bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UAV Visual and Laser Sensors Fusion for Detection and Positioning in Industrial Applications
Authors: Guerra Edmundo , Munguía Rodrigo , Grau Antoni
Published: June 2018

This work presents a solution to localize Unmanned Autonomous Vehicles with respect to pipes and other cylindrical elements found in inspection and maintenance tasks both in industrial and civilian infrastructures. The proposed system exploits the different features of vision and laser based sensors, combining them to obtain accurate positioning of the robot with respect to the cylindrical structures. A probabilistic (RANSAC-based) procedure is used to segment possible cylinders found in the laser scans, and this is used as a seed to accurately determine the robot position through a computer vision system. The priors obtained from the laser scan registration help to solve the problem of determining the apparent contour of the cylinders. In turn this apparent contour is used in a degenerate quadratic conic estimation, enabling to visually estimate the pose of the cylinder.
Ultraviolet Detectors Based on Wide Bandgap Semiconductor Nanowire: A Review
Authors: Zou Yanan , Zhang Yue , Hu Yongming , Gu Haoshuang
Published: June 2018

Ultraviolet (UV) detectors have attracted considerable attention in the past decade due to their extensive applications in the civil and military fields. Wide bandgap semiconductor-based UV detectors can detect UV light effectively, and nanowire structures can greatly improve the sensitivity of sensors with many quantum effects. This review summarizes recent developments in the classification and principles of UV detectors, i.e., photoconductive type, Schottky barrier type, metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) type, p-n junction type and p-i-n junction type. The current state of the art in wide bandgap semiconductor materials suitable for producing nanowires for use in UV detectors, i.e., metallic oxide, III-nitride and SiC, during the last five years is also summarized. Finally, novel types of UV detectors such as hybrid nanostructure detectors, self-powered detectors and flexible detectors are introduced.
A Review of Emotion Recognition Using Physiological Signals
Authors: Shu Lin , Xie Jinyan , Yang Mingyue , Li Ziyi , Li Zhenqi , Liao Dan , Xu Xiangmin , Yang Xinyi
Published: June 2018

Emotion recognition based on physiological signals has been a hot topic and applied in many areas such as safe driving, health care and social security. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review on physiological signal-based emotion recognition, including emotion models, emotion elicitation methods, the published emotional physiological datasets, features, classifiers, and the whole framework for emotion recognition based on the physiological signals. A summary and comparation among the recent studies has been conducted, which reveals the current existing problems and the future work has been discussed.
Striving towards the Deployment of Bio-Energy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS): A Review of Research Priorities and Assessment Needs
Authors: Stavrakas Vassilis , Spyridaki Niki-Artemis , Flamos Alexandros
Published: June 2018

Assessing the performance or the implications of climate change mitigation options (CCMOs) is instrumental in achieving research and innovation efficiency in the field of climate change and becomes more imperative considering the Paris Agreement (‘the Agreement’). Many climate scientists already believe that meeting the Agreement’s goals and stabilizing “well-below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels” signals the deployment of currently undetermined and contentious mitigation technologies, such as bio-energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). BECCS is considered one of the most promising negative emissions technologies (NETs) with many scenarios already exhibiting its mitigation potential. However, stakeholders and policymakers remain skeptical about widespread reliance on BECCS questioning its unproven credibility. In this article, we aim at identifying research priorities and assessment needs to intensify the further deployment of BECCS, considering relevant technology associations’ and platforms’ perspectives and insights raised by scientific literature. The main outcome of our study is a list of 10 research priorities along with more specific assessment needs for each priority area. We also focus attention on several implications for potential end-users involved in the field of policy and practice. Overall, our work seeks to bridge the gap between market/industry and academia and to assist policymakers to make better-informed decisions.
Machine Vision Retrofit System for Mechanical Weed Control in Precision Agriculture Applications
Authors: Pallottino Federico , Menesatti Paolo , Figorilli Simone , Antonucci Francesca , Tomasone Roberto , Colantoni Andrea , Costa Corrado
Published: June 2018

This paper presents a machine vision retrofit system designed for upgrading used tractors to allow the control of the tillage implements and enable real-time field operation. The retrofit package comprises an acquisition system placed in the cabin, a front-mounted RGB camera sensor, and a rear-mounted Peiseler encoder wheel. The method combines shape analysis and colorimetric k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) clustering for in-field weed discrimination. This low-cost retrofit package can use interchangeable sensors, supplying flexibility of use with different farming implements. Field tests were conducted within lettuce and broccoli crops to develop the image analysis system for the autonomous control of an intra-row hoeing implement. The performance showed by the system in the trials was judged in terms of accuracy and speed. The system was capable of discriminating weed plants from crop with few errors, achieving a fairly high performance, given the severe degree of weed infestation encountered. The actuation time for image processing, currently implemented in MATLAB integrated with the retrofit kit, was about 7 s. The correct detection rate was higher for lettuce (from 69% to 96%) than for broccoli (from 65% to 79%), also considering the negative effect of shadows. To be implementable, the experimental code needs to be optimized to reduce acquisition and processing times. A software utility was developed in Java to reach a processing time of two images per second.
Merging Vehicles and Lane Speed-Flow Relationship in a Work Zone
Authors: Li Li , Zhang Dong
Published: June 2018

