bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Stability of the Aggregate Loss Distribution
Authors: Gatto Riccardo
Published: September 2018

In this article we introduce the stability analysis of a compound sum: it consists of computing the standardized variation of the survival function of the sum resulting from an infinitesimal perturbation of the common distribution of the summands. Stability analysis is complementary to the classical sensitivity analysis, which consists of computing the derivative of an important indicator of the model, with respect to a model parameter. We obtain a computational formula for this stability from the saddlepoint approximation. We apply the formula to the compound Poisson insurer loss with gamma individual claim amounts and to the compound geometric loss with Weibull individual claim amounts.
Mapping Population Distribution from High Resolution Remotely Sensed Imagery in a Data Poor Setting
Authors: Mossoux Sophie , Kervyn Matthieu , Soulé Hamid , Canters Frank
Published: September 2018

Accurate mapping of population distribution is essential for policy-making, urban planning, administration, and risk management in hazardous areas. In some countries, however, population data is not collected on a regular basis and is rarely available at a high spatial resolution. In this study, we proposed an approach to estimate the absolute number of inhabitants at the neighborhood level, combining data obtained through field work with high resolution remote sensing. The approach was tested on Ngazidja Island (Union of the Comoros). A detailed survey of neighborhoods at the level of individual dwellings, showed that the average number of inhabitants per dwelling was significantly different between buildings characterized by a different roof type. Firstly, high spatial resolution remotely sensed imagery was used to define the location of individual buildings, and second to determine the roof type for each building, using an object-based classification approach. Knowing the location of individual houses and their roof type, the number of inhabitants was estimated at the neighborhood level using the data on house occupancy of the field survey. To correct for misclassification bias in roof type discrimination, an inverse calibration approach was applied. To assess the impact of variations in average dwelling occupancy between neighborhoods on model outcome, a measure of the degree of confidence of population estimates was calculated. Validation using the leave-one-out approach showed low model bias, and a relative error at the neighborhood level of 17%. With the increasing availability of high resolution remotely sensed data, population estimation methods combining data from field surveys with remote sensing, as proposed in this study, hold great promise for systematic mapping of population distribution in areas where reliable census data are not available on a regular basis.
3D Point Cloud Semantic Modelling: Integrated Framework for Indoor Spaces and Furniture
Authors: Poux Florent , Neuville Romain , Nys Gilles-Antoine , Billen Roland
Published: September 2018

3D models derived from point clouds are useful in various shapes to optimize the trade-off between precision and geometric complexity. They are defined at different granularity levels according to each indoor situation. In this article, we present an integrated 3D semantic reconstruction framework that leverages segmented point cloud data and domain ontologies. Our approach follows a part-to-whole conception which models a point cloud in parametric elements usable per instance and aggregated to obtain a global 3D model. We first extract analytic features, object relationships and contextual information to permit better object characterization. Then, we propose a multi-representation modelling mechanism augmented by automatic recognition and fitting from the 3D library ModelNet10 to provide the best candidates for several 3D scans of furniture. Finally, we combine every element to obtain a consistent indoor hybrid 3D model. The method allows a wide range of applications from interior navigation to virtual stores.
A Super-Resolution and Fusion Approach to Enhancing Hyperspectral Images
Authors: Kwan Chiman , Choi Joon Hee , Chan Stanley H. , Zhou Jin , Budavari Bence
Published: September 2018

High resolution (HR) hyperspectral (HS) images have found widespread applications in terrestrial remote sensing applications, including vegetation monitoring, military surveillance and reconnaissance, fire damage assessment, and many others. They also find applications in planetary missions such as Mars surface characterization. However, resolutions of most HS imagers are limited to tens of meters. Existing resolution enhancement techniques either require additional multispectral (MS) band images or use a panchromatic (pan) band image. The former poses hardware challenges, whereas the latter may have limited performance. In this paper, we present a new resolution enhancement algorithm for HS images that only requires an HR color image and a low resolution (LR) HS image cube. Our approach integrates two newly developed techniques: (1) A hybrid color mapping (HCM) algorithm, and (2) A Plug-and-Play algorithm for single image super-resolution. Comprehensive experiments (objective (five performance metrics), subjective (synthesized fused images in multiple spectral ranges), and pixel clustering) using real HS images and comparative studies with 20 representative algorithms in the literature were conducted to validate and evaluate the proposed method. Results demonstrated that the new algorithm is very promising.
Component Analysis of Errors in Four GPM-Based Precipitation Estimations over Mainland China
Authors: Su Jianbin , Lü Haishen , Zhu Yonghua , Wang Xiaoyi , Wei Guanghua
Published: September 2018

