bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discrete Blood Glucose Control in Diabetic Göttingen Minipigs
Authors: Misgeld Berno , Tenbrock Philipp , Lunze Katrin , Leonhardt Steffen
Published: July 2016

Despite continuous research effort, patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) experience difficulties in daily adjustments of their blood glucose concentrations. New technological developments in the form of implanted intravenous infusion pumps and continuous blood glucose sensors might alleviate obstacles for the automatic adjustment of blood glucose concentration. These obstacles consist, for example, of large time-delays and insulin storage effects for the subcutaneous/interstitial route. Towards the goal of an artificial pancreas, we present a novel feedback controller approach that combines classical loop-shaping techniques with gain-scheduling and modern H ∞ -robust control approaches. A disturbance rejection design is proposed in discrete frequency domain based on the detailed model of the diabetic Göttingen minipig. The model is trimmed and linearised over a large operating range of blood glucose concentrations and insulin sensitivity values. Controller parameters are determined for each of these operating points. A discrete H ∞ loop-shaping compensator is designed to increase robustness of the artificial pancreas against general coprime factor uncertainty. The gain scheduled controller uses subcutaneous insulin injection as a control input and determines the controller input error from intravenous blood glucose concentration measurements, where parameter scheduling is achieved by an estimator of the insulin sensitivity parameter. Thus, only one controller stabilises a family of animal models. The controller is validated in silico with a total number of five Göttingen Minipig models, which were previously obtained by experimental identification procedures. Its performance is compared with an experimentally tested switching PI-controller.
Developing Ubiquitous Sensor Network Platform Using Internet of Things: Application in Precision Agriculture
Authors: Ferrández-Pastor Francisco , García-Chamizo Juan , Nieto-Hidalgo Mario , Mora-Pascual Jerónimo , Mora-Martínez José
Published: July 2016

The application of Information Technologies into Precision Agriculture methods has clear benefits. Precision Agriculture optimises production efficiency, increases quality, minimises environmental impact and reduces the use of resources (energy, water); however, there are different barriers that have delayed its wide development. Some of these main barriers are expensive equipment, the difficulty to operate and maintain and the standard for sensor networks are still under development. Nowadays, new technological development in embedded devices (hardware and communication protocols), the evolution of Internet technologies (Internet of Things) and ubiquitous computing (Ubiquitous Sensor Networks) allow developing less expensive systems, easier to control, install and maintain, using standard protocols with low-power consumption. This work develops and test a low-cost sensor/actuator network platform, based in Internet of Things, integrating machine-to-machine and human-machine-interface protocols. Edge computing uses this multi-protocol approach to develop control processes on Precision Agriculture scenarios. A greenhouse with hydroponic crop production was developed and tested using Ubiquitous Sensor Network monitoring and edge control on Internet of Things paradigm. The experimental results showed that the Internet technologies and Smart Object Communication Patterns can be combined to encourage development of Precision Agriculture. They demonstrated added benefits (cost, energy, smart developing, acceptance by agricultural specialists) when a project is launched.
GIS-Based Approach for Municipal Renewable Energy Planning to Support Post-Earthquake Revitalization: A Japanese Case Study
Authors: Wang Qianna , M’Ikiugu Martin , Kinoshita Isami , Luo Yanyun
Published: July 2016

Following a regional-level study conducted in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan (Wang et al., 2014 [1]), this paper presents an approach for municipal renewable energy planning and its experimental application in a Japanese municipality using a Geographic Information System (GIS). The proposed approach is comprised of local issue identification, renewable energy potential evaluation and visualization, site comparison and scenario analysis. GIS was used to analyze and visualize solar, wind and biomass (forest and agriculture residue) potential within Kawamata Town, Fukushima, Japan. According to local conditions, all potential sites were coded and then compared based on different criteria, such as solar radiation, wind speed, slope and land uses, among others. In the scenario analysis section, two scenarios, “renewable energy prioritized” and ”evacuation area prioritized”, were adopted and compared. The scenarios are altered in terms of placement and the number of renewable energy facilities inside and outside evacuation areas within the town. The results generated through the proposed approach can provide information on local potentials of renewable energy resources, as well as renewable energy development alternatives at the municipal level. They can be used in the interactive dialogue for the municipal renewable energy planning process, to help to fulfill the municipality’s post-earthquake energy developmental vision.
Predicting Maize Transpiration, Water Use and Productivity for Developing Improved Supplemental Irrigation Schedules in Western Uruguay to Cope with Climate Variability
Authors: Giménez Luis , Petillo Mário , Paredes Paula , Pereira Luis
Published: July 2016

