Comparative nondestructive measurement of corn seed viability using Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) and Raman spectroscopy

Ambrose, A.,Lohumi, S.,Lee, W.H.,Cho, B.K. Elsevier Sequoia 2016 Sensors and actuators. B Chemical Vol.224 No.-

The commercialization of agriculture has driven the need to ascertain the quality of agricultural inputs, especially seeds in order to optimize output and increase economic returns. Seed viability is a critical consideration for ensuring a reasonably high harvest. More often than not, farmers experience losses after a significant percentage of seeds fail to germinate after planting. The loss of seed viability may be due to a number of reasons such as overheating during drying, physical damage during post-harvest processing, and ageing during storage. It is therefore critical for seed companies to sufficiently inspect their products and uphold them to acceptable seed quality standards in order to gain credibility and ensure business sustainability. In this study, the Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) and Raman spectroscopy techniques were used for evaluating seed viability to investigate their comparative advantages with regard to the corn viability test and classification. The techniques were applied to white, yellow, and purple corns with 300 samples in each category. The 300 sample corn seeds were divided into two groups of 150 seeds each; one group was heat-treated using microwaving, and the other was used as the control. Sample spectra from treated and untreated corn seeds were collected using an FT-NIR spectrometer in the wave range of 1000-2500nm, and then Raman spectrometer in the wave range of 170-3200cm<SUP>-1</SUP>. The collected spectra were divided into training and testing sets, corresponding to 70% and 30% of the total, respectively for calibration and validation of the techniques. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were used to assess the spectral data from FT-NIR and Raman spectroscopy. The analysis results indicated that FT-NIR spectroscopy correctly classified viable and nonviable seeds for all the three categories of corns with a high accuracy of 100% and a predictive ability of more than 95%. Moreover, Raman spectroscopy demonstrated reasonably high classification accuracy with PLS-DA, but a significant number of seeds were overlapping when using PCA. In addition, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that the difference between treated and untreated corn seeds was not statistically significant (P<0.05). The study demonstrated that FT-NIR spectroscopy is superior to Raman spectroscopy in evaluating corn seed viability.

Update on the Management of Occupational Asthma and Work-Exacerbated Asthma

Ambrose Lau,Susan M. Tarlo 대한천식알레르기학회 2019 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.11 No.2

Work-related asthma is the most common occupational lung disease encountered in clinical practice. In adult asthmatics, work-relatedness can account for 15%–33% of cases, but delays in diagnosis remain common and lead to worse outcomes. Accurate diagnosis of asthma is the first step to managing occupational asthma, which can be sensitizer-induced or irritant-induced asthma. While latency has traditionally been recognized as a hallmark of sensitizer-induced asthma and rapid-onset a defining feature of irritant-induced asthma (as in Reactive Airway Dysfunction Syndrome), there is epidemiological evidence for irritant-induced asthma with latency from chronic moderate exposure. Diagnostic testing while the patient is still in the workplace significantly improves sensitivity. While specific inhalational challenges remain the gold-standard for the diagnosis of occupational asthma, they are not available outside of specialized centers. Commonly available tests including bronchoprovocation challenges and peak flow monitoring are important tools for practicing clinicians. Management of sensitizer-induced occupational asthma is notable for the central importance of removal from the causative agent: ideally, removal of the culprit agent; but if not feasible, this may require changes in the work process or ultimately, removal of the worker from the workplace. While workers' compensation programs may reduce income loss, these are not universal and there can be significant socio-economic impact from work-related asthma. Primary prevention remains the preferred method of reducing the burden of occupational asthma, which may include modification to work processes, better worker education and substitution of sensitizing agents from the workplace with safer compounds.

