bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat-Treated Zeolite as Effective Adsorbent for Final Treatment of Palm Oil Mill Effluent
Authors: Norhafiza Ilyana Yatim  , Nur Aini Ishak  , Nurul Aqilah Mohamad  , Salahaldin M. A. Abuabdou  , Sofiah Hamzah
Published: December 2023

Malaysia is known for its high oil palm production, which results in a significant amount of palm oil mill effluent (POME). Improper treatment or direct discharge of untreated POME can have significant impacts on water pollution. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of zeolite as an adsorbent for the efficient treatment of POME. The initial physical and chemical properties of POME, sourced from the aerobic pond of a local palm oil mill in Terengganu, were determined before conducting two series of experiments using adsorption methods. In the first series of experiments, natural zeolite was used under different conditions, including treated zeolite thermally treated at 150°C for two hours and untreated natural zeolite. The results showed that heat-treated natural zeolite was more efficient in removing suspended solids, colour, and turbidity, with removal efficiencies and adsorption capacity of 66.2% (2.39 mg/g), 80.5% (21.50 mg/g), and 86.8% (0.77 mg/g), respectively. In the second series of experiments, the effects of various parameters affecting the adsorption process, such as adsorbent dosage and pH, were investigated. The optimum conditions for adsorbent dosage and pH were found to be 4 g/L and pH 4, respectively. The percent removal of all parameters reached over 70% with a peak time of 240 min. The adsorption isotherm was also studied, and it was found that the adsorption process was in good agreement with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. The study showed that adsorption treatment with natural zeolite was effective in removing turbidity, color, and TSS in POME wastewater. In addition, zeolite is a readily available and inexpensive adsorbent.
Characterisation of Axonopus compressus Fibre through Chemical Composition, Thermogravimetric Behaviour, and Moisture Content Evaluation
Authors: Mohammad Khalid Wahid  , Ridhwan Jumaidin  , Mohd Shahadan Mohd Suan  , Fahmi Asyadi Md Yusof
Published: December 2023

The thermal properties and moisture content of Axonopus compressus, a common grass species used for various purposes, have received insufficient attention. This study aims to investigate these facets, utilising insights from previous research on the plant's numerous applications, such as soil erosion prevention, water purification, and heavy metal pollution treatment. The study extracted Axonopus compressus fibre from Melaka, Malaysia, using the water retting method and analysed its chemical composition using neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) according to ISO standards. The results indicated a chemical composition of 27.28 % cellulose, 22.56 % hemicellulose, and 4.79 % lignin. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to determine the fibre's thermal stability and decomposition behaviour. The initial decomposition temperature of the fibres was 228 °C, with maximum decomposition occurring at 360 °C. In addition, the moisture content was measured at 14.95 %.
Using CO2 Laser, Optimization of Laser Power, Exposure Time and Frequency for Cavity Formation on Hardox Steel Plate
Authors: CANEL Timur , ÜRGÜN Satılmış
Published: December 2023

The texture of the surfaces of materials causes changes in mechanical properties such as friction. Micro-scale cavities have been created on Hardox steel plate, which has recently been the focus of attention in demanding applications with its hardness, toughness and wear resistance. CO2 laser was used in the cavitation process on the surface and the power, exposure and frequency of the laser used were optimized to obtain a cavity with the desired geometry. Taguchi method was used in the optimization process. In addition to obtaining the optimum parameters, the effect ratios of the parameters were also calculated. Optimum laser parameters were obtained as 5 s for laser exposure duration, 60 W for laser power, and 50 kHz for laser frequency. According to the optimization calculations, the parameter with the highest effect on the result was laser exposure duration with a rate of 71,86 %. Laser power and laser frequency affected the result by 23.02 % and 5.12 % respectively.
Evolution of Wireless Technology: From 1G to 5G
Authors: Thi Mai Lan Nguyen
Published: December 2023

The discovery of mobile phone has changed people's live. Along with the advent of mobile phone devices, generations of wireless connection networks have developed like an unstoppable revolution. This article refers to the comparative analysis of wireless technology network generations from generation 1 (1G) to generation 5 (5G). Each generation of mobile networks is briefly summarized in terms of development history, technical specifications as well as technology standards, speed and frequency data, thereby demonstrating the development of public mobile networks. technology and its development over the years.
PIROLIZUOTO NUOTEKŲ VALYKLOS DUMBLO GEBOS ŠALINTI IŠ NUOTEKŲ FOSFATUS TYRIMAI
Authors: VILČIAUSKAITĖ Aistė , ŠARKO Julita , MAŽEIKIENĖ Aušra
Published: December 2023

Vienas svarbiausių nuotekų valymo ir paviršinio vandens tvarkymo tikslų – sumažinti fosforo koncentracijos lygį vandenyje ir taip išvengti eutrofikacijos. Darbe sprendžiami fosforo šalinimo iš nuotekų klausimai. Fosforas buvo šalinamas iš nuotekų filtruojant per 400 °C, 500 °C, 600 °C temperatūroje pirolizuotą nuotekų valyklos dumblą. Tyrimai vyko laboratorinėmis sąlygomis, naudojant eksperimentinį stendą su trimis filtravimo kolonėlėmis. Efektyviausiai fosfatų fosforą sulaikė trečia kolonėlė, kuri buvo užpildyta nuotekų dumblu, pirolizuotu 600 °C temperatūroje. Filtravimo pradžioje jos fosforo šalinimo efektyvumas siekė 87 %. Kitos kolonėlės eksperimento pradžioje buvo mažiau efektyvios: jų efektyvumas šalinti fosforą iš nuotekų sudarė 31–45 %.
RESEARCH ON AMMONIUM NITROGEN AND PHOSPHATE REMOVAL FROM WASTEWATER USING NATURAL AND MODIFIED SORBENTS
Authors: FEDIV Iryna , STEPOVA Kateryna , MAŽEIKA Jonas
Published: December 2023