In addition to closed merge lanes as physical bottlenecks of work zones, traffic oscillations caused by merging vehicles at multiple locations could reduce work-zone capacity. This study took a step-wise procedure to reveal spatial distributions of merging vehicles along work zones and their influence on speed-flow relationships of lane traffic flows. Field data showed that inserting vehicles from merge lanes could spread their influence over adjacent unclosed through lanes. Moreover, with increases in total volume, merging vehicles could choose their inserting positions further upstream of the work zone, which could induce oscillations near the insertion point. At the identified upstream bottlenecks, capacity drop was found in speed-flow diagrams of through-lane traffic, but it was not found in the diagrams of merge-lane traffic flows. Lack of sufficient demand and special merging behaviors on merge lanes could be attributed to the distinct speed-flow relationship. Two-part piecewise regression models were developed to fit the speed-flow relationships of uncongested and congested flows of through lanes. By comparing the estimated speed-flow models, it was found that when a queue is forming, the extent of the capacity drop and speed reduction is different for through lanes. Queue discharge uses different lengths of time on through lanes and multiple merging locations.
Agri-Food Chain Establishment as a Means to Increase Sustainability in Food Systems: Lessons from Sunflower in Brazil
Authors: Oliveira de Sousa Lucas , Dias Paes Ferreira Marcelo , Mergenthaler Marcus
Published: June 2018

The growing international food demand, the call for plant proteins to improve sustainability, the technological possibilities for sunflower protein ingredients, and the prominent role of Brazil in the world agricultural supply constitute the research background of this article. The aim is to analyze the process of establishment of the major sunflower agri-food chain in Brazil, seeking to support the future development of new sunflower chains to meet an expected increasing demand for high-quality sunflower proteins. A case study research design was applied, involving interviews with stakeholders from the input, farming, and processing segments. Moreover, the case analysis was guided by an analytical framework that regards the agri-food chain establishment as an entrepreneurial process. The findings show that the successful process of the sunflower agri-food chain establishment in Mato Grosso (MT) stems from a set of interconnected driving forces composed of entrepreneurial skills, social network, resource availability, and crop suitability. Furthermore, the analysis indicates the potential for the development of new sunflower chains among soybean farmers from other regions in MT, especially if new sunflower protein food ingredients lead to higher sunflowers prices, which would make this crop economically more attractive. Finally, this case study suggests that the collective establishment of agri-food chains is a challenging endeavor, especially if conducted by outside actors.
Experimental Analysis of Stresses in Subsoil below a Rectangular Fiber Concrete Slab †
Authors: Hrubesova Eva , Mohyla Marek , Lahuta Hynek , Bui Tuan Quang , Nguyen Phi Dinh
Published: June 2018

This paper is focused on sensitivity analysis of the behavior of subsoil foundation systems by considering the variant properties of a fiber concrete slab that result in different relative stiffness of the whole cooperating system. The character of the slab and its properties are very important for the character of external load transfer. However, the character of the subsoil also cannot be neglected because it determines the stress–strain behavior of the entire system and, consequently, the bearing capacity of the structure. The sensitivity analysis was carried out based on experimental results, which included both the stress values in the soil below the foundation structure and settlements of the structure that are characterized by different quantities of fibers in it. Flat GEOKON dynamometers were used for the stress measurements below the observed slab, the strains inside the slab were registered by tensometers, and the settlements were monitored geodetically. This paper is focused on the comparison of soil stresses below the slab for different quantities of fibers in the structure. Results obtained from the experimental stand can contribute to more objective knowledge of the soil-slab interaction, the evaluation of real carrying capacity of the slab, the calibration of corresponding numerical models, the optimization of quantity of fibers in the slab and finally, contribute to higher safety and more economical designs of slabs.
The Concept of Urban Freight Transport Projects Durability and Its Assessment within the Framework of a Freight Quality Partnership
Authors: Kijewska Kinga , Jedliński Mariusz
Published: June 2018

This article focuses on the role of Urban Freight Transport (UFT) projects in improving the life quality of city inhabitants. The main focus of the deliberations is the aspect of UFT projects’ durability. The authors take an original approach to the definition of UFT project durability and also provide the results of a research study carried out in 2018. This made it possible to furnish an answer to the research questions that boiled down to the analysis of the current status of the relevant academic literature, to attempt to define the total durability of a UFT project, and to indicate the critical gaps in perception among the key stakeholders of the projects. In this study, particular attention is paid to the terminological synthesis and the conclusion resulting from adopting induction and deduction as the methods of solving research study problems. A novelty is the approach adopted in the project evaluation emphasising the mentioned durability aspect as one of the major success factors. This is particularly important for implementation of a Freight Quality Partnership as a solution enabling development of sustainable systems of urban logistics. The solution was treated as a specific implementation project for which the issue of key importance is the identification of success factors in the context of satisfying the needs of diverse groups of UFT stakeholders. It should be stressed that durability of projects in the area of UFT is critically important, even though there is a significant conceptual gap in that regard. The research study involved the originally developed concept of the Pyramid of Stakeholders Survey. By means of this concept, FQP durability was analysed on the example of the experience gained in the course of the solution functioning in Szczecin.
Combining Satellite and UAV Imagery to Delineate Forest Cover and Basal Area after Mixed-Severity Fires
Authors: Rossi Fernando , Fritz Andreas , Becker Gero
Published: June 2018

