bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying the Sensitivity of Ensemble Streamflow Prediction by Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Chiang Yen-Ming , Hao Ruo-Nan , Zhang Jian-Quan , Lin Ying-Tien , Tsai Wen-Ping
Published: September 2018

Sustainable water resources management is facing a rigorous challenge due to global climate change. Nowadays, improving streamflow predictions based on uneven precipitation is an important task. The main purpose of this study is to integrate the ensemble technique concept into artificial neural networks for reducing model uncertainty in hourly streamflow predictions. The ensemble streamflow predictions are built following two steps: (1) Generating the ensemble members through disturbance of initial weights, data resampling, and alteration of model structure; (2) consolidating the model outputs through the arithmetic average, stacking, and Bayesian model average. This study investigates various ensemble strategies on two study sites, where the watershed size and hydrological conditions are different. The results help to realize whether the ensemble methods are sensitive to hydrological or physiographical conditions. Additionally, the applicability and availability of the ensemble strategies can be easily evaluated in this study. Among various ensemble strategies, the best ESP is produced by the combination of boosting (data resampling) and Bayesian model average. The results demonstrate that the ensemble neural networks greatly improved the accuracy of streamflow predictions as compared to a single neural network, and the improvement made by the ensemble neural network is about 19–37% and 20–30% in Longquan Creek and Jinhua River watersheds, respectively, for 1–3 h ahead streamflow prediction. Moreover, the results obtained from different ensemble strategies are quite consistent in both watersheds, indicating that the ensemble strategies are insensitive to hydrological and physiographical factors. Finally, the output intervals of ensemble streamflow prediction may also reflect the possible peak flow, which is valuable information for flood prevention.
A Feasible Data-Driven Mining System to Optimize Wastewater Treatment Process Design and Operation
Authors: Qiu Yong , Li Ji , Huang Xia , Shi Hanchang
Published: September 2018

Achieving low costs and high efficiency in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is a common challenge in developing countries, although many optimizing tools on process design and operation have been well established. A data-driven optimal strategy without the prerequisite of expensive instruments and skilled engineers is thus attractive in practice. In this study, a data mining system was implemented to optimize the process design and operation in WWTPs in China, following an integral procedure including data collection and cleaning, data warehouse, data mining, and web user interface. A data warehouse was demonstrated and analyzed using one-year process data in 30 WWTPs in China. Six sludge removal loading rates on water quality indices, such as chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorous (TP), were calculated as derived parameters and organized into fact sheets. A searching algorithm was programmed to find out the five records most similar to the target scenario. A web interface was developed for users to input scenarios, view outputs, and update the database. Two case WWTPs were investigated to verify the data mining system. The results indicated that effluent quality of Case-1 WWTP was improved to meet the discharging criteria through optimal operations, and the process design of Case-2 WWTP could be refined in a feedback loop. A discussion on the gaps, potential, and challenges of data mining in practice was provided. The data mining system in this study is a good candidate for engineers to understand and control their processes in WWTPs.
Support Tool for Identifying In Situ Remediation Technology for Sites Contaminated by Hexavalent Chromium
Authors: Beretta Gabriele , Mastorgio Andrea Filippo , Pedrali Lisa , Saponaro Sabrina , Sezenna Elena
Published: September 2018

Sites contaminated by hexavalent chromium raise concerns relating to the toxicity of the pollutant, as well as for the increased solubility of its compounds, which helps it to seep into aquifers. Chemical and biological in situ treatment technologies, with good potential in terms of environmental sustainability, have recently been designed and implemented on a wide scale. A useful support tool is shown in the manuscript in the preliminary phase of assessing possible technologies applicable according to the site-specific characteristics of sites. The actual efficacy of the technologies identified should nevertheless be verified in laboratory trials and pilot tests.
Study on the Hydrodynamic Resistance Moment of Horizontally-Framed Miter Gates
Authors: Xu Jinchao , Chen Qiong , Li Yun , Zhou Jianxu , An Jianfeng , Yan Xiujun , Guo Yan
Published: September 2018

Generally, the operation of the horizontally-framed miter gate in a ship lock should consider the effects of hydrodynamic resistance. If over-filling or over-emptying exists and the miter gate opens with reverse head, the hydrodynamic resistance will increase rapidly, endangering the operation safety of the miter gate. In order to study the operating characteristics of the miter gate, a prototype test is introduced in this paper. Results show that, during the filling or emptying process, when water levels at both sides of the miter gate are equal the first time, opening the gate in a timely manner can obviously avoid the influence of reverse head. Furthermore, a three-dimensional numerical model with a dynamic mesh is established for analyzing the hydrodynamic characteristics in different operating conditions. Results show that the peak value of operating load always occurs at the initial time, and the greater the submerged water depth, the larger the peak value. With the increasing of reverse head, the piston rods sustain a great compression, and the peak value appears at an early stage of gate opening. The results have a reference value for the design of a miter gate in the related engineering projects.
pCO2 Dynamics of Stratified Reservoir in Temperate Zone and CO2 Pulse Emissions During Turnover Events
Authors: Park Hyungseok , Chung Sewoong
Published: September 2018