As the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory satellite continues its mission, the latest GPM-era satellite-based precipitation estimations, including Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP) and Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for the GPM (IMERG), have been released. However, few studies have systematically evaluated these products over mainland China, although this is very important for both the end users and data developers. To these ends, the final-run uncalibrated IMERG V05 (V05UC), gauge-calibrated IMERG V05 (V05C) and IMERG V04 (V04C), and latest gauge-calibrated GSMaP V7 (GSMaP) are systematically evaluated and mutually compared against a merged product obtained from the China Meteorological Data Service Center via continuous statistical indices and an error decomposition analysis technology suite over mainland China from April 2014 to December 2016 at a 3 hourly scale and 0.1° × 0.1° resolution. The results show that, irrespective of the slight overestimation in the southeast and underestimation in the northern Tibetan Plateau, all four GSPEs could generally capture the spatial patterns of precipitation over mainland China. Meanwhile, the overall quality of the GSMaP is slightly superior to the IMERG products in east and south China; however, it also suffers from an overestimation of light rain and an underestimation of heavy rain. Such overestimation and underestimation are primarily from a large false precipitation in light rain and a negative hit bias in heavy rain, respectively. The latest IMERG V05 products have not shown significant improvement over the earlier version (V04C) in east and south China, but the calibrated V05C can best reproduce the probability density function in terms of precipitation intensity. Furthermore, V04C shows remarkable underestimation over the Tibetan Plateau, while this shortcoming has been resolved significantly in V05C. Alternately, the effects of the gauge calibration algorithm (GCA) used in IMERG are examined by comparison of V05UC and V05C. The results indicate that GCA cannot reduce the missed precipitation, and even enlarges the false precipitation over some regions. This reveals that GCA cannot effectively alleviate the bias resulting from the rain areas’ delineation and raining or not-raining detection. In addition, all of the products’ performance can be improved, particularly in the dry climate and high-latitude regions. This is a systematic estimation for GSPEs, providing deep insight into the characteristics and sources of error, and it could be valuable as a reference for both algorithm developers and data users, as well as for associated global products and various applications.
Motion Artifact Correction of Multi-Measured Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Signals Based on Signal Reconstruction Using an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Lee Gihyoun , Jin Sang Hyeon , An Jinung
Published: September 2018

In this paper, a new motion artifact correction method is proposed based on multi-channel functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) signals. Recently, wavelet transform and hemodynamic response function-based algorithms were proposed as methods of denoising and detrending fNIRS signals. However, these techniques cannot achieve impressive performance in the experimental environment with lots of movement such as gait and rehabilitation tasks because hemodynamic responses have features similar to those of motion artifacts. Moreover, it is difficult to correct motion artifacts in multi-measured fNIRS systems, which have multiple channels and different noise features in each channel. Thus, a new motion artifact correction method for multi-measured fNIRS is proposed in this study, which includes a decision algorithm to determine the most contaminated fNIRS channel based on entropy and a reconstruction algorithm to correct motion artifacts by using a wavelet-decomposed back-propagation neural network. The experimental data was achieved from six subjects and the results were analyzed in comparing conventional algorithms such as HRF smoothing, wavelet denoising, and wavelet MDL. The performance of the proposed method was proven experimentally using the graphical results of the corrected fNIRS signal, CNR that is a performance evaluation index, and the brain activation map.
A Device-Independent Efficient Actigraphy Signal-Encoding System for Applications in Monitoring Daily Human Activities and Health
Authors: Athavale Yashodhan , Krishnan Sridhar
Published: September 2018

Actigraphs for personalized health and fitness monitoring is a trending niche market and fit aptly in the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) paradigm. Conventionally, actigraphy is acquired and digitized using standard low pass filtering and quantization techniques. High sampling frequencies and quantization resolution of various actigraphs can lead to memory leakage and unwanted battery usage. Our systematic investigation on different types of actigraphy signals yields that lower levels of quantization are sufficient for acquiring and storing vital movement information while ensuring an increase in SNR, higher space savings, and in faster time. The objective of this study is to propose a low-level signal encoding method which could improve data acquisition and storage in actigraphs, as well as enhance signal clarity for pattern classification. To further verify this study, we have used a machine learning approach which suggests that signal encoding also improves pattern recognition accuracy. Our experiments indicate that signal encoding at the source results in an increase in SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) by at least 50–90%, coupled with a bit rate reduction by 50–80%, and an overall space savings in the range of 68–92%, depending on the type of actigraph and application used in our study. Consistent improvements by lowering the quantization factor also indicates that a 3-bit encoding of actigraphy data retains most prominent movement information, and also results in an increase of the pattern recognition accuracy by at least 10%.
Helical Structures Mimicking Chiral Seedpod Opening and Tendril Coiling
Authors: Wan Guangchao , Jin Congran , Trase Ian , Zhao Shan , Chen Zi
Published: September 2018

