Jurnal Fakultas Ekonomi UM Metro (Universitas Muhammadiyah)
Not a member yet
40606 research outputs found
Sort by
Metallic muscles and beyond:nanofoams at work
No full textIn this contribution for the Golden Jubilee issue commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Journal of Materials Science, we will discuss the challenges and opportunities of nanoporous metals and their composites as novel energy conversion materials. In particular, we will concentrate on electrical-to-mechanical energy conversion using nanoporous metal-polymer composite materials. A materials system that mimic the properties of human skeletal muscles upon an outside stimulus is coined an 'artificial muscle.' In contrast to piezoceramics, nanoporous metallic materials offer a unique combination of low operating voltages, relatively large strain amplitudes, high stiffness, and strength. Here we will discuss smart materials where large macroscopic strain amplitudes up to 10 % and strain-rates up to 10(-2) s(-1) can be achieved in nanoporous metal/polymer composite. These strain amplitudes and strain-rates are roughly 2 and 5 orders of magnitude larger than those achieved in common actuator materials, respectively. Continuing on the theme of energy-related applications, in the summary and outlook, we discuss two recent developments toward the integration of nanoporous metals into energy conversion and storage systems. We specifically focus on the exciting potential of nanoporous metals as anodes for high-performance water electrolyzers and in next-generation lithium-ion batteries.</p
Integrating biomarkers to predict renal and cardiovascular drug efficacy:PRE score applications from drug registration to personalized medicine
No full textThe prevalence of chronic kidney disease is increasing worldwide, and forecasts for 2030 indicate that the number of patients requiring renal replacement therapies will more than double. The increase in requirement of renal replacement therapies and the availability of only few proven effective therapies highlight the need to develop new drugs and intervention strategies. In the current drug development and registration process a single renal risk marker is selected and a drug is targeted towards that risk marker. However, there are multiple causes of renal disease that may not all be captured by a single risk marker alone, and drugs have multiple effects beyond the target risk marker (so-called off-target effects). There have been several examples of medications that show a beneficial effect on a risk marker (e.g. blood pressure), but did not improve clinically meaningful outcomes (e.g. myocardial infarction, stroke). Better prediction of drug effects on clinical outcomes may be achieved by risk scores that integrate the effect on multiple risk markers, instead of using single markers alone. In this thesis we determined whether an approach that integrates medication response in multiple risk markers (the so-called PRE score) can be implemented in drug development. We show that the PRE score does a consistently better job at predicting long-term drug effects, compared to using single risk markers alone. The PRE score could be used to provide an early assessment of a medicine’s clinical efficacy and therefore has promising implications for implementation in practice, such as in clinical drug development or regulatory decision-making
Entrenchment and Language Attrition
No full textIn cognitive linguistics it is assumed that the strength of entrenchment of linguistic knowledge in human memory has a direct impact on the way that such knowledge is structured and processed: more deeply entrenched knowledge will be represented more holistically and processed more automatically. At the same time, this view implies that linguistic knowledge may erode if certain memory traces are not used for longer periods of time. This process of deterioration is called language attrition, but it is unclear how exactly this erosion willproceed, and to what extent it can be explained solely on the basis of the degree of entrenchment of linguistic constructions. The present contribution reviews evidence on language attrition relevant to the perspective of entrenchment. We discuss to what extent factors such as the frequency and context of use impact on language attrition, and how different aspects of language are differentially affected by the attrition process due to, for example, the frequency of an item orcrosslinguistic similarity. We conclude that attrition takes place at the intersection of a range of complex processes: While the strong entrenchment of the first language especially in later second language learners can explain the often minimal amount of attrition found in these populations, findings suggest that instead of the overall degree of entrenchment and L1 use it is an interplay between entrenchment and the differing ability of bilingual speakers to inhibitthe L2 that impacts the amount of first language attrition. 1. Introductio
Molecular ordering in the high-temperature nematic phase of an all-aromatic liquid crystal
