bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Balancing Assessment with “In-Service Practical Training”: A Case Report on Collaborative Curriculum Design for Delivery in the Practice Setting
Authors: Roche Cicely , Flood Michelle , Lynch Matthew , Sahm Laura J.
Published: July 2019

Three Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Ireland are accredited to provide education and training, successful completion of which, entitles one to register as a pharmacist with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI). Legislation (2014) mandated that these HEIs replace their existing structure (four-year degree followed by a one-year internship), with a five-year ‘integrated Master’s programme’. Integration includes ‘in-service practical training’ (placement) at the beginning of Year 4 (four months), and the end of Year 5 (eight months). Year 4 placements do not have to be ‘patient-facing’. Students receive a Bachelor’s degree at the end of Year 4. The Affiliation for Pharmacy Practice Experiential Learning (APPEL), established by the HEIs, manages student placements, training establishments, preceptor training, the preceptors’ competency assessment process, and the virtual learning environment (VLE) that enables delivery of co-developed online modules aligned with placements in Years 4 and 5. This case report aims to describe the process by which this integration has taken place across and within these HEIs and the challenges faced by educators, students, preceptors, and other stakeholders along the way.
Embodied AI beyond Embodied Cognition and Enactivism
Authors: Manzotti Riccardo
Published: July 2019

Over the last three decades, the rise of embodied cognition (EC) articulated in various schools (or versions) of embodied, embedded, extended and enacted cognition (Gallagher’s 4E) has offered AI a way out of traditional computationalism—an approach (or an understanding) loosely referred to as embodied AI. This view has split into various branches ranging from a weak form on the brink of functionalism (loosely represented by Clarks’ parity principle) to a strong form (often corresponding to autopoietic-friendly enactivism) suggesting that body–world interactions constitute cognition. From an ontological perspective, however, constitution is a problematic notion with no obvious empirical or technical advantages. This paper discusses the ontological issues of these two approaches in regard to embodied AI and its ontological commitments: circularity, epiphenomenalism, mentalism, and disguised dualism. The paper also outlines an even more radical approach that may offer some ontological advantages. The new approach, called the mind-object identity, is then briefly compared with sensorimotor direct realism and with the embodied identity theory.
Unveiling Temporal Nonlinear Structure–Rheology Relationships under Dynamic Shearing
Authors: Lee Johnny Ching-Wei , Porcar Lionel , Rogers Simon A.
Published: July 2019

Understanding how microscopic rearrangements manifest in macroscopic flow responses is one of the central goals of nonlinear rheological studies. Using the sequence-of-physical-processes framework, we present a natural 3D structure–rheology space that temporally correlates the structural and nonlinear viscoelastic parameters. Exploiting the rheo-small-angle neutron scattering (rheo-SANS) techniques, we demonstrate the use of the framework with a model system of polymer-like micelles (PLMs), where we unveil a sequence of microscopic events that micelles experience under dynamic shearing across a range of frequencies. The least-aligned state of the PLMs is observed to migrate from the total strain extreme toward zero strain with increasing frequency. Our proposed 3D space is generic, and can be equally applied to other soft materials under any sort of deformation, such as startup shear or uniaxial extension. This work therefore provides a natural approach for researchers to study complex out-of-equilibrium structure–rheology relationships of soft materials.
Effect of Dissolved Organic Matter on Agglomeration and Removal of CuO Nanoparticles by Coagulation
Authors: Khan Rizwan , Inam Muhammad Ali , Akram Muhammad , Uddin Ahmed , Khan Sarfaraz , Yeom Ick Tae
Published: July 2019

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), such as copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs), are emerging as pollutants extensively used in many commercial and industrial applications, thus raising environmental concerns due to their release into water bodies. It is, therefore, essential to remove these pollutants from water bodies in order to minimize the potential threat to the aquatic environment and human health. The objective of this study was to investigate the removal of CuO NPs from waters by the coagulation process. This study also explored the efficiency of coagulation to remove hydrophobic/hydrophilic dissolved organic matter (DOM) and turbidity with varying polyaluminum chloride (PACl) doses. According to the results, a high concentration of DOM affects both the CuO NPs zeta potential and hydrodynamic diameter, thereby decreasing the agglomeration behavior. At effective coagulation zone (ECR), high removal of CuO NPs (>95%) was observed for all studied waters (hydrophobic and hydrophilic waters), above ECR excess charge induced by coagulant restabilized particles in solution. Furthermore, waters containing hydrophobic DOM and those with high UV254nm values needed more coagulant dose than hydrophilic waters to obtain similar CuO NP removals. The primary mechanism involved in CuO NPs removal might be charge neutralization. These findings suggest that PACl is an effective coagulant in the removal of CuO NPs; however, water characteristics are an influencing factor on the removal performance of ENMs during the coagulation process.
Prospects for a Postsecular Heritage Practice: Convergences between Posthumanism and Popular Religious Practice in Asia
Authors: Byrne Denis
Published: July 2019

