bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Strategy to Ensure Faculty Engagement When Assessing a Concept-Based Curriculum
Authors: Patterson LaDonia D. , Crager J. Michelle , Farmer Amy , Epps Cynthia D. , Schuessler Jenny B.
Published: July 2016

Background:

The faculty of an undergraduate nursing program decided to undertake a major curriculum overhaul, transitioning from a curriculum based on the biomedical model to a concept-based curriculum. However, shortly after the new curriculum was implemented, faculty identified many issues with how and when the concepts were being taught.

Method:

In response to the early implementation issues, a conceptual grid was developed to guide assessment of the new curriculum.

Results:

The conceptual grid provided a framework for assessment of the new concept-based curriculum. By using this approach, the faculty was able to identify and correct curricular issues that impeded student learning.

Conclusion:

The conceptual grid has been extremely useful in the assessment of a newly implemented concept-based curriculum. [
J Nurs Educ
. 2016;55(8):467–470.]
Mobile Applications and Semantic-Web – A case study on Automated Course Management
Authors: Abou El-Seoud Samir , El-Sofany Hosam , Taj-Eddin Islam
Published: July 2016

Different types of e-assessment systems that are recognized at universities and based on the campus wireless have been developed. These systems help the students to use their Mobile Phones as learning media to access the information more easily from anywhere and at any time.  Seppala and Alamaki developed a mobile learning project for teacher training. Their study compared the effectiveness of internet, face-to-face and mobile based instructions.        Al Masri has proposed a study to compare the effective strategy in paper-based assessment with mobile-based assessment for assessing university students in English literature. It has been found that students gained better scores in mobile phone-based test than in paper-based test.  This paper aims to determine and measure the effects of mobile-based assessments on the perception, achievement levels and performance of the students in internet-assisted courses. The main functionalities and features of this paper are: Knowledge evaluation, automatic generation of exams, exam grading, communication, course management, and questions-bank database.
On Mutual Relations amongst Evolutionary Algorithm Dynamics and Its Hidden Complex Network Structures
Authors: Zelinka Ivan
Published: July 2016

In this chapter, we do synthesis of three partially different areas of research: complex networks, evolutionary computation and deterministic chaos. Ideas, results and methodologies reported and mentioned here are based on our previous results and experiments. We report here our latest results as well as propositions on further research that is in process in our group (http://navy.cs.vsb.cz/). In order to understand what is the main idea, lets first discuss an overview of the two main areas: complex networks and evolutionary algorithms.
Artificial Higher Order Neural Network Models
Authors: Zhang Ming
Published: July 2016

This chapter introduces the background of HONN model developing history and overview 24 applied artificial higher order neural network models. This chapter provides 24 HONN models and uses a single uniform HONN architecture for ALL 24 HONN models. This chapter also uses a uniform learning algorithm for all 24 HONN models and uses a uniform weight update formulae for all 24 HONN models. In this chapter, Polynomial HONN, Trigonometric HONN, Sigmoid HONN, SINC HONN, and Ultra High Frequency HONN structure and models are overviewed too.
Hookes-Jeeves-Based Variant of Memetic Algorithm
Authors: Singh Dipti , Deep Kusum
Published: July 2016

Due to their wide applicability and easy implementation, Genetic algorithms (GAs) are preferred to solve many optimization problems over other techniques. When a local search (LS) has been included in Genetic algorithms, it is known as Memetic algorithms. In this chapter, a new variant of single-meme Memetic Algorithm is proposed to improve the efficiency of GA. Though GAs are efficient at finding the global optimum solution of nonlinear optimization problems but usually converge slow and sometimes arrive at premature convergence. On the other hand, LS algorithms are fast but are poor global searchers. To exploit the good qualities of both techniques, they are combined in a way that maximum benefits of both the approaches are reaped. It lets the population of individuals evolve using GA and then applies LS to get the optimal solution. To validate our claims, it is tested on five benchmark problems of dimension 10, 30 and 50 and a comparison between GA and MA has been made.
An Artificial Neural Network Model as the Decision Support System of Ports
Authors: Balas Can Elmar
Published: July 2016

The new feasibility analysis model proposed in this study for coastal projects consists of three interrelated decision support models: 1) Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to determine the rates and capacity of cargo by considering the economical development of hinterland 2) Queuing model to determine the waiting to service time and the berth occupancy ratios by waiting time modeling of ships using discrete queuing simulation 3) Importance Sampling Monte Carlo (ISMC) to simulate ship arrivals/departures from the quays and to estimate income/expenditure parameters of the coastal project. As a case study, the proposed model was applied to the Iskenderun Pier in Turkey and the future loading/unloading cargo rates of pier were predicted by ANN's. The superiorities of this proposed simulation-ANN model to other classical investment planning methods were the inclusion of uncertainties in the investment parameters like the change of cargo and costs variables in time, and the determination of project benefit/cost with an improved accuracy when compared to classical decision support models.
Genetic Algorithms for Small Enterprises Default Prediction
Authors: Gordini Niccolò
Published: July 2016