The work deals with the issues of ammonium nitrogen and phosphate phosphorus removal from wastewater. Natural and modified sorbents: zeolite, glauconite, and bentonite were tested under laboratory conditions. The wastewater after biological treatment with an average ammonium nitrogen concentration of 5 mg/L and an average phosphate phosphorus concentration of 3.4 mg/L was used for experimental studies. Before the test, the phosphate phosphorus concentration in the wastewater was increased to 19.9 mg/L by the addition of potassium hydrophosphate salt. Glauconite (after 3 hours in a muffle furnace at a temperature of 550 °C) had the greatest ability to sorb phosphorus. Under the conditions of this study, the PO4–P sorption efficiency was 58%. Ammonium nitrogen from wastewater was best sorbed by natural glauconite. Under the conditions of this study, the sorption efficiency of NH4–N was 98%. The results showed that the adsorption process on glauconite could be used as an effective method for removing ammonium from wastewater.
AI-BASED SATELLITE IMAGE CLASSIFICATION: AN ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT ALGORITHMS ON PLANETSCOPE AND SENTINEL IMAGERY
Authors: FAHIM Mina Adel Shokry , SUŽIEDELYTĖ VISOCKIENĖ Jūratė
Published: December 2023

This research aims to explore the potential of machine-learning algorithms in land classification and effectively analyse and visualize the results through the development of an application. The study area and different satellite systems used for data acquisition, and various machine-learning algorithms for satellite image classification are explored. The research also delves into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) concepts and methods of classification, including different algorithms used for satellite image processing. The analysis and interpretation of the results are covered in detail, using open-source software to differentiate between Sentinel-2 and Planet da-ta sets visually. The developed application provides a comprehensive and effective visualization of the results. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the potential of machine learning algorithms in land classification and their effectiveness in analysing and visualizing results.
Determination of Lens Mass Density Profile from Strongly Lensed Gravitational-wave Signals
Authors: Wright Mick , Janquart Justin , Hendry Martin
Published: December 2023

As the interferometers detecting gravitational waves are upgraded, improving their sensitivity, the probability of observing strong lensing increases. Once a detection is made, it will be critical to gain as much information as possible about the lensing object from these observations. In this work, we present a methodology to rapidly perform model selection between differing mass density profiles for strongly lensed gravitational-wave signals, using the results of the fast strong-lensing analysis pipeline GOLUM. We demonstrate the validity of this methodology using some illustrative examples adopting the idealized singular isothermal sphere and point-mass lens models. We take several simulated lensed signals, analyze them with GOLUM, and subject them to our methodology to recover both the model and its parameters. To demonstrate the methodology’s stability, we show how the result varies with the number of samples used for a subset of these injections. In addition to the analysis of simulations, we also apply our methodology to the gravitational-wave event pair GW191230–LGW200104, two events with similar frequency evolutions and sky locations, which was analyzed in detail as a potential lensing candidate but ultimately discarded when considering the full population and the uncertain nature of the second event. We find a preference for the singular isothermal sphere model over the point mass, though our posteriors are much wider than for the lensed injections, in line with the expectations for a nonlensed event. The methodology developed in this work is made available as part of the Gravelamps software package.
CEERS Key Paper. VII. JWST/MIRI Reveals a Faint Population of Galaxies at Cosmic Noon Unseen by Spitzer
Authors: Kirkpatrick Allison , Yang Guang , Le Bail Aurélien , Troiani Greg , Bell Eric F. , Cleri Nikko J. , Elbaz David , Finkelstein Steven L. , Hathi Nimish P. , Hirschmann Michaela , Holwerda Benne W. , Kocevski Dale D. , Lucas Ray A. , McKinney Jed , Papovich Casey , Pérez-González Pablo G. , de la Vega Alexander , Bagley Micaela B. , Daddi Emanuele , Dickinson Mark , Ferguson Henry C. , Fontana Adriano , Grazian Andrea , Grogin Norman A. , Arrabal Haro Pablo , Kartaltepe Jeyhan S. , Kewley Lisa J. , Koekemoer Anton M. , Lotz Jennifer M. , Pentericci Laura , Pirzkal Nor , Ravindranath Swara , Somerville Rachel S. , Trump Jonathan R. , Wilkins Stephen M. , Yung L. Y. Aaron.
Published: December 2023