By failing to document popular belief in the supernatural attributes of religious sites and by drawing up conservation management plans that fail to attend to such beliefs, current heritage regimes effectively perform a secular translation of them. I argue that the posthuman turn in the humanities and social sciences, and in particular its openness to forms of agency, vibrancy and vitality in the object world, offers prospects for a kind of heritage practice newly comfortable with the vibrancy that belief in the supernatural lends to the things of popular religion. Focusing on the material heritage of popular religion in Asia—in particular in China and Southeast Asia—attitudes of devotees to the rebuilding of temples and shrines are examined. Practices of rebuilding and restoration come to be seen as a form of worship. While ontological differences between worshipers and heritage practitioners remain, it is possible to be positive about the prospects for a postsecular heritage practice precisely because the rationalist authority of established practice is so under challenge by the counter discourses of posthumanism, the new materialism, and related streams of thought.
Big Five Personality Traits and Life Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Religiosity
Authors: Szcześniak Małgorzata , Sopińska Blanka , Kroplewski Zdzisław
Published: July 2019

Extensive empirical research conducted up till now has confirmed that personality represents one of the most significant predictors of life satisfaction. Still, no studies to date have empirically tested the path of influence from personality traits to religiosity and the effects of both on life satisfaction/positivity within the same model. In the current study, we aimed to verify whether the relationship between personality and satisfaction/positivity was mediated by religiousness, as it is considered motivational in nature. The sample consisted of 213 participants (72% women) aged between 18 and 75. The average age was approx. 32. We used the following tools: the NEO Five Factor Inventory, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Positivity Scale, the Personal Religiousness Scale, and the Intensity of Religious Attitude Scale. Our hypotheses (H1 and H2) found their confirmation to a large degree. In fact, life satisfaction positively correlated with extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Moreover, life satisfaction negatively correlated with neuroticism. A similar pattern of results, even slightly stronger, was found in the case of positivity and personality traits. Contrary to our assumptions, neither life satisfaction nor positivity correlated with openness to experience. Extraversion and agreeableness correlated positively with religious attitude, personal religiousness and its four dimensions. Conscientiousness correlated positively only with faith, personal religiousness, and religious attitude. We also found negative and significant correlations between openness and all of the dimensions of personal religiousness. A lack of correlation was found between: (1) neuroticism and all of the dimensions of religiosity; (2) conscientiousness and religious practices, and religious self. Our research offers a contribution to the field by providing evidence that some personality traits predict life satisfaction/positivity because respondents display a personal religiousness/religious attitude.
Upscaling Gross Primary Production in Corn-Soybean Rotation Systems in the Midwest
Authors: Dold Christian , Hatfield Jerry L. , Prueger John H. , Moorman Tom B. , Sauer Tom J. , Cosh Michael H. , Drewry Darren T. , Wacha Ken M.
Published: July 2019

The Midwestern US is dominated by corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) production, and the carbon dynamics of this region are dominated by these production systems. An accurate regional estimate of gross primary production (GPP) is imperative and requires upscaling approaches. The aim of this study was to upscale corn and soybean GPP (referred to as GPPcalc) in four counties in Central Iowa in the 2016 growing season (DOY 145–269). Eight eddy-covariance (EC) stations recorded carbon dioxide fluxes of corn (n = 4) and soybean (n = 4), and net ecosystem production (NEP) was partitioned into GPP and ecosystem respiration (RE). Additional field-measured NDVI was used to calculate radiation use efficiency (RUEmax). GPPcalc was calculated using 16 MODIS satellite images, ground-based RUEmax and meteorological data, and improved land use maps. Seasonal NEP, GPP, and RE ( x ¯ ± SE) were 678 ± 63, 1483 ± 100, and −805 ± 40 g C m−2 for corn, and 263 ± 40, 811 ± 53, and −548 ± 14 g C m−2 for soybean, respectively. Field-measured NDVI aligned well with MODIS fPAR (R2 = 0.99), and the calculated RUEmax was 3.24 and 1.90 g C MJ−1 for corn and soybean, respectively. The GPPcalc vs. EC-derived GPP had a RMSE of 2.24 and 2.81 g C m−2 d−1, for corn and soybean, respectively, which is an improvement to the GPPMODIS product (2.44 and 3.30 g C m−2 d−1, respectively). Corn yield, calculated from GPPcalc (12.82 ± 0.65 Mg ha−1), corresponded well to official yield data (13.09 ± 0.09 Mg ha−1), while soybean yield was overestimated (6.73 ± 0.27 vs. 4.03 ± 0.04 Mg ha−1). The approach presented has the potential to increase the accuracy of regional corn and soybean GPP and grain yield estimates by integrating field-based flux estimates with remote sensing reflectance observations and high-resolution land use maps.
Editorial for the Special Issue “Remote Sensing of Target Detection in Marine Environment”
Authors: Nunziata Ferdinando , Marino Armando , Velotto Domenico
Published: July 2019

