bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IoT Big Data Architectures, Approaches, and Challenges
Authors: Sarabia-Jácome David , Gonzalez-Usach Regel , Palau Carlos E.
Published: February 2019

The internet of things (IoT) generates large amounts of data that are sent to the cloud to be stored, processed, and analyzed to extract useful information. However, the cloud-based big data analytics approach is not completely appropriate for the analysis of IoT data sources, and presents some issues and limitations, such as inherent delay, late response, and high bandwidth occupancy. Fog computing emerges as a possible solution to address these cloud limitations by extending cloud computing capabilities at the network edge (i.e., gateways, switches), close to the IoT devices. This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of IoT big data analytics architectures, approaches, and solutions. Particularly, the fog-cloud reference architecture is proposed as the best approach for performing big data analytics in IoT ecosystems. Moreover, the benefits of the fog-cloud approach are analyzed in two IoT application case studies. Finally, fog-cloud open research challenges are described, providing some guidelines to researchers and application developers to address fog-cloud limitations.
An Internet of Things Ambient Light Monitoring System
Authors: Manab Muhammad Hariz Abdul , Drieberg Micheal , Aziz Azrina Abd , Sebastian Patrick , Lo Hai Hiung
Published: February 2019

Nowadays, the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are ubiquitous and widely used to solve everyday challenges related to power usage consumption, environmental condition, automation, and many more. A scalable IoT-based ambient light monitoring system is designed to measure the ambient light intensity or illuminance of particular indoor areas, with an implementation in campus. This system is designed to measure the light measurement autonomously and continuously without human involvement. The end-users are able to access the real-time information of the collected data via internet through a cloud-based IoT platform with analytics capabilities. This system will provide significant benefits to the campus community in terms of creating a more conducive environment, increased productivity, and improved health condition. Furthermore, its implementation can be easily extended to other human spaces to create even greater benefits to society at large.
Role of Communication Technologies for Smart Applications in IoT
Authors: Singh Garima , Kaur Gurjit
Published: February 2019

New technologies like ICTs (information and communications technologies) are recognized as key players in building smart applications for IoT. The use of sensors and actuators can efficiently control the whole communication system and will provide application-based solutions for smart applications. ICT provides industry-leading cellular machine-to-machine (M2M) technologies including industrial-grade embedded modules with cloud platforms, long life spans, expert application development assistance, and more. ICT M2M connectivity helps utilities to lower down the operating costs by eliminating the need to deploy and maintain communications infrastructure separately.
Machine Learning, Data Mining for IoT-Based Systems
Authors: Kashyap Ramgopal
Published: February 2019

This chapter will addresses challenges with the internet of things (IoT) and machine learning (ML), how a bit of the trouble of machine learning executions are recorded here and should be recalled while arranging the game plan, and the decision of right figuring. Existing examination in ML and IoT was centered around discovering how garbage in will convey garbage out, which is extraordinarily suitable for the extent of the enlightening list for machine learning. The quality, aggregate, availability, and decision of data are essential to the accomplishment of a machine learning game plan. Therefore, the point of this section is to give an outline of how the framework can utilize advancements alongside machine learning and difficulties get a kick out of the chance to understand the security challenges IoT can be bolstered. There are a few extensively unmistakable counts open for ML use. In spite of the way that counts can work in any nonexclusive conditions, there are specific standards available about which figuring would work best under which conditions.
Green Internet of Things (G-IoT)
Authors: Solanki Arun , Nayyar Anand
Published: February 2019

Smart world is envisioned via the fusion of diverse technologies like sensor communications, cloud computing, internet of things, AI, machine and deep learning. No doubt, new technologies bring revolution and innovation in every aspect of human life, but they are accompanied by lots of limitations in terms of energy wastage, environmental hazards like carbon or other chemical emissions, extreme consumption of natural or renewable sources and greenhouse effects. In order to minimize the negative impact of these technologies on the environment, it is utmost important to move towards green technology. That is the reason researchers are working hard and moving towards green computing, ICT, and IoT. This chapter explores an in-depth analysis of principles of G-IoT, making significant progress towards improvising the quality of life and sustainable environment. In addition to this, the chapter outlines various Green ICT technologies explores potential towards diverse real-time areas and also highlights various challenges acting as a barrier towards G-IoT implementation in the real world.
Public Administration Curriculum-Based Big Data Policy-Analytic Epistemology
Authors: Tetteh Emmanuel N. A.
Published: February 2019