Helical structures are ubiquitous in natural and engineered systems across multiple length scales. Examples include DNA molecules, plants’ tendrils, sea snails’ shells, and spiral nanoribbons. Although this symmetry-breaking shape has shown excellent performance in elastic springs or propulsion generation in a low-Reynolds-number environment, a general principle to produce a helical structure with programmable geometry regardless of length scales is still in demand. In recent years, inspired by the chiral opening of Bauhinia variegata’s seedpod and the coiling of plant’s tendril, researchers have made significant breakthroughs in synthesizing state-of-the-art 3D helical structures through creating intrinsic curvatures in 2D rod-like or ribbon-like precursors. The intrinsic curvature results from the differential response to a variety of external stimuli of functional materials, such as hydrogels, liquid crystal elastomers, and shape memory polymers. In this review, we give a brief overview of the shape transformation mechanisms of these two plant’s structures and then review recent progress in the fabrication of biomimetic helical structures that are categorized by the stimuli-responsive materials involved. By providing this survey on important recent advances along with our perspectives, we hope to solicit new inspirations and insights on the development and fabrication of helical structures, as well as the future development of interdisciplinary research at the interface of physics, engineering, and biology.
A Novel Surface Acoustic Wave Sensor Array Based on Wireless Communication Network
Authors: Pan Yong , Mu Ning , Liu Bo , Cao Bingqing , Wang Wen , Yang Liu
Published: September 2018

A novel surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor array based on wireless communication network is prepared. The array is composed of four SAW sensors, a wireless communication network module, and a global positioning system (GPS) module. The four SAW sensors of the array are coated with triethanolamine, polyepichlorohydrin, fluoroalcoholpolysiloxane, and L-glutamic acid hydrochloride to detect hydrogen sulfide (H2S), 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES), dimethylmethylphosphonate (DMMP), and ammonia (NH3) at film thicknesses of 50–100 nm. The wireless communication network module consists of an acquisition unit, a wireless control unit, and a microcontroller unit. By means of Zigbee and Lora technologies, the module receives and transmits the collected data to a PC work station in real-time; moreover, the module can control the sensor array’s working mode and monitor the working status. Simultaneously, the testing location is determined by the GPS module integrated into the SAW sensor array. H2S, CEES, DMMP, and NH3 are detected in 300 m at different concentrations. Given the practical future application in environment in the future, the low, safe concentrations of 1.08, 0.59, 0.10, and 5.02 ppm for H2S, CEES, DMMP, and NH3, respectively, are detected at the lowest concentration, and the sensitivities of different sensors of the sensor array are 32.4, 14.9, 78.1 and 22.6 Hz/ppm, respectively. With the obtained fingerprints and pattern recognition technology, the detected gases can be recognized.
Injury Threshold of Oral Contact with Hot Foods and Method for Its Sensory Evaluation
Authors: Lachenmeier Dirk W. , Lachenmeier Walter
Published: September 2018

Epidemiological studies indicate an increased risk of esophageal cancer from the consumption of very hot foods and beverages. The contact time and the contact temperature are decisive for the risk of injury. However, measuring the contact temperature is not easy in practice. In the present study, a numerical simulation based on the solution of the heat conduction equation was initially used to investigate whether and for what period of time a constant contact temperature is to be expected under oral conditions. For small food samples (e.g., cooked potatoes) in contact with the tongue, the simulation results in constant contact temperatures of up to 10 s before cooling depending on thickness. Hot beverages, which spread as a thin film and thereby increase their surface area, can therefore be consumed at higher temperatures than solid foods. Furthermore, orientating measurements with a “measuring spoon” determined the contact temperature of 46.5 °C considered to be just comfortable for any period >10 s and about 48 °C for periods of less than 10 s The course of the contact temperatures determined in the experiment over time allows the corresponding threshold values of consumption temperatures for various hot foods to be calculated. In view of the fact that the contact temperature is obviously the determining factor for the risk of injury from burns in the oral cavity in addition to the contact time, it makes sense to reference threshold values to the contact temperature rather than to the surface or consumption temperature of a food product, which is current customary practice. If this contact temperature is defined as a threshold value, the surface or consumption temperature for any other food can be calculated.
Response of Bacterial Communities upon Application of Different Innovative Organic Fertilizers in a Greenhouse Experiment Using Low-Nutrient Soil Cultivated with Cynodon dactylon
Authors: Zanardo Marina , Rosselli Riccardo , Meneghesso Andrea , Sablok Gaurav , Stevanato Piergiorgio , Engel Marion , Altissimo Adriano , Peserico Lisanna , Dezuani Valentina , Concheri Giuseppe , Schloter Michael , Squartini Andrea
Published: September 2018

