bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Crowdsourcing of Agricultural Market Information in a Pilot Study
Authors: Juma Musa Fadhili , Fue Kadeghe Goodluck , Barakabitze Alcardo Alex , Nicodemus Neema , Magesa Mawazo Mwita , Kilima Fredy Timothy Mlyavidoga , Sanga Camilius A.
Published: March 2019

Access to agricultural markets and marketing information are essential factors in promoting competitive markets and improving agricultural sector development. The agricultural sector employs majorities in developing countries and contributes greatly to its development. Unluckily, majorities of the farmers are smallholders living in rural areas and thus, lack appropriate access to markets for their products and also, they are deprived of agricultural market information. As results, farmers are exploited by middlemen who offer low prices for their agricultural produce. This study presents the best way for the agricultural stakeholders to obtain easily agricultural market information service. This study presents a novel agricultural market information system which was implemented using some concepts of crowdsourcing. Crowdsourcing allows sellers to broadcast whatever produce they want to sell and customers are allowed to submit their requests using either SMS or web.
Re-Inventing the Social Business Model
Authors: Cavenago Dario , Mariani Laura
Published: March 2019

The recent global economic crises and the decline of the traditional welfare state are challenging the development of third sector organisations involved in the provision of public services. With the support of the Italian case and the experiences of different Italian third sector organisations, this contribution highlights how organisational survival and growth require reinvention of the business model, commencing with the concept of social, economic and environmental sustainability. The scope of third sector organisations depends on the type of government, the stage of economic development, the model of civil society, the existence of philanthropic traditions and the law and regulation. All these variables affect the business model of third sector organisations. This chapter contributes to the third sector knowledge in Italy and concludes with a discussion on solutions that are able to incentivize the use of entrepreneurial principles, stimulate networking, cooperation and growth while maintaining the relationship with the territories.
The Permissibility of Crowd Funding Within South Asia
Authors: D'Rosario Michael , Busary Aaron , Raval Kairav
Published: March 2019

The chapter will extend upon the extant literature by considering the permissibility of crowdfunding practices within the South Asian region. There is a genuine dearth of research considering these matters, with little research considering the history and permissibility of crowdfunding methodologies within the noted nations. As such the contribution of the chapter is twofold, firstly it represents amongst the first coherent assessments of the use of crowdsourcing based fundraising methodologies within the South Asian region. Secondly it responds to the dearth of research considering the legal permissibility of such practices within the noted nations, while also contrasting the regulatory models of India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka with the regulatory models evidenced within selected OECD countries and pertinently the recently reformed model of regulation within the United States, specifically chapter 12 of the Jobs Act (2013).
The Electronic Obsolescence as an Opportunity for Social Entrepreneurship
Authors: Cardona Diego Lopez , Hoyos Rocío del S. Tabares
Published: March 2019

The chapter contains the concepts of Social Entrepreneurship, Planned and Perceived Obsolescence, Corporate Social Responsibility, the legal framework for Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) waste, and Reverse Logistics, as theoretical support from different authors. Applied to Manizales, Colombia, the study was conducted with a quantitative and qualitative approach. The information was collected through surveys and interviews with 26 entrepreneurs and 331 households' consumers to know the type of appliances, how they buy, change and use them, and the chain of intermediaries. With planned and perceived obsolescence, products lose their life in a short time, are dumped as Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), and collected by people of low educational and economic level that survive in precarious conditions. Due to these results and conclusions, we offer in the chapter the opportunity to generate proposals for their inclusion and social development.
Social Commerce Benefits for Small Businesses
Authors: Schaupp Ludwig Christian , Bélanger France
Published: March 2019

Small businesses represent an important element of many western economies. However, they often struggle with resources needed to succeed, and small business owners often have to perform many, if not all, roles in their organizations. One of the key functions that small businesses need to excel at for business success today is social commerce since much of their business is migrating towards the use of social media for business. In this study, determinants of social commerce benefits for small businesses are explored. Using survey data from 60 small companies, this research identifies stakeholder pressure and partner pressure as the most significant factors in determining social commerce benefits for small business. Implications of these findings and provide suggestions for future research are discussed.
How Social Commerce Emerged
Authors: Hajli Nick
Published: March 2019

Individuals perform social interaction with others through online communities, which support their decision behaviour on the Internet. These abilities are mostly due to the rise of social networking sites through the recent development in Web 2.0 technologies such as social media. The increasing popularity of social media and social networking sites has developed e-commerce to social commerce. Social commerce is a new stream in e-commerce, in which consumers use social media in their purchasing journey. In this social climate, the social commerce era, consumers provide social support for the network by not only persuading consumers to have more interconnectivity with their peers, but also by giving a number of unique opportunities to firms. In this chapter, the author discusses the way social commerce has been emerged. As social word of mouth is one of the key constructs of social commerce, social word of mouth as well as the applications of social commerce and social support theory in business context have been explained in detail in chapter.
Beyond Micro-Tasks
Authors: Lukyanenko Roman , Parsons Jeffrey
Published: March 2019