The equilibration that underscores the internet of things (IoT) and big data analytics (BDA) cannot be underestimated at the behest of real-life social challenges and significant policy data generated to redress the concerns of epistemic communities, such as political policy actors, stakeholders, and the citizenry. The cognitive balancing of new information gathered by BDA and assimilated across the IoT is at the crossroads of ascertaining how the growing increases of such BDA can be better managed to transition from the big data state of disequilibration to reach a more stable equilibrium of policy data usefulness. In the quest for explicating the equilibration of policy data usefulness, an account of the curriculum-based MPA policy analysis and analytics concentration program at Norwich University is described as a case example of big data policy-analytic epistemology. The case study offers a symbolic ideology of an IoT action-learning solution model as a recommendation for fostering the stable equilibration of policy data usefulness.
Cloud Learning Management System in Higher Education
Authors: Chen Chin Kang , Almunawar Mohammad Nabil
Published: February 2019

The main objective of this chapter is to discuss the growth of cloud-based learning management system (LMS) in higher education. This will look at the benefits of LMS adoption and how it has grown in higher education institutions. The utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) has permeated in almost every aspect of life. This chapter will cover a brief introduction about cloud-based LMS, roles of LMS in education, drivers for adoption and advantages of cloud-based LMS, factors to consider in the adoption of cloud-based LMS, the need for LMS and end with conclusion and future directions of cloud-based LMS.
Investigating Asynchronous Interaction Between MOOC Learners Through Forum Use and Peer Review
Authors: Chavdoulas Alexandros , Korres Maria Pavlis , Leftheriotou Piera
Published: February 2019

Designers, developers, and educators in an online course, where the risk of learners feeling isolated is of greater concern, should consider including learning activities that engage students with content and with each other in order to promote multiple ways of interaction and communication between learners and higher learners' engagement in the course. Interaction could be developed both in synchronous and asynchronous mode, in a direct or/and indirect (vicarious) way within the e-learning process. This chapter focuses on the development of asynchronous interaction between learners in a MOOC on personal development, provided in 2016 via a popular educational platform and how interaction affected the learning outcomes. The ways that learners asynchronously interact with each other through forum and peer review are identified and research proved that learners interact in a direct and indirect way and that the development of interaction returns multiple benefits to the learning process and outcome.
Acquiring Competencies Through Teamwork Activity
Authors: Pérez-Calderón Esteban , Pache-Durán María , Rosado-Cebrián Beatriz , Prieto-Ballester Jorge M. , Milanés-Montero Patricia
Published: February 2019

Employability is a crucial aspect of the European Higher Education Area. Thus, the overriding aim of curricula is the integration of knowledge (specific competencies) and personal/ occupational skills (generic/ transversal competencies). The teamwork competency is important in achieving the goal of graduate employability. Applied to the case of the financial management subject at the University of Extremadura (Spain), this study analyses the assessments of a group of students and a group of teachers of the use of teamwork activity in the acquisition of knowledge and generic competencies. The findings, both for students and teachers, lead to recommend that the centres quality committees advise the use of teamwork in subjects which do not yet apply this learning methodology.
The Business Idea-Individual Dyad
Authors: Méndez Oscar Javier Montiel
Published: February 2019

Entrepreneurship has been considered a significant factor for socio-economic growth and development, and there has been a significant growth in the education on entrepreneurship in the world. The present study provides the experiences of different actors on the implementation of a psychological assistance program to new entrepreneurs in a university business incubator as well as its impact on them. The findings suggest that this program, in its time the first or one of the first of its kind as far as the literature review suggested, had a positive impact, gives entrepreneurs a space to reflect, motivation and perseverance, allows them to see themselves as integral and thus help to improve the chances of success of the startup by learning key psychological entrepreneurial competencies.
South African Undergraduate Students' Access to Entrepreneurial Education and Its Influence on Career Choice
Authors: Van der Westhuizen Thea
Published: February 2019

Entrepreneurship education was introduced in South African schools in 2000 when it was made part of the Economics and Management Science curriculum for Grades 3 to 9, followed by incorporation in the Business Studies curriculum for grades 10 to 12. Problems noted by Shay and Nchu (2015) were that not all schools offered entrepreneurship education. Little is known about post-program effectiveness in actual start-ups and business performance. A study by Peterman and Kennedy (2013) investigating the effects of Young Achievement Australia on a sample of high school students in Australia found that the desirability and feasibility of entrepreneurship after attending the programme had increased, indicating that entrepre
Technology-Enabled Innovation for Academic Transformation in Higher Education
Authors: Qian Yufeng
Published: February 2019

This chapter examines the challenges facing U.S. higher education today and profiles universities that are spearheading academic transformation to address these challenges with emerging technology and media. Identifying five technology-powered innovation models (competency-based education, experiential education, student success-centered education, open education, and lifelong education), the author studies institutions that exemplify innovation, and shows how technology has enabled academic transformation that has changed the higher education landscape. These pioneering institutions provide successful models of academic transformation for the higher education industry.
Scaling Online Education at a Small, Private University
Authors: Hoffman Michael S. , Jack Shelley
Published: February 2019