This study explores the dynamic changes in the partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) with depth, and the temporal variations of CO2 net atmospheric flux (NAF) in a stratified reservoir. A total of 16 field campaigns were conducted from the summer stratification to fall turnover period in 2017. A random forest (RF) model was developed to estimate the pCO2 using concurrently measured water quality variables. The results showed that the vertical distribution of pCO2 and associated temporal variations of the NAF are closely related to the stratification strength of the reservoir. The reservoir surface pCO2 was supersaturated (1542 µatm) in summer (July 11), but this decreased to undersaturation as algae grew. Meanwhile, dissolved CO2 continuously accumulated below the reservoir mixed-layer due to the thermal stratification barrier and organic-rich floodwater intrusion. Vertical mixing began instantly as the stratification strength began to weaken in mid-October, and the surface pCO2 increased sharply up to 1934 µatm. Consequently, the NAF drastically increased to 3235 mg−CO2 m−2·day−1, which implies that the NAF changes seasonally and large CO2 pulsing occurs during the turnover events. The results provide valuable information about pCO2 variability and physical mixing processes, as well as carbon budget estimation in stratified reservoirs, and offer an improved understanding of these phenomena.
On the Wave Bottom Shear Stress in Shallow Depths: The Role of Wave Period and Bed Roughness
Authors: Pascolo Sara , Petti Marco , Bosa Silvia
Published: September 2018

Lagoons and coastal semi-enclosed basins morphologically evolve depending on local waves, currents, and tidal conditions. In very shallow water depths, typical of tidal flats and mudflats, the bed shear stress due to the wind waves is a key factor governing sediment resuspension. A current line of research focuses on the distribution of wave shear stress with depth, this being a very important aspect related to the dynamic equilibrium of transitional areas. In this work a relevant contribution to this study is provided, by means of the comparison between experimental growth curves which predict the finite depth wave characteristics and the numerical results obtained by means a spectral model. In particular, the dominant role of the bottom friction dissipation is underlined, especially in the presence of irregular and heterogeneous sea beds. The effects of this energy loss on the wave field is investigated, highlighting that both the variability of the wave period and the relative bottom roughness can change the bed shear stress trend substantially.
Paleoenvironmental Reconstructions Improve Ecosystem Services Risk Assessment: Case Studies from Two Coastal Lagoons in South America
Authors: Velez Maria Isabel , Conde Daniel , Lozoya Juan Pablo , Rusak James Anthony , García-Rodríguez Felipe , Seitz Carina , Harmon Thomas , Perillo Gerardo Miguel Eduardo , Escobar Jaime , Vilardy Sandra Patricia
Published: September 2018

Paleoenvironmental reconstructions are increasingly being used in conservation biology, ecosystem management, and evaluations of ecosystem services (ES), but their potential to contribute to the ES risk assessment process has not been explored. We propose that the long-term history of the ecosystem provides valuable information that augments and strengthens an ES risk assessment and that it should be considered routinely when undertaking risk assessments. We adjusted a standard ecosystem-based risk management (EBRM) protocol to include paleoenvironmental data, and tested the modified approach on two coastal lagoons in South America. Paleolimnological reconstructions in both lagoons indicate that salinity and nutrients (in Laguna de Rocha), and salinity (in Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta), as controlled by hydrologic connectivity with the ocean and freshwater tributaries, have been the key variables behind ecosystem’s function. This understanding, applied to inform various components and steps in the EBRM protocol, suggests that the maintenance of hydrological connections should be a management priority to minimize risk to ES. This work illustrates the utility of including paleoenvironmental data in an EBRM context and highlights the need for a more holistic approach to risk management by incorporating the long-term history of ecosystem function.
Au–Si plasmonic platforms: synthesis, structure and FDTD simulations
Authors: Gapska Anna , Łapiński Marcin , Syty Paweł , Sadowski Wojciech , Sienkiewicz Józef Eugeniusz , Kościelska Barbara
Published: September 2018

Plasmonic platforms based on Au nanostructures have been successfully synthesized by directional solidification of a eutectic from Au and the substrate. In order to determine homogeneous shape and space distribution, the influence of annealing conditions and the initial thickness of the Au film on the nanostructures was analyzed. For the surface morphology studies, SEM and AFM measurements were performed. The structure of platforms was investigated using XRD and XPS methods. Structural investigations confirmed, that nanostructures consist of metallic Au, growing along the [111] direction. The most homogeneous seems to be the platform obtained by solidification of a 2.8 nm Au film, annealed at 550 °C for 15 min. This sample was subsequently chosen for theoretical calculations. Simulations of electromagnetic field propagation through the produced samples were performed using the finite-difference time domain (FDTD) method. The calculated absorbance, as a result of the FDTD simulation shows a quite good agreement with experimental data obtained in the UV–vis range.
Governance and Sector Outcomes: Making the Connections
Authors: Brinkerhoff Derick W. , Wetterberg Anna
Published: September 2018

