bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Mathematical and FEM Design of Novel Axial Field Switched Reluctance Motor for Electrical Vehicle (EV) Application
Authors: Patel Nikunj , Shah Varsha , Lokhande Makarand
Published: May 2018

Switch reluctance (SR) motors attract attention as a motor that does not use permanent magnet material. So it is a strong candidate for electrical vehicle (EV) application. In EV application axial flux machines are preferred over radial flux machines due to high power density. In this Article novel axial field switched reluctance motor (AFSRM) design is presented which intend to improve the output torque by single flux path distribution in C- core stator. Unlike conventional radial field SRMs, the windings of the C-core stator can be individually wound without complex winding equipment. This topology has an 8/6 pole dual air gap single rotor and single C-core stator configuration without overlapping winding arrangement. Computer Aided Design (CAD) is used to calculate the phase inductance and average torque for a novel AFSRM topology. The two and three-dimensional Finite element (FE) analyses is carried out to validate obtained CAD results.
Colorimetric detection of Cu2+ based on the formation of peptide–copper complexes on silver nanoparticle surfaces
Authors: Ghodake Gajanan Sampatrao , Shinde Surendra Krishna , Saratale Rijuta Ganesh , Kadam Avinash Ashok , Saratale Ganesh Dattatraya , Syed Asad , Ameen Fuad , Kim Dae-Young
Published: May 2018

We developed a colorimetric method for the rapid detection of copper ions (Cu2+) in aqueous solution. The detection of Cu2+ is based on coordination reactions of Cu2+ with casein peptide-functionalized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), leading to a distinct color change of the solution from yellow to red. The developed method has a good detection limit of about 0.16 µM Cu2+ using 0.05 mL of AgNPs stock solution and a linearity in the range of 0.08–1.44 µM Cu2+ with a correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.973. The developed method is a useful tool for the detection of Cu2+ ions. Furthermore, it can be used for monitoring Cu2+ in water at concentrations below the safe limit for drinking water set by the World Health Organization.
Preparation and morphology-dependent wettability of porous alumina membranes
Authors: Shimanovich Dmitry L , Vorobjova Alla I , Tishkevich Daria I , Trukhanov Alex V , Zdorovets Maxim V , Kozlovskiy Artem L
Published: May 2018

This article presents the preparation and study of the wetting properties of porous alumina membranes (PAMs) with a thickness of 25 to 75 μm and with a different pore sizes. The fabrication process features, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy characterization results are presented. The comparative analysis of PAM surfaces (outer and inner) and the effect of morphology of these surfaces on the wetting properties are discussed. Both alumina surfaces show significant morphology-dependent wettability. Measurements of the interfacial contact angle were made on the as-fabricated amorphous membrane and after pore widening with a range of pore diameters from 25 to 100 nm. The possible applications of PAMs for various membrane technologies is shown.
Hypervalent iodine(III)-mediated decarboxylative acetoxylation at tertiary and benzylic carbon centers
Authors: Kiyokawa Kensuke , Okumatsu Daichi , Minakata Satoshi
Published: May 2018

The decarboxylative acetoxylation of carboxylic acids using a combination of PhI(OAc)2 and I2 in a CH2Cl2/AcOH mixed solvent is reported. The reaction was successfully applied to two types of carboxylic acids containing an α-quaternary and a benzylic carbon center under mild reaction conditions. The resulting acetates were readily converted into the corresponding alcohols by hydrolysis.
Larva and pupa of Ctesias (s. str.) serra (Fabricius, 1792) with remarks on biology and economic importance, and larval comparison of co-occurring genera (Coleoptera, Dermestidae)
Authors: Kadej Marcin
Published: May 2018

Updated descriptions of the last larval instar (based on the larvae and exuviae) and first detailed description of the pupa of Ctesias(s. str.)serra (Fabricius, 1792) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) are presented. Several morphological characters ofC.serralarvae are documented: antenna, epipharynx, mandible, maxilla, ligula, labial palpi, spicisetae, hastisetae, terga, frons, foreleg, and condition of the antecostal suture. The paper is fully illustrated and includes some important additions to extend notes for this species available in the references. Summarised data about biology, economic importance, and distribution ofC.serraare also provided. The comparison of larval characteristics for some of the genera of Dermestidae co-occurring withCtesiasis presented. A key for identification of these genera is also provided.
L’alcoolisation massive des jeunes femmes : prises de risque spécifiques et approche genrée
Authors: Simmat-Durand Laurence , Toutain Stéphanie
Published: May 2018

L’alignement des comportements des jeunes femmes et des jeunes hommes en matière de consommation d’alcool, notamment la consommation massive ponctuelle, est apparu comme un recul des stéréotypes de genre, plus particulièrement en raison de leur visibilité dans l’espace public. Néanmoins, les stratégies des alcooliers, comme les campagnes de prévention nationales dans les pays les plus concernés, semblent reproduire les normes genrées, en mettant en exergue une responsabilité plus importante des jeunes femmes quant aux conséquences. Après un bref état de la question du binge drinking et de son développement aujourd’hui, les auteures analysent ces différents aspects.
Jeunes Italiens sans diplôme en formation professionnelle : quel rapport au travail ?
Authors: De Angelis Gianluca , De Luigi Nicola
Published: May 2018

