bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Analysis of a UWB MIMO Radar System with Miniaturized Vivaldi Antenna for Through-Wall Imaging
Authors: Hu Zhipeng , Zeng Zhaofa , Wang Kun , Feng Weike , Zhang Jianmin , Lu Qi , Kang Xiaoqian
Published: August 2019

The ultra-wideband (UWB) multi-input multi-output (MIMO) radar technique is playing a more and more important role in the application of through-wall detection because of its high resolution, lower antenna requirements, and efficient data capturing ability. This paper develops a novel UWB MIMO radar system using a stepped-frequency continuous-wave (SFCW) signal, which is designed to detect human targets behind the regular brick and concrete wall. In order to balance high range resolution and wall-penetration depth, a novel miniaturized Vivaldi antenna with desired bandwidth of 0.5–2.5 GHz was designed, simulated, manufactured, and successfully used in through-wall imaging. To suppress the artifacts in the focused image and reduce the computing complexity, the cross-correlation-based time domain back projection (CC-TDBP) algorithm was developed. In addition, a through-wall imaging model was established, based on which the effects of the wall on the refraction of electromagnetic (EM) waves and the reduction of velocity are compensated. Finally, different experiments were conducted for multiple stationary targets utilizing the designed radar system, and the improved BP-based algorithms are applied to focus the targets behind the wall more accurately. The reconstructed two-dimensional (2D) images illustrate that the designed MIMO radar system can successfully detect and image human targets in the air and behind the wall.
Validation of the Analytical Model of Oceanic Lidar Returns: Comparisons with Monte Carlo Simulations and Experimental Results
Authors: Zhou Yudi , Chen Weibiao , Cui Xiaoyu , Malinka Aleksey , Liu Qun , Han Bing , Wang Xueji , Zhuo Wenqi , Che Haochi , Song Qingjun , Zhu Xiaolei , Liu Dong
Published: August 2019

The analytical model based on the quasi-single small-angle scattering approximation can efficiently simulate oceanic lidar signals with multiple scattering; thus, its accuracy is of particular interest to scientists. In this paper, the model is modified to include refraction at oblique incidence and is then compared with Monte Carlo (MC) simulations and experimental results. Under different conditions, the results calculated by the analytical model demonstrate good agreement with the MC simulation and experimental data. The coefficient of determination R2 considering the logarithm of signals and the root mean square of the relative difference δ are R2 = 0.998 and δ = 10% in comparison with the semi-analytic MC simulation and R2 = 0.952 and δ = 46% for the lidar experiment. Thus, the results demonstrate the validity of the analytical model in the simulation of oceanic lidar signals.
A RGBD-Based Interactive System for Gaming-Driven Rehabilitation of Upper Limbs
Authors: Fuertes Muñoz Gabriel , Mollineda Ramón A. , Gallardo Casero Jesús , Pla Filiberto
Published: August 2019

Current physiotherapy services may not be effective or suitable for certain patients due to lack of motivation, poor adherence to exercises, insufficient supervision and feedback or, in the worst case, refusal to continue with the rehabilitation plan. This paper introduces a novel approach for rehabilitation of upper limbs through KineActiv, a platform based on Microsoft Kinect v2 and developed in Unity Engine. KineActiv proposes exergames to encourage patients to perform rehabilitation exercises prescribed by a specialist, controls the patient′s performance, and corrects execution errors on the fly. KineActiv comprises a web platform where the physiotherapist can review session results, monitor patient health, and adjust rehabilitation routines. We recruited 10 patients for assessing the system usability as well as the system performance. Results show that KineActiv is a usable, enjoyable and reliable system, that does not cause any negative feelings.
Multispectral Fluorescence Imaging Technique for On-Line Inspection of Fecal Residues on Poultry Carcasses
Authors: Seo Youngwook , Lee Hoonsoo , Mo Changyeun , Kim Moon S. , Baek Insuck , Lee Jayoung , Cho Byoung-Kwan
Published: August 2019

Rapid and reliable inspection of food is essential to ensure food safety, particularly in mass production and processing environments. Many studies have focused on spectral imaging for poultry inspection; however, no research has explored the use of multispectral fluorescence imaging (MFI) for on-line poultry inspection. In this study, the feasibility of MFI for on-line detection of fecal matter from the ceca, colon, duodenum, and small intestine of poultry carcasses was investigated for the first time. A multispectral line-scan fluorescence imaging system was integrated with a commercial poultry conveying system, and the images of chicken carcasses with fecal contaminants were scanned at processing line speeds of one, three, and five birds per second. To develop an optimal detection and classification algorithm to distinguish upper and lower feces-contaminated parts from skin, the principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were first performed using the spectral data of the selected regions, and then applied in spatial domain to visualize the feces-contaminated area based on binary images. Our results demonstrated that for the spectral data analysis, both the PCA and PLS-DA can distinguish the high and low feces-contaminated area from normal skin; however, the PCA analysis based on selected band ratio images (F630 nm/F600 nm) exhibited better visualization and discrimination of feces-contaminated area, compared with the PLS-DA-based developed chemical images. A color image analysis using histogram equalization, sharpening, median filter, and threshold value (1) demonstrated 78% accuracy. Thus, the MFI system can be developed utilizing the two band ratios for on-line implementation for the effective detection of fecal contamination on chicken carcasses.
A Contention-Based Hop-By-Hop Bidirectional Congestion Control Algorithm for Ad-Hoc Networks
Authors: Wang Jiashuai , Yang Xiaoping , Liu Ying , Qian Zhihong
Published: August 2019