Assessing the response of microbial communities to nutrient inputs in man-managed soils is of primary importance to understand the impact on ecosystem services provided by the soil microbiome. In this study, a low-nutrient soil was supplemented with seven different innovative fertilizers including matrixes of plant, animal, fungal or synthetic origin, and dosed to deliver the same amount of nitrogen. Growth of a potted grass crop (Cynodon dactylon) was recorded and the fertilizers were scored by the plant yield obtained in a greenhouse study. Soil was sampled at 9 and 58 days after the addition and bacterial community composition was analyzed after soil DNA extraction through pyrosequencing of 16S rDNA gene amplicons. Over 900 bacterial genera were detected, belonging to 21 described and 19 candidate phyla. In spite of the equal dose of nitrogen delivered, specific groups were fostered by given fertilizers; in particular marked effects on some phyla were displayed by a yeast-based fertilizer, which was also most effective in plant productivity. The main shifts were observed shortly after the fertilizer application, followed by a gradual stabilization of the equilibrium and by a rise in community evenness.
A Multifaceted Evaluation of Food Waste in a Polish Supermarket—Case Study
Authors: Bilska Beata , Piecek Małgorzata , Kołożyn-Krajewska Danuta
Published: September 2018

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the food waste generated in one Polish supermarket in terms of its mass, financial value, and wasted caloric value, and to specify ways in which to manage food that can help contribute to reducing the phenomenon of food waste in commercial facilities. The research material was a list of unsold food items in one supermarket over two weeks. The evaluation shows that in one supermarket, approximately 3.3 tonnes of food was wasted over two weeks, with a total value of €5500. The groups of products with the highest percentage share in the structure of waste were fruits and vegetables, as well as meat, cold meats, and fish. The estimated caloric value of dairy products wasted over two weeks amounts to approximately 243.8 kcal. The estimated mass of dairy products appropriated for social purposes would feed from 72 to 174 persons a day (depending on the daily reference value). As various types of food products for social purposes may be sourced from the retail sector, it constitutes an important link in the chain “from the field to the table”, from which food should be redistributed to people in need.
Some New Symmetric Equilateral Embeddings of Platonic and Archimedean Polyhedra
Authors: Coolsaet Kris , Schein Stan
Published: September 2018

The icosahedron and the dodecahedron have the same graph structures as their algebraic conjugates, the great dodecahedron and the great stellated dodecahedron. All four polyhedra are equilateral and have planar faces—thus “EP”—and display icosahedral symmetry. However, the latter two (star polyhedra) are non-convex and “pathological” because of intersecting faces. Approaching the problem analytically, we sought alternate EP-embeddings for Platonic and Archimedean solids. We prove that the number of equations—E edge length equations (enforcing equilaterality) and 2 E − 3 F face (torsion) equations (enforcing planarity)—and of variables ( 3 V − 6 ) are equal. Therefore, solutions of the equations up to equivalence generally leave no degrees of freedom. As a result, in general there is a finite (but very large) number of solutions. Unfortunately, even with state-of-the-art computer algebra, the resulting systems of equations are generally too complicated to completely solve within reasonable time. We therefore added an additional constraint, symmetry, specifically requiring solutions to display (at least) tetrahedral symmetry. We found 77 non-classical embeddings, seven without intersecting faces—two, four and one, respectively, for the (graphs of the) dodecahedron, the icosidodecahedron and the rhombicosidodecahedron.
Some Partitioned Maclaurin Symmetric Mean Based on q-Rung Orthopair Fuzzy Information for Dealing with Multi-Attribute Group Decision Making
Authors: Bai Kaiyuan , Zhu Xiaomin , Wang Jun , Zhang Runtong
Published: September 2018

In respect to the multi-attribute group decision making (MAGDM) problems in which the evaluated value of each attribute is in the form of q-rung orthopair fuzzy numbers (q-ROFNs), a new approach of MAGDM is developed. Firstly, a new aggregation operator, called the partitioned Maclaurin symmetric mean (PMSM) operator, is proposed to deal with the situations where the attributes are partitioned into different parts and there are interrelationships among multiple attributes in same part whereas the attributes in different parts are not related. Some desirable properties of PMSM are investigated. Then, in order to aggregate the q-rung orthopair fuzzy information, the PMSM is extended to q-rung orthopair fuzzy sets (q-ROFSs) and two q-rung orthopair fuzzy partitioned Maclaurin symmetric mean (q-ROFPMSM) operators are developed. To eliminate the negative influence of unreasonable evaluation values of attributes on aggregated result, we further propose two q-rung orthopair fuzzy power partitioned Maclaurin symmetric mean (q-ROFPPMSM) operators, which combine the PMSM with the power average (PA) operator within q-ROFSs. Finally, a numerical instance is provided to illustrate the proposed approach and a comparative analysis is conducted to demonstrate the advantage of the proposed approach.
Improving the Vanillin-Sulphuric Acid Method for Quantifying Total Saponins
Authors: V. Le Anh , E. Parks Sophie , H. Nguyen Minh , D. Roach Paul
Published: September 2018

