Narrow Results

In this paper, we investigate a nonlocal multi-point and multi-strip coupled boundary value problem of nonlinear fractional Langevin equations. The standard fixed point theorems (Leray–Schauder’s alternative and Banach’s fixed point theorem) are applied to derive the existence and uniqueness results for the given problem. We also discuss the Ulam–Hyers stability for the given system. Examples illustrating the obtained results are presented. Some new results appearing as special cases of the present ones are also indicated.

The main idea of this framework is that it is capable of overcoming the drawbacks that are always linked with conventional cloud-based methods. Computation and storage resources in Internet of Things (IoT) networks are distributed closer to the network’s edge; therefore, the amount of data processed in real time is reduced. By decreasing the distance of the data transfers, less bandwidth is used. Structural problems, data safety, interoperability, and resource allocation-related matters denote challenges preventing the successful implementation of those ideas. The proposed work is the cloud-enabled fog computing framework (C-FCF) in data center systems based on the IoT platform. It brings cloud computing to a new level of scalability by compounding the following: Scalable architecture, uniform communication interfaces, the dynamic algorithms that allocate resources, and the data-centered approach, on the one hand, and strong security protocols, on the other. The wireless sensor network (WSN) approach to this technology represents a greater versatility of this system as it can be applied to perform different tasks in various industries like smart cities, healthcare, transportation, and industrial automation services. The application of the given services illustrates C-FCF’s capability of creating innovation, modeling effectiveness, and uncovering potential for integration within the IoT network. The virtual simulation analysis is necessary to validate C-FCF’s effectiveness in real-life scenarios. The simulations provide evidence of features, including low latency, efficient resource utilization, and overall system performance, which underlines the practical aspects of applying C-FCF in different IoT settings. Developing this advanced computing architecture, which can surpass the limitations of conventional technology and the ability to entail many different use cases, will potentially change the data processing and management paradigm in IoT-enabled settings.

With the rapid development of online e-commerce, traditional collaborative filtering algorithms have the disadvantages of data set reduction and sparse matrix filling cannot meet the requirements of users. This paper takes handicrafts as an example to propose the design and application of handicraft recommendation system based on an improved hybrid algorithm. Based on the theory of e-commerce system, through the traditional collaborative filtering algorithm of users, the personalized e-commerce system of hybrid algorithm is designed and analyzed. The personalized e-commerce system based on hybrid algorithm is further proposed. The component model of the business recommendation system and the specific steps of the improved hybrid algorithm based on user information are given. Finally, an experimental analysis of the improved hybrid algorithm is carried out. The results show that the algorithm can effectively improve the effectiveness and exemption of recommending handicrafts. What’s more, it can reduce the user item ratings of candidate set and improve accuracy of the forecast recommendation.

In this paper, we introduce and investigate a new class of coupled fractional $q$-integro-difference equations involving Riemann–Liouville fractional $q$-derivatives and $q$-integrals of different orders, equipped with $q$-integral-coupled boundary conditions. The given problem is converted into an equivalent fixed-point problem by introducing an operator whose fixed-points coincide with solutions of the problem at hand. The existence and uniqueness results for the given problem are, respectively, derived by applying Leray–Schauder nonlinear alternative and Banach contraction mapping principle. Illustrative examples for the obtained results are constructed. This paper concludes with some interesting observations and special cases dealing with uncoupled boundary conditions, and non-integral and integral types nonlinearities.

Bioinformatics in Communicable Diseases – The Way Forward.

Hitting the Bull's Eye with Biopharmaceuticals.

Silkworms Give Spider Silk New Spin.

ÄKTA Avant: Icon of Process Development.

JEM-2100 — The Nanoanalysis Expert.

BG Medicine announces agreement with Kindstar Diagnostics which will provide Galectin-3 testing services in China.

MicuRx lands $9.6 Million to fund China trials of antibiotic.

AstraZeneca and Ironwood announce linaclotide collaboration for China.

