bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Terapi Relaksasi Benson Terhadap Kadar Gula Darah Pada Penderita Diabetes Mellitus Tipe 2
Authors: Dewi Putu Indah Sintya , Astriani Ni Made Dwi Yunica , Sundayana I Made , Putra Made Mahaguna , Ariani Ni Kadek Ita
Published: March 2020

Benson relaxation is relaxation that combines relaxation respon techniques and belief system. This study aimed to analyze the effect of benson relaxation therapy on blood sugar levels in patiens with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the working area of Buleleng public health center III, utilized one group pretest-posttest design. The sample size was 40 respondents selected using nonprobability sampling technique. Data were collected using observation sheet, then alayzed using paired sample t-test. The result obtained p value of 0.001 (there was an effect of Benson Relaxation Therapy on Blood Sugar Levels in Patiens with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Working area of Buleleng Health Center III.

Keywords: Benson relaxation; blood sugar

ABSTRAK

Relaksasi Benson merupakan relaksasi yang menggabungkan antara teknik respon relaksasi dan sistem keyakinan. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis pengaruh terapi relaksasi benson terhadap kadar gula darah penderita diabetes mellitus tipe 2 di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Buleleng III, menggunakan one group pretest-posttest design. Besar sampel yang digunakan yaitu 40 responden yang dipilih dengan teknik nonprobability sampling. Data dikumpulkan dengan lembar observasi, lalu dianalisis dengan paired sampel t-test. Hasil mendapatkan nilai p = 0,001 (ada pengaruh terapi relaksasi benson terhadap kadar gula darah pada penderita diabetes mellitus tipe 2 di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Buleleng III.

Kata kunci: relaksasi Benson; gula darah; diabetes
Perbandingan Pemberian Tablet Fe dan Vitamin C dengan Tablet Fe dan Vitamin A terhadap Peningkatan Kadar Hemoglobin pada Mahasiswi Kebidanan
Authors: Thamrin Halida , Sharief Suchi Avnalurini
Published: March 2020

Young women have a high risk of anemia, this is due to the loss of iron during menstruation. Young women have a higher risk to experience of anemia than young men because young women experience menstruation each month and desire to diet so that the body is deficient in essential nutrients such as iron. The purpose of this research is to know the comparison of tablet Fe and Vit C with tablet Fe and Vit A to increase the level of hemoglobin on the student of Midwifery School of Universitas Muslim Indonesia. The population in the study was all students of Midwifery School of Universitas Muslim Indonesia, with population size of 131 students. The samples were taken with purposive sampling technique based on certain criteria, with sample size of 32 students. The results of study showed that there was an increase in hemoglobin levels in the group of tablet Fe and vitamin C and the group of tablet Fe and vitamin A. Statistical test results using the T-Test obtained mean difference-1.950, p = 0.000 meaning there is a meaningful difference to the increase in hemoglobin level.

Keywords: young men; hemoglobin; tablet Fe; vitamin C, vitamin A

ABSTRAK

Remaja putri memiliki risiko tinggi mengalami anemia, hal ini disebabkan hilangnya zat besi saat menstruasi. Remaja putri mempunyai risiko lebih tinggi terkena anemia dibandingkan remaja putra karena remaja putri mengalami menstruasi tiap bulannya dan keinginan untuk diet sehingga tubuh kekurangan zat gizi penting seperti zat besi. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui Perbandingan Pemberian Tablet Fe dan Vit C dengan Tablet Fe dan Vit A terhadap Peningkatan kadar Hb pada Mahasiswi Prodi DIII Kebidanan Universitas Muslim Indonesia. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian Quasi Experimental dengan pendekatan post test only design untuk Mengetahui Perbandingan Pemberian Tablet Fe dan Vit C dengan Tablet Fe dan Vit A terhadap Peningkatan kadar Hb pada Mahasiswi Prodi DIII Kebidanan Universitas Muslim Indonesia. Adapun populasi pada penelitian adalah seluruh mahasiswi prodi DIII Kebidanan, dengan ukuran populasi 131 mahasiswa. Adapun sampel diambil dengan teknik purposive sampling berdasarkan kriteria tertentu, dengan ukuran sampel 32 mahasiswa. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ada peningkatan kadar hemoglobin pada kelompok tablet Fe dan vitamin C dan kelompok tablet Fe dan vitamin A. Hasil uji statistik menggunakan uji t-test diperoleh mean difference -1,950, p = 0,000 yang artinya ada perbedaan yang bermakna terhadap peningkatan kadar hemoglobin.

Kata kunci: remaja putri; hemoglobin; tablet Fe; vitamin C; vitamin A
Jumlah Sel Neuron Cerebrum pada Paparan Musik Mozart Lebih Tinggi Dibandingkan Dengan Paparan Musik Indonesia
Authors: Sholichah Agustina Mar'atus , Joewono Hermanto Tri , Widjiati Widjiati
Published: March 2020