Company default prediction is a widely studied topic as it has a significant impact on banks and firms. Moreover, nowadays, due to the global financial crisis, there is a need to use even more advanced methods (such as soft computing techniques) which can pick up the signs of financial distress on time to evaluate firms (especially small firms). Thus, the author proposes a Genetic Algorithms (GA) approach (a soft computing technique) and shows how GAs can contribute to small enterprise default prediction modeling. The author applied GAs to a sample of 6,200 Italian small enterprises three years and also one year prior to bankruptcy. Subsequently, a multiple discriminant analysis and a logistic regression (the two main traditional techniques in default prediction modeling) were used to benchmarking GAs. The author's results show that the best prediction results were obtained when using GAs.
Artificial Sine and Cosine Trigonometric Higher Order Neural Networks for Financial Data Prediction
Authors: Zhang Ming
Published: July 2016

This chapter develops two new nonlinear artificial higher order neural network models. They are Sine and Sine Higher Order Neural Networks (SIN-HONN) and Cosine and Cosine Higher Order Neural Networks (COS-HONN). Financial data prediction using SIN-HONN and COS-HONN models are tested. Results show that SIN-HONN and COS-HONN models are good models for financial data prediction compare with Polynomial Higher Order Neural Network (PHONN) and Trigonometric Higher Order Neural Network (THONN) models.
Navigation Control of a Mobile Robot under Time Constraint using Genetic Algorithms, CSP Techniques, and Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Hayet Tlijani , Hatem Tlijani , Jilani Knani
Published: July 2016

This chapter proposes a two-input-and-one-output fuzzy controller for a two-wheeled mobile robot. The robot moves following a hybrid plan based on Genetic Algorithms and Constraint Satisfaction Problem techniques. The path yielded by this hybrid plan is structured by artificial beacons. In each position of these beacons, the current velocity of the controlled robot is by itself an input for the fuzzy controller. The second input is the time delay between the current position and the next sub goal to be reached. The proposed fuzzy controller aims to converge the time delay between positions in the path tracking closely to a time window. It gives the appropriate acceleration so that the time delay becomes closer to the time window.
Multi-Objective Generation Scheduling Using Genetic-Based Fuzzy Mathematical Programming Technique
Authors: Derghal Abdellah , Goléa Noureddine
Published: July 2016

This chapter presents a solution for multi-objective Optimal Power Flow (OPF) problem via a genetic fuzzy formulation algorithm (GA-FMOPF). The OPF problem is formulated as a multiple objective problem subject to physical constraints. The objectives and constraints are modelled as fuzzy mathematical programming problems involving the minimization of the objective function with fuzzy parameters and uncertainties in set of constraints. So the method is capable of representing practical situations in power system operation where the limits on specific variables are soft and the small violations of these limits may be tolerable. Then, genetic algorithm is used in order to seek a feasible optimal solution to the environmental/economic dispatch problem. Illustrative examples are given to clarify the proposed method developed in this manuscript and the performance of this solution approach is evaluated by comparing its results with that of their existing methods.
Comparative Analysis of Statistical, Machine Learning, and Grey Methods for Short-Term Electricity Load Forecasting
Authors: Ozcan Tuncay , Küçükdeniz Tarik , Sezgin Funda Hatice
Published: July 2016

Electricity load forecasting is crucial for electricity generation companies, distributors and other electricity market participants. In this study, several forecasting techniques are applied to time series modeling and forecasting of the hourly loads. Seasonal grey model, support vector regression, random forests, seasonal ARIMA and linear regression are benchmarked on seven data sets. A rolling forecasting model is developed and 24 hours of the next day is predicted for the last 14 days of each data set. This day-ahead forecasting model is especially important in day-ahead market activities and plant scheduling operations. Experimental results indicate that support vector regression and seasonal grey model outperforms other approaches in terms of forecast accuracy for day-ahead load forecasting.
Application of Genetic Algorithm and Back Propagation Neural Network for Effective Personalize Web Search-Based on Clustered Query Sessions
Authors: Chawla Suruchi
Published: July 2016

In this paper novel method is proposed using hybrid of Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Back Propagation (BP) Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for learning of classification of user queries to cluster for effective Personalized Web Search. The GA- BP ANN has been trained offline for classification of input queries and user query session profiles to a specific cluster based on clustered web query sessions. Thus during online web search, trained GA –BP ANN is used for classification of new user queries to a cluster and the selected cluster is used for web page recommendations. This process of classification and recommendations continues till search is effectively personalized to the information need of the user. Experiment was conducted on the data set of web user query sessions to evaluate the effectiveness of Personalized Web Search using GA optimized BP ANN and the results confirm the improvement in the precision of search results.
Stochastic Drought Forecasting Exploration for Water Resources Management in the Upper Tana River Basin, Kenya
Authors: Wambua Raphael M. , Mutua Benedict M. , Raude James M.
Published: July 2016