The colorimetric assay used for saponin quantification in plant extracts is subject to interference by common solvents used to extract the saponins from plant materials. Therefore, the degree of interference of ten common solvents was investigated. It was found that the presence of acetone, methanol and n-butanol in the reaction solution caused an intense darkening of the reaction solution in the absence of saponins, which likely could lead to erroneous saponin content values. Using aescin to construct standard curves with different solvents—such as water, ethanol, and methanol— also showed significant differences in the standard curves obtained, which led to different values when they were applied to quantify the saponin content of an ethanol extract from dried and powdered Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng) seed kernels. To improve the method, a solvent evaporation step was added prior to the colorisation reaction to prevent undesired solvent interference during the reaction step. Using this modified protocol for the aescin standard curve and the Gac seed kernel extract eliminated any solvent interference. Thus, this improved protocol is recommended for the quantification of the saponin content of plant extracts irrespective of which extraction solvent is used.
Melioidosis in the Philippines
Authors: San Martin Peter Franz M. , Chua Joseph C. , Bautista Ralph Louie P. , Nailes Jennifer M. , Panaligan Mario M. , Dance David A. B.
Published: September 2018

The first documented case of melioidosis in the Philippines occurred in 1948. Since then, there have been sporadic reports in the literature about travelers diagnosed with melioidosis after returning from the Philippines. Indigenous cases, however, have been documented rarely, and under-reporting is highly likely. This review collated all Philippine cases of melioidosis published internationally and locally, as well as unpublished case series and reports from different tertiary hospitals in the Philippines. In total, 25 papers and 41 cases were identified. Among these, 23 were indigenous cases (of which 20 have not been previously reported in the literature). The most common co-morbidity present was diabetes mellitus, and the most common presentations were pulmonary and soft tissue infections. Most of the cases received ceftazidime during the intensive phase, while trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was given during the eradication phase. The known mortality rate was 14.6%, while 4.9% of all cases were reported to have had recurrence. The true burden of melioidosis in the country is not well defined. A lack of awareness among clinicians, a dearth of adequate laboratories, and the absence of a surveillance system for the disease are major challenges in determining the magnitude of the problem.
A Review of Depth of Focus in Measurement of the Amplitude of Accommodation
Authors: Burns David H. , Allen Peter M. , Edgar David F. , Evans Bruce J. W.
Published: September 2018

The aim of this review is to investigate the role of depth of focus (DoF) as a potential confounding variable in the measurement of the amplitude of accommodation (AoA). The role of DoF in human vision is briefly summarised, and it is noted that the prevalent method of measuring AoA is the push-up method. Factors influencing the effect of DoF on the push-up and other methods of measuring AoA are reviewed in detail. DoF is shown to add substantial measurement error in the routine assessment of accommodation when the AoA is measured by methods involving subjective judgement of an object’s clarity. Reliable compensation for this source of error is not realistically possible because of the complexity of the aetiology of DoF, and its inter-individual and intra-individual variation. The method of measurement also influences the extent of the error. It is concluded that methods of measurement of AoA that exclude DoF should be preferred.
Optimal Irrigation Mode and Spatio-Temporal Variability Characteristics of Soil Moisture Content in Different Growth Stages of Winter Wheat
Authors: Yang Yujian , Huang Yanbo , Zhang Yong , Tong Xueqin
Published: September 2018

To advance site-specific management of soil volumetric moisture content (VMC), this study analyzed the spatio-temporal evolution characteristics of soil VMC using the method of sequential Gaussian simulation (SGS) during the different growth stages of winter wheat. This was compared with data measured by time domain reflectometry (TDR) which is a well-established electromagnetic technique to measure soil VMC. The spatial autocorrelation coefficient of VMC indicated the strongest clustering of VMC in the tillering stage, and the least clustering of VMC in the harvest stage. A threshold of VMC in topsoil in the jointing stage of winter wheat was put forward. This threshold is 26, signifying that at a lower value, irrigation should be performed and irrigation efficiencies can be improved. Stable and sub-stable areas in the spatial variability maps of VMC were identified in the winter wheat jointing stage. Furthermore, the optimal irrigation stage was the early jointing stage, and irrigation was performed once as a guide. A loose-couple spatial model was constructed using the VMC in topsoil and the volume of water for irrigation. The VMC in the jointing stage of winter wheat was linked with efficient and water-saving irrigation.
Numerical Simulation of Gate Control for Unsteady Irrigation Flow to Improve Water Use Efficiency in Farming
Authors: Fang Tianyu , Gu Yu , He Xiangli , Liu Xiaodong , Han Yu , Chen Jian
Published: September 2018

In the case of irrigation, to implement the water distribution plan, the flow needs to be changed through the gate which leads to the occurrence of unavoidable unsteady flow. In order to improve the level of irrigation management, it is necessary to understand the changes taking place in the canal water flow during the process of water distribution. The de Saint-Venant equations were solved based on the method of characteristics and a model was built to simulate the unsteady flow in the channel of the Yintang irrigation district. Then, the obtained results were validated by the employed model. On the basis of simulation results, a model for the variations in the gate opening was established based on the theory of under-gate discharge. In this study, the simulation results, as established from the model, are very consistent with the simulation results of existing commercial software and a simple design for the operation was conducted from the adjustment of gate openings and multi-stage gate operation modes. Overall, the established gate control model built in this study is reliable, which provides a basis for the decision-making process for the relevant staff.
Estimating Changes in the Green Water Productivity of Cropping Systems in Northern Shaanxi Province in China’s Loess Plateau
Authors: Wang Jinping , Ma Jinzhu , Clarke-Sather Afton , Qu Jiansheng
Published: September 2018