The online education landscape is dominated in higher education by large for-profit institutions and large public universities, but how can a small, private university develop online programs and scale them in such a way as to offer students an excellent learning experience, provide exemplary student support services, and do so with limited resources? This chapter discusses the challenges faced, and solutions deployed, by one such institution as it implemented and grew its portfolio of fully online programs.
Adopting Internet of Things for Higher Education
Authors: Sani Ruuhina Mohd
Published: February 2019

To respond to the needs of IR 4.0, universities must continue to play their role as proving ground for educating the future generation and innovation. However, close collaboration with industry and stakeholders will be even more important to implement Education 4.0. Many of the components of IR 4.0 already exist in the Malaysian higher education system, but perhaps in separation such as soft skills that IR 4.0 demands have already been introduced to higher education in the country. In the context of demanding requirements of IR 4.0, it is important to look back on how the delivery of soft skills can be made more effective. Efforts should be made on how to make digital or even data literacy more accessible to the overall student regardless of discipline. Hence, the need for human resources in the key technical areas in IR 4.0 such internet of things (IoT), big data and analytics, cloud computing, virtual/augmented reality, and robotics should be assessed. This chapter will focus on integrating IoT in higher education.
Heutagogy Approach Using Trello Online Learning on the Critical Thinking Skills Amongst Students With Different Learning Styles
Authors: Rathakrishnan Mohan , Raman Arumugam
Published: February 2019

Trello online discussion has become one of the important strategies for the University Utara Malaysia Management Foundation Programme student to teach other students to think critically in conveying their ideas and become more proactive and creative in critical thinking subject. In a heutagogical approach, learners become highly autonomous and self-determined while learning online. They use Trello online discussion tool as self-determination learning. Trello enable the learners to use their capacity and capability with the goal of producing learners. Trello online learning was conducted to examine its effectiveness in enhancing macro critical thinking among active-reflective learning style. The students discuss and write their ideas in Trello. Ideas that are posted in Trello will be displayed in front of the class so that the entire learners in the class could see the given ideas. Paul's model was used to analyze learners' critical thinking in Trello online discussion.
IR4.0 Ready and Aware Academics at the National Defence University of Malaysia
Authors: Juhary Jowati
Published: February 2019

This chapter argues for the importance of equipping academics with the knowledge and impact of IR4.0 and beyond for future graduates. Particularly to prepare for military leaders for Malaysia at the National Defense University of Malaysia (NDUM), a new learning model may be apt and urgently needed. The objectives of the chapter are twofold: firstly, to gauge the readiness and awareness level of academics on implementing IR4.0 during their classroom teaching, and secondly, to investigate academics' views on their own teaching practices. The methodology for this chapter is quantitative in nature, where an online survey was used to collect data from the academics. It is found that, first, there are mixed reactions from academics on their readiness and awareness of IR4.0 and its impacts, and second, should the existing curriculum be revamped to serve students' needs on IR4.0, academics opined that the delivery methods must change too.
A Survey of Potatoes Image Segmentation Based on Machine Vision
Authors: Razmjooy Navid , Estrela Vania Vieira , Loschi Hermes Jose
Published: February 2019

The quality control of the agricultural products, which in many cases is through intuitive observation of the visible features of the product, plays a key role in the survival of the agricultural industry. For a long time, the qualitative categorization of these products has been performed by trained people who search products for the specific characteristics. On the other hand, hard and repetitive working can cause people to make some mistakes in computing the quality control errors. Hence, by entering the machine vision systems into this subject, they turned into a reliable, low-cost and real-time technology. Despite the existence of machine vision systems in this process, there are still major challenges in categorizing agricultural products in terms of quality, size, shape, and examination of defects. Potato is one of the most important agricultural products that is produced and has a high application. Unfortunately, it suffers from various types of diseases and defects. Hence, its quality control has a particular importance.
Identification of Good One From the Damaged Crops/Fruits Using Decision-Level Information Matching
Authors: Arunachalam Muthukumar , Arunachalam Meena
Published: February 2019

Identification of useful items that can be picked up from the damaged crops or batch of fruits/vegetables is a challenging task nowadays. Humans may fail to identify them correctly with their naked eyes due to strain. Image processing techniques can help to maximize the amount of the good agro-items easily by comparing the existing goods to templates. This chapter introduces an effective recognition method to spot good agro-items by extracting the local features using Gabor filter for orientation information. Another local information of that fruit/vegetable is extracted by speeded up robust features (SURF) algorithm. The extracted features are matched with their templates which results in the decision of individual feature extraction method. Finally, both local information is fused at decision level individually with AND operation (i.e., both algorithms will give correct decision to identify the good agro-item).
Soft-Computing-Based Approaches for Plant Leaf Disease Detection
Authors: Verma Vivek K. , Jain Tarun
Published: February 2019