Existing hop-by-hop congestion control algorithms are mainly divided into two categories: those improving the sending rate and those suppressing the receiving rate. However, these congestion control algorithms have problems with validity and limitations. It is likely that the network will be paralyzed due to the unreasonable method of mitigating congestion. In this paper, we present a contention-based hop-by-hop bidirectional congestion control algorithm (HBCC). This algorithm uses the congestion detection method with queue length as a parameter. By detecting the queue length of the current node and the next hop node, the congestion conditions can be divided into the following four categories: 0–0, 0–1, 1–0, 1–1 (0 means no congestion, 1 means congestion). When at least one of the two nodes is congested, the HBCC algorithm adaptively adjusts the contention window of the current node, which can change the priority of the current node to access the channel. In this way, the buffer queue length of the congested node is reduced. When the congestion condition is 1–1, the hop-by-hop priority congestion control (HPCC) method proposed in this paper is used. This algorithm adaptively changes the adjustment degree of the current node competition window and improves the priority of congestion processing of the next hop node. The NS2 simulation shows that by using the HBCC algorithm, when compared with distributed coordination function (DCF) without congestion control, the proposed unidirectional congestion control algorithms hop-by-hop receiving-based congestion control (HRCC) and hop-by-hop sending-based congestion control (HSCC), and the existing congestion control algorithm congestion alleviation—MAC (CA-MAC), the average saturation throughput increased by approximately 90%, 62%, 12%, and 62%, respectively, and the buffer overflow loss ratio reduced by approximately 80%, 79%, 44%, and 79%.
Transparent Film-Type Vibrotactile Actuator Array and Its Haptic Rendering Using Beat Phenomenon
Authors: Choi Dong-Soo , Kim Sang-Youn
Published: August 2019

The most important thing in a thin and soft haptic module with an electroactive polymer actuator array is to increase its vibrotactile amplitude and to create a variety of vibrotactile sensations. In this paper, we introduce a thin film-type electroactive polymer actuator array capable of stimulating two types of human mechanoreceptors simultaneously, and we present a haptic rendering method that maximizes the actuators’ vibrational force without improving the array’s haptic performance. The increase in vibrational amplitude of the soft electroactive polymer actuator array is achieved by creating a beat vibration, which is an interference pattern of two vibrations with slightly different frequencies. The textures of a target object are translated into haptic stimuli using the proposed method. We conducted qualitative and quantitative experiments to evaluate the performance of the proposed rendering method. The results showed that this method not only amplifies the vibration’s amplitude but also haptically simulates various objects’ surfaces.
Practical Considerations for Accuracy Evaluation in Sensor-Based Machine Learning and Deep Learning
Authors: Hammad Issam , El-Sankary Kamal
Published: August 2019

Accuracy evaluation in machine learning is based on the split of data into a training set and a test set. This critical step is applied to develop machine learning models including models based on sensor data. For sensor-based problems, comparing the accuracy of machine learning models using the train/test split provides only a baseline comparison in ideal situations. Such comparisons won’t consider practical production problems that can impact the inference accuracy such as the sensors’ thermal noise, performance with lower inference quantization, and tolerance to sensor failure. Therefore, this paper proposes a set of practical tests that can be applied when comparing the accuracy of machine learning models for sensor-based problems. First, the impact of the sensors’ thermal noise on the models’ inference accuracy was simulated. Machine learning algorithms have different levels of error resilience to thermal noise, as will be presented. Second, the models’ accuracy using lower inference quantization was compared. Lowering inference quantization leads to lowering the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) resolution which is cost-effective in embedded designs. Moreover, in custom designs, analog-to-digital converters’ (ADCs) effective number of bits (ENOB) is usually lower than the ideal number of bits due to various design factors. Therefore, it is practical to compare models’ accuracy using lower inference quantization. Third, the models’ accuracy tolerance to sensor failure was evaluated and compared. For this study, University of California Irvine (UCI) ‘Daily and Sports Activities’ dataset was used to present these practical tests and their impact on model selection.
Acoustic Classification of Surface and Underwater Vessels in the Ocean Using Supervised Machine Learning
Authors: Choi Jongkwon , Choo Youngmin , Lee Keunhwa
Published: August 2019