Water shortages limit agricultural production in the world’s arid and semi-arid regions. The Northern region of China’s Shaanxi Province, in the Loess Plateau, is a good example. Raising the water productivity of rainfed grain production in this region is essential to increase food production and reduce poverty, thereby improving food security. To support efforts to increase crop water productivity (CWP), we accounted for limitations of most existing studies (experimental studies of specific crops or hydrological modeling approaches) by using actual field data derived from statistical reports of cropping patterns. We estimated the CWPs of nine primary crops grown in four counties in Northern Shaanxi from 1994 to 2008 by combining statistics on the cultivated area and yields with detailed estimates of evapotranspiration based on daily meteorological data. We further calculated both the caloric CWP of water (CCWP) and the CWP of productive water (i.e., water used for transpiration). We found that regional CWP averaged 6.333 kg mm–1 ha–1, the CCWP was 17,683.81 cal mm–1 ha–1, the CWP of productive green water was 8.837 kg mm–1 ha–1, and the CCWP of productive green water was 24,769.07 cal mm–1 ha–1. Corn, sorghum, and buckwheat had the highest CWP, and although potatoes had the largest planted area and relatively high CWP, they had a low CCWP.
Aliasing in the Radial Velocities of YZ Ceti: An Ultra-short Period for YZ Ceti c?
Authors: Robertson Paul
Published: September 2018

Mid-to-late M stars are opportunistic targets for the study of low-mass exoplanets in transit because of the high planet-to-star radius ratios of their planets. Recent studies of such stars have shown that, like their early-M counterparts, they often host multi-resonant networks of small planets. Here, I reanalyze radial velocity measurements of YZ Ceti, an active M4 dwarf for which the HARPS exoplanet survey recently discovered three exoplanets on short-period (P = 4.66, 3.06, 1.97 days) orbits. My analysis finds that the orbital periods of the inner two planets cannot be uniquely determined using the published HARPS velocities. In particular, it appears likely that the 3.06 day period of YZ Ceti c is an alias and that its true period is 0.75 days. If so, the revised minimum mass of this planet is less than 0.6 Earth masses and its geometric transit probability increases to 10%. I encourage additional observations to determine the true periods of YZ Ceti b and c and suggest a search for transits at the 0.75 day period in TESS light curves.
Liberté, égalité, fraternité : la théorie rawlsienne de la justice
Authors: Spector Céline
Published: September 2018

La conception rawlsienne de la justice sociale permet de concilier l’impératif de liberté avec l’exigence d’égalité. Les inégalités n’y sont tolérées que lorsqu’elles permettent d’améliorer les conditions des plus défavorisés.
La poésie au cycle 3. Comment enseigner un art en milieu scolaire ?
Authors: Tellier Virginie
Published: September 2018

L’article pose la question d’un enseignement cohérent de la littérature en cycle 3 à partir de l’exemple de la poésie. Après un exposé du contenu des programmes de 2015 et des théories de référence auxquelles ils sont adossés, il revient sur les pratiques effectives dans les classes et les difficultés que rencontrent les enseignants qui souhaitent faire évoluer celles-ci. Il propose enfin des pistes de réflexion, afin d’encourager un enseignement de la poésie par la pratique, plus conforme à sa nature de discipline artistique.
Recherche sur une « sensibilité linguistique » de l’aspect verbal
Authors: Taous Tatiana
Published: September 2018

Cet article rend compte d’une étude menée auprès d’apprenants choisis pour les divers âges de la scolarité qu’ils incarnent : élèves de Cours moyen 2 de primaire et étudiants préparant le master MEEF. La recherche dont l’article est issu part du postulat que la notion d’aspect verbal, réputée complexe, se construirait sur le long terme et se consoliderait au fil des ans. Après une confrontation de travaux d’experts, menés auprès d’élèves locuteurs du français et d’apprenants de français langue étrangère (FLE), l’étude développe les objectifs et le protocole mis en place, avant d’en présenter les résultats et une analyse invitant à nuancer la prétendue difficulté
Temporal Variation in Breeding Season Survival and Cause-Specific Mortality of Lesser Prairie-Chickens
Authors: Meyers Andrew R. , Carleton Scott A. , Gould William R. , Nichols Clay T. , Haukos David A. , Hagen Christian A.
Published: September 2018