The Cosmic Evolution Early Release Science program observed the Extended Groth Strip (EGS) with the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) in 2022. In this paper, we discuss the four MIRI pointings that observed with longer-wavelength filters, including F770W, F1000W, F1280W, F1500W, F1800W, and F2100W. We compare the MIRI galaxies with the Spitzer/MIPS 24 μm population in the EGS field. We find that MIRI can observe an order of magnitude deeper than MIPS in significantly shorter integration times, attributable to JWST's much larger aperture and MIRI’s improved sensitivity. MIRI is exceptionally good at finding faint (L
IR < 1010
L
⊙) galaxies at z ∼ 1–2. We find that a significant portion of MIRI galaxies are “mid-IR weak”—they have strong near-IR emission and relatively weaker mid-IR emission, and most of the star formation is unobscured. We present new IR templates that capture how the mid-to-near-IR emission changes with increasing infrared luminosity. We present two color–color diagrams to separate mid-IR weak galaxies and active galactic nuclei (AGN) from dusty star-forming galaxies and find that these color diagrams are most effective when used in conjunction with each other. We present the first number counts of 10 μm sources and find that there are ≲10 IR AGN per MIRI pointing, possibly due to the difficulty of distinguishing AGN from intrinsically mid-IR weak galaxies (due to low metallicities or dust content). We conclude that MIRI is most effective at observing moderate-luminosity (L
IR = 109–1010
L
⊙) galaxies at z = 1–2, and that photometry alone is not effective at identifying AGN within this faint population.
Synchrotron Polarization Signatures of Surface Waves in Supermassive Black Hole Jets
Authors: Davelaar J. , Ripperda B. , Sironi L. , Philippov A. A. , Olivares H. , Porth O. , Berg B. van den , Bronzwaer T. , Chatterjee K. , Liska M.
Published: December 2023

Supermassive black holes in active galactic nuclei are known to launch relativistic jets, which are observed across the entire electromagnetic spectrum and thought to be efficient particle accelerators. Their primary radiation mechanism for radio emission is polarized synchrotron emission produced by a population of nonthermal electrons. In this Letter, we present a global general relativistic magnetohydrodynamical (GRMHD) simulation of a magnetically arrested disk (MAD). After the simulation reaches the MAD state, we show that waves are continuously launched from the vicinity of the black hole and propagate along the interface between the jet and the wind. At this interface, a steep gradient in velocity is present between the mildly relativistic wind and the highly relativistic jet. The interface is, therefore, a shear layer, and due to the shear, the waves generate roll-ups that alter the magnetic field configuration and the shear layer geometry. We then perform polarized radiation transfer calculations of our GRMHD simulation and find signatures of the waves in both total intensity and linear polarization, effectively lowering the fully resolved polarization fraction. The telltale polarization signatures of the waves could be observable by future very long baseline interferometric observations, e.g., the next-generation Event Horizon Telescope.
Mapeamento tecnológico da Universidade Federal do Maranhão
Authors: Martins Ferreira de Abreu Alexsandra , Almeida Bandeira Maria da Glória , Fernandes de Vasconcelos Antônio Francisco
Published: December 2023

A Universidade Federal do Maranhão-UFMA teve o seu primeiro depósito de patente em 2009, após a criação do seu Núcleo de Inovação Tecnológico denominado NUDEPRO. Desta forma objetiva-se analisar as classes de patente da UFMA e evidenciar as áreas de maior concentração em termos de desenvolvimento tecnológico, considerando as patentes com o corte temporal de abril de 2009 a junho de 2021. A busca foi realizada na base de dados do INPI usando como expressão de busca “Universidade Federal do Maranhão” no campo depositante/titular. Analisou-se as patentes quanto a evolução temporal, a natureza das patentes e a área tecnológica por meio da Classificação Internacional de Patentes. Identificou-se 198 patentes, 110 programas de computador, 8 desenhos industrial e 8 marcas totalizando 324 ativos inovativos com pedido de registro no INPI.  As patentes de invenção se destacam com maior número de depósitos, estando em sua maioria catalogadas na Sessão A, Necessidades Humanas.
Novo algoritmo ensemble para detecção de fraude em transações de cartão de crédito
Authors: Miguel de Souza Daniel Henrique , Bordin Júnior Claudio José
Published: December 2023

Transações fraudulentas em operações com cartão de crédito geram perdas financeiras expressivas, incentivando o desenvolvimento de algoritmos capazes de detectá-las. Nesta linha, propõem-se neste artigo novas técnicas de aprendizado de máquina para a solução de problemas de detecção binária com classes desbalanceadas, ou seja, para os quais uma das classes (e.g., ocorrência de uma fraude) é bem menos frequente que a outra. As técnicas propostas combinam classificadores de formulações distintas, treinados com conjuntos de dados obtidos através de diferentes formas de amostragem. A combinação de classificadores é realizada através de voto majoritário ou do novo esquema de voto singelo, que visa aumentar a taxa de detecção de fraude. Os algoritmos propostos tiveram os seus desempenhos avaliados através de simulações numéricas utilizando dados de transações financeiras reais. Os resultados das simulações indicaram que os novos algoritmos exibem métricas de detecção vantajosas em relação a técnicas do estado-da-arte.
Proposta metodológica de identificação de áreas prioritárias para recuperação da bacia hidrográfica do córrego Pequiá (MA)
Authors: Rizzo Felipe Alexandre , Sacramento Bruna Henrique , Tonello Paulo Sergio , Silva Darllan Collins da Cunha e
Published: December 2023