This chapter presents the trend of drought as a stochastic natural disaster influenced by the climate variability for the upper Tana River basin in Kenya. Drought frequency, duration and intensity in the upper Tana River basin have been increasing over the years. To develop measures for mitigating impacts of drought, the influencing hydro-meteorological parameters and their interaction are necessary. Drought definitions, fundamental concepts of droughts, classification of droughts, types of drought indices, historical droughts and application of artificial neural networks in analyzing impacts of drought on water resources with special focus on a Kenyan river basin is presented. Gaps for more focused research are identified. Although drought forecasting is very vital in managing key sectors such as water, agriculture and hydro-power generation, drought forecasting techniques in Kenya are limited. There is need therefore to develop an effective drought forecasting tool for on-set detection, classification and drought forecasting. The forecasting is necessary for decision making on matters of drought preparedness and proper water resources planning and management.
Critical Role of IL-22/IL22-RA1 Signaling in Pneumococcal Pneumonia
Authors: Trevejo-Nunez Giraldina , Elsegeiny Waleed , Conboy Parker , Chen Kong , Kolls Jay K.
Published: July 2016

IL-22–IL-22R signaling plays a crucial role in regulating host defenses against extracellular pathogens, particularly in the intestine, through the induction of antimicrobial peptides and chemotactic genes. However, the role of IL-22–IL-22R is understudied in Streptococcus pneumoniae lung infection, a prevalent pathogen of pneumonia. This paper presents the findings of IL-22 signaling during a murine model of pneumococcal pneumonia and improvement of bacterial burden upon IL-22 administration. IL-22 was rapidly induced in the lung during pneumococcal infection in wild-type mice, and Il22−/− mice had higher pneumococcal burdens compared with controls. Additionally, mice with hepatic-specific deletion of Il22ra1 also had higher bacterial burdens in lungs compared with littermate controls after intrapulmonary pneumococcal infection, suggesting that IL-22 signaling in the liver is important to control pneumococcal pneumonia. Thus, we hypothesized that enhancement of IL-22 signaling would control pneumococcal burden in lung tissues in an experimental pneumonia model. Administration of rIL-22 systemically to infected wild-type mice decreased bacterial burden in lung and liver at 24 h postinfection. Our in vitro studies also showed that mice treated with IL-22 had increased C3 expression in the liver compared with the isotype control group. Furthermore, serum from mice treated with IL-22 had improved opsonic capacity by increasing C3 binding on S. pneumoniae. Taken together, endogenous IL-22 and hepatic IL-22R signaling play critical roles in controlling pneumococcal lung burden, and systemic IL-22 decreases bacterial burden in the lungs and peripheral organs by potentiating C3 opsonization on bacterial surfaces, through the increase of hepatic C3 expression.
Impact of Lean on patient cycle and waiting times at a rural district hospital in KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Naidoo Logandran , Mahomed Ozayr H.
Published: July 2016

Background: Prolonged waiting time is a source of patient dissatisfaction with health care and is negatively associated with patient satisfaction. Prolonged waiting times in many district hospitals result in many dissatisfied patients, overworked and frustrated staff, and poor quality of care because of the perceived increased workload.Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the impact of Lean principles techniques, and tools on the operational efficiency in the outpatient department (OPD) of a rural district hospital.Setting: The study was conducted at the Catherine Booth Hospital (CBH) – a rural district hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.Methods: This was an action research study with pre-, intermediate-, and post-implementation assessments. Cycle and waiting times were measured by direct observation on two occasions before, approximately two-weekly during, and on two occasions after Lean implementation. A standardised data collection tool was completed by the researcher at each of the six key service nodes in the OPD to capture the waiting times and cycle times.Results: All six service nodes showed a reduction in cycle times and waiting times between the baseline assessment and post-Lean implementation measurement. Significant reduction was achieved in cycle times (27%; p < 0.05) and waiting times (from 11.93 to 10 min; p = 0.03) at the Investigations node. Although the target reduction was not achieved for the Consulting Room node, there was a significant reduction in waiting times from 80.95 to 74.43 min, (p < 0.001). The average efficiency increased from 16.35% (baseline) to 20.13% (post-intervention).Conclusion: The application of Lean principles, tools and techniques provides hospital managers with an evidence-based management approach to resolving problems and improving quality indicators.
The use of intraoperative computed tomography navigation in pituitary surgery promises a better intraoperative orientation in special cases
Authors: Linsler Stefan , Antes Sebastian , Senger Sebastian , Oertel Joachim
Published: July 2016

Objective: The safety of endoscopic skull base surgery can be enhanced by accurate navigation in preoperative computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Here, we report our initial experience of real-time intraoperative CT-guided navigation surgery for pituitary tumors in childhood. Materials and Methods: We report the case of a 15-year-old girl with a huge growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma with supra- and perisellar extension. Furthermore, the skull base was infiltrated. In this case, we performed an endonasal transsphenoidal approach for debulking the adenoma and for chiasma decompression. We used an MRI neuronavigation (Medtronic Stealth Air System) which was registered via intraoperative CT scan (Siemens CT Somatom). Preexisting MRI studies (navigation protocol) were fused with the intraoperative CT scans to enable three-dimensional navigation based on MR and CT imaging data. Intraoperatively, we did a further CT scan for resection control. Results: The intraoperative accuracy of the neuronavigation was excellent. There was an adjustment of <1 mm. The navigation was very helpful for orientation on the destroyed skull base in the sphenoid sinus. After opening the sellar region and tumor debulking, we did a CT scan for resection control because the extent of resection was not credible evaluable in this huge infiltrating adenoma. Thereby, we were able to demonstrate a sufficient decompression of the chiasma and complete resection of the medial part of the adenoma in the intraoperative CT images. Conclusions: The use of intraoperative CT/MRI-guided neuronavigation for transsphenoidal surgery is a time-effective, safe, and technically beneficial technique for special cases.
Tuberculous lymphadenitis: Comparison of cytomorphology, Ziehl–Neelsen staining, and rapid mycobacterial culture at a pediatric superspecialty hospital
Authors: Mahana Sonam , Tomar Reena , Agrawal Rawi , Saksena Rushika , Manchanda Vikas , Gupta Ruchika
Published: July 2016

