype × Environment Interaction and Yield Stability Analysis in Hybrid Rice (Oryza sativa L.) By AMMI Biplot
Authors: Akter Anowara , Hasan M Jamil , Kulsum MU , Rahman MH , Paul AK , Lipi LF , Akter Salma
Published: June 2016

CORRECTION: Due to a number of formatting and layout issues, the PDF of this paper was replaced on 10th October 2016. The page numbers of this article have changed from 79-86 to 83-90.Assessing the adaptability and stability of promising rice genotypes is one of the important steps for accurate evaluation. This study determined the genotype × environment interaction (GEI) and stability performance of 12 promising rice genotypes in four environments during 2009 Aman season. The experiment used randomized complete block design with three replications. Yield stability and adaptability of yield performance were analyzed by combined analysis and additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model. The environment, genotype main effects, and the GEI were all highly significant (P<0.001). The study indicated that the tested genotypes, such as BRRHA G1 (5.47 tha-1), G2 (5.68 tha-1), G3 (6.29 tha-1) and G4 (5.27 tha-1) had higher average yields, which indicated these genotypes adapted to favourable environments (E1 and E3). Whereas the environment, E3 could be regarded as a more stable site for high yielding hybrid rice improvement than the other locations. Based on AMMI biplot analysis, genotypes BRRI1A/BRRI827R (G1), IR58025A/BRRI10R (G2), BRRI 10A/BRRI 10R (G3) and BRRI hybrid dhan1 (G4) have higher average mean yields with high main (additive) effects and positive IPCA1 score, among them BRRI 10A/BRRI10R (G3) being the overall best. Locations E1 and E3 could be regarded as a good selection site for rice hybrid improvement due to stable yields.Bangladesh Rice j. 2015, 19(2): 83-90
Impact of a novel, resource appropriate resuscitation curriculum on Nicaraguan resident physician’s management of cardiac arrest
Authors: Taira Breena R. , Orue Aristides , Stapleton Edward , Lovato Luis , Vangala Sitaram , Tinoco Lucia Solorzano , Morales Orlando
Published: June 2016

Purpose: Project Strengthening Emergency Medicine, Investing in Learners in Latin America (SEMILLA) created a novel, language and resource appropriate course for the resuscitation of cardiac arrest for Nicaraguan resident physicians. We hypothesized that participation in the Project SEMILLA resuscitation program would significantly improve the physician’s management of simulated code scenarios. Methods: Thirteen Nicaraguan resident physicians were evaluated while managing simulated cardiac arrest scenarios before, immediately, and at 6 months after participating in the Project SEMILLA resuscitation program. This project was completed in 2014 in Leon, Nicaragua. The Cardiac Arrest Simulation Test (CASTest), a validated scoring system, was used to evaluate performance on a standardized simulated cardiac arrest scenario. Mixed effect logistic regression models were constructed to assess outcomes. Results: On the pre-course simulation exam, only 7.7% of subjects passed the test. Immediately post-course, the subjects achieved a 30.8% pass rate and at 6 months after the course, the pass rate was 46.2%. Compared with pre-test scores, the odds of passing the CASTest at 6 months after the course were 21.7 times higher (95% CI 4.2 to 112.8, P<0.001). Statistically significant improvement was also seen on the number of critical items completed (OR=3.75, 95% CI 2.71-5.19), total items completed (OR=4.55, 95% CI 3.4-6.11), and number of “excellent” scores on a Likert scale (OR=2.66, 95% CI 1.85-3.81). Conclusions: Nicaraguan resident physicians demonstrate improved ability to manage simulated cardiac arrest scenarios after participation in the Project SEMILLA resuscitation course and retain these skills.
A 3/2-Approximation Algorithm for the Graph Balancing Problem with Two Weights
Authors: Page Daniel , Solis-Oba Roberto
Published: June 2016