Various maize irrigation treatments including full and deficit irrigation were used to calibrate and validate the soil water balance and irrigation scheduling model SIMDualKc at Paysandú, western Uruguay. The model adopts the dual crop coefficient approach to partition actual evapotranspiration (ETc act) into actual transpiration (Tc act) and soil evaporation (Es). Low errors of estimation were obtained for simulating soil water content (Root mean square errors (RMSE) ≤ 0.014 cm3·cm−3 with calibrated parameters, and RMSE ≤ 0.023 cm3·cm−3 with default parameters). The ratio Es/Tc act ranged from 26% to 33% and Es/ETc act varied from 20% to 25%, with higher values when the crop was stressed offering less soil coverage. Due to rainfall regime, runoff and deep percolation were quite large. The Stewarts phasic model was tested and used to predict maize yield from Tc act with acceptable errors, in the range of those reported in literature. Water productivity values were high, ranging 1.39 to 2.17 kg·m−3 and 1.75 to 2.55 kg·m−3 when considering total water use and crop ET, respectively. Using a 22-year climatic data series, rainfed maize was assessed with poor results for nearly 40% of the years. Differently, alternative supplemental irrigation schedules assessed for the dry and very dry years have shown good results, particularly for mild deficit irrigation. Overall, results show appropriateness for using SIMDualKc to support the irrigation practice.
Spatial and Temporal Variation in Local Stormwater Infrastructure Use and Stormwater Management Paradigms over the 20th Century
Authors: Hale Rebecca
Published: July 2016

Stormwater management has significant consequences for urban hydrology, water quality, and flood risk, and has changed substantially over history, but it is unknown how these paradigm shifts play out at the local scale and whether local changes in stormwater infrastructure use follow similar trajectories across cities. This research addressed: (1) How does current infrastructure use and past infrastructure transitions vary across three cities with similar biophysical and climatic contexts but different development histories? and (2) How did stormwater and flood management paradigms change from early urbanization to current day in a single city? The use of storm sewers, detention basins, and canals for stormwater management was quantified for three cities in Utah, USA, over the 20th century. Stormwater management paradigms were quantified using media content analysis of newspaper articles from historic and recent periods in Salt Lake City. Results suggest that stormwater infrastructure development is decoupled from imperviousness across cities, and that newer and smaller cities follow different trajectories of stormwater management over time. This research highlights that there is no single model of urban hydrology and that heterogeneity in urban water management over time and space reflects shifting priorities and social learning.
Development of Dynamic Ground Water Data Assimilation for Quantifying Soil Hydraulic Properties from Remotely Sensed Soil Moisture
Authors: Shin Yongchul , Lim Kyoung , Park Kyungwon , Jung Younghun
Published: July 2016

Several inversion modeling-based approaches have been developed/used to extract soil hydraulic properties (α, n, θres, θsat, Ksat) from remotely sensed (RS) soil moisture footprints. Hydrological models with shallow ground water (SGW) table depths in soils simulate daily root zone soil moisture dynamics based on the extracted soil parameters. The presence of SGW table depths in soils significantly influences model performances; however, SGW table depths are usually unknown in the field, thus, unknown SGW table depths might cause uncertainties in the model outputs. In order to overcome these drawbacks, we developed a dynamic ground water (DGW) data assimilation approach that can consider SGW table depths across time for quantifying effective soil hydraulic properties in the unsaturated zone. In order to verify the DGW data assimilation scheme, numerical experiments comprising synthetic and field validation experiments were conducted. For the numerical studies, the Little Washita (LW) watershed in Oklahoma and Olney (OLN)/Bondville (BOND) sites in Illinois were selected as different hydroclimatic regions. For the synthetic conditions, we tested the DGW scheme using various soil textures and vegetation covers with fixed and dynamically changing SGW table depths across time in homogeneous and heterogeneous (layered) soil columns. The DGW-based soil parameters matched the observations under various synthetic conditions better than those that only consider fixed ground water (FGW) table depths in time. For the field validations, our proposed data assimilation scheme performed well in predicting the soil hydraulic properties and SGW table depths at the point, airborne sensing, and satellite scales, even though uncertainties exist. These findings support the robustness of our proposed DGW approach in application to regional fields. Thus, the DGW scheme could improve the availability and applicability of pixel-scale soil moisture footprints based on satellite platforms.
Une étude prosodique comparative des questions en français en contact avec l'occitan et le catalan
Authors: Boula de Mareüil Philippe , Rilliard Albert , Ivent Fanny , Kozhevina Varvara
Published: July 2016