Background:

To evaluate and compare the role of Ziehl–Neelsen (ZN) staining and mycobacterial culture in diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 56 fine needle aspirations (FNAs) from patients who were clinically suspected to have tuberculous lymphadenitis were included. Acid-fast Bacilli detection was attempted by ZN staining on smears as well as culture on Middlebrook 7H9 broth. Percentage positivity of both smears and culture was calculated.

Results:

Of the 56 cases, 46 showed cytomorphological features consistent with tuberculosis (TB). The most common pattern was only necrosis in 37 cases followed by necrotizing granulomas in 13 cases. ZN-stained smears were positive in 40 cases while culture was positive in only 27 cases. The highest smear and culture positivity was noted in cases with only necrosis. In six cases, diagnosis of TB was made on culture alone since smear was negative in these cases.

Conclusion:

FNA is a reliable technique for early and accurate diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis in many cases. Mycobacterial culture by newer rapid techniques can assist in bacillary detection in smear-negative cases and also allows for drug sensitivity testing. Hence, culture should be resorted to in such cases.
Automatic detection of e-commerce availability from web data
Authors: Blazquez Desamparados , Domenech Josep , Gil José A. , Pont Ana
Published: July 2016

In the transition to the digital economy, the implementation of e-commerce strategies contributes to foster economic growth and obtain competitive advantages. Indeed, national and supranational statistics offices monitor the adoption of e-commerce solutions by conducting periodic surveys to businesses. However, the information about e-commerce adoption is often available online in each company corporate website, which is usually public and suitable for being automatically retrieved and processed.In this context, this work proposes and develops an intelligent system for automatically detecting and monitoring e-commerce availability by analyzing data retrieved from corporate websites. This system combines web scraping techniques with some learning methods for Big Data, and has been evaluated with a data set consisting of 426 corporate websites of manufacturing firms based in France and Spain.Results show that the proposed model reaches a classification precision of about 85% in the test set. A more detailed analysis evidences that websites with e-commerce tend to include some specific keywords and have a private area. Our proposal opens up the opportunity to monitor e-commerce adoption at a large scale, with highly granular information that otherwise would have required every firm to complete a survey.
ETLAnow: A Model for Forecasting with Big Data
Authors: Tuhkuri Joonas
Published: July 2016

In this paper we document the ETLAnow project. ETLAnow is a model for forecasting with big data. At the moment, it predicts the unemployment rate in the EU-28 countries using Google search data. The model is publicly available at the ETLAnow’s website, http://www.etlanow.eu. The forecast model is based on the idea that volumes of Google searches could be associated with the current and future level of an economic index. And these data are available earlier than official statistics. The motivation for our approach is that big data could help produce more accurate economic forecasts. Those forecasts would inform better policy and decisions, and help real people—especially during an economic crisis.
Modelación física y numérica de aliviaderos en laberinto con fondo poliédrico
Authors: San Mauro J. , Salazar F. , Toledo M. Á. , Caballero F. J. , Ponce-Farfán C. , Ramos T.
Published: July 2016