In northern Argentina, the assessment of degraded forests is a big challenge for both science and practice, due to their heterogeneous structure. However, new technologies could contribute to mapping post-disturbance canopy cover and basal area in detail. Therefore, this research assesses whether or not the inclusion of partial cover unmanned aerial vehicle imagery could reduce the classification error of a SPOT6 image used in an area-based inventory. BA was calculated from 77 ground inventory plots over 3944 ha of a forest affected by mixed-severity fires in the Argentinian Yungas. In total, 74% of the area was covered with UAV flights, and canopy height models were calculated to estimate partial canopy cover at three tree height classes. Basal area and partial canopy cover were used to formulate the adjusted canopy cover index, and it was calculated for 70 ground plots and an additional 20 image plots. Four classes of fire severity were created based on basal area and adjusted canopy cover index, and were used to run two supervised classifications over a segmented (algorithm multiresolution) wall-to-wall SPOT6 image. The comparison of the Cohan’s Kappa coefficient of both classifications shows that they are not significantly different (p-value: 0.43). However, the approach based on the adjusted canopy cover index achieved more homogeneous strata (Welch t-test with 95% of confidence). Additionally, UAV-derived canopy height model estimates of tree height were compared with field measurements of 71 alive trees. The canopy height models underestimated tree height with an RMSE ranging from 2.8 to 8.3 m. The best accuracy of the canopy height model was achieved using a larger pixel size (10 m), and for lower stocked plots due to high fire severity.
Research on the Pricing Model of the Dual-Channel Reverse Supply Chain Considering Logistics Costs and Consumers’ Awareness of Sustainability Based on Regional Differences
Authors: Chen Juhong , Wu Di , Li Peng
Published: June 2018

With the prevalence of Internet technology, many recycling centers have developed a dual-channel reverse supply chain by introducing online recycling channels on the basis of offline third-party recyclers (TPR). In addition, great imbalanced development has been observed in different regions in China, as supported by the literature review. It is necessary to help companies in the supply chain to adjust their pricing strategies according to regional differences. This paper is aimed at answering the following two questions: (1) After introducing online channels, what strategies should the recycling center adopt to adjust online recycling prices and to readjust the transfer price of offline channels? (2) How do recycling centers and TPR in city A & B modify their pricing strategies in accordance with logistics costs or consumers’ awareness of sustainability changes in city B? To solve the above questions, models were made to study the pricing strategies of recycling centers and the TPR based on the Stackelberg game in a dual-channel reverse supply chain in two cities. The results indicate that recycling centers will benefit from the increase in consumers’ awareness of sustainability and the reduction in logistics costs of the online channel in city B; this is in contrast to the TPR in this city. We also find that the revenue of the TPR in city A will be affected when the above two factors in city B change. Its increase or decrease depends on the selection of pricing strategy by the recycling center.
Overconfidence, Optimism and Entrepreneurship
Authors: Bernoster Indy , Rietveld Cornelius A. , Thurik A. Roy , Torrès Olivier
Published: June 2018

Overconfidence is one of the alleged drivers for market entry. However, establishing its effect is challenging and much of the existing entrepreneurship literature confusingly conflates overconfidence with optimism. In the present study, we use validated scales to analyze the relationship between overconfidence and two important aspects of entrepreneurship, while explicitly controlling for optimism. Specifically, we study the role of overconfidence in developing intentions about entering entrepreneurship as well as how overconfidence relates to entrepreneurial orientation. Our findings show that overconfidence is related to intended market entry but not to the market position (entrepreneurial orientation) of the business.
Computing Zagreb Indices and Zagreb Polynomials for Symmetrical Nanotubes
Authors: Shao Zehui , Siddiqui Muhammad Kamran , Muhammad Mehwish Hussain
Published: June 2018

Topological indices are numbers related to sub-atomic graphs to allow quantitative structure-movement/property/danger connections. These topological indices correspond to some specific physico-concoction properties such as breaking point, security, strain vitality of chemical compounds. The idea of topological indices were set up in compound graph hypothesis in view of vertex degrees. These indices are valuable in the investigation of mitigating exercises of specific Nanotubes and compound systems. In this paper, we discuss Zagreb types of indices and Zagreb polynomials for a few Nanotubes covered by cycles.
Functional Channel Membranes for Drinking Water Production
Authors: Gonzalez-Perez Alfredo , Persson Kenneth M. , Lipnizki Frank
Published: June 2018