Cet article rapporte une analyse de données collectées en Provence, en Languedoc et en Roussillon, lors d'une enquête de terrain menée auprès de locuteurs parlant, en plus du français, l'occitan (provençal ou languedocien) ou le catalan. Nous avons notamment comparé la prosodie de questions totales terminées par un mot accentué sur l'avant-dernière syllabe (ex.  caserna en occitan et en catalan, caserne avec un schwa final prononcé en français méridional). Sur les deux dernières syllabes des questions, il apparaît que le patron mélodique montant-montant est le plus fréquent et, d'après une expérience perceptive utilisant la modification/resynthèse de prosodie, qu'il est préféré aux patrons montant-descendant et descendant-montant par des auditeurs méridionaux. Un patron descendant-montant a également été observé en Roussillon, provenant probablement d'un transfert prosodique du catalan vers le français. Il n'a pas été associé à cette région par des auditeurs méridionaux qui ont pris part à une deuxième expérience perceptive. Cependant, les patrons intonatifs trouvés peuvent avoir d'autres fonctions.
La clairvoyance normative métacognition sociale? Une perspective métacognitive de l'étude de la clairvoyance normative
Authors: Guingouain Gérard
Published: July 2016

Cet article envisage la clairvoyance normative dans une perspective métacognitive. La clairvoyance normative y est présentée comme la compétence nécessaire d'une insertion sociale réussie. Un outil nouveau, adapté de l'épreuve make it wrong de Gombert (1990) sert de support à la mise en évidence du caractère métacognitif de cette compétence. L'auteur évoque une étude qui valide cette hypothèse. Par ailleurs, les aspects pédagogiques de l'émergence d'une telle compé­tence sont discutés. Des prolongements sont proposés tant en termes de formation ou d'éducation qu'en termes de mesure ou de révélation d'une telle compétence sociale chez les sujets.
Secure Storage and Transmission of Healthcare Records
Authors: Jacob Grasha , Annamalai Murugan
Published: July 2016

Telemedicine has become a common method for transmission of medical images and patient data across long distances. With the growth of computer networks and the latest advances in digital technologies, large amount of digital data gets exchanged over various types of insecure networks - wired or wireless. Modern Healthcare Management Systems need to change to accommodate these new advances. There is an urgent need to protect the confidentiality of health care records that are stored in common databases and transmitted over public insecure channels. This chapter outlines DNA sequence based cryptography which is easy to implement and is robust against cryptanalytic attack as there is insignificant correlation between the original record and the encrypted image for the secure storage and transmission of health records.
Innovative Approach for Improving Intrusion Detection Using Genetic Algorithm with Layered Approach
Authors: Nema Aditi
Published: July 2016

The detection portion of Intrusion Detection System is the most complicated. The IDS goal is to make the network more secure, and the prevention portion of the IDS must accomplish that effort. After malicious or unwanted traffic is identified, using prevention techniques can stop it. When an IDS is placed in an inline configuration, all traffic must travel through an IDS sensor. In this paper the reduced the features and perform layered architecture for identify various attack (DoS, R2L, U2R, Probe) and show accuracy using SVM with genetic approach.
Improving Multimodality Image Fusion through Integrate AFL and Wavelet Transform
Authors: Rathor Girraj Prasad , Gupta Sanjeev Kumar
Published: July 2016

Image fusion based on different wavelet transform is the most commonly used image fusion method, which fuses the source pictures data in wavelet space as per some fusion rules. But, because of the uncertainties of the source images contributions to the fused image, to design a good fusion rule to incorporate however much data as could reasonably be expected into the fused picture turns into the most vital issue. On the other hand, adaptive fuzzy logic is the ideal approach to determine uncertain issues, yet it has not been utilized as a part of the outline of fusion rule. A new fusion technique based on wavelet transform and adaptive fuzzy logic is introduced in this chapter. After doing wavelet transform to source images, it computes the weight of each source images coefficients through adaptive fuzzy logic and then fuses the coefficients through weighted averaging with the processed weights to acquire a combined picture: Mutual Information, Peak Signal to Noise Ratio, and Mean Square Error as criterion.
Bombay Stock Exchange of India
Authors: Kamley Sachin , Jaloree Shailesh , Thakur R. S.
Published: July 2016

Stock market nature is considered to be dynamic and susceptible to quick changes because it depends on various factors like share price, fundamental variables like P/E ratio, dividend yield etc. election results, rumors etc. Now a day's prediction is an important process which determines the future worth of a company. The successful prediction brings motivation and awareness in stock community as well as economic growth of the country. In past various theories and methods like Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH), Random Walk Theory, fundamental and technical analyses have been proposed. These methods or combination of methods have not got as much success even yet because these methods are very complex and time consuming and performed well on short data. These days stock market users mostly rely on intelligent trading system which would be help them to predict share prices based on various situations and conditions. Data mining is a broad area and also supports various business intelligence techniques. It has mastery to raise various financial issues like buying/selling security, bond analysis, contract analyses etc. in this study various prediction techniques like linear regression, multiple regression, association rule mining, clustering, neural network have been proposed and their significant performances will be compared by Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) data.
Cluster Analysis with Various Algorithms for Mixed Data
Authors: Sharma Abha , Thakur R. S.
Published: July 2016