O estudo apresenta uma proposta de método para determinação de áreas prioritárias a recuperação (APR) na bacia hidrográfica do córrego Pequiá (BHCP), considerando suas sub-bacias, por meio de Geoprocessamento. Foram considerados dados de Equação Universal de Perda e Solo (USLE), Temperatura de Superfície Terrestre (TST) e Índice de Vegetação por Diferença Normalizada (NDVI). Na priorização da APR, foram considerados índices morfométricos e varáveis do Índice de Qualidade da Água (IQA) por meio de Análise Hierárquica de Processos (AHP). Quase 90% das APP de uma das sub-bacias está desflorestada. Todas as sub-bacias apresentaram perda de solo muito alta. A floresta remanescente local apresentou NDVI adequado ao bioma. As sub-bacias hidrográficas do Brejão e do Mosquito foram as de maior prioridade para APR. O método se mostrou adequado e importante para a gestão territorial, por permitir a análise ambiental espacial e pelo uso de dados e softwares gratuitos.
Diversidade metodológicas e temáticas nas principais revistas em educação ambiental brasileiras entre 2015 à 2019
Authors: Chimello Valéria Ferrarini , Cararo Emanuel Rampanelli , Brito Raquel De , Rezende Renan De Souza
Published: December 2023

A crescente produção acadêmica no campo da Educação Ambiental no Brasil traz a necessidade de analisar essa produção afim de mapear características e aspectos importantes. O presente trabalho visa contribuir neste sentido a partir da análise de artigos científicos dos principais periódicos brasileiros em Educação Ambiental. Nossa revisão bibliográfica consiste em identificar as principais metodologias e temáticas presentes neste campo, como também o uso das vertentes Crítica, Pragmática e Conservadora na Educação Ambiental, no período de 2015-2019. Procuramos fornecer uma visão espacial desses dados, relacionando-os com os estados brasileiros. A seleção dos periódicos obedeceu a três critérios de inclusão, sendo: 1) ser publicado no Brasil; 2) ser classificado no Qualis Periódicos da CAPES 2020, classificação mínima no estrato C; e 3) atender a palavra-chave “Educação Ambiental”. A partir desses critérios foram eleitos quatro periódicos, sendo: Revista Brasileira de Educação Ambiental (A3), Revista Eletrônica do Mestrado em Educação Ambiental (A4), Pesquisa em Educação Ambiental (B1) e Revista Sergipana de Educação Ambiental (B2). Após a seleção dos periódicos foi realizado o levantamento do total de 695 artigos. Edições especiais e anais de eventos não foram incluídos nesta pesquisa. Cada trabalho foi acessado individualmente para análise textual. Nosso trabalho possibilitou identificar a frequência do uso de diferentes metodologias em cada estado brasileiro. Estudos de revisão/pesquisa bibliográfica, estudo teórico e estudo de caso, conferiram 48,05% das metodologias encontradas. As metodologias de análise de percepção, relato de experiência e análise documental representaram 22,15% dos artigos analisados. Pesquisas de caráter exploratório, questionário, e pesquisa-ação representaram 9,49% das metodologias encontradas. Em relação as temáticas, o termo sustentabilidade conferiram 10,35% das temáticas encontradas, seguido do termo socioambientalismo (8,48%), formação de educadores (6,76%), Conservação/Biodiversidade (6,18%). Temas sobre filosofia, resíduos sólidos e políticas públicas, conferiram juntos 15% das temáticas. Outras duas temáticas, que juntas conferiram 5% dos temas, foram estudos sobre revisões na Educação Ambiental, e sobre formação humana (5%). Identificamos a frequência do uso das três vertentes nos trabalhos, sendo a Educação Ambiental Crítica a mais utilizada (83,16%), seguido da Educação Ambiental Pragmática (13,81%) e Educação Ambiental Conservadora (3,02%). Nossos resultados demonstram que existe grande diversidade metodológica e temática da Educação Ambiental, porém essa diversidade encontra-se localizada no eixo Sul-Sudeste brasileiro. Também observamos uma tendência em associar as temáticas a áreas específicas, como Humanidades e Ciências Naturais.
Álvaro Vieira Pinto: um caso de perseguição na história da filosofia brasileira
Authors: Augusto da Costa Breno
Published: December 2023

O objetivo deste artigo é investigar como a obra do filósofo brasileiro Álvaro Vieira Pinto foi afetada pela perseguição. Usando como referência o pensamento de Leo Strauss, Jakko Kuosmanen e Enrique Dussel sobre a perseguição, discutimos as formas como sua vida e obra, à luz do contexto sócio-político brasileiro, compreendendo as questões geopolíticas e geoepistêmicas, foram cravados pela perseguição. A investigação sugere que, muito além de um mero representante ideológico do desenvolvimentismo, Vieira Pinto foi um filósofo crítico, consciente de sua realidade e que propôs um pensamento libertador, o que despertou sobre si a perseguição dos grupos dominantes. Concluímos indicando algumas implicações para a história da filosofia enquanto disciplina filosófica.
Notas a respeito do sentido ontológico do trabalho nas filosofias de Marx e de Vieira Pinto
Authors: Almeida André Scholl de , Mueller Rafael Rodrigo
Published: December 2023

Através de nossa pesquisa bibliográfica, buscamos demonstrar que o trabalho é o fundamento do ser social nas filosofias de Marx e de Vieira Pinto. Para ambos os autores, o trabalho é a única categoria especificamente humana que põe o ser humano em relação com a natureza, relação que é necessária e insuperável. Mas se o trabalho que os indivíduos humanos realizam é o momento decisivo para a manutenção e o desenvolvimento do ser social não é simplesmente porque através dele são produzidos os bens de que os indivíduos carecem. Ocorre que, a partir da produção, se desenvolvem as demais características especificamente humanas (consciência, relações sociais, linguagem, etc.), que a essência humana se humaniza e desenvolve progressivamente, de forma que investigar o modo através do qual o ser humano produz seus meios de vida é investigar como o ser humano se diferencia dos demais seres vivos. É por essa razão que as categorias trabalho e produção possuem a mais alta relevância filosófica.
Mapeamento sistemático de literatura sobre adoção de mobile banking
Authors: Batista Muira Helena , Da Silva Chaelmica Gonçalves , Corrêa Fábio
Published: December 2023