A critical issue in international development is how donor-funded programs can support sustainable and long-lasting changes in assisted countries. Among the factors associated with sustainability is improved governance. However, many donor-funded initiatives are focused on achieving results in specific sectors, such as health, education, and agriculture. How can how governance interventions contribute to achieving sector-specific results? This brief explores this question and discusses how international development practice has incorporated recognition of the links between governance and sector outcomes. The brief develops a stylized continuum of how governance elements relate to sector interventions and contribute to expected outcomes. We discuss factors that either impede or impel governance integration and close with some observations regarding prospects for integrated programming. The audience for the brief is the international development policy and practitioner communities, and secondarily, academics with an interest in the topic. Key take-aways include: (1) there is ample evidence of positive contributions from improved governance to sector-specific outcomes, but few guideposts exist for practical and effective governance integration; (2) barriers to integration include urgent sector priorities that overshadow governance concerns, requirements to demonstrate progress towards ambitious sector targets, and complex choices related to measurement; and (3) sustainability and self-reliance are major drivers for integration and are facilitated by the flexibility and adaptation that governance integration enables.
ASSESSING KNOWLEDGE LEVEL OF STAKEHOLDERS ON TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE DESIGN AND OPERATION
Authors: Yatskiv (Jackiva) Irina , Nathanail Eftihia , Savrasovs Mihails , Adamos Giannis , Mitropoulos Lambros
Published: September 2018

The paper advances the results of the on-going work conducted within the frame of the European Twinning project ALLIANCE. In the effort to assess educational needs of different stakeholder groups involved in the domain, this paper’s main interest is to study knowledge and importance of governance issues and smart solutions, which enable smooth and seamless interconnectivity of alternative transportation modes, and techniques for facilitating decision-making and evaluation of these solutions. Data were collected through a questionnaire web-based survey addressed to different stakeholder groups in Latvia: policy makers, industry, academia/research and students. From the statistical analysis conducted it was concluded that there are differences in the average rating of different thematic areas (i.e. governance, smart solutions, decision-making) by the respondents. Especially stakeholders belonging to policy makers, industry and students valuated their knowledge on Governance and Smart Solutions below average and at the same time these areas as important for carrier development. Recommendations on the adaptation of an education/training program for Latvia were drawn from the above analysis.
Primo-socialisation au langage : le rôle des interactions langagières avec les parents durant les 365 premiers jours de l’enfant d’après l’enquête Elfe
Authors: Berthomier Nathalie , Octobre Sylvie
Published: September 2018

On connaît l’importance du rôle des parents dans la construction du rapport au livre chez l’enfant et l’influence de ce rapport sur les trajectoires de lecteurs. Quelle est l’influence des interactions langagières entre parents et enfants dans la construction du rapport au langage et comment s’opère la socialisation précoce durant la première année de vie ? La France s’est dotée, en 2011, du panel Elfe qui permet de suivre un échantillon représentatif de 18 300 enfants depuis leur naissance, et auquel le ministère de la Culture s’est associé. Trois vagues d’enquêtes réalisées durant la première année de vie sont mobilisées ici pour aborder la question de la primo-socialisation au langage. Les dotations familiales ainsi que trois types d’interactions langagières avec les parents (rester calmement avec l’enfant et lui parler, chanter des comptines, lire des livres) sont ainsi confrontés aux compétences langagières des enfants à un an, qu’il s’agisse de compréhension ou d’expression. L’étude montre que ces trois activités de socialisation au langage sont très répandues mais souligne que celles-ci ne sont pas prises en charge par les deux parents à parts égales. Elles varient selon la position sociale et le capital culturel des parents, mais aussi selon le sexe de l’enfant, et dépendent des arbitrages des familles dans la gestion de la fratrie. L’étude montre l’importance de ces activités langagières dans le développement des compétences des enfants en matière de compréhension et d’utilisation de mots et souligne le rôle positif de la manipulation précoce de livres pour bébés. Enfin, elle met en lumière l’existence d’attentes variables en matière de compréhension et d’expression selon les milieux sociaux dès la première année de vie de l’enfant.
Ende in großem Stumpfsinn?
Authors: Neumann Michael
Published: September 2018

Le fait que les aventures extrêmes et intenses du héros du roman ne l’empêchent pas d’être pour finir absorbé par la profonde inertie générale n’a cessé de faire naître des doutes quant au sérieux de son cheminement vers la « formation » ( Bildung ). Mais dans l’inertie du chapitre terminal ont été placées deux scènes que l’on peut lire comme autant de mises en abyme  : les moments passés nuitamment devant le phonographe et les séances de spiritisme. Ces deux scènes ne montrent pas seulement la manière dont subsiste en Castorp une part des résultats de sa quête : elles jettent également un éclairage particulier sur le diagnostic que le roman, par sa technique, porte sur son époque.
Literarische Heilkunst Ansichten und Einsichten der Krankheit in Thomas Manns Zauberberg
Authors: Max Katrin
Published: September 2018