Dans cet article, il s’agit d’interroger la relation au travail de jeunes sans diplôme, étudiants d’un centre de formation professionnelle de Bologne, dans la région italienne de l’Émilie-Romagne. Dans une première partie, les auteurs présentent la situation des jeunes sur le marché du travail italien et leurs difficultés en revenant brièvement sur la progression des dispositifs normatifs qui favorisent le mélange entre formation et emploi comme les stages et, plus généralement, de l’alternance. Dans une deuxième partie, à l’aide de données recueillies dans une recherche de terrain en cours, ils décrivent les dimensions saillantes du rapport au travail des jeunes interrogés.
Foresterie communautaire, savoirs autochtones et gouvernance participative au Nicaragua
Authors: Fréguin-Gresh Sandrine
Published: May 2018

La foresterie communautaire s’est progressivement imposée au début des années 2000 dans les communautés autochtones du tropique humide au Nicaragua comme la meilleure manière de réconcilier les enjeux du développement durable, par la création de richesse avec l’extraction de bois selon des normes participatives et des pratiques et des techniques plus respectueuses de la nature. Une décennie plus tard, les résultats de ces projets sont mitigés : si la foresterie communautaire a fait émerger des organisations de base communautaire dans l’extraction et la vente de bois certifié, elle a engendré de nouveaux conflits sur la gestion des ressources. Fondé sur le cadre d’analyse IAD (Institutional analysis and development framework), l’article analyse les institutions de l’accès et l’usage des ressources forestières dans six communautés miskitas de la Côte Atlantique et montre comment la foresterie communautaire a ébranlé les règles du jeu communautaires, posant de nouveaux défis aux populations.
Autour de l’arganier : jusqu’où peut-on « faire son marché » dans les savoirs locaux ?
Authors: Michon Geneviève , Genin Didier , Romagny Bruno , Alifriqui Mohamed , Auclair Laurent
Published: May 2018

L’huile d’argan du Maroc, produite à partir d’un arbre géré séculairement par les populations locales au sein d’un écosystème forestier très domestiqué, a fait l’objet de nombreuses opérations de valorisation et de patrimonialisation. Partant de l’analyse des mobilisations par plusieurs catégories d’acteurs, des savoirs locaux relatifs à la gestion de l’arganier et de ses produits, nous discutons de la façon dont la confrontation des imaginaires, des cadres normatifs et des modèles de développement des uns et des autres ont conduit à se focaliser sur les savoirs liés à la production de l’huile en effaçant ceux de l’amont, moins visibles. Cela nous conduit à analyser comment des formes de reconnaissance des savoirs locaux peuvent conduire à séparer des connaissances interdépendantes, et induire des dynamiques sociocognitives et socioenvironnementales elles aussi dissociatives. Il importe alors d’évaluer l’impact que peuvent avoir ces mobilisations sélectives des savoirs sur les dynamiques et les résiliences des systèmes socioécologiques en présence.
Savoirs autochtones, « nature-sujet » et gouvernance environnementale : une analyse des reconfigurations du droit et de la politique en Bolivie et en Équateur
Authors: Landivar Diégo , Ramillien Émilie
Published: May 2018

Les récentes assemblées constituantes qui ont eu lieu en Bolivie (2006-2009) et en Équateur (2007-2008) ont marqué un tournant dans la manière de penser la gouvernance environnementale. En faisant entrer les communautés indigènes ainsi que leurs savoirs et cosmologies respectifs dans l’espace politique, ces assemblées constituantes ont ouvert la voie à une reconfiguration du droit où les entités de la nature (forêts, rivières, montagnes, animaux, micro-organismes...) ou issues des cosmologies indigènes ( Pachamama ) deviennent des sujets (de droit ou politiques). Se pose alors immédiatement la question de savoir comment rendre opérationnelle cette nouvelle architecture constitutionnelle. Comment rendre compatibles des visions du monde autochtones avec un cadre politique et juridique moderne ? Qui sont alors les porte-parole et les représentants de la nature ? Comment les savoirs autochtones, écologistes et scientifiques, en tant que médiateurs de la nature, vont-ils pouvoir cohabiter ? Quelles conséquences sur les politiques de développement peut-on attendre ? Nous tenterons de répondre à ces différentes questions à partir d’un terrain ethnographique réalisé sur plusieurs périodes entre 2006 et 2014 en Bolivie et en Équateur.
Réflexions méthodologiques et épistémologiques sur l’intervention en immersion : comparaison de deux terrains
Authors: Villemain Aude , Lévêque Marc
Published: May 2018

Deux interventions en immersion sur un terrain spécifique, de longue durée, sont exposées et décrites : l’une, de type ergonomique, a été effectuée auprès du raid polaire, mis en œuvre pour assurer le fonctionnement de la station scientifique Concordia , sur le continent antarctique ; l’autre, de type accompagnement psychologique, concernait l’équipe de France de voile olympique, lors d’entraînements et compétitions étalés sur deux olympiades et incluant les épreuves sur deux sites olympiques. À distance de ces deux interventions, sont confrontés leurs cadres et logiques d’intervention, les modèles méthodologiques et les procédures utilisées, les modalités et contraintes de l’expertise apportée. Une discussion finale vise à confronter, rapprocher… ces deux paradigmes et à examiner les repères déontologiques des intervenants.
Sortir de la T2A par le haut : la mesure de la qualité des soins
Authors: Bras Pierre-Louis
Published: May 2018