In the pursuit of finding subclasses of the makespan minimization problem on unrelated parallel machines that have approximation algorithms with approximation ratio better than 2, the graph balancing problem has been of current interest. In the graph balancing problem each job can be non-preemptively scheduled on one of at most two machines with the same processing time on either machine. Recently, Ebenlendr, Krčál, and Sgall (Algorithmica 2014, 68, 62–80.) presented a 7 / 4 -approximation algorithm for the graph balancing problem. Let r , s ∈ Z + . In this paper we consider the graph balancing problem with two weights, where a job either takes r time units or s time units. We present a 3 / 2 -approximation algorithm for this problem. This is an improvement over the previously best-known approximation algorithm for the problem with approximation ratio 1.652 and it matches the best known inapproximability bound for it.
The Significance of Anti-Beta-2-Glycoprotein I Antibodies in Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Brusch Anna
Published: June 2016

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a thrombophilic disorder that classically presents with vascular thrombosis and/or obstetric complications. APS is associated with antiphospholipid antibodies: a heterogeneous group of autoantibodies that are directed against membrane phospholipids in complex with phospholipid-binding proteins. Beta-2-glycoprotein I (B2GPI) binds anionic phospholipids and is considered to be the predominant antigen in APS and antibodies against B2GPI (anti-B2GPI) are recognised in the laboratory criteria for APS diagnosis. This review focuses on the part played by anti-B2GPI in the pathogenesis of APS, their associations with different clinical phenotypes of the disorder and new avenues for refining the diagnostic potential of anti-B2GPI testing.
Entropy Generation on Nanofluid Flow through a Horizontal Riga Plate
Authors: Abbas Tehseen , Ayub Muhammad , Bhatti Muhammad , Rashidi Mohammad , Ali Mohamed
Published: June 2016

In this article, entropy generation on viscous nanofluid through a horizontal Riga plate has been examined. The present flow problem consists of continuity, linear momentum, thermal energy, and nanoparticle concentration equation which are simplified with the help of Oberbeck-Boussinesq approximation. The resulting highly nonlinear coupled partial differential equations are solved numerically by means of the shooting method (SM). The expression of local Nusselt number and local Sherwood number are also taken into account and discussed with the help of table. The physical influence of all the emerging parameters such as Brownian motion parameter, thermophoresis parameter, Brinkmann number, Richardson number, nanoparticle flux parameter, Lewis number and suction parameter are demonstrated graphically. In particular, we conferred their influence on velocity profile, temperature profile, nanoparticle concentration profile and Entropy profile.
Re-discovering Alessandro Spina’s Transculture/ality in The Young Maronite
Authors: Dagnino Arianna
Published: June 2016

Alessandro Spina, né Basili Shafik Khouzam, was born in Benghazi in 1927 into a family of Maronites from Aleppo and spent most of his life between Libya and Italy, speaking several languages and writing in Italian. He may be described as the “unsung” writer of Italian colonial and post-colonial past in North Africa. Spina’s oeuvre—collected in an omnibus edition, I confini dell’ombra. In terra d’oltremare (Morcelliana)—charts the history of Libya from 1911, when Italy invaded the Ottoman province, to 1966, when the country witnessed the economic boom sparked by the petrodollars. The cycle was awarded the Premio Bagutta, Italy’s highest literary accolade. In 2015, Darf Press published in English the first instalment of Spina’s opus with the title The Confines of the Shadows. In Lands Overseas. Spina always refused to be pigeonholed in some literary category and to be labeled as a colonial or postcolonial author. As a matter of fact, his works go beyond the spatial and imaginary boundaries of a given state or genre, emphasizing instead the mixing and collision of languages, cultures, identities, and forms of writing. Reading and re-discovering Spina in a transcultural mode brings to light the striking newness of his literary efforts, in which transnational lived life, creative imagination, and transcultural sensibility are inextricably interlaced.
Use of a Sampling Area-Adjusted Adenosine Triphosphate Bioluminescence Assay Based on Digital Image Quantification to Assess the Cleanliness of Hospital Surfaces
Authors: Ho Yu-Huai , Wang Lih-Shinn , Jiang Hui-Li , Chang Chih-Hui , Hsieh Chia-Jung , Chang Dan-Chi , Tu Hsin-Yu , Chiu Tan-Yun , Chao Huei-Jen , Tseng Chun-Chieh
Published: June 2016