Background: Intelligence management can produce superior human resources with integrated brain. Mozart music stimulus during pregnancy has been shown to increase the number of neuron of the fetal brain. The study of pop and religious music needs to be improve because they are more popular in Indonesia. Objective: To analyze the differences of number of Neuron in the Cerebrum Rattus norvegicusoffspring that exposed to Mozart, Indonesian pop music and Indonesian religious music during pregnancy. Methods: An experimental study with a post-test only control group design. Groups divide into treatment music groups: Mozart, pop and religious. Treatment in a soundproof room for 1 hour, starting the 10th-day of pregnancy, intensity of 65 dB with a distance of 25 cm from the cage. The number of neuron was counted from HE brain preparations of the head Rattus norvegicusoffspring and analyzed using appropriate statistics test. Results: There were significant differences in the number of neuron of Rattus norvegicusoffspring in cerebrum between groups with p = 0,000 (mean Mozart music group 28.14 ± 3.02, Indonesian pop music 19.71 ± 1.80, Indonesian religious music 24.14 ± 2.91) and Mozart gave a higher number of neuron than Indonesia religious music and Indonesian pop music. Conclusion: Mozart music gave a higher number of neuron in the Cerebrum than Indonesian religious music and Indonesian pop music.

Keywords: neuron; cerebrum; Mozart music; Indonesian music

ABSTRAK

Latar belakang: Pengelolaan kecerdasan otak yang terintegrasi akan menghasilkan SDM yang unggul. Stimulus musik Mozart selama kehamilan terbukti meningkatkan jumlah sel neuron di otak janin. Musik pop dan religi perlu dilakukan penelitian karena lebih populer di Indonesia. Tujuan: Menganalisis perbedaan jumlah sel neuron di Cerebrum Rattus norvegicusbaru lahir antara yang mendapat paparan musik Mozart, musik pop Indonesia dan musik religi Indonesia selama kebuntingan. Metode: Studi eksperimental dengan desain post test only control group. Kelompok perlakuan dibagi menjadi kelompok musik Mozart, musik pop Indonesia dan musik religi Indonesia. Perlakuan di ruang kedap suara selama 1 jam pada malam hari mulai hari ke-10 kebuntingan, intensitas 65 dB dengan jarak 25 cm antara kandang dan speaker. Jumlah sel neuron dihitung dari preparat pewarnaan Hematoxylin-Eosin otak anak Rattus norvegicusdan dianalisis dengan statistik yang sesuai. Hasil: Terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan pada jumlah sel neuron cerebrum Rattus norvegicus baru lahir antar kelompok dengan nilai p=0,000 (rerata kelompok musik Mozart 28,14±3,02, musik pop Indonesia 19,71±1,80 dan musik religi Indonesia 24,14±2,91) dan musik Mozart memiliki jumlah sel neuron lebih tinggi daripada musik religi Indonesia dan musik pop Indonesia. Kesimpulan: Kelompok musik Mozart memiliki jumlah sel neuron di cerebrum yang lebih tinggi dibandingkan kelompok musik Indonesia.

Kata kunci: neuron; cerebrum; musik Mozart; musik Indonesia
Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Risiko Musculoskeletal Disoders (MSDs) pada Driver Ojek Online Wanita Kota Medan
Authors: Ferusgel Agnes , Masni Masni , Arti Nur Asni
Published: March 2020

MSDS is one of the occupational health problems found in various countries. MSDS can occur due to nutritional status, length of work, years of service and work attitude. The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors that influence the risk of Muscoloskeletal Disoders (MSDs) in Medan's women's motorcycle taxi drivers. This research was quantitative with cross sectional study design. The population in this study were all female online motorcycle taxi drivers (Go-Jek), amounting to 40 people and all of them became samples. Data analysis used Pearson statistical tests and simple linear regression. The results showed that there was an influence of tenure (p = 0.001) and work attitude (p = 0,000) on MSDs complaints on female ojek-online workers in Medan City and there was no influence on nutritional status and length of work on MSDs complaints on female ojek-online workers in the city of Medan. The coefficient of regression determination showed a value of 0.625 indicating that the variable of tenure and work attitude were able to explain variations in MSDs complaints on female ojeg-online workers by 62.5%. It is expected that the company can make regulations regarding working hours for female online motorcycle taxi drivers so as to limit the exposure of workers and it is expected that female online motorcycle taxi drivers can relax while waiting for passengers.

Keywords: MSDs; ojek online driver; women

ABSTRAK

MSDS merupakan salah satu permasalahan kesehatan terkait pekerjaan yang ditemukan di berbagai Negara. MSDS dapat terjadi akibat dari status gizi, lama kerja, masa kerja dan sikap kerja. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis faktor yang mempengaruhi Risiko Muscoloskeletal Disoders (MSDs) pada driver ojek-online wanita Kota Medan. Penelitian ini adalah kuantitatif dengan desain studi potong lintang. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh driver ojek online (Go-Jek) wanita yang berjumlah 40 orang dan seluruhnya menjadi sampel.. Sikap kerja diamati dengan metode REBA dan MSDS di amati dengan nordic map. Analisis data menggunakan uji statistik Pearson dan regresi linear sederhana. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan ada pengaruh masa kerja (p=0,001) dan sikap kerja (p=0,000) terhadap keluhan MSDs pada pekerja ojek-online wanita di Kota Medan dan tidak ada pengaruh status gizi dan lama kerja terhadap keluhan MSDs pada pekerja ojek-online wanita di Kota Medan. Koefisien determinasi regresi menunjukkan nilai 0,625 menunjukkan bahwa variabel masa kerja dan sikap kerja mampu menjelaskan variasi keluhan MSDs pada pekerja ojek-online wanita sebesar 62,5%. Diharapkan Bagi Perusahaan dapat membuat peraturan mengenai jam kerja pada driver ojek online wanita sehingga dapat membatasi keterpaparan pekerja dan diharapkan bagi driver ojek online wanita dapat melakukan relaksasi disela-sela menunggu penumpang.