Depuis la crise, le rythme d’évolution des ressources des établissements de santé est fortement contraint. Dans un contexte, où l’augmentation de la production des soins reste soutenue les établissements de santé, dès lors que la T2A révèle leur niveau de performance économique, doivent réaliser des progrès de productivité notamment de productivité du travail. On peut craindre que ces progrès de productivité ne soient obtenus qu’au détriment de la qualité des soins et des conditions de travail des personnels. Il est donc essentiel de se doter sans attendre d’indicateurs permettant d’apprécier la qualité des soins ; les indicateurs de processus développés en France n’étant pas à cet égard suffisants. Il faut comme dans de nombreux pays étrangers se doter d’outils pour mesurer l’expérience et la satisfaction des patients, le vécu au travail et l’appréciation de la qualité des soignants et, enfin les résultats cliniques des soins. Se doter de ces instruments de mesure suppose un investissement technique et scientifique qui ne se conçoit que dans le cadre d’une politique structurée. Cet investissement est un préalable pour envisager des modes de tarification dits « au parcours » ou des modes de paiement à la qualité.
Stratèges de père en fils : la question de la souveraineté nord-coréenne, racine de la crise nucléaire ou clé de l’apaisement ?
Authors: Clément Théo
Published: May 2018

Les efforts de développement des capacités de dissuasion nucléaires nord-coréennes doivent être compris comme l’aboutissement « logique » des politiques nord-coréennes depuis la fin de la Guerre de Corée. Il s’agit en effet de comprendre que les programmes nucléaires et balistiques, à l’instar des politiques économiques, culturelles ou idéologiques de la Corée du Nord, possèdent un déterminateur commun : la recherche de la souveraineté. Il convient donc de penser des stratégies de sortie de crise qui ne contreviennent pas aux objectifs de long-terme de la RPDC, comme semble y inviter le pyongjin .
Kim Jong-un, maître du temps stratégique : de la crise à la négociation...
Authors: Péron-Doise Marianne
Published: May 2018

Devant le sommet du Président Trump avec son homologue nord-coréen, il apparait intéressant de revenir sur l’histoire et le contenu des négociations américano-nord-coréennes de ces 30 dernières années. Il est généralement dit que la Corée du Nord n’a pas respecté ses engagements mais quand on examine le Cadre-Agrée et les Pourparlers à Six, la réalité est plus complexe. Elle nous apprend que si les futures négociations ont une chance de succès, beaucoup de questions difficiles restent à prendre en compte.
Europe’s comprehensive approach to Northeast Asia’s security
Authors: Casarini Nicola
Published: May 2018

Sans réelle stratégie et peut-être sans y réfléchir, l’Europe a réussi à s’insérer de façon globale dans la région, ce qui inclut tout aussi bien les sanctions les plus dures à l’encontre de la Corée du Nord et le soutien à des initiatives régionales en faveur de la réconciliation et de la coopération entre la Chine, le Japon et la Corée du Sud. Une telle approche – trop souvent scrutée – mérite une plus sérieuse prise en compte car elle pourrait aider les décideurs de la région à traiter la menace nord-coréenne et le nationalisme grandissant qui pose un risque à la paix et à la stabilité de l’Asie du Nord-Est.
La Trinité selon Xi Jinping
Authors: Dubois de Prisque Emmanuel
Published: May 2018

Quelques jours avant la tenue de l’assemblée nationale populaire, les médias officiels chinois ont tenu à justifier l’accaparement du pouvoir pour une durée indéterminée par Xi Jinping d’une manière qui paraîtra étrange à nos esprits laïcisés. Le Quotidien du Peuple , dans un éditorial du 28 février 2018, a ainsi affirmé la « vérité » pratique de la « Trinité » du pouvoir exercé par Xi Jinping : le secrétariat-général du Parti, la présidence de la République, et la présidence de la commission militaire centrale.
Revue systématique de la littérature évaluant l’efficacité des outils de jeu responsable existants pour les jeux de hasard et d’argent en ligne : mise au point et perspectives
Authors: Caillon Julie , Grall-Bronnec Marie , Challet-Bouju Gaëlle , Romo Lucia
Published: May 2018

Le développement des nouvelles technologies et l’accès facilité à Internet pour une forte proportion de la population ont profondément modifié le marché international des jeux de hasard d’argent (JHA), ce qui a conduit à une augmentation des pratiques de jeu. Afin de protéger les joueurs les plus vulnérables, de plus en plus d’opérateurs de jeu en ligne mettent en place des outils de réduction des risques comme l’autolimitation ou l’auto-exclusion temporaire. Ces modérateurs ont pour but de prévenir le développement et le maintien de conduites de jeu problématiques sur Internet. L’objectif de notre étude était donc de réaliser une revue systématique de la littérature scientifique afin d’évaluer l’efficacité des outils de réduction des risques proposés par certains opérateurs de jeux sur Internet au niveau international. Neuf publications scientifiques correspondant à nos critères de sélection ont été retenues. Seuls trois types d’outils de jeu responsable sur Internet ont été identifiés dans les études sélectionnées. Les résultats obtenus permettent de faire un état des lieux des modérateurs dont l’efficacité est validée scientifiquement et de faire des recommandations à propos des politiques de réduction des risques menées auprès des joueurs sur Internet.
Usages problématiques de jeux vidéo : l’âme et le corps substitués
Authors: Rossé Elizabeth
Published: May 2018