Remote sensing is a powerful tool used to obtain an unprecedented amount of information about the ocean from a distance, usually from satellites or aircrafts [...]
An Emergency Seamless Positioning Technique Based on ad hoc UWB Networking Using Robust EKF
Authors: Han Houzeng , Wang Jian , Liu Fei , Zhang Jixian , Yang Deng , Li Binghao
Published: July 2019

In this paper, a new emergency positioning technique is proposed based on ad hoc GNSS/UWB (Global Navigation Satellite System/Ultra-Wideband) network. The main innovations of the program are reflected in two aspects. First of all, a unified coordinate frame for indoor and outdoor environments is constructed dynamically with GNSS/UWB integration. In the outdoor environments, the high accuracy positioning can be achieved with GNSS/UWB equipment. The high-accuracy indoor coordinate is obtained by measuring the range observations between adjacent network nodes and outdoor GNSS/UWB nodes, and the range information of the UWB network is transmitted to the cloud server center. A network adjustment algorithm is proposed to improve the positioning accuracy of the UWB network. Secondly, a UWB indoor location algorithm based on robust EKF (Extended Kalman Filter) is proposed. By analyzing the transfer characteristics of gross error in EKF model, a new robust EKF model is established. The model is constructed based on the statistical characteristics of redundant observation components and prediction residual. The robust equivalent gain matrix is constructed, and the robust positioning solution of UWB is obtained with iteration. The global test is carried out first to further improve the real-time operation efficiency. Finally, a field indoor and outdoor seamless positioning experiment was carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The results show that the positioning accuracy of UWB emergency network nodes (anchors) can reach 0.35 m. Based on the network, the positioning accuracy of the tag can reach 0.38 m by applying the improved robust EKF positioning algorithm, which is improved by 20.83% and 73.43% compared with standard EKF and least square method, respectively.
Development of an Embedded Myokinetic Prosthetic Hand Controller
Authors: Clemente Francesco , Ianniciello Valerio , Gherardini Marta , Cipriani Christian
Published: July 2019

The quest for an intuitive and physiologically appropriate human machine interface for the control of dexterous prostheses is far from being completed. In the last decade, much effort has been dedicated to explore innovative control strategies based on the electrical signals generated by the muscles during contraction. In contrast, a novel approach, dubbed myokinetic interface, derives the control signals from the localization of multiple magnetic markers (MMs) directly implanted into the residual muscles of the amputee. Building on this idea, here we present an embedded system based on 32 magnetic field sensors and a real time computation platform. We demonstrate that the platform can simultaneously localize in real-time up to five MMs in an anatomically relevant workspace. The system proved highly linear (R2 = 0.99) and precise (1% repeatability), yet exhibiting short computation times (4 ms) and limited cross talk errors (10% the mean stroke of the magnets). Compared to a previous PC implementation, the system exhibited similar precision and accuracy, while being ~75% faster. These results proved for the first time the viability of using an embedded system for magnet localization. They also suggest that, by using an adequate number of sensors, it is possible to increase the number of simultaneously tracked MMs while introducing delays that are not perceivable by the human operator. This could allow to control more degrees of freedom than those controllable with current technologies.
An IoT-Based Anonymous Function for Security and Privacy in Healthcare Sensor Networks
Authors: Yin Xiao Chun , Liu Zeng Guang , Ndibanje Bruce , Nkenyereye Lewis , Riazul Islam S. M.
Published: July 2019

In the age of the Internet of Things, connected devices are changing the delivery system in the healthcare communication environment. With the integration of IoT in healthcare, there is a huge potential for improvement of the quality, safety, and efficiency of health care in addition to promising technological, economical, and social prospects. Nevertheless, this integration comes with security risks such as data breach that might be caused by credential-stealing malware. In addition, the patient valuable data can be disclosed when the perspective devices are compromised since they are connected to the internet. Hence, security has become an essential part of today’s computing world regarding the ubiquitous nature of the IoT entities in general and IoT-based healthcare in particular. In this paper, research on the algorithm for anonymizing sensitive information about health data set exchanged in the IoT environment using a wireless communication system has been presented. To preserve the security and privacy, during the data session from the users interacting online, the algorithm defines records that cannot be revealed by providing protection to user’s privacy. Moreover, the proposed algorithm includes a secure encryption process that enables health data anonymity. Furthermore, we have provided an analysis using mathematical functions to valid the algorithm’s anonymity function. The results show that the anonymization algorithm guarantees safety features for the considered IoT system applied in context of the healthcare communication systems.
Protocol for Streaming Data from an RFID Sensor Network †
Authors: Souto Gentza , Muralter Florian , Arjona Laura , Landaluce Hugo , Perallos Asier
Published: July 2019