BGI-Shenzhen extends tender offer for Complete Genomics, Inc.

China Cord Blood Corporation continues share repurchase program.

NCKU, Science Park join hands to boost academia-industry collaboration.

Pharmaron forms strategic partnership with AstraZeneca to accelerate drug discovery.

Regulatory mechanisms of an acid-activated type VI secretion system in Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

Seasonal plasticity of peripheral auditory sensitivity associated with vocal communication in frog.

Malaysian Bio-XCell Sdn Bhd seals a deal exceeding US$35 (~RM107m) with Agila Biotech Sdn Bhd during BioPharma Asia 2013.

Nagasaki University and Astellas launch collaborative research for screening new anti-dengue virus drugs for neglected tropical diseases.

Eurofins collaborates with AB SCIEX and Phenomenex to improve analysis of animal feed.

Biolife Science $5m ASX listing to progress stomach & breast cancer vaccine.

Naz Haji appointed Chief Information Officer, Quintiles Asia markets.

Roche and BioLamina start collaboration to develop novel cell culture systems.

Energy consumption is important to consume less power, reducing toxic fumes released by plants, preserving natural resources, and protecting ecosystems against damage. The challenging characteristics in energy supply include lack of renewable energy adoption, and policy and energy management are 0considered essential factors. An artificial intelligent building with a multi-energy planning method (AIBMEM) has been proposed to design multi-energy systems to achieve the best policy and energy management techniques. The intelligent construction problem with multi-energy is framed as a predictive energy model to minimize the overall utilization of energy levels. The normal distribution with the artificial intelligent model is introduced to solve the problem of renewable energy. The experimental results based on reliability, effectiveness, preservation, energy consumption, and control systems show that the suggested model is better than existing models, producing good performance analysis results.

The research topic addressed in this study concern the application of knowledge management systems (KMSs) in higher education institutions. While, in the first part of this work, a theoretical model of KMS was proposed, in this second part an empirical study is conducted to test this model. The proposed model has three main elements: inputs (different types of knowledge), process (the four functions: acquire, capitalise, disseminate and use) and outputs (the three performance perspectives: customer satisfaction, operational excellence and direction of the product). On the basis of a functional analysis we propose hypotheses, which allow us to study the relations of cause and effect between knowledge management (KM) and the performance of the university. The model is tested by surveys to be carried out in some Algerian universities by the students. After, a complete analysis (descriptive, exploratory (EFA), confirmatory (CFA), correlation, regression and finally SEM) of the data obtained by the completed questionnaires, the results permit to provide empirical evidence for some of the proposed hypotheses and confirm that KM has a positive effect on performance. A high intensity of KM activities has a significant positive influence, directly or indirectly, on university performance. The results of this empirical study indicate that policies encouraging (1) interactions between different actors, and (2) student participation in decision-making for the development of new programs/courses would increase student satisfaction and ensure pedagogical, management and openness excellence that ultimately contribute to performance of the university. Furthermore, KM must be programmed as part of the holistic management process of the university, and the activities of KM should therefore be managed in the same way as other university processes.

This study concerns the application of knowledge management systems (KMS) in higher education institutions in Algeria. In the first part of this work, a theoretical model of KMS was proposed, whereas in the second part, the model was tested by surveys carried out by students in the Algerian university. This paper, as a third part, presents the data processing process of the questionnaire for the “teacher” actor. The proposed model has three main elements: inputs (different types of knowledge), processes (the four functions: acquire, capitalise, disseminate and use) and results (the three performance perspectives: customer satisfaction, operational excellence and direction of product). Based on a functional analysis, we propose hypotheses to study the cause-and-effect relationships between knowledge management (KM) and the performance of the university. After a complete analysis (descriptive, exploratory (EFA), confirmatory (CFA), correlation, regression and finally SEM) of the data obtained by completed questionnaires, the results provide empirical evidence for some of the proposed hypotheses and confirm that KM has a positive effect on performance. A high intensity of KM activities has a significant positive influence, directly or indirectly, on university performance. The results of this empirical study indicate that policies that encourage interactions between the teacher and administration or with foreign teachers would increase teacher satisfaction and ensure pedagogical excellence, management and openness that ultimately contribute to the performance of the university. In contrast, the results also show that the university should have a specific policy concerning academic and especially technical knowledge. Teaching materials and practices, the knowledge of the teaching act and the technological infrastructure are indicators according to the opinion of teachers, which may not have a significant effect in improving the performance of the university.