The lesser prairie-chicken Tympanuchus pallidicinctus has experienced significant declines in distribution and abundance since the early 1900s. A severe and prolonged drought from 2009 to 2013 resulted in further declines in population numbers and despite improved environmental and habitat conditions since 2013, populations of lesser prairie chickens have shown little improvement. To investigate whether breeding season survival of lesser prairie-chickens in eastern New Mexico could be driving this response, we developed the following objectives: 1) estimate male and female breeding-season survival; 2) determine whether male and female survival varies temporally among lekking, nesting, and brood-rearing periods; and 3) determine cause-specific mortality during the breeding season. We captured and radiocollared 76 lesser prairie-chickens (50 male, 26 female) during spring of 2014 and 2015 and estimated their survival throughout the breeding season (15 March–31 August). Male survival was nearly double that of females in both years (0.79–0.81 and 0.38–0.45, respectively). Males had similar survival across all periods (lekking, postlekking, late summer: 0.89–0.95). Females had the greatest period-specific survival during lekking and brood rearing (0.87 ± 0.08 and 0.85 ± 0.10, respectively) relative to the nesting period (0.58 ± 0.11). Mammalian predation was the primary cause of mortality in both years. Our results indicate that in New Mexico 1) lesser prairie-chicken breeding season survival was consistent with geographically similar studies, 2) females have lower survival during the nesting period, and 3) female lesser prairie-chicken survival was lower than male survival regardless of time period. Management actions that provide and protect high-quality nesting habitat may help ensure that female survival is maximized during the nesting period.
A Context-Aware Museum-Guide System Based on Cloud Computing
Authors: Vahdat-Nejad Hamed , Navabi Mohammad Sadeq , Khosravi-Mahmouei Hosein
Published: September 2018

This paper proposes a context-aware museum-guide system, which is able to present information on exhibits in accordance with visitor needs. Other features of the system include planning and directing a visit as well as providing locations, facilities and additional services. The architecture is designed based on the attribute-driven design method. It consists of two components including mobile and server components. The server component is located in the cloud and is regarded as the backup for the mobile component. The software architecture analysis method is employed to evaluate the proposed architecture. To this end, some scenarios have been codified for system functionalities by consulting museum experts. The proposed architecture satisfies the scenarios by resolving the issues arisen in each one. The CIF-based questionnaire method indicates a high usability score for the proposed system. Finally, comparison of the capabilities of the proposed system with related research reveals that it benefits from a comprehensive design.
An Improved Genetic Algorithm for Document Clustering on the Cloud
Authors: Akter Ruksana , Chung Yoojin
Published: September 2018

This article presents a modified genetic algorithm for text document clustering on the cloud. Traditional approaches of genetic algorithms in document clustering represents chromosomes based on cluster centroids, and does not divide cluster centroids during crossover operations. This limits the possibility of the algorithm to introduce different variations to the population, leading it to be trapped in local minima. In this approach, a crossover point may be selected even at a position inside a cluster centroid, which allows modifying some cluster centroids. This also guides the algorithm to get rid of the local minima, and find better solutions than the traditional approaches. Moreover, instead of running only one genetic algorithm as done in the traditional approaches, this article partitions the population and runs a genetic algorithm on each of them. This gives an opportunity to simultaneously run different parts of the algorithm on different virtual machines in cloud environments. Experimental results also demonstrate that the accuracy of the proposed approach is at least 4% higher than the other approaches.
Quantifying the Resilience of Cloud-Based Manufacturing Composite Services
Authors: Namjoo Mohammad Reza , Keramati Abbas , Torabi S. Ali , Jolai Fariborz
Published: September 2018

Composite services are regarded as essential components of a cloud-based manufacturing (CM) system. Different classes of disruptive events which are rooted in the uncertainties of the supply and demand sides of CM threaten the resilience and continuity of the composite services over time. The present article proposes a resilience measure based on a generic system resilience metric along with a two-step method based on MCDM and SIS-Monte-Carlo to quantify the resilience of CM composite services by considering recovery time objective (RTO). To present the applicability of the proposed method, a numerical example was designed and simulated. The results showed that the resilience of composite service is sensitive to geographical distance, RTO, and quality of recovery.
The Role of Service Recovery in Online Privacy Violation
Authors: Hazarika Bidyut B , Gerlach James , Cunningham Lawrence
Published: September 2018

In this study, the authors address the question of whether firms may successfully pursue service recovery strategies after severe online privacy violations. The study treats online privacy violations as a service failure and uses justice theory to measure repurchasing intention after consumer complaints in three different scenarios. The three scenarios differ in the sense that the accountability and the outcome of the service failure are different. The results indicate that despite the different instances of online privacy violation in each scenario, the service recovery efforts consistently created satisfaction with service recovery, significantly increased consumer trust, decreased perceived risk and increased repurchase intentions. The study finds that that both distributive and procedural justice plays an important role in online service recovery while interactional justice did not have any impact. Finally, even in cases of severe online privacy violation service recovery plays an important role generating repurchase intentions.
Developing A Digital Banking Framework in the Iranian Banks
Authors: Pourebrahimi Nina , Kordnaeij Asadollah , Hosseini Hamid Khodadad , Azar Adel
Published: September 2018