La maladie, l’agonie et la mort sont d’une importance centrale pour La Montagne magique . Des détails de nature médicale ne font pas seulement l’objet de descriptions détaillées, ils sont aussi mis en relation directe avec les principaux motifs du roman (musique, philosophie…). Le présent article examine la manière dont La Montagne magique aborde, en tant que texte littéraire, les divers états de la connaissance médicale de l’époque, et de même les notions et conceptions qui s’y rattachent, en rapport avec la tuberculose. Sur cette base on s’interroge pour déterminer jusqu’à quel point pareille vue d’ensemble (à travers la combinaison donc de ces notions : conceptions, état des connaissances) produit de nouvelles voies interprétatives. Les différentes conceptions de la maladie (entre autres, celles qui relèvent de la littérature, de la science médicale, de la psychologie, des domaines parascientifiques) autorisent aussi une synthèse qui suggère de nouvelles interprétations, en lien notamment avec la technique narrative.
Retour sur la querelle des méthodes pédagogiques au xix e siècle : une analyse de l’argumentaire critique contre l’enseignement mutuel
Authors: Jouan Sylvie
Published: September 2018

On sait que l’introduction de l’enseignement mutuel en France a suscité dès 1815 de vives critiques de la part des conservateurs et ultraroyalistes. Cet article analyse quelques publications caractéristiques de cet argumentaire critique pour montrer qu’il se cristallise sur la présence des moniteurs qui privent les élèves de la présence continue du maître, critique déterminée par une conception de l’école du peuple dont la finalité première se doit d’être l’éducation, au-delà de l’instruction. Une telle analyse nous permet de mettre en évidence un surprenant écho à cet argumentaire sous la plume des pédagogues républicains de la fin du xix e  siècle : ces deux corpus de textes partagent l’idée que l’école doit garantir une éducation morale qui ne peut en aucun cas être assurée par des élèves moniteurs et qui impose une place prépondérante du maître.
Louis Legrand philosophe et l’éducation nouvelle
Authors: Kolly Bérengère
Published: September 2018

Ce texte entend revenir sur un aspect de la trajectoire de Louis Legrand : la philosophie qui sous-tend sa pensée et son action. En partant de l’Éducation Nouvelle, qui constitue le terreau agissant et pensant à partir duquel Legrand constitue sa pensée, ce texte entend relever deux choses. En premier lieu, de mettre à jour la proposition d’« apure » de l’Éducation Nouvelle que propose Louis Legrand, c’est-à-dire un centrage sur les techniques qui sont les siennes. En second lieu, d’interroger la philosophie – entre positivisme et pragmatisme – que l’on peut considérer comme étant à l’œuvre chez Louis Legrand. L’articulation entre ces deux éléments permet sans doute de saisir la complexité de sa trajectoire, comme penseur et acteur institutionnel, comme philosophe et rénovateur.
Un ciclo pictórico teresiano para el Cardenal-Duque de Montalto
Authors: López Conde Rubén
Published: September 2018

Se da a conocer un largo ciclo pictórico consagrado a la figura de santa Teresa y comisionado por Luis Guillén de Moncada, VII duque de Montalto y cardenal coprotector de España, a artistas españoles, italianos y flamencos.
Almohadillado almohade
Authors: Jiménez Martín Alfonso
Published: September 2018

Este artículo informa de la existencia de sillares de piedra almohadillados en la arquitectura islámica de España y Marruecos, y sobre todo analiza los hallazgos de época almohade efectuados en las dos grandes torres de Sevilla (Giralda) y Rabat (Al-Hassan). Considera que esta terminación de la sillería era más corriente en al-Ándalus de lo que se ha publicado, pues los ejemplos descritos cubren los siglos XI, XII y XIII, prolongándose durante el XIV, especialmente en las obras regias de don Pedro el Justiciero.
La concepción del poema en prosa como obra orgánica en Miguel de Unamuno
Authors: Martínez Deyros María
Published: September 2018

A lo largo del presente artículo demostraremos cómo Unamuno, en torno a los años 1912 y 1913, realiza una profunda reflexión poética que le lleva a borrar fronteras genéricas entre la prosa y la poesía. Gracias a los manuscritos de trabajo analizados mediante la metodología de la crítica genética, comprobaremos cómo pone en práctica esta reflexión teórica iniciando la redacción de un poemario en prosa. Asimismo, los apuntes autógrafos del prólogo que planeó para dicho volumen de versos se revelan de suma importancia, pues evidencian que Unamuno concibió el poema como un organismo, para cuya composición intentó desarrollar una secuencia rítmica basada en números impares. Será el endecasílabo el metro al que otorgue un lugar privilegiado dentro de su poética, y llegará a considerarlo como el auténtico «verso orgánico».
Del imagotipo ideológico al imagotipo utópico: la representación de la ciudad de Nueva York en la literatura vasca
Authors: Sarasola Santamaria Beñat
Published: September 2018