The emergence of crowdsourcing as an important mode of information production has attracted increasing research attention. In this article, the authors review crowdsourcing research in the data management field. Most research in this domain can be termed tasked-based, focusing on micro-tasks that exploit scale and redundancy in crowds. The authors' review points to another important type of crowdsourcing – which they term observational – that can expand the scope of extant crowdsourcing data management research. Observational crowdsourcing consists of projects that harness human sensory ability to support long-term data acquisition. The authors consider the challenges in this domain, review approaches to data management for crowdsourcing, and suggest directions for future research that bridges the gaps between the two research streams.
Animal Spirits or Engaging Spirits?
Authors: Besana Angela
Published: March 2019

After having discussed the contemporary importance of the not-for-profit and social economy, the chapter builds on a cluster analysis of performances and roles of grant-making foundations, who are the essential node of the cooperation and coopetitiveness, today. This chapter aims to present worldwide grant-making foundations for their performances and profiling according to the latest accounting data and mission reports, which collect results of their projects according to the classification of pure grant-making, networking, leadership, partnership and pooling. With this in mind, the chapter adopts a typical approach of cluster analysis of industrial organization. The cluster analysis emphasizes the profiling of the sample and it allows to separate groups with significant features. The main focus remains on the issues of the finance of the social economy, when the Public Welfare State is too much indebted. Complementary and substitute roles of the Private Welfare State can emerge for the support the not-for-profit economy.
Target Costing and Its Impact on Business Strategy
Authors: Anghelache Constantin , Căpușneanu Sorinel , Topor Dan Ioan , Marin-Pantelescu Andreea
Published: March 2019

This chapter highlights aspects of the contribution of an IT program used in cost accounting and its management according to the target costing (TC) and its impact on the business strategy of an economic entity. The authors present the historical evolution of the TC, its implementation steps, and the methodological steps that go into the management accounting. The characteristics of a software program specifically designed for cost accounting and management of TC, its design, implementation stages, execution mode, are presented. The guarantee of a managerial decision is based on the provision of real, accurate, and reliable information that can be obtained and analyzed with this software program. The theoretical and methodological aspects presented are based on the existing literature, university studies, and specialty from all over the world. Through the authors' contribution, a new conceptual-empirical framework is created to discuss issues that impact on the business environment of economic entities.
An International Overview of the Electronic Financial System and the Risks Related to It
Authors: Dănescu Tatiana , Botoș Alexandra , Oncioiu Ionica
Published: March 2019

A significant milestone in the evolution of financial reporting systems occurred when the international financial reporting standards (IFRS) were first applied in the year of 1989. The XBRL (extensible business reporting language) phenomenon marked a new stage in the development of global accounting and reporting systems in the year of 2008 when public companies in US began to use this system. Although the two steps have had a significant impact on the process of harmonizing the global financial reporting system, this process is yet not complete. This chapter presents a comparative analysis of some issues emerging from the application of electronic reporting systems in order to identify the risks presented by them and possible solutions to current practices in financial reporting.
The International Experience in Security Risk Analysis Methods
Authors: Petrescu Anca Gabriela , Postole Mirela Anca , Ciobanasu Marilena
Published: March 2019

The goal of information security is to be able not just to put in place measures to detect and mitigate attacks but also to predict attacks, deter attackers from attacking, and thus defend the systems from attack in the first place. Data protection should be based on the lessons learned over time, both within the organization and in other organizations. Over the time, a large number of methodologies for identifying information security risks were proposed and adopted and simplified approach to different methodologies has led to their classification in quantitative and qualitative, especially in terms of metrics used to quantify risk. This chapter proposes an international overview regarding the quantitative and qualitative analysis methods for information risk analysis. In practice almost always use a combination of these methods, depending on the characteristics of the organization investigated the degree of uncertainty associated with the method of analysis and risk management.
Impacts of Anthropogenic and Tourism Activities on River Water Quality
Authors: Sharma Ravi
Published: March 2019

A study of the water quality assessment of the Betwa River stretch was conducted in order to explore the detrimental effects of assorted anthropogenic and visitors' activities on the river. The religious tourism activities are the main type of tourism activities explored under the study in context to India. Samples were collected during May 2014 (pre-monsoon) to December 2015 (post-monsoon) period. Twelve different physicochemical parameters were collected through primary data and field investigations, while the bacteriological parameters like total coliform and fecal coliform levels were analyzed through secondary data, except biochemical oxygen demand. The results suggest that the seasonal and spatial variations are significantly different. The results also conclude that the chloride, nitrite, phosphate, COD, nitrate, and BOD as evaluated using PCA extraction method shows a higher degree of positive correlation in a component which indicates anthropogenic and industrial impacts on water quality.
Guest Retention Through Automation
Authors: Seal Partho Pratim
Published: March 2019