Kata kunci: MSDs; driver ojek online; wanita
Analisis Faktor yang Berhubungan dengan Keluhan Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome pada Pekerja Konstruksi
Authors: Nabila Annisa , Fitri Azizah Musliha , Buntara Arga , Utari Dyah
Published: March 2020

In the construction area there are many jobs that use hand-held vibration devices with the function of making holes, destroying and compacting concrete. Workers who use hand-held vibration devices have the potential to experience occupational diseases, especially Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). This study aimed to analyze the relationship between age, vibration exposure, years of service, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and smoking with complaints of HAVS in workers at PT X in 2019. This type of research was quantitative research with a cross-sectional design. Samples of this study were all workers (64 workers) who used hand-held vibration devices. The results showed that the variables associated with HAVS complaints were age (p-value = 0.001), vibration exposure (p-value = 0.001), years of service (p-value = 0.042), use of PPE (p-value = 0.001) and smoking (p-value = 0.002). Based on these results, the company is expected to provide health workers which conduct periodic health checks, provide health information about HAVS, provide information regarding the importance of PPE and the dangers of smoking to the body and the workers are expected to take a rest for ten minutes per hour and must report to HSE officers if they feel the symptoms of HAVS.

Keywords: hand arm vibration syndrome; individual characteristics; job factors; health factors

ABSTRAK

Di area konstruksi banyak menggunakan alat vibrasi genggam yang berfungsi untuk membuat lubang, menghancurkan dan memadatkan beton. Pekerja yang menggunakan alat vibrasi genggam berpotensi mengalami penyakit akibat kerja khususnya Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis hubungan antara umur, pajanan getaran, masa kerja, penggunaan Alat Pelindung Diri (APD), dan merokok dengan keluhan HAVS pada pekerja di PT X tahun 2019. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kuantitatif dengan desain cross-sectional. Sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh pekerja yang menggunakan alat vibrasi genggam yang berjumlah 64 orang. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa variabel yang berhubungan dengan keluhan HAVS adalah umur (p-value = 0,001), pajanan getaran (p-value = 0,001), masa kerja (p-value = 0,042), penggunaan APD (p-value = 0,001), dan merokok (p-value = 0,002). Berdasarkan hasil tersebut, perusahaan diharapkan untuk menyediakan tenaga kesehatan yang melakukan pemeriksaan kesehatan berkala, memberikan informasi kesehatan mengenai HAVS, memberikan informasi terkait pentingnya APD dan bahaya rokok bagi tubuh serta para pekerja diharapkan untuk melakukan istirahat selama sepuluh menit perjam dan wajib melapor kepada petugas K3 bila merasakan gejala HAVS.

Kata kunci: hand arm vibration syndrome; karakteristik individu; faktor pekerjaan; faktor kesehatan
RETRACTED: Resveratrol Preincubation Enhances the Therapeutic Efficacy of hUC-MSCs by Improving Cell Migration and Modulating Neuroinflammation Mediated by MAPK Signaling in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Wu Junwei , Ma Shanshan , Xie Ya , Liu Hongtao , Yao Minghao , Zhang Yanting , Yang Greta Luyuan , Yang Bo , Guo Ruixia , Guan Fangxia
Published: March 2020

Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) are promising for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, their low rate of migration and survival in the brain limit their clinical applicability. This study is designed to improve the therapeutic potential of hUC-MSCs by preincubating them with resveratrol, a natural polyphenol capable of regulating cell destiny. Herein, we demonstrate that resveratrol preincubation enhances the migration of hUC-MSCs in vitro, as well as their survival and homing into the hippocampus of AD mice in vivo. Moreover, resveratrol-primed MSCs were better able to inhibit amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) deposition, Tau hyperphosphorylation, and oxidative stress, all while improving learning and memory. Notably, we found that hUC-MSCs inhibited neuroinflammation by reacting with astrocytes and microglial cells and suppressing mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), extracellular signal kinases (ERK), p38 kinases (p38), and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) signaling pathways in the hippocampus of AD mice. Furthermore, resveratrol pretreatment enhanced these effects. Conclusively, the current study revealed that resveratrol preconditioning protected hUC-MSCs against the hostile microenvironment characteristic of AD and enhanced their viability and homing into the brain of AD mice. The use of resveratrol-pretreated hUC-MSCs is thereby proposed to be a promising therapy for AD.
Leadership beyond Narcissism: On the Role of Compassionate Love as Individual Antecedent of Servant Leadership
Authors: Brouns Tim , Externbrink Kai , Blesa Aledo Pablo Salvador
Published: March 2020

While we already know a lot about the outcomes and boundary conditions of servant leadership, there is still a need for research on its antecedents. Building on the theory of purposeful work behavior and further theorizing by van Dierendonck and Patterson (2015), we examine if leaders’ propensity for compassionate love will evoke servant leadership behavior. At the same time, we contrast compassionate love to leaders’ narcissism as psychological counterpart to compassionate love, because narcissism is not associated with leader effectiveness, but with leader emergence instead. We collected data from 170 leader-follower-dyads in a field study in Germany, while measuring leaders’ compassionate love and narcissism, and followers’ perceptions of servant leadership. We found a positive association between leaders’ compassionate love and servant leadership behavior, while narcissism was negatively associated with servant leadership. Theoretical and practical implications, as well as pathways for future research are discussed.
Economic Situation of Dairy Farms in Identified Clusters of European Union Countries
Authors: Poczta Walenty , Średzińska Joanna , Chenczke Maciej
Published: March 2020