Les mondes virtuels et Internet sont avant tout les nouveaux espaces de socialisation et de construction des adolescents, une scène bienvenue où s’expriment les tensions internes, les questionnements, les doutes, craintes et certitudes. Cependant, les caractéristiques des mondes virtuels exposent certains au risque addictif. Notre position de soignant est celle de passeur de mondes, de la réalité virtuelle à la réalité physique et matérielle, de l’ infans à l’âge adulte, de la structuration psychique à la construction d’un statut, entre subjectivation et individuation.
Quand la question de l’argent dans le jeu vidéo influence la pratique clinique en addictologie
Authors: Taquet Pierre , Romo Lucia , Cottencin Olivier
Published: May 2018

La pratique des jeux vidéo est en évolution constante. L’expansion d’Internet a permis aux joueurs d’échanger et de se confronter à d’autres joueurs à travers le monde. Internet a amené aussi la possibilité d’échanges financiers complexes autour de la pratique de jeu vidéo. Cet article propose d’aborder les principaux types de dépenses financières présentes dans la pratique de jeu vidéo : le matériel de jeu, les jeux vidéo, les abonnements, les contenus téléchargeables, le free-to-play, l’e-sport, le financement participatif et l’économie parallèle. Nous questionnons la relation parfois étroite qu’entretient le jeu vidéo avec le jeu d’argent et de hasard, y compris par le biais de la littérature scientifique. La recherche s’intéresse à cette relation depuis longtemps mais les modalités de paiements dans le jeu vidéo ont radicalement changé. La présence du hasard dans les dépenses de jeu vidéo est de plus en plus présente. Il semble pertinent d’envisager l’impact du lien entre le jeu d’argent et de hasard et le jeu vidéo dans la pratique clinique des addictions. Nos propos sont illustrés par des exemples cliniques de patients consultant en addictologie. La clinique et la recherche en addictologie concernant l’impact financier des jeux vidéo et son rapprochement avec le jeu d’argent et de hasard n’en sont qu’à leurs débuts. La législation autour de ces pratiques se doit également d’avancer sur cette question.
Les médicaments détournés de leur usage médical par les jeunes : une revue de la littérature
Authors: Milhet Maitena
Published: May 2018

Cet article porte sur le détournement de médicaments psychotropes chez les adolescents et jeunes adultes. Il propose une revue de la littérature internationale pour apporter des éléments d’information sur ces conduites multidimensionnelles peu explorées par les chercheurs français. Il s’agit de fournir des éclairages sur les profils des jeunes les plus vulnérables ainsi que sur les ressorts de ces pratiques en vue d’élaborer des réponses adaptées à ceux qui dérapent avec les médicaments.
Survey on DDoS Attacks and Defense Mechanisms in Cloud and Fog Computing
Authors: Chaudhary Deepali , Bhushan Kriti , Gupta B.B.
Published: May 2018

This article describes how cloud computing has emerged as a strong competitor against traditional IT platforms by offering low-cost and “pay-as-you-go” computing potential and on-demand provisioning of services. Governments, as well as organizations, have migrated their entire or most of the IT infrastructure to the cloud. With the emergence of IoT devices and big data, the amount of data forwarded to the cloud has increased to a huge extent. Therefore, the paradigm of cloud computing is no longer sufficient. Furthermore, with the growth of demand for IoT solutions in organizations, it has become essential to process data quickly, substantially and on-site. Hence, Fog computing is introduced to overcome these drawbacks of cloud computing by bringing intelligence to the edge of the network using smart devices. One major security issue related to the cloud is the DDoS attack. This article discusses in detail about the DDoS attack, cloud computing, fog computing, how DDoS affect cloud environment and how fog computing can be used in a cloud environment to solve a variety of problems.
Strategic Alignment Between IT Flexibility and Dynamic Capabilities
Authors: van de Wetering Rogier , Mikalef Patrick , Pateli Adamantia
Published: May 2018