The aim of this paper is to investigate the most relevant conceptualizations of innovation taken into account by scholars, and the linkages among them. Over time, the increasing interest in this area has involved a great variety of actors and contexts in establishing the definition of different innovation labels; we chose to focus the analysis on “system innovation”, “network innovation” and “ecosystem innovation”. In order to observe the most relevant elements of each research stream and common aspects, a two-step analysis of literature contributions has been performed through a bibliometric analysis comparing the evidence emerging from one survey of keywords provided by authors and a second of keywords provided by editors. Through this kind of investigation the editors’ keywords emerged as more objective, but nevertheless, by considering some of the different evidences obtained from the keywords provided by authors, the two-step analysis is useful to provide more complete results.

A comprehensive research for defining the organizational aspects of a construction contractor's subsystems was performed to provide these contractors with benchmarks for evaluating their subsystems. This paper describes the organizational aspects of contractors' safety management subsystems. The objective of this research was accomplished by surveying the literature, and by contacting twenty one construction industry experts through a comprehensive structured questionnaire. The research results define the organizational aspects of a safety management department in terms of key functions, location in the organization, key personnel, safety management tools, link with other departments, safety management program, and safety management effective practices. If a contractor implements the study recommendations to its safety management department, he would realize working and efficiency improvement in the safety.

A comprehensive research for defining the organizational aspects of a construction contractor's subsystems was performed to provide these contractors with benchmarks for evaluating their subsystems. This paper describes the organizational aspects of Planning and Scheduling subsystems. The objective of this research was accomplished by surveying the literature, and by communicating with twenty one construction industry experts through a comprehensively structured questionnaire. The research results define the organizational aspects of a planning and scheduling department with respect to the key functions, location in the organization, key personnel, duties of chief planning and scheduling engineer, planning and scheduling tools, planning and scheduling techniques, links with other departments and most effective practices.

These organizational aspects expound the contractors with the effective subsystem for bettering project effectiveness in largely cost oriented industry. The research reveals and recommends the various aspects and practices of the planning and scheduling subsystem which helps in organizing an ideal contractor system. The paper also presents an index mentioning all the identified organizational aspects of the planning and scheduling subsystem.

A comprehensive research for defining the organizational aspects of a construction contractor's subsystems was performed to provide these contractors with benchmarks for evaluating their subsystems. This paper describes the organizational aspects of contractors' safety management subsystems. The objective of this research was accomplished by surveying the literature, and by contacting twenty one construction industry experts through a comprehensive structured questionnaire. The research results define the organizational aspects of a safety management department in terms of key functions, location in the organization, key personnel, safety management tools, link with other departments, safety management program, and safety management effective practices. If a contractor implements the study recommendations to its safety management department then he would realize working and efficiency improvement in the safety.

In this feasibility study, a large scale ventilation system comprising spatially dispersed enclosed volumes, fans, ducting and airways is considered. Analytical procedures enabling the construction of simple, compact models including the relatively pointwise and significantly distributed system elements are proposed. Modeling accuracy, with the incorporation of the entrance and exit impedances and the airway, continuous energy storage and dissipation effects are emphasized. Output flow maximization, under quiescent operating conditions is investigated and the optimum relationships between the airway characteristic impedance, entrance and exit resistances are established. The minimization of the vibration and turbulence arising from the continuous compression/expansion effects arising from the input–output volume airflow difference is achieved, whilst simultaneously maximizing the output volume airflow. Variations in the parameter values are employed to confirm the effectiveness of operating under optimum conditions, for ventilation system airways with various dimensions and characteristics.

We study the three body system by using the fixed center approximation to the Faddeev equations, taking the interaction between N and , N and K, and and K from the chiral unitary approach. Our results suggest that a hadron state, with spin-parity J^P = 1/2⁺, and mass around 1920 MeV, can be formed.

In recent years, there has been a growing debate on the contributions to innovation contexts. This research aims to analyze the differences emerging from the conceptualization of contexts in the “innovation ecosystem” (IE) and its linkages to the innovation system (IS) and network concepts and depict the current research trends in innovation and their expected evolution.

Our methodological choice is a bibliometric analysis as it allows us to review and focus on the theoretical proposals by the scholars in detail. The research process has been conducted through a co-word analysis on the authors’ keywords as this approach is considered to be the most suitable to compare the dynamics of different research trends on a specific topic. The analysis was performed in two steps: the first based on all the research papers collected and the second based on a sub-dataset extrapolated from the main datasets on IS and innovation network (IN) literatures.

The results demonstrate that both IS and IN research streams are, in some ways, connected with the IE perspective. The definitions and concepts used in the IS and IN literatures have been identified as replicated in the ecosystem approach even if specific insights have been generated.

This chapter begins by addressing the food, energy, and water trilemma. A critique of the impact of neoliberalism that traces the transition from industrial to financial capitalism follows. The trade-off arising from improvements in living standards and environmental impact is then explored. In a context where socioeconomic and cultural differences result in conflicting views of what is virtuous, there is a problem of trust. The central proposition is that a new frame grounded in New Institutional Economics (NIE) is required. Fintech and distributed ledger technology (DLT) offer a unique way of building the essential institutional infrastructure required to overcome the problem of trust. Examples showing how fintech can address climate change follow. Whilst these initiatives are to be applauded, new international institutional infrastructure is required to enable fintech to realise its potential. Examples of future possibilities are presented. The chapter concludes by making the case for a new paradigm that prioritises international cooperation because unrestrained competition will lead to rising temperatures, mass migrations, and the collapse of civilisation as we know it.

Smart wearable is expected to give the elderly more peace of mind and experience in a comfortable home environment. This not only satisfies their desire to live relatively independently, but also avoids the waste of resources caused by the lack of timely detection and feedback of aging and health problems, and contributes to the sustainable development of society. In order to meet the current demand for high development of smart wearable products for the elderly at home, and to lay out the limited design resources on the key design factors so as to enhance the consumer experience, a design element system is constructed from a sustainable perspective. The textual measures of academic literature and product evaluations are used to analyze the relevant theoretical foundations and the current state of the market category products. Based on this, the user’s needs at the instinctive, behavioral and reflective levels are captured through expert panel interviews, and the initial requirement importance is calculated. The QFD quality house model is used to translate the needs into design factors and score them based on the relationship degree of the needs, and finally construct the design factor system of smart wearable for the elderly at home in a sustainable perspective.

The characteristic variation of heating coefficients (k = ΔT/ΔP°C/W) of Pt(H)–Ni electrolytic system with K₂CO₃ and Na₂CO₃ solutions was studied in both situations of electric and electrolytic heating, respectively. The results in equilibrium revealed that there was an obvious difference of k in electrolytic-heating (Δk ≈ 30°C/W, k_K2CO3 > k_Na2CO3) between these two systems, whereas there was a little difference of k in electric heating (Δk ≈ 2°C/W, k_K2CO3 < k_Na2CO3 between them. “Excess heat” of about 2.5 × 10⁴J was produced during electrolysis of K₂CO₃ solution over 1 day of electrolysis. The differences of K₂CO₃ solution after electrolysis in the potential of hydrogen value (ΔpH = 0.15) and in absorbency (ΔA = 0.108) implied that some new Ca²⁺ might have formed in the electrolytic system.