Un número importante de presas en España deben ampliar sus aliviaderos para cumplir criterios de seguridad distintos a los de su construcción. En este contexto, cobran interés soluciones de aliviaderos no convencionales como los aliviaderos en laberinto, que permiten aumentar la capacidad de desagüe de estructuras existentes con una inversión moderada. Para la optimización del diseño de este tipo de aliviaderos se desarrolla el proyecto POLILAB, en cuyo marco se llevaron a cabo las campañas de modelación física y numérica que se exponen en este artículo. Se describen los resultados más relevantes en lo relativo a la inclusión de fondos poliédricos en aliviaderos en laberinto como refuerzo estructural, contemplando además las modificaciones que implican con respecto a soluciones en laberinto con fondo plano, en lo relativo a capacidad de desagüe, patrón de flujo y acciones hidrodinámicas sobre los contornos del laberinto.
Radiative effects of inter-annually varying versus inter-annually
invariant aerosol emissions from fires
Authors: Grandey Benjamin S. , Lee Hsiang-He , Wang Chien
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Open-burning fires play an important role in the Earth's climate system. In addition to contributing a substantial fraction of global emissions of carbon dioxide, they are also a major source of atmospheric aerosols such as organic carbon, black carbon, and sulphate. These "fire aerosols" can influence the climate via both direct and indirect radiative effects. In this study, we investigate these radiative effects and the hydrological fast response using the Community Atmosphere Model version 5 (CAM5). Emissions of fire aerosols exert a global mean net radiative effect of −1.0 W m−2, dominated by the cloud shortwave response to organic carbon aerosol. The net radiative effect is particularly strong over boreal regions. By comparing simulations using inter-annually varying versus inter-annually invariant emissions, we find that ignoring the inter-annual variability of the emissions can lead to systematic overestimation of the strength of the net radiative effect of the fire aerosols. Globally, the overestimation is +23 % (−0.2 W m−2). Regionally, the overestimation can be substantially larger. For example, over Australia and New Zealand the overestimation is +58 % (−1.2 W m−2), while over Boreal Asia the overestimation is +43 % (−1.9 W m−2). The systematic overestimation of the net radiative effect of the fire aerosols is likely due to the non-linear influence of aerosols on clouds. However, ignoring inter-annual variability in the emissions does not appear to significantly impact the hydrological fast response. In order to improve understanding of the climate system, we need to more accurately quantify the effects of aerosols, taking into account important characteristics such as inter-annual variability.
Wildfire influences on the variability and trend of summer surface ozone in the
mountainous western United States
Authors: Lu Xiao , Zhang Lin , Yue Xu , Zhang Jiachen , Jaffe Daniel A. , Stohl Andreas , Zhao Yuanhong , Shao Jingyuan
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Increasing wildfire activities in the mountainous western US may present a challenge for the region to attain a recently revised ozone air quality standard in summer. Using current Eulerian chemical transport models to examine the wildfire ozone influences is difficult due to uncertainties in fire emissions, inadequate model chemistry and resolution. Here we quantify the wildfire influence on the ozone variability, trends, and number of high MDA8 (daily maximum 8-h average) ozone days over this region in summers (June, July and August) 1989–2010 using a new approach. We define a Fire Index using retroplumes (plumes of back-trajectory particles) computed by a Lagrangian dispersion model (FLEXPART), and develop statistical models based on the Fire Index and meteorological parameters to interpret MDA8 ozone concentrations measured at 13 Intermountain West surface sites. We show that the statistical models are able to capture the ozone enhancements by wildfires and give results with some features different from the GEOS-Chem Eulerian chemical transport model. Wildfires enhance the Intermountain West regional summer mean MDA8 ozone by 0.3–1.5 ppbv (daily episodic enhancements reach 10–20 ppbv at individual sites) with large interannual variability, which are strongly correlated with the total MDA8 ozone. Wildfires also contribute 15 % of the measured increasing but statistically insignificant trends of 0.14–0.19 ppbv year−1 in 1989–2010. We find large fire impacts on the number of exceedance days; for the 13 CASTNet sites, 31 % of the summer days with MDA8 ozone exceeding 70 ppbv would not occur in the absence of wildfires.
A surface reflectance scheme for retrieving aerosol optical depth over urban
surfaces in MODIS Dark Target retrieval algorithm
Authors: Gupta Pawan , Levy Robert C. , Mattoo Shana , Remer Lorraine A. , Munchak Leigh A.
Published: July 2016

Abstract. The MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments, aboard the two Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites Terra and Aqua, provide aerosol information with nearly daily global coverage at moderate spatial resolution (10 and 3 km). Almost 15 years of aerosol data records are now available from MODIS that can be used for various climate and air-quality applications. However, the application of MODIS aerosol products for air-quality concerns is limited by a reduction in retrieval accuracy over urban surfaces. This is largely because the urban surface reflectance behaves differently than that assumed for natural surfaces. In this study, we address the inaccuracies produced by the MODIS Dark Target (MDT) algorithm aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrievals over urban areas and suggest improvements by modifying the surface reflectance scheme in the algorithm. By integrating MODIS Land Surface Reflectance and Land Cover Type information into the aerosol surface parameterization scheme for urban areas, much of the issues associated with the standard algorithm have been mitigated for our test region, the continental United States (CONUS). The new surface scheme takes into account the change in underlying surface type and is only applied for MODIS pixels with urban percentage (UP) larger than 20 %. Over the urban areas where the new scheme has been applied (UP > 20 %), the number of AOD retrievals falling within expected error (EE %) has increased by 20 %, and the strong positive bias against ground-based sun photometry has been eliminated. However, we note that the new retrieval introduces a small negative bias for AOD values less than 0.1 due to the ultra-sensitivity of the AOD retrieval to the surface parameterization under low atmospheric aerosol loadings. Global application of the new urban surface parameterization appears promising, but further research and analysis are required before global implementation.
Observed and simulated full-depth ocean heat-content changes for 1970–2005
Authors: Cheng Lijing , Trenberth Kevin E. , Palmer Matthew D. , Zhu Jiang , Abraham John P.
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Greenhouse-gas emissions have created a planetary energy imbalance that is primarily manifested by increasing ocean heat content (OHC). Updated observational estimates of full-depth OHC change since 1970 are presented that account for recent advancements in reducing observation errors and biases. The full-depth OHC has increased by 0.74 [0.68, 0.80]  ×  1022 J yr−1 (0.46 Wm−2) and 1.22 [1.16–1.29]  ×  1022 J yr−1 (0.75 Wm−2) for 1970–2005 and 1992–2005, respectively, with a 5 to 95 % confidence interval of the median. The CMIP5 models show large spread in OHC changes, suggesting that some models are not state-of-the-art and require further improvements. However, the ensemble median has excellent agreement with our observational estimate: 0.68 [0.54–0.82]  ×  1022 J yr−1 (0.42 Wm−2) from 1970 to 2005 and 1.25 [1.10–1.41]  ×  1022 J yr−1 (0.77 Wm−2) from 1992 to 2005. These results increase confidence in both the observational and model estimates to quantify and study changes in Earth's energy imbalance over the historical period. We suggest that OHC be a fundamental metric for climate model validation and evaluation, especially for forced changes (decadal timescales).
PREPARATION AND PROPERTIES STUDIES OF HALOGEN-FREE FLAME RETARDANT STYRENE–BUTADIENE RUBBER BASED ON APP AND PUMAPP
Authors: Qiao Zhihua , Li Ruimin , Zhang Li , Zhang Di
Published: July 2016

Microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate with polyurethane resin (PUMAPP) was prepared by in situ polymerization and was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The particle's water solubility was decreased through the microencapsulation of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) with the polyurethane resin. The flame retardation of APP/pentaerythritol (PER) and PUMAPP/PER flame retarded styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) composites was studied using limiting oxygen index and UL-94 tests, and the thermal stability was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis and microscale combustion colorimeter. Results demonstrated that the flame retardancy of the SBR/PUMAPP/PER composites was better than that of the SBR/APP/PER composites at the same additive loading. The water-resistant properties of the SBR composites containing PUMAPP and APP were also studied. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry were used to analyze the morphological structure and the component of the residue chars formed from the SBR composites accordingly, and the mechanical properties of the materials were also studied.
The Shift Invariant Discrete Wavelet Transform (SIDWT) with Inflation Time Series Application
Authors: Suparti Suparti , Caraka Rezzy Eko , Warsito Budi , Yasin Hasbi
Published: July 2016

Analysis of time series used in many areas, one of which is in the field economy. In this research using time series on inflation using Shift Invariant Discrete Wavelet Transform (SIDWT).Time series decomposition using transformation wavelet namely SIDWT with Haar filter and D4. Results of the transformation, coefficient of drag coefficient wavelet and scale that is used for modeling time series. Modeling done by using Multiscale Autoregressive (MAR). In a certain area, inflation to it is an important that he had made the standard-bearer of economic well-being of society, the factors Directors investors in selecting a kind of investment, and the determining factor for the government to formulate policy fiscal, monetary, as well as non-monetary that will be applied. Inflation can be analyzed using methods Shift Invariant Discrete Wavelet Transform (SIDWT) which had been modeled for them to use Mulitiscale Autoregressive (MAR) with the R2 value 93.62%.
A General Family of Fibonacci-Type Squences
Authors: Nanhongkai Suriya , Leerawat Utsanee
Published: July 2016

In this work, we introduce a further generalization of the Fibonacci-type sequence, namely, generalized Fibonacci-type sequence. We also provide the general solution of nonhomogeneous generalized Fibonacci-type sequence, which can be expressed in terms of the Fibonacci-type numbers.
Some Fixed Point Theorems in Complete Dislocated Quasi-b-metric Space
Authors: Wu Hao , Wu Dingping
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we main introduced some concepts and Ciric cyclic fixed point theorem in the complete dislocated quasi-b-metric space. We also can improve some fixed point theorems by Ciric cyclic fixed point theorem such as Kannan cyclic fixed point theorem.  It is consist with [Klin-Eam. C, 2016]. Our results for such space consist with the metric space. And our theorems generalization and extend some results in the literature.
The Proof for A Convergent Integral and Another Nonzero Integral--Respectively Using the Riemann Zeta Function and the Trigonometric Sums
Authors: Wu Hao-Cong
Published: July 2016

In this paper, there are the applications of the main inequalities, and show how to use the analytic properties of the Zeta function and the Laplace transform to prove the convergence of the desired integral. In addition, show how to use the trigonometric sums and the mathematical induction with the method of infinite descent to prove the non-zero value of another integral. In this way, we can obtain the important proofs concerning the Riemann Zeta function and the sum of two primes.
Preliminary investigations into the slime moulds (Myxogastria) in the “Bory Tucholskie” National Park
Authors: Salamaga Agnieszka , Grzesiak Barbara , Wolski Grzegorz Jakub , Kochanowska Magdalena , Kochanowski Janusz
Published: July 2016