Currently, there is an increasing interest in the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags which incorporate passive or battery-less sensors. These systems are known as computational RFID (CRFID). Several CRFID tags together with a reader set up an RFID sensor network. The reader powers up the tags’ microcontroller and their attached sensor using radio frequency waves, and tags backscatter, not only their EPC code but also the value of those sensors. The current standard for interrogating these CRFID tags is the EPC global Class 1 Generation 2 (EPC C1G2). When several tags are located inside the reader interrogation area, the EPC C1G2 results in very poor performance to obtain sensor data values. To solve this problem, a novel protocol called Sensor Frmed Slotted Aloha (sFSA) for streaming sensor data dealing with the tag collisions is presented. The proposed protocol increases the Sensor Read Rate (SRR), defined as the number of sensor data reads per second, compared to the standard. Additionally, this paper presents a prototype of an RFID sensor network to compare the proposed sFSA with the standard, increasing the SRR by more than five times on average. Additionally, the proposed protocol keeps a constant sensor sampling frequency for a suitable streaming of these tag sensors.
Sensitivity Analysis of Leakage Correction of GRACE Data in Southwest China Using A-Priori Model Simulations: Inter-Comparison of Spherical Harmonics, Mass Concentration and In Situ Observations
Authors: Huang Zhiyong , Jiao Jiu Jimmy , Luo Xin , Pan Yun , Zhang Chong
Published: July 2019

The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) level-2 spherical harmonic (SH) solutions are noisy and thus require filtering. Filtering reduces noise but affects signal quality via signal leakage. Generally, a leakage correction is required for GRACE applications to remove leakage signal and recover the true signal. Forward modelling based on some a priori information is a widely used approach for leakage correction of GRACE data. The a priori information generally relies on global hydrological model simulations. There are many global hydrological models and therefore it is of interest to explore how different global hydrology model simulations influence leakage correction results. This study investigated the sensitivity of three leakage correction methods (additive method, scaling factor method and multiplicative method) to five global hydrology model simulations (four models from the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) and the WaterGAP Global Hydrology Model (WGHM)). The sensitivity analysis was performed with observational data in Southwest China and one sub-region, Guangxi. Results show that although large differences were identified among the five global model simulations, the additive and scaling factor methods are less affected by the choice of a priori model in comparison to the multiplicative approach. For the additive and scaling factor methods, WGHM outperforms the other four GLDAS models in leakage correction of GRACE data. GRACE data corrected with the multiplicative method shows the highest amount of error, indicating this method is not applicable for leakage correction in the study area. This study also assessed the level-3 mascon (mass concentration) solutions of GRACE data. The mascon-based results are nearly as good as the leakage corrected results based on SH solutions.
Pedagogical Laboratories: A Case Study of Transformative Sustainability Education in an Ecovillage Context
Authors: Papenfuss Jason , Merritt Eileen
Published: July 2019

Students, practitioners, and scholars of sustainability education are increasingly calling for divergent curricula and novel pedagogical approaches that cultivate transformation and emancipation at both the individual and institutional levels. For decades, ecovillages around the globe have provided alternatives for sustainable living and many have also developed alternative educational approaches. For this reason, ecovillages can be important learning laboratories for experimenting with sustainability education curricula and pedagogies, allowing scholars to learn across disciplinary, cultural, and worldview boundaries. In the present study, we conducted a descriptive case study of Findhorn Foundation College’s 5-week Ecovillage Design Education course. By applying a narrative analysis of archives, field notes, surveys, and interviews, we arrived at 17 different categorical elements across six major themes. Using the field data, we linked these categorical elements to three consistent pedagogical elements: ritual pedagogies, pedagogies of story, and collaborative pedagogies. We conclude by highlighting several inductive themes present in participant data that indicated potential hindrances, constraints, and cautionary tales regarding implementation of these pedagogies in higher education contexts situated in the Global North.
Just Transformations to Sustainability
Authors: Bennett Nathan J. , Blythe Jessica , Cisneros-Montemayor Andrés M. , Singh Gerald G. , Sumaila U. Rashid
Published: July 2019

Transformations towards sustainability are needed to address many of the earth’s profound environmental and social challenges. Yet, actions taken to deliberately shift social–ecological systems towards more sustainable trajectories can have substantial social impacts and exclude people from decision-making processes. The concept of just transformations makes explicit a need to consider social justice in the process of shifting towards sustainability. In this paper, we draw on the transformations, just transitions, and social justice literature to advance a pragmatic framing of just transformations that includes recognitional, procedural and distributional considerations. Decision-making processes to guide just transformations need to consider these three factors before, during and after the transformation period. We offer practical and methodological guidance to help navigate just transformations in environmental management and sustainability policies and practice. The framing of just transformations put forward here might be used to inform decision making in numerous marine and terrestrial ecosystems, in rural and urban environments, and at various scales from local to global. We argue that sustainability transformations cannot be considered a success unless social justice is a central concern.
Forecasting Oil Price Volatility in the Era of Big Data: A Text Mining for VaR Approach
Authors: Zhao Lu-Tao , Liu Li-Na , Wang Zi-Jie , He Ling-Yun
Published: July 2019