El presente artículo analiza la representación de la ciudad de Nueva York en la literatura vasca. Enmarcado dentro de los estudios imagológicos, se investiga cómo se ha transformado la imagen de la ciudad en diferentes obras de la literatura vasca a lo largo del siglo XX y principios del XXI. Para ello, se han tenido en cuenta aquellas obras donde la presencia de la ciudad es especialmente marcada, a saber, el poema Amerika de Emeterio Arrese, 110. Street-eko geltokia de Iñaki Zabaleta, New York New York y New Yorkeko kronika beltza, de Gotzon Garate, Piano gainean gosaltzen de Harkaitz Cano, Bilbao-New York-Bilbao de Kirmen Uribe y After Bansky de Eric Dicharry. Nueva York ha sido representada básicamente de dos formas harto dispares en la literatura vasca; por un lado, como imagotipo ideológico en Arrese, Zabaleta y Garate, y por otro, como imagotipo utópico en Cano, Uribe y Dicharry.
Elementos de la tragedia clásica en el teatro de José Ricardo Morales
Authors: Santa María Fernández M.ª Teresa
Published: September 2018

José Ricardo Morales es un escritor español exiliado en Chile tras la Guerra Civil. Su teatro resulta novedoso y contiene una profunda reflexión sobre el absurdo del hombre y de la sociedad contemporánea. Analizamos en este artículo el uso, dentro de toda su dramaturgia, de los personajes, la trama basada en el diálogo y la reacción que busca en el público el escritor desterrado. Estos tres elementos, con los que el propio Morales estudió las tragedias de García Lorca, son utilizados por el autor desterrado para provocar el distanciamiento y la reflexión profunda por parte del público o de los lectores. Unos personajes distanciados y una trama basada en un diálogo irónico, pero que induce a la reflexión objetiva y lejana de cuanto sucede sobre el escenario, provocarán que el público reflexione sobre esa realidad contemporánea que con tanto acierto refleja nuestro dramaturgo.
The Management of Archeological Sites as Tourism Resources
Authors: Huete-Alcocer Nuria , Martínez-Ruiz María Pilar , López-Ruiz Víctor Raúl , Izquierdo-Yusta Alicia
Published: September 2018

This article aims to study the potential of archeology as a tourism resource in the field of cultural tourism, given that good tourism management of archeological sites can attract a larger number of visitors and contribute to the socio-economic development of the areas involved. Specifically, it will examine the role of information sources in the management of such sites, focusing on the case of Segóbriga Archeological Park, Cuenca, Spain. Based on the analysis of the results obtained from surveys of tourists to this destination, this article makes a series of management recommendations concerning the importance of disseminating and promoting this type of tourism resource through various information sources.
Virtual Teamwork and Commitments Impact on Project Quality
Authors: Daniel Harold , Graham Christian , Doore Brian
Published: September 2018

This article examines how commitment among individuals involved in a short term, virtual team projects influence the quality of the project outcome. Results indicate that forced and habitual commitment types had a negative impact on virtual team project quality but found no evidence of the hypothesized positive influences of affective, normative or economic commitment. Findings suggest that commitment in virtual teams, particularly those virtual teams that engage in short term projects, may not exert the influence observed in co-located teams involved in longer duration projects. Further, forced and habitual commitment may actually be destructive. As such, the findings of this study suggest that for project quality to be achieved, other forces may be necessary.
DICOM Metadata Analysis for Population Studies
Authors: Rodrigues dos Santos Milton , Silva Luis Bastião , Silva Augusto , Rocha Nelson Pacheco
Published: September 2018

This article reports an experimental study to determine how to use the stored Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) metadata to perform population studies. As a case study, it was considered three types of medical imaging studies (i.e. routine head computed tomography, thorax computed radiography and thorax digital radiography) stored in the picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) of three healthcare institutions. The final sample consisted of DICOM metadata belonging to 1370360 images, corresponding to 109160 medical imaging studies performed on 72716 patients. The study followed a methodological approach that allows the identification of the number of patients with performed studies by age group and gender, as well as the average number of studies by patient, age group and gender in each one of the three healthcare institutions. The results show the relevance of the aggregation and analyses of DICOM metadata stored in heterogeneous PACS facilities.
An Adaptive Algorithm for Detection of Exudates Based on Localized Properties of Fundus Images
Authors: Chanda Katha , Issac Ashish , Dutta Malay Kishore
Published: September 2018

This article presents an algorithm to detect exudates, which can be considered as one of the many abnormalities, to identify diabetic retinopathy from fundus images. The algorithm is invariant to illumination and works well on poor contrast images with high reflection noise. The artefacts are correctly rejected despite their colour, intensity and contrast being almost similar to that of exudates. Optic disc is localized and segmented using average filter of specially determined size which is an important step in the rejection of false positives. Exudates are located by generating candidate regions using variance and median filters followed by morphological reconstruction. The strategic selection of local properties to decide the threshold, makes this approach novel and adaptive, that is highly accurate for detection of exudates. The proposed method was tested on two publicly available labelled databases (DIARETDB1 and MESSIDOR) and a database from a local hospital and achieved a sensitivity of 96.765% and a positive predictive value of 93.514%.
GIS Based Health Information Management through LETL, Multi Criteria Query, Analysis, Visualization
Authors: Abburu Sunitha
Published: September 2018