The technology development in hospitality is continuing at a relentless pace which is challenging for the hospitality professional for both present and the future generations. The hotel front office is moving towards automation with less human interface. Reservations are mostly being made with help of booking engines and guest interaction with hotels are by apps and chatbots. Artificial intelligence (AI) also occupies a major role to facilitate and enhance guest experience. The trends now include use of augmented reality, predictive analysis, beacons, robotics, block chain technology, and biophilic designs in the hotel. The research is to study about how various hotel chains are adopting new technology and incorporating it in their establishment. The research is based upon data collected from hotel websites and other secondary sources to determine the acceptance of new trends by the hotel chains. The result suggests that though some international hotel chains have started accepting the new trends, the major Indian chains specially are lacking behind.
Restaurant Management System (RMS) and Digital Conversion
Authors: Kocaman Emel Memis , Kocaman Mehmet
Published: March 2019

Customers expect a high standard and fast service from enterprises. In addition, competition among enterprises necessitates that enterprises renew themselves, meet customer expectations at maximum level, and raise the standard of products and services. Traditional restaurant management is inadequate to provide all this. This situation led to search, and restaurant management systems (RMS) have been developed. RMS, which emerged in the 1970s, are now much more developed, facilitating both the operation and management process and offering a professional management opportunity. RMS has made it possible for the restaurants to institutionalize and establish chain enterprises. Moreover, income and expense control can be made more effective via RMS. This chapter explains RMS and the operation of RMS via a sample program.
Christianity and Tourism Development in Nigeria
Authors: Endong Floribert Patrick C.
Published: March 2019

Most of the spiritual programs organized by mega Pentecostal and charismatic churches in Nigeria constitute serious touristic attractions, which over the years, have immensely been contributing to socio-economic development in the country. These programs pull a multitude of national and international expectant tourists, who in the course of satisfying their various spiritual pursuits, often get involved in many other cultural and recreational activities. Hinging on empirical understandings, this chapter examines the extent to which these religious programs contribute—or may contribute—to tourism and socio-cultural development in Nigeria, particularly in host communities. The chapter equally explores some of the challenges of religious tourism in Nigeria. It is specifically anchored on the three following questions: (1) Which are the major religious activities attracting tourists in Nigeria? (2) To what extent foreign tourists' attendance at these programs does not only benefit the churches? and (3) How could these programs further contribute to tourism development in Nigeria?
Effect of Residual Stress and Microcracks in Chrome Plating Layer to Fatigue Strength of Axle-Shaped Machine Parts
Authors: Nguyen Vinh Phoi , Dang Thien Ngon , Le Chi Cuong
Published: March 2019

Chromium plating is used widely in industry to enhance wear, abrasion resistance and to restore the dimensions of undersized parts. However, tensile residual stress always exists in chrome layer because of hydrogen embrittlement so it affect to mechanical properties of the chromium plating machine element, especially in fatigue strength. In this paper, effect of residual stress in chrome plating layer to fatigue strength was studied. The sample (AISI 1045 steel) was plated with 10 and 60 micrometers thicknesses and residual stress in chrome plating layer was determined by X-ray diffraction technique (Cu-Kα radiation). The results showed that chromium layer thicknesses go up, tensile residual stress decrease and microcrack density increase. Consequently, fatigue strength goes down when chromium layer thicknesses increase.
Effects of Ti Target Poisoning to Titanium Nitride Coating Fabricated by a Physical Vapor Deposition Technique
Authors: Nguyen Quang Dinh , Phan Quang Do , Tran Đuc Quy , Pham Duc Cuong
Published: March 2019

The DC magnetron sputtering is often used for fabricating thin hard coatings for a wide range of industrial applications. The technique allows using DC power for deposition low or non-conductive films from metal target without using expensive RF power for insulation target. However, the performance of DC reactive sputtering is affected significantly by a phenomenon namely target poisoning. When the target poisoning occurs, coating is formed not only on substrate surface but also on target surface, which results in the reduction of deposition rate and coating properties. This paper presents a study on poisoning of Ti target during TiN coating deposition in the Ar + N2atmosphere. Results showed that the target poisoning state is impressed dramatically by partial pressure and flow rate of nitrogen gas. In poisoning mode, the deposition rate was reduced significantly compared to that in the metal mode. In addition, the formed TiN coating exhibited a non-stoichiometric and low adhesion to the substrate.
Investigation of Springback Prediction for an Aluminum 7000 Sheet Subjected to Press Forming
Authors: Pham Quoc Tuan , Song Jung Han , Park Joong Cheul , Kim Young Suk
Published: March 2019

Aluminum 7000 series have been widely used in the aircraft and aerospace applications owing to its advantages of lightweight, high strength, and excellent corrosion resistance. Recently, the sheets have been applied in the automotive engineering in order to reduce the weight of commercial cars. For this demand, press forming is a common forming method used to produce a designed automotive part. However, springback is one of the main reasons to limit applications of the aluminum 7000 series. This study develops several material models that consider important material behavior including Young's modulus, Bauchinger's effect, and material anisotropy on springback prediction for the tested material. These models have been implemented in ABAQUS software to analysis a bending process and estimate springback amount. As a result, the effects of each material behavior on springback were clarified. Based on simulation results, it is found that correctly capturing the Bauchinger's effect is the major key to the success of springback prediction for such kind of material.
Investigation of BTEX Adsorption on Carbon Nanotubes Cartridges from Air Samples
Authors: Le Huu Quynh Anh , Phan Dinh Tuan
Published: March 2019