Drinking water production utilities rely on, among other processes, different filtration technologies like bank filtration and slow sand filters, as well as pressure, roughing, or rapid gravity filters that, together with low- and high-pressure operating membranes, help to ensure high quality drinking water for millions of customers all over the world. The global market of membrane separation technologies is projected to reach USD 11.95 Billion by 2021, encompassing water treatment, wastewater treatment, food and beverage processing, industrial gas processing, and pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. In addition to the current, polymer-based membrane separation technologies, new promising strategies using embedded functional motifs, water and ion channels, are expected to play a key role in the next generation of membranes for separation purposes, which are of paramount relevance for drinking water production utilities. In this review, we summarize the different strategies for developing new advanced membranes with a wide variety of functional motifs, like biological and artificial water and ion channels, and their possible impact on drinking water applications.
Synthesis of rare-earth metal and rare-earth metal-fluoride nanoparticles in ionic liquids and propylene carbonate
Authors: Siebels Marvin , Mai Lukas , Schmolke Laura , Schütte Kai , Barthel Juri , Yue Junpei , Thomas Jörg , Smarsly Bernd M , Devi Anjana , Fischer Roland A , Janiak Christoph
Published: June 2018

Decomposition of rare-earth tris(N,N′-diisopropyl-2-methylamidinato)metal(III) complexes [RE{MeC(N(iPr)2)}3] (RE(amd)3; RE = Pr(III), Gd(III), Er(III)) and tris(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionato)europium(III) (Eu(dpm)3) induced by microwave heating in the ionic liquids (ILs) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIm][BF4]), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([BMIm][NTf2]) and in propylene carbonate (PC) yield oxide-free rare-earth metal nanoparticles (RE-NPs) in [BMIm][NTf2] and PC for RE = Pr, Gd and Er or rare-earth metal-fluoride nanoparticles (REF3-NPs) in the fluoride-donating IL [BMIm][BF4] for RE = Pr, Eu, Gd and Er. The crystalline phases and the absence of significant oxide impurities in RE-NPs and REF3-NPs were verified by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The size distributions of the nanoparticles were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) to an average diameter of (11 ± 6) to (38 ± 17) nm for the REF3-NPs from [BMIm][BF4]. The RE-NPs from [BMIm][NTf2] or PC showed diameters of (1.5 ± 0.5) to (5 ± 1) nm. The characterization was completed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX).
Glycosylation reactions mediated by hypervalent iodine: application to the synthesis of nucleosides and carbohydrates
Authors: Yoshimura Yuichi , Wakamatsu Hideaki , Natori Yoshihiro , Saito Yukako , Minakawa Noriaki
Published: June 2018

To synthesize nucleoside and oligosaccharide derivatives, we often use a glycosylation reaction to form a glycoside bond. Coupling reactions between a nucleobase and a sugar donor in the former case, and the reaction between an acceptor and a sugar donor of in the latter are carried out in the presence of an appropriate activator. As an activator of the glycosylation, a combination of a Lewis acid catalyst and a hypervalent iodine was developed for synthesizing 4’-thionucleosides, which could be applied for the synthesis of 4’-selenonucleosides as well. The extension of hypervalent iodine-mediated glycosylation allowed us to couple a nucleobase with cyclic allylsilanes and glycal derivatives to yield carbocyclic nucleosides and 2’,3’-unsaturated nucleosides, respectively. In addition, the combination of hypervalent iodine and Lewis acid could be used for the glycosylation of glycals and thioglycosides to produce disaccharides. In this paper, we review the use of hypervalent iodine-mediated glycosylation reactions for the synthesis of nucleosides and oligosaccharide derivatives.
MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE LANDFILL SITE SELECTION USING MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION MAKING AND GIS: CASE STUDY OF BURSA PROVINCE
Authors: Yildirim Volkan , Memisoglu Tugba , Bediroglu Sevket , Colak H. Ebru
Published: June 2018

Rapid population growth, economic development and industrialization have created many problems related to municipal solid waste management (MSWM) in developing countries like Turkey. Solid waste disposal has become mandatory because of increasingly common factors such as global warming and contamination of water resources. In recent years, this situation has revealed the need for effective management of solid waste. Suitable site selection requires evaluation and analysis of multiplefactor. Therefore, it is very important that the design of landfill site selection take into account environmental, economical and sociologicalfactors. In order to do this, the Geographical Information System (GIS) used with Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques is a useful tool for creating a model. One such MCDM is the Spatial-integrated Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). In this study, TOPSIS was applied to integrate environmental, economical and sociological sensitivity into determine alternative solid waste landfill sites for Bursa Province, Turkey. Using the data obtained by comparing the geo-statistics, six of the most suitable landfill areas were determined. In the final stage, as a result of this study, the Kayapa district was identified as the most suitable landfill area.
BIOGEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF EPIPHITIC LICHEN LOBARIA PULMONARIA OF THE BARGUZIN NATURE RESERVE (THE REPUBLIC OF BURYATIA, RUSSIA)
Authors: Bolshunova Tatiana , Rikhvanov Leonid , Mezhibor Antonina , Zhornyak Lina , Baranovskaya Natalia , Eremina Ekaterina
Published: June 2018