The economic situation of EU dairy farms is unstable and differs strongly between member countries. Most studies addressing the EU’s agricultural sector focus on selected countries or selected groups of operators. Conversely, this paper seeks to determine the economic situation of dairy farms in EU countries grouped into types according to their production potential. The analysis relied on data collected and processed in the FADN (Farm Accountancy Data Network). The farms were classified based on a hierarchical clustering routine. The agglomerative technique was used. Distances between clusters were calculated using the Ward’s method. In turn, the distance between countries was calculated as the Euclidean distance. This study enabled the identification of five different types of dairy farms in the EU. On an EU-wide basis, medium and large-sized highly specialized intensive farms play a key role in milk production. Despite their profitability being somehow restricted, they report high levels of labor productivity thanks to an advantageous production potential. In turn, an insufficient potential is among the main restrictions faced by other dairy farms in the EU; their advantageous financial indicators often fail to provide satisfactory levels of income which could drive investment and consumption opportunities.
Effect of Natural Preservatives on the Nutritional Profile, Chemical Composition, Bioactivity and Stability of a Nutraceutical Preparation of Aloe arborescens
Authors: Fernandes Filipa A. , Carocho Márcio , Heleno Sandrina A. , Rodrigues Paula , Dias Maria Inês , Pinela José , Prieto Miguel A. , Simal-Gandara Jesus , Barros Lillian , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R.
Published: March 2020

Citric acid, quercetin, dried chestnut flowers and an aqueous extract of chestnut flowers were screened as candidates for preserving a drinkable nutraceutical preparation for 45 days. The assays encompassed antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, nutritional and chemical profiles, and individual profiles of fatty acids and mineral composition, all of which in comparison with a sodium benzoate, a synthetic preservative. The centesimal composition of the nutraceutical formulation was mainly composed of carbohydrates, followed by proteins and fat, with moisture levels between 66% and 71%. Palmitic and stearic acid were the most abundant fatty acids, while calcium and magnesium where the minerals in higher amount. Anthroquinones, followed by flavonoids where the most abundant groups of phenolic compounds. In terms of the preserving effects of the extracts, the chestnut flowers and the citric acid were the most effective natural preservatives, which better preserved phenolic compounds. Furthermore, these two ingredients also revealed the strongest capacity to control the microbial growth in the formulation by inhibiting the growth of food contaminants. In general, these ingredients revealed higher preservation capacity than sodium benzoate, while not altering the nutritional and fatty acid profile. The chestnut flowers and citric acid could be used to preserve foods, food supplements, and nutraceutical formulations after passing the required regulatory procedures for food additives.
A Jumping Robot Driven by a Dielectric Elastomer Actuator
Authors: Luo Bin , Li Bingyang , Yu Yuan , Yu Meng , Ma Jiaqi , Yang Weimin , Wang Pengfei , Jiao Zhiwei
Published: March 2020

Dielectric elastomer (DE) is a soft material that can deform to a large degree under the action of an electric field. In this paper, multilayer DE films were stacked in parallel to prepare a 20-layer dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA). This DEA could provide a peak output force of 30 N, which significantly improves the driving performance of the DEA and provides conditions for large load driving of the DEA. As a new driving method, the DEA was applied to a jumping robot, and the heavy-weight robot accomplished jumping motion after several cycles of energy storage.
Real-Time Application for Generating Multiple Experiences from 360° Panoramic Video by Tracking Arbitrary Objects and Viewer’s Orientations
Authors: Shah Syed Hammad Hussain , Han Kyungjin , Lee Jong Weon
Published: March 2020

We propose a novel authoring and viewing system for generating multiple experiences with a single 360° video and efficiently transferring these experiences to the user. An immersive video contains much more interesting information within the 360° environment than normal videos. There can be multiple interesting areas within a 360° frame at the same time. Due to the narrow field of view in virtual reality head-mounted displays, a user can only view a limited area of a 360° video. Hence, our system is aimed at generating multiple experiences based on interesting information in different regions of a 360° video and efficient transferring of these experiences to prospective users. The proposed system generates experiences by using two approaches: (1) Recording of the user’s experience when the user watches a panoramic video using a virtual reality head-mounted display, and (2) tracking of an arbitrary interesting object in a 360° video selected by the user. For tracking of an arbitrary interesting object, we have developed a pipeline around an existing simple object tracker to adapt it for 360° videos. This tracking algorithm was performed in real time on a CPU with high precision. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, there is no such existing system that can generate a variety of different experiences from a single 360° video and enable the viewer to watch one 360° visual content from various interesting perspectives in immersive virtual reality. Furthermore, we have provided an adaptive focus assistance technique for efficient transferring of the generated experiences to other users in virtual reality. In this study, technical evaluation of the system along with a detailed user study has been performed to assess the system’s application. Findings from evaluation of the system showed that a single 360° multimedia content has the capability of generating multiple experiences and transfers among users. Moreover, sharing of the 360° experiences enabled viewers to watch multiple interesting contents with less effort.
A United Sign Coherence Factor Beamformer for Coherent Plane-Wave Compounding with Improved Contrast
Authors: Yang Chen , Jiao Yang , Jiang Tingyi , Xu Yiwen , Cui Yaoyao
Published: March 2020