The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contribute to serious air pollution problems in Viet Nam. Many studies have investigated in air quality monitoring and treatment, in order to determine the average concentrations of Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene (BTEX). Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely used as adsorbent in environmental treatment, especially for VOCs. This paper aims to determine the adsorption capacity of multiwalled carbon nanotubes for removal of BTEX from air samples. In preliminary study, the effects of various parameters during adsorption experiments were monitored such as flow rate, temperature and BTEX concentrations in air samples. The equipment for BTEX removal was developed by our research team consisting of filter columns, air sample bags, adsorption cartridge. The air samples containing BTEX were conducted directly through a cartridge packed with adsorbent. The adsorption experiments were carried out under various operating conditions such as temperature (30 - 40°C), gas concentration (0,57 - 4,77 mg/L) and the gas flow rate (10 - 90 mL/min). In addition, isotherm studies of CNTs for BTEX removal were achieved by using Langmuir and Freundlich models. The results showed that the experimental parameters were optimized at a flow rate of 30 mL/min and an ambient temperature at 30°C. The adsorption capacity of CNTs increased proportionally with BTEX concentrations. The specific affinity of CNTs for BTEX from air samples was in order of X > E > T > B. The experimental isotherm data were well-fit with the Langmuir model for Benzene and Xylene removal, and the Freundlich model for Toluene and Ethylbenzene adsorption. The CNTs presented highly potential application for BTEX adsorption thanks to their microporous structure and high surface area.
Effect of Ethylene Vinyl Axetate (EVA) on the Mechanical Properties of Low-Density Polyethylene/EVA Blends
Authors: Pham Thi Hong Nga , Le Thi My Hoa , Zhang Xiao Wei
Published: March 2019

The extensive range of fillers used nowadays indicated the major significance of filler in the plastic industry. Although their original purpose was to lower the cost of the molding compounds; prime importance is now attached to selective modification of the properties of a specific plastic. In this study, the examples of LDPE/EVA blends, were put into 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 wt.% of EVA. The tensile strength, bending strength and impact strength of samples were determined according to ASTM D638, ISO 178 and ISO 179. Results showed that when increasing ratio of EVA in LDPE/ EVA blends, tensile strength decreased from 10.9 MPa to 8.6 MPa. Bending strength decreased linearly from 9.63 MPa to 5.46 MPa. Charpy impact strength decreased from 47.5 kJ/m2 to 6.3 kJ/m2. On the contrary, elongation in 100% LDPE is 78.3%; with the appearance of EVA, elongation of the LDPE/ EVA blends increased upto 109.1%. In addition, SEM micrographs indicated that, it was more crystal-clear when the EVA content is less; in the highest EVA content with 15%, it can be seen that the specimen after pressing is slightly opaque and darker than the orthers. From that showed the addition of EVA to the polymer leads the tensile strength, bending strength were not affect much, impact strength decreased but elongation experienced an increase.
Synthesis and Photocatalytic Activity of Fluorine DOPED-g-C3N4
Authors: Phuc Nguyen Van , An Doan Tran , Tri Nguyen Ngoc , Ha Tran Huu , Hien Tran Thi Thu , Hung Nguyen Phi , Vo Vien
Published: March 2019

F-doped graphitic carbon nitride was synthesized via simple solid-state calcination of mixture with various weight ratios of urea, as precursor, and ammonium fluoride, as modifying agent. The obtained materials were characterized by a number of modern methods such as X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy, Infrared spectroscopy, Ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Thermo-gravimetry analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which all demonstrated the successful modification of g-C3N4 by fluorine. The experimental results illustrated that the doped sample, in which weight ratio of urea and ammonium fluoride equals 93:7 respectively, performs the highest photo-degradation efficiency of Rhodamine B up to 75 % after 7-hour visible light irradiation. The doping effect of fluorine on photo-catalytic activity of g-C3N4 was also discussed within supporting information of DFT calculation.
A Study on Reasonable Ratios of Vegetable Oils and Diesel Oil in Mixed Fuel Used as an Alternative Fuel for Marine Diesel Engines in Vietnam
Authors: Tran The Nam , Dang Van Uy , Nguyen Dai An
Published: March 2019