The research is devoted to the investigation of chemical composition of epiphytic lichens Lobaria pulmonaria growing in the territory of the Barguzin Nature Reserve in the Republic of Buryatia (Russia). This reserve is considered as a background area because of its far location from anthropogenic pollution sources. The objective of this research is to assess the chemical composition of lichens of the Barguzin Nature Reserve – one of the background areas in Russia. 9 lichen samples were collected in the summer 2015, in which the concentrations of 67 chemical elements were detected using inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. The research findings were compared with the data for the lichens from the Zabaykalsky National Park and taiga forest in Tomsk region (oil field area). Comparing the reserve area with the taiga area (with anthropogenic load from oil field development), it was detected that the lichens from the Barguzin Nature Reserve had lower concentrations of most chemical elements except Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, K, Ca, and Ti, which contents are 2-16-fold higher in the lichens of the Barguzin Reserve. The concentrations of most chemical elements detected in the lichen samples of the Barguzin Nature Reserve can be used as baseline values while investigating territories with different anthropogenic load.
EFFECT OF LINEAR INVESTMENT ON NATURE AND LANDSCAPE – A CASE STUDY
Authors: Lisiak Marta , Borowiak Klaudia , Kanclerz Jolanta , Adamska Anna , Szymańczyk Janusz
Published: June 2018

The effect of road location on natural and landscape elements is presented in this paper. Special care was focused on nature conservation areas located along three proposed road variants. Landscape metrics as a supplemental tool for selection of the most environmentally friendly road variant were here examined. The matrix method was used to analyse the potential negative effect of the road on the nature and landscape. Landscape metrics were found to be a very useful supplemental tool to evaluate the potential negative effect of the planned road on the environment. Moreover, based on our study we can also clearly relate this element to the effect on nature conservation elements. One of the most important features is the possibility to calculate certain metrics based on existing land use information without the need for field analyses, as well as obtaining specific values, which may be more objective than visual landscape assessment.
Reassessing Exoplanet Light Curves with a Thermal Model
Authors: Adams Arthur D. , Laughlin Gregory
Published: June 2018

We present a uniform assessment of existing near-infrared Spitzer Space Telescope observations of planet-bearing stars. Using a simple four-parameter blackbody thermal model, we analyze stars for which photometry in at least one of Spitzer’s IRAC bands has been obtained over either the entirety or a significant fraction of the planetary orbit. Systems in this category comprise 10 well-studied systems with hot Jupiters on circular or near-circular orbits (HAT-P-7, HD 149026, HD 189733, HD 209458, WASP-12, WASP-14, WASP-18, WASP-19, WASP-33, and WASP-43), as well as three stars harboring planets on significantly eccentric orbits (GJ 436, HAT-P-2, and HD 80606). We find that our simple model, in almost all cases, accurately reproduces the minimum and maximum planetary emission, as well as the phase offsets of these extrema with respect to transits/secondary eclipses. For one notable exception, WASP-12 b, adding an additional parameter to account for its tidal distortion is not sufficient to reproduce its photometric features. Full-orbit photometry is available in multiple wavelengths for 10 planets. We find that the returned parameter values for independent fits to each band are largely in agreement. However, disagreements in nightside temperature suggest distinct atmospheric layers, each with their own characteristic minimum temperature. In addition, a diversity in albedos suggests variation in the opacity of the photospheres. While previous works have pointed out trends in photometric features based on system properties, we cannot conclusively identify analogous trends for physical model parameters. To make the connection between full-phase data and physical models more robust, a higher signal-to-noise ratio must come from both increased resolution and a careful treatment of instrumental systematics.
Masses and Radii of Four Very Low-mass Stars in F+M Eclipsing Binary Systems
Authors: Chaturvedi Priyanka , Sharma Rishikesh , Chakraborty Abhijit , Anandarao B. G. , Prasad Neelam J. S. S. V
Published: June 2018