For effective decision making in public health information management(HIM) system, health information availability, accessibility, prompt exchange, GIS linkage, spatiotemporal analysis of diseases is crucial. Lack of cost-effective technical support and information gaps are the main obstacles in HIM. This article defines a generic conceptual process framework for effective HIM that provides cost-effective, portable, easy to use solution. The solution incorporates GIS, Mobile technology, information management concepts, ICD-10 codes, WHO and mHealth standards. The current research is implemented as an android application that facilitates: 1) Patient disease data collection, geospatial mapping of disease data and accumulate a centralized server 2) LETL that supports bulk disease data upload 3) Addresses syntactic and semantic heterogeneity in health data 4) A strong multi-criteria query engine, visualization and spatiotemporal analysis of diseases are designed with a global perspective to be used across the globe.
Decisions of Green Supply Chain under Fairness Concerns and Different Power Structures
Authors: Liu Guangdong , Yang Tianjian , Wei Yao , Zhang Xuemei
Published: September 2018

This article constructs a two-stage dynamic game model for green manufacturers, retailers, and consumers to address the issue that fairness preference in manufacturing can impact supply chain decision-making. This is done by discussing decision-making under the three power structures of green-manufacturer-dominated, retailer-dominated, and the Nash-equilibrium, and compares the balanced decision under the three power structures. The results show that in the manufacturer-dominated and Nash equilibrium games, product greenness, retailer profits, manufacturer profits, total supply chain profits, and a manufacturer's utility all decrease as the fairness preference increases, whereas the retail price and wholesale price are just the opposite of each other. In the retailer-dominated game, the retail price, product greenness, and total supply chain profits are not impacted by the fairness preference. The wholesale price, manufacturer's profits, and manufacturer's utility increases as the fairness preference increases, whereas the retailer profits decrease.
A Fish Swarm Algorithm for Financial Risk Early Warning
Authors: Yunshan Liu
Published: September 2018

The financial risk early warning system is important for promoting the sustainable development of enterprise, and in this article, the fish swarm algorithm is applied to it. First, the main financial risk factors of enterprise are summarized. Second, the index system of the financial risk early warning system is constructed based on relating theory. Third, the basic theory of artificial fish swarm algorithm is studied, and the mathematical models are constructed. Then, the wavelet neutral network is improved based on the fish swarm algorithm, and the algorithm procedure is designed. Finally, a simulation analysis is carried out, and the predicting correctness of samples is 100%, and results show that the fish swarm algorithm is an effective method for improving the financial risk early warning system.
A System Dynamics Model for Open Innovation Community
Authors: Rui Zhou , Guijie Qi
Published: September 2018

In order to promote the development speed of the open innovation community, a dynamical system model of it is constructed, and the simulation is carried out to find out the rules of the running rules for the open innovation community. First, the basic characteristics of open innovation community are summarized. Second, the system dynamics model of open innovation community is constructed. Finally, the simulation analysis based on dynamic system model of the open innovation community is carried out, and the effect of different factors on the variables of the open innovation community is obtained. Results show that system dynamics is an effective tool for analyzing the open innovation community.
THD and Compensation Time Analysis of Three-Phase Shunt Active Power Filter Using Adaptive Mosquito Blood Search Algorithm (AMBS)
Authors: Khalid Saifullah , Verma Sudhanshu
Published: September 2018

In this article, a novel Adaptive Mosquito Blood Search Algorithm (AMBS) has been presented, which has been used for the optimization of conventional control scheme used in shunt active power filter. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm has been proved by applying this in balanced, unbalanced and distorted supply conditions. The superiority of this algorithm over existing Genetic Algorithm results has been presented by analyzing the Total harmonic distortion (THD) and compensation time of both the algorithms. The simulation results using MATLAB model ratify that algorithm has optimized the control technique, which unmistakably proves the usefulness of the proposed algorithm in the balanced, unbalanced and distorted supply system.
Optimal Placement and Sizing of Distributed Generators and Distributed-Static Compensator in Radial Distribution System
Authors: Kumar Mahesh , Das Bhagwan , Baloch Mazhar Hussain , Nallagownden Perumal , Elamvazuthi Irraivan , Ali Abid
Published: September 2018

The electricity demand increment, fossil fuel depletion, and environmental degradation open the interest of power utilities to utilize the distributed generation (DG) and distributed-static compensator (DSTATCOM) in the distribution system. The optimal placement and sizing of these generations have positive benefits, whereas non-optimal placement and size may worsen the existing operational characteristics of the distribution system. Therefore, this article presents a new methodology for optimal placement and sizing of distributed generation and distributed-static compensator in a radial distribution system. Moreover, a short-term planning has been made for power loss reduction with existing and increased load growth using particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The performance of proposed methodology is tested using different case studies on standard IEEE 33 bus system (RDS). The measured results are also compared with other literature methods and it is revealed that the proposed method gives more significant results.
The State of the Art of Software Defined Networking (SDN)
Authors: Jimson Emilia Rosa , Nisar Kashif , Hijazi Mohd Hanafi Ahmad
Published: September 2018