Field investigations into slime moulds were conducted in the “Bory Tucholskie” National Park in 2014. These were preliminary inventory studies, as research into myxogastria had not been conducted previously in this area. A total of 34 taxa (32 species, 2 varieties) belonging to 16 genera were identified. Of them, Stemonitopsis amoena (Nann.-Bremek.) Nann.-Bremek. is a species new to the biota of Poland. The taxon Symphytocarpus flaccidus is on the red list of slime mould rare in Poland. Localities of two species – Cribraria languescens Rex and C. pertenuis Flatau & Schirmer, were recorded in Poland for the second time.
Microencapsulation of L. acidophilus NRRL B-4495 in whey Protein-Pullulan Microparticles: Influence of Pullulan Concentration and Outlet Temperature
Authors: Çabuk Burcu , Tellioglu Harsa Sebnem
Published: July 2016

Spray drying technique is one of the oldest methods adapted to many industrial areas to protect bioactive components. In this study, pH and heat tolerance of encapsulated probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus NRRL B-4495 cells were investigated. Additionally, influence of process conditions including outlet temperature and pullulan concentration on spray drying process was observed. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that incorporation of pullulan higher than 2.0 % in wall matrix created huge amount of fibrous particles. Spherical microcapsules having smooth surface were formed with 2.0 % pullulan (WPI-pullulan4.5:1) formulation leading to an improvement of barrier properties of microcapsules. Moreover, incorporation of pullulan improved the survival rate to 94.21 % after spray drying. Results suggested that decreasing outlet temperature exhibited much higher cell survivals up to 92.68 %. However, between outlet temperatures, significant differences (p≤0.05) in moisture content and recovery of final product indicated that more effective encapsulation of L. acidophilus NRRL B-4495 cells was achieved at 50 °C. During spray drying, due to dehydration and high heat, cytoplasmic membrane of bacterial cells undergo damage and therefore, microencapsulation in WPI-pullulan blend by spray drying provided the highest survival against heat stress at 45 ºC. Moreover results showed that encapsulated cells survived at minimum desired level (7 log CFU/g) at pH 2.0 in contrast to free cells.
The Gut Microbiota and Epigenetics
Authors: Lundstrom Kenneth
Published: July 2016

The human gut microbiota presents a strong influence on health and disease development. Metagenomic analysis has revealed the importance of the interaction between the genomes of food, gut microbiota and the host. Also, the establishment of humanized mouse gut microbiota in appropriate animal models has further contributed to the understanding of its function. The composition of the gut microbiota presents a significant impact on the risk of disease development supported by findings of substantial individual variations. Many low molecular weight bacterial substances have been indicated to affect chromatin remodeling, regulation of apoptosis, cellular differentiation and inflammation. The gut microbiota has also been linked to the etiology of cancer because of how it can alter dietary exposures. Furthermore, microbial metabolites have been associated with epigenetic modifications, reversible heritable changes in gene expression without alterations in the primary DNA sequence, which may influence the risk of various cancers and other diseases. As many microbial metabolites are absorbed into systemic circulation, gene expression might also be affected in distal regions of the gut. Therefore, the interaction of dietary intake, gut microbiota and epigenetic modifications plays an important role in disease risk, development and prevention.
Potential Benefits of Probiotics for Preterm Infants: A Review
Authors: Sarkar S.
Published: July 2016

Preterm infants are particularly susceptible to abnormal colonization and are therefore prone to systemic infections due to increased intestinal permeability to potentially pathogens. Abnormal pattern of colonization in pre-term infants may contribute to the pathogenesis of neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), an acquired gastrointestinal (GI) disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Introduction of foods containing probiotic cultures may be advantageous as probiotics prevented gut colonization by abnormal flora. Endeavour has been made to explore the mechanism of gut colonization, suitability of breast milk for preterm infants, effect of administration of probiotics to preterm infants and its safety concerns. Human milk is also suitable for the management of premature infants but fortified breast milk may be a preferred choice and not the pooled pasteurized breast milk. Based upon Randomized Controlled Trials administration of probiotic in preterm infants with a birth weight >1000 g could be recommended due to significantly reduction in incidence of NEC and no systemic infections or serious adverse events was reported. Administration of probiotics in preterm neonates is recommended but further research is emerging for its routine application. Probiotic supplementation in preterm neonates exhibited good safety profile and did not show any side effects and can be recommended for preterm infants but not for extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants [1, 2].
On the Wave Energy Assessment in the South China Sea
Authors: Osinowo Ayodotun , Lin Xiaopei , Dongliang Zhao , Zhifeng Wang
Published: July 2016

This paper presents a thirty year (1976-2005) assessment of wave energy resource within the South China Sea (SCS) by simulation. Significant wave height (SWH) between simulation and observation shows good agreement. This shows the reliability of an along-side simulated wave period in estimating wave energy in the SCS. Results show that estimates of wave power density are more reliable in the north-central SCS and most sufficient during winter. The annual mean wave power density peaked at 12.7kW/m and 12.9kW/m during years 1986 and 1999 respectively while the highest seasonal mean of 29kW/m occurred in year 1999 during winter. The wave power density is most stable in winter and is generally more stable in offshore regions of SCS. Wave power density is most stable in years 1976, 1997 and 2004 with stability values of 1.96, 1.98 and 1.9 respectively. The stability value of 0.9 in year 1980 is the greatest in the winter of all years. Relative-rich energy regions occupy the largest area during winter. The relatively richest energy is generally concentrated in the central and north-central SCS. No area is identified as a relative-rich energy region during spring. Winter 1999 has the highest relative-rich energy with value of 37kW/m.
Highly Hydrophilic Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile/ Polyvinypyrro-lidone Nanofibers Incorporated with Gentamicin as Filter Medium for Dam Water and Wastewater Treatment
Authors: R. Alharbi Abdulaziz , M. Alarifi Ibrahim , S. Khan Waseem , Asmatulu Ramazan
Published: July 2016