The disease occurrence phenomena in plants are season-based which is dependent on the presence of the pathogen, crops, environmental conditions, and varieties grown. Some plant varieties are particularly subject to outbreaks of diseases; on the other hand, some are opposite to them. Huge numbers of diseases are seen on the plant leaves and stems. Diseases management is a challenging task. Generally, diseases are seen on the leaves or stems of the plant. Image processing is the best way for the detection of plant leaf diseases. Different kinds of diseases occur because of the attack of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The monitoring of leaf area is an important tool in studying physiological capabilities associated with plant boom. Plant disorder is usually an unusual growth or dysfunction of a plant. Sometimes diseases damage the leaves of plants.
Prognosis for Crop Yield Production by Data Mining Techniques in Agriculture
Authors: Singh Divya , Sharma Dinesh
Published: February 2019

In agriculture, data mining technique is used for extracting information from a large dataset. The techniques for data mining are used in yield prediction for crop at broader spectrum. Agricultural system is very complex and vast therefore to deal with large data situation is a great factor. Different consultancy, industrial production department, organization related to crops is taking keen interest towards crop yield prediction. Here the focus is on the applicability of data mining techniques in agricultural field. The classification and clustering techniques of data mining are used recently in agriculture field. Data mining technology merged with the rapid development of computer science. This chapter focuses on collecting information and overcome the short comes of manual data handling and prediction of yield results of crop production. Data mining is a prominent agricultural research area for analysis of crop yield. These predictions are a very important in solving agricultural problems for crops.
Examination of Plant/Weed Image Dataset Using a Hybrid Image Processing Tool
Authors: Rajinikanth V. , Arunmozhi S. , Raja N. Sri Madhava , Varthini B. Parvatha , Thanaraj K. Palani
Published: February 2019

Image evaluation procedures are widely employed in various domains to extract the useful information to make the necessary decision. This chapter implements a soft-computing tool to examine the benchmark plant/weed (BPW) pictures of computer vision problems in plant phenotyping (CVPPP2014) challenge database. The proposed work implements a hybrid image evaluation procedure based on social-group optimization algorithm (SGOA) and Shannon's entropy (SE)-based multi-thresholding and the Chan-Vese segmentation (CVS)-based extraction procedure. After extracting the crop/weed regions of BPW pictures, the superiority of the proposed tool is then assessed by implementing a comparative study between the extracted plant/weed region and its equivalent ground-truth. The results of this study substantiate that the proposed system is proficient in examining the BPW pictures and in future. This procedure can be considered to inspect the crop/weed pictures obtained with field supervising drones.
Application of Software in Soil and Groundwater Recharge Estimation in Ilorin, Nigeria
Authors: Asani Afolabi M. , Lukman Salihu , Oke Isaiah Adesola
Published: February 2019

Rainfalls measured in a selected location in Ilorin, Nigeria and standard formula were used to fix the unknown parameters of the new numerical formula using Microsoft Excel Solver. The new numerical formula was used to estimate groundwater recharge from the rainfall. The accuracy of the new numerical formula was evaluated statistically and compared with the previous formulae in use using field groundwater recharge. Correlation between rainfall and estimated groundwater recharge was stablished. Annual cost benefit of groundwater recharge was computed. The study revealed that new formula provided the lowest relative error of 0.001%, the highest MSC of 17.747; the degree of accuracy of 99.999% correlation factor between rainfall and groundwater recharge using the new numerical formula was 0.1612 with correlation coefficient of 0.6079. The average annual cost benefit was1080.24 $ m-2 per year. It was concluded that modeling of groundwater recharge using the new numerical formula is a promising tool for estimating groundwater recharge with minimum error in water resources management.
Knowledge Society
Authors: Parreira Artur , Moura Rui Duarte , Lorga da Silva Ana
Published: February 2019

This chapter is developed along three conceptual axes: citizenship; knowledge society: transparency; and trust and participation. It begins by explaining the concept of citizenship and its historical roots, the Greek polis and the Roman civitas; the revival of cities in the Late Middle Ages and their consolidation in the Modern Age. It analyzes the citizenship construct with the affirmation of each inhabitant as a citizen involved in improving the several plans of the quality of urban life. The second axis evaluates the characteristics of knowledge societies as promoting factors to a citizenship based on socio-political indicators that build trust between the citizen. The third axis deals with transparency and trust as active disseminators of timely and relevant information to the public and its impact on corruption, as a barrier against a broad citizenship. At the methodological level, the study combines bibliographic research with a field research by questionnaire.
Constitutional Knowledge, Rights-Based Development, and Citizenship in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chirisa Innocent , Maphosa Emma , Matamanda Abraham Rajab , Mandaza-Tsoriyo Wendy Wadzanayi , Chatiza Kudzai
Published: February 2019