Mobile Banking (banco móvel) é uma ferramenta que disponibiliza serviços bancários por meio de dispositivos móveis. Este estudo tem por objetivo investigar quais são os facilitadores para adoção do Mobile Banking e se fatores culturais interferem nessa adoção. A partir de uma revisão sistemática, foram analisados estudos da base de dados Digital Bibliography & Library Project, com os descritores de busca as expressões “Mobile Banking” e adoption. Os resultados validam que os construtos nativos, dos modelos de aceitação Technology Acceptance Model e Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, assim como os construtos introduzidos, estão ratificados, bem como assinala que fatores culturais influenciam na adoção desta tecnologia. Os constructos introduzidos são: características do aparelho celular, serviços de SMS, ansiedade tecnológica e introspecção comportamental, uso sustentado, canal de preferência do usuário, onipresença do serviço móvel, garantia estrutural, reputação, prazer percebido, compatibilidade com o estilo de vida, boca a boca, capacidade de avaliação da tecnologia, intenção de reuso, construtos do TTF, competência tecnológica e cocriação. Esta pesquisa contribui por investigar, no âmbito do Mobile Banking, aspectos culturais e de fatores para adoção desta tecnologia.
Gestão organizacional com aplicação das ferramentas da qualidade para a otimização dos serviços em uma academia de ginástica no município de Parauapebas-PA
Authors: Sena Ana Paula Sousa , Freire Luan Sousa , Borba Marcelo Costa
Published: December 2023

Este manuscrito tem como objetivo analisar a aplicabilidade das ferramentas de gestão da qualidade em uma academia de ginástica no município de Parauapebas-PA, visando a otimização nos serviços e melhoria na gestão organizacional. Para isso, aplicou-se um diagrama de Ishikawa, onde foram levantadas possíveis causas que impactariam direta e/ou indiretamente na. Diante disso, buscou-se analisar por meio da aplicação de um questionário, a percepção do público externo com relação aos serviços prestados, a fim de confirmar quais possíveis causas, até então hipotéticas, implicariam de forma real no nível de satisfação dos clientes e, consequentemente, na evasão de alunos. Para investigação da causa raiz, adotou-se a ferramentas dos 5 Porquês, e, a partir dela, propor um plano de ação. O resultado da pesquisa apresenta como fator principal que indica deficiências no serviço prestado estava ligado à categoria mão de obra, vinculados à pouca quantidade de instrutores que realizam atendimento aos alunos. Outros fatores avaliados como infraestrutura, qualidade do atendimento prestado pela equipe, quantidade de equipamentos disponibilizados no salão ou o estado de conservação destes equipamentos, possuem pouco impacto negativo na avaliação dos clientes da academia.
The generalized scale mixtures of asymmetric generalized normal distributions with application to stock data
Authors: Guan Ruijie , Liu Aidi , Cheng Weihu
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we introduced a family of distributions with a very flexible shape named generalized scale mixtures of generalized asymmetric normal distributions (GSMAGN). We investigated the main properties of the new family including moments, skewness, kurtosis coefﬁcients and order statistics. A variant of the expectation maximization (EM)-type algorithm was established by combining the proflie likihood approach (PLA) with the classical expectation conditional maximization (ECM) algorithm for parameter estimation of this model. This approach with analytical expressions in the E-step and tractable M-step can greatly improve the computational speed and efficiency of the algorithm. The performance of the proposed algorithm was assessed by some simulation studies. The feasibility of the proposed methodology was illustrated through two real datasets.
Playing to Improve Memory
Authors: Tertuliano Maria Luiza , Lopes Inês Ferreira , Coelho Tiago , Fernandes Ângela
Published: December 2023

The phenomenon of global population aging incites a change in the thinking and practice of health professionals, who are increasingly looking for effective techniques aimed at this age group. Among the various biological, social, and psychological changes that occur in the aging process, changes in cognitive processes are one of the most prevalent manifestations. Thus, motivating and effective proposals should be implemented to train and rehabilitate these functions. Among these proposals, health-centered gamification has become a major trend and is increasingly studied. The authors propose in this chapter to discuss gamification in the rehabilitation of cognitive functions, especially memory in the elderly population, presenting the advantages and potentialities of serious games and gamification against the current scenario of cognitive stimulation, which requires innovative solutions to increase motivation and involvement of the elderly in the process.
Use of Socially Assistive Robots in Mental Health
Authors: da Rocha Ferreira Ana Raquel , Silva Maria Goreti Moreira Magalhães De Sousa , de Oliveira Correia Maria , de Almeida Raquel Simões , Simões-Silva Vitor , Trigueiro Maria João
Published: December 2023

Access to mental healthcare is faced with many challenges and to address the needs of patients, socially assistive robots (SAR) have been used as an innovative therapeutic tool. The literature highlights a variety of relevant functions and benefits that these robots can serve, be it companion, coach, or play partner. This chapter aims to contribute to the current knowledge about SAR in mental health as a tool that could complement the support provided by professionals, identifying its barriers and facilitators. Despite the presence of certain barriers to their implementation (e.g., technical problems, professionals' resistance), social robot interventions generally show positive effects on patients with mental health conditions.
Piercing the Gender Prejudice in Corporate Boardroom
Authors: Kanojia Siddharth
Published: December 2023