Dynamic capabilities theory (DCT) emerged as a leading framework in the process of value creation for firms. Its core notion complements the premise of the resource-based view of the firm and is considered an important theoretical and management framework in modern information systems research. However, despite DCT's significant contributions, its strength and core focus are essentially in its use for historical firm performance explanation. Furthermore, valuable contributions have been made by several researchers to extend the DCT to fit the constantly changing IT environments and other imperative drivers for competitive performance. However, no DCT extension has been developed which allows firms to integrally assess their current state of maturity to derive imperative steps for further performance enhancements. In light of empirical advancement, this article aims to develop a strategic alignment model for IT flexibility and dynamic capabilities and empirically validates proposed hypotheses using correlation and regression analyses on a large data sample of 322 international firms. The authors conjecture that the combined synergetic effect of the underlying dimensions of a firm's IT flexibility architecture and dynamic capabilities enables organizations to cope with changing environmental conditions and drive competitive firm performance. Findings of this study suggest that there is a significant positive relationship between firms' degree of strategic alignment—defined as the degree of balance between all dimensions—and competitive firm performance. Strategic alignment can, therefore, be seen as an important condition that significantly influences a firm's competitive advantage in constantly changing environments. The proposed framework helps firms assess and improve their maturity and alignment of IT flexibility and dynamic capabilities. This article concludes with a discussion, suggestions for future research and managerial implications are also discussed.
Shared Understanding in IT Governance and IT Management Implementation
Authors: Huygh Tim , Joshi Anant , De Haes Steven , Van Grembergen Wim
Published: May 2018

This article examines the association between stakeholder functional role and the perceived level of IT governance and IT management implementation. Specifically, this article takes a COBIT 5 perspective, by first analyzing perception differences at the level of the implementation of the seven COBIT 5 enablers, followed by an analysis at the level of the COBIT 5 process domains. The results indicate that a shared understanding about the IT governance and IT management implementation level between different organizational stakeholders can be improved, especially between (1) IT and (2) audit, risk, and compliance (ARC) stakeholders. As IT governance is seen as a critical enabler for the achievement of IT business value, an appropriate level of shared understanding about its implementation level among important stakeholder groups should be achieved.
Design Science Research Roadmap Model for Information Systems Projects
Authors: Gazem Nadhmi , Rahman Azizah Abdul , Saeed Faisal , Iahad Noorminshah A.
Published: May 2018

This article contends that design science research (DSR) has emerged as an important approach in information systems (IS) research. The design science research roadmap (DSRR) model describes the process of using the DSR in IS in great detail. Unfortunately, the existing literature does not address the task of demonstrating the use of the DSRR in detail by conducting a real case study. This article aims to examine the implementation of the DSRR with real IS research activities. The construction of a systematic innovation framework to solve problems for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is used as a case study for demonstration purposes. This article shows that the DSRR provides very useful guidance, since it covers almost all the necessary steps to conduct DSR in the information systems field. The illustrations provided with each step of the DSRR in this article will help other researchers, especially novice researchers, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the use of the DSRR model.
The Influence Factors of Mobile Devices Adoption Among Older People
Authors: Azuddin Muna , Malik Sofianiza Abd , Abdullah Lili Marziana
Published: May 2018

This article describes how the use of mobile devices has huge potential in assisting mobile users to perform everyday tasks. However, there is a small percentage of older people that uses mobile devices. This shows that, there are several factors that influenced the small group of older people to adopt the technology. In addition, there have been limited studies that investigate factors that influenced older people to adopt mobile devices. This article aims to understand the causes that have encouraged older people to adopt such technology. Qualitative methods including interview and focus groups were conducted among twenty-one older people aged 55 and above. The results indicated that, there were five factors that influenced older people to use mobile devices. These factors were mobile device design, functions, social inspiration, economical and other related factors.
Acceptance and Satisfaction of Learning Management System Enabled Blended Learning Based on a Modified DeLone-McLean Information System Success Model
Authors: Ghazal Samar , Aldowah Hanan , Umar Irfan , Bervell Brandford
Published: May 2018

The utmost reason for this article is to present a detailed assessment of the salient antecedents(computer anxiety, technology related experience, computer self-efficacy, quality of service, quality of system, quality of system's output information, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use) in determining students' approval and onward contentment towards using LMS in a blended learning environment. In view of this, the study employed a quantitative research design utilizing a questionnaire as the data collection instrument. Data was then obtained from 174 undergraduate students with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) technique used for data analysis. The study revealed indicators such as perceived usefulness, the quality of the system and computer self efficacy as fundamental determinants of students' acceptance and satisfaction with blended learning. The study recommended among others that in order to achieve satisfaction and acceptance towards LMS usage for blended learning in higher education, institutions need to pay attention to these crucial variables prior to full implementation.
Examining the Factors of Open Government Data Usability From Academician's Perspective
Authors: Khurshid Muhammad Mahboob , Zakaria Nor Hidayati , Rashid Ammar , Shafique Muhammad Nouman
Published: May 2018

This article examines factors that can be argued to influence the academician's behavioral intentions in using open government data (OGD). Policy-makers and practitioners will determine policy instruments in increasing acceptance and use of OGD by maintaining a good understanding of these factors. In this article, Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory has been proposed and used in order to empirically examine these factors taking perceived characteristics of innovations. Relevant hypotheses have been developed through the literature review, forming a preliminary research model, while respective influences of the factors on the behavioral intention to use open government data have been statistically tested. Results have shown that compatibility and voluntariness have had a strong influence on behavioral intention, whereas a 66.2% variance has been found in academicians' behavioral intentions to use open government data.
Standalone Photovoltaic System with Maximum Power Point Tracking
Authors: Yatimi Hanane , Aroudam Elhassan
Published: May 2018