This chapter seeks to assess the trends in rights-based development (RBD) and citizenship in Zimbabwe based on constitutional knowledge to proffer options on how the public can become constitutionally knowledgeable towards developing the nation. The chapter is informed by constitutional knowledge gathered through qualitative data from document analysis and literature on this discourse. The chapter first discusses the provisions of RBD and citizenship in Zimbabwe in light of the constitution. It assesses the trends in RBD and citizenship in Zimbabwe past, present, and the future to analyze the trends in the changes in the development of the nation, based on constitutional knowledge. Lastly, it proffers policy options on ways to nurture constitutionally knowledgeable citizenry.
Dematerialization in Customs Taxation for Transparency in International Trade
Authors: Barbosa Andreia
Published: February 2019

Transparency is a quality that transcends many areas of law and is based on a fundamental principle that transcends the entire legal system and whose scope extends to all public and private actions to which legal relevance can be recognized. In the specific field of taxation in international trade, the importance of transparency has become proportional to the growing complexity of the terms in which cross-border trade in goods takes place. In deed, the more complex the exchanges are, the greater the level of control over them and the greater the degree of transparency required, both as regards the form of control and the specific terms in which transactions are performed. In any case, the requirements and effects of transparency are reflected in a digital context of dematerialization, but not, of course, of automation.
‘Birds of the Same Feather,' Shattered Hopes
Authors: Dodo Obediah
Published: February 2019

The study sought to understand the expectations of the people of Zimbabwe after the 2017 coup, especially in view of prevailing situation where the economy is down and the political environment is depressing. The study is motivated by the promises made and the hopes that subsequently developed in the minds of the masses during the period of the coup. The study anchors on good governance; a social contract between the people and the regime. The study is a product of a desk analysis conducted qualitatively. The study established that it may be too early to condemn the social contract though there are already signs of a failed delivery of the services as per the people's expectations. It is becoming apparent that like any other election manifesto, the messages by the coup sponsors might have been baits for the support of the masses in the power takeover project by the military.
Healthcare
Authors: Selvanambi Ramani , Jaisankar N.
Published: February 2019

Quality analysis of the treatment of cancer has been an objective of e-health services for quite some time. The objective is to predict the stage of breast cancer by using diverse input parameters. Breast cancer is one of the main causes of death in women when compared to other tumors. The classification of breast cancer information can be profitable to anticipate diseases or track the hereditary of tumors. For classification, an artificial neural network (ANN) structure was carried out. In the structure, nine training algorithms are used and the proposed is the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm. For optimizing the hidden layer and neuron, three optimization techniques are used. In the result, the best approval execution is anticipated and the diverse execution evaluation estimation for three optimization algorithms is researched. The correlation execution diagram for an accuracy of 95%, a sensitivity of 98%, and a specificity of 89% of a social spider optimization (SSO) algorithm are shown.
A Holistic Approach to Innovation and Fostering Intrapreneurship
Authors: Smith Aaron W , Rahman Nayem , Abu Saleh M. , Akhter Saima
Published: February 2019

A plethora of research and management theory exists on how a business should create and maintain an internal engine of innovation with emphasis on top-down programs with direct management support being the most important factor to encourage employee innovation and drive intrapreneurship behavior to tackle some of the issues for dealing with current challenges and uncertain future. In this article, the authors propose counter points to three beliefs which have become accepted as common-place assumptions. First, that intrapreneurship must have management directed programs to succeed. Second, that given management support of innovation programs all (or a majority of) employees will act as intrapreneurs. Finally, that an intrapreneurial program should receive the focus of management to ensure the continued success of the enterprise; the assumption being day-to-day business operations will function successfully without focused management attention.
The Joker on the Couch
Authors: West Joel
Published: February 2019

Do tests for various mental illnesses work? How reliable are they and how well do they capture what we call “mental illness?” Since the infamous comic book character, the Joker, has often been called a “psychopath,” and this psychopathy is, culturally, conflated with mental illness, how would a model of the Joker be diagnosed using the current standard tools for psychiatric diagnosis? The authors tested this model Joker against DSM-5, ICD-10 and the PCL-R. They then discussed the results of these tests and concluded that the Joker as captured in Alan Moore and Brian Bolland's The Killing Joke is a psychopath according to current medical and psychiatric models. They also discussed issues with the models of mental illness used by these tests.
Identity and Alterity of the Text in Translation
Authors: Petrilli Susan , Ponzio Augusto
Published: February 2019

The translated text is identical to the original text and at once altogether different from it, whether they are dealing with a verbal or nonverbal text. With respect to the globality of semiosis, the authors main focus in this essay is on interlingual translation, the relation among verbal texts translated, interpreted, transferred, transvaluated, transaccentuated, transintonated, transposed and readapted into the sign systems of other verbal languages. In the processes of interlingual translation, a central concern is the nature of the relation between the original text and the translated text and the reverse. Moreover, given that they are dealing with questions concerning the exchange among values and not simply meanings, the authors' perspective is more appropriately described as pertaining to semioethics.
Synthesized Silver Carbon Nanotubes and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and their Ability to Remove Methylene Blue Dye
Authors: El-Khatib Ahmed M. , Yousef N.S. , Ghatass Z.F. , Badawi Mohamed S. , Mohamed M.M. , Elkhatib Mostafa
Published: February 2019