Vegetable oil is used directly as a fuel, in either modified or unmodified equipment, it is referred to as straight vegetable oil (SVO). SVOs have some advantages in comparison with fossil fuel oils such as: renewability, local availability, lower sulfur content, etc. avoiding the environmental effects caused by sulfuric acid, lower aromatic content and high biodegradability. However, SVOs are also attached to several disadvantages such as: high viscosity, low heating value, high fatty contents, influencing on injection process and causing engine coking if misused. In order to prevent such negative effects of diesel engine fuelled by SVO, one of potential solutions is using blends of SVO with diesel oil (DO). In such case, the reasonable ratio of SVO and diesel oil plays a very important role for normal running condition, but also seems to be challenge to identify. The article shows results of a study on defining the ratio for marine diesel application. It is firstly based on the assessment on the heat release processes inside the diesel engine cylinder upon a specific simulation with different blends of SVO and diesel oil. In comparison with the particular requirements for fuel of marine engines, the preferable percentage of vegetable oil in the fuel mixture is pointed out. And finally, the experiments with fuel system of a typical marine diesel engine, HANSHIN 6LU32, installed at the lab of Vietnam Maritime University in terms of checking real engine’s operation and reducing harmful emissions.
Equilibrium Moisture Content of Ganoderma Lucidum
Authors: Kien Pham Van , Hay Nguyen , Duc Le Anh
Published: March 2019

Equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of Ganoderma Lucidum was determined experimentally at three different experimental temperature (30, 40 and 50°C) and relative humidity ranged from 11.1 to 93.58% using a gravimetric technique. The experimental data of equilibrium moisture content obtained was ﬁtted to four mathematical models (Modified Henderson, Modified Chung ˗ Pfost, Modified Oswin and Modified Haley). A non-linear least square regression analysis was used to evaluate the model constants based on the parameters as: standard error of estimate (SEE), the residual sum of squares (RSS), the quadratic regression coefﬁcient (R2). The result showed that the modiﬁed Chung ˗ Pfost model best ﬁtted the experimental data.
Quantitative Study of Hydration of C3S and C2S in the Reactive Powder Concrete together with its Strength Development
Authors: Bach Quoc Si
Published: March 2019

The compressive strength development always go along with the microstructure development in concrete through the process of cement hydration. In the hydrated products of cement, calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) forms a network of nanoparticles so C-S-H gel is the main compound giving compressive strength of concrete. As we know that C-S-H gel produced by the reactions with water of two main minerals in cement such as Tricalcium Silicate () and Dicalcium Silicate (). In addition, the increase of C-S-H content in concrete due to the pozzolanic reaction of the pozzolan with calcium hydroxide (CH). With the aim of this research is quantitative study of hydration of and in the Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) together with its compressive strength development, three concrete formulas were estimated in this study which made from three different types of cement ownership different mineral compositions content were tested on compressive strength and on heat flux emitted from hydration process by isothermal calorimetry. The purpose of measuring heat flux emitted from chemical reaction process in concrete is to verify the hydration kinetic model for portland cement containing the silica fume. Basing on this simulation program, the amount of C-S-H gel in concrete is calculated. The research results showed that the the C-S-H content formed in binder paste of RPC is proportional to compressive strength development. The (Ordinary Portland Cement) OPC with higher content have compressive strength development earlier.
Effects of Sintering and Compress on Porosity, Mechanical Properties and Conductivity of Cu-Al2O3 Composite Materials Fabricated by Mechano-Chemical Method
Authors: Thanh Ho Ky , Nguyen Duc Duy , Dung Tran Van
Published: March 2019

Nano Al2O3 dispersion - strengthened Cu-matrix composite materials were fabricated by mechano-chemical method. The method carries out at room temperature by mechanical milling in the attritor in 16h hours using the mixtures of CuO, Al and Cu powder ingredients, and then the mixtures were cold pressed into cylindrical samples and sintered at various temperatures (from 700°C to 900°C) and time (from 1 to 3 hours) in argon atmosphere. The XRD pattern and EDS results revealed that Al2O3 phases were formed and dispersed into Cu-matrix during mechano-chemical process. The Al peak disapeared at the end of mechano-chemical process and the final obtained products were Cu-Al2O3 composite materials with Al2O3 content of 3-10% volume. The SEM and EDS results also showed that the particle sizes of Al2O3 were in about (50÷100)nm and uniformly dispersed within the C-matrix. The porosity of materials strongly depends on pressure compress, sintering time and temperature. It decreases with increasing of these parameters and reaches about 5%. The porosity and Al2O3 content affected on mechanical properties of materials, such as micro-hardness and compress strength, due to the dispersion of nano-Al2O3 into Cu-matrix. The conductivity of materials decreases with increasing porosity and Al2O3 content.
Hysteresis Investigation of Shear-Mode MR Damper for Front-Loaded Washing Machine
Authors: Bui Duy Quoc , Diep Bao Tri , Dai Hiep Le , Hoang Long Vuong , Nguyen Quoc Hung
Published: March 2019

In this research, a shear-mode MR damper that can replace conventional passive damper of a front-loaded washing machine is designed, manufactured and an experiment based model is employed to characterize hysteresis behavior of the damper. Firstly, an optimized MR damper for front loaded washing machine is manufactured and an experimental system is set up for testing hysteresis behaviour of the damper. The experimental test is then conducted and presented. From experiential results, hysteresis of the damper is investigated and a suitable hysteresis model is proposed for the damper. The proposed hysteresis model of damper is then evaluated through experimental results.
A Way to Enhance the Efficiency of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine
Authors: Phan Quang The , Phan Thị Thu Hà , El-Gizawy Ahmed Sherif , Phan Thị Hồng Mai
Published: March 2019

Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) can perform better than Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) because VAWTs are relatively simple, quiet, and easy to install. It can take wind from any directions, and operate efficiently in urban areas where turbulent wind conditions usually happen. The weakest point for its configuration, however, is its low efficiency so more intensive research is required.Actual VAWT performance can be predicted based on a determination of the forces acting on blades that produce the turbine’s torque. Thus, this paper proposed a new model of force analysis for calculation of VAWT’s performance and a way to enhance the efficiency of VAWT through proper variations of the pitch angles. Additionally, in order to increase the efficiency of the VAWT for a given tip speed ratio, the solidity in term of blade’s number can be adjusted.Results show that right changes in the value of pitch angles and proper selection of the number of blades can considerably increase the efficiency of the turbine and reduce amplitude of turbine’s torque variation. The new model of force analysis can be helpful for aerodynamic analysis of the VAWT turbine for its better design.
Sulfur-Doped g-C3N4 with Enhanced Visible-Light Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: An Tran Doan , Phuc Nguyen Van , Tri Nguyen Ngoc , Phu Huynh Thi , Hung Nguyen Phi , Vo Vien
Published: March 2019

The S-doped g-C3N4materials were prepared by heating mixtures of urea and thiourea with various weight ratios at 550 °C, and denoted as x:y SCN, where x:y is weight ratios of urea to thiourea. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric differential thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectra. The results showed that all the x:y SCN materials exhibit the presence of doping S in the structure of g-C3N4and higher capability in the photodegradation of Rhodamin B in aqueous solution under visible light condition than pure g-C3N4. Among the SCN samples, 75:25 SCN performed the highest photocatalytic activity, which is believed the presence of the largest amount of doping S in the matrix of g-C3N4, leading to reduction of their bandgap. The reduction of bandgap for S-doped g-C3N4materials compared to pure g-C3N4was proved by theoretical calculation.
The Influence of Part Geometry on Changes of the Dynamic Geometric Parameters of Cutting Tools and Cutting Conditions when Contour Turning on CNC Lathes
Authors: Tuyen Bui Ngoc , Cong Nguyen Chi
Published: March 2019

Contour turning is a specific process of the machining on CNC lathes. In the finishing operation, to create the part profile, the turning tool must be moved in a trajectory of a complex flat curve (a toolpath) based on the part profile . The variation of feedrate vector on the toolpath according to the part profile in the machining process will results in changing dynamic geometric parameters of the cutting tool, which affects cutting conditions and machined part quality. This article presents the results of theoretical studies on the influence of part geometry on rake angle, clearance angle, approach angle and end cutting-edge angle of the turning tool. Based on the theoretical development, the authors also set up mathematical expressions that allow to define gouge-free cutting condition and the limit of feedtate for contour turning. An empirical model to define the influence of part geometry on the roughness of the part when countour turning on CNC lathe is also presented in this report.
Researching and Applying the Line Balancing Methods in Optimizing Automobile Assembly Lines
Authors: Trung Nguyen Phi , Tai Le Minh
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this paper is to researching basic methods of line balancing used widely in operations. Particularly, five basic methods including Longest task time, Shortest task time, Most following tasks, Least following task, Ranked positional weighted are researched. Then they are applied in balancing the assembly line of an automobile manufacturing company. The results show the comparisons of advantages and disadvantages of each method based on total idle time and efficiency index. Firstly, idle time is the waiting time or non-working time of the workers while they are still paid their enough salary. Moreover, the waiting time makes an unfair between workers - some people work more and some work less. Secondly, efficiency in the workplace is the time it takes to do something. Efficient employees and managers complete tasks in the least amount of time possible with the least amount of resources possible by utilizing certain time-saving strategies. The calculations are performed to create these two values and graphs are drawn with the support of excel softwares.
Implementation of a Data Acquisition and Integration Device in the Neurologic Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Szatala Amanda , Young Bethany
Published: March 2019

The neurologic intensive care unit has evolved into a data-rich, complex arena. Various neurologic monitors, collectively referred to as multimodality monitoring, provide clinicians with a plethora of real-time information about a comatose patient’s condition. The time and cognitive burden required to synthesize the available data and reach meaningful clinical conclusions can be overwhelming. The Moberg Component Neuromonitoring System (Moberg Research, Inc) is a data acquisition and integration device that collects data from multiple monitors, displaying them on a single screen in a way that highlights physiological trends throughout a patient’s clinical course. Implementation of the Moberg Component Neuromonitoring System in the neurologic intensive care unit can improve understanding of a patient’s neurophysiology, enhance clinical decision-making, and improve quality of care. Use of a staged process of implementation including exploration, installation, initial implementation, and full implementation can bring technology to the bedside in a sustainable fashion.
Complex Medical Technology: Strategies for Selection, Education and Competency Assessment, and Adoption
Authors: Phillips JoAnne
Published: March 2019