Contaminated surfaces play an important role in the transmission of pathogens. We sought to establish a criterion that could indicate “cleanliness” using a sampling area–adjusted adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assay. In the first phase of the study, target surfaces were selected for swab sampling before and after daily cleaning; then, an aerobic colony count (ACC) plate assay of bacteria and antibiotic-resistant bacteria was conducted. ATP swabs were also tested, and the ATP readings were reported as relative light units (RLUs). The results of the ACC and ATP assays were adjusted according to the sampling area. During the second phase of the study, a new cleaning process employing sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) was implemented for comparison. Using the criterion of 2.5 colony-forming units (CFU)/cm2, 45% of the sampled sites were successfully cleaned during phase one of the study. During phase two, the pass rates of the surface samples (64%) were significantly improved, except under stringent (5 RLU/cm2) and lax (500 RLU) ATP criteria. Using receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, the best cut-off point for an area-adjusted ATP level was 7.34 RLU/cm2, which corresponded to culture-assay levels of <2.5 CFU/cm2. An area adjustment of the ATP assay improved the degree of correlation with the ACC-assay results from weak to moderate.
Neuroprotective and Therapeutic Strategies against Parkinson’s Disease: Recent Perspectives
Authors: Sarkar Sumit , Raymick James , Imam Syed
Published: June 2016

Parkinsonism is a progressive motor disease that affects 1.5 million Americans and is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s. Typical neuropathological features of Parkinson’s disease (PD) include degeneration of dopaminergic neurons located in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra that project to the striatum (nigro-striatal pathway) and depositions of cytoplasmic fibrillary inclusions (Lewy bodies) which contain ubiquitin and α-synuclein. The cardinal motor signs of PD are tremors, rigidity, slow movement (bradykinesia), poor balance, and difficulty in walking (Parkinsonian gait). In addition to motor symptoms, non-motor symptoms that include autonomic and psychiatric as well as cognitive impairments are pressing issues that need to be addressed. Several different mechanisms play an important role in generation of Lewy bodies; endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced unfolded proteins, neuroinflammation and eventual loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of mid brain in PD. Moreover, these diverse processes that result in PD make modeling of the disease and evaluation of therapeutics against this devastating disease difficult. Here, we will discuss diverse mechanisms that are involved in PD, neuroprotective and therapeutic strategies currently in clinical trial or in preclinical stages, and impart views about strategies that are promising to mitigate PD pathology.
Innovative Fly Ash Geopolymer-Epoxy Composites: Preparation, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Roviello Giuseppina , Ricciotti Laura , Tarallo Oreste , Ferone Claudio , Colangelo Francesco , Roviello Valentina , Cioffi Raffaele
Published: June 2016

The preparation and characterization of composite materials based on geopolymers obtained from fly ash and epoxy resins are reported for the first time. These materials have been prepared through a synthetic method based on the concurrent reticulation of the organic and inorganic components that allows the formation of hydrogen bonding between the phases, ensuring a very high compatibility between them. These new composites show significantly improved mechanical properties if compared to neat geopolymers with the same composition and comparable performances in respect to analogous geopolymer-based composites obtained starting from more expensive raw material such as metakaolin. The positive combination of an easy synthetic approach with the use of industrial by-products has allowed producing novel low cost aluminosilicate binders that, thanks to their thixotropicity and good adhesion against materials commonly used in building constructions, could be used within the field of sustainable building.
Functionalized Antimicrobial Composite Thin Films Printing for Stainless Steel Implant Coatings
Authors: Floroian Laura , Ristoscu Carmen , Mihailescu Natalia , Negut Irina , Badea Mihaela , Ursutiu Doru , Chifiriuc Mariana , Urzica Iuliana , Dyia Hussien , Bleotu Coralia , Mihailescu Ion
Published: June 2016