No full textWe report the structural characterization of the nematic phase of 2,6-biphenyl naphthalene (PPNPP). This lath-like all-aromatic mesogen provides a valuable benchmark for classical theories of nematic order. PPNPP exhibits a very high temperature nematic phase (417-489 °C) above an enantiotropic smectic A phase. X-ray diffraction reveals a surprisingly strong tendency towards molecular layering in the nematic phase, indicative of "normal cybotaxis" (i.e. SmA-like stratification within clusters of mesogens). Although stronger at low temperatures, the layering is evident well above the smectic A-nematic transition. The nematic order parameter is evaluated as a function of temperature from the broadening of the wide-angle diffuse diffraction feature. Measured values of the orientational order parameter are slightly larger than those predicted by the Maier-Saupe theory over the entire nematic range except for a narrow region just below the clearing point where they significantly drop below the theoretical prediction.</p
Effectiveness and safety of dabigatran versus acenocoumarol in 'real-world' patients with atrial fibrillation
No full textAims Randomized trials showed non-inferior or superior results of the non-vitamin-K-antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) compared with warfarin. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of dabigatran (direct thrombin inhibitor) vs. acenocoumarol (vitamin K antagonist) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in daily clinical practice.Methods and results In this observational study, we evaluated all consecutive patients who started anticoagulation because of AF in our outpatient clinic from 2010 to 2013. Data were collected from electronic patient charts. Primary outcomes were stroke or systemic embolism and major bleeding. Propensity score matching was applied to address the non-randomized design. In total, 920 consecutive AF patients were enrolled (442 dabigatran, 478 acenocoumarol), of which 2 x 383 were available for analysis after propensity score matching. Mean follow-up duration was 1.5 +/- 0.56 year. The mean calculated stroke risk according to the CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score was 3.5%/year in dabigatran vs. 3.7%/year acenocoumarol-treated patients. The actual incidence rate of stroke or systemic embolism was 0.8%/year [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.2-2.1] vs. 1.0%/year (95% CI: 0.4-2.1), respectively. Multivariable analysis confirmed this lower but non-significant risk in dabigatran vs. acenocoumarol after adjustment for the CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score [hazard ratio (HR)(dabigatran) = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.20-2.63, P = 0.61]. According to the HAS-BLED score, the mean calculated bleeding risk was 1.7%/year in both groups. Actual incidence rate of major bleeding was 2.1%/year (95% CI: 1.0-3.8) in the dabigatran vs. 4.3%/year (95% CI: 2.9-6.2) in acenocoumarol. This over 50% reduction remained significant after adjustment for the HAS-BLED score (HRdabigatran = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.22-0.93, P = 0.031).Conclusion In 'real-world' patients with AF, dabigatran appears to be as effective, but significantly safer than acenocoumarol.</p
Is proprioception diminished in patients with patellar tendinopathy?
No full textPURPOSE: Patellar tendinopathy is a highly prevalent overuse injury, and most treatments are only effective to some extent. This persistence of complaints could be linked to changed proprioception. One study showed diminished proprioception in athletes with lateral epicondylitis. Aim of this study was to determine differences in proprioception, by measuring threshold to detect passive motion (TTDPM) between recreational athletes diagnosed with patellar tendinopathy and healthy controls.METHOD: The TTDPM as measure of proprioception was determined in 22 recreational athletes with patellar tendinopathy and 22 healthy recreational athletes using a validated instrument. Amount of knee flexion and extension before the movement was noticed by the subject was determined. 80 measurements per athlete (left and right leg, towards extension and flexion and with two starting angles of 20° and 40° flexion) were performed. Mean TTDPM was compared between groups and among the injured recreational athletes between the affected and unaffected knee.RESULTS: No significant difference in TTDPM was found between recreational athletes with patellar tendinopathy and healthy controls. We did find a significant difference between the injured and non-injured knee in recreational athletes with patellar tendinopathy; mean TTDPM was 0.02° higher in the injured knee (p=0.044).CONCLUSION: No difference was found in proprioception between recreational athletes with patellar tendinopathy and healthy recreational athletes. It is unclear whether such a small difference in TTDPM between affected and unaffected knee is important in clinical setting.</p
Herodotus as Father of Orientalism?:Persian autocracy in the Histories