Four data-driven methods—random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), feed-forward neural network (FNN), and convolutional neural network (CNN)—are applied to discriminate surface and underwater vessels in the ocean using low-frequency acoustic pressure data. Acoustic data are modeled considering a vertical line array by a Monte Carlo simulation using the underwater acoustic propagation model, KRAKEN, in the ocean environment of East Sea in Korea. The raw data are preprocessed and reorganized into the phone-space cross-spectral density matrix (pCSDM) and mode-space cross-spectral density matrix (mCSDM). Two additional matrices are generated using the absolute values of matrix elements in each CSDM. Each of these four matrices is used as input data for supervised machine learning. Binary classification is performed by using RF, SVM, FNN, and CNN, and the obtained results are compared. All machine-learning algorithms show an accuracy of >95% for three types of input data—the pCSDM, mCSDM, and mCSDM with the absolute matrix elements. The CNN is the best in terms of low percent error. In particular, the result using the complex pCSDM is encouraging because these data-driven methods inherently do not require environmental information. This work demonstrates the potential of machine learning to discriminate between surface and underwater vessels in the ocean.
Using Depth Cameras to Detect Patterns in Oral Presentations: A Case Study Comparing Two Generations of Computer Engineering Students
Authors: Roque Felipe , Cechinel Cristian , Weber Tiago O. , Lemos Robson , Villarroel Rodolfo , Miranda Diego , Munoz Roberto
Published: August 2019

Speaking and presenting in public are critical skills for academic and professional development. These skills are demanded across society, and their development and evaluation are a challenge faced by higher education institutions. There are some challenges to evaluate objectively, as well as to generate valuable information to professors and appropriate feedback to students. In this paper, in order to understand and detect patterns in oral student presentations, we collected data from 222 Computer Engineering (CE) fresh students at three different times, over two different years (2017 and 2018). For each presentation, using a developed system and Microsoft Kinect, we have detected 12 features related to corporal postures and oral speaking. These features were used as input for the clustering and statistical analysis that allowed for identifying three different clusters in the presentations of both years, with stronger patterns in the presentations of the year 2017. A Wilcoxon rank-sum test allowed us to evaluate the evolution of the presentations attributes over each year and pointed out a convergence in terms of the reduction of the number of features statistically different between presentations given at the same course time. The results can further help to give students automatic feedback in terms of their postures and speech throughout the presentations and may serve as baseline information for future comparisons with presentations from students coming from different undergraduate courses.
Social Innovation in the Non-Profit Organization Framework: A Review
Authors: Blanco-Ariza Ana Beatriz , Messino-Soza Alexis , Vázquez-García Ángel Wilhelm , Melamed-Varela Enrique
Published: August 2019

This article reviews the literature related to the concepts of social innovation and non-profit organizations, applying a bibliometric analysis to the last five years of publications in the Scopus platform and Web of Science. The results suggest that these concepts complement rather than exclude each other, as social innovation can add to the social value of this type of organization. The social commitment of non-profit organizations and its relevance to integrating an innovative approach in their management is also discussed as a way to confront social problems through innovation and promote more participation and development in the social sector.
The Sustainable Development of Choronymic Cultural Landscapes in China Based on Geo-Informatic Tupu
Authors: Wang Yingying , Ge Dazhuan , Zhang Tongyan , Wang Yingjie
Published: August 2019

As a part of cultural landscapes, toponyms with abundant cultural connotations and a long history are valuable cultural heritage assets. Choronyms not only reflect natural and social phenomena but also help with relevant management and naming work. In order to explore the historical development sequence of choronymic cultural landscape evolution, we analyze the spatial–temporal pattern evolution, spatial–temporal variation, spatial association, and semantic evolution of choronymic cultural landscapes since the Qin dynasty. We adopt the sequent snapshot model and an event-based state amendment model to establish a spatio-temporal database. That can provide decision supports and theoretical reference for the sustainable development of toponymic landscapes. Results indicate the following: (1) Spatial distribution of toponym density has been different since the Qin dynasty. The cores of toponym density spread from the middle-lower reaches of the Yellow River to Yangtze Plain, Chengdu Plain, Pearl River Delta Plain. (2) Spatial distribution of choronyms is agglomerative since the Qin dynasty and uneven at national and provincial scales since the Yuan dynasty. Temporal distribution of toponyms at different levels is centralized. (3) Spatial agglomeration phenomena of toponyms are positively clustered in nine periods. The Ming dynasty presents the largest degree of spatial aggregation. (4) Words relevant to blessings, orientation, and hydrological features have high proportions in the top 20 words. (5) Spatial distribution of county-level choronyms named over the last 1000 years and “Millennium Ancient Counties” are unbalanced at national and provincial scales.
Good Governance: A Framework for Implementing Sustainable Land Management, Applied to an Agricultural Case in Northeast-Brazil
Authors: Rodorff Verena , Siegmund-Schultze Marianna , Guschal Maike , Hölzl Sonja , Köppel Johann
Published: August 2019