The need for advancement in filtration technology has spurred attention to advanced materials, such as electrospun nanofiber membranes, for providing clean water at a low cost with minimum initial investment. Polymer nanofibers can be fabricated by using different techniques, such as template synthesis, self-assembly, drawing, phase separation, and electrospinning. Due to its distinctive properties, electrospinning has become a method of choice for fabricating nanofiber membranes quickly with minimal investment. In this study, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) was dissolved in dimethylformamide (DMF), and different weight percentages of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and gentamicin sulfate powder were added to the solution to fabricate nanomembranes via the electrospinning process. Gentamicin was added to remove bacteria and viruses and prevent fouling, while PVP was added to make the surface of the membrane hydrophilic for enhancing the filtration rate and efficiency. Two water samples were chosen for the filtration processes: dam water and city wastewater. For the dam water sample, PH, turbidity, TDS, Ca++, Mg++, sulfates, nitrates, fluoride, chloride, alkalinity and silica were reduced to +3.64%, 89.6%, 6.52%, 10.5%, 9.96%, 5.16%, 17%, 19.5%, 6.63%, 1.43% and 63.5% respectively. The total coliforms and E. coli content were reduced to 4.1 MPN/100ml and 0 MPN/100ml, respectively with PAN containing 10 wt. % PVP and 5 wt. % Gentamicin. For wastewater sample, PH, turbidity, TDS, TSS, BODs, phosphate, ammonia, oil-greases and DO were reduced to + 3.62%, 79%, 6.33%, 84%, 68%, 1.70%, 15.8%, 0% and 6% respectively. The total coliforms and E. coli content were also lowered to 980 MPN/100ml and 1119.9 MPN/100ml, respectively with PAN containing 10 wt. % PVP and 5 wt. % Gentamicin. The morphology and dimensions of the nanofibers were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Both SEM and microscopic images of the nanomembrane before and after filtration proved that electrospun PAN nanofibers have superior water filtration performance.
Nanofiltration Hollow Fiber Membranes Made from Sulfonated Polysulfone having a Cyanophenylene Group
Authors: Higashi Masao , Nakao Takahito , Morita Junsuke , Kitagawa Tooru
Published: July 2016

A nanofiltration hollow fiber membrane made from sulfonated polysulfone was proposed in this work to meet the demands of having tolerance against chemicals. The sulfonate group in the molecule is a source of highly hydrophilic properties and may increase the inter-molecular force acting between molecules on which it is attached. It also contributes to forming a tight structure in the membrane. The membrane may produce higher water flux than those of commercially available nanofiltration membranes made from polyamides. The state of water in the wet membrane was examined with a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer. The bonding force to confine water molecules in the membrane may be considered to control the water flux and salt rejection of membranes. It is revealed that there were two kinds of water in the membrane and the salt rejection was raised when the interaction to the water molecules from sulfonate groups in the sulfonated polysulfone molecule was increased. The salt rejection and water flux is highly correlated with the chemical shift of constrained water.
Dehydration of Organic Solutions by a Recirculated Air Sweep Pervaporation Process Using Anion-Exchange Hollow Fibers
Authors: Korngold Emanuel , Zisner Elisheva , (Tuvia) Bejerano Tony
Published: July 2016

An air sweep pervaporation process with thin anion-exchange hollow fibers was investigated for various water-organic solvent mixtures at different operating conditions. It was found that flux and separation factor increased with a decrease of the dielectric constant of the organic solvent. When the temperature of the process was increased, the flux increased. At feed temperatures of 65–70°C it was possible to reduce the water concentration in a 3–10% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution to 0.5%. The energy requirement for decreasing the water concentration in IPA from 3–10% to 0.5% was 100–225 kWh ton-1.
Filtering Brackish Water by Photovoltaic-Powered Membrane
Authors: Wei Guo Kelvii , Yuen Tam Hon
Published: July 2016

Photovoltaic-powered membrane was taken to filter brackish water. Effect of ammonia concentration, pressure and salinity on ammonia and total dissolved solids (TDS) removal, water recovery and energy consumption had been investigated.
Results show that ammonia concentration did not influence ammonia and TDS removal, water recovery, and energy consumption obviously. Results of ammonia concentration of 10, 20 and 35 mg/l were similar to that of 5 mg/l. For salinity, the better filtration was achieved when the concentration of salinity was lower. With increment of pressure, ammonia and TDS removal increased simultaneously. The ammonia and TDS removal of more than 98% attained with the water recovery of 40.6% at the energy consumption of 2.0 kWh/m3.
It illustrates that salinity and pressure were definitely crucial to brackish water filtration with photovoltaic-powered membrane.