In this study, we present a united sign coherence factor beamformer for coherent plane-wave compounding (CPWC). CPWC is capable of reaching an image quality comparable to the conventional B-mode with a much higher frame rate. Conventional coherence factor (CF) based beamformers for CPWC are based on one-dimensional (1D) frameworks, either in the spatial coherence dimension or angular coherence dimension. Both 1D frameworks do not take into account the coherence information of the dimensions of each other. In order to take full advantage of the radio-frequency (RF) data, this paper proposes a united framework containing both spatial and angular information for CPWC. A united sign coherence factor beamformer (uSCF), which combines the conventional sign coherence factor (SCF) and the united framework, is introduced in the paper as well. The proposed beamformer is compared with the conventional 1D SCF beamformers (spatial and angular dimension beamformers) using simulation, phantom and in vivo studies. In the in vivo images, the proposed method improves the contrast ratio (CR) and generalized contrast-to-noise ratio (gCNR) by 197% and 20% over CPWC. Compared with other 1D methods, uSCF also shows an improved contrast and lateral resolution on all datasets.
Carbon Dioxide Uptake by MOC-Based Materials
Authors: Jankovský Ondřej , Lojka Michal , Lauermannová Anna-Marie , Antončík Filip , Pavlíková Milena , Pavlík Zbyšek , Sedmidubský David
Published: March 2020

In this work, carbon dioxide uptake by magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) based materials is described. Both thermodynamically stable magnesium oxychloride phases with stoichiometry 3Mg(OH)2∙MgCl2∙8H2O (Phase 3) and 5Mg(OH)2∙MgCl2∙8H2O (Phase 5) were prepared. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements were performed to confirm the purity of the studied phases after 7, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 days. Due to carbonation, chlorartinite was formed on the surface of the examined samples. The Rietveld analysis was performed to calculate the phase composition and evaluate the kinetics of carbonation. The SEM micrographs of the sample surfaces were compared with those of the bulk to prove XRD results. Both MOC phases exhibited fast mineral carbonation and high maximum theoretical values of CO2 uptake capacity. The materials based on MOC cement can thus find use in applications where a higher concentration of CO2 in the environment is expected (e.g., in flooring systems and wall panels), where they can partially mitigate the harmful effects of CO2 on indoor air quality and contribute to the sustainability of the construction industry by means of reducing the carbon footprints of alternative building materials and reducing CO2 concentrations in the environment overall.
An Improved Power System Transient Stability Prediction Model Based on mRMR Feature Selection and WTA Ensemble Learning
Authors: Liu Jun , Sun Huiwen , Li Yitong , Fang Wanliang , Niu Shuanbao
Published: March 2020

Fast online transient stability assessment (TSA) is very important to maintain the stable operation of power systems. However, the existing transient stability assessment methods suffer the drawbacks of unsatisfactory prediction accuracy, difficult applicability, or a heavy computational burden. In light of this, an improved high accuracy power system transient stability prediction model is proposed, based on min-redundancy and max-relevance (mRMR) feature selection and winner take all (WTA) ensemble learning. Firstly, the contributions of four different series of raw sampled data from all of the three-time stages, namely the pre-fault, during-fault and post-fault, to transient stability are compared. The new feature of generator electromagnetic power is introduced and compared with three conventional types of input features, through a support vector machine (SVM) classifier. Furthermore, the two types of most contributive input features are obtained by the mRMR feature selection method. Finally, the prediction results of the electromagnetic power of generators and the voltage amplitude of buses are combined using the WTA ensemble learning method, and an improved transient stability prediction model with higher accuracy for unstable samples is obtained, whose overall prediction accuracy would not decrease either. The real-time data collected by wide area monitoring systems (WAMS) can be fed into this model for fast online transient stability prediction; the results can also provide a basis for the future emergency control decision-making of power systems.
Development of Macozinone for TB treatment: An Update
Authors: Makarov Vadim , Mikušová Katarína
Published: March 2020

Macozinone, a piperazine-benzothiazinone PBTZ169, is currently undergoing Phase 1/2 clinical studies for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). In this review we summarize the key findings that led to the development of this compound and to identification of its target, decaprenylphospohoryl ribose oxidase DprE1, which is involved in the synthesis of the essential arabinan polymers of the cell wall in a TB pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We present the results of the pilot clinical studies, which raise optimism regarding its further development towards more efficient TB drug regimens.
Mycobacterial Cell Wall: A Source of Successful Targets for Old and New Drugs
Authors: Vilchèze Catherine
Published: March 2020