Land management needs to cope with persistent environmental and societal changes. This requires functional governance systems. The purpose of this research is to develop a good governance framework for the implementation of sustainable land management. Good governance theory is extensive, although its operationalization remains difficult. We derived a set of good governance attributes from the literature: (i) the functionality of the regulatory framework, (ii) the legitimacy and accountability of the actors, (iii) the fairness and transparency of the decision-making processes, and (iv) quality control and adaptiveness. These constitute a framework which, supported by guiding questions, facilitates the evaluation of governance attributes to assess sustainable land management practices. We applied the scheme to a case study in Northeast Brazil regarding sustainable land management where biological pest control is considered to be a biodiversity-related ecosystem service. Since its adoption often falls short of expectations, we scrutinized its governance system. First, experts answered our guiding questions, and second, we involved local stakeholders in the discussion of good governance attributes through the participatory approach of constellation analysis. Trust in agricultural consultants and issues of the practical application of pest control turned out to be crucial. The workshop participants requested a model farm to build more trust and experience. There was considerable demand for policy at the national planning level to formulate and monitor the content of the agricultural advisory program. Our conceptualized framework of good governance questions provides systematization for planning and steering the implementation of sustainable land management practices.
The Role of Women in Production and Management of RTB Crops in Rwanda and Burundi: Do Men Decide, and Women Work?
Authors: Okonya Joshua Sikhu , Mudege Netsayi Noris , Rietveld Anne M. , Nduwayezu Anastase , Kantungeko Déo , Hakizimana Bernadette Marie , Nyaga John Njuki , Blomme Guy , Legg James Peter , Kroschel Jürgen
Published: August 2019

This paper evaluates the determinants of decision-making in relation to the production of four crops (banana, cassava, potato, and sweet potato). Understanding the division of labor and decision-making in crop management may lead to designing better interventions targeted at improving efficiency in smallholder agriculture. In 2014, the research team conducted a quantitative household survey with heads of households involving 261 women and 144 men in Burundi and 184 women and 222 men in Rwanda. Most of the decisions and labor provision during the production of both cash crops (potato and banana) and food crops (sweet potato and cassava) were done jointly by men and women in male-headed households. Higher values for ‘credit access’, ‘land size’, and ‘farming as the main occupation of the household head’ increased the frequency of joint decision-making in male-headed households. A decline in the amount of farm income reduced the participation of men as decision-makers. A reduction in total household income and proximity to the market was correlated with joint decision-making. Gender norms also contributed to the lower participation of women in both decision-making and labor provision in banana and potato cultivation. Although a large proportion of decisions were made jointly, women perceived that men participate more in decision-making processes within the household during the production of cash crops. Increased participation by women in decision-making will require an active and practical strategy which can encourage adjustments to existing traditional gender norms that recognize men as the main decision-makers at both the household and community levels.
Transition towards Sustainability: Adoption of Eco-Products among Consumers
Authors: Hojnik Jana , Ruzzier Mitja , Konečnik Ruzzier Maja
Published: August 2019

Transition to sustainability is a long-term challenge which should also actively engage consumers, as consumption causes environmental stress. In order to understand how consumers adopt eco-products, we conducted an extensive literature review of green consumerism and presented findings of 47 previous research works. In addition, this study’s aim was to explore whether consumers remain only concerned about the environment or whether they actually make a difference. Moreover, we examined gender differences. Because the relationship between consumers’ environmental concern and purchase intention is not straightforward, we aimed to explore the effect of consumers’ environmental concern on their purchase intention. The purpose of this paper was to explore how consumers’ familiarity with and consciousness of eco-products and their perceived sense of environmental responsibility mediate the relationship between consumers’ environmental concern and their purchase intention. We used structural equation modeling to test the proposed conceptual model based on a sample of 705 Slovenian consumers. Our findings suggest that all the above-mentioned constructs mediate the relationship between consumers’ environmental concern and their purchase intention in relation to eco-products. However, consumers’ consciousness of eco-products has the greatest effect in channeling environmental concern into purchase intention of eco-products. In addition, the findings indicate that female consumers express greater environmental concern, consciousness of eco-products, and perceived environmental responsibility than male consumers. The paper concludes with policy and managerial implications, theoretical implications, limitations of the study, and future research directions based on the findings of consumers’ perspectives.
How Does Customer–Company Identification Enhance Customer Voice Behavior? A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Ran Yang , Zhou Hao
Published: August 2019