The rapid fluctuations in global crude oil prices are one of the important factors affecting both the sustainable development and the green transformation of the global economy. To accurately measure the risks of crude oil prices, in the context of big data, this study introduces the two-layer non-negative matrix factorization model, a kind of natural language processing, to extract the dynamic risk factors from online news and assign them as weighted factors to historical data. Finally, this study proposes a giant information history simulation (GIHS) method which is used to forecast the value-at-risk (VaR) of crude oil. In conclusion, this paper shows that considering the impact of dynamic risk factors from online news on the VaR can improve the accuracy of crude oil VaR measurement, providing an effective tool for analyzing crude oil price risks in oil market, providing risk management support for international oil market investors, and providing the country with a sense of risk analysis to achieve sustainable and green transformation.
Dynamic Partitioning Supporting Load Balancing for Distributed RDF Graph Stores
Authors: Bok Kyoungsoo , Kim Junwon , Yoo Jaesoo
Published: July 2019

Various resource description framework (RDF) partitioning methods have been studied for the efficient distributed processing of a large RDF graph. The RDF graph has symmetrical characteristics because subject and object can be used interchangeably if predicate is changed. This paper proposes a dynamic partitioning method of RDF graphs to support load balancing in distributed environments where data insertion and change continue to occur. The proposed method generates clusters and subclusters by considering the usage frequency of the RDF graph that are used by queries as the criteria to perform graph partitioning. It creates a cluster by grouping RDF subgraphs with higher usage frequency while creating a subcluster with lower usage frequency. These clusters and subclusters conduct load balancing by using the mean frequency of queries for the distributed server and conduct graph data partitioning by considering the size of the data stored in each distributed server. It also minimizes the number of edge-cuts connected to clusters and subclusters to minimize communication costs between servers. This solves the problem of data concentration to specific servers due to ongoing data changes and additions and allows efficient load balancing among servers. The performance results show that the proposed method significantly outperforms the existing partitioning methods in terms of query performance time in a distributed server.
A Detailed Examination of Sphicas (2014), Generalized EOQ Formula Using a New Parameter: Coefficient of Backorder Attractiveness
Authors: Luo Xu-Ren
Published: July 2019

Researchers have used analytic methods (calculus) to solve inventory models with fixed and linear backorder costs. They have found conditions to partition the feasible domain into two parts. For one part, the system of the first partial derivatives has a solution. For the other part, the inventory model degenerates to the inventory model without shortages. A scholar tried to use the algebraic method to solve this kind of model. The scholar mentioned the partition of the feasible domain. However, other researchers cannot understand why the partition appears, even though the scholar provided two motivations for his derivations. After two other researchers provided their derivations by algebraic methods, the scholar showed a generalized solution to combine inventory models with and without shortages together. In this paper, we will point out that this generalized solution approach not only did not provide explanations for his previous partition but also contained twelve questionable results. Recently, an expert indicated questionable findings from two other researchers. Hence, we can claim that solving inventory models with fixed and linear backorder costs is still an open problem for future researchers.
Disjunctive Representation of Triangular Bipolar Neutrosophic Numbers, De-Bipolarization Technique and Application in Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Problems
Authors: Chakraborty Avishek , Mondal Sankar Prasad , Alam Shariful , Ahmadian Ali , Senu Norazak , De Debashis , Salahshour Soheil
Published: July 2019

This research paper adds to the theory of the generalized neutrosophic number from a distinctive frame of reference. It is universally known that the concept of a neutrosophic number is generally associated with and strongly related to the concept of positive, indeterminacy and non-belongingness membership functions. Currently, all membership functions always lie within the range of 0 to 1. However, we have generated bipolar concept in this paper where the membership contains both positive and negative parts within the range −1 to 0 and 0 to 1. We describe different structures of generalized triangular bipolar neutrosophic numbers, such as category-1, category-2, and category-3, in relation to the membership functions containing dependency or independency with each other. Researchers from different fields always want to observe the co-relationship and interdependence between fuzzy numbers and crisp numbers. In this platform, we also created the perception of de-bipolarization for a triangular bipolar rneutrosophic number with the help of well-known techniques so that any bipolar neutrosophic fuzzy number of any type can be smoothly converted into a real number instantly. Creating a problem using bipolar neutrosophic perception is a more reliable, accurate, and trustworthy method than others. In this paper, we have also taken into account a multi-criteria decision-making problem (MCDM) for different users in the bipolar neutrosophic domain.
Reduction of Deoxynivalenol in Wheat with Superheated Steam and Its Effects on Wheat Quality
Authors: Liu Yuanxiao , Li Mengmeng , Bian Ke , Guan Erqi , Liu Yuanfang , Lu Ying
Published: July 2019