Eclipsing binaries (EBs) with one of the companions as very low-mass stars (VLMSs; or M dwarfs) are testbeds to substantiate stellar models and evolutionary theories. Here we present four EB candidates with F-type primaries, namely, SAO 106989, HD 24465, EPIC 211682657, and HD 205403, identified from different photometry missions, SuperWASP, Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope (KELT), Kepler 2 (K2), and Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO). Using the high-resolution spectrograph PRL Advanced Radial velocity Abu-sky Search at the 1.2 m telescope at Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India, we hereby report the detection of four VLMSs as companions to the four EBs. We performed spectroscopic analysis and found the companion masses to be 0.256 ± 0.005, 0.233 ± 0.002, 0.599 ± 0.017, and 0.406 ± 0.005 M
⊙ for SAO 106989, HD 24465, EPIC 211682657, and SAO 106989B, respectively. We determined orbital periods of 4.39790 ± 0.00001, 7.19635 ± 0.00002, 3.142023 ± 0.000003, and 2.444949 ± 0.000001 days and eccentricities of 0.248 ± 0.005, 0.208 ± 0.002, 0.0097 ± 0.0008, and 0.002 ± 0.002 for EBs SAO 106989, HD 24465, EPIC 211682657, and HD 205403, respectively. The radii derived by modeling the photometry data are 0.326 ± 0.012 R
⊙ for SAO 106989, 0.244 ± 0.001 R
⊙ for HD 24465B, 0.566 ± 0.005 R
⊙ for EPIC 211682657B, and 0.444 ± 0.014 R
⊙ for HD 205403B. The radii of HD 24465B and EPIC 211682657B have been measured by precise Kepler photometry and are consistent with theory within the error bars. However, the radii of SAO 106989B and HD 205403B, measured by KELT and STEREO photometry, are 17%–20% higher than those predicted by theory. A brief comparison of the results of the current work is made with the M dwarfs already studied in the literature.
Blazar Spectra with Hard-sphere-like Acceleration of Electrons
Authors: Asano Katsuaki , Hayashida Masaaki
Published: June 2018

Electrons emitting nonthermal photons in blazars are possibly accelerated by turbulences developed in jets. In this paper, we consider the case of so-called hard-sphere scattering as an interaction model between turbulences and electrons, in which the acceleration timescale is independent of the electron energy. We numerically simulate broadband emission from blazar jets with a one-zone time-dependent code, taking into account the turbulence acceleration. Our model reproduces various blazar spectra with simple assumptions, such as constant particle injection rate, constant diffusion coefficient, and conical geometry of the jet. We also discuss possible mechanisms to realize the hard-sphere-like acceleration in blazar jets.
Observations of Whistler Waves Correlated with Electron-scale Coherent Structures in the Magnetosheath Turbulent Plasma
Authors: Huang S. Y. , Sahraoui F. , Yuan Z. G. , Contel O. Le , Breuillard H. , He J. S. , Zhao J. S. , Fu H. S. , Zhou M. , Deng X. H. , Wang X. Y. , Du J. W. , Yu X. D. , Wang D. D. , Pollock C. J. , Torbert R. B. , Burch J. L.
Published: June 2018

A new type of electron-scale coherent structure, referred to as electron vortex magnetic holes, was identified recently in the Earth’s magnetosheath turbulent plasma. These electron-scale magnetic holes are characterized by magnetic field strength depression, electron density enhancement, temperature and temperature anisotropy increase (a significant increase in perpendicular temperature and a decrease in parallel temperature), and an electron vortex formed by the trapped electrons. The strong increase of electron temperature indicates that these magnetic holes have a strong connection with the energization of electrons. Here, using high time resolution in situ measurements from the MMS mission, it is further shown that electron-scale whistler waves coexist with electron-scale magnetic holes. These whistler waves were found not propagating from remote regions, but generated locally due to electron temperature anisotropy (T
e⊥/T
e∥) inside the magnetic holes. This study provides new insights into the electron-scale plasma dynamics in turbulent plasmas.
Les think tanks , des aides à l’action diplomatique de la France
Authors: Lechervy Christian
Published: June 2018

En France, les think tanks souffrent d’une relation ambiguë avec l’État. D’un côté, celui-ci ne les associe pas à la conception des grandes lignes de politique étrangère. De l’autre, il leur demande d’être des outils multifonctions au service de l’intérêt national, tout en conservant autonomie et indépendance. Les think tanks et leurs membres sont, de fait, sujets à de potentielles instrumentalisations et autres jeux d’influence par des puissances extérieures. Pour autant, les exemples de rapports interétatiques fructueux initiés par des think tanks sont nombreux et ne doivent pas être sous-évalués.
Design of Digital Network Shared Learning Platform Based on SCORM Standard
Authors: Yanhong Shen
Published: June 2018

Aiming at the problem of low utilization rate of teaching resources, a personalized recommendation system of digital teaching resources under SCORM standard was put forward. Based on the learner's learning process, standards and personalized recommendation techniques, a SCORM digital teaching resource management model was constructed. According to the rec-ommendation algorithm of collaborative filtering in personalized recommendation technology, a digital teaching resource recommendation model based on SCORM standard was constructed. The SCORM digital teaching resource library system based on collaborative filtering technology was designed and implemented. The system was evaluated. The data of the assessment were analyzed. The results showed that the recommendation system had a good promoting effect on the learners. Therefore, the system can provide personalized recommendations for learners. It improves learning efficiency.
Exploration of Key Technologies in a Personalized English Learning System
Authors: Ding Lei
Published: June 2018