A promising rotating arc discharge method has been developed for producing high purity silver carbon nanotube and zinc oxide nanoparticles, to study their capacities for methylene blue (MB) dye removal under different conditions such as contact time, initial methylene blue dye ion concentration, solution pH, and adsorbent dose. The equilibrium isotherm data were analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin isotherms. Correlation coefficients indicated the following order to fit isotherms for silver carbon nanotube: Freundlich > Langmuir > Temkin. On the other hand, for zinc oxide nanoparticles, the following adjustment founded to fit isotherms was: Langmuir > Temkin> Freundlich. Furthermore, separation factors and distribution coefficients of Methylene blue (MB) dye were calculated. Adsorption kinetic data were analyzed using pseudo-first and second -orders and Elovich model. Film and intraparticle Diffusion model were used to investigate Adsorption mechanism. Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption of methylene blue onto silver carbon nanotubes followed Elovich kinetic model, and the rate of adsorption is controlled by the liquid film diffusion model. Adsorption of methylene blue on zinc oxide nanoparticles followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and the rate of adsorption is controlled by the intraparticle diffusion model.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue by NiO Thin Films under Solar Light Irradiation
Authors: Noua Abd Elouahab , Farh Hichem , Guemini Rebai , Zaoui Oussama , Ounis Tarek Diab , Houadsi Hanene , Aounallah Hadia
Published: February 2019

Nickel oxide (NiO) thin films were successfully deposited by sol-gel dip-coating method on glass substrates. The structural, morphological and optical properties in addition to the photocatalytic activity of the prepared films were investigated. The results show that the films have a polycrystalline NiO cubic structure with dense NiO grains and average optical transmittance in the visible region. The photocatalytic properties of the films were studied through the degradation of methylene blue and 89% of degradation was achieved for 4.5h of solar light irradiation exposure which indicates the capability of NiO photocatalytic activity.
Optical Losses in Hybrid Microcavity Based in Porous Semiconductors and its Application as Optic Chemical Sensor
Authors: Hernández Claudia Antonio , Osorio Edith , Urteaga Raúl , Koropecki Roberto , Alvarado José Alberto , Juárez Héctor
Published: February 2019

In this study the experimental and theoretical optical analysis of a hybrid microcavity (HM) based in porous silicon (PS) and nanoporous anodic alumina (NAA) are presented. The microcavity was centered in the visible region at 760 nm. Distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) was obtained using galvanostatic anodizing method and while NAA by the two-step anodization technique. From SEM micrographs the HM different regions are observed. HM optical characterization in the visible region was done, considering two different light sources, point and non-point respectively. These results reveal a decrease in the quality factor (Q) from 350 to 190 when the source is exchanged; this behavior has been mainly attributed to the light scattering at NAA. Furthermore, it was possible to study Q change, through transmittance simulation using the transfer matrix and Landau-Lifshitz-Looyenga theoretical methods. When a point light source is used, there are no optical losses making possible to sense 1% of analyte resulting in a 0.29 nm redshift of the resonant peak. According with these results we propose to apply the HM as chemical optic sensor.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Fe:TiO2 Particles
Authors: Werapun Uraiwan , Pechwang Jaraslak
Published: February 2019

TiO2 and iron-doped TiO2 were synthesized by sol-gel method. TiO2 and 0.5 %mol Fe:TiO2 were calcined at 500 and 800 °C for 3 h. The synthesized particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-VIS diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry (UV/DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-Ray analysis (SEM-EDX). The XRD patterns of all samples that were calcined at 500 °C showed only anatase phase. On increasing temperature from 500 to 800 °C, the anatase phase transformed to rutile phase. For 0.5 %mol Fe:TiO2, pseudobrookite (Fe2TiO5) phase was observed at 800 °C. The particles that contained rutile showed higher antibacterial activities against E.coli, B. subtilis, and S. aureus than anatase phase, under fluorescent irradiation.
Nanomaterials for Consolidation and Protection of Egyptian Faience Form Matteria, Egypt
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamed Moustafa , Mohamed Sherif O. , Hefni Yasser Kamal , Ahmed Ahmed I.
Published: February 2019