In this article, on the basis of studying the mathematical model of a PV system, a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique with variable weather conditions is proposed. The main objective is to make a full utilization of the output power of a PV solar cell operating at the maximum power point (MPP). To achieve this goal, the incremental conductance (IC) MPPT technique is applied to an off-grid PV system under varying climatic conditions, in particular, solar irradiance and temperature that are locally measured in Northern Morocco. The output power behavior and the performance of the system using this technique have been analyzed through computer simulations to illustrate the validity of the designed method under the effect of real working conditions.
Business Models as Enablers of Ecosystemic Interaction
Authors: Gomes Julius Francis , Iivari Marika , Pikkarainen Minna , Ahokangas Petri
Published: May 2018

A business ecosystem supports relationships between its stakeholders. Although it has been recognized that ecosystem stakeholders neither solely compete, nor collaborate, but rather co-develop their capabilities, empirically-based research evidence on this interactive co-development in ecosystems remains scarce. The interaction among ecosystem stakeholders is approached from the business model perspective. Accordingly, this article builds on business model literature, and on empirical data gathered within an emerging connected health ecosystem. This article conceptualizes business models as dynamic capabilities that enable ecosystemic and symbiotic interaction through opportunity exploration and exploitation, value creation and capture, and, advantage exploration and exploitation. This article argues that co-developing business models through sensing, seizing and transforming is a key enabler for ecosystem's success and sustainability.
Latent Dirichlet Allocation and POS Tags Based Method for External Plagiarism Detection
Authors: Daud Ali , Khan Jamal Ahmad , Nasir Jamal Abdul , Abbasi Rabeeh Ayaz , Aljohani Naif Radi , Alowibdi Jalal S.
Published: May 2018

In this article we present a new semantic and syntactic-based method for external plagiarism detection. In the proposed approach, latent dirichlet allocation (LDA) and parts of speech (POS) tags are used together to detect plagiarism between the sample and a number of source documents. The basic hypothesis is that considering semantic and syntactic information between two text documents may improve the performance of the plagiarism detection task. Our method is based on two steps, naming, which is a pre-processing where we detect the topics from the sentences in documents using the LDA and convert each sentence in POS tags array; then a post processing step where the suspicious cases are verified purely on the basis of semantic rules. For two types of external plagiarism (copy and random obfuscation), we empirically compare our approach to the state-of-the-art N-gram based and stop-word N-gram based methods and observe significant improvements.
Venue-Influence Language Models for Expert Finding in Bibliometric Networks
Authors: Al-Barakati Abdullah , Daud Ali
Published: May 2018

This article investigates the fundamental problem of traditional language models used for expert finding in bibliometric networks. It introduces novel Venue-Influence Language Modeling methods based on entropy, which can accommodate citation links based weights in an indirect way without using links information. Intuitively, an author publishing in topic-specific venues, either journals or for conferences, will be an expert on a topic as compared to an author publishing in multi-topic venues. The proposed methods are evaluated on real world data, the Digital Bibliography and Library Project (DBLP) dataset to test the performance. Experimental results show that their proposed venue influence language models (ViLMs) based methods outperform the traditional (non-venue based) language models (LM).
Recognition on Images from Internet Street View Based on Hierarchical Features Learning with CNNs
Authors: Liu Jian-min , Yang Min-hua
Published: May 2018

This article describes hierarchical features with unsupervised learning on images from internet street view images. This is due to the time spent by trained researchers on feature construction steps with traditional methods. This article focuses on the activation of each layer of with convolutional neural networks (CNNs) on Internet street view images detection and compared similarities and differences among them on each layer. The experiment results achieved error rates of 21% on recognition which work went relatively well than the traditional machine learning techniques, such as Parallel SVM.
Particle-Size Analysis of Wood Fiber and Powder Based on Image Processing and Recognition
Authors: Ren Honge , Zhang Jian , Zhu Meng , Liu Mian
Published: May 2018

This article describes how to realize a wood fiber and powder automatic production and detection, using a mesh detection method based on image processing and particle-size analysis. With this method, the image will be transformed into an HSV color space, segmented based on S component with OSTU; calculated and analyzed with shape factor F, then rectangle fit, and finally the rectangle's length is converted into mesh. During wood flour mesh recognition, this article proposes the use of a rectangle fitting algorithm. In accordance with the actual demand for mesh recognition, a micro-nano wood flour mesh recognition system based on a modular approach has been designed and developed. This is as well as a mesh recognition design program based on wood flour features. The experiments and particle-size analysis results demonstrate that compared with traditional methods, the proposed approach is of higher accuracy and appropriate for extension.
How do Sri Lankan University Libraries Employ Web 2.0 Tools in Providing Web-Based Library Services? : a Comparative Study
Authors: Punchihewa C.N.D.
Published: May 2018