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is the most commonly found mycotoxin in scabbed wheat. In order to reduce the DON concentration in scabbed wheat with superheated steam (SS) and explore the feasibility to use the processed wheat as crisp biscuit materials, wheat kernels were treated with SS to study the effects of SS processing on DON concentration and the quality of wheat. Furthermore, the wheat treated with SS were used to make crisp biscuits and the texture qualities of biscuits were measured. The results showed that DON in wheat kernels could be reduced by SS effectively. Besides, the reduction rate raised significantly with the increase of steam temperature and processing time and it was also affected significantly by steam velocity. The reduction rate in wheat kernels and wheat flour could reach 77.4% and 60.5% respectively. In addition, SS processing might lead to partial denaturation of protein and partial gelatinization of starch, thus affecting the rheological properties of dough and pasting properties of wheat flour. Furthermore, the qualities of crisp biscuits were improved at certain conditions of SS processing.
Rapid Detection of Botulinum Neurotoxins—A Review
Authors: Hobbs Robert J. , Thomas Carol A. , Halliwell Jennifer , Gwenin Christopher D.
Published: July 2019

A toxin is a poisonous substance produced within living cells or organisms. One of the most potent groups of toxins currently known are the Botulinum Neurotoxins (BoNTs). These are so deadly that as little as 62 ng could kill an average human; to put this into context that is approximately 200,000 × less than the weight of a grain of sand. The extreme toxicity of BoNTs leads to the need for methods of determining their concentration at very low levels of sensitivity. Currently the mouse bioassay is the most widely used detection method monitoring the activity of the toxin; however, this assay is not only lengthy, it also has both cost and ethical issues due to the use of live animals. This review focuses on detection methods both existing and emerging that remove the need for the use of animals and will look at three areas; speed of detection, sensitivity of detection and finally cost. The assays will have wide reaching interest, ranging from the pharmaceutical/clinical industry for production quality management or as a point of care sensor in suspected cases of botulism, the food industry as a quality control measure, to the military, detecting BoNT that has been potentially used as a bio warfare agent.
Long-Lasting Mucosal and Systemic Immunity against Influenza A Virus Is Significantly Prolonged and Protective by Nasal Whole Influenza Immunization with Mucosal Adjuvant N3 and DNA-Plasmid Expressing Flagellin in Aging In- and Outbred Mice
Authors: Hinkula Jorma , Nyström Sanna , Devito Claudia , Bråve Andreas , Applequist Steven E.
Published: July 2019

Background: Vaccination is commonly used to prevent and control influenza infection in humans. However, improvements in the ease of delivery and strength of immunogenicity could markedly improve herd immunity. The aim of this pre-clinical study is to test the potential improvements to existing intranasal delivery of formalin-inactivated whole Influenza A vaccines (WIV) by formulation with a cationic lipid-based adjuvant (N3). Additionally, we combined WIV and N3 with a DNA-encoded TLR5 agonist secreted flagellin (pFliC(-gly)) as an adjuvant, as this adjuvant has previously been shown to improve the effectiveness of plasmid-encoded DNA antigens. Methods: Outbred and inbred mouse strains were intranasally immunized with unadjuvanted WIV A/H1N1/SI 2006 or WIV that was formulated with N3 alone. Additional groups were immunized with WIV and N3 adjuvant combined with pFliC(-gly). Homo and heterotypic humoral anti-WIV immune responses were assayed from serum and lung by ELISA and hemagglutination inhibition assay. Homo and heterotypic cellular immune responses to WIV and Influenza A NP were also determined. Results: WIV combined with N3 lipid adjuvant the pFliC(-gly) significantly increased homotypic influenza specific serum antibody responses (>200-fold), increased the IgG2 responses, indicating a mixed Th1/Th2-type immunity, and increased the HAI-titer (>100-fold). Enhanced cell-mediated IFNγ secreting influenza directed CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses (>40-fold) to homotypic and heterosubtypic influenza A virus and peptides. Long-term and protective immunity was obtained. Conclusions: These results indicate that inactivated influenza virus that was formulated with N3 cationic adjuvant significantly enhanced broad systemic and mucosal influenza specific immune responses. These responses were broadened and further increased by incorporating DNA plasmids encoding FliC from S. typhimurum as an adjuvant providing long lasting protection against heterologous Influenza A/H1N1/CA09pdm virus challenge.
Triggering Influence of Seasonal Agricultural Irrigation on Shallow Loess Landslides on the South Jingyang Plateau, China
Authors: Yan Rui-Xin , Peng Jian-Bing , Huang Qiang-Bing , Chen Li-Jie , Kang Chen-Yun , Shen Yan-Jun
Published: July 2019