Analyzing clustering of mixed data set is a complex problem. Very useful clustering algorithms like k-means, fuzzy c-means, hierarchical methods etc. developed to extract hidden groups from numeric data. In this paper, the mixed data is converted into pure numeric with a conversion method, the various algorithm of numeric data has been applied on various well known mixed datasets, to exploit the inherent structure of the mixed data. Experimental results shows how smoothly the mixed data is giving better results on universally applicable clustering algorithms for numeric data.
A Set of Principles for Doing and Evaluating Classic Grounded Theory Research in Information Systems
Authors: Lowe Andy , Tossy Titus
Published: July 2016

Grounded Theory (GT) is a latent pattern recognition research method discovered by Glaser and Strauss (1967). Due to GTs power and transcendence many research papers across several academic disciplines including Information Systems claimed to have used GT when in fact they have used pseudo GT methods. It is argued in this paper that any other research method which adopts the GT label without following orthodoxy of the authentic GT research method should not be called GT. All of the pseudo GT methods make the false assumption that GT is a sub set of Qualitative Data Analysis. This is a false assumption because authentic GT can use either quantitative or qualitative data and it is a general research methodology and produces empirically grounded but modifiable propositions. Within the Information Systems (IS) research community it is therefore not surprising that many, who claim to use GT, have used different types of pseudo GT. They have adopted vocabulary of the GT without following its original tenets. This paper explains how authentic GT can be carried out in an information systems context by trusting in emergence rather than forcing the data.
Profiling Collaborating Partners in E-Learning in Developing Countries
Authors: Tossy Titus , Chigona Wallace
Published: July 2016

When Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are rapidly revolutionizing, online learning is undergoing dramatic change as powerful new content types, technologies, and services are being adopted for education and training. Traditional learning needs to be supplemented by virtual learning to meet the rapid population growth and counter the lack of traditional higher education institutions. This is particularly true in least developed countries faces critical challenges to meet the new demands in higher education with its ever increasing population, remote and scattered areas, non-availability of resources (including infrastructure, few institutions, few experts or teachers, etc.), and limited funding. While it has been known that developed country are enjoying technology dance for so long time, least developing countries are either not or just joining the dance especially in e-learning. In other hand, there are enough literatures on the e-learning strategic alliances or collaborations/partnerships in developed countries for the purpose of dominating in Education delivery worldwide, and there is no or little literature about existence or non-existence of strategic alliances or collaboration on the e-learning development in the least developed countries. This is why this paper brought forward, enlightening the non-existence or existence of e-learning development strategic alliances, which has been sought to solve dual problem, scarcity of resources and increase the certification and recognition of online degrees in developed countries.
Recognition of Patterns with Fractal Structure in Time Series
Authors: Volna Eva , Kotyrba Martin
Published: July 2016

The chapter is focused on an analysis and pattern recognition in time series, which are fractal in nature. Our goal is to find and recognize important Elliott wave patterns which repeatedly appear in the market history for the purpose of prediction of subsequent trader's action. The pattern recognition approach is based on neural networks. Artificial neural networks are suitable for pattern recognition in time series mainly because of learning only from examples. This chapter introduces a methodology that allows analysis of Elliot wave's patterns in time series for the purpose of a trend prediction. The functionality of the proposed methodology was validated in experimental simulations, for whose implementation was designed and created an application environment. In conclusion, all results were evaluated and compared with each other. This chapter is composed only from our published works that present our proposed methodology. We see the main contribution of this chapter in its range, which allows us to present all our published works concerning our proposed methodology together.
Analysis and Classification Tools for Automatic Process of Punches and Kicks Recognition
Authors: Lapkova Dora , Oplatkova Zuzana Kominkova , Pluhacek Michal , Senkerik Roman , Adamek Milan
Published: July 2016

This chapter deals with the pattern recognition in the time series. The data was obtained from the measurement of the force profiles via strain gauge sensor. This pattern recognition should help to classify different techniques of the professional defence (direct punch, direct and round kicks) and gender of the attacker. The aim is to find a suitable feature sets from the measured raw data which has to be transferred in appropriate way; in the case of this research spectral analysis or discrete cosine transformation were used. Based on the previous experience of authors, artificial neural networks with Levenberg-Marquardt training algorithm were selected as a classifier. In these experimentations, students from the Faculty of Applied Informatics, Tomas Bata University in Zlin participated. The results were successful and higher level than expected accuracy of 85% was achieved. The future plans include involving more participants and repeating the simulations to confirm the proposed technique.
Vertical and Community-Based Crowdfunding Platforms
Authors: Greco Tomaso
Published: July 2016