The prevalence of complex technology in the health care arena has increased dramatically in the 21st century. Nurses working in acute and critical care have the greatest interaction with technology, using it to manage patients and optimize clinical outcomes as well as to prevent errors and adverse events. The successful implementation of complex medical technology is, in itself, a complex process. The purpose of this article is to provide nurse leaders and clinical nurses with an overview of key steps in product selection, associated risk assessment, and establishing a business case for technology. We review an educational and competency assessment framework based on adult learning principles and discuss strategies for successful technology adoption. An example of evaluation of a program using the New World Kirkpatrick Model is included, along with a tool for clinicians to use that summarizes the selection and implementation process.
Combining the use of trap crops and insecticide sprays to control the tarnished plant bug (Hemiptera: Miridae) in strawberry (Rosaceae) fields
Authors: Dumont F. , Provost C.
Published: March 2019

The tarnished plant bug,Lygus lineolaris(Palisot de Beauvois) (Hemiptera: Miridae), causes severe damages in strawberry (Fragaria×ananassaDuchesneexRozier; Rosaceae) fields in Québec, Canada. Currently, only chemical insecticides successfully control that major pest.Lygus lineolarisaggregate in trap crops such as buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentumMoench; Polygonaceae) and white mustard (Sinapis albaLinnaeus; Brassicaceae) but do not remain long enough on these plants to significantly reduce damages on strawberries. However, the attractiveness of the trap crop gives the opportunity to gatherL. lineolarisin an area of the field where chemical treatments could be applied more efficiently. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of the combination of trap crop (buckwheat and white mustard) and chemical treatments to controlL. lineolaris. Randomised complete-block design included treatment with either no trap crop, buckwheat, or white mustard row planted close to strawberry plants. Half blocks were treated with insecticide (cypermethrin) sprayed on strawberry plants (in treatment without trap crop) or directly on trap crop. We found thatL. lineolariswas more abundant on buckwheat than on white mustard or strawberry plants. Insecticide application on trap crops reduced the population on these hosts, but did not reduceL. lineolarison adjacent strawberry plants. Behavioural avoidance and physiological pesticide resistance could explain this result.
Chromatin-Modifying Agent–Expanded Human Cord Blood Cells Display Reduced Allostimulatory Capacity
Authors: Petro Benjamin , Mahmud Dolores , Taioli Simona , Ganapathy Amudha , Senyuk Vitalyi , Yoshinaga Kazumi G. , Suphangul Montha , Rondelli Damiano , Mahmud Nadim
Published: March 2019

The limited number of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) within a single unit of human cord blood currently limits its use as an alternate graft source. However, we have developed a strategy using 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5azaD) and trichostatin A (TSA), which expands transplantable HSC 7- to 10-fold. In our current studies, we have assessed the allostimulatory capacity of the 5azaD/TSA-expanded grafts. The coexpression of immunophenotypic dendritic cell (DC) markers, such as HLA-DR/CD86 and HLA-DR/CD11c as determined by flow cytometry, and the allostimulatory capacity of 5azaD/TSA-expanded cells as determined by MLC were both significantly lower than control. It has been previously demonstrated that STAT3 is indispensable for the differentiation of DC from HSC. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed that 5azaD/TSA-expanded cells expressed more STAT3 transcript than control while also expressing increased transcripts for STAT3 inhibitors including SHP1, p21, and GATA1. Western blot analysis indicates that chromatin-modifying agent–expanded grafts displayed a reduced ratio of p-STAT3 to total STAT3 than control cultures, which is likely indicative of STAT3 inactivity in 5azD/TSA-expanded grafts. Culturing 5azaD/TSA-expanded cord blood cells in extended cultures reveals that they are still capable of generating DC. Notably, STAT3 inactivity was transient because the transcript levels of STAT3 and its inhibitors, including SHP1, were comparable between 5azaD/TSA and control cultures following extended culture. Taken together, our studies indicate that the reduced allostimulatory capacity of 5azaD/TSA-expanded cells is likely because of reversible inhibition of STAT3-dependent DC differentiation. These results suggest that a graft composed of 5azaD/TSA-expanded cells possesses relatively less allostimulatory response but is still capable of generating DC in permissive conditions.
Nonreceptor Tyrosine Kinase c-Abl– and Arg-Mediated IRF3 Phosphorylation Regulates Innate Immune Responses by Promoting Type I IFN Production
Authors: Luo Fengyan , Liu Hainan , Yang Shasha , Fang Yi , Zhao Zhihu , Hu Yong , Jin Yanwen , Li Ping , Gao Ting , Cao Cheng , Liu Xuan
Published: March 2019