In this work we try to address the large interest existing nowadays in the better understanding of the interaction between microbial biofilms and metallic implants. Our aimed was to identify a new preventive strategy to control drug release, biofilm formation and contamination of medical devices with microbes. The transfer and printing of novel bioactive glass-polymer-antibiotic composites by Matrix-Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation into uniform thin films onto 316 L stainless steel substrates of the type used in implants are reported. The targets were prepared by freezing in liquid nitrogen mixtures containing polymer and antibiotic reinforced with bioglass powder. The cryogenic targets were submitted to multipulse evaporation by irradiation with an UV KrF* (λ = 248 nm, τFWHM ≤ 25 ns) excimer laser source. The prepared structures were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and profilometry, before and after immersion in physiological fluids. The bioactivity and the release of the antibiotic have been evaluated. We showed that the incorporated antibiotic underwent a gradually dissolution in physiological fluids thus supporting a high local treatment efficiency. Electrochemical measurements including linear sweep voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy studies were carried out to investigate the corrosion resistance of the coatings in physiological environments. The in vitro biocompatibility assay using the MG63 mammalian cell line revealed that the obtained nanostructured composite films are non-cytotoxic. The antimicrobial effect of the coatings was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli strains, usually present in implant-associated infections. An anti-biofilm activity was evidenced, stronger against E. coli than the S. aureus strain. The results proved that the applied method allows for the fabrication of implantable biomaterials which shield metal ion release and possess increased biocompatibility and resistance to microbial colonization and biofilm growth.
Evaluation of the Antibacterial Effects and Mechanism of Action of Protocatechualdehyde against Ralstonia solanacearum
Authors: Li Shili , Yu Yanmei , Chen Juanni , Guo Bing , Yang Liang , Ding Wei
Published: June 2016

Protocatechualdehyde (PCA) is an important plant-derived natural product that has been associated with a wide variety of biological activities and has been widely used in medicine as an antioxidant, anti-aging and an anti-inflammatory agent. However, fewer reports concerning its antibacterial effects on plant-pathogenic bacteria exist. Therefore, in this study, protocatechualdehyde was evaluated for its antibacterial activity against plant pathogens along with the mechanism of its antibacterial action. PCA at 40 μg/mL was highly active against R. solanacearum and significantly inhibited its growth. The minimum bactericidal concentration and minimum inhibitory concentration values for PCA were 40 μg/mL and 20 μg/mL, respectively. Further investigation of the mechanism of action of PCA via transmission electron microscopy and biological assays indicated that the destruction of the cell structure, the shapes and the inhibition of biofilm formation were important. In addition, the application of PCA effectively reduced the incidence of bacterial wilt on tobacco under greenhouse conditions, and the control efficiency was as high as 92.01% at nine days after inoculation. Taken together, these findings suggest that PCA exhibits strong antibacterial activity against R. solanacearum and has the potential to be applied as an effective antibacterial agent for controlling bacterial wilt caused by R. solanacearum.
Flavonoids, Flavonoid Subclasses, and Esophageal Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis of Epidemiologic Studies
Authors: Cui Lingling , Liu Xinxin , Tian Yalan , Xie Chen , Li Qianwen , Cui Han , Sun Changqing
Published: June 2016

Flavonoids have been suggested to play a chemopreventive role in carcinogenesis. However, the epidemiologic studies assessing dietary intake of flavonoids and esophageal cancer risk have yielded inconsistent results. This study was designed to examine the association between flavonoids, each flavonoid subclass, and the risk of esophageal cancer with a meta-analysis approach. We searched for all relevant studies with a prospective cohort or case-control study design published from January 1990 to April 2016, using PUBMED, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using fixed or random-effect models. In total, seven articles including 2629 cases and 481,193 non-cases were selected for the meta-analysis. Comparing the highest-intake patients with the lowest-intake patients for total flavonoids and for each flavonoid subclass, we found that anthocyanidins (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.49–0.74), flavanones (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.49–0.86), and flavones (OR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.64–0.95) were inversely associated with the risk of esophageal cancer. However, total flavonoids showed marginal association with esophageal cancer risk (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.59–1.04). In conclusion, our study suggested that dietary intake of total flavonoids, anthocyanidins, flavanones, and flavones might reduce the risk of esophageal cancer.
Predictors of Vitamin D-Containing Supplement Use in the Australian Population and Associations between Dose and Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations
Authors: Black Lucinda , Jacoby Peter , Nowson Caryl , Daly Robin , Lucas Robyn
Published: June 2016