Since large-scale agricultural irrigation began in the 1980s, 92 landslides have occurred around the South Jingyang Plateau during the past 40 years. The geological disaster and soil erosion have caused numerous casualties and substantial property loss. In this work, several field investigations are carried out to explore the soil erosion and mechanical mechanism of these irrigated shallow loess landslides on the South Jingyang Plateau. (1) We investigated the spatial distributions, types and developmental characteristics of loess landslides. (2) We surveyed and monitored seasonal agricultural irrigation features and groundwater changes in the area since the 1980s and found that irrigation is a significant factor influencing groundwater changes, soil erosion and even causing landslides to occur. (3) Based on the field investigation, the occurrence of these irrigated shallow loess landslides was generalized, and it was found that the core process was due to the liquefaction of softening zone. We carried out a static liquefaction test and verified that the natural loess was prone to liquefaction. (4) The three main reasons for shallow loess landslides in the South Jingyang Plateau were discussed. This study provides a valuable reference for achieving an understanding of the relationship between seasonal agricultural irrigation and the occurrence of loess landslides in the area as well as similar irrigated agricultural areas.
Probability Distributions for a Quantile Mapping Technique for a Bias Correction of Precipitation Data: A Case Study to Precipitation Data Under Climate Change
Authors: Heo Jun-Haeng , Ahn Hyunjun , Shin Ju-Young , Kjeldsen Thomas Rodding , Jeong Changsam
Published: July 2019

The quantile mapping method is a bias correction method that leads to a good performance in terms of precipitation. Selecting an appropriate probability distribution model is essential for the successful implementation of quantile mapping. Probability distribution models with two shape parameters have proved that they are fit for precipitation modeling because of their flexibility. Hence, the application of a two-shape parameter distribution will improve the performance of the quantile mapping method in the bias correction of precipitation data. In this study, the applicability and appropriateness of two-shape parameter distribution models are examined in quantile mapping, for a bias correction of simulated precipitation data from a climate model under a climate change scenario. Additionally, the impacts of distribution selection on the frequency analysis of future extreme precipitation from climate are investigated. Generalized Lindley, Burr XII, and Kappa distributions are used, and their fits and appropriateness are compared to those of conventional distributions in a case study. Applications of two-shape parameter distributions do lead to better performances in reproducing the statistical characteristics of observed precipitation, compared to those of conventional distributions. The Kappa distribution is considered the best distribution model, as it can reproduce reliable spatial dependences of the quantile corresponding to a 100-year return period, unlike the gamma distribution.
Comparison between 2D Shallow-Water Simulations and Energy-Momentum Computations for Transcritical Flow Past Channel Contractions
Authors: Cueto-Felgueroso Luis , Santillán David , García-Palacios Jaime H. , Garrote Luis
Published: July 2019

Multidimensional simulators of channel and river flow are widely used in industry and academia, raising the question about whether the classical one-dimensional theory of open-channel flow remains relevant in hydraulic engineering. Channel contractions that induce transcritical flow are interesting scenarios to test the classical 1D theory against multidimensional simulations, because supercritical flow in channels of variable width leads to multidimensional flow structures. Transcritical flows are important in practice, because the ensuing hydraulic jumps and regions of supercritical flow may damage hydraulic structures that otherwise operate under tranquil conditions. We compare well-resolved simulations of the 2D shallow-water Equations (SWE) with 1D energy-momentum calculations for flow past symmetric channel contractions. We analyze the accuracy of the classical energy-momentum gradually-varied flow theory to predict the onset of regime transitions and the location of hydraulic jumps. We test the relative performance of the 1D theory for different constriction geometries, and identify the flow mechanisms behind the discrepancies between the 1D and 2D predictions. The grid resolution used in the 2D SWE plays an important role in these predictions, because coarse-grid 2D simulations yield essentially quasi-1D results. Considering its simplicity and negligible computational cost compared with the 2D SWE simulations, the classical 1D theory performs remarkably well for a wide range of flow conditions and contraction geometries. In contrast, we observe large deviations between the 1D and 2D models in flow past abrupt contractions with a large width ratio, as expected. Only modified versions of the 1D theory, taking into account intense local head losses and the propagation of spatial flow structures downstream from the contraction, can succeed at describing these flow scenarios.
Hazard Assessments of Riverbank Flooding and Backward Flows in Dike-Through Drainage Ditches during Moderate Frequent Flooding Events in the Ningxia Reach of the Upper Yellow River (NRYR)
Authors: Tian Fuchang , Ma Bin , Yuan Ximin , Wang Xiujie , Yue Zhichun
Published: July 2019

In this study, the riverbank inundation caused by moderate frequent flooding events (with recurrence periods of less than 20 years), along with the increasingly serious hazards of backward flows in dike-through drainage ditches in the Ningxia Reach of the upper Yellow River (NRYR), were investigated. Then, a comprehensive method for hazard assessment of the floodplains and backward flows in the NRYR was proposed, which fully integrated geographical information systems (GISs), remote sensing (RS), and a digital elevation model (DEM), as well as river dynamics theory. This study first established a one-dimensional unsteady hydrodynamic model for the NRYR. The historical flood hydrology observation from 2012, along with the aerial image measurement data of the study area, were used to calibrate and verify the accuracy of the model. The hazards of riverbank inundation and damages to water affected engineering facilities, as well as the backward flows of dike-through drainage ditches caused by the moderate frequent flooding events, were comprehensively analyzed. Also, this study configured the hazard map and proposed revisions to the flood hazard ranking regime definitions, and discussed the impacts and prevention and control measures of moderate frequent flood damages. The proposed method could effectively meet the hazard analysis demands of the moderate frequent flooding events in the NRYR.
Taxonomic and Functional Responses of Benthic Macroinvertebrate Communities to Hydrological and Water Quality Variations in a Heavily Regulated River
Authors: Laini Alex , Viaroli Pierluigi , Bolpagni Rossano , Cancellario Tommaso , Racchetti Erica , Guareschi Simone
Published: July 2019