The glass ceiling is a metaphorical concept which represents the invisible barriers and biases that limit the advancement and upward mobility of individuals, particularly women and other underrepresented groups, in their careers. It alludes to the cultural and institutional barriers that keep capable individuals from rising to the top of leadership roles or realising their full potential inside the organisations. Taking cognizance of this matter, various nations around the globe have legislated and recommended gender-based quotas in corporate leadership which inevitably intends to ensure the appointment of women in leadership positions of renowned companies. Accordingly, this chapter intends to explore the factors which contributes to glass-ceiling phenomenon through the empirical survey and compare the affirmative actions implemented by of Asian nations to address the concerns related to glass ceiling. The chapter will also analyse the efficacy of the approaches adopted by China and India in ensuring gender diversity in the boardroom and executive designations.
Nominee Directors and Performance Evidence From Indian State-Owned Enterprises
Authors: Goel Archana , Mehta Kiran , Sharma Renuka
Published: December 2023

The effectiveness of board characteristics on the financial organization's performance has been examined in several studies. Studies that looked into the characteristics of the boards of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are scarce. Therefore, this chapter aims to scrutinize how nominee directors and Indian SOEs' perform. The findings consider that nominee directors raise the performance of the SOEs utilizing a variety of performance parameters and control variables. The research backs up agency theory. The conclusions have specific ramifications that the government and decision makers must address.
Audit Committee and Dividend Policy of Financial Firms in Malaysia
Authors: Hasan Rashedul , Ashfaq Muhammad
Published: December 2023

The corporate governance structure encompasses a set of guidelines meticulously crafted to ensure that a firm operates in a manner that diligently safeguards the interests of all stakeholders. In this study, the authors examine the role of audit committee in the dividend policy of Malaysian financial firms. They collect data from a sample comprising 40 financial institutions, spanning a 13-year period from 2010 to 2022. The empirical findings gleaned from this study unequivocally affirm a statistically significant relationship between the existence of audit committee and the formulation of dividend policies within these financial institutions. Notably, audit committees have been revealed to exert a robust and statistically significant influence on dividend policy within these financial institutions. The implications of these findings extend beyond the confines of academia; they hold substantial relevance for regulatory bodies, financial institutions themselves, and their shareholders in the Malaysian context.
Future Directions in AI and Nanotechnology
Authors: Jaber Wassim
Published: December 2023

Emerging synergies of nanotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI) promise transformative impacts on various sectors. This fusion unlocks novel materials and applications previously unattainable. This chapter explores AI and nanotech potentials across healthcare, energy, environment, manufacturing, and transportation, emphasizing ethical frameworks for responsible use. The horizon shines bright for AI and nanotech, ushering in an era of unprecedented innovation. Rapid advancements beckon boundless achievements. However, prudent navigation is essential, given potential risks like autonomous weapons or hazardous nanomaterials. Ethical guidelines must steer these technologies toward positive trajectories. Concluding, the chapter addresses challenges and opportunities shaping AI and nanotech's trajectory. Their potential to reshape the world is evident. Guided by ethics, the authors hold the key to harnessing their power for global betterment, marrying innovation with ethical stewardship.
Student Stress and Mental Health Crisis
Authors: Singh Amrik , Kumar Prashant
Published: December 2023

Psychological well-being is a condition of mental prosperity that empowers individuals to adapt to the burdens of life, understand their capacities, learn well and function admirably, and add to their local area. It is a vital part of well-being and prosperity that supports our individual and aggregate capacities to decide, construct connections, and shape the world we live in. Emotional wellness is a fundamental common freedom. Mental health has been a critical topic in today times as many students are facing difficulties in real-word situations. Even before the pandemic, schools and other institutions had to deal with a surge in demand for care that outstripped their ability to provide it, and it has been increasingly obvious that the traditional model of counseling centres is inadequate to handle the issue. The present study aims to discuss the mental health crisis at higher education institutions and different ways we can cope with this situation as mental health is becoming a common problem nowadays.
A Systematic Review of Communication Augmented by Human Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Ahmad Afaq , Prasad P. V. Satya
Published: December 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) appears to have altered the entire process of processing and disseminating the information to larger audiences. The present study is intended to investigate the similitude, variance, and inferences of AI-driven communication in relation to human communication. This study explores AI-driven vs. human communication through a literature review, emphasizing human communication's unique ability to foster connections, empathy, trust, and authenticity. AI offers speed but lacks depth. Ethical concerns include privacy and misinformation. It highlights the importance of an ethical approach when using AI in communication.
The Impact of 4IR on Africa's Industrialization
Authors: Lebese Ofentse , Domingo Tshiamo
Published: December 2023

The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) has the potential to transform African economies and industries. However, from different disciplines, the impact of 4IR on the Africa's industrialisation is highly misunderstood. This is evident to various disciplines from built environment. With that being elucidated, this chatper is investigating the possible challenges that and the opportunities that are presented through crystalising 4IR in Africa's industrialisation from urban planners' perspectives. This chapter is examining how the landscape of urban planning can effectively provide the amalgamation of 4IR technologies into African industries; furthermore, the study investigates how the 4IR technologies can provide sustainable industrialization in African cities spaces. With that being explicated, the study adopts qualitative research approach because it allows the flexibility to deep dive and explore the planner's perspective on the impact of 4IR on Africa's industrialisation.
Crop Management Using Predictive Analytics
Authors: Gupta Chabi
Published: December 2023