Despite concerns about vitamin D deficiency in the Australian population, little is known about the prevalence and predictors of vitamin D-containing supplement use. We described the use of vitamin D-containing supplements, and investigated associations between supplemental vitamin D intake and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations, using a single 24-h dietary recall from the 2011–2013 Australian Health Survey (n = 12,153; ages ≥ 2 years). Multiple regression models were used to investigate predictors of vitamin D-containing supplement use in adults, and associations between dose and serum 25(OH)D concentrations/vitamin D sufficiency (≥50 nmol/L), adjusting for potential confounders. The prevalence of vitamin D-containing supplement use was 10%, 6% and 19% in children, adolescents and adults, respectively. Predictors of vitamin D-containing supplement use in adults included being female, advancing age, higher educational attainment, higher socio-economic status, not smoking, and greater physical activity. After adjusting for potential confounders, a 40 IU (1 µg) increase in vitamin D intake from supplements was associated with an increase of 0.41 nmol/L in serum 25(OH)D concentrations (95% CI 0.35, 0.47; p < 0.001). However, the prevalence of vitamin D-containing supplement use was generally low in the Australian population, particularly for single vitamin D supplements, with most supplement users obtaining only low levels of vitamin D from other supplement types.
Issues of Application of Machine Learning Models for Virtual and Real-Life Buildings
Authors: Kim Young , Ahn Ki , Park Cheol
Published: June 2016

The current Building Energy Performance Simulation (BEPS) tools are based on first principles. For the correct use of BEPS tools, simulationists should have an in-depth understanding of building physics, numerical methods, control logics of building systems, etc. However, it takes significant time and effort to develop a first principles-based simulation model for existing buildings—mainly due to the laborious process of data gathering, uncertain inputs, model calibration, etc. Rather than resorting to an expert’s effort, a data-driven approach (so-called “inverse” approach) has received growing attention for the simulation of existing buildings. This paper reports a cross-comparison of three popular machine learning models (Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Gaussian Process (GP)) for predicting a chiller’s energy consumption in a virtual and a real-life building. The predictions based on the three models are sufficiently accurate compared to the virtual and real measurements. This paper addresses the following issues for the successful development of machine learning models: reproducibility, selection of inputs, training period, outlying data obtained from the building energy management system (BEMS), and validation of the models. From the result of this comparative study, it was found that SVM has a disadvantage in computation time compared to ANN and GP. GP is the most sensitive to a training period among the three models.
Use of VacA as a Vaccine Antigen
Authors: Moyat Mati , Velin Dominique
Published: June 2016

One of the major toxins secreted by H. pylori is the Vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA) named after its ability to induce the formation of “vacuole”-like membrane vesicles in the cytoplasm of gastric cells. VacA has been associated with the disruption of mitochondrial functions, stimulation of apoptosis, blockade of T cell proliferation and promotion of regulatory T cells, thereby making it a promising vaccine target. Immunity to bacterial virulence factors is well known to protect humans against bacterial infections; hence, detoxified VacA has been evaluated as a vaccine antigen. Our short review summarizes the pre-clinical and clinical data that have been published on the use of VacA in the development of the H. pylori vaccine.
The Comparative Diagnostic Features of Canine and Human Lymphoma
Authors: Seelig Davis , Avery Anne , Ehrhart E. , Linden Michael
Published: June 2016

The non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) are a heterogeneous family of lymphoid malignancies that are among the most common neoplasms of both dogs and humans. Owing to shared molecular, signaling, incidence, and pathologic features, there is a strong framework supporting the utilization of canine lymphoma as a comparative, large animal model of human NHL. In alignment with the biologic similarities, the current approach towards the diagnosis and classification of canine lymphoma is based upon the human World Health Organization guidelines. While this approach has contributed to an increasing appreciation of the potential biological scope of canine lymphoma, it has also become apparent that the most appropriate diagnostic philosophy must be multimodal, namely by requiring knowledge of microscopic, immunophenotypic, and clinical features before establishing a final disease diagnosis. This review seeks to illustrate the comparative similarities and differences in the diagnosis of canine lymphoma through the presentation of the microscopic and immunophenotypic features of its most common forms.
Les Haïtiens à Santo Domingo : une masse invisible ? (Haitians in Santo Domingo : an invisible mass ?)
Authors: Jolivet Violaine
Published: June 2016

This article examines Haitian situation in Dominican Republic based on interviews through several fieldworks in Santo Domingo (2006-2008). Visibility as a concept, is useful to compare the omnipresence of Haitian migrants all over the country in one hand but their invisibility in several fields as legality on the other hand. The study of these two notions (visibility/ invisibility) allows the interrogation of geopolitical and economical frameworks and the representations in the process of immigrant’s integration.