For sustainable development, enterprises need to establish a good relationship with customers. Existing studies have pointed out that customer voice behavior is beneficial to maintaining and developing customer–firm relationships. Based on social identity theory, social exchange theory and self-efficacy theory, we propose a moderated mediation model to analyze the impact of customer–company identification on customer voice behavior, which includes complaints and suggestions for service improvement. Data were collected from 487 consumers in the online takeaway industry. The results show that customer–company identification has a positive impact on both complaints and service improvement suggestions, and customer commitment plays a mediating role in these relationships. Customer voice efficacy not only strengthens the positive effect of customer commitment on complaints and service improvement suggestions, but also strengthens the indirect effect of customer–company identification on two forms of customer voice behavior. Finally, theoretical contributions, managerial contributions and future directions are discussed.
Evolution and Sustainability of Benefits Offered to Employees in On-Line Recruitment
Authors: Tato-Jiménez Juan L. , Buenadicha-Mateos María , González-López Óscar R.
Published: August 2019

Corporate websites have become essential tools for the on-line recruitment process, amongst other reasons because of their ability to offer relevant information for attracting candidates. The information they display includes a section on recruitment sites usually called “Benefits Offered to Employees”, the content of which has not been studied in literature. In this cross-sectional paper, we use content analysis to examine recruitment websites of the 100 Best Companies to Work For (BCW) and direct observation to categorize these contents and analyze certain aspects: their evolution, their adaptation to the new interests (work values and attitudes, leadership and teamwork preferences, leader behaviors, and career experiences) of the new generations (Millennials and Gen Z) and their sustainability values. In addition, we apply a questionnaire to potential candidates from these generations in order to discover their appraisal of the contents of this section; we use two samples of 150 and 128 final-year students from the Degree in Business Administration and Management, who are therefore very close to being job seekers, taken at two points in time several years apart. After the analysis, it was ascertained that over half of the recruitment sites of the BCWs use this section, and that applicants rate the information on non-economic benefits more highly than that on economic benefits. Regarding sustainability activities, one outstanding point is that the sections referring to flexibility and personal life are experiencing growth. The main conclusion is that the information companies publish in this section is relevant for the new generations.
Entrepreneurial Intention of Engineering Students: The Role of Social Norms and Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy
Authors: Asimakopoulos Grigorios , Hernández Virginia , Peña Miguel Javier
Published: August 2019

This paper examines the impact of entrepreneurial education on intention to undertake entrepreneurial activity in the future. The study is based on a sample of 208 engineering students. Specifically, we explore the contingent effect of social norms on the relationship between entrepreneurial education and intention to undertake entrepreneurial activity, as well as the role of social norms on the association between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention. We utilize a comprehensive questionnaire distributed among engineering students. Our findings indicate that entrepreneurial education is positively associated with the intention to undertake entrepreneurial activity, in addition to demonstrating a positive moderation effect role of social norms on the relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention. The study provides empirical support to devise new educational initiatives that can further support students and young entrepreneurs in their current or future entrepreneurial projects
How Will We Eat and Produce in the Cities of the Future? From Edible Insects to Vertical Farming—A Study on the Perception and Acceptability of New Approaches
Authors: Specht Kathrin , Zoll Felix , Schümann Henrike , Bela Julia , Kachel Julia , Robischon Marcel
Published: August 2019

Global challenges such as climate change, increasing urbanization and a lack of transparency of food chains, have led to the development of innovative urban food production approaches, such as rooftop greenhouses, vertical farms, indoor farms, aquaponics as well as production sites for edible insects or micro-algae. Those approaches are still at an early stage of development and partly unknown among the public. The aim of our study was to identify the perception of sustainability, social acceptability and ethical aspects of these new approaches and products in urban food production. We conducted 19 qualitative expert interviews and applied qualitative content analysis. Our results revealed that major perceived benefits are educational effects, revaluation of city districts, efficient resource use, exploitation of new protein sources or strengthening of local economies. Major perceived conflicts concern negative side-effects, legal constraints or high investment costs. The extracted acceptance factors deal significantly with the “unknown”. A lack of understanding of the new approaches, uncertainty about their benefits, concerns about health risks, a lack of familiarity with the food products, and ethical doubts about animal welfare represent possible barriers. We conclude that adaptation of the unsuitable regulatory framework, which discourages investors, is an important first step to foster dissemination of the urban food production approaches.
Investigating the Influential Factors of Shared Travel Behavior: Comparison between App-Based Third Taxi Service and Free-Floating Bike Sharing in Nanjing, China
Authors: Du Mingyang , Cheng Lin , Li Xuefeng , Yang Jingzong
Published: August 2019