User Experience and the Multi-Stage Adoption of Mobile Apps

Ambrose Kim,Kyoung-jae Kim 한국데이타베이스학회 2014 Journal of information technology applications & m Vol.21 No.2

The adoption of technology has always been of interest to academicians and practitioners of the field of Management Information System. This is so because without proper and adequate adoption, technology-no matter how beneficial or advanced it may be-will be of little value to users. Numerous researches, such as the researches of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) or the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), had been conducted to understand the human nature in association with the adoption or rejection of technologies that have bombarded the users. The coming of smart technologies (i.e., smart phones and devices), however, seems to have fundamentally changed the environment for adoption. The ubiquity combined with mobility of technology, especially when it comes to mobile apps, seem to make the old PC era of two-stage-pre and post-adoption models obsolete. A new model of adoption that identifies the determinants of technology acceptance and continuance is needed for the smart age. To this end, this paper undertakes an empirical study, by analyzing 229 users of Social Networking Service (SNS) mobile apps, to identify the role of user experience on the multi-stage adoption of technology, and provides results that User Experience (UX) plays the crucial role of bridging the separate stages of pre and post adoption of technologies. The paper concludes by providing practical implications of the new model as it relates to mobile apps and technologies, and recommendations for further studies to get a better understanding of technology adoption in the smart age.

Effect of Microwave Heat Treatment on Inhibition of Corn Seed Germination

Ambrose, Ashabahebwa,Lee, Wang-Hee,Cho, Byoung-Kwan Korean Society for Agricultural Machinery 2015 바이오시스템공학 Vol.40 No.3

Purpose: Corn is a major commercial crop targeted for genetic modification owing to its high consumer demand as a foodstuff for humans and livestock, as well as its other industrial applications. However, the safety of genetically modified (GM) crops is controversial. Indeed, several countries have banned the importation of GM seeds that can germinate. Therefore, development of effective, convenient, and nondestructive methods to inhibit seed germination is required. Methods: This study aimed to examine the efficacy of microwave heat treatment for inhibition of germination of corn kernels and for optimization of power and exposure time required for effective aging treatment. Artificial inhibition was induced in corn kernels using microwave heat treatment. Seven power levels were examined (400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, and 1000 W) at each of the four exposure times (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 min). Results: Corn kernels could be aged effectively after heating for 0.5~1.0 min at powers greater than 800 W, with increasing efficacy observed at higher powers. Further analysis showed that the most effective inhibition of germination was observed at 1000 W for 40 s. This setting did not cause any physical damage to the corn kernels. Conclusions: Optimal inhibition of corn kernel germination was achieved using higher power for shorter times, which may be useful for industrial corn seed treatment.

Implementation of e-licensing in Uganda Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development Atomic Energy Council

Ambrose Otim 한국EA학회 2019 한국EA학회 학술발표논문집 Vol.2019 No.10

The advancement of technology has revolutionized the way businesses and services are being conducted for the benefit of citizens at large. Technology usage to enable or facilitate the delivery of services has the potential to benefit citizens and service providers. Technology can be used by the organization to permit faster response to citizen’s inquiries and problems, to reduce labor costs, to improve internal efficiency and productivity, and to gain distinctive and differentiating competitive advantages. This paper presents challenges encountered by the Atomic Energy Council in processing, validating and issuing various licenses to radiation facilities. It introduces an electronic licensing system as a platform to tackle the challenge of manual production of Licenses. Atomic Energy Council is an agency under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. One of its core function is processing and issuance of various types of licenses and permits to facilities who operate radiation facilities in the whole country. Currently, it processes the licenses manually and this has been a subject of criticism by license applicants due to the delay in processing and the inefficient feedback mechanism. The electronic licensing system is expected to support the application, processing, validation, and issuance of licensing services by providing electronic channels for actors, applicants, agency staff and third parties to interact with one another.

The London Docklands Redevelopment : What Lessons?

Ambrose, Peter,Yang, Hyung il 조선대학교 지역사회발전연구원 1997 地域發展硏究 Vol.2 No.1

The London Docklands Development Corporation(LDDC) is to be phased out by 1998. Since 1979 the Conservative government has seen the London docklands area as one of national significance in terms of urban redevelopment. The government set up and empowered the Corporation to regenerate the designated area, in line with the Conservatives' economic policies, which were firmly on the 'neo-liberal' free market philosophies of the 'New Right'. This paper seeks to evaluate the redevelopment of London docklands by the LDDC in the context of the interests of the national economy, private investors and local people, with a set of criteria such as efficiency, demand and need, and democratic accountability. Findings show that the great volume of new development in the area casts a gloomy shadow.