Eighty years after the introduction of the first antituberculosis (TB) drug, the treatment of drug-susceptible TB remains very cumbersome, requiring the use of four drugs (isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide) for two months followed by four months on isoniazid and rifampicin. Two of the drugs used in this “short”-course, six-month chemotherapy, isoniazid and ethambutol, target the mycobacterial cell wall. Disruption of the cell wall structure can enhance the entry of other TB drugs, resulting in a more potent chemotherapy. More importantly, inhibition of cell wall components can lead to mycobacterial cell death. The complexity of the mycobacterial cell wall offers numerous opportunities to develop drugs to eradicate Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB. In the past 20 years, researchers from industrial and academic laboratories have tested new molecules to find the best candidates that will change the face of TB treatment: drugs that will shorten TB treatment and be efficacious against active and latent, as well as drug-resistant TB. Two of these new TB drugs block components of the mycobacterial cell wall and have reached phase 3 clinical trial. This article reviews TB drugs targeting the mycobacterial cell wall in use clinically and those in clinical development.
Automated Discontinuity Detection and Reconstruction in Subsurface Environment of Mars Using Deep Learning: A Case Study of SHARAD Observation
Authors: Gupta Vanshika , Gupta Sharad Kumar , Kim Jungrack
Published: March 2020

Machine learning (ML) algorithmic developments and improvements in Earth and planetary science are expected to bring enormous benefits for areas such as geospatial database construction, automated geological feature reconstruction, and surface dating. In this study, we aim to develop a deep learning (DL) approach to reconstruct the subsurface discontinuities in the subsurface environment of Mars employing the echoes of the Shallow Subsurface Radar (SHARAD), a sounding radar equipped on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). Although SHARAD has produced highly valuable information about the Martian subsurface, the interpretation of the radar echo of SHARAD is a challenging task considering the vast stocks of datasets and the noisy signal. Therefore, we introduced a 3D subsurface mapping strategy consisting of radar echo pre-processors and a DL algorithm to automatically detect subsurface discontinuities. The developed components the of DL algorithm were synthesized into a subsurface mapping scheme and applied over a few target areas such as mid-latitude lobate debris aprons (LDAs), polar deposits and shallow icy bodies around the Phoenix landing site. The outcomes of the subsurface discontinuity detection scheme were rigorously validated by computing several quality metrics such as accuracy, recall, Jaccard index, etc. In the context of undergoing development and its output, we expect to automatically trace the shapes of Martian subsurface icy structures with further improvements in the DL algorithm.
The National, the Diasporic, and the Canonical: The Place of Diasporic Imagery in the Canon of Israeli National Art
Authors: Barak Noa Avron
Published: March 2020

This article explores Jerusalem-based art practice from the 1930s to the 1960s, focusing particularly on the German immigrant artists that dominated this field in that period. I describe the distinct aesthetics of this art and explain its role in the Zionist nation-building project. Although Jerusalem’s art scene participated significantly in creating a Jewish–Israeli national identity, it has been accorded little or no place in the canon of national art. Adopting a historiographic approach, I focus on the artist Mordecai Ardon and the activities of the New Bezalel School and the Jerusalem Artists Society. Examining texts and artworks associated with these institutions through the prism of migratory aesthetics, I claim that the art made by Jerusalem’s artists was rooted in their diasporic identities as East or Central European Jews, some German-born, others having settled in Germany as children or young adults. These diasporic identities were formed through their everyday lives as members of a Jewish diaspora in a host country—whether that be the Russian Empire, Poland, or Germany. Under their arrival in Palestine, however, the diasporic Jewish identities of these immigrants (many of whom were not initially Zionists) clashed with the Zionist–Jewish identity that was hegemonic in the nascent field of Israeli art. Ultimately, this friction would exclude the immigrants’ art from being inducted into the national art canon. This is misrepresentative, for, in reality, these artists greatly influenced the Zionist nation-building project. Despite participating in a number of key Zionist endeavours—whether that of establishing practical professions or cementing the young nation’s collective consciousness through graphic propaganda—they were marginalized in the artistic field. This exclusion, I claim, is rooted in the dynamics of canon formation in modern Western art, the canon of Israeli national art being one instance of these wider trends. Diasporic imagery could not be admitted into the Israeli canon because that canon was intrinsically connected with modern nationalism.
SEI Growth Impacts of Lamination, Formation and Cycling in Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Frankenberger Martin , Trunk Markus , Seidlmayer Stefan , Dinter Alexander , Dittloff Johannes , Werner Lukas , Gernhäuser Roman , Revay Zsolt , Märkisch Bastian , Gilles Ralph , Pettinger Karl-Heinz
Published: March 2020

The accumulation of solid electrolyte interphases (SEI) in graphite anodes related to elevated formation rates (0.1C, 1C and 2C), cycling rates (1C and 2C), and electrode-separator lamination is investigated. As shown previously, the lamination technique is beneficial for the capacity aging in graphite-LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 cells. Here, surface resistance growth phenomena are quantified using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The graphite anodes were extracted from the graphite NMC cells in their fully discharged state and irreversible accumulations of lithium in the SEI are revealed using neutron depth profiling (NDP). In this post-mortem study, NDP reveals uniform lithium accumulations as a function of depth with lithium situated at the surface of the graphite particles thus forming the SEI. The SEI was found to grow logarithmically with cycle number starting with the main formation in the initial cycles. Furthermore, the EIS measurements indicate that benefits from lamination arise from surface resistance growth phenomena aside from SEI growth in superior anode fractions.
Deploying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing in Construction
Authors: Talebi Saeed , Koskela Lauri , Tzortzopoulos Patricia , Kagioglou Michail , Krulikowski Alex
Published: March 2020