The existing e-learning system simply presents a large number of learning re-sources to learners, without considering the needs of students' personalized learning, resulting in the problem of resource selection. In view of the above problems and the shortcomings of primary school English learning system, the personalized English learning system based on the e-book mode was de-signed and implemented. Through the design of ubiquitous resource aggrega-tion model, course learning, resource learning, collaborative learning, unit testing, question answering system and other functions were integrated tightly together, to provide a fully personalized teaching environment for learners and teachers. The results of the system test were analyzed, and the improve-ment direction of the theoretical research and practical development was proposed.
Japanese Informatization Teaching Model Based on MOOC
Authors: Fang Guozheng
Published: June 2018

In view of the lack of evaluation of learning effectiveness in Japanese MOOC teaching, the students' primary data on the effectiveness of Japanese learning on the MOOC platform were collected. Combined with the ques-tionnaire and the learner's learning experience, a Japanese language in-formatization teaching effectiveness model based on MOOC was construct-ed. The effectiveness of learning Japanese in MOOC learning mode was demonstrated. The results showed that the MOOC-based Japanese informati-zation teaching effectiveness model could accurately reflect the learner’s learning effectiveness of online Japanese learning. It also has certain refer-ence value for the demonstration of the effectiveness of MOOC in other are-as of teaching and learning.
The Moderating Effects of Awareness on Antecedents of Behavioral Intention to adopt Mobile Government Services
Authors: Mandari Herman , Chong Yee-Lee
Published: June 2018

The motives behind this study were to examine the moderating effect of awareness as well as direct effect of several determinants on behavioral intention to adopt m-government services. A quantitative survey was conducted in Tanzania rural area to collect data used in this study. Stratified and multi-stage sampling techniques were employed to select unit of interest. 407 usable questionnaires were collected and analyzed by using structural equation modelling. The results show that awareness does not have moderating effect on the specified model's paths. Furthermore, the study shows that relative advantage, ease-of-use, compatibility and government support have significant direct influence on rural farmers' behavioral intention to adopt m-government services. This study expands scholars' knowledge on the moderating effect of awareness on the adoption of m-government technologies, furthermore the study provides useful practical implications to policy makers on how to increase the adoption of m-government services in Tanzania rural areas.
MOOCs, A Phenomenon with Many Faces
Authors: Laaser Wolfram Lothar , Concha Ulises Roman
Published: June 2018

The research presented analyses the application of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) and its successes and failures so far. The authors discuss their different facets that emerged from their initial concept up to the implementation in the United States, Europe and Latin America. The article goes on with a short empirical and comparative study of the attention that the term “MOOCs” has received in different regions over the last five years. In what follows, the most deficient aspects of MOOCs and the resulting consequences will be extended and thus,contributes to explain the rise and fall of the MOOCs. The authors also evaluate factors which have been less discussed in the literature up to date, such as the form and design of their production and distribution processes, economic sustainability as well as prospects to create a global market for MOOCs.
Environmental Public Goods Not Securable by Markets or Networks
Authors: Davenport John J.
Published: June 2018

Roger Scruton and others argue that market-based approaches and voluntary civic organizations can solve many environmental problems. The author argues in response that there are significant limitations to quota systems and similar market fixes, while NGOs and civil society “networks” are not effective in overcoming certain kinds of collective action problems. Even when they work to some extent, network-based solutions such as certification schemes or charity ownership of lands may also cause new problems, such as trends towards excessive concentrations of power, unhealthy dependencies, and lack of choice about which groups act as guardians of our interests.
Environmental Ethics in the Military
Authors: Malamud Marina
Published: June 2018

Environmental security can be framed in environmental risks towards security, such as extreme climatic events that incite new conflicts in local populations, and the security impact on the environment as a result of human-induced damage to the ecosystem. As a result, the fact that climatic-related events can pose a threat to security and the environmental footprint can undermine peace has thus raised a concern in many militaries of democratic nations. This research article introduces the mainstream environmental security literature through the geopolitical, human security and biocentric perspectives and main social trends to analyze ethical issues in the relationship between ecology and the armed forces. It is argued that there are two major ethical challenges for the military: the securitization of the development agenda that can lead to a militarized conservation in conflict areas; and the search for a corporate sense of responsibility in terms of efficient and still ecologically sustainable operational systems that comply with international environmental agreements.
Factors Affecting Liquidity of Banks: Empirical Evidence from the Banking Sector of Pakistan
Authors: Shah Syed Quaid Ali , Khan Imran , Shah Syed Sadaqat Ali , Tahir Muhmmad
Published: June 2018

This research investigates factors affecting liquidity of banks operating in Pakistan. Spanning from 2007 through 2016 the sample of the study includes 23 banks by employing relevant econometric specifications. The findings reveal that the internal factors such as capital adequacy ratio (CAR), cost of funds and bank size are statistically significant but differently related to the liquid asset to total asset ratio and to the total loans to total deposit ratio, respectively. The study finds that external or macro factors, such as GDP is statistically significant but affect liquidity of the banks differently. Unemployment, another external factor, also impact liquidity of banks very differently but it is statistically significant in the first measure of liquidity and statistically insignificant in the second measure of banks’ liquidity.  Further, the results revealed that profitability is insignificantly related to liquidity while the relationship between deposits and bank liquidity is negative and statistically significant.
Using Pre-Listing Information to Mitigate Initial Public Offerings’ Long Run Underperformance: Evidence from Sri Lanka
Authors: Ediriwickrama T. C.
Published: June 2018