The term “predictive analytics” covers a number of different statistical methods, such as “data mining,” “machine learning,” and “predictive modelling,” which examine past and present data in order to formulate hypotheses and predictions about future events. The use of predictive analytics may provide farmers with the ability to predict future environmental changes more correctly, as well as the demand for their commodities, and improve their ability to make decisions. While predictive analytics may seem like an effective way to forecast future events, it cannot account for unforeseeable changes or external factors that could impact the accuracy of its predictions. Furthermore, relying solely on past and present data can lead to biased outcomes and fail to consider alternative scenarios that may occur. In essence, predictive analytics should not be used as the sole basis for decision-making in any given situation for crop management.
Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture
Authors: Falola Peace Busola , Adeniyi Abidemi Emmanuel , Madamidola Olugbenga Ayomide , Awotunde Joseph Bamidele , Olukiran Oyenike Adunni , Akinola Solomon Olalekan
Published: December 2023

AI and sustainable agriculture have emerged as two intersecting fields with the potential to revolutionize food production and address pressing environmental challenges. This chapter explores the integration of AI technologies into agricultural practices to enhance efficiency and productivity while considering the ethical implications associated with this transformation. The application of AI in sustainable agriculture offers numerous benefits, including improved crop yield, resource optimization, and enhanced pest and disease management. Nevertheless, there are also moral issues with the use of AI in agriculture. Data privacy, security, and equitable access to AI technologies are essential to prevent data exploitation and uphold an equitable agricultural environment. The ethical concerns brought up by the application of AI in agriculture must be addressed in order to create an equitable, inclusive, and ecologically responsible agricultural system.
Shariah-Compliant Robo-Advisors
Authors: Hooda Jayant , Singh Vinita , Kazaure Mansur Ahmed , Singh Rohit
Published: December 2023

This chapter discusses the role of financial technology in Islamic finance. The chapter explores the Islamic finance principles and the key components of the robo-advisory systems, including portfolio management, client profiling, socially responsible investing, and key players in the Shariah-compliant investment horizon. The present chapter also explores the opportunities and challenges associated with Shariah-compliant robo advisory, like cost-effectiveness, accessibility, regulatory considerations, and the human-machine interaction paradigm. The conclusion of this study highlights the significance of Shariah-compliant robo-advisory services and their potential impact on investors and various stakeholders within the financial industry.
Evaluation of elastosonography and fine-needle aspiration biopsy results in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules
Authors: Hummetov A.F. , Şirinova X.N. , Aliyev S.A. , Abbasov A.H. , Bayramov N.Y.
Published: December 2023

Objective

The aim of our study is to investigate the importance of strain sonoelastography (SSE) in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules and in the selection of indications for fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB).

Materials and methods

We included 481 patients who visited our clinic between 2019–2022 with thyroid nodules in the study and used a stepwise diagnostic approach to choose patients to perform surgery on and follow-up. All patients were ranked into 2 groups: Group 1 included 135 (28,1%) patients were assessed as SSE along with traditional examinations. The 2nd group included 346 (71.9%) patients who underwent ultrasound examination using SE, only the hard nodule or hard regions of the nodule detected by SSE were obtained with FNAB. We followed up on nodules with benign FNAB results, and nodules with suspicious or malignant results underwent thyroidectomy. Histopathology results of surgically removed nodules were compared with SSE and FNAB results. AUROC was the primary, while sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were the secondary outcome.

Results

Out of 481 patients, 420 (87.3%) were female, 61 (12.7%) were male, and the age range was 17–83 (CI=45.57±25.9). The mean nodule size was 23.33±16.7 mm. After evaluating elastography results, FNAB was performed on 346 (71.9%) nodules. Surgical treatment was performed in 114 (group 1) (84.4%) of 135 patients, benign tumors were diagnosed in 107 (93.8%), and malignant tumors in 7 (6.2%). Surgical treatment in group 2 was performed in 146 (42.2%) of 346 patients, benign tumors were detected in 105 (71.9%) patients, and malignant in 41 (28.9%). The combined use of the sonoelastography and fine-needle aspiration biopsy contributed to a significant increase in the frequency of detection of thyroid nodules of malignant structure, which amounted to 28.9% in patients of the main group (versus 6.2% in patients of the control group) and a decrease in the frequency of surgical interventions by more than 2 times in patients of the second group.

The area of the ROC curve for SSE was S=0.851±0.029; 95% CI (0.794 to 0.908); P=0.000. It is a statistically significant marker in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules.

The most important marker in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules was the FNAB test: S=0.874±0.034; 95% CI (0.807 to 0.940); P =0.000.

Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of elastosonography of the I group were 42.9±18.7%, 96.3±1.8%, 42.9%, 96.3; of II group 68.3±7.3%, 87.6±3.2%, 68.3%, 87.6%; FNAB 90.2±4.6%, 90.5±2.9%, 76.2%, 91.3%, respectively.

Conclusion

Combined use of SE and Bethesda system was able to detect malignancy in the early stages and to reduce the number of operations.
Operative risk factors for clinically relevant-postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a prospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Omar Mohammed A. , Redwan Alaa A. , Alansary Marwa N. , Kamal Ayman
Published: December 2023

Background

Pancreatic fistula remains the most dangerous complication after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). This study aimed to identify the operative risk factors for clinically relevant-postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) after PD.