No standardised approach appears to exist in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry for the communication of tolerance information on drawings. As a result of this shortcoming, defects associated with dimensional and geometric variability occur with potentially severe consequences. In contrast, in mechanical engineering, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) is a symbolic language widely used to communicate both the perfect geometry and the tolerances of components and assemblies. This paper prescribes the application of GD&T in construction with the goal of developing a common language called geometric dimensioning and tolerancing in construction (GD&TIC) to facilitate the communication of tolerance information throughout design and construction. design science research is the adopted methodological approach. Evidence was collated from direct observations in two construction projects and two group interviews. A focus group meeting was conducted to evaluate whether the developed solution (GD&TIC) fulfilled its aim. The contribution of this paper to designers, to organisations involved in developing AEC industry standards, and to the scholarly community is twofold: (1) It is an attempt to develop a standardised approach (GD&TIC) for the communication of tolerance information in AEC, and (2) it identifies discrepancies between GD&TIC rules and some of the commonly used American and British standards on tolerances.
Effects of Modifying Acidity and Reducibility on the Activity of NaY Zeolite in the Oxidative Dehydrogenation of n-Octane
Authors: Ndlela Siyabonga S. , Friedrich Holger B. , Cele Mduduzi N.
Published: March 2020

Non-coking stable alkaline earth metal (M = Mg, Sr, and Ba) modified Ga-NaY catalysts were prepared by ionic-exchange and tested in oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of n-octane using air as the source of oxygen. The role of the alkaline earth metals in NaY was to poison the acid sites while enhancing the basic sites responsible for ODH. The exception was the calcium modified NaY, which was more acidic than the parent NaY, coking and unstable under the ODH conditions used in this study. The role of gallium was to enhance the dehydrogenation pathway and improve the stability of NaY. The sequence of increasing selectivity to octenes followed the order: CaGa-NaY < Ga-NaY< MgGa-NaY < SrGa-NaY < BaGa-NaY. The highest octene selectivity obtained was 37% at iso-conversion of 6 ± 1% when BaGa-NaY was used at a temperature of 450 °C. The activity of the catalysts was directly proportional to the reducibility of the catalysts, which is in agreement with expectations.
Effects of Ti, Ni, and Dual Ti/Ni Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation on the Corrosion and Wear Properties of Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Dai Jun , Liu Zheng , Yu Banglong , Ruan Qingdong , Chu Paul K.
Published: March 2020

Ti, Ni, and Ti/Ni plasma immersion ion implantation is carried out on the AM60 magnesium alloy with a 6 × 1016 ions/cm2 fluence and energy of 35 keV. The corrosion and wear properties of the ion-implanted samples are determined systematically by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical methods and wear tests. A Ni-rich layer composed of α-Mg, Ni2O3, and NiTi2 is formed on the surface after dual Ti/Ni ion implantation, and the ion implantation range is approximately 300 nm. The corrosion resistance of the Ni- and Ti/Ni-implanted AM60 samples is significantly reduced in the 3.5% NaCl solution. However, NiTi2 does not adhere well to the grinding ring during the wear test due to the bonding properties, and the sample implanted with both Ti and Ni shows the best wear resistance.
Non-Fluorinated, Sustainable, and Durable Superhydrophobic Microarrayed Surface for Water-Harvesting
Authors: Rius-Ayra Oriol , Fiestas-Paradela Sheila , Llorca-Isern Nuria
Published: March 2020

Water scarcity is a worldwide issue that significantly affects the environment, population, and economy of the arid zones. In this study, we report a straightforward method for water-harvesting based on modifications of the surface wettability. Using magnesium chloride, lauric acid, and electrodeposition process, a superhydrophobic surface (155°) is obtained. Morphological characterization techniques allow determination of the characteristic flower-like microstructures combined with close packed nanoarrays that lead to the hierarchical structure. Furthermore, the coating presents vertically aligned microarrays in a non-linear cone morphology formed by dynamic templating of hydrogen bubbles. From a chemical point of view, magnesium laurate is responsible for the surface tension decrease. To determine the durability of the obtained surface ultra-violet (UV) light test and abrasive paper test, tests are carried out revealing high durability against these severe conditions. The water-harvesting ability of the superhydrophobic surface is studied at 45° and 90° tilted samples. The capacity of the water to be harvested efficiently is found to be at 90° tilt under fog conditions. The use of green reactants associated with this hierarchical structure broadens a new scope for sustainable freshwater collection and it becomes an excellent example of a green solution.
Ostwald Growth Rate in Controlled Covid-19 Epidemic Spreading as in Arrested Growth in Quantum Complex Matter
Authors: Bianconi Antonio , Marcelli Augusto , Campi Gaetano , Perali Andrea
Published: March 2020

Here, we focus on the data analysis of the growth of epidemic spread of Covid-19 in countries where different policies of containment were activated. It is known that the growth of pandemic spread at its threshold is exponential, but it is not known how to quantify the success of different containment policies. We identify that a successful approach gives an arrested phase regime following the Ostwald growth, where, over the course of time, one phase transforms into another metastable phase with a similar free energy as observed in oxygen interstitial diffusion in quantum complex matter and in crystallization of proteins. We introduce the s factor which provides a quantitative measure of the efficiency and speed of the adopted containment policy, which is very helpful not only to monitor the Covid-19 pandemic spread but also for other countries to choose the best containment policy. The results show that a policy based on joint confinement, targeted tests, and tracking positive cases is the most rapid pandemic containment policy; in fact, we found values of 9, 5, and 31 for the success s factor for China, South Korea, and Italy, respectively, where the lowest s factor indicates the best containment policy.
TI-RADS Diagnostic Performance: Which Algorithm Is Superior and How Elastography and 4D Vascularity Improve the Malignancy Risk Assessment
Authors: Borlea Andreea , Borcan Florin , Sporea Ioan , Dehelean Cristina , Negrea Romeo , Cotoi Laura , Stoian Dana
Published: March 2020