The complex design of the current network architecture, which has inevitably resulted in poor network resources management, has triggered researchers to propose a Software Defined Networking (SDN)-based network model to simplify the management of the limited bandwidth of a network. The key idea of the SDN-based model is to simplify network management by introducing a centralized control through which the dynamic update of forwarding rules, the simplification of network devices tasks, and flow abstractions can be realized. This proposed model utilizes the limited network bandwidth systematically by giving real-time traffic higher priority than non-real-time traffic to access limited resources. The experimental results showed that the proposed model helped ensure real-time traffic would be given greater priority to access the limited bandwidth, where the major portion of the limited bandwidth was allocated to the real-time traffic.
New Discoveries for User Acceptance of E-Learning Analytics Recommender Systems in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alharbi Hadeel , Sandhu Kamaljeet
Published: September 2018

This article adopts e-learning analytics principles to provide a new model to explain the acceptance behaviour of recommender systems adoption with e-learning in the Saudi Arabian context and reflects the increasing focus of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Education on delivering online educational services. This focus has come at the necessity to improve overall access to the education system, and higher education and has been driven with evidence of improving learning outcomes with electronic learning (e-learning) information and instructional technology with the use of e-learning analytics recommender systems. This review utilises the technology acceptance model as a theoretical framework to generate a set of interlocked hypotheses that go to explaining student behaviours towards technological acceptance and continued usage intention of recommender systems.
Social Impacts of e-Health in Norway
Authors: Quinn Matthew , McKelvey Nigel
Published: September 2018

Norway spends more on public healthcare per person than any other European country. The government and the Norwegian health authorities are committed to improving the country's healthcare service through the use of innovative information and communication technology, generally referred to as ehealth. Society in Norway benefits from an integrated ehealth care system where the patient is at its centre regardless of the person's level of income or geographical location. The long-term national ehealth strategy “one citizen – one record” is the basis for all ehealth national strategies and initiatives. With its challenging geographical environment and ageing population, telemedicine and other ehealth developments such as eprescription and electronic health records (EHR) are important tools in successfully implementing new ehealth reforms that continue to impact society in Norway.
Factors Necessary for Engaging Preservice Teachers Studying in Virtual and Blended Courses
Authors: Zilka Gila Cohen , Zeichner Orit
Published: September 2018

In their encounter with a virtual or blended learning environment, students are liable to perceive the situation as a challenge or as a threat. The physical separation between teacher and students may lead to “transactional distance,” which in turn can cause a sense of threat and create anger, gaps in understanding, or misconceptions among the learners about themselves and about the learning process. Students may grasp the situation as a “challenge” or a “threat.” The aim of the article is to determine the factors necessary for engaging preservice teachers studying in virtual and blended courses, which are critical to feelings of challenge and threat among these students. The sample included 578 participants in a mixed-method study. The present study found that differential interpersonal communication, feedback, and forums may lead to a decrease in feelings of threat and an increase in the sense of challenge. Some learners need only intellectual interaction; others need both intellectual and emotional interaction.
Integrating Cooperative Learning into the Combined Blended Learning Design Model
Authors: Bosch Chantelle , Mentz Elsa , Reitsma Gerda Marie
Published: September 2018

Extensive research has been done on the implementation of cooperative learning (CL) in a face-to-face classroom. However, only a few studies could be found on the implementation of CL in a blended learning environment. The implementation of CL in such an environment is a challenging goal for facilitators. It requires a commitment to change and the willingness to take risks, it takes time and requires planning. This article reports on research done to develop a holistic blended learning (BL) design model. The development of the model was based on a synthesis of a number of pedagogical models, which focus specifically on the integration of technology. The model was then used as a tool to design a module with the integration of CL in a BL environment. It was evident from the findings of the qualitative data that the students' intrinsic motivation (IM) improved after implementing the CL–BL module design.
How Does Offshore Outsourcing of Customer Services Affect Customer Satisfaction
Authors: Skaarup Sean , Mclarney Carolan
Published: September 2018

As national boundaries and cultural lines continue to blend together, the success of a modern business enterprise has increasingly depended on a global network of stakeholders. To remain sustainable, multinational enterprises (MNEs) seek any competitive advantage that strengthens their brand, improves efficiency, increases profitability, or lowers costs. Considering all available options and committing to perpetual value creation is not just good business sense, it is fundamental to survival. Driving up shareholder value is the result of a culmination of business decisions to meet the expectations of one important stakeholder, the customer. Customers are consumers, and despite significant differences in needs, tastes, and preferences, common denominators are an appreciation for value and transaction benefits that exceed opportunity costs. How effectively a business meets or exceeds a customer's expectations will directly impact their overall satisfaction. Customer satisfaction is sensitive to a wide variety of factors, and how a company addresses them will ultimately determine their success, longevity, and positioning amongst industry peers.
A Multi-Verse Optimizer Approach for Instance Selection and Optimizing 1-NN Algorithm
Authors: Dif Nassima , Elberrichi Zakaria
Published: September 2018