If the inherent nature of the horizontal crowdfunding platforms makes the relationship between campaign creator and backers basically without intermediation of the platform, in the case of vertical platforms there are different and sometimes complex levels of intermediation. The vertical crowdfunding platforms can be considered more than a subset of the horizontal crowdfunding, as an independent system of relationships and rules which has in common with the horizontal crowdfunding a large part of the fundraising methods, but that is also profoundly different with respect to the aggregative procedures and the system of rules.
The Intended Image of a Place Brand
Authors: Hannibal Martin , Rasmussen Erik S.
Published: July 2016

This chapter studies the counterproductive impact of a place image on the entrepreneurial activities in a rural Danish municipality. Nationally, the municipality is rated ‘very good' in terms of traditional business environment measurements. However, this stands in stark contrast to the historically embedded image of the municipality. In this chapter the intended image of the municipality is compared to the image as it is perceived by newcomers. The study shows that historically embedded images of places are hard to manage and change when they involve elements with negative appeal towards a specific target audience e.g. entrepreneurs. The branding problem for the municipality is shown to be the conflict between the brands of history, entrepreneurial spirit, family friendly town, and tourism etc. To manage a place brand so diverse is almost impossible and it is clearly demonstrated that the solution has been to brand the place as everything for everybody.
A Psychological Perspective on City Brand Positioning
Authors: Larsen Henrik Gert , DeHoff LeAnn G.
Published: July 2016

Today the competition between cities is no longer a national game, but global, pitting emerging markets against traditional Western centers of economic power and decision makers have wholeheartedly embraced branding as a way to differentiate their cities in the competition for investments, talents and visitors. Hosting mega-events has become a popular branding strategy, which however requires significant contributions from the public purse. It is therefore necessary to develop analytical approaches, which can mitigate the risk of failure brought about by aspirational overreach. This chapter aims at articulating a starting point for formulating city brand positioning strategies based on studies of contemporary city ranking literature and two case studies concerning Shanghai and Istanbul. This chapter demonstrates how sensemaking data can be converted into quantitative measures and organized in a 16 dimensional construct enabling researchers to identify the most important perceptional dimensions of the city experience for the purpose of developing realistic city brand positioning.
Sustainable City Branding
Authors: Doyduk Hande Begüm Bumin , Okan Elif Yolbulan
Published: July 2016

As marketing strategies are utilized for city management, entrepreneurial modes of urban governance started to be applied. In this chapter, an emerging city branding trend, Slow City branding will be analyzed in the light of sustainability. As the cities start to resemble each other, the identity of the cities which is defined by the local authenticity diminishes. The philosophy of slowness inspired other social and economic movements like slow food, slow tourism and slow city. Slow movement first in the form of Slow Food then Slow City/Cittaslow enables sustainable urban development. “Cittaslow” empowers cities to differentiate from other cities and form their identity by supporting local crafts, tastes, producers and promoting healthy and sustainable life. In this study, a comprehensive literature review about slow city movement is covered. Moreover, Seferihisar, the first slow city in Turkey is analyzed in terms of Cittaslow principles. At the last part of the study, a model is proposed summarizing the principles of slow city branding.
Functional Foods and Cardiac Health
Authors: Passi Santosh Jain
Published: July 2016

Functional foods containing physiologically-active components, have been reported to confer several health benefits. Longitudinal cohort studies indicate that certain foods and dietary patterns play an important role in primary prevention of numerous disease conditions and this has led to the identification of putative functional foods. Research is necessary to substantiate the potential health benefits of various functional foods for which the diet–health relationships have yet not been scientifically validated. The term ‘functional foods' may include health/functional health foods, foods fortified with minerals/vitamins, dietary supplements or even the traditional medicines (Zawistowski, 2014).
Lentils (Lens culinaris, L.)
Authors: Faris Mo'ez Al-Islam Ezzat , Attlee Amita
Published: July 2016

Lentils have been part of human diet from ancient times. This chapter focuses on the nutritional composition, presence of bioactive substances, antioxidants and health rendering properties of lentils. Recent definitions have considered lentils as a prophylactic and therapeutic functional food due to its considerable content of essential macronutrients, namely functional proteins and carbohydrates, and essential micronutrients, as well as bioactive phytochemicals such as phytates and polyphenols. Indeed, the presence of an impressive arsenal of secondary metabolites, minerals and bioactive constituents in lentils have shown to be promising contributors in the management and prevention of several human chronic diseases, attributed to their anticarcinogenic, hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic and blood-pressure lowering properties.
Health Benefits of Tea
Authors: Mitra Sumonto , Khandelwal Shashi
Published: July 2016