Given the increased prevalence of thyroid nodules in the general population (~50%), the real challenge resides in correctly recognizing the suspicious ones. This study proposes to compare four important Thyroid Imaging and Reporting Data Systems (TI-RADS) and evaluate the contribution of elastography and 4D Color Doppler assessment of vascularity in estimating the risk of malignancy. In the study, 133 nodules with histopathological examination were included. Of these, 35 (26.31%) proved to be malignant. All nodules were classified using the four selected systems and our proposed improved score. The American College of Radiology (ACR) and EU TI-RADS had good sensitivity (94.28%, 97.14%) and NPV (93.33%, 95.83%), but fairly poor specificity (31.81%, 23.46%) and PPV (35.48%, 31.19%), with an accuracy of 42.8% and 45.8%, respectively. Horvath TI-RADS had better accuracy of 66.9% and somewhat improved specificity (62.24%), but poorer sensitivity (80%). Russ’ French TI-RADS includes elastography in the risk assessment strategy. This classification proved superior in all aspects (Se: 91.42%, Sp:82.65%, NPV:96.42%, PPV:65.30%, and Acc of 84.96%). The mean strain ratio (SR) value for malignant lesions was 5.56, while the mean SR value for benign ones was significantly lower, 2.54 (p < 0.05). It also correlated well with the response variable: histopathological result (p < 0.001). Although, adding 4D vascularity to the French score generated a similar calculated accuracy and from a statistical point of view, the parameter itself proved beneficial for predicting the malignancy risk (p < 0.001) and may add important knowledge in uncertain situations. Advanced ultrasound techniques definitely improved the risk estimation and should be used more extensively.
“Nature Abhors a Vaccuum”: Invagination of the Small Intestine into the Lumbar Disc Space After a Spinal Fusion Operation
Authors: Lee Wonho , Boudier-Revéret Mathieu , Kim Du Hwan , Chang Min Cheol
Published: March 2020

A 77-year-old woman having back pain due to an L2 vertebral body compression fracture took a lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In MRI, in addition to the L2 vertebral body fracture, invagination of the small intestine into the intervertebral disc space at L5-S1 was found by chance. On a lateral lumbar spinal X-ray, the lordotic angle was markedly increased at the L5-S1 level. Additionally, the L5-S1 disc space had widened. These X-ray findings indicate the segmental instability at L5-S1. The spinal fusion operation on L3-4-5 seems to have resulted in overt mechanical loading on the inferior spinal segment (L5-S1). We think the instability damaged the anterior longitudinal ligament and caused a tear in the anterior portion of the annulus fibrosus. The defect in the L5-S1 intervertebral disc after the tear would have caused the vacuum, which is presumed to have pulled the patient’s small intestine into the empty space within the L5-S1 intervertebral disc. Although intervertebral invagination of intra-abdominal structures is not common, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of this complication in patients who have spinal segmental instability.
Lifetime Weight Cycling and Central Fat Distribution in Females With Obesity: A Brief Report
Authors: Tannir Hana , Itani Leila , El Masri Dana , Kreidieh Dima , El Ghoch Marwan
Published: March 2020

Weight cycling (WC) is a common phenomenon in patients with obesity, however, its consequence on body composition has not yet been fully understood. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether multiple WC can negatively affect the latter, especially in terms of body fat distribution in female adults seeking treatment that are overweight or obese. Body composition was obtained using a segmental body composition analyser (MC-780MA, Tanita Corp., Tokyo, Japan) in 125 adult females who had been referred to the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Beirut Arab University (Lebanon). WC was defined as intentional weight loss of ≥3 kg followed by involuntary weight regain of ≥3 kg, and participants were categorized as WC if they had experienced ≥2 cycles. Ninety of the 125 participants met the criteria for WC and displayed a higher total and trunk fat mass than those without WC. This was confirmed through linear regression analysis, showing that multiple WC were associated with increased fat mass (FM) by nearly 4.2 kg (β = 4.23, 95%CI: 0.81–7.65, p = 0.016)–2.4 kg in the trunk region (β = 2.35, 95%CI: 0.786–3.917, p = 0.004) when compared to the non-WC group, after adjusting for age and fat-free mass. In conclusion, multiple WC is associated with increased body fat, especially in the central region. Future studies are needed to examine the impact of this fat distribution on health outcomes in this phenotype of patients.
A Quantum Heat Exchanger for Nanotechnology
Authors: Aljaloud Amjad , Peyman Sally A. , Beige Almut
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we design a quantum heat exchanger which converts heat into light on relatively short quantum optical time scales. Our scheme takes advantage of heat transfer as well as collective cavity-mediated laser cooling of an atomic gas inside a cavitating bubble. Laser cooling routinely transfers individually trapped ions to nano-Kelvin temperatures for applications in quantum technology. The quantum heat exchanger which we propose here might be able to provide cooling rates of the order of Kelvin temperatures per millisecond and is expected to find applications in micro- and nanotechnology.