Web 2.0 is a popular technology that creates new paths in communication, networking, building partnerships and resource sharing. Though Web 2.0 technology helps the libraries to employ innovative web-based services, fewer studies have been conducted to identify the utilization of Web 2.0 tools by Sri Lankan libraries. The aim of this paper is, to explore the types of Web 2.0 applications employed and to identify the purposes of embracing Web 2.0 applications in Sri Lankan university libraries. The Sri Lankan government university libraries which are under the University Grant Commission (UGC) of Sri Lanka were taken as the research population of this study and the total population was considered as the sample. Content analysis technique was adopted in this study for fifteen Sri Lankan government university libraries. The research instrument was a checklist consists of 60 checkpoints based on similar checklists found in the literature related to studies conducted on Web 2.0 applications and their usage. Data collection was conducted by accessing the web pages of these university library websites within a month period. Except for one university library, all the other fourteen university libraries introduced at least one Web 2.0 application with the primary features in their websites. Out of seven Web 2.0 tools considered in the study, Real Simple Syndication and Social Network Services are the most popular applications while Blogs, Vodcast and Podcast are less frequently used. Instant Messages and Wikis have not been implemented by any of them. Sri Lankan university libraries should be more focused on deploying Web 2.0 applications in their library websites to satisfy the needs of today's modernized user and also to be compatible with frequently changing technology.
Combating political and bureaucratic corruption in Uganda: Colossal challenges for the church and the citizens
Authors: Asea Wilson B.
Published: May 2018

This article formulates a new approach to combating corruption in Uganda. In pursuit of this research, the author highlights the chronicity of corruption in Uganda, which is uniformly political and bureaucratic. Bureaucratic corruption takes place in service delivery and rule enforcement. It has two sides: demand-induced and supply-induced. Political corruption occurs at high levels of politics. There are ‘political untouchables’ and businessmen who are above the law and above institutional control mechanisms. The established institutions of checks and balances in Uganda have assiduously continued to have a limited bearing on corruption. Neither coherent anti-corruption norms nor severe formal sanctions are able to dishearten certain politicians and civil servants in Uganda from the deviant behaviour of structural corruption. Corruption is a spiritual departure from the law and standard of God. It is an action conceived in the human mind and carried out by the corrupt. Therefore, corruption deterrence not only lies in sound public financial management systems but depends to a large extent on having people with positive human character in all aspects of national life. This article thus provides the framework of corruption and discusses the manifestation of political and bureaucratic corruption in Uganda. It also exegetes the biblical stance regarding corruption. Finally, it proposes a panacea for combating political and bureaucratic corruption.
Insalubrious touristic environments and schistosomiasis transmission in Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors: Barbosa Constança Simões , Gomes Elainne Christine de Souza , Loyo Rodrigo Moraes , Cavalcanti Mariana Izabel Sena Barreto de Melo , Silva Iris Edná Pereira , Almeida Andréa Sobral de , Souza-Santos Reinaldo
Published: May 2018

This study sought to identify and spatialize the risk of transmission of Manson’s schistosomiasis at localities in Pernambuco, Brazil that are used for tourist leisure activities and have freshwater environments that are inhabited by the snail that transmits this disease. In order to accomplish this, malacological surveys were conducted at the selected localities between May and December 2016, in order to identify and georeference the breeding sites and foci of schistosomiasis-transmitting mollusks of the genus Biomphalaria. The essential abiotic data for mollusk survival were evaluated at each breeding site: temperature, water pH and total dissolved solids (TDS). Data relating to breeding site quality were also recorded. The SPSS 20 software was used to analyze these data, and the chi-square test was applied to investigate associations between variables, taking a p-value ≤ 0.5. Based on geographic coordinates, maps representing the distribution of breeding sites and foci, mollusk species found and numbers of mollusks sampled in each water body were created. ArcGIS 10.4 software was used to build thematic maps using the interpolation technique of inverse distance weighting (IDW). A total of 72 localities distributed among 44 municipalities located in the Metropolitan, Zona da Mata and Agreste regions of Pernambuco were investigated. At these, 26 reservoirs, 32 breeding sites and 10 foci of schistosomiasis intermediate hosts were found. The study identified and located problematic localities that are visited by special groups that through exposure to unhealthy environments are subject to infection by the parasite S. mansoni.
A simplified methodology for the analysis of the establishment of hydrokinetic parks downstream from hydroelectric plants
Authors: Barbosa Paulo André Vasco , Blanco Claudio José Cavalcante , Mesquita André Luiz Amarante , Secretan Yves
Published: May 2018

The exploitation of surplus energy through the setup of hydrokinetic parks in reservoirs downstream from hydroelectric plants is on the increase worldwide. Costly measurements in loco are required in order to estimate the amount of energy that may be extracted from a river. However, river modeling provides river velocities and depths whereby the power of hydrokinetic parks may be estimated. Velocities and depths were simulated with a Saint-Venant 2-D model applied to a downstream reservoir of the Tucuruí hydroelectric dam. Velocities were extrapolated in the vertical direction by means of a logarithmic function to determine the vertical velocity profile, which transfers energy to the turbines. The turbine diameters were defined according to the depths of the studied section and information available in the literature. In the analyzed section, 73 turbines with approximately 3 MW may be installed. Power may be greater if other sections are evaluated. However, studies on environmental impacts and production reduction due to decrease of water level downstream the hydroelectric plant should be taken into account prior to the installation of hydrokinetic plants.
Genetic Variability of Plasmodium vivax in the North Coast of Peru and the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin
Authors: Ventocilla Julio A. , Nuñez Jorge , Tapia L. Lorena , Lucas Carmen M. , Manock Stephen R. , Lescano Andrés G. , Edgel Kimberly A. , Graf Paul C. F.
Published: May 2018