No full textIn contrast to his nuanced ethnographical logoi, Herodotus’ depiction of Persian autocracy has often been labelled as highly biased. After the appearance of Edward Said’s Orientalism in 1978, Herodotus’ approach to Persian despotism has even been seen as an early example of orientalism, that is, the discourse by which colonial powers have deliberately constructed an image of “The East” as irrational, weak, effeminate, and despotic, to function as a mirror for the enlightened, brave, and autonomous “West”. In this article, I argue that to label Herodotus’ images of Persian despotism as orientalism and, thus, to define the goals of the Histories largely in terms of legitimising Greek supremacy is to ignore important nuances and critical reflections. Instead, I propose, not, as some have done, to discard orientalism all together, but rather to see the oriental colouring in the descriptions of Persian despotism as a narrative means, aimed to arrive at a better understanding of ‘why the Greeks and barbarians came into conflict with each other’, which, in Herodotus’ account, is connected with the “law”, so amply illustrated in the Histories, by which too much fortune ultimately leads to failure, crisis and even the downfall of an empire
Musculoskeletal Complaints in Transverse Upper Limb Reduction Deficiency and Amputation in The Netherlands:Prevalence, Predictors, and Effect on Health
No full textObjective: (1) To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs) in individuals with upper limb absence in The Netherlands, (2) to assess the health status of individuals with upper limb absence in general and in relation to the presence of MSCs, and (3) to explore the predictors of development of MSCs and MSC-related disability in this population.Design: Cross-sectional study: national survey.Setting: Twelve rehabilitation centers and orthopedic workshops.Participants: Individuals (n=263; mean age, 50.7 +/- 16.7y; 60% men) >= 18 years old, with transverse upper limb reduction deficiency (42%) or amputation (58%) at or proximal to the carpal level (response, 45%) and 108 individuals without upper limb reduction deficiency or amputation (n=108; mean age, 50.6 +/- 15.7y; 65% men) (N=371).Interventions: Not applicable.Main Outcome Measures: Point and year prevalence of MSCs, MSC-related disability (Pain Disability Index), and general health perception and mental health (RAND-36 subscales).Results: Point and year prevalence of MSCs were almost twice as high in individuals with upper limb absence (57% and 65%, respectively) compared with individuals without upper limb absence (27% and 34%, respectively) and were most often located in the nonaffected limb and upper back/neck. MSCs were associated with decreased general health perception and mental health and higher perceived upper extremity work demands. Prosthesis use was not related to presence of MSCs. Clinically relevant predictors of MSCs were middle age, being divorced/widowed, and lower mental health. Individuals with upper limb absence experienced more MSC-related disability than individuals without upper limb absence. Higher age, more pain, lower general and mental health, and not using a prosthesis were related to higher disability.Conclusions: Presence of MSCs is a frequent problem in individuals with upper limb absence and is associated with decreased general and mental health. Mental health and physical work demands should be taken into account when assessing such a patient. Clinicians should note that MSC-related disability increases with age. (C) 2016 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine</p
Introduction to the special issue:transferring knowledge for innovation
No full textKnowledge is an important company resource, particularly when the organisation is striving to create new goods and services and to be more innovative. Knowledge is created at the interface between individuals and organisations and also by original scholarly research; however, this new knowledge must often be diffused across an organisation or transferred between organisations before it can be internalised and adopted. Therefore the modes and mechanisms for transferring knowledge transfer have, over the past 25 years, been steadily receiving more and more attention. This special issue of the Journal of R&D Management recognises this progression and brings forward recent academic papers with the aim of extending this field. Each paper offers insights into this phenomena at a national/policy, organisational or activity level and were originally submitted to a Special Interest Group, led by the Editors of the Special Issue and hosted by the International Society for Professional Innovation Management (ISPIM) between 2013 and 2015. Whilst introducing each of these papers, the introduction for the Special Issue: Transferring Knowledge for Innovation also makes a unique contribution to the field, by presenting a simple heuristic that could be used to offer some degree of categorisation in terms of the respective content and therefore contribution of each paper.</p