Tea is the second most widely consumed beverage throughout the world, after water. “Tea” is referred to the aromatic beverage prepared by incubating cured leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis with hot or boiling water. The origin of tea has remained a mystery and has been associated with legends in the Chinese history. Under experimental conditions in laboratory, tea has been reported to act as an anti-cancer agent in various models of lung, pancreas, liver, breast, fore-stomach, oesophagus, duodenum, colon, and skin cancers induced by chemical carcinogens. Tea also contains a wide range of antioxidants and has been found to possess several others health benefits. This chapter summarizes the history behind its use, various health benefits, and current state of scientific literature and epidemiological evidence of its usefulness.
Functional Properties of Camel Milk
Authors: Alhaj Omar Amin
Published: July 2016

This chapter focuses on the potential health benefits of camel milk including angiotension I-converting enzyme-inhibitory, anti-cancer and antioxidant activities, antidiabetic, antimicrobial and hypoallergenicity effects. The bioactivity of oligosaccharide, conjugated linoleic acid and D-amino acid in camel milk is provided. The proposed mechanisms behind these bioactive components and potential health claims are explained. This chapter also describes camel milk composition, nutritional value, production and population. The current available information in the literature on camel milk is not abundant. More research is needed to give better understanding on functional properties of camel milk.
Application of the Dietary Processed Sulfur Supplementation for Enhancing Nutritional and Functional Properties of Meat Products
Authors: Lee Chi-Ho
Published: July 2016

In recent years, the consumer demands for healthier meat and meat products with reduced level of fat, cholesterol, decreased contents of sodium chloride and nitrite, improved composition of fatty acid profile and incorporated health enhancing ingredients are rapidly increasing worldwide and prevent the risk of diseases. This review focuses on strategies to investigate the changes in physical, physicochemical and microbial properties of meat and meat products in dietary processed sulfur fed animals. Overall, this review focuses on sulfur supplementation to pigs, growth performance of pigs and meat quality, enhancing the nutritional and functional values, shelf-life extension, improve sensory quality characteristics and health benefit etc. This review further discusses the current status, consumer acceptance, and market for functional foods from the global viewpoints. Future prospects for functional meat and meat products are also discussed.
Food in Health Preservation and Promotion
Authors: Sen Saikat , Chakraborty Raja
Published: July 2016

Association between food and health is complex. Healthy food can promote and maintain good human health. Healthy food and nutrition is a key regulating factor for boosting the immunity and therapeutic effectiveness of a treatment strategy. Oxidative stress is well involved in the pathogenesis of diverse diseases and aging. Food always considered as good source of nutrients, protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Consumed as part of a normal diet, phytochemicals present in food like vitamins (vitamin C & E), minerals (like, zinc, selenium), phytoconstituents (phenolic compounds, flavonoids, carotenoids) confer additional health benefits, by virtue of their antioxidant property. A diet rich that rich in antioxidant molecule reduces the risk of several oxidative stress related diseases. Numerous antioxidant molecules isolated from food showed the curative and health promotion effect. This chapter majorly deals with the role antioxidant/pro-oxidant substances present in different foods on human body.
Building a Conceptual Framework for Defense Acquisition Management Based on Service Dominant Logic Theory
Authors: Glas Andreas H. , Essig Michael
Published: July 2016

Defense acquisition is an under-researched topic of high economic, political and practical relevance, as defense acquisition typically faces recurring problems of time and cost overruns as well as performance shortfalls over the life-cycle of major weapon systems. These challenges are analyzed using the case of the German Bundeswehr. An abductive research process is applied and findings are merged with Service-Dominant-Logic (SDL) theory. The findings are used to develop a service-based understanding of defense acquisition management, what might support the further empirical analysis of influence factors and constructs. While a product-centric focus on defense acquisition fades out important relations and interdependencies between industry and the military /defense acquisition, the developed nine premises may provide a more integrative view on the military-industrial co-creation of superior military capabilities.
Defense Acquisition, Public Administration, and Pragmatism
Authors: Snider Keith F.
Published: July 2016

This chapter explores the relationship of U.S. defense management to public administration. It argues that public administration, as a field of study, plays a minor role in defense acquisition, because acquisition has unique characteristics that separate it from the mainstream of the field. The tenuous connections between acquisition and public administration have led to an issue of academic legitimacy in that the discipline has failed to respond to the needs of acquisition professionals. The chapter then presents a discussion and illustration of philosophical pragmatism as a potential contribution of administrative theory to acquisition practice, and it concludes with thoughts on the potential for acquisition to adopt pragmatism as a guiding way for thought and practice.
Institutional Entrepreneurship in Defence Acquisition
Authors: McAvoy Derek
Published: July 2016

One of the most common arguments used to justify the outsourcing of defence activities is that the private sector is more innovative than the public sector. New Public Management has been widely promoted as the most effective means by which the public sector can engage with markets and gain access to the greater entrepreneurial capabilities offered by the private sector. However, a major obstacle to generating the improvements sought by having greater access to entrepreneurial businesses is bound up in the inherent tensions generated by divergent institutional logics. Government departments are motivated to move towards stasis while the entrepreneurial market spirit ideally embraces institutional change. This chapter examines the challenges faced by defence acquisition in changing these potentially opposing institutional logics before concluding with suggestions on how to progress an applied research agenda for defence acquisition in order to make better use of entrepreneurial capabilities.
It's Complicated
Authors: Henson Billy , Ricketts Melissa
Published: July 2016