Aquatic macroinvertebrates are frequently used to evaluate river system conditions and restoration project performance. A better understanding of macroinvertebrate community responses to multiple stressors is a primary challenge for river science. In this paper, macroinvertebrate responses to hydrological and water quality variability were studied in the regulated Oglio River (northern Italy). We hypothesized that in regulated rivers the hydrological, rather than the physico-chemical conditions, would affect macroinvertebrate communities and biomonitoring tools (taxonomic metrics and functional indices). Repeated sampling (six times a year) was performed at four sites downstream of four dams in a 30 km river stretch during 2014 and 2015. Data were analysed using a linear mixed effect framework, to take into account random variation due to site and sampling date, and with multivariate analysis to track changes in community structure. A total of 69 families and 134,693 organisms were identified. The investigated metrics were mainly affected by the coefficient of variation of discharge, minimum discharge, ammonium, and temperature. The short-term dynamics of hydrological and physico-chemical variables were generally less important than the overall random effects as drivers of macroinvertebrate-based metrics. However, the relevance of a random effect (site, time, their interaction) differed depending on the biological metrics analysed. Understanding potential differences in response to short term and short stretch conditions would benefit biomonitoring and restoration procedures in both regulated and natural rivers.
EVALUASI SISTEM PELAYANAN TERPADU KECAMATAN JAMBI TIMUR MENGGUNAKAN KERANGKA KERJA COBIT 5 PADA DOMAIN DELIVER, SERVICE AND SUPPORT
Authors: Hermawan Redo , Pahlevi M Riza
Published: July 2019

Jambi Timur District has implemented a computerized integrated service system in its business process.However, there is no guarantee that the implemented system is said to be good. Therefore, an evaluationis being required to measure the extent of the process in the Jambi Timur District. COBIT 5 is an ITgovernance framework consisting of 37 processes that are loaded into four domains. One of the domainsis Deliver, Service and Support which discusses how IT is implemented., The overall DSS domainassessment has reached level 3 while the expectations of stakeholders in some processes is level 4, whichmeans there is a gap as much as one level. Based on the results of the study, recommendations forimprovements were made to improve IT services and utilization in Jambi Timur District.
ANALISIS DAN PERANCANGAN SISTEM INFORMASI MANAJEMEN SURAT MASUK DAN SURAT KELUAR PADA DINAS KEPENDUDUKAN DAN PENCATATAN SIPIL KOTA JAMBI
Authors: Muchtar Emilia , Effiyaldi Effiyaldi
Published: July 2019

Currently in the making or filing letters to the Department of Population and Civil Registrar of JambiCity there are still some obstacles such as making incoming mail reports, outgoing mail reports, recapreports, as well as when checking the report in certain period, searching documents that have been storedis still difficult and takes longer time because those old documents must be rechecked and reopened, andoftentimes the difficulty comes when we need to make a final recap of the report during a period whenthey are needed the most. Therefore, the author provide solutions in the form of information systemsmanagement to manage incoming and outgoing mail. This is helpful to facilitate employees in processingdata of incoming and outgoing mail and simplify the searching and the reports making processes. In thisresearch, the author uses UML (Unified Modeling Language) tool, Prototype model and VB.NETlanguage as a tool for making the design. In which the expected results are in the form of system designthat can make the searching and reports making processes easier and faster
ANALISIS DAN PERANCANGAN SISTEM INFORMASI DALAM PEMBAYARAN ADMINISTRASI KEUANGAN SISWA DI SMA NOMMENSEN JAMBI
Authors: Lamtiur Hosianna , Devitra Joni
Published: July 2019

Nommensen High School is one of the Educational Institutions in Jambi City having its address at JalanBarau - Barau I Kel. Pakuan Baru Kec. South Jambi which was founded in 1988, which has a number of195 students with increasing numbers during the Nommensen High School in Jambi City experienced adevelopment. This development requires the existence of a means to accelerate performance andefficiency in School Administration especially School Financial Administration such as new studentregistration payment of tuition fees and committee fees, school financial expenditures and so ontherefore there is a need for a school financial administration management information system that canrecord, process and produce a fast school financial information system. In this system research systemdesign is used using UML mo deling which produces use case diagrams, activity diagrams and classdiagrams. The results of this study were in the form of a prototype. The purpose of this study is expectedto facilitate the management of school financial administration to be faster, more precise and accurate.