Egyptian faience is one of the most important archaeological materials that contain a lot of historical and technical information about ancient Egyptian civilization. Unfortunately, the Egyptian faience objects subject to many deterioration factors, especially humidity. Water has a direct role in dissolving the soluble components, it accelerates the physiochemical deterioration processes. In the present study, four types of ready to use nanoproducts were evaluated. It was done to select the best of them to consolidate and protect some archaeological faience from Matteria magazine. The properties of the treated samples, were comparatively investigated by colormetric measurements, static water contact angle, total immersion water absorption, compressive strength, and scanning electron microscope.
Advancements in Properties of Cements Containing Pulverised Fly Ash and Nanomaterials by Blending and Ultrasonication Method (Review- Part II)
Authors: Kirgiz Mehmet Serkan
Published: February 2019

The second part of this review paper will explain Hydration properties of Portland pulverised fly ash cement section, Effect of nanomaterial on setting–time section, Effect of nanomaterial on heat of hydration section, Strength gain mechanisms for hardened Portland pulverised fly ash cement paste and mortar section, Effect of nanomaterial on compressive strength section, Effect of nanomaterial on flexural strength (Bending) section, and Conclusion section. Experiments reported include the setting–times, the heat of hydration, the compressive strength gain, and the flexural strength gain in the current article. According to the result, nanoparticles, especially the GNP, increase the heat of hydration of cement, and accelerate the time of setting evidently, both initial and final setting-time. The most effective nanoparticle on early compressive strength gain and flexural strength gain is the GNP. The article also points the effects of the nanoparticles on the strength gain of cement comprehensively. Consequently, the prominent cement technology can use the nanoparticles dispersed in liquid by ultrasonication method to increase the properties of cement based materials effectively.
Assessment of head and neck cancer care in District General Hospital Trincomalee
Authors: Ekanayake L. S. B. , Vasantharajah G. , Alex P. A. , Priyadarshani K. , Dharshi M. K. S. , Dilrukshi M. K. N.
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveTo compare whether head and neck cancer treatment provided at the district general hospital in Trincomalee is within the international temporal guidelines and if not the necessary measurements needed for improvement. MethodologyA Retrospective clinical audit of head and neck cancer care provided in 2016 and a re-audit in 2017 after application of remedial measures identified in the initial audit. ResultPatient delay, referral delay, initiationdelay, procedural delay, biopsy delay and treatment delay were minimized to the delays accepted by European guidelines. ConclusionFollowing the audit, the delays were identified involving all the stakeholders and implementation of an improvement plan done leading to near ideal head & neck cancer care provision.
Comparison of single- and multi-joint lower body resistance training upon strength increases in recreationally active males and females: a within-participant unilateral training study
Authors: Goncalves Alexander , Gentil Paulo , Steele James , Giessing Jürgen , Paoli Antonio , Fisher James P.
Published: February 2019

The present study compared strength increases resulting from either single-joint (SJ) or multi-joint (MJ) lower body resistance exercise. A within-participants design was utilised. Ten recreationally active participants (males; n=5, and females; n=5) had their lower limbs randomly allocated to perform both unilateral MJ (leg press; LP) and unilateral SJ (knee extension; KE, and seated knee flexion; KF) exercises. Participants trained 2 d.week-1 for 6 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention maximal strength (1-repetition maximum; 1RM) was measured for leg press, knee extension, and seated knee flexion exercises. Statistically significant strength increases occurred for both SJ and MJ groups, with significantly greater increases in 1RM for the MJ compared to the SJ group (p < 0.001 for all exercises). This study supports the use of MJ exercise for strength increases across lower body MJ and SJ movements, suggesting a time-efficient, and simple approach to resistance training may be efficacious. This might serve to promote greater adherence in the lay population as well as serving useful for rehabilitation professionals and strength and conditioning coaches in managing resistance exercise around skill/sport specific training.
Right-Sided Endocarditis from Staphylococcus Lugdunensis in a Patient with Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Becken Bradford , Kilgore Jacob , Thompson Elizabeth , Moody M. Anthony
Published: February 2019

Infective endocarditis is often caused by bacterial pathogens and can affect native and prosthetic tissue. Common pathogens in pediatric patients include Staphylococcus aureus, viridans group streptococci, enterococcal species and coagulase-negative staphylococci, though culture-negative cases are not uncommon. Coagulase-negative staphylococci present a conundrum to clinicians due to the potential of culture contamination. While Staphylococcus lugdunensis is a coagulase-negative staphylococcus, it is an emerging cardiotropic pathogen that presents similarly to Staphylococcus aureus. Here we report a case of a child with repaired tetralogy of Fallot found to have right-sided infective endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus lugdunensis.
Zinc Deficiency in Children with Dengue Viral Infection
Authors: Rerksuppaphol Lakkana , Rerksuppaphol Sanguansak
Published: February 2019