Social media has become an intricate part of daily life. Posting, tweeting, and chatting have become common practices since the birth of the social network. This technological revolution has altered the way we interact and communicate in fundamental ways. Consequently, a cultural shift has accompanied this change, with notions such as etiquette and personal boundaries undergoing dramatic transformation. In the virtual world, the lines that separate individuals' personal and professional lives often become blurred resulting in some confusion about what constitutes appropriate social media behavior. With that in mind, the purpose of this chapter is to discuss key issues associated with the impact of social media has on individuals' professional lives. This task will employ a multipronged approach in describing the growth, use, and potential problems of social media in the workplace. In addition, policies and legal statutes regarding social media use by academic and human service professionals will be discussed at length.
Preventing Sexual Misconduct
Authors: Ratliff Lindon , Watson Joshua , Hall Kimberly R.
Published: July 2016

The purpose of this chapter is to introduce sexual misconduct within the school setting to the reader, the relevant studies concerning each topic and how each position (teacher, counselor, and administrator) connects to the issues. The goal of the writing is to show the current findings and to give the reader the direction of where future research is needed. In just one example, the topic of the location of sexual offense will be discussed. Specifically, where in the school or surrounding environment will the sexual misconduct (assault, etc.) is most likely to occur. With the knowledge of so called “isolation zones” an administrator can better position monitors (electronic or human) to discourage actions of misconduct.
Maintaining Professional Faculty-Student Relationships
Authors: Del Corso Jennifer Jordan , McAdams III Charles R.
Published: July 2016

University faculty departments are being challenged to adopt guidelines, policies, and procedures on how to maintain professional boundaries in order to keep up with the demands of university Title IX policies and the rapidly changing advances in technology. While some behaviors are more clearly defined as inappropriate (e.g. sexual harassment), others are less well-defined (e.g. texting). What constitutes as harmful unethical behavior on the part of a faculty member depends on the context in which the behavior occurs. As a result, it is important for faculty to maintain clear boundaries in order to prevent harming or exploiting students for their benefit. This book chapter will utilize this case study to: (a) examine the power differential in the student-faculty relationships, (b) examine contextual factors that lead to boundary crossings, and (c) identify preventative measures that can be taken by faculty and students to minimize the potential for boundary violations to occur.
Advancing Sex Positivity while Combating Sexual Misconduct
Authors: Galarza Jayleen , Anthony Becky
Published: July 2016

Social work professionals are accountable to ethical standards and a code of conduct that were developed to protect clients from harm. As accusations of sexual misconduct by social work practitioners is possible, it is important that agencies and organizations decrease the amount of additional harm that may result from the reporting and investigative process. Unfortunately, some agencies engage in practices that hinder the reporting of sexual misconduct, such as: victim blaming, lack of transparency, and limited communication during the investigation. Within this chapter, the authors propose that social work professionals adopt a sex positive approach to managing and investigating reports of sexual misconduct by practitioners. According to the authors, a sex positive approach seeks to challenge agencies and organizations to treat such cases seriously while respecting the individuals involved and limiting the risk of further violating or isolating the complainant.
Predicting Users' Intention towards Using Library Self-Issue and Return Systems
Authors: Razip Siti Nadhirah Mohmed , Kadir Siti Fatnin Abdul , Saim Siti Nur Aishah , Dolhan Farah Nadia Mohd , Jarmil Nurshamimi , Salleh Nurul Hasanah Md , Rajin Grunsin
Published: July 2016

This study aims to examine users' acceptance of library self-issue and return system by integrating Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB)/Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as the guiding principle. The research used a multiple regression for data analysis across a sample of 238 students. Their participation was purely voluntary. Empirical analysis confirmed that student's intention to use the library self-service by behavioural intentions and perceived usefulness. However, the subjective norm was found to be not significantly related to library self-issues and return system. This empirical results may benefit to the students and the librarians involved in self-issue and return system in library. The librarian could avoid a long queue of students in the library. For the students, they will be able to save time on borrowing or retuning the materials. This research offers a new findings compare to the previous study, where this research focus on undergraduate students in Malaysia. Next, the proposed framework could be used as a foundation for future research investigating students who had not applied the library self-service respond.
Factors Affecting Hotel Visitors' Usage of Guest Empowerment Technology (GET)
Authors: Kwan Lai Hang , Chia Siew Jing , Khor Rickson , Wong Teck Hou , Xulin Yuan , Zhao Chen Xi
Published: July 2016