In the Peruvian North Coast (PNC), the number of Plasmodium vivax malaria cases increased steadily from 2007 to 2010 despite a significant decline in the overall number of cases in Peru during the same period. To better understand the transmission dynamics of P. vivax populations in the PNC and the neighboring Ecuadorian Amazon Basin (EAB), we studied the genetic variability and population structure of P. vivax in these areas. One hundred and twenty P. vivax isolates (58 from Piura and 37 from Tumbes in the PNC collected from 2008 to 2010 and 25 from the EAB collected in Pastaza from 2001 to 2004) were assessed by five polymorphic microsatellite markers. Genetic variability was determined by expected heterozygosity (He) and population structure by Bayesian inference cluster analysis. We found very low genetic diversity in the PNC (He = 0–0.32) but high genetic diversity in the EAB (He = 0.43–0.70). Population structure analysis revealed three distinct populations in the three locations. Six of 37 (16%) isolates from Tumbes had an identical haplotype to that found in Piura, suggesting unidirectional flow from Piura to Tumbes. In addition, one haplotype from Tumbes showed similarity to a haplotype found in Pastaza, suggesting that this could be an imported case from EAB. These findings strongly suggest a minimal population flow and different levels of genetic variability between these two areas divided by the Andes Mountains. This work presents molecular markers that could be used to increase our understanding of regional malaria transmission dynamics, which has implications for the development of strategies for P. vivax control.
Seasonal and Temporal Trends in Childhood Conjunctivitis in Burkina Faso
Authors: Sié Ali , Diarra Abdramane , Millogo Ourohiré , Zongo Augustin , Lebas Elodie , Bärnighausen Till , Chodosh James , Porco Travis C. , Deiner Michael S. , Lietman Thomas M. , Keenan Jeremy D. , Oldenburg Catherine E.
Published: May 2018

Acute conjunctivitis follows a seasonal pattern. Although its clinical course is typically self-limited, conjunctivitis epidemics incur a substantial economic burden because of missed school and work days. This study investigated seasonal and temporal trends of childhood conjunctivitis in the entire country of Burkina Faso from 2013 to 2016, using routine monthly surveillance from 2,444 government health facilities. A total of 783,314 cases were reported over the 4-year period. Conjunctivitis followed a seasonal pattern throughout the country, with a peak in April. A nationwide conjunctivitis outbreak with a peak in September 2016 was noted (P < 0.001), with an excess number of cases first detected in June 2016. Nationwide passive surveillance was able to detect an epidemic 3 months before its peak, which may aide in allocation of resources for containment and mitigation of transmission in future outbreaks.
Malaria Elimination: Time to Target All Species
Authors: Lover Andrew A. , Baird J. Kevin , Gosling Roly , Price Ric N.
Published: May 2018

Important strides have been made within the past decade toward malaria elimination in many regions, and with this progress, the feasibility of eradication is once again under discussion. If the ambitious goal of eradication is to be achieved by 2040, all species of Plasmodium infecting humans will need to be targeted with evidence-based and concerted interventions. In this perspective, the potential barriers to achieving global malaria elimination are discussed with respect to the related diversities in host, parasite, and vector populations. We argue that control strategies need to be reorientated from a sequential attack on each species, dominated by Plasmodium falciparum to one that targets all species in parallel. A set of research themes is proposed to mitigate the potential setbacks on the pathway to a malaria-free world.
Treatment Delay among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients within the Pakistan National Tuberculosis Control Program
Authors: Saqib Shahab E. , Ahmad Mokbul Morshed , Amezcua-Prieto Carmen , Martínez-Ruiz Virginia
Published: May 2018

Delay in diagnosis and treatment worsens the disease and clinical outcomes, which further enhances transmission of tuberculosis (TB) in the community. Therefore, this study aims to assess treatment delay and its associated factors among pulmonary TB patients in Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 269 pulmonary TB patients in the district. Binary and multivariate logistic regressions were used to explore the factors associated with delay in TB treatment. Results reveal that most patients were from low socioeconomic backgrounds. For example, 74.7% were living in kacha houses, 54.7% were from lowest the income group (< 250 US$/month), 60.2% married, 54.3% illiterate, 62.5% rural, 56.1% had no house ownership, and 56.5% had insufficient income for daily family expenditures. Significant delays were revealed by this study: 160 patients had experienced a delay of more than 4 weeks, whereas the median delay was 5 weeks. Results show that the most important reason for patient delay was low income and poverty (42.0%) followed by unaware of TB center (41.6), stigma (felt ashamed = 38.7%), and treatment from local traditional healers. Old age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 6.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.63–26.95); and rural areas patients (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.15–3.71) were more likely to have experienced delay. However, the higher income and sufficient income category (AOR = 0.5; 95% CI = 0.31–0.95) were associated factors and less likely to experience delay in patient treatment. Integrative prevention interventions, such as those involving community leaders, health extension workers such as lady health workers, and specialized TB centers, would help to reduce delay and expand access to TB-care facilities.