Methods

This prospective multicenter cohort study investigated the association between CR-POPF and operative risk factors in 107 patients who underwent PD at three tertiary centers from August 2017 to July 2022.

Results

The incidence of CR-POPF was 26.2%. With univariate analysis, soft pancreatic texture, pancreatic duct diameter (≤3 mm), right-sided pancreatic transection, absorbable suture, pancreatico-enteric anastomosis invagination technique, non-stented pancreatic drainage, internal pancreatic drainage, long anastomotic time (>40 min), and R1 resection margin were risk factors for CR-POPF. Multivariate analysis identified four independents risk factors for CR-POPF: (1) soft pancreatic texture (OR 0.219; 95% CI 0.061–0.792; P<0.021), (2) small main pancreatic duct diameter (OR 0.280; 95% CI 0.086–0.910; P<0.034), (3) right-sided pancreatic transection (OR 0.168; 95% CI 0.032–0.881; P<0.035), and (4) non-stented pancreatic drainage (OR 3.771; 95% CI 1.147–12.401; P<0.029).

Conclusion

The incidence of CR-POPF after PD is reduced significantly by left-sided pancreatic transection and pancreatic drainage. Soft pancreatic texture and small main pancreatic duct diameter are independent risk factors for CR-POPF, and clinically postoperative prophylactic measures should be implemented as soon as possible.
Japanese scoring system as a prediction of successful guidewire crossing of below-the-knee chronic total occlusion
Authors: Al-Sayed Ahmed R. , Elkirn Yasser M. , Saad Ehab M. , Lotfy Ahmed A. , MA Abdelmaksoud , Kamel Mohamed F.
Published: December 2023

Background

A condition known as chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) occurs when there is a drastic reduction in blood flow to the lower extremities because of arterial blockage.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of Japanese scoring system in our population as a prediction of successful guidewire crossing of below-the-knee chronic total occlusion.

Patients and methods

This study was conducted on 48 patients with 55 chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesions. Patient assessment included history taking, laboratory analysis, and radiological assessment of the affected limbs. Patients were prepared for intraoperative angiography and then we applied Japanese below-the-knee chronic total occlusion (J BTK-CTO) scoring in our patients with antegrade of BTK-CTO by using 0.018, 0.035 wire, or additional retrograde guidewire crossing.

Results

In the current study, 54.5% of the studied lesions showed technical success and 45.5% showed failure. The median J BTK-CTO score was statistically significantly higher in the cases with failed crossing as compared with the cases with successful crossing [4 (2–6) and 1 (0–4), respectively] (P < 0.001). The area under the curve for Japanese score in differentiating failure from success among the studied lesions is excellent with the best-detected cut-off point 3, yielding sensitivity of 83.3%, specificity of 96% and total accuracy 89.1%, and cut-off point 4 yielding sensitivity of 96.7%, specificity of 80% and total accuracy 89.1%.

Conclusion

Failure of guidewire crossing of below-the-knee chronic total occlusion is common and may be associated with serious complications. J BTK-CTO revealed high diagnostic accuracy for prediction of failure in these cases and this could provide a good prognostic score for careful management of limb ischemia. Lesions categorized as grade C or D (the J BTK-CTO score of 4–6) have a lower chance of S-GC. In such lesions, a retrograde approach using pedal artery wiring or a digital artery puncture should be considered after failure antegrade.
Roux-en Y with J pouch versus simple roux-en Y reconstruction after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer functional assessment and quality of life
Authors: Rashed Mohamed Samy EL-Saeid , Gad Khalied H. , EL-Hefny Amr M. M. , Saad Ahmed Saeed
Published: December 2023

Background

Replacement of the reservoir function of the stomach after total gastrectomy is of particular importance. And several types of gastric substitutes have been suggested. The most widely accepted is the Hunt-Lawrence- Rodino or Jejunal pouch.

Aim and objectives

To compare the nutritional, functional outcomes and quality life of a Jejunal pouch reconstruction to the simple Roux -en-Y esophago jejunostomy in patients who had total gastrectomy due to cancer.

Subjects and methods

40 patients underwent total gastrectomy and reconstruction at the upper GIT surgery unit of the Department of Surgery of the University Medical School of Ain shams between august 2020 and October 2022. Patients divided into two groups, group (A) 20 patients reconstructed by simple roux -en – y esophagojejunostomy. Group (B) 20 patients reconstructed by roux - en – y esophagojejunostomy with oral type jejunal pouch. Both groups were compared regarding anthropometeric, nutritional and laboratory values at preoperative, 3 and 6 months p o , also early postoperative complications, post gastrectomy and reflux symptoms and patient’s QOLI using Eypasch questionnaire at 6 month p o.

Results

No significant difference regarding morbidity or mortality associated with pouch reconstruction (P-value >0.05) .also no significance regarding body weight, BMI at 3 and 6 months p o. the pouch group was associated with a lower incidence of dumping, diarrhea and reflux symptoms (P-value <0.05)., also a better food intake, and better quality of life parameters at 6 months post -operative (P-value <0.05).

Conclusion

In a 6-month follow-up after total gastrectomy, pouch reconstruction was superior to Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy in terms of p o food intake, incidence of dumping, diarrhoea, and reflux symptoms, as well as quality of life.