The aim of this study is to determine the factors affecting the usage of Guest Empowerment Technologies (GET) in hotels among hotel visitors in Labuan, Malaysia. The research used multiple regression for data analysis across a sample of 225 respondents who stayed in hotel at least once in a year. Their participation was voluntarily. Results confirmed that the core factor affecting users' intention to use of GET is perceived usefulness. Meanwhile, all variables are proven to be significant to each other and perceived usefulness had the strongest influencing on the users' intention to use of GET. The findings provide additional information to the hotels for further understanding their consumers' characteristics in hotels. Having this information, the proposed framework can be use as the basis for further research.
Factors Affecting Students' Acceptance of SMART2 Learning Management System
Authors: Loon Liew Kian , Mun Chin Chen , Kang Teow Yong , Rui Sherah Chong Seh , Ping Lau Wei , Tung Magdaline Chan Vui
Published: July 2016

The aims of this study is to inspect the factors affecting students' acceptance of SMART2 Learning Management System. This study applied a multiple regression for data analysis covering a sample of 218 respondents. Results revealed that the proposed hypothesis via multiple regressions validated that the acceptance and usage of SMART2 UMS was effected positively by the use behaviour. Research outcomes may benefit the learning management system market involving SMART2 UMS in developing constructive strategies to evaluate the usage behaviour of students in UMSLIC in using the SMART2 UMS learning management system and assess the acceptance level of students of SMART2 UMS towards the use behaviour. The consequences of this research study offer a new towards the front movement to the discoveries of advanced studies on acceptance and use behaviour, which is not revealed much in the literature in the state of affairs of UMSLIC by providing extra details in tapering the research space with considerations to comprehend the acceptance and usage of the SMART2 UMS.
Consumer Intention to Use QR Code
Authors: Chen Tze Yien , Ng Wei Shen , Tan Wei Ling , Tan Yan Ying , Lee Pui Yee , H'ng Chee Peen , Luo Ji Wen
Published: July 2016

This study examines how the users' perception of QR code affects their attitude towards QR code, particularly in the context of Malaysian local university students. Next, the study examines the relationship between their attitude towards QR code and their intention to use the QR code. Empirical analysis via multiple regression analysis affirmed that PIQ influences PU and PSQ influences PEoU. Additionally, both PU and PEoU influences the attitude of users, which leads to the influence of attitude towards the user's intention to use to QR code. The functionality of QR codes can be utilized by business entities to serve for their company and create revenue. However, the companies must modify the content of the QR code application according to the minimum requirements and perception of the users. The results of this research offer essential guidelines for companies to tailor the information of their campaigns to the users' preferences. Next, future researches can utilize the proposed theoretical framework to exploit the potentials of QR code in the marketing field.
Consumer Intention to Use Smartphone for Mobile Shopping
Authors: Lee Chong Ren , Tam Kah Yan , Lim Jee Yan , Seow Pei Ying , Lee Vivian Pooi Sun , Faris Nurin Amanda Muhammad , Haris Hairunisa Mohd
Published: July 2016

The purpose of this study is to identify the determinants to use the mobile phone to make purchases. The study involved a total of 210 respondents approached in a public higher learning institution in Federal Territory of Labuan, Malaysia. This study applies convenience sampling technique to ensure researcher to monitor the participation of the sample. They were chosen to identify the intention to use smartphones for mobile shopping among young adults. The concept of using smartphones for mobile shopping was explained to the respondents to ensure full understanding in order to obtain best result. Multiple regression analysis asserted that Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Enjoyment (PE), Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), and Satisfaction (SAT) influence the Intention to use (INT). The results could help online retailers in improving their marketing platform and to understand more of their customers' needs and wants.
Impact of Online Instructional Game Features on Students' Perceived Motivational Support and Cognitive Investment
Authors: Kumar Angaliswaran , Soundirapandian Kirthana , Jaraime Nor Huda , Krishnan Muralidharan , Juno Nurhafeezah Salwatul Alzah , Samsudin Nurfaaiqa Atiqa
Published: July 2016

The purpose of this research is to study the relationship among Digital Game-Based Learning (DGBL) features on students' perceived motivational support and cognitive investment. The research used a multiple regression for data analysis across a sample of 200 students in to a public higher learning institution in Federal Territory of Labuan Malaysia. Their participation was purely voluntary. Empirical analysis via multiple regressions confirmed that students' perceived motivational support and cognitive investment was influenced positively by Digital Game-Based Learning (DGBL) features. The results may be used to inform higher education institutes students' on how to design DGBL for the college students. How the DGBL works on college students' perceived motivational support and cognitive investment. The results of this study offers a new forward motion to the findings of prior studies on develop a consolidated design model to consider all identified empirical relationships in order to support efficient DGBL in higher education.