The main channel of information dissemination for initial public offerings (IPO) in the pre-listing stage is the prospectus. Auditor fee and director emoluments are two types of information that investors know about in advance through the prospectus. Industry and media publicity are also in the focus of investors in the pre IPO stage. This study inquires whether such information can be used to form successful trading strategies in the long run. IPO stock portfolios have been constructed based on the above four types of information and their returns have been tested using four popular asset pricing models to answer the above question. The findings confirm that long only strategies are successful with regard to all four types of information while long and short strategies are proved to be a failure. The findings also reveal that portfolios consisting of non-finance stocks, stocks with high media coverage, high audit fees and high director fees tend to provide the highest returns compared to other IPO stock portfolios. Hence, this study provides useful insights to investors, regulators and other professionals in the Sri Lankan capital market.
The Matthean Jesus’ surprising instruction to obey the teachers of the Law and Pharisees
Authors: Viljoen Francois P.
Published: June 2018

Jesus’ instruction to the crowds in Matthew 23:3 to obey and do everything the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees tell them comes as a surprise. It is the only case in Matthew where the words of the Jewish leaders are seemingly portrayed in a positive light. If this portrayal indeed is positive, it seems to stand in tension with how Matthew construes these leaders and their teachings in the rest of the gospel (e.g. Mt 5:20; 15:3–6, 15:14; 16:11–12). Jesus’ positive remark furthermore seemingly stands in contrast with Matthew 28:20, where Jesus claims all authority to himself and instructs his disciples to teach all the nations to obey everything he has commanded them. The question therefore arises as to how this seemingly positive reference of Jesus, which apparently stands in contrast with Jesus’ criticism in the rest of the gospel, should be interpreted. In answering this question, an intra-textual approach is followed.
Spieëlbeeld – Franz Marx: In dié spieël moet jy kyk
Authors: Jacobs Jo-Riëtte
Published: June 2018

No abstract available.
Organisational wellness: Human reaction to change
Authors: Blom Tonja
Published: June 2018

Organisational change has become inevitable. Although modernity is characterised by change, humans struggle with change as the future becomes increasingly unpredictable. The extended disorder that has become the norm can cause a sense of loss as well as anxiety for individuals, organisations and society. Unrelieved stress becomes perpetual and will undeniably influence organisational change efforts negatively. Thus, the impact of fear, anxiety and stress at an individual and organisational level is accentuated.This study followed a qualitative research approach and adopted a grounded theory methodology. Negative emotions dominated the research data which further indicated that individuals find it difficult to engage with change in a meaningful manner as fear, anxiety and stress dominate. Thus, human reactions to change are discussed, as the organisational challenge seems to be how to find workable methods to reduce fear, anxiety and stress. Else it may become persistent, intense, chronic or recurring. Real-life stresses may then further hamper individual functioning. The researcher conceptualises the anti-leader and anti-manager. These concepts depict the negative characteristics of leadership and management which invariably increase individuals’ fear, anxiety and stress levels. Emotions elicited by the anti-leader or anti-manager could potentially split, divide and fragment a workforce.
Holistic sexuality post gynaecological cancer treatment: A review of recent literature
Authors: Pitcher Sorrel C. , Adams Tracey , Van Wijk Leon , Fakie Nazia , Saidu Rakiya , Denny Lynette , Moodley Jennifer
Published: June 2018

Background: Sexual difficulties post gynaecological cancer treatment are commonplace and can impact multiple aspects of a woman’s life. Yet, health care practitioners remain reluctant to discuss sexuality from a holistic perspective with their patients.Aim: This article reviewed the literature on sexuality post gynaecological cancer treatment from the last 10 years. The aim was to understand research trends as well as identify gaps in the field.Methods: The review was framed using the neo-theoretical framework of sexuality. A comprehensive literature search, using the electronic databases EBSCOHost, Ovid, Clinical Key and PubMed, was conducted for articles concentrating on sexuality after gynaecological cancer treatment, published from 2007 to 2017 in English.Results: The results showed that the majority of the literature still approaches sexuality post treatment from a biomedical perspective with a focus on physical sexual functioning. However, there has been a slight shift towards understanding sexuality from a comprehensive standpoint, although there is a dearth of research relating to the psychological and relational aspects of sexuality.Conclusion: Comprehensive sexuality post treatment should be given further consideration in South Africa, and our unique socio-cultural context ought to be taken into consideration. Additionally, interventions at multiple levels should be explored, such as broadening sexual health training within the medical curriculum, considering the development of holistic cancer clinics and widening the scope of research relating to gynaecological cancer care.