Zinc deficiency is highly prevalent in low-income countries, with dramatic consequences to child health, in particular by impairing the immune system resulting in infection. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of zinc deficiency in Thai children who were admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of the dengue viral infection. Standard cut-off values according to age, sex, time of blood collection, and fasting status were used to define zinc levels. 32 patients were included in the analysis: The mean age was 7.3 years, of whom 56.3% were males. 11 (34.4%) patients were diagnosed with dengue hemorrhagic fever and the remaining had dengue fever. The prevalence of zinc deficiency was 46.7%, with boys having a higher risk of zinc deficiency than girls (OR=7.3: 95%CI: 1.5-36.6). Fever duration and length of hospital stay were longer in children with zinc deficiency compared to those who had normal levels, albeit without a significant difference. The results of this study provide the rationale for larger studies that will better elucidate the relationship between zinc levels and the clinical outcomes of dengue disease.
Prevalence and risk factors associated with Campylobacter among layer farms
Authors: Al-Natour Mohammad Q. , Al-Aboudi Akram R. , Alshehabat Musa A. , Tamimi MT K.
Published: February 2019

Campylobacter jejuni is an important food-borne pathogen. The main source of this pathogen is poultry and poultry products. Poultry farms of low biosecurity level plays major role in disseminating this pathogen. The objectives of this study were to investigate the occurrence of Campylobacter and identify potential risk factors associated with their presence in layer farms in Northern Jordan. A total of 2524 samples from chickens, litter, water and feed were collected from 35-layer farms. Samples underwent conventional and enrichment isolation methods for Campylobacter. Confirmation was done morphologically, biochemically and by PCR typing. The flock-level prevalence of C. jejuni was 40%, 37%, 20% in chicken cloacae, drinking water and litter respectively. C. jejuni was the only confirmed isolated species. None of the feed samples revealed presence of Campylobacter. The concentration of free residual chlorine was below the recommended standard levels. The risk factors were identified using modified semi-structured questionnaire. There was no significant association between evaluated risk factors and isolation status potentially reflecting small number of study farms. The prevalence rate for C. jejuni is within commonly reported range. High stocking density, short distance between farms, improper hygienic practice and low water chlorine level seems to increase occurrence rate of Campylobacter in layer farms. Educational biosecurity programs regarding C. jejuni transmission and their public health importance needs to be established.
PROGNOSTIC IMPACT OF IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL P53 EXPRESSION IN BONE MARROW BIOPSY IN HIGHER RISK MDS: A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Molteni Alfredo , Ravano Emanuele , Riva Marta , Nichelatti Michele , Bandiera Laura , Crucitti Lara , Truini Mauro , Cairoli Roberto
Published: February 2019

Background and objectives:
Mutations of the TP53 gene have an unfavorable prognosis in Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS). The product of the TP53gene is the p53 protein. Most of TP53mutations entail the accumulation of the protein in the nucleus of tumor cells. The immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for p53 can be a surrogate suggesting a mutational status and, if overexpressed, seems to be of prognostic value by itself. The best prognostic cut-off value of overexpression is controversial. The aim of this pilot study is to investigate about the correct value from a homogenous group of patients with higher IPSS-R risk MDS.
Methods:
In sixty consecutive patients diagnosed with MDS and categorized as IPSS-R risk “intermediate”, “high” and “very high”, the bone marrow biopsies performed at the diagnosis were retrospectively re-examined for IHC p53 expression. The result of p53 expression was subsequently related to survival. 
Results:
A worst overall survival was observed both in patients whose IHC p53 expression was ≥5% and ≥ 10% compared to the patients with a p53 expression respectively below 5% (p= 0.0063) or 10% (p=0.0038). 
Conclusions:
The ICH p53 expression in bone marrow biopsy in higher risk MDS was confirmed to have prognostic value.  These results indicate more than 10% expression as the best cut off value.
SURVIVAL PROBABILITY IN PATIENTS WITH SICKLE CELL ANEMIA USING THE COMPETITIVE RISK STATISTICAL MODEL
Authors: Ballas Samir , Matos do Nascimento, PhD Emilia , Lopes de Castro Lobo, MD Clarisse , De Bragança Pereira, PhD Basilio
Published: February 2019

The clinical picture of patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) is associated with several complications some of which could be fatal. The objective of this study is to analyze the causes of death and the effect of sex and age on survival of Brazilian patients with SCA. Data of patients with SCA who were seen and followed at HEMORIO for 15 years were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Statistical modeling was performed using survival analysis in the presence of competing risks estimating the covariate effects on a sub distribution hazard function. Eight models were implemented, one for each cause of death. The cause‐specific cumulative incidence function was also estimated. Males were most vulnerable for death from chronic organ damage (p = 0.0005) while females were most vulnerable for infection (p=0.03). Age was significantly associated (p ≤ 0.05) with death due to acute chest syndrome (ACS), infection, and death during crisis. The lower survival was related to death from infection, followed by death due to ACS. The independent variables age and sex were significantly associated with ACS, infection, chronic organ damage and death during crisis. These data could help Brazilian authorities strengthen public policies to protect this vulnerable population.