The nonreceptor tyrosine kinase c-Abl plays important roles in T cell development and immune responses; however, the mechanism is poorly understood. IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) is a key transcriptional regulator of type I IFN–dependent immune responses against DNA and RNA viruses. The data in this study show that IRF3 is physically associated with c-Abl in vivo and directly binds to c-Abl in vitro. IRF3 is phosphorylated by c-Abl and c-Abl–related kinase, Arg, mainly at Y292. The inhibitor AMN107 inhibits IFN-β production induced by poly(dA:dT), poly(I:C), and Sendai virus in THP-1 and mouse bone marrow–derived macrophage cells. IRF3-induced transcription of IFN-β is significantly reduced by the mutation of Y292 to F. Moreover, AMN107 suppresses gene expression of absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) and subsequently reduces inflammasome activation induced by cytosolic bacteria, dsDNA, and DNA viruses. Consistent with this finding, Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica live vaccine strain (Ft LVS), which is known as an activator of AIM2 inflammasome, induces death in significantly more C57BL/6 mice treated with the Abl inhibitor AMN107 or c-Abl/Arg small interfering RNA than in untreated mice. This study provides new insight into the function of c-Abl and Arg in regulating immune responses and AIM2 inflammasome activation, especially against Ft LVS infection.
Mesenchymal stromal cell-based therapy in kidney diseases and transplantation
Authors: Casiraghi Federica , Remuzzi Giuseppe
Published: March 2019

Intense investigation in pre-clinical models of kidney disease and transplantation showed that mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy acts on renal and inflammatory cells in multiple, complex and integrated ways, resulting in cell repair and regeneration, in the inhibition of inflammatory cells, and in the development of cells endowed with their own anti-inflammatory and immuneregulatory properties. These encouraging data paved the way for exploring the use of MSC in clinics as innovative therapeutic tools for patients with renal diseases and transplantation. In this review, we describe the available results of clinical studies of MSC in patients with post-cardiac surgery, acute kidney injury, chronic kidney diseases - including diabetes, renovascular disease and lupus nephritis - and in kidney transplant recipients, with a particular focus on our experience with MSC therapy as a pro-tolerogenic strategy in kidney transplantation. The available studies, mainly phase 1, indicated that MSC therapy is safe and feasible and not associated with adverse events, at least in the short- and mid-term. Encouraging results have been reported in renovascular disease and kidney transplantation, while studies in acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease had contrasting outcomes. The relevant issues and the knowledge gap that still limit the translation of MSC cell therapy into clinical practice are discussed briefly.
Gender differences in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an analysis of hospitalization indicators
Authors: Ambrosino Immacolata , Gallone Maria Serena , Patano Francesco , Giannico Orazio Valerio , Barbagelata Elena , Gnerre Paola , Politi Cecilia , Fontanella Andrea , Germinario Cinzia Annatea , Moretti Anna Maria
Published: March 2019

Compared to the last two decades, an increase in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) prevalence, morbidity, mortality and disability has clearly emerged among women both in Europe and in all other countries. Despite this evidence, in the international guidelines for COPD there are no sex-specific recommendations. The aim of this study is to evaluate gender differences in patients hospitalized for COPD in Puglia (Italy), with regard to number of admissions, mean age, average length of stay in hospital (ALOS), hospital mortality, re-hospitalization and presence of comorbidities. To identify COPD hospitalized patients, we relied on the Puglia Hospital Discharge Register Database. We included all patients discharged with principal diagnosis of COPD with or without exacerbation (respectively ICD-9-CM codes 491.21 and 491.20) between 2005 and 2016. There has been an increase in the proportion of women’s hospitalizations for COPD, from 2005 [31.9%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 31.1-32.7] to 2016 (37.9%, 95%CI 36.0-40.0). Women need longer hospitalization and in 2016 the proportion of women’s re-hospitalization was greater compared to men. Despite these data, women are less treated with respiratory therapy (ICD-9- CM 93.9x) than men in all the examined years and wards. The prevalence of most common comorbidities is higher among women. The number of COPD hospitalized patients had been reduced in Puglia between 2005 and 2016, with an important increase of female COPD patients, female average age, ALOS and re-hospitalization. Women are treated less and have more comorbidities with a negative impact on clinical progression of COPD, survival and quality of life.
The Use of Ivig in the Treatment of Inflammatory Polyneuropathies and Myasthenia Gravis at the Walton Centre
Authors: Kimyongur Selim , Hywel Brython , Holt James
Published: March 2019

Background

Immunoglobulin is a blood product used in a variety of medical disorders, usually delivered intravenously (IVIg). Neurology patients, particularly those with inflammatory polyneuropathy, utilise a lot of IVIg. There is a national shortage of immunoglobulin and, thus, pressing need to ensure minimum effective dosing as well as rigorous outcome assessments to assess benefit at treatment start and subsequently, as placebo effects can be strong.

Methods

Serial audit of IVIg use at The Walton Centre against national guidelines was carried out through analysis of clinical notes of day unit patients. Review of the national immunoglobulin database and of neurology outpatient notes to benchmark our practice and provide some comparison with the wider nation was also performed.

Results

Serial audit led to improved adherence to guidelines, and analysis of practice identified wide variation in IVIg use.

Conclusion

Local audit and benchmarking of practice can be used to promote quality and consistency of IVIg use across the NHS.