Instance selection and feature selection are important steps in the data mining process. They help reduce the excessive number of instances and features. The purpose of this reduction is to eliminate the noisy and redundant instances and features in order to improve the classifiers performance. Various related works in the literature proves that metaheuristics can resolve the problem of instance and feature selection. In this article, the authors propose a new instance selection approach based on a Multi- Verse Optimizer algorithm (MVOIS), to reduce the run time and improve the performance of the one nearest neighbor classifier (1NN). This article tested the proposed approach on 31 datasets from the UCI repository and performed three more pre-process ISFS, FS and FSIS. The comparative study illustrates the efficiency of ISFS and FSIS compared to FS and IS. ISFS achieved 100% accuracy for labor and iris datasets.
Photodegradation of Methylene Green in the Presence of Polypropylene Microfiber Material
Authors: Petrova Angelina , Tchaikovskaja Olga , Plotnikova Inna
Published: September 2018

Degradation of toxicants in photocatalytic reactor is studied. To an array of data on the photochemical properties of Methylene Green (MG) when exposed to UV radiation in photoreactors was obtained. Based on the analysis of the results obtained, conclusions can be drawn about the relationship between the structure of pollutants, their initial concentration, oxidizer concentration, etc., with the efficiency of utilization, and schemes for photochemical processes was constructed. The role of polypropylene microfiber materials (PMM) in the degradation of MG under UV irradiation was studied.
Dose Dependences of the Mechanical Strength of Polymer Materials
Authors: Kupchishin Anatoliy I. , Taipova Buvkhan G. , Voronova Nataliya A. , Kupchishin Alexander A. , Shakhanov Kuanysh
Published: September 2018

Experimental studies on the effect of electron irradiation with energy of 4 MeV to the mechanical strength of the film of Mylar type were conducted. It is found that the strain and stress dependences on the radiation dose are satisfactorily described by the proposed exponential models.
The Structure and Mechanical Properties of Multilayer Metal-Carbon Coatings Deposited in Pulse Plasma of Arc Discharge
Authors: Piliptsou D.G. , Rogachev Alexander V. , Rudenkov Alexander , Kulesh Ekaterina , Luchnikov Alexander
Published: September 2018

The influence of the architecture of multilayer metal-carbon coatings, the nature of individual metallic layers (Ti, Cu), heat treatment parameters on their microhardness, the level of internal stresses and tribotechnical properties are determined. It is defined that for systems based on carbon and nanosized metal layers, the friction coefficient values are lower than for single-layer carbon coatings. Heat treatment of multilayer systems in air leads to the increase in the friction coefficient, primarily Ti/a-C/Ti coatings, which is due to the formation of solid phases of TiN, TiC and TiCN, as well as oxides of TixOy acting as abrasive. The level of internal stresses of multilayer systems containing layers of copper is lower than that of single-layer carbon coatings and coatings containing layers of titanium.
Above and beyond: an exploratory study of breast cancer patient accounts of healthcare provider information-giving practices and informational support
Authors: Meluch Andrea L.
Published: September 2018

This qualitative study examines breast cancer patients’ accounts of the characteristics of healthcare providers’ supportive information- giving practices. Twenty-two women diagnosed with breast cancer participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews designed to understand their experiences receiving supportive information from healthcare providers (e.g., oncologists, surgeons, nurse practitioners). Participants’ accounts suggest that providers who spend extensive time discussing cancer-related information and who explain that information thoroughly so that patients can understand their medical situation, are communicating informational support in contrast to merely presenting factual information related to cancer diagnosis and treatments. Participant accounts further suggest that the supportive nature of provider information-giving practices results from message framing, or the provider’s metacommunication.
A qualitative study of illness identity: schizophrenia and depression
Authors: Ottewell Namino
Published: September 2018

Illness identity refers to the interpretation of having mental illness in persons who regard themselves as mentally ill. Illness identity can impact people diagnosed with mental illness negatively. However, little is known about the background of illness identity. This study aimed to investigate the process whereby mental health service users accept their diagnosis and develop an illness identity and to compare the processes between schizophrenia and depression. Twenty persons with schizophrenia and depression were interviewed, and the data were analysed using grounded theory approach. The major findings were as follows: i) while those with schizophrenia were shocked by their diagnosis and took time to accept it, this was not true for those with depression; ii) for participants with depression, it was relatively easy to accept their diagnosis, as they thought that depression was a normal illness; participants with schizophrenia needed to learn about their illness, know the efficacy of psychiatric medication and reduce their prejudice against mental illness to accept their diagnosis; and iii) participants’ illness identity encompassed sickness and normality with sickness being related to taking psychiatric medication and normality being associated with having regular work, acting as other people do or living in the community. These findings suggest the influence of social attitudes to each illness on illness identity and the complex nature of illness identity.