The objective of this article was to propose a framework to explore the infrastructures required to implement digital banking as previous studies have merely sufficed to introducing its different aspects. Since digital banking is viewed as the future model of banking industry and many banks around the globe are investing in the development of their digital capabilities, designing and implementing a corresponding model can result in further adaptability of banks with emerging necessities of the banking industry. Thus, this article is an effort to identify the prerequisites and facilitators of digital banking through reviewing the current literature and incorporating the views of industry experts. It is a qualitative research with the use of grounded theory, in which unstructured and semi-structures interviews were used for the purpose of data collection. The results show there are seven concepts and three key categories that should be considered in the domain of digital banking.
Impact of Kinect Game on Primary School Students' Mental Computation Speed
Authors: Yilmaz Ozgur , Bayraktar Duygu Mutlu
Published: September 2018

This article investigates the effect of kinesthetic educational game on students' mental computation speed. A Solomon four-group design was used to avoid the influence of pretest-posttest design. In order to determine which grade is appropriate for this game, a pilot study was conducted with 30 students. As for the main study, 123 students participated. First, the group was divided into two as control group and experimental group. The participants of the control group played a computer game while the members of experimental group played a kinesthetic educational game. According to Solomon, using a four-group model the study group was divided into 4 separate groups. The groups were randomly assigned and two of them were applied a pre-test. After the pre-test, in order to measure the attention level of students, a d2 test of attention was applied. The study lasted for 8 weeks in total. At the end of the study, a significant difference was found between the mental computation speeds of the experimental and the control groups. The second significant finding in this study was that there was a difference between the mental computation speeds of students depending on their cognitive characteristics. In other words, students with a low attention level finished the games in a longer period of time in comparison with students who have middle and high attention levels. It was concluded that students with a low attention level have lower mental computation speed. The results suggest that within primary school, Kinect-based exergames can be exploited as effective and motivational learning environments.
A Best-Practice Model of University-Students Relationship Development
Authors: Alqirem Raed Musbah , Alnaimi Husam Mustafa , Shuhaiber Ahmed
Published: September 2018

A university-student relationship has been viewed as a key to the success and continuity of private universities. Although keeping students loyal is a critical objective of relationship marketing, there is a limited theoretical and practical knowledge on which antecedents could be used to achieve this aim. The essence of this research is the development of a more comprehensive model of university-student relationship that could reflect a best practice, on the basis of a review of the literature, and the empirical investigation of this model by using a mixed method of qualitative (focus groups) and quantitative (surveys) approach. By sampling students in one private Jordanian university, results reveal that relationship strength and students' satisfaction can impact students' loyalty towards their universities. In addition, three relational bonds (financial, social and structural) can influence students' satisfaction. Finally, the study indicates academic and in-practice implications within the education sector, and suggests some future research guidelines.
The IoT- and Big Data-Driven Data Analysis Services
Authors: Lokshina Izabella V. , Durkin Barbara J. , Lanting Cees
Published: September 2018

Ubiquitous sensing devices, enabled by wireless sensor network (WSN) technologies, cut across every area of modern day living, affecting individuals and businesses and offering the ability to measure and understand environmental indicators. The proliferation of these devices in a communicating-actuating network creates the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT provides the tools to establish a major global data-driven ecosystem with its emphasis on Big Data. Now business models may focus on the provision of services, i.e., the Internet of Services (IoS). These models assume the presence and development of the necessary IoT measurement and control instruments, communications infrastructure, and easy access to the data collected and information generated. Different business models may support potential opportunities to create revenue and value for various types of customers. This article contributes to the literature by considering, for the first time, business models, strategic implications and business opportunities for third-party data analysis services.
Sustainable Tourism
Authors: Ramirez Cuauhtemoc , Rangel José Ernesto
Published: September 2018

Tourism has become a source of activities that generate income, employment, and economic growth for the countries belonging to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Mechanism (APEC). This article analyzes tourism as a regional economic activity that interacts with the environment, causing positive effects such as the improvement of economic competitiveness; and negative effects, such as tourism overcrowding and degradation of the sites where it is applied. Thus, poor management can destroy the tourism asset on which the activity depends and its future local, regional and global economic-tourist competitiveness.
Organizational Characteristics of B2B E-Commerce Adopters in the Canadian Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Fuksa Michel , Kumar Uma
Published: September 2018

This article presents the results of a research project on the adoption of B2B e-commerce (B2Bec) by Canadian manufacturers. The study provides an analysis of the characteristics of organizations which have adopted B2Bec technologies and attempts to outline the features that differentiate adopters from non-adopters. The results of a preliminary analysis show the existence of three distinct B2Bec adopter types: non-adopters, partial-adopters, and full-adopters. Leadership-related variables appear to be the most important determinants of adoption followed by benefits analysis.