In recent years, app-based third taxi service (ATTS) and free-floating bike sharing (FFBS) have become significant travel modes to satisfy travel demands of urban residents. In order to explore the mechanism of their modes selection, firstly, based on 595 valid samples, differences between ATTS and FFBS in original modes, travel distance, geographical position distribution, and travel emergency degree were compared. Then, a multinomial logistic model was established to investigate the factors influencing the choice among ATTS, FFBS, and traditional travel modes (TTM). The results show that: (1) FFBS attracts users whose original modes are walking, private bicycle and bus, while ATTS has a certain competition effect on cruising taxi and bus. (2) Residents are more likely to change from bus to FFBS on weekends, while this competitive relationship between ATTS and bus has no significant difference in different dates. (3) Compared with TTM, residents are more inclined to utilize shared modes to participate in flexible activities, especially in suburb. (4) Interestingly, ATTS is more likely to be utilized in emergency travel, and the residents without registered permanent residences tend to use FFBS and ATTS. Finally, some suggestions and policies were proposed for the government and enterprises to improve operation managements.
Developing a New Technical Strategy for Rail Infrastructure in Low-Income Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia
Authors: Blumenfeld Marcelo , Wemakor Wendy , Azzouz Labib , Roberts Clive
Published: August 2019

Low-income countries (LICs) in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia are investing in new railway lines to replace deteriorated infrastructure from the 19th and 20th century. These actions, despite financial and economic constraints, have been justified in common visions of continent-wide efficient networks to cope with the demands of growing populations. However, most of the recent rail infrastructure projects are driven by international suppliers’ preferences and financing rather than creating railways that match the requirements of interoperable regional networks. This paper therefore explores the current status of rail infrastructure in these LICs and the operational performance achieved to understand specific capability gaps in each regional network. Drawing from the experience of European countries in transforming regional future visions into applied research, a technical strategy for rail infrastructure in LICs is proposed. The strategy captures the key capabilities to be addressed in order to achieve future performance goals, while emphasizing the need for emerging technologies to be used in fit-for-purpose solutions. It is envisioned that the strategy will provide the basis for the development of continental technical strategy programs with specific technology roadmaps towards a common goal.
Business Models of Distributed Solar Photovoltaic Power of China: The Business Model Canvas Perspective
Authors: Cai Xiang , Xie Meiying , Zhang Haijing , Xu Zhenli , Cheng Faxin
Published: August 2019

China is a world leader in the global solar photovoltaic industry, and has rapidly expanded its distributed solar photovoltaic (DSPV) power in recent years. However, China’s DSPV power is still in its infancy. As such, its business model is still in the exploratory stage, and faces many developmental obstacles. This paper summarizes and analyzes the main obstacles that China’s DSPV power is facing in its development, using a literature analysis methodology. Then, previous business models, such as host-owned, energy management contract (EMC), and third-party-owned (TPO), were studied using the Business Model Canvas (BMC) as an analytical tool. Moreover, the Lean Canvas (LC) method was used to further conduct a synthesis and comparative analysis with the three models, describing how and to what extent these models can overcome identified obstacles. Finally, the study highlighted the dominant position of EMC model.
Pre-Schauder Bases in Topological Vector Spaces
Authors: García-Pacheco Francisco Javier , Pérez-Fernández Francisco Javier
Published: August 2019

A Schauder basis in a real or complex Banach space X is a sequence ( e n ) n ∈ N in X such that for every x ∈ X there exists a unique sequence of scalars ( λ n ) n ∈ N satisfying that x = ∑ n = 1 ∞ λ n e n . Schauder bases were first introduced in the setting of real or complex Banach spaces but they have been transported to the scope of real or complex Hausdorff locally convex topological vector spaces. In this manuscript, we extend them to the setting of topological vector spaces over an absolutely valued division ring by redefining them as pre-Schauder bases. We first prove that, if a topological vector space admits a pre-Schauder basis, then the linear span of the basis is Hausdorff and the series linear span of the basis minus the linear span contains the intersection of all neighborhoods of 0. As a consequence, we conclude that the coefficient functionals are continuous if and only if the canonical projections are also continuous (this is a trivial fact in normed spaces but not in topological vector spaces). We also prove that, if a Hausdorff topological vector space admits a pre-Schauder basis and is w * -strongly torsionless, then the biorthogonal system formed by the basis and its coefficient functionals is total. Finally, we focus on Schauder bases on Banach spaces proving that every Banach space with a normalized Schauder basis admits an equivalent norm closer to the original norm than the typical bimonotone renorming and that still makes the basis binormalized and monotone. We also construct an increasing family of left-comparable norms making the normalized Schauder basis binormalized and show that the limit of this family is a right-comparable norm that also makes the normalized Schauder basis binormalized.
Multilevel Design for the Interior of 3D Fabrications
Authors: Chynybekova Kanygul , Choi Soo-Mi
Published: August 2019

This article presents a multilevel design for infill patterns. The method partitions an input model into subareas and each subarea are applied with different scales of infill patterns. The number of subareas can be decided by users. For each subarea, there are different values of the scaling parameter that determines the number of columns and rows of pattern elements, which is useful to change the weight and strength of a certain area by user demands. Subareas can be symmetric or asymmetric to each other depending on the geometry of a 3D model and the application requirements. In each subarea, there are generated symmetric patterns. The proposed method is also applicable to combining different patterns. The aim of our work is to create lightweight 3D fabrications with lighter interior structures to minimize printing materials and supplementary to strengthen thin parts of objects. Our approach allows for the composition of sparse and dense distributions of patterns of interior 3D fabrications in an efficient way so users can fabricate their own 3D designs.
The Flexible Governance of Water in Cairo’s Informal Areas
Authors: Khalil Deena
Published: August 2019

This article explores the relationship between informality and water infrastructure in informal areas in Egypt. I apply three concepts drawn from the wider literatures on state power and governance: Topological power, flexible governing, and the “statization” of urban space. I find that infrastructure has functioned as one of the main instruments through which the state is produced or “effected” in the daily lives of residents. Due to this, examining the governance of water infrastructure in informal areas exposes the Egyptian state’s “flexibility” and the uneven nature of its power. I argue that this flexibility is a result of the ad hoc nature of power in governance and the uneven quality of the state’s authority and reach. This flexibility creates a waterscape constituted by overlapping infrastructures, practices, and actors, making traditional binaries such as public–private and formal–informal meaningless. However, I find that in Egypt’s post-Arab-Spring era, the state has been seeking ways to effect its presence more strongly within informal areas, and one of the ways in which it has been doing so is by incorporating “informal” users into the “formal” public water supply and allowing/forcing them to pay for water. I argue that this accommodation of informality is a way to increase the statization of informal areas, while also charging them for water usage. In this way, I find that the state’s flexibility allows it to benefit from informality without having to actually “formalise” the neighbourhoods themselves or address the underlying causes of why they are labelled as informal.
METRIC and WaPOR Estimates of Evapotranspiration over the Lake Urmia Basin: Comparative Analysis and Composite Assessment
Authors: Javadian Mostafa , Behrangi Ali , Gholizadeh Mohsen , Tajrishy Masoud
Published: August 2019

Evapotranspiration is one of the main components of water and energy balance. In this study, we compare two ET products, suitable for regional analysis at high spatial resolution: The recent WaPOR product developed by FAO and METRIC algorithm. WaPOR is based on ETLook, which is a two-source model and relies on microwave images. WaPOR is unique as it has no limitation under cloudy days, but METRIC is limited by clouds. METRIC and WaPOR are more sensitive to land surface temperature and soil moisture, respectively. Using two years (2010 and 2014) of data over Lake Urmia basin, we show that in most areas, ET from METRIC is higher than WaPOR and the difference has an ascending trend with the elevation. The ET of lysimeter station is fairly consistent with METRIC based on a single observation. Our analysis using NDVI and land use maps suggests that the histogram of ET from WaPOR might be more realistic than METRIC, but not its amount. The fraction of ET to precipitation in rainfed agriculture areas shows that WaPOR is more accurate than METRIC, mainly because in the absence of other water resources such as ground water annual ET cannot exceed annual precipitation. In contrast, METRIC produces a more realistic estimate than WaPOR over irrigated farms. The results suggest that the two products can complement each other.
Application of the Iterative Ensemble Smoother Method and Cloud Computing: A Groundwater Modeling Case Study
Authors: Hayley Kevin , Valenza Alexis , White Emma , Hutchison Bruce , Schumacher Jens
Published: August 2019

Numerical groundwater modelling to support mining decisions is often challenging and time consuming. Simulation of open pit mining for model calibration or prediction requires models that include unsaturated flow, large magnitude hydraulic gradients and often require transient simulations with time varying material properties and boundary conditions. This combination of factors typically results in models with long simulation times and/or some level of numerical instability. In modelling practice, long run times and instability can result in reduced effort for predictive uncertainty analysis, and ultimately decrease the value of the decision-support modelling. This study presents an early application of the Iterative Ensemble Smoother (IES) method of calibration-constrained uncertainty analysis to a mining groundwater flow model. The challenges of mining models and uncertainty quantification were addressed using the IES method and facilitated by highly parallelized cloud computing. The project was an open pit mine in South Australia that required predictions of pit water levels and inflow rates to guide the design of a proposed pumped hydro energy storage system. The IES calibration successfully produced 150 model parameter realizations that acceptably reproduced groundwater observations. The flexibility of the IES method allowed for the inclusion of 1493 adjustable parameters and geostatistical realizations of hydraulic conductivity fields to be included in the analysis. Through the geostatistical realizations and IES analysis, alternative conceptual models of fractured rock aquifer orientation and connections could be conditioned to observation data and used for predictive uncertainty analysis. Importantly, the IES method out-performed finite difference methods when model simulations contained small magnitude numerical instabilities.
Infection control practices in Jimma, Ethiopia
Authors: Kenzie Madeline , Safdar Nasia , Abdissa Alemseged , Yilma Daniel , Ibrahim Shoba , Siraj Dawd
Published: August 2019

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are frequent adverse outcomes of medical care. The HAI burden in low- and middle-income countries is much higher and associated with more severe outcomes. The Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model provides a framework that can be used to identify barriers and facilitators of infection control practices and evaluate interactions between structures, processes, and outcomes.

A qualitative study was done to evaluate the implementation of effective infection control practices at Jimma University Hospital in Jimma, Ethiopia. Twenty-two semi-structured interviews of hospital employees, selected by convenience sampling, were conducted to assess the five components of SEIPS framework: person, physical environment, tasks, organization and tools. The interviews were transcribed, coded for themes, and analyzed using the software Dedoose (Version 8.0.42 SocioCultural Research Consultants, Los Angeles, CA).

Staff overwhelmingly reported a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) as a barrier to adequate infection prevention and control (IPC) practices but cited poor supply chain management versus financial resources as the cause. Most interviewees also noted unreliable water availability as an impediment for hand hygiene. Prominent facilitators of effective IPC included a manageable workload, sufficient budget, and positive individual attitude towards improving IPC. The major barriers were identified as an inconsistent and incomplete training program for employees, a lack of IPC policies, and a nurse rotation program that increases unit staff turnover.

Interventions designed to address the identified barriers include developing IPC policies and protocols, regularly scheduled IPC training, and establishing an HAI surveillance program to better identify IPC trends and track progress. Innovative interventions are needed to improve IPC practices, such as faculty training on supply chain management and utilization of simple local resources to increase hand washing practices.
Factors associated with nursing students’ compliance with standard precautions: a self-reported survey
Authors: Moon Kyoung ja , Hyeon Yong Hwan , Lim Kyung Hee
Published: August 2019

Adhering to standard precautions is a key factor in reducing the risk of infection among nurses and nursing students. This study identified nursing students’ compliance with standard precautions and the factors associated with their compliance. This descriptive survey included 176 nursing students from a regional nursing college. Compliance with standard precautions was assessed using a 20-item questionnaire. Data were analysed using t-tests, a one-way analysis of variance, and a multiple regression analysis. Participants’ overall compliance rate was 50.5%. Concerning general characteristics, significant differences were found regarding needle-stick or sharps injuries, practicum department (surgical and paediatric), and type of contact (faeces). Needle-stick or sharps injury experience (β = -0.225) and surgery practicum department (β = 0.182; Adj R² = 0.063; p = 0.001) had a significant effect on compliance level. Standard precautions should be emphasized in the nursing curricula, along with systematic continuing education. Educational programs for needle-stick or sharps injury prevention should also be included in standard precautions curricula.
TINGKAT PENGETAHUAN IBU NIFAS TENTANG METODE AMENORE LAKTASI (MAL) DI KLINIK BERSALIN AISYAH MEDAN TAHUN 2016
Authors: Lubis Rhina Chairani
Published: August 2019

Effectiveness of Lactation Amenorrhea Method (MAL) 89% for exclusively breastfeeding mothers. In Indonesia the achievement of MAL is still low as measured by the achievement level of exclusive Asi which is still low. The study was conducted at the Aisyah Maternity Clinic which aims to determine the level of knowledge of postpartum mothers about the lactation Amenorrhea Method (MAL). Research is descriptive using a questionnaire. The population was all postpartum mothers visiting the Aisyah Maternity Clinic as many as 30 people. Sampling is done by accidental sampling. Data analysis was carried out descriptively.The results showed that the majority of mothers' knowledge was enough, namely 18 respondents (60%), the majority of the age of 20-35 years (87%), the majority of high school/vocational education 16 respondents (53%), multipara majority majority 22 respondents (73%), source of information for the majority of health workers 21 respondents (70%). Based on the above research, it can be concluded that the level of knowledge of postpartum mothers about the lactation Amenorrhea Method (MAL) in the Aisyah Maternity Clinic is sufficiently knowledgeable. It is recommended to postpartum mothers so that they can add insight into the Lactation Amenorrhea Method (MAL)
REMAJA KATOLIK, GEREJA DAN EKARISTI
Authors: Supriyadi Agustinus
Published: August 2019

Di dalam Gereja, setiap anggota memiliki tugas dan fungsi yang berbeda-beda. Perbedaan tugas dan fungsi tersebut merupakan kekayaan dan nilai terdalam darimisteri Gereja sebagai umat Allah. Remaja dengan segenap kekhasannya juga harus dilihat sebagai kekayaan dan bagian tak terpisahkan dari misteri komunio yang turut memperkaya kehidupan Gereja. Maka, Gereja selain harus memberi tempat kepada remaja dalam keseluruhan karya pastoralnya, berkewajiban pula untuk memberikan kekuatan dan kesegaran kepada remaja dengan memperkuat pondasi iman dan menyegarkannya dengan berbagai pelayanan sakramen, terutama Sakramen Ekaristi. Penghayatan Ekaristi yang benar menjadi dasar bagi penghayatan hidup menggereja sehingga setiap remaja yang merayakan Ekaristi semakin ekaristis dan eklesiologis.