A Review of Technologies for Detection and Measurement of Adulterants in Cereals and Cereal Products

Ambrose, Ashabahebwa,Cho, Byoung-Kwan Korean Society for Agricultural Machinery 2014 바이오시스템공학 Vol.39 No.4

Purpose: The continued increase in the world population has triggered an increased demand for food. Cereal grains, flour, and their products constitute the staple diet for most of the world's population. This high demand for food, particularly for cereal-based products, has been exploited for commercial gain through adulteration of food materials. We provide a thorough review of the current developments and limitations of modern, nondestructive analytical techniques used for detection of adulterants in cereals and their products and compare them with conventional methods. Results: Adulterated food poses a serious health risks to humans, animals, and the ecosystem in general. Over the last few decades, the adulteration industry has developed fraudulent practices that often outsmart conventional methods of detection and quality control. Therefore, technological advancements to aid in detection and measurement of adulterants in food products and to ensure food quality and safety are critically important to consumers worldwide. Conclusion: There is a continuous demand for development of nondestructive technology to improve the accuracy and efficiency of detection, measurement, and qualification of adulterants in cereals and other food materials.

Effect of Phosphorus Fertilizer Fortified with Molybdenum on Nitrogen Fixation in Cowpea (vigna Unguiculata (l.) Walp.) in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Ambrose Amba,A. Garba,S. Mustapha,A.s. Fagam,U. L Muhammad,T. Sunday Muhammad 한국토양비료학회 2014 한국토양비료학회 학술발표회 초록집 Vol.2014 No.6

User Experience and the Multi-Stage Adoption of Mobile Apps

Kim, Ambrose,Kim, Kyoung-jae Korea Data Strategy Society 2014 Journal of information technology applications & m Vol.21 No.2

The adoption of technology has always been of interest to academicians and practitioners of the field of Management Information System. This is so because without proper and adequate adoption, technology-no matter how beneficial or advanced it may be-will be of little value to users. Numerous researches, such as the researches of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) or the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), had been conducted to understand the human nature in association with the adoption or rejection of technologies that have bombarded the users. The coming of smart technologies (i.e., smart phones and devices), however, seems to have fundamentally changed the environment for adoption. The ubiquity combined with mobility of technology, especially when it comes to mobile apps, seem to make the old PC era of two-stage-pre and post-adoption models obsolete. A new model of adoption that identifies the determinants of technology acceptance and continuance is needed for the smart age. To this end, this paper undertakes an empirical study, by analyzing 229 users of Social Networking Service (SNS) mobile apps, to identify the role of user experience on the multi-stage adoption of technology, and provides results that User Experience (UX) plays the crucial role of bridging the separate stages of pre and post adoption of technologies. The paper concludes by providing practical implications of the new model as it relates to mobile apps and technologies, and recommendations for further studies to get a better understanding of technology adoption in the smart age.

Review : A Review of Technologies for Detection and Measurement of Adulterants in Cereals and Cereal Products

( Ashabahebwa Ambrose ),( Byoung Kwan Cho ) 한국농업기계학회 2014 바이오시스템공학 Vol.39 No.4

Purpose: The continued increase in the world population has triggered an increased demand for food. Cereal grains, flour, and their products constitute the staple diet for most of the world`s population. This high demand for food, particularly for cereal-based products, has been exploited for commercial gain through adulteration of food materials. We provide a thorough review of the current developments and limitations of modern, nondestructive analytical techniques used for detection of adulterants in cereals and their products and compare them with conventional methods. Results: Adulterated food poses a serious health risks to humans, animals, and the ecosystem in general. Over the last few decades, the adulteration industry has developed fraudulent practices that often outsmart conventional methods of detection and quality control. Therefore, technological advancements to aid in detection and measurement of adulterants in food products and to ensure food quality and safety are critically important to consumers worldwide. Conclusion: There is a continuous demand for development of nondestructive technology to improve the accuracy and efficiency of detection, measurement, and qualification